A.N- Ok I'm babysitting so I can update this next chapter much sooner. Hope you enjoyed the last chapter! Sorry for the cliffy, but they are so effective!

Clarisse saw a figure appear from within the forest and slowly move out towards her. She couldn't recognize them as any of her security, even though they were wearing black.

"You know you shouldn't be out alone Your Majesty", the man drawled as he came out of the forest towards her. The look on his face and his tone of voice sent a shiver down her spine and what she saw in his hand immediately caused fear to clutch at her heart.

He was carrying a large hunting knife.

"Who are you?!" Clarisse demanded. She was surprised at how brave she sounded.

"Oh, no one important..." he seemed completely relaxed as he swung the knife around with his hand.

By now he had moved right up in front of her, even though she had been backing away slowly.

"Just thought I'd come by and have a wee...chat", he said with hatred. But she also noted something else in his voice...

Suddenly he jumped forward and grabbed her around her waist, pushing his body up to hers. Lust; she could see it in his eyes and feel it in his movements.

"How dare you!" she exclaimed in a shrill voice. She slapped him hard across his face, which startled him enough to let her go. She immediately turned and ran but only made it two steps before she felt him trip her. She fell down hard on the ground. Instantly his hands were on her, turning her onto her back. He pinned her legs down with his knees and lay on her. She was frozen in fear as he held the knife up to her throat.

"Now you wouldn't scream would you?" the man mocked her, whilst gently moving the knife along her throat. Still in shock, all she could manage was a small shake of her head.

"Ah, good", he whispered.

She felt him slide the knife up onto her cheek. Feeling the blade pierce her skin, she bit her tongue so she wouldn't cry out in pain. He moved the blade across her cheek in some form of design and seemed pleased with what he had done, as he smiled.

"You really are beautiful Your Majesty; I suppose that's why I love you so much", the man said matter-of-factly.

"And now that I have you all to myself, I'm going to make the most of it", he pressed his body onto hers and, still holding the knife up to her face, leaned down and fiercely pressed his lips against hers.

Struggling with all her might, she tried to move away from under him, but was only successful in getting her arm free. Reaching up with her now free hand she shoved his face away from hers. This clearly made him angry for she could see it in his eyes.

"I demand that you get off me this instant!" Clarisse finally managed to yell.

"I thought I told you to be quiet", the man growled as he tried to move his face back down towards hers.

"GET OFF ME!" she yelled even louder, scratching his face with her free hand.

"ARG!" he screamed, and slapped her across the face. She was breathless for only a moment before she lifted her hand towards his face again.

"Ah!" she cried out, as his knife cut deep into her arm just above her elbow. The pain seared up her arm, bringing tears to her eyes.

"That'll teach you for being disobedient!" he spat. She let the tears fall down her face.

"But we'd better make sure it doesn't happen again", he whispered as he bought the knife back up to her throat. Closing her eyes she tried to calm herself to think what she could do.

Suddenly she heard the man gasp as his weight was thrown off her. Opening her eyes and quickly sitting up, she tried to make out the scene before her through misty eyes.

The man seemed to be in a desperate struggle with someone as they rolled around the hard ground. She could hear them grunting and gasping as they each tried to take control.

As Clarisse's eyes cleared, she gasped herself when she saw who her savior was. It was Joseph.

She could see him trying to get the knife out of the man's grasp as they rolled around kicking at each other.

Hearing yelling behind her, Clarisse turned her silent gaze to find many security personnel running towards them. She tried to stand but the pain in her arm caused her to fall back.

As more help arrived, Clarisse heard a loud groan and turned to find Joseph underneath the man, both completely still.

Everything seemed to happen at once. People were surrounding her, helping her up and trying to lead her towards the palace. Three men had pulled the man off Joseph and were dragging him towards the palace. Two more men were bending over Joseph talking quickly.

'Why hasn't he gotten up?' Clarisse thought to herself as she stopped and looked at them.

One of the men moved away and Clarisse could finally see Joseph. Her heart seemed to stop.

Joseph was lying on the ground, unmoving, with a pool of blood spreading out around him. She could clearly see the wound in his chest as the men ripped his shirt open.

"Joseph..." Clarisse whispered as she stepped towards him with an outstretched hand.

Suddenly dizziness overtook her and she collapsed onto the ground. Darkness clouded her mind as she fell unconscious.

A.N-Oooo what's going to happen next? I'll update as soon as but It's going to take some time due to exams and end of year arrangements. Please review they're always welcome!