Oh wow, sorry guys. This chapter took longer than a week. I just couldn't find the time, I had been sick these past few days.

Please don't be shy when you see spelling errors which bother you! I'm not a native speaker but I'll try my best!

Enjoy!

'GOOOOOOOOOOD morning it is 8:00 in the morning on this beautiful august day! The weather is cool with scattered clouds. We will start the day with the new single from-'

'Addy…'

I groaned as I pulled the covers over my head.

'Wake up.'

I felt fingers grazing my left cheek as a gentle voice called my name once again. I saw her. I saw my mum.

Deep down I knew… that she wasn't real. She wasn't even alive in this place.

But she still smiled at me, she looked happy. 'Are you okay?'

White sunlight surrounded her, she looked like she was shining. It felt so real. Far more real than those who hurt me, threatened me, talked to me and saved me in reality.

'I'm gone.' I told her as I picked at the sheets, my eyes not leaving her. 'I'm dreaming.'

Suddenly I realized that I actually never wanted to leave this place. Never to leave my mom. Just stay here. Reality scared me. It was awfully uninviting and it made my stomach turn. I didn't want to leave my mother's smiling face. Her soft features and her light eyes.

Tears found their way down my cheeks. Some kind of feeling had found me in the darkness. A feeling I had repressed when I disappeared. Some kind of realization of what had happened to me.

I panicked as my mother reached out her hand and stroked my hair. And when I clenched my eyes, I was awake.

It shocked me when I noticed that it was barely morning. I could see the sky between the pink clouds. I sat up and looked around me. Elmont was gone, so was William and when I looked outside the cave some of the other men were gone too. A few of them stood by the fire, holding a bowl or packing. I could see the outline of Jack and Isabelle, both still snoring lightly.

My neck felt stiff when I moved. Only then I realized I had been covered in a blanket. I carefully moved the fabric in between my fingers as if to see if it was real. I folded it and stood up.

One of the men with curly hair and a scruffy beard saw me standing near the entrance of the cave and grabbed a bowl. He took a few big steps towards me and handed me a broth. He smiled when I thanked him but didn't say anything in return.

The broth smelled funny but the warmth it provided me was more than enough. I just sat there in peace watching the sun go up. It would take me a while before I told Elmont about my dream, I think I wanted to preserve it because it felt so personal. The dream comes back every now and then, but it's never unpleasant or scary.

Like a memory perhaps.

I took another sip of the broth as I wriggled my toes. They were cold. Like the feet of an old man.

I heard footsteps outside which made me look up at the prisoners. They were asleep but I could make out the face of one of them. Jon's face. The others were too far away.

As I tried to scoop up a piece of vegetable I almost dropped my bowl. I covered my eyes with one hand as I tried not to say something inappropriate.

'Morning.'

A sigh.

'Put on some pants William. Nobody needs to see that.'

'Left it over here! You could use a swim boys, you lot are smelling worse than those gutted decomposing corpses up north.'

William stood still as he rummaged through something that sounded like cloth.

Boy. I sure wasn't in the mood for naked hairy butts and penises today.

No siree!

'You buried them then?'

'Wha-? Course not. If you feel the need to bury them do so yourself.'

'Good God man! There's a lady present!'

'Aye! Have some respect!'

'So? Just talking about corpses. Lasses see more blood than us.'

'You're naked as a wee baby.'

It was quiet and I smiled a little but kept my eyes covered.

'… She didn't see anything.'

'Feeling self-conscious William?'

'Bugger off.'

It was silent for a good long while before I heard snickering.

''S alright lass, Will's covered.'

I uncovered my eyes and finished my meal. Not being able to restrain a small laugh.

'You should apologize William.'

'Hn.'

'What if it had been the princess?' one soldier commented as he chewed on a piece of bread.

'Apologies Abby.' William announced, not sounding sincere in the slightest.

'Addy,' I corrected him while I scooped up the last of the broth. I was sure William needed the time to figure out more things to dislike about me. From the first moment he met me I was pretty sure that the only way for him to talk to me was when he was ordered to pay attention to me. Because here he was, forgetting my name. Actually I would've been more freaked out if he remembered. I wasn't sure if I would've enjoyed that.

'So you just went for a bath?' one of the knights asked William as he took a sip from his broth.

'Nah. Went along with a couple of others. See if there still were some others hangin' about.'

'Were there?'

'No.' William sighed as if he was disappointed 'No fun if you ain't in the fight. I couldn't even torture the leftovers.' he said as he nodded towards the three captives.

'Captain told you off did he?'

'Not quite.' William scoffed as he took a deep breath. He probably enjoyed nature more than stone walls.

I hadn't even noticed Isabelle's presence until she announced it. I turned my head too fast and my muscles protested. Her dress was dirty but she wore some kind of cloak around her, her hair was stringy and all in all she just looked disheveled.

I never got the chance to open my mouth because she hugged me as fast as she could, although her grip was quite weak.

'How are you?' she breathed as she pulled away 'I am so sorry. Did they… Did he..'

'No. He didn't. Elmont found me.' I said, not wanting to answer the how-are-you question just yet. I didn't really know how I felt to be honest.

'How about your nose? Was it broken?' she questioned.

I stared at her face a little longer, studying her features. She looked older. All girly things about her had washed away from her face.

'It's alright. How are you?' I asked, suddenly remembering why she looked so tired.

When I raised my hand to feel her temperature she waved it off 'Dizzy. Dizzy and hungry.'

'But you should get examined!' I proclaimed while I took her hands

'Stop harassing royalty Abby.' William cut in as he grabbed a bag from the cave and grinned

'Addy.' I corrected again as he walked off.

I frowned before I continued 'You could be seriously ill. What about your eh… baby?'

Isabelle smiled a little sadly before answering 'We should leaving soon. But it is such a long way.'. She sighed 'We will not arrive at Cloister till tomorrow at the earliest.'

Hm. Perhaps I had forgotten how long we had travelled until we arrived at the place we were kept hostage.

'So… what about your dad?' I questioned 'How will he… you know. I mean it's normal where I'm from, but over here I can imagine wedlock is considered… you know.'

She sighed and brushed a stray hair away from her face 'I was wedding dress-fitting. ' she admitted 'When we got captured I was… trying on a wedding dress. Perhaps I thought that if I made it look like something logical… No matter.'

I wasn't sure how to answer.

Isabelle looked at me, waiting for me to say something. She laughed softly when I didn't.

'You look surprised.' she said 'Jack was too. I know Elmont isn't pleased with him. But it wasn't his fault. It just…'

'Takes two to tango?' I offered. Isabelle seemed to understand though.

'Please do not be angry with Jack.'

I raised my hands 'No no, not my place.' I chuckled.

Isabelle got more comfortable next to me, when I offered to get her some broth she accepted. Luckily there was some left although I almost dropped it when I recognized another prisoner. The enormous guy who punched me in the face a few days ago.

I quickly made my way back to the cave, trying to forget I saw him.

'So… if I may be so bold.' Isabelle started after she thanked me when I handed her a cup of a broth 'Did you… Have you?'

I raised an eyebrow as I wrapped my hands around my toes. 'Have I what?'

Isabelle turned an interesting shade of red before I understood.

'Well what do you think?' I asked, frowning when I noticed my feet weren't getting any warmer.

Isabelle didn't answer as Jack seemed to have woken up. He walked up to her and asked way to many questions. But Isabelle was sweet and answered each one of them instead of waving it off. She smiled as well. She always seemed to smile around Jack. A glowing and smiling mess.

Before Jack had the chance to ask me something Elmont's voice spoke up.

'We are leaving princess, you best stay with Jack. Cloister might be too far south, we plan on stopping in Bellham to get you proper care.'

Isabelle simply nodded and I shrugged. As long as I was away from here I didn't mind.

Elmont moved to step outside but paused, looking at my bare feet with a frown 'You still aren't wearing any shoes.' he said while his eyes flashed up to mine.

His lips twitched upwards when I tried to hide them.

'I lost them.' I muttered.

'I noticed.'

All the while Jack regarded us happily, his smile widening when I frowned at him.

'Thomas!' Elmont's voice called to a young man outside. He looked young, around 17 perhaps? 'Ask around if anyone has a spare pair of boots for the lady in their knapsack will you?'

I would have been touched if I hadn't been so embarrassed with Jack grinning like a high schooler. Well… I guess if he married Isabelle he would be something like royalty then right? Great. Then I would be the only sniveling peasant in a Disney castle!

Soon enough a pair of big boots were dropped in front of me, 'There you go lass, might be a big too big.' a big burly man commented as he wiped his brow. I was certain I could see some breadcrumbs in his moustache… I don't know but I just notice those things.

'You will need something other than what you are wearing,' Elmont pondered while he stared at my clothes 'I might have a spare cloak you could borrow.'

Before I could answer or thank him he turned around, pat my head and walked out.

We left nothing behind. Of course I sat in front of the only guy who I would ever consider on sharing a horse with. Actually, ever since last night I made myself a new rule: Don't leave him again. Stay as close to him as you can get and don't leave him again.

The prisoners had to walk but I didn't look at them. I was afraid I would do something stupid like cry or yell.

When we left the forest hills started to roll out, it reminded me of home. When the sun burst through the clouds every now and then it was so beautiful. The smell of the cloak around me and grass was comforting. The only bad thing I could think of was the horse.

But even though I had to travel on that thing, I was in a good mood. The weather did enough.

We rode fast and steady, not wasting time with resting or eating. The knights simply did that while riding. But of course I had to pee and that was something you couldn't do while riding a horse.

It was past noon when I saw the outline of a village, it was far away but I could see it wasn't a big village.

'Just another 3 hours at the most.' Elmont informed me as he tightened his grip on the reigns.

I was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Sitting on a horse for a couple of hours isn't the nicest of feelings.

'Are you familiar with months?' I questioned.

Random word vomit, we meet again.

'Yes, ' Elmont informed me, less serious than he had been before 'It is the 4th of august I believe.'

'Oh. My birthday is coming up soon.' I said with a smile 'When is your birthday?'

Elmont was silent for a good minute before he answered. '31st of march.'

'That's a good while away. I can think of what to give you.'

'Give me?'

I frowned at him in confusion 'Yes. Well… don't you people give each other presents when it's their birthday?'

Elmont frowned in response 'We do not.'

'What?' I exclaimed, trying to turn around 'But you said the King had really awesome birthday parties and everything!'

'That's royalty, a whole different story. The village celebrates it too.'

By now Elmont's horse started to object and Elmont nudged me back to my original not-very-comfortable position. I actually felt bad for Elmont and all those other guys. Nobody remembering the day you were born was just… not something I was used to.

'I will celebrate yours. I will get you something.' I stated with a nod, mentally making a note to ask Howard about his birthday as well.

I felt Elmont's chest rumble behind me as he started to laugh. When I looked up his mouth had twitched into a boyish grin which strangely enough resembled my brother's.

We had entered the village when it started to get dark. I actually had to keep myself from crying out in rejoice. A village meant a bathroom. And that was something I really needed. Small wooden houses with only a few windows greeted us. It was a cheerful place though, I heard singing and people chatting away inside the houses. Elmont helped me off of his horse in the stables by the nearest inn and of course I made quite a spectacle of myself. How on earth people got off of these cursed things with beauty and grace was beyond me.

'As I thought.' I heard William say as I finally had my feet firmly on the ground 'The girl fits this place. Drunkards and crazed folks who barely touch a horse.'

Normally I would point my 'oh-no-you-didn't' finger towards him, ready to aim and fire sass his way. But this time all I didn't think it would matter. So all I managed to get out was a tired sigh and a roll of my eyes.

My ass burned.

That could not sound more kinky, but that's not what I meant.

My ass burned, in a bad way.

'Captain? Where are we going to keep this lot?' one of the men said as he nodded towards the back. I guess he was referring to their prisoners.

Elmont seemed in thought but I didn't make the mistake of thinking he had forgotten about them for one second. Why would he?

'They will be coming with you. William and Richard will join you. The head of the village is informed of our stay. Ask him for the deepest and coldest dungeon in this place and tie them with every chain you can find. Stay with them for the night.' Elmont ordered just as I began to wonder where Isabelle was.

When I turned around to look behind me I looked straight into the face of a happy chap. When I let out a yelp I had eyes on me wich made me even more embarrassed.

'Good evening missus.' the guy greeted as he put aside the pitchfork 'You remind me o' me mum.'

'Uh… Well… thank you?'

'Ain't a problem there!' he laughed as he scratched at his scrawny chest 'What you folks up to?'

'Who are you?' asked one of the knights quit harshly. The man staggered back before laughing good-heartedly.

'I do the stables sir! Not much room in here though. Ye might 'ave to ask around.'

When the stable boy announced himself the others lost interest. I felt quite sorry for him.

'Sooo… stables!' I drawled, not sure how to start a conversation.

'Yes ma'm. My folks own this inn! I could ask for a room for you lot!' he announced with a happy smile.

'Well that's nice of you!' I smiled 'Do you have enough though? You said the stables were getting crowded.'

The boy leaned against the wooden wall, stumbling a little when he found out it wasn't that comfortable.

'People been fleein'. Rumours been goin' around!'

'What rumours?' I asked.

The boy paused, looked at the men behind me and then shrugged. 'Somethin' bout this castle under attack a good while ago. All over now, but people worry 'bout their safety ya know!' the said while he turned sideways and with his hand brushed the nose of one of the horses.

My eyes widened and my head turned as I tried to find Elmont's eyes.

But Elmont had heard the boy.

And we realised we all had made a big mistake.

Lady-of-Reecia: Oh yes, that does sound very comfortable too! I always wanted to sleep in a scarf or something, I always thought Addy more of a mug person. Hahaha! I'm actually beginning to like the idea of Elmont in the shower… It was a total accident on my behalf, I just randomly thought of it. I have a dirty mind apparently! Thanks for your kind messages!

Cantate: Glad you like it! They are both getting more and more used to each other. Thank you for your reviews!

Addie: Of course I am! Thank you for reading! I appreciate the appreciation! :)

Rushes: Thank you! No worries! I adjusted the words. I'm not a native speaker so I appreciate the feedback! Thank you dear! :)

Miss Guest: Haha! Thank you! I'm glad you don't mind I'm taking it slow. I enjoy writing and reading all the awkwardness! Muhahaha! I'm glad you think William is observant, that's exactly how I wanted him to be. He doesn't really care about Addy that much but he does care about his buddy Elmont… bromance is a beautiful thing! Addy's gradually growing up, making her more suitable~

IrisGirl1402: Thank you! Glad you like the story!

SerendipityAEY: Thank you! It was a bit too soon for cuddling, but not to worry! It will come soon! I will give them a lot of moments of happiness, I'm actually postponing the kiss because it would make more sense. I'll make it up to all of you! I promise! Perhaps with a shower or two~

MidnightShadow: Thank you for your response! I actually thought about that! He would be very uncomfortable! But that would cause a lot of nice moments for Elmont and Addy! I wonder if Elmont is a coffee or tea person… He is definitely a shower person… although I wouldn't object to him sitting in a bath~

Evil behind the writer: Oh yesss! Badass music with random stuff exploding and solo slow-motion and stuff! You're very welcome! Thanks for reading :)

Sabi2: Haha! Glad you like it! C-:

Teddy bear 007: Oh my! I sure like the sound of that! With cakes and tea and awkward moments! Love it!

Theamazingwunderwoman: ADSFLG! IKNOWRIGHT!? So much uncertainty!

Pensandbooks: hahaha! Me too! Thank you for reading C-: