Christine's POV

"Papa! Papa!" I called as I ran down the grand staircase. Part of the castle was already on fire as we were undergoing an extreme attack. But why? The Pondicherry's haven't attacked us in over a decade since the peace treaty was signed. Why would they start now? As I enter the foyer I was greeted with smoke and flames. Where was everyone? They could not have left me... Was I abandoned? These thoughts racing through my head made my panic even worse. Then, as if from Hell itself was the most bone-chilling, unearthly cry. Followed by a "Christine!" The voice which cried my name I instantly recognized.

It pulled me from my reverie as I searched for a way through the flames. They were spreading fast, I had to get out or I was going to die in this god forsaken place. "Christine!" The voice called again, only this time filled with anguish. Finally I had found an opening in the flames, but it wasn't going to last long. It as now or never, I gathered up what little courage I had left and leaped through the flames and into the entrance of what was the the throne room which was darkened with smoke.

"Papa?!" I cried as I saw a crumpled figure on the ground while what appeared to be a knight was kneeling next to him. I rushed over only to confirm my fears, that it was indeed my beloved father laying in a pool of his own crimson blood. "Christine..." He croaked as I knelt down next to him, "What happened?" I asked even though it was obvious with the arrow sticking out of his abdomen.

"Christine... Listen to me. You need to get away and go to the neighboring kingdom... Prince Raoul has sent an escort for you." My father rasped as the blood drained from his face until he became as white as snow. "This Knight here... Is a good man. He will escort you to Prince Raoul and ensure your safety..." My eyes began to water from the thick smoke, "But what about you Papa?" I asked even though I knew what the answer was.

"No... I am sorry Christine but it is my place here to die. But you will not see it, I love you my brave daughter." he said before turning his attention to the young knight who was also kneeling next to him. "You take care of my daughter, she is the most precious thing to me." the knight nodded his head firmly, "I give you my word your Majesty." he said. His voice caught me off guard, it was deep and soft.

"Now go... Get out of here!" My father yelled. The knight was on his feet in an instant and he reached for my hand. "Come with me Princess, we must go now." I didn't want to leave, I wanted to stay and die with my father. But instead I felt myself holding the hand of this knight while we ran to the back entrance, he kicked the door down and we ran out into the night.

I was surprised by his incredible strength, I could definitely see why he was chosen to come all this way to get me. 'Father...' I thought as tears streamed down my face; I glanced back over my shoulder at the burning palace that was once my home.

I hope you enjoyed that! There will be more to come soon! - Lyricalmiracle134