A tad more seemingly meaningless words……..

'Why are you dropping all your plans to accompany me?' she enquired after the first day.

'I was just on my way back from border patrols, when I happened to stumble upon thee. Such beauty cannot be ignored.' He said seriously and reached over to tweak her nose. A silly grin coming over his face and he urged his horse onwards forcing her to follow.

They rode for the next few hours until they come across a small alcove along on of the hillsides. The rocky hillside gave way to mountains along the north side of their route.

Stopping to make camp he built a fire as she set out there bed rolls. 'Dear, wouldn't you want to share a bed roll?' he said in absolute sincerity.

'Get over yourself Peter Jake. I'm not your dear and certainly not going to ruin my virtue by sleeping with thee at such a moment as this.' She smiled venomously.

'Even a prince of the richest realm in the world?'

'Even.'

He approached her from the now thriving fire he had just built. 'You know I could make you.' He replied slowly, she saw his muscles tense as he placed a large hand on her shoulder, running it down her bare arm taking in the silkiness skin ofyouth.

She involuntarily shivered, while her breath was knocked out of her from his lack of decorum.

He leant down and whispered in her ear 'I want you. Even though thou art but the naive age of sixteen and I am nineteen. I shall have you now, in a cave, or when we return to the castle.'

'No decent noble in the world would dare talk and treat me as you have just done.' she said averting her eyes.

'Except mabye me.'

Her breathing returned as she stepped back onto the stone wall, he leaned down for a kiss, pinning her against the wall…

WHAM.

She struck him and ducked from his angry leer, seeing the white hand mark turn red.

'Never shall I submit to such a 'proposal',' she sneered, hiding her fear well.

He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him. Placing an arm around her waist 'I have you know don't I?' she struggled hopelessly her act failing, as he laughed, enjoying the power trip it gave him.

He released her causing her to fall to the ground, he stroked her silky hair while going outside while she slept. Her dreams filled without Christian, William or Samuel to protect her as dark shadows chased her through endless corridors and shadows ever drawing closer.

A day later they came across the main city, noises and sounds she had dreamt of for the last seven years. The barterers with their goods for sale, children playing in the streets, haughty nobles on their horses avoiding all of the commoners, prostitutes leering at wealthy merchants, tax collectors, and many more innocent people going about their daily routines throughout the city. Exotic smells from spices from across the oceans met her nose making her mouth water, silks ran across her fingers as she leant down from atop her horse.

It took them another hour to come to the centre of the havoc which was the Capital, the palace. It stood tall and proud under a dimming sun, the stone took in the light and she could see in the windows, children playing, servants working, nobles playing their games, a couple kissing on the wall, the kings guard atop the battlements and walls,all the telltale signs of a thriving community. The turrets are towers spindled upward, flags set in the realms colours, sunshine yellow and blood red, emerging from every tower, balcony and window.

The grey gates with iron interlaced stakes stood and recognising a prince, saluted and hurriedly the huge gate was slowly opened.

'And now to find Christian.' Peter stated, having their steeds attended to within the stables.

They filled through what seemed to be endless corridors and rooms but to no avail. There was no Christian to be found and no one knew where he seemed to be. The gardens, practice courts, ballrooms, the stable, but still no Christian. She had dismissed the prince and wandered meaninglessly on her own.

Stephanie had long given up searching to find where his castle duties had led him, but instead was wandering the halls until she came upon the portrait room.

In her childhood it had always been an escape from the outside world especially after her mother's death. While she was gazing at the majestic frames and portraits of past monarchs and aristocrats, she came upon a broad shouldered man with richly tailored clothing and blonde hair, she didn't recognise the face in the failing light and she of course hadn't been in there forover five years.

A man was standing also admirering the portraits and startled at the sound of another, his hand flying to the pommel of his sword, put still not turning.

'Excuse me my lord I meant not to disturb thee while having a quiet retreat.' She bowed her head and curtsied and he glaced over.

A tall, light browned haired figure turned around, green eyes almost piercing her mind through her own brown ones.

'Stephanie?' she looked up.

'Christian?'

In shock he slowly came closer, placing a hand on her face to push aside a hair that had come down from her bun. She took a sharp intake of breath, the last time she had been this close to a man she had almost been taken without being willing.

'Please Christian I beseech thee! Help me. I need thee!' She started breathing rapidly and her knees crumbled, holding onto his arm, he looked down bewildered. 'I had nowhere else to go…'

Kneeling beside her he put his hands over hers. A sudden warmth radiating from his large gentle frame, feeling her throbbing, aching loneliness.

'Thou should not presume such folly in future.' my dearest, tender Stephanie, your back…..

I only updated yesterday this is quite odd for me! I think I might rewrite this chapter coz its not very good. BUT WE MET CHRISTIAN! Well we didn't find out much about him eg. Where hes from, what he does, whos his family, what he looks like….

Thanks:

li'l bling bling

GreatMotherG