When she awoke, there was a painful throbbing consuming her head. When her eyes squeezed shut, the pain only increased, pounding worse than the crude drums the king owned. When eyes slowly peeked open as pain gradually lessened, one thing became clear. It was night.

A cold fear froze her veins, rendering her body immobile. She'd been unconscious the whole day! A weak, defeated cry lodged in her throat, threatening to escape. When she tried to move and get a better look at the courtyard, she remembered the bonds encompassing her. Hands flexed in attempt to see how weak the rope was tied, but a small measure of pain stopped THAT effort. They were unable to move at all.

Blank eyes stared at the dark, shadowed wall as she tried accepting her fate. Even as cold dread threatened sanity, she still couldn't give up her father's lands. She couldn't do that to her family, even if no one had come to save her in return. Had anyone noticed she was GONE?

Her eyes slowly closed. Of COURSE someone knew! She was at home during the kidnap! Surely her maids would've told someone! She was friends with her servants, with all the servants. The Peacecraft family was known for universal friendliness and compassion. So why hadn't she heard or seen a single shred that her father sent anyone after her? Even though they were a peaceful kingdom and held few knights - mostly for the protection of the royal family - their kingdom was allied with many. Surely her father wouldn't be too prideful to ask for help.

The telltale clomping sounded but a whisper to the beginning steps of the tower, but in her ears, it seemed like the sound of an executioner's axe on a block. Her breath sped up as terror reacquainted itself to her once again. 'No! What do I DO?' She prayed to God to help her, to send some way out. But there seemed to be none. She knew what the king's warriors did to kill those given to them. The prey was sent into the surrounding forest and hunted down like animals. She only witnessed a few from travelers that came too close to the borders and were killed, regardless of their innocence.

The steps became louder as a small light under the crack of the door brightened. She stared in morbid transfixion at the yellow glow, seeing her death in that warmth. Her body suddenly went cold when the steps stopped. The breath hitched in her throat when the iron rung creaked. The door easily swung open and wide blue met those of happy guards. With malformed smiles and gleeful eyes, one stepped in and hooked an arm through a strand and forced her to stand. Given no choice but to obey, she followed the steps one final time to the bottom. Through her dismay and resignation, she could feel those eyes, feel their boasting laughter and smiles. It hitched her anger and raised her chin, allowing enough pride to walk ahead and stop making a fool of herself.

She stopped in front of the king. Either way, she knew this would be her last night. There was no yes; it was either no and die, or the almost nonexistent possibility of escape. Her mind registered that maybe it wasn't all nonexistent, she came EXTREMELY close yesterday. 'Yes,' The sarcastic, realistic side taunted back, 'you came so close to being KILLED. And all before the king said so too!'

"Once again, we gather." The king began, gaining her attention. Even, solemn eyes met his. "I will not endeavor to bring you here or be so generous as to keep feeding you. This princess, is my final request. Marry me and rule by my side, or face the end of my warriors' spears."

Her eyes closed as her head drooped a little. She was already on the end of those spears, but never had their intent been deadly before. Now, they were free to take out all the annoyance and retribution. They were free to kill her. The thought chilled her blood again. Never before had she been so close to looking death in the eye. Even with each passing day in the tower, never did she come so close. Up in the stone walls, she fought cold and hunger, but the extent was the king's proposal. Now, it was truly down to live or die.

Her gaze rose, when something caught her eye. Back on the far wall, a soldier's spear silently dropped to the ground. Intrigued and mildly confused, she purposely ignored it and silently met the king's gaze. Even though part of her sight was still on the same area as another spear followed the first, no sound coming her way.

Hope blossomed so quickly she nearly smiled in satisfaction, but kept emotions under control. It'd been three months, three LONG months of hoping and waiting. She was almost out of hope and done with waiting, figuring her father was never going to send anyone to her aid. But, her mind recognized, that's spear number four. Five and six fell simultaneously and she knew she had no more need for hope and waiting because someone HAD come.

A small niggling forced her to not get her hopes up. Even though some soldiers were apparently killed, that didn't guarantee survival this night. She could be taken by a warrior and hauled back to the tower's safety and killed tomorrow. But, whatever it was caught a few of the back throng's attention and she squashed that little doubt.

Her chin rose a little at the pride of the familiar. Another human was around. "King of the pig race, you tempt me with death if I reject you, like I have the past few months. You keep telling me that maybe I will change my mind, when it has been set from day one. You THINK that I'll never have a chance to escape, when you never considered the allies my father knows." The satisfied, contemptuous smile tipped her lips. "You keep a dear treasure from a lot of people, a treasure they want BACK."

"ENOUGH of your squabbling!" He ordered. "Tell me the yes I know is on the tip of your tongue and my guards will cut you loose!"

The smile grew at his impatience. She figured he was more than patient, but his time was up. "Is that FEAR I hear in your voice my lord?" She innocently asked. "Or maybe it's realization that what I say is true. Mayhap THAT'S why you talk of my death after so long." Her eyes narrowed as the king stuttered for words. She figured that angering him would keep his attention off her rescuer long enough to break the ranks and gain a slim advantage.

But, she overplayed the taunting, having never known the extent of his anger and fury. She startled when he gave an angry cry and jumped from the chair, unsheathing a dagger in his walk. She only took a few fearful steps back before he was on her, knife pointed in her face.

"You mock me princess!" He growled, eyes glinting from nearby torches. "I'll not be made a FOOL of!" Anger suddenly left his face, scaring her more than the edge of his blade. He looked happier about anything than she'd ever seen. "And since you keep denying me, even with your derisive words, I'll take your offer as a 'no'." The blade flashed as he took another step. "I said that I would kill you tonight and I always make good on my word, save for one tiny detail. The warriors shall not dispose of you. For your treachery and insolence, I shall dispose of you MYSELF."

She harshly swallowed and took a tiny step from the sharp edge, only to have the brunt of a spear thrust to her back. Eyes remained locked on the shine, widening. The king rose the knife above his head, making good on his promise. Suddenly, the whistle of an arrow sailing through the air lodged itself in his hand, the knife immediately dropping to the ground.

With a cry of pain, the king cradled the injured appendage to his body and glared at the area. "WHO DARES?" He snarled, straightening as best as possible. "Who DARES I say!" The only answer the king got was the whistling of two more arrows, simultaneously striking the foreheads of the guards behind her. "Attack! Kill the intruder!" He screamed, ducking to the ground.

She stood frozen in shock, watching guards and warriors rush around her, weapons extended. She watched arrows fly from nowhere, almost hitting her. Whoever her savior was, he sure wasn't careful! But the spear was gone from her back, although the ropes were still in place. Her gaze finally looked at her bonds, wondering how she would escape tied up. Suddenly - chaos still around the courtyard - she was grabbed and held at knifepoint. 'Well...maybe I'll never GET the chance to escape...'

"HERO!" The king screamed, his voice busting her ears. "She's mine! MINE I say!" He sounded like a trapped animal. She knew that was a dangerous combination for her as well as the knight to rescue her. The sharp edge of the knife pointed into her skin, stilling breath from her lungs. "I'll kill her!" It pressed against her skin so close that to take a single breath would slit her throat wide open. "SHOW yourself! Give up!"

An expectant silence surrounded her and the panic-stricken king. She looked at the far wall, a wistful thought as to whether she would ever see the sun again. The thought of death suddenly didn't bring terror or fear, only an unaccustomed bout of calmness. It all changed the second another whistle sounded into the air, a second arrow striking the king's injured arm. He shrieked in her ear and dropped the blade, clutching the newest wound.

Now free and thrown off-balance, she stumbled forward and nearly fell to her knees. The king started shouting in fear and rage, though he ran like the coward he was. She watched him leave the middle of the scene with another perverse sense of satisfaction, seeing his true colors. No longer did he seem high and mighty, now like a scared animal with the threat of death turned to him.

Actual hands gripped her from behind. She gasped and startled, head whirling. "Don't move." Came a monotone reply. With a quick swing, she was brought eye to her savior. "We're getting out of here."

She nearly stumbled from the rush of heat that flushed her cheeks. He was so handsome! Although his eyes were cold and calculating, they were the deepest blue she'd ever seen! Quickly collecting her wits amidst flustered emotions, she gave a quick look to her torso. "I can't." She sheepishly answered.

With a flash of steel and a quick grip, a rope was cut, the rest sliding off her chest. "There." He answered. "We're leaving. NOW."

"My...hands." She tentatively answered. Something about this man - this cold knight - frightened her.

His eyes narrowed a little before he stepped around and easily cut through the ropes around her wrists. Now fully freed, hands rubbed at both wrists in attempt to get the feel of rope off her skin. "There's no TIME for that!" He hissed, grabbing an arm. They ran through the chaos, a few guards or warriors getting in their way. Each time, she was shoved back, nearly falling, as her savior ran through the annoyance in front of them.

Wide eyes watched the dead fall in shock and horrification until her arm was jerked again in flight. Not even a minute later, the far wall was in sight. "There's a hole in the wall there," A hand shot out and pointed to the darkness, her eyes desperately trying to find it, "get through it and head for the forest. I'll follow you after I take care of a few of these creatures."

"But what about YOU?" She asked, not wanting to leave just for her own safety. Inbred kindness and concern a curse, but if she could help and revenge the past three months of cruelness, so be it. She didn't think she could kill any of these creatures, but slowing them down would be better than running away.

"I can take care of myself." He commented, stopping. "There." The tip of an oddly shaped sword pointed, her eyes marveling at the blade's shape. "Now go!"

Snapping to attention at his cold command, she ran to the darkness and found the black was from the outside forest. She scurried to the hole, climbing through it as quickly as she could. Behind, sounds of dueling swords clanged, fear worming into her heart. Finally on the other side, she stopped and looked back, finding the unnamed knight in battle with one of the warriors. Feeling utterly useless, but seeing he was able to take care of himself, a hand gripped her dress and she sped into the forest as if her feet had wings.

She didn't stop till the darkness swallowed her up and the castle's view was entirely gone. She stopped with the sudden, fearful realization that she was alone. Alone and defenseless. She swallowed down panic she kept battling with all day long, but battled with for different reasons. She had no clue if the king's pitiful army would follow her, not even knowing where she escaped to. The king would get her back with as many warriors as he could find, even through allies of different clans if need be. There was no place she could hide if THAT was the case.

Losing the battle with the urge to run and hide, she took deeper into the forest, hoping the trees would conceal her against the king's fury. She forgot all about the knight who saved her.

~*~*~

Out of breath and exhausted, with no clue where she was or how many miles she ran, she fell at the edge of a small stream. Hands plunged into ice-cold water, hardly feeling a thing in her numb state. They cupped together and she drank, ice sliding past her throat, cooling the heat radiating off her skin. God but she was tired! Having never a peaceful night's sleep in months, she now felt overexertion in every bone in her body.

Taking only another drink of water, she slumped back on the ground, huddling together to keep a shred of heat against the cold. Now immobile, the warmth was quickly stolen against the night's chill, attacking her muscles with renewed vigor. She started shivering and felt the comfortable, peaceful tug of sleep.

No! She HAD to stay conscious, or never wake again. She had come too far, fought too much, for THAT to happen. Wearily opening her eyes and struggling to her feet, she trudged through the forest, occasionally stumbling over a high tree root. She stopped minutes later, with no clue WHERE she was going. For all she knew, she was heading back to the castle!

Straightening, she stilled at the sound of quietly crunching leaves. They sounded far off, but she startled with a yell when she was grabbed. Struggling in the black, it took a minute to realize the creature next to her gripped her arm with fingers, not hooves. When her brain made the connection, she quickly stilled and looked to her savior's face, hoping he was okay. A small sigh of relief got past to see he wasn't injured in the slightest. A prideful smile momentarily tipped her lips, figuring her father would send nothing but the best to rescue her.

"Thank you." She humbly whispered, knowing she owed him much.

"Come on. We need to keep going before we're in ANY safe distance from the castle." He ordered, sidestepping her gratitude. His grip never wavered as he nearly dragged her in some direction. The soft neighing of a horse sounded far off, also raising a blond brow. He had a HORSE tethered out here?

Just before they reached the horse, she jerked from his grasp. "I'm QUITE capable of walking on my own, thank you." She almost spat, fighting irritation. Who did this knight think he WAS? He might've been her savior, but she was a PRINCESS. If this man knew the land, that was the only reason he could lead her around like he was!

He ignored the remark and walked to his horse, concealing the bow that previously rested on his shoulder. With a momentarily, silent glance in her direction, he gripped the saddles and hoisted himself up. "Then you won't mind walking." He commented, shifting that unique sword to keep his horse safe.

She gaped, feeling the blow to her pride. WALK? She looked at him and her chin rose as much as it could from the height. "I beg your PARDON sir, but isn't it custom for the LADY to ride the horse?"

If she could see in the dark, she would've seen his eyes narrow in irritation. "We don't have time to ARGUE." His hand extended, waiting for her to take it. "We'll both ride. It's quicker that way and my horse will be able to carry us both." She dumbly stared at his palm before remembering they were wasting time...

She tentatively took it, feeling a heat rush through her, spine shivering, fingers tingling. In one quick jolt, with barely enough time to get sidesaddle, she was on the horse. Her eyes widened as she stared at the ground, not believing this young knight was so strong! His thin frame apparently gave one a LOT of misconceptions about his person! Her head jerked to his - eyes wide - to find his meeting hers. With a harsh swallow, she looked away. "Does THIS satisfy you, princess?" He evenly asked, the comment another blow to her pride.

Her jaw tightly clenched at the humiliation. All the emotions she experienced seconds ago vanished. How DARE he! "Let's go." She grit out, unable to unclench her jaw. This unknown, churlish knight did SAVE her after all. With a single kick of the stirrups, the horse took off, barely giving her a time to grip the saddle and stay on.

During the silence, the horse's hooves clomping on the ground, she was totally aware of the heat produced by her companion. Arms rested near her stomach, both holding the reigns. With each jostle, his arms brushed against her, the heat in her body increasing without her permission. How could such a rude person affect her so? True he WAS handsome, with the most intense blue eyes she ever witnessed, shaggy brown hair jostling with movement...

Her eyes squeezed shut, trying to think of how good it would feel to get home, to get in a bath...ANYTHING to keep her from thinking about this uncouth, silent knight's arms. How her body fit against his, as was possible with her position, and the feel of his breath against her cheek before the wind snatched it. Hastily, she looked ahead to keep her mind off...current musings.

Time seemed to pass in a whirlwind before they stopped. Arm muscles clenched as he pulled on the reigns, getting another brush of heat. Her eyes kept on the ground, fighting a girlish blush and smile. How could she be so hysterical over a single man? It boggled her mind, but there was no time to argue the concept. As soon as her savior finished looking around, making sure everything was safe, his arms pulled away, stealing the emotions and expecting her to jump down. She simply stared, as if silently asking why he wasn't going to help her off the horse. She was always helped down before...she didn't know if she could land without falling. The thought shot an embarrassed blush to her cheeks and she was glad it was night.

Seeing no easy way to get down, a leg swung over the horse and he got off, face brushing extremely close to hers. When he was down, arms almost impatiently rose, as if telling her he didn't have time to extend courtesies. It took a second to grip his arms and lean into his hands. They gripped her slim waist, fingers nearly touching each other. He marveled at how skinny she was before easily depositing her on the ground, lax weight hardly a match for his strength. With a quick glance into her eyes, as if asking mock approval, he turned away.

She stood there, utterly baffled at the inner emotions and the knight's abrupt behavior. She had never felt more secure in such a strong pair of hands as she did with him. Lord, when her hands touched the cloth of his leather armor, she felt muscles ripple when he hoisted her down! It brought a flustered appearance until she controlled it and walked over, watching his actions. The only sounds amidst the forest were the horse's breathing and his near hushed movements. "Where are you going?" She asked, feeling a small sense of panic as he started walking away.

"To get firewood." He answered, looking over his shoulder. "We can manage a small fire for a little while." Without any other word, not even letting her come along, he left her with the horse.

Feeling like a chastised child, she looked at the ground, shamed and mildly lonely. Why was this single person causing more emotions inside her in the span of a few hours, than she experienced her entire LIFE? It was confusing. Not wanting to dissect the problem now, she turned to the horse and stroked his muzzle.

A smile tipped her lips, not remembering the last time she saw a horse. Four, five months? She stepped back when the horse suddenly decided to sit , following his movements and leaned against him. He didn't seem to mind and she rested against his body, comforted by the sounds of breathing. Sleep called to her, and for once, she obeyed. She had a better companion next to her than who left her alone. Snuggling against the horse, she let comfortable blackness envelope her.

She was disturbed by what seemed too soon to the sounds of crackling and soft light. With a sudden fear of being in front of the king's fire pit, she jerked awake, only to find the scene as she left it. The knight sat across the fire, his gaze going to hers when she startled awake. "Good, you're up." He walked to the horse and kneeled, rummaging through a few packs behind the saddle, straying dangerously close again. "You need to eat something before we head out. You're far too weak to withstand the long ride to our next stop."

She took a bit of dried meat and nibbled on it, the taste far more heavenly than the fresh water she drank earlier. "Where are we going?" She quietly asked, eyes following the knight to his original spot. Slowly, she shifted to a near sitting position against the horse, finding him a very comfortable chair.

"Nearly a hundred miles from here, there's an allied castle to your father." His gaze caught hers. "You SHOULD know of it."

She looked at the bit of food in her hands, feeling sheepish from his patronizing tone. "I really have no clue WHERE we are." She softly answered.

With a small sigh, he poked the fire, rousing the kindling and sparks. She eyed them with innocent fascination, watching as they disappeared into the night. "It's Catalonia castle." He answered, as if she were wearing on his patience.

Her eyes widened, mouth lifting in a small smile. Her friend Dorothy...she hadn't seen the girl in a year or two. Though they didn't get along that well, Dorothy's grandfather and her father visited each home from time to time.

After finishing the food, she swiped the crumbs on her dress, pausing at the action. Before, she did so due to food she couldn't bear to touch. Not to mention, she was alone. Nearly grimacing, she let go of dirty white and slowly rubbed her palms together. "Excuse me," She quietly asked, "that stream we passed earlier, is it still around?"

"It's no longer a stream. A few miles back, it widened into an actual river."

She smiled. JUST what she wanted to hear. "Where is it?" She slowly stood, aware her legs were falling asleep. "I'd like to go clean up if I may."

He raised a brow. "I hardly doubt that's necessary."

She gave an indignant huff. "Well excuse ME sir knight, but I would like a bath! I haven't been given the privilege of one for the past three months!" Hands propped on her hips. "If you would be so kind as to show me the way, I'll find it MYSELF."

He stared at her for what seemed an eternity, but she never let go of her anger. Yes he saved her life and yes he even kept her from harm, but the idea of a bath in ANY way was too tempting to let go of. A hand pointed behind him, eyes going back to the fire. "That way." He muttered, grabbing a stick. "It's a yard or so I think."

"Thank you." She answered, trying to quell the annoyance in her voice. "And don't worry about going with me, I'd like some time alone."

His eyes followed as she coolly walked past him till she was out of sight. His was able to make out the white blur of her dress long after the light dismissed her. After a minute, eyes went back to the fire, lightly poking the stick. He finished off the dried meat he nibbled on while she was asleep, able to get to one of his packs without waking her. Something in his mind said to let her sleep until need be. She looked exhausted, and the fire's shadows showed each circle under her eyes even more so.

After what seemed minutes, he dropped the stick and stood. "Stay here." His ride seemed to obey, giving a quiet snort. With a small nod, he turned and stealthily crept into the forest, ears perked for running water. Just because she said she wanted solo time didn't mean she had to know he was nearby. He swore to protect her and bring her home, if that meant spying on her bath, then so be it. He was a man of his word and wasn't going to trifle with the frivolities of a woman over his honor.

Jumping from tree limb to tree limb to keep off the ground, he found her not too much later. She hadn't discarded the dress, but stood in the middle of the freezing river, washing it along with herself. The white garment clung to every curve of her body, her slim waist sticking out even more from three months of malnourishment. Long hair clung to her back, bangs sticking to her forehead. She looked like a pixy, or water nymph he heard some about in fairytales. Closing his eyes with a shake of his head, he turned and left the area after a quick scan, figuring she would be okay. Right now, he had better things to do.