Yes, I know, I've been of the grid for a month, but hopefully a few hardcore sherwoodfans are still out there. Btw, this has been corrected by Meneldur.

Chapter 8: I Did Ask Nicely

It was at that point I heard a whistling sound, Flauvic launched himself towards me, pushing me away and an arrow landed an inch from us, planting itself in the grass, a hissing sound being heard as the poison on it dissolved the grass into mush.

I didn't have time to do anything, Flauvic was already on top of me covering us with his cloak and starting to mutter a series of words, all from what I recognized as advanced magic. I stayed in a ball, knowing that the uncomfortable mass on my body would never let any harm come to me. I don't know if it was a few seconds or minutes before the unknown enemy decided that he had sent enough poisoned whizzing hours to declare us dead. I tried to move, but Flauvic's arms, wrapped tightly around me wouldn't let go.

'Don't move Mel,' he growled.

He didn't let me up for another few minutes, I knew he was waiting for the attacker to check on our bodies but no one came. I got up with a sigh, if anyone from court had seen us in the compromising situation they would have assumed the worst.

'Now you've ruined my gown for real-'

'Mel, do you have any idea the risk-'

'You will have to tell Nee yourself its your fault, she'll think I did it on-'

''You could have died, how could you make yourself such ene-'

'By the by, how did you do it? I mean, I understood making the cloak impenetrable, but the last part was not something I've-'

'Mel, stop it, now!'

I looked at him reproachfully.

'Well, I apologize if I'm just happy I'm alive,' I took his hands, 'stop being so serious Flauvie, they probably were disgruntled servants, who were aiming for-'

I stopped when I saw the arrow Flauvic had unsheathed from the ground, they were Sartorian colours, and the shaft was engraved with magical runes.

'First you're attacked by mercenaries, now it's arrows, Mel you need to be more on your guard, you are going to be named royal heir as soon as you reach your 19th birthday, maybe that's why someone is that desperate to kill you.'

'Flauvic, I'm perfectly fine, now can we go back to our previous conversati-'

'I'm sorry Mel, but after this, it's a no. You are not to approach the prisoner under any circumstance, I will make sure you don't, its far too dangerous, we do not know where the threat is coming from.

'But I would be safer if-'

'Mel, that's a definite no, you cannot swing around me as easily as you do with Nee, now come, before I drag you off.'

'Flauvic at least can we clean this up? I do not want the rest of the court to find out about this. Especially, not the king…' I stopped suddenly, a horrifying idea entering my head, 'You don't think, that, that Gladran would-'

'Mel, no' He cupped my face in his hands,' Mel, your father may have done terrible things, but he loves you, believe that if you believe anything of him, he would never hurt you.'

I withdrew, my face turning stony,

'he already has Flauvic, he already has…'

I was still stuck in the horrifyingly possible scenario involving a Galdran who wanted to give the crown to Shevraeth and so was trying to kill me off, while Flauvic passed me to a very worried Nee in our chambers with a few terse words, he muttered something to me about going to clean up the scene and I nodded mechanically. Nee didn't say anything, she guided me to her bed and handed me some coffee.

'Are you ready to talk about it?' She asked softly.

I shook my head, quietly sipping the creamy mixture. I knew I had to snap out of this torpor. Knowing myself I would sit hours agonizing about that so standing up, I walked up to the cold basin of water left there for our hands, and ignoring Nee's grumbled: 'Not again' dunked my head into it. I closed my eyes as I let the ice cold water clear all thought out of my head. I had always been a good swimmer and I could hold my breath for rather long. By the time I could stand it no longer and my dripping head emerged, a scowling Mora was in front of me with a warm towel and a brush.

'Mora please don't lecture me, I really can't stand it right now.'

'I won't'. Instead she bore holes in my back as she fixed my hair into a tight coiffure.

'Where's Nee?' I asked to fill the reproving silence.

As if on cue, she entered a worried frown on her face.

'What is it?' I asked, not wanting to know.

'Mel I'm sorry, it's your father. Apparently you are invited to share his dinner tonight, but, and I don't think you should refuse,' she continued seeing my face, 'You already left the ball hosted for you this morning, we cant afford to anger h-'

'Nee its fine, I'll go. I need a few words with daddy dearest. Just don't give me a fan, I don't know if I'll be able to resist.'

By the time Mora had gotten me ready it was nearly time, and I knew if the Merindars were one thing, they were punctual. I walked down the hallways, my skirts swishing, as I renewed my determination, with no help from Flauvic I was going to have much more trouble making all of this right. My first try would be to dissuade Gal- my father in his battle against the Tlanthi. I could pretend I wanted to govern some land as practice perhaps. When I reached his doors, I paused a second, there were no servants in front of the doors, which meant I was still early, and Galdran was not here yet. I tried the door, it wasn't locked. But then who would dare enter Galdran's personal rooms, he probably had spies watching. I deliberated for a few seconds before entering. The curtains were down, a few shards of light filtering through. I surveyed the room, still strange to me, I thought his apartments may give me a clue about his character. I stepped around, looking at the desk he had set up, a map of all Remalna on the wall, the painting of a battleship. I sighed, if only things had been different. I approached his desk, with one hand raised the curtain. It was strewn with papers, all formal looking documents. And then, a small frame, compressing a blue ribbon. I stared at it for a few minutes then my gaze strayed to a scroll with the royal seal stamped into it.

By order of his majesty King Galdran vi Merindar,

The Count Branaric of Tlanth will be quartered publicly

to show all Remalna what happens to traitors.

To be executed at midday tomorrow.

I felt nauseous, gripping the side of the desk, Bran had not even been trialed. How had such a great country come to such baseness. Still reeling I shuddered when I heard Galdran's voice:

'I see you permitted yourself in my private chambers.'

'Father! I didn't see you coming.'

'Oh yes, it must be hard while you're snooping.' his voice had become sarcastic.

'I wasn't snooping,' I replied idignantly, I merely happened to see the order you want to be carried out tomorrow.'

'Ah, yes, the Tlanthi scoundrel.'

'Yes, Count Branaric.' I corrected pointedly.

'Well, sit down daughter.' He motioned with his hand to the dining table which the servants had already prepared. I sat, my mouth very dry.

'Father, may I ask you something?'

'Of course, do you want punch or just water?'

'Water, why do you hate the count so?'

'What do you mean? Should I not punish traitors in the land? If I let all wrong doers go free what would happen to my kingdom?' His voice gave the impression of bewildered unnocense, but I had grown up among courtiers after all.

'Yes, but you haven't given the count a chance to explain himself, perhaps if there was a fair trial-' I tried to entreat him with logic.

'A trial? To that miserable bastard?

'That is exactly what I mean, you have such animosity in your heart.'

'And you seem to have such goodwill towards him. You hardly can know him, so why such interest?'

It seemed light entreaties did not work with the king so I changed tact:

'I cannot let you commit injustice father, at least not when I'm aware of it.'

'Let me? I am king of Remalna. Know your place daughter! I have already ordered you to stay away from politics. I will not ask again.'

'You did not ask. You ordered, the same way you order a lackey.' I spit out.

'After the ball you left so hurriedly,' How could he just change the topic so? 'I had a meeting with Lord Vidanric.' He said with narrowed eyes, and I wondered if my father had seen the fan I had wanted to hit Shevraeth with.

'Ah yes, the returned warrior.'

'Charming man, a slight dandy, but a charming suitor.'

I sipped my punch silently, my patience already at end.

'He's not my suitor, get to the point father.'

'My, my, you really have no finesse, daughter,' with a look he sent the servants away, I stared at my mutton rebelliously.

'Your mother married at 18.' With all the doubts I had about him, this was not necessarily a safe topic.

'And look where she ended. Dead in a ditch.'

'Really, Meliara, we must teach you not to be so callous.'

'Callous? You're mistaken, I just had to teach myself the cruelty of the world, same as I had to learn to live without a father.'

My words actually made a flicker of emotion on his oily face and said: 'It is strange, it is as if I am dining with your mother again. Only she is as young and beautiful as ever, while I am weary with this world.'

'Did you ever find those brigands who killed mother?' I wouldn't let him distract me this time.

'No. I did not'

'Funny, it seems you would have spent more time searching for murderers, of course, unless you knew who it was already.'

'What are you saying daughter? '

I dropped the knife I was gripping into my plate with a clang, 'If there is one thing I have learnt about you, it is that you don't give up, when you start something you finish it. In Sartor I read all the records they had about that murder, which wasn't much. But one thing was clear,' I leaned in looking into his gaze, 'She only had one guard with her, and there is no mention of what happened to him. Now, why would the queen of Remalna have so little protection, especially when records mention she was very ill?'

'Your mother…did not like excessive guards, and the man must have obviously been killed by the brigands.'

'Really…' I got up, taking a sip of my water and trying to calm down my scattered thoughts.

'How did I remain uninjured and unscathed? Those murdering brigands didn't even take the locket that my mother left with me, this one to be exact.' I lifted with a hand the silver trinket which never left my neck, always hidden under my dress.

'Your mother must have hidden you well, why am I even discussing this painful memory with you? Enough.'

'I need to know the truth. Did you have her killed King Galdran?'

I regretted the question as soon as it was out of my mouth. Had I not learnt subtlety when I was in Sartor? Galdran had lurched up at my accusation, moving quicker than I thought he could, he stood in front of me, I saw his hand raise and come falling down on my face but I did nothing to stop it, as I looked at his blank eyes. Then I raised my own hand and slapped him back.

'You go too far with your insolence. For this, your horse will be slaughtered tomorrow with the prisoner.'

'And you disgust me. No wonder this country is such chaos.' I said, head held high, lip bleeding, probably caused by the ring he wore, eyes dry. I would not give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

'You play a very foolish game m'dear,' he whispered, his hand lifting and touching the side of my face. 'There no laws I cannot change. And you are only heiress by blood, I could always change the heir to someone else.'

'Like your beloved Shevraeth, or your drunkard cousin Debergi? Do not make me laugh father, I do not regret these words, I have longed to say them. You might as well execute me tomorrow with the prisoner, for I will not bend to your corrupt laws. Besides, I doubt your reign will last long.'

I took in a breath we were a few centimeters away from each other,

'Branaric is only the first, in sight of every tyrant there will be righteous rebels.' I quoted, then slowly, I withdrew a few paces, 'I will now take my leave, and you can take me from my room if you want to lock me in the dungeons tonight.'

With my head still held high I strode out of the room. I knew I had done a very foolish thing, my initial plan had been to help Bran escape, but now I feared I would have to escape with him. With my lip stinging, I started planning different scenarios in my head, all impossible but gratifying, which nearly always involved me punching the lights out of Shevraeth and Galdran. I stopped in shock when the man of my musings stepped out into the corridor, his cousin Savona right on his heels,

'…We need to act now otherwise-' he stopped short when he saw me.

'Lady Meliara…what a surprise', if Savona hadn't been with him I would have punched him right then, instead I smiled sweetly at Savona and replied:

'A nice surprise I hope.' He kissed my hand and answered,

'What else could you ever be.' Shevraeth was looking at me with an unreadable expression on his face,

'Your lip is cut, m'lady, you must have it looked at.'

'Ah yes, I had –' would it be wise to tell them about the disagreement, no, not to Galdran's toadie, so I finished, 'meant to go to the infirmary soon.'

'Well let us accompany you, we might need to check Vidanric's head for some damage anyway.'

'Like a cruel ego?' I blurted, Savona laughed edgily, but I was not in my patience-with-courtiers mood. So I turned to Vidanric,

'We never really finished the conversation we had started, do you still support the same views? Do not be concerned, I did not take my fan with me.' I could feel him start with surprise, I knew I was being blunt and direct, but it would not matter, I was leaving this place.

'The same views? Which ones would that be?' he answered cautiously.

'Well, you gave the impression my father was just and always right, that Count Branaric was a vile traitor and that you considered yourself a hero.'

Silence greeted my words, I saw Savona biting his lips to keep from laughing and immediately liked him all the better for it.

'Was that sarcasm m'lady?' he asked.

I smiled, 'Lord Russav, I know as well as you do how dangerous it is to argue with my dear father, but to spout such lies just makes my blood boil. I would encourage your friend to find a cure of honesty and remorse at the infirmary. Being my father's pet does not assuage a conscience and is a very dangerous spot to be. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll have my lip seen to. '

We had arrived at the infirmary, I could see healers bustling inside, No one noticing the the king's daughter, and I wondered what could be the emergency. I walked past the beds in the infirmary towards the bustle where healers rushed around a body. Suddenly one of them moved and I glimpsed the body. I heard a keen cry, not realizing it was mine and then suddenly I was running towards the immobile body, towards her, towards Nee. I pushed a healer aside until I could see her but before I could approach any closer, strong arms closed around me.

'Let me go.'

'Lady Meliara, we don't know what caused this you should not be next to this body.'

'LET ME GO!'

'I'm sorry m'lady I can't do that.' I recognized Shevraeth's voice, all trace of the drawl gone, and I shuddered thinking of Galdran's toady's hands on me.

'An apologetic healer was in front of me trying to reassure me: 'M'lady, she is not dead yet, we believe she has been poisoned, there is still hope yet. I spotted Mora, washing leaves in a bowl nearby and I ordered Shevraeth one last time.

'Get your hands off me.'

'Only if you promise-'

I gave a sharp jab into his chest with my elbow, I hadn't expected hard muscles bruising my elbow instead of hurting him, but he was so surprised with my attack, it seemed, that he loosened his hold. I twisted round and punched him straight in the face. With a small oomph he fell to the floor.

'I did ask nicely,' I told him coldly, leaving an ecstatic Savona to help his friend I hurried to Mora and asked:

'Mora, what happened?'

'It was the lime juice given with dinner, she collapsed right after her first sip. I immediately called a healer.' Seeing my darkening face she said:

'M'lady, it was not your fault. Do not-'

'Mora, there is not time, go fetch Flauvic, tell him to use any means necessary to save her, any means. I wouldn't be able to, I never studied- I mean, he can save her. And tell him…tell him I was never good at following orders. Now go.'

As soon as Mora exited, I surveyed the room, courtiers were starting to mill around, I slipped out of the infirmary.

If I wanted to save Bran, now was the best time.

So, what do you think? Were the dialogues boring? Should I put a Vidanric POV about the infirmary scenes? Tell me in the review you're about to write.