I'm sorry for the late update, but just to let you know, this week I will start high school and my time will be limited. However, I'll do my best to keep writing this story. Thank you for your reviews.

Chapter 6: Shirayuki's secret and the attack in the forest (part 2)

That morning, Shirayuki woke up very early. She was waiting for this all night. Now, a chance was given to her to prove that princesses are able to fight.

Zen had told Kiki for this match and she accepted it gladly. At last, she could fight with someone who had the same strength with her. This would be a real match.

Mitsuhide went to the fencing place. There he found Shirayuki practicing.

- Do you want me to help you?

- Oh um. Hello. What's your name?, asked him a little surprised.

- My name's Mitsuhide, my Princess. I'm one of Zen's aides along with Kiki. Nice to meet you, he bowed.

- Nice to meet you too. Last night, Zen told me about you two. You seem to be good friends with him.

- Yes we are. I heard that you will have a match with Kiki at fencing. How come?

- I beat Zen at fencing last night and he bet that I can't beat Kiki so I challenged her.

- I see. Then, do you want help?

- If you can.

They were practicing and Mitsuhide thought that she was truly very good at this sport.

After a while, Zen with Kiki appeared.

- Nice to meet you, your Highness. My name's Kiki. Today, I will be your rival.

- Nice to meet you too Kiki. It's my plaesure to have you as my rival.

They began fighting after Kiki's warming. Both were good at it, but only one would be the winner. The question was: who?

Zen with Mitsuhide were looking at them excited. This was the first time they were seeing a match between girls, let alone a princess with a prince's aide.

Shirayuki did her best to be the winner but she knew that this wouldn't be so easy. In front of her was standing a girl who used the sword as well as her.

After twenty minutes of fighting the winner still hadn't been decided. Until Zen stopped them and spoke.

- Well... Both of you are the best at fencing. The winner cannot be decided so I suggest this match will be a tie. What do you think?

Shirayuki nodded to him and then looked at Kiki. She nodded too. The girls shaked hands and smiled to each other. All of them were satisfied.

Later, the four of them went to the kitchen to eat something. Shirayuki thought an amazing idea.

- How about going the four of us for a horseriding in the forest? It would be a wonderful ride!, said excited.

- Mmm... You're right. In fact, I want to go out for a walk. What do you think, guys?, asked Zen his friends.

- I'm in, said Kiki.

- Me too, agreed Mitsuhide.

- Then, I'll prepare some food to do picnic.

- Mitsuhide and I will get ready the horses.

- As for me, I will lend a hand to Shirayuki.

- Alright. Let's do it.

Everyone completed their tasks and headed to the forest. The day was amazing without a tiny cloud in the sky. The Sun was the Sky's King and was holding the clouds and the rain away so the four friends would have fun.

Finally, they stopped their horses at a glade. The trees' leaves and the grass were fully green and here and there you could see colourful flowers. The landscape was fantastic!

Shirayuki recognized some herbs and flowers. She always liked to do this job when she was in a forest.

- Ahh... The air here is refreshing. That's why I like going to forests, said Shirayuki.

- Me too, concurred Zen.

While they were eating, Mitsuhide spoke.

- Princess Shirayuki, I was-

- Stop. Before telling me what you want, I will say to Kiki and you something. I know you show to me respect because I'm a princess, but we're almost at the same age. It is a little weird to call me ''Your Highness'' e.t.c.So I desire to call me by my name. Will you do it?

- Of course, Shirayuki, smiled Kiki. From now on, we will call each other by our first names. Right Mitsuhide?

- Certainly.

The company was having fun, when they heard something strange. It was a sound like somebody fell on the ground. Immediately, all of them stood up and went to the place where the sound was heard.

- Shirayuki, you stay back, said Zen with severity.

- But I-

- I said you stay here.

Mitsuhide, Kiki and Zen saw someone with a hood and a sword in his hand. The three friends figured out that he was a thief.

- Who are you? Tell me, demanded Zen.

The stranger didn't answer. Instead, he jumped upon them and went to Shirayuki. Everyone understood what he wanted.

Shirayuki (P.O.V.)

I see the man that is walking towards me. I am frightened, what does he want from me?

- Don't say anything, he spoke with his heavy voice. If you move, I will kill you with my sword.

I see terror in Zen's eyes. I want to go back to him.

- Let her go. Otherwise, if you harm her, I will kill you with my own hands.

What should I do? I know how to fight with a sword but I don't know what to do when I'm in danger.

Please Zen, help me. Take me close to you, hug me, I wish inside my head.

Kiki and Mitsuhide are standing behind my childhood friend. They are waiting for orders from Zen.

- I won't let her. You know, she has beautiful and unique red hair. Plus, she is a princess. She would worth a fortune for noble people.

- I won't let you have her. Give her back, says Zen determined as he walks to us ready to fight.

- One more step and she will belong to past.

Zen steps back and seems like he is thinking.

- Let's make a deal.

- I'm listening.

- How about giving her to me and then give you money?

The stranger seems to think about it, but then he asks for a certain amount . Zen says it is a lot of money. He can't give him so much.

Zen may be a prince and wealthy but he can't give to a thief so much money.

- Then say goodbye to her. Guys, I leave them to you...

Suddenly, more men with hoods are falling onto the ground and surrounding my friends.

The first stranger must be their leader. He takes me into the forest while I scream.

- ZEN, ZEN. PLEASE HELP ME. SOMEONE. ZEEEEENNNNN..., I scream with all my strength.

I hear Zen calling my name but I can't talk to him anymore as the leader has his hand on my mouth.

I start crying and he tells me to shut up. I'm trying with all I have to escape but he's stronger than me.

The last thing I remember is the leader telling me to shut up and then he hits me on the head with a mace. Then I pass out. Everything's black.

See you next time...