A/N: Thank you all for the reviews! I know how tricky I am, making Orlando evil, but Daria is the future queen of Kyrria, not Ayorthia. Anyway, here's a hint… he'll be back.
Warning: This chapter will be short. Very short, and rather unimportant. However, in order to make up for this writing blunder, I will post the next long chapter tomorrow. I promise you that. I'm sorry for my mess up, feel free to throw rotten fruit and other disgusting stuff.
Chapter Thirteen
Jerrold and I rushed into the words, and he mounted his waiting horse. Offering me his hand, he pulled me up behind him. I wrapped my arms around his waist and kicked the horse. We took off into the woods, just as we heard the far-off shouts of the palace guards.
We arrived at the fortress, and Jerrold led me inside, his hand protectively around my waist. He took me to the bedroom, where he ordered me into my nightshift and to lay down. I changed behind the screen and obliged. When I was snug and under the blankets, Jerrold sat on the edge of my bed.
"What happened?" he asked. "Was that Orlando at the window?
I nodded. "Yes. I walked in on him and the king in a meeting. He recognized me, but I ran away. He caught me and told me he was spying like myself, and then took me and exposed my identity to the king. He said he used me because I was vulnerable. I attacked him. I was furious. I still am. I'm shaking right now. He slapped me," I said, touching my cheek tenderly, "when I spat on him. Then the guards took me to the tower after they blacked me out."
Jerrold placed a soft cloth wet doused in a warm liquid on my cheek, and lifted my hand to hold it there.
"It's turtlewater," he explained. "The cut will heal quicker if you hold this to it."
I smiled. "Thank you Jerrold," I replied.
"You're welcome," he said.
I paused for a moment, thinking. "How did you know to come get me?" I asked.
Jerrold handed me a letter. "This arrived at dinner. I immediately went to fetch you," he said.
I opened the letter and began to read:
Sir Jerrold,
I regret to inform you that my son, Orlando, has allied himself with the Kyrrian royals. Although he wasn't informed of many of our plans, he still poses a threat to you. Our alliance still stands, so fear not. Ayorthia is behind you.
By your leave,
King Aubrey
"So he's become a maverick then," I said.
Jerrold nodded. "I'm sorry Daria," he said quietly.
I snorted. "I should be apologizing, not you, Jerrold," I replied. "I defended the traitor. I'm sorry I betrayed you."
He smiled. "That's okay," he said.
I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath. "I hate him," I said, my jaw clenched. "I hate Orlando. I'll get him back. I'm going to make that pig of a boy pay."
Jerrold pressed my head against his shoulder as I began to cry. I cried out of hate, out of misery, out of self-pity. But at least I wasn't alone.
A/N-- Aww, sentimental at the end. Review or not, I'll promise you a chapter tomorrow too!