Author's note: Sorry about the long wait, I have had trouble with this and one of the other fic's I'm working on, along with some original stories.
Chapter 14 A Safe Return
Back at Hawthorn keep Prince Cole and Princess Pheona were seated side by side, his hand on hers, as if in some sort of comforting that none but the two understood. They'd not said a word since Princess Piper had gone to help Prudence but now as they waited, Paige at their feet and Lord Andrew pacing the rushes, she looked to the prince.
As if she could not physically speak she made a gesture to him, then to the table as if asking if he was hungry.
"Nay, I am well as I am princess." He replied and Princess Pheona nodded then getting to her feet and moving to Lord Andrew. She stood before him, forcing him to stop in his tracks.
"Princess Pheona?" He asked a little surprised. True most of his thoughts were with Prudence but now, looking at the seven year old it struck him that something had happened during the power transfer. It was as if she'd grown much younger and yet was still the girl who'd been scarred by all she'd been through and seen of late.
Princess Pheona made a gesture to Paige and he looked over to where Prince Cole was now holding the four year old. The little one was sucking her thumb and Prince Cole was watching her little face. Only then did it strike him how odd it was that Prince Cole, a prince of only four and ten was so at home with the children. It was as the Lord above had gifted Prince Cole with such a gift. Now, he had to be glad for it. Both Paige and Princess Pheona were hurt and as worried as he. They needed someone who could be there for them. He wasn't himself good with children. Not that he disliked them; it was just the opposite he'd just had to grow up so fast himself, so he didn't always know how to act around them.
"They are well." He said not asking and she still nodded as if answering a question. Then she was pointing to him. "You're worried for me?" He asked a little taken aback by the very idea.
Princess Pheona nodded simply, taking his hand she pulled him to sit and then she was clapping her hands as if trying to get a servant's attention. He understood and called to one of the kitchen women.
As Princess Pheona gestured to the empty goblet on the table and an empty trencher the servant looked to Lord Andrew.
'My Lord?"
"Bring some wine, bread and cheese." He ordered and Princess Pheona nodded with a smile.
***
From where he sat atop his steed Prince Leo scanned the palace now ablaze. They'd been too late. The place had been gutted.
"What do you say highness?" Prince Leo asked the king.
"Spread out! Bring any solder left alive to me!" King Benjamin bellowed and they were moving, not actually going into the palace but scanning the areas.
***
As the glow began to emanate from the center of the great hall Princess Pheona, Lord Andrew, Prince Cole and Paige were on their feet, as if expecting a threat. Lord Andrew was shoving Princess Pheona behind him as Prince Cole set Paige at his own back.
Then within mere seconds the glow died down and there stood Princess Piper and Prudence, the trunk between them.
Lord Andrew didn't think, he simply ran to Prudence, scooping her into a tight embrace, mindless of those still about them.
"You were not hurt then?" He demanded scanning her face for any pain.
"Nay my lord, I told yee I'd not be." She smiled a little and was stunned when his mouth claimed hers in a kiss which was almost brutal in its intensity.
"Come along." Prince Cole told Princess Pheona as he once more lifted Paige into his arms and was carrying the little one back to where they'd been seated.
"All ok?" Paige asked looking to Princess Pheona who nodded to her and then took her from Prince Cole's grip.
"Aye," Prince Cole smiled to Princess Pheona as if agreeing with her.
"Good, me tired." Paige said laying her cheek against Princess Pheona's neck and promptly dropping off into sleep.
***
"My lord, are such things not improper?" Prudence teased Lord Andrew who smiled down at her, still unable to believe she was there, in one piece.
"To the devil with proper, you nearly scared the hair off my head woman." Lord Andrew gave Prudence a gentle shake.
"Why my lord it is odd that yee shall feel so strongly about such as me after not but one day."
"Well, perhaps yee have bewitched me?" He asked and she laughed shaking her head and hugging him close. It was odd indeed but it just felt so right, as if things were finally right, for the first time all day.
***
Princess Piper didn't feel as though things wee right, her thoughts as she knelt by the trunk were of Prince Leo. Where was he? What had happened? She remembered her powers and closing her eyes tried to focus on him. The image that met her eyes had them flying open.
"Prudence!"
TBC
***
PLZ let me know what you think, should I continue? If so what do you think should happen next? I'm open for suggestions.