Chapter 3

Surprises

In a land known as Kyrrion, bordering the northern part of Renedia, King Emery sat at and enjoyed a few minutes of peace and quiet. He was leaning back in his comfortable leather chair, with his feet on his oak desk, and his eyes closed.

"Father!" cried a voice, closely followed by loud footsteps as a young child raced into the study, disturbing Emery's solitude. "Kevien just told me that we're going to war! Is it true? Are we really going to war? With Renedia? Are we?"

"Yes, Damion, we are going to war with Renedia," Emery sighed. He had known he couldn't keep the terrible news from his sons, but he felt awful all the same. He, as any parent would, wished that he could protect his children from the cruel ways of the world forever. War was notorious for forcing children to suffer unnecessarily, to grow up too quickly, and to see things even adults shouldn't be exposed to. As the ruler of a powerful country he had known better than most that the wonderful peace Kyrrion had until recently been experiencing couldn't last.

But he still couldn't believe that King Lambert of Renedia would make such a ridiculous, stupid mistake. Other kings of other kingdoms, perhaps, but not Lambert. Emery and Lambert had ruled their countries for nearly the same amount of time; they had grown up together; had visited each other frequently when their wives were alive; and had remained good friends all these years.

Until she came along.

Emery had met Queen Tebrielle of Renedia only once - on her wedding day - and from that point on he had known she was bad news. No. That wasn't right. He had known something wasn't right when he had heard of Lambert and Tebrielle's engagement. Lambert had loved his late wife, Niande, so strongly for such a long time that he wasn't about to fall in love with a strange woman in only three days of knowing her. Emery knew she had done something to his old friend, and it was driving him crazy trying to snap him out of it and end this ridiculous war before it began.

He had a horrible feeling that Tebrielle was the worst thing that had ever happened to Renedia. And as a result, the entire world.

"Father, when's the war happening?" inquired his youngest son, Damion.

"We cannot fight in the winter, son, so when spring finally arrives we must be ready."

"Okay. Then I have lots of time to practice my sword fighting. Master Danric has just begun teaching me. I'm going to practice heaps and heaps, and soon I'll be as good as you and Kevien and Jeremy and Master Danric. Bye, father." the young prince practically skipped out of the king's study, ready and excited about learning this new and amazing skill.

"Goodbye, son." whispered Emery. "I pray that you will not require these new skills of yours for many more years."

"Meir!"

Meir slunk into his mistresses' private rooms and made his careful way over to her gigantic walk-in robe. He walked to the darkest corner and pressed an indent in the wall, making a narrow doorway open up.

"MEIR!" the voice was much louder now; he was getting closer to his mistress.

"My Queen?" he stuttered, as he timidly walked into her secret chambers. He once again marvelled that this woman could cow him as she did; he was not easily cowed, and so far in this wretched castle only two people had managed to do so; Tebrielle and Anaiya. It was not a comfortable position to be in.

"Have you found her yet?"

"Aaah…no," he hurried to continue as Tebrielle's face turned an interesting shade of purple. "But every single one of your men have been sent out around Renedia; anyone who looks remotely like the princess will be seized and brought to you for interrogation."

"That's not good enough." fumed the Queen. "Her absence is going to have to be reported. I can no longer tell the Council that she is unwell; they are becoming suspicious because her 'absence' has occurred too close to my own appearance. They suspect I have rid myself of her in order to inherit total power once Lambert has died. They're fools; I already have absolute power. Well as much as I need, anyway."

"Yes, my Queen. Would you like me to inform them that you're calling a meeting?"

"Yes. Do that. And be quick about it. I've decided that in order to catch the princess before she does too much damage to my reputation, I must enlist the entire kingdom's services."

An hour later the Council sat, shocked, absorbing the tale Tebrielle had woven for them about their princess.

"I'm sure you all agree with me when I say that every effort possible must be made in order to rescue our dear Anaiya," stated the Queen. "The kidnappers will be found and persecuted, and her father and I will finally have our dear daughter back. Isn't that right, dearest?"

"Yes. Yes, of course," blustered King Lambert, still in shock about the news. "We must rescue her immediately."

"I think we can trust you, Lord Bryant, as the General of Renedia's army, to organise an adequate rescue party. I realise you have much to do already with the war against Kyrrion fast approaching, but surely you agree that Princess Anaiya's safety is our first priority?"

"Of course I do, your majesty," said Lord Bryant stonily. He had no like for the new queen. "I will see to it right away."

"Good. Now gentlemen, if you'll excuse me. I trust you all entirely to rescue my poor daughter. Good day." Tebrielle swept regally out of the Council chambers leaving a group of stunned and confused Councillors behind her.

Jarred and his aunt and uncle were seated at the table of the Canniton Manor kitchens. They usually ate their meals there, as none of them had any great fondness for the 'proper' ways and manners of the gentry. And as usual, several of their servants ate along with them, including Anaiya. When the princess had first witnessed this unusual and 'uncouth' habit of her new masters, she had been shocked and disgusted to say the least. But over the month she had been working for the Lady Breanne, she had slowly begun to appreciate and even look forward to the unusual meals. It was quite fun to talk and joke with anyone you wished to without worrying about class or propriety.

They had just begun on their desert - a delicious, warm sticky-date pudding, - when the butler, Jerome, burst into the kitchen.

"Jarred, sir," he panted, waving a letter in his hand. "This has just arrived from the Palace. It is rumoured that it contains news of the Princess Anaiya's disappearance."

"What? The princess has disappeared?" exclaimed Jarred, shocked. He grabbed the letter from Jerome and opened it quickly, the silence of everyone in the kitchen an almost powerful blanket of expectation.

"This is a letter from Lord Bryant," began Jarred slowly. "Explaining that they have reason to believe the princess has been kidnapped." shocked gasps escaped everyone listening. "Rescue parties have been released, and they are scouring the entire kingdom, as they are not sure whether it was King Emery of Kyrrion or one of our own people who committed this heinous crime."

Everyone began talking loudly, discussing this interesting but shocking turn of events. Jarred watched them, yet just as he opened his mouth to announce the next piece of news, he spotted Annie who was sitting opposite him. She was looking down at the sturdy wooden table and seemed to be thinking hard. She looked pale and nervous, yet at the same time angry.

"There's more, everyone," announced Jarred, glancing around, but keeping a strong eye on Annie. "In a week's time we are to host one of these search parties…" Annie turned impossibly white and raised her head to look at him. "…as they look over our land and the land nearby. It appears we will have one of the larger ones as we are so close to the Kyrrion border. Preparations must begin immediately. After dinner," he chuckled, as everyone made to leave.

Anaiya was in shock. Tebrielle had had her announced as kidnapped. Actually, she supposed, it wasn't as bad as it could have been; she could have said that I ran away - which I did - or I had a mental problem or something. This way people don't suspect her, because what would she gain from kidnapping her own step-daughter? And luckily for me, when I return I'm not going to be shunned or locked up. People will believe me. Hopefully.

And now I know that I have one week to convince Jarred of my side of the story, she continued to think. I know he's suspicious about me; I've let too much slip. Would he believe me if I told him? Probably not, she reasoned. But if I had some proof…

Anaiya spent the remainder of the evening trying to think of a plausible and believable story. She would tell Jarred the truth, she decided, because otherwise she could get caught. Besides, she had nothing to lose by telling the truth. Not really. Actually, come to think of it, it would be pretty bad if he handed her into the 'rescue' party. But she preferred not to think of that.

The following morning Anaiya thought she had worked up the courage to tell Jarred. The night before, she asked Lady Breanne for the morning off and was granted it. She awoke before the sun and made her way down to the stables; she did not want him to be surrounded by people or be under pressure when she told him, and she knew he was always in the best mood when he went riding.

"Annie, hi," said that perfect voice. "What're you doing here?"

"Aah…I…I was looking for you, sir," she said nervously.

"Really? Well, you found me. What did you want?"

"Um, I…I was wondering if you could teach me how to ride like you. You know, properly - not side-saddle."

Good one, Anaiya, she thought. What're you doing? You're supposed to tell him who you are.

I'm going to, she fiercely defended herself. I just think it'll be better if we do it outside. Then he's sure to be in a great mood.

Yeah right, but her nasty side said no more than that.

"Of course I'll teach you," Jarred was exclaiming. "That'll be fun. I always thought that side-saddle must be awfully uncomfortable."

"It is," remarked Anaiya with feeling. "I've always hated it. But that is the proper propriety for a lady." This time she didn't flinch when her tongue slipped. She was going to tell him soon, anyway, so she might as well behave as she normally would.

"Okay then. I'll just saddle up Jay and then we'll be off."

This morning was special, Jarred decided, so he guided them towards his favourite spot; the hill where he'd last seen his parents.

When they arrived there, after a lot of laughing and joking as Anaiya tried to accustom herself with the normal saddle, the sun was just beginning to rise, and the entire sky was lit up with shades of pinks and purples and mauves. It was breathtaking.

"This is so beautiful," exclaimed Anaiya, as the two sat down on the grass together. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

"I know. This is my favourite spot on the entire estate. I come here whenever I can."

"I can see why," Anaiya sighed, sticking her arms out behind her to brace herself. "If I had it my way I would never leave here."

"Really?"

"Yes," replied the princess after a moments thought. "I don't believe I've ever been as happy as I am now. As I have been for the past month. I don't ever want to leave."

"I'm glad, Annie. I wouldn't want you to."

Gods, she's beautiful, thought Jarred. She's like a goddess; I've never seen such a beautiful woman.

So tell her that, said his alter-ego. Any woman would swoon at your feet if you told her that.

I know, but I don't want her to 'swoon' at me just because of something I've said. I don't want any woman to do that. If I were to tell someone that it'd be because I meant it, and because we already had an understanding of sorts. I would never want to lead someone on.

But you have got a special connection with Annie. Can't you feel it? You know you like her more than you've ever liked any other woman, and you've hardly spent any time with her. Doesn't that mean something?

Enough! Jarred sternly told himself. I'm intrigued by her and that's it.

No it's not; look…

For some reason he couldn't have explained, Jarred found himself gazing at Annie, and Anaiya found herself gazing back. Both of their alter-egos seemed to have disappeared. In fact, they weren't thinking at all.

Jarred leaned closer to Anaiya, and she kept totally still. She had never been in this situation before, yet although she wasn't thinking, she still knew enough not to move.

His lips met hers and she melted. She had never felt so wonderful. She was drowning, falling, losing herself to this man who had somehow touched her heart. Her stomach was fluttering, her heart beat fast and she felt hot all over.

Jarred was feeling the same. He ran his tongue along her soft, full lips and to his surprise and delight they opened. He explored her mouth with his tongue and she moaned. His hands found their way to her waist and pulled her closer to him. Anaiya's hands somehow ended up in his hair, as she did the same.

They reluctantly drew apart and gazed at each other once more. Although they were sitting down, Anaiya was leaning heavily on Jarred; she felt weak all over, and she knew she couldn't have supported herself. Jarred's arms were still around her, supporting her, and she found herself snuggling closer into him.

They didn't know how long they remained like that, enjoying being close to each other, but eventually they came to their senses.

"Annie…um…do you have to get back?"

"Huh?" was the semi-conscious reply. "Aah, no I don't. Your aunt gave me the morning off."

"Good. I don't have anything on either; I figured this would be the last time I got to myself for a while, so I managed to escape all my duties. It doesn't happen often."

"Yes. I can imagine," Anaiya hardly knew what to do with herself. Although she was no longer leaning on Jarred she was still very close to him, and his intent eyes were throwing her totally off balance. It was quite an unusual feeling.

"I was wondering…" he barely knew where to begin.

"Yes?"

"Would you…would you like to spend the morning with me? Just the two of us? Out here?"

"Um…" okaaay. That really threw her off balance. "Yes. Yes I think I would," she smiled up at him.

"Great! Come on - we can go to the lake down there and go swimming."

They walked slowly to the horses, holding hands and enjoying their closeness.

The remainder of the morning flew by in bliss (A/N - no they didn't do anything inappropriate), and Anaiya totally forgot why she had sought out Jarred in the first place.

The remainder of the week passed quickly by, and Anaiya managed to work herself up nearly into hysterics. She was so confused. What were these strange new feelings she had towards Jarred? And how was she going tell him now who she really was? Would he get angry and not talk to her anymore? Would he turn her in? Would he take pity on her and hide her? Would he be confused and hurt? Would he believe her, or think she was making it all up?

What was she going to do?

She was in her room, getting ready for the day, when she heard a horse gallop up the road. She ran to her small window and frantically looked around. There he was; the man sent ahead of the rest of the party in order to warn the household of their near arrival.

SHIT!

Anaiya raced out of room and down the corridor. She flew through the entire house searching for Jarred. She found him in the entrance hall awaiting the guests.

"Jarred!" she said, as she ran up to him. "I need to speak with you in private. It's urgent!"

"Annie! What's wrong?" he exclaimed, seeing how distressed she was.

"In here!" she led him to a room adjoining the entrance hall, and closed the door behind them.

"I have to tell you something. Please don't interrupt until I'm finished." she waited for his anxious nod. "I'm Princess Anaiya."

"What!"

"You said you'd listen," she admonished nervously. "Yes, I'm the princess. I ran away from home over six weeks ago because I overheard my step-mother Queen Tebrielle…" she spat the name out. "…saying she was going to get rid of me. She had locked me up in the North Tower for a month because I had made my extreme dislike of her publicly known. I managed to escape one night through a secret passageway and then I travelled for a week to get here. I didn't purposely come here," she hurried, seeing Jarred's frown deepen. "I just came upon it and realised your land was all there was between Tebrielle and Kyrrion. I felt safe here. And I spoke the truth when I said that I've never been happier than I have been whilst I was here. I do love it here. And I never want to leave."

She was nearly crying, but she held it back, waiting to see what Jarred would say.

"You're Princess Anaiya?" he appeared to be confirming what she'd just said as though he couldn't believe it. "You ran away because you heard the queen say she'd get rid of you, and then you ended up here." Anaiya nodded silently.

"And I suppose you want me to hide you from the rescue party?"

"Yes! Please! If they find me they'll take me back to Tebrielle and then I'll never escape her again."

"But what do you think she'd do to me if they found you here? They'll say I was the kidnapper. They'll arrest me and take away my lands. Why should I do this for you?" he was hurting. Why hadn't she told him before? Hadn't she trusted him? Was she only using him?

"Oh my goodness!" Anaiya was in shock. "I didn't think of that. I forgot the story she had made up! No! You can't hide me! I'm sorry I even asked you. Please just let me out the back so I can get away from here. I honestly don't want to bring trouble to you or your house. I'm so sorry!" she broke down crying. The thought of having endangered Jarred was too much for her to bear. She realised now that she loved him. And she would willingly sacrifice herself if it meant sparing him. How could this have happened?

"Annie…no…Anaiya," Jarred was on his knees beside her, holding her. "Please stop crying. I'm sorry I got angry; I know it's ten times worse for you. I'll hide you. Come on…we have to hurry; they'll be here any minute." he grabbed her hand and helped her stand, then he led her over to the far wall.

Anaiya watched in amazement as Jarred touched a certain part of the wall and a doorway appeared (A/N - getting old, I know - but hey! It was convenient). He produced a torch from somewhere and lit it from the fireplace, then they made their way through the catacombs under the Manor.

Five minutes later they came to a large, well furbished room off the side of the tunnel. Anaiya noticed that it looked as though it was used quite frequently, and that it had a very homey feel about it. Jarred set the torch in the wall.

"Stay here. I have to go back now to greet the rescue party, but I'll come back as soon as possible. Please don't go anywhere, and trust me when I say you'll be safe here."

"Of course I trust you," exclaimed Anaiya. "How could I not? You're helping me. And I truly am sorry."

"Don't worry about it. I'll see you soon," he approached her and kissed her on the cheek. "I don't quite know how to treat you now," he said by way of explanation.

When Jarred returned, six hours later - he'd had to be a good host and dine and entertain the nobles who had accompanied the 'rescue' party - he found Anaiya curled up on a large seat, fast asleep. The stress had apparently been too much for her.

The young duke walked over to the girl who had somehow won his heart, and gazed down at her. She was so beautiful when she was asleep; she looked like an angel, with her long, flowing chestnut coloured hair; perfect, white face; rosy cheeks; and long, dark eyelashes. He glanced at the bed not ten feet away before lifting Anaiya up and lowering her onto it.

"Hmm?" Anaiya half-awoke. "Jarred…don't go. Stay with me…"

Jarred chuckled softly then lay down behind her, her back nestled into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and held her; he didn't know when he'd be able to do so again - especially now he knew who she was.

Anaiya didn't know what time she awoke the following morning, but she was warm and comfortable and thus had no inclination of leaving her bed anytime soon.

Hang on! What was that around her waist! And who was that behind her?

She carefully craned her neck to see who lay in the bed with her, and sighed with relief when she saw it was Jarred. He looks so adorable when he's asleep, she thought. So peaceful and young - like he is. All the worries of inheriting his title too early seem to have disappeared.

Then she remembered why she was in this strange room, and a cold wave of dread washed over her. The 'rescue' party was even now sleeping in Canniton Manor and would begin the search for her tomorrow. Or was it today? She had no idea what time it was because there were no windows in the little room. She supposed that Jarred would have to leave her again today in order to be the proper host, and to supervise the search. She also knew he had much to organise in regard to the war with Kyrrion.

Which was the stupidest thing that had ever happened. Anaiya couldn't believe that her father had declared war for such a ridiculous reason; he and King Emery were friends and he should have known that there was no way in the world Emery would wish a marriage with herself. Besides, Anaiya considered him as more of a favourite uncle. She couldn't have married him, either - and she had told everyone so. But she had no say in the matter, anyway.

No, that wasn't true. She always had gotten as she wished. It was only since Tebrielle had arrived that Anaiya had been marginalised and ignored. The court had a new gem, now, and the princess was no longer as important. Especially since the queen did not like her.

Anaiya had no doubt whatsoever that the marriage and war ideas had been Tebrielle's; the bitch hated her step-daughter so much that she had no doubt wished to get rid of her as soon as possible. It suddenly occurred to Anaiya as she lay in Jarred's arms that Tebrielle had an ulterior motive in instigating all these problems.

She would have pursued these interesting yet disturbing thoughts further, except that at that moment Jarred stirred.

Two deep brown eyes returned the lovely vivid green gaze that met them as they opened, and both slowly smiled at each other.

"Good morning, sleepy head," teased Anaiya, rolling over so she could see him properly. "It's about time you woke up."

Jarred grinned and leaned forward, capturing her lips in a soft yet passionate kiss.

"Good morning to you, too," he answered, leaning his nose against hers. "And how is my princess faring?"

My princess! squealed Anaiya inside her head. He called my his princess! I've never been so glad to be called that in my entire life!

"I'm very well, sir. I think I can safely say that I have never awoken so warm and comfortable as I did just now."

"And I can safely say that I've never awoken to such beauty," he teased in return, yet with a perfectly solemn face.

They both laughed and Jarred pulled Anaiya closer to him, kissing her once more.

When they reluctantly rose from the bed, Anaiya suddenly became shy and bashful. They had felt so natural to lie in the bed with Jarred, but now they had left it, she didn't quite know what to do with herself. She couldn't meet his gaze.

Jarred saw her dilemma and grinned. He understood that as a princess she had most likely never done anything like this before, and from what he'd heard of the Princess Anaiya, she would have been the last princess on earth to act in such an inappropriate manner. He was glad she had changed.

Suddenly the door to the room banged open and someone tumbled into the room.

"Jarred! I've been loo… " the very loud voice suddenly choked to a stop. "Princess Anaiya!"

Cliffy! Okay guys, I know this is a mushy - almost to the extent of painful - chapter, but it was fun to write (use your imagination about the bits I mean).

Hi Steph and Lyzza, I hope you're reading this - weird chapter, huh? Doesn't really sound like me writing? Oh well. Twas fun!

Thanks once again to all my reviewers - you guys rock!

I'll be posting the next chapter as soon as possible - so don't give up on me just yet.

nightsoul

xxxxxx