The room grew silent as I watched the sword slide through Sam's chest. I knew I was screaming but I couldn't hear anything. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. I felt arms grab me, pulling me back as I lunged for Alyn. Tears poured from my eyes as I stared at Sam's face. Blood seeped from his chest, his face bruised and swollen from obvious prior beatings. How could he do this? Did he come here looking for the flower on his own? Was he going to kidnap me in the process
"You're not a very good liar," Alyn said, his voice like daggers. He leaned closer, pushing his sword farther into Sam's body.
"The lord of Protea... paid us... immortal flower..." Sam's words trailed off.
"Well, he is a fool if he believes in that fairy tale," Alyn said. He twisted the sword causing Sam to cry out in pain. "Still doesn't explain why you touched our princess."
"I wanted her... to come home," Sam said looking at me. I only stared as I watched the life slowly slip away. My cheeks burned as the tears flowed continuously and I struggled to get loose of the guards' grip.
Alyn pulled out his sword and glanced my way with cool eyes.
Sam's head slumped as his breathing ceased, his chest seeping blood onto the stones below. I gasped for air as I tried to take in everything I saw.
"You monster," I screamed. Alyn lifted his sword and cut the chains holding up Sam's lifeless body. I watched in silence as Sam's body dropped to the floor. Alyn turned, ignoring it. I launched for him. I held the knife out and he only gripped my wrist and twisted it, causing the small piece of metal to fall. I cried out in rage but he quickly pinned me against the wall.
"You shouldn't be here." His voice came out in a hot puff of air. I screamed beneath him, his grip tightening and his body pressing closer. All I could do was face Sam's defeated body bundled on the ground.
"He was my friend," I sobbed.
"The moment he stepped foot in this castle under orders from our enemy, he was no longer your friend," Alyn said in a cool voice.
I stayed silent, waiting for him to ease up. He didn't. His voice was quiet as his lips brushed my ear as he said, "He was an enemy to the crown and it is my duty to dispose of any threats. Don't think I will hesitate to kill you if you so much as do the same."
He released my arms and stepped away. All I could do was wrap my arms around my body to keep myself from shaking. This was really happening. It wasn't some nightmare. It was real. Too real.
"Get her out of here," Alyn commanded. His men grabbed hold of me but I bat them away.
"I'm not like Sam," I say directly towards Alyn. "I'm no fool."
"For your sake, let's hope not."
I had returned to my room where two guards were ordered to stand guard. I didn't have the energy to fight it. Although this time I was impressed they ordered much larger guards this time compared to the other two I took out easily.
My body felt numb. No doubt from the shock of Sam's death.
The image of Alyn sliding his sword into his chest replayed over and over in my mind and I couldn't shake it, no matter what I did. Nico came in to bring me dinner but I never touched it. I laid in bed, letting myself cry out into my pillow when the urgency came.
I couldn't stop seeing Alyn's cold, steel gaze from my mind. His eyes were ruthless. Like someone else entirely. He wasn't the most friendliest but I never knew there was this side to him. I guess being the captain of the guard, you have to be that way or else you'll get yourself and others killed.
The way he looked at me.
My chest heaved and I felt the tears pour out again.
Morning of the following day had come and I forced myself out of my room. The guards escorted me to breakfast but I hardly touched a thing. Alyn wasn't there and Giles remained silent, surely aware of last night's events. He made small talk, asking how lessons went and what my plans were today.
I only nodded and dabbed at my plate.
I left breakfast early and wandered the halls aimlessly, letting my feet walk while my mind remained blank. I rounded a corner to find others at the end walking towards me. My eyes connected to Alyn's face as he saw me. The cold, ruthlessness that was there before was gone, almost like it was a different person entirely.
I couldn't stand it. How he treated me, regardless of his position.
I retreated. I could hear the voices growing closer and I couldn't stand being near him right now. I find a large door and step inside to hide and wait for them to pass. I find myself in a large room with a huge bed in the middle. The huge window was covered in dark curtains that were closed aside from a small slit of sunshine sneaking through illuminating the floor. I stepped farther into the room when I heard a cough come from the bed. I hadn't noticed someone was there.
"I'm sorry! I hadn't realized this was someone's room," I blurt out and quickly turn for the door.
"Child, it's okay. Please, come here."
I pause at the door and face the man. He beckons for me to come closer and points at a chair that rests beneath his bed. I slowly approach the chair and he gestures for me to take a seat. I do as he asks and he smiles kindly at me.
"It's not often that I have visitors."
"I'm not really visiting," I admit. "It was an accident."
"Who are you hiding from, child?" The man's voice was soft, like that of a concerned father.
"I was just exploring," I lie.
He watches me, surely knowing I'm lying but doesn't press it farther. "You're the young princess, are you not?"
"How did you know?" I say glancing at the floor.
"I know many things," he says. "I know that your heart is broken, child."
My head shot up and I looked at him with wide eyes. "How did you-"
"I know many things, " he said again. "I've been waiting to meet you for some time now, but my health has not been the best. I am sorry."
I had no idea who this man was but judging by the size of his room and the fine silk of his bed sheets, he had to be important.
"Bring me that box over there," he said pointing weakly at a small wooden box on a nearby dresser.
I stand up and reach for it. "This one?" He nods and I return to my seat. He takes the box and gently opens it. A golden ring with a crystal rose rests snug against some soft velvet cloth inside. My eyes widen at the beautiful crafted details of the rose.
"This ring has been passed down my family line for many years. It's time you have it, my child."
"Are you-" I started to ask but answered my own question. He chuckled softly before breaking into a coughing fit. I stood up to call for help but he raised his hand.
"Please, take this," he said and handed me the small box. "Put it on."
I took the box and pulled out the gorgeous ring. He watched patiently as I slid the ring onto my finger. The smooth gold wrapped around my finger in a perfect fit and something inside felt alive.
"It's beautiful," I murmured. "I can't accept this."
"You are the next ruler of this realm once I pass away. My time is drawing closer and I wanted to meet you at least once before that day comes. I know you lost a friend close to you and for that I am truly sorry. But your kingdom comes first and you have to understand that."
"Alyn killed my friend before my eyes. I can't just forget that."
The king nodded in understanding and patted me softly on the head. "Alyn is devoted to his title and this kingdom. He did what he felt necessary. He will protect you with his life if it comes down to it. He takes his knighthood seriously and I couldn't trust anyone more than him."
The king's words made my heart feel at ease for a moment. Sam had betrayed his kingdom. He betrayed me. Alyn was only doing what he thought was best. To protect me.
"Thank you," I say softly. My fingers twist the ring and run over the intricate design. "I'll try my best."
"That's all I can ask for. No one is perfect. But I have heard how lively this place has become since you're coronation. I hope to hear more in the days to come."
"I'm sure you will."
There was a soft knock on the door and I stood to answer it. The king watched quietly from his bed and I open it to find Alyn there. Our eyes locked for just a moment but I surprisingly didn't find any anger dwelling inside me.
"I came to speak with you, your Majesty," Alyn said looking away.
"Of course, but I think you should be speaking with her right now," the king said.
Alyn took in a breath, surely to keep himself in check in front of the king.
"I won't sleep well knowing you two are fighting," the king says softly.
I glanced up at Alyn, letting him know I was against this as well but his hand grabbed mine as he said "Come with me then."