Chapter 14.

Last Chance

I was following David through the castle, fighting to keep up with his urgent pace.

"Where are we going?" I asked, panting slightly.

"We have to send a letter to the Courts. Ask for an appeal..."

"Okay, but why are we in such a hurry?"

"The hanging's scheduled for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow!" I stopped dead in the middle of the hallway. David took a few more steps before he noticed. He turned around and backtracked towards me.

"I'm sorry Kendra. The court's very busy you see..."

I knew he was doing all that he could. I reminded myself to breathe, and could finally nod. "Will we have time?"

"If we hurry."

We made it to his study. David went to the desk and took out writing materials. It didn't take him long to finish the letter.

"I'm telling the Courts we've received additional information on the thief's case and are requesting an appeal to adjust the determined ruling."

I wished David would call Logan by his name, but now was not the time to complain. Instead I said, "Okay, now what?"

"We deliver the message. It shouldn't take long for them to receive it." He reached for a string and rung a brass bell that was fastened to the wall. A manservant arrived at the door in no time. David approached the man and handed him the letter. "This is an urgent message for the Courts. It is to be taken directly there." The man nodded and hurried out of the room.

"And now, we wait." David turned to me. "The hanging will be at noon tomorrow unless we get the appeal."

I gulped. "Is there a good chance of that?"

"Well, they are certain to meet with us, but it won't be until morning most likely, and you must make your demand for his freedom very convincing."

I nodded. I wasn't sure how to convince a room full of judges, but it had to be done. It was the only way to save Logan.

I had the whole day to kill until the Courts responded. I spent most of it locked in my bedroom, thinking of what I was going to say to win them over. My aunt sent a letter to the castle that afternoon, saying that she missed me and she hoped to see me soon. I responded saying that I missed her and Owen and that I would see her the next day, telling her that David and I wanted to catch up and spend some time together, like old times. I told her this to calm her worries, though it wasn't entirely true. David was busier these days, training for the throne in place of his father one day.

When I wasn't wandering around the castle, coming up with ideas for my speech in front of the Courts, I was thinking about Logan: how he was doing, if he knew his fate, what I would say to him when or if I saw him again, but mostly wondering if Jaslene was right and if he really was my true love. I certainly knew that I loved him, but did he love me? He hadn't known me very long, and had liked me for even less time. When would he have had time to love me? He was always looking out for himself and for Cale. I wished I could sense how he was feeling, that would make things so much easier. But Jaslene had said I had to figure it out the hard way, and I didn't even know how to do that. I tried not to think of the fact that if I was unsuccessful tomorrow I may never know the answer.

It wasn't until David and I were eating dinner on a terrace overlooking the gardens that evening that a letter came. David opened it and read it first. Then he handed it to me.

"Dear your highness. We have received your letter and have agreed to grant you conference tomorrow at 11:00 am. We will hear what you have to say, though our minds are set about the criminal. We live to serve the kingdom of Fenton to our best ability, and that is what we intend to do. We look forward to your arrival tomorrow. Have a pleasant evening, The Courts."

I gave it back to David, soaking it all in.

"Do you know what you're going to say?"

I nodded. "I think so."

"Well, I hope it works." I looked up at him. He took my hand and rubbed it soothingly. "Really, I do."

I smiled. "Thanks, David."

"It'll all work out, if he is what as you say he is. The Courts can't argue with reason." His words sounded more confident that he felt.

I fell asleep that night only after lying awake in the dark for several hours.

A/N: I hope you have enjoyed these past few chapters of building suspense and anticipation! Guess what? Only two chapters left! I know! So please review because I would love to know what you're thinking! Thanks in advance!