Every bump, every movement brought on a new excruciatingly painful

sensation. The sound of horses' hooves scraping over the rocks and pebbles

pounded in Axel's ears and he grimaced, as much as he could that is. But he did

not complain, pillows covered Angelina's carriage so the bumps did not cause as

much pain as they would have if he had been in the prisoner carriage. The

princess' favorites normally enjoyed the same luxuries she did – if you pleased

her of course.

The carriage came to a halt and almost immediately the door opened. Axel

expected to see the solemn Rolf but in his place stood Angelina. A red cloak

draped over her head and flowed down her shoulders, throwing a shadow over

her porcelain face and golden chestnut hair. Her ruby lips did not form their usual

catty smile and her dark blue eyes looked much larger than usual. She climbed

into the carriage pulling the door behind her and then knocked on the wall with her

knuckle. Immediately the carriage surged forward again.

"You, my friend, are quite stubborn." It's not safe. Angelina signed with her

hands. "If you weren't already in such bad shape I might have to do something to

you my self." Was it Vylette again?

"Oh, thank you for your mercy oh great princess," Axel mocked. Ya think? That

woman is incorrigible. His hands burned, but it was the only way for him to

communicate with Angelina when others were around. But, I did make it to the

mountains this time. He grinned his lopsided grin and only half regretted it.

"Do not mock me slave," Angelina said. Close but no banana huh? I guess we

might have to try something a little different next time.

"Ah, save it for someone who cares," Axel said. Just call me Harriet Tubman.

Only our pursuers are a bit more dangerous. I got Katherine's little sister out

and the triplets. I don't think anyone will notice until lunch though.

"Of all the insolent little-" I just wish there was something more I could do.

"Your like a broken record, I've heard it all before." You cover us as far as you

can. The kids are always safe by the time Rolf catches me.

Angelina clapped her hands as hard as she could creating a slapping sound.

"OK, that hurt." I wonder how long they're gonna buy this? It has to hit the fan

one of these days – it can't last forever.

"That's what you get for insolence!" Just pray they never figure us out. "Driver,

take us back!"

Yeah, especially not your father. He's not dumb enough to hurt me because

he knows it won't matter, and he'd never physically hurt you, but if he caught us

he'd go after everyone else, and for their sake we have to be careful.

I just wish it didn't have to be this way.

I know, I know.