Cici Tsumis

Chapter 10

“The queen asked you to find me?” I questioned; my eyes accessed his in precaution. This could be a trap.

He pulled back, letting me finally have some breathing room. “Yes, and she was insistent of me to track you down in order to protect and hide you until the king gives up on the search party.”

“Why would she do that?” I asked as I held my cloak tightly in bewilderment. The queen had seemed more like a pushover that wouldn’t do such a thing. I still remember her down casted eyes and timid frame that flinched at every loud sound.

He frowned, glaring at the ground. “She said that the king is different this time. Usually, he lays with a woman then he moves on. But for some reason he is still looking for you…have you not laid with him?”

“No! Of course not!” I practically growled in outrage. He stepped back. His green eyes widened at my shaken state.

He hesitantly asked, “Really?”

“As if I would sleep willingly with that bastard!” I held myself tightly, trying to forget that morning, trying to forget everything that happened at that old woman’s house.

“…miss…were you…did he…”

I regretted the moment I turned to his face. His eyes were full of pity and sadness. And then the tears wouldn’t stop. I don’t remember what happened next. All I know that I fell to the ground. And I cried. It was the first time in my life that I cried and cried, and I couldn’t stop crying my heart out in distraught. And to a stranger. He didn’t seem to know at first what to do about my grieving state.

I don’t know if he held me first or if I did. But I sobbed into his chest and clenched his shirt to what seemed like hours. The fragrance of the ocean and fresh grass comes once again over me and before I knew it, it became almost nightfall…

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I pushed him away after calming down. His hands were in the air in symbol of surrender and stared at me wide eyed.  If I wasn’t so distraught, I would have scoffed at his behavior. I was a warrior. I AM A WARRIOR. I do not break easily. And I am not broken.

He stayed silent and let me compose myself before suggesting we find a private place to talk.

I narrowed my eyes at him in suspicion at the word private. He slowly took out his dagger as he watched me warily and gently handed it to me. It was decorated beautifully. The sleeve was embroidered in the same dove design as his boots. The handle was made of silver and had the same dove but smaller. The initials, G.A., were below the beautiful dove.

“It’s beautiful.” I whispered.

He chuckled. “Thank you. It is a gift from the former king.”

I met his eyes. “You were close with the former king.”

“He liked me because of my eyes but the current queen is the apple of his eye.”

“You said you and the current queen are cousins?”

“We’re distant cousins. The family tree is in a secret compartment in the palace. Only those in direct bloodline can access it. Only Annie and I can access it.”

“Annie?”

He smiled softly. “My cousin, the Queen.”

I nodded in understanding.

I walked beside him. He led me to a small clearing. A brown horse was tied to a tree. There was a small stream of water.

“This is my steed, Stanton.”

I walked near it. I raised my hand tentatively and the horse nudged my hand with its long face. I chuckled and patted it affectionately.

Garrett cleared his throat. I glanced at him neutrally.

“You like horses.” He noted.

I wanted to roll my eyes at the statement. But I politely nodded in agreement. “It’s been a long while since I had last rode one.”

His eyes widened in bewilderment. “You know how to ride?”

I frowned in confusion. “Don’t women here ride?”

He froze. “…no. Women ride carriages or wagons. They do not ride horses.”

“Oh.” I froze.

His eyes watched me cautiously. “At least no women here in Dove Lorraine.”

“So, the Queen asked you protect me from the king…how can I trust you?” I glanced away and fiddled with his dagger as I asked. I probably should be more on guard. I wasn’t sure to reveal my identity yet. Thankfully, he kept a respectable distance.

“You can keep my dagger as long as we are hidden together.” He knelt to one knee and put his right fist over his heart.  “I promise I will protect you with my life.” His piercing green eyes, warmth with sincerity, stared into my own blue insecure ones.

We were a few feet away from the road. Concealed by the trees of the forest.

I cleared my throat and looked away. “That’s alright. All I ask is that you help me get back home.” I don’t know why but my face felt warm.

“So, you are of Isle of Elah.”

I turned back to face him. My heart thudding in panic. I just revealed myself to the enemy!

He watched me calmly before slowing standing up.

“The island ports have knights guarding them as of now. Along with the citizens being on the lookout for you, it’s really not the ideal place for you to be right now.”

I forced myself to calm down. I had confessed my origins, not that I came as a spy, but that I came as a curious traveler. He nodded, not seemed surprised by my revelation whatsoever.

I narrowed my eyes to him. “So, what do you suggest?”

He smiled reassuringly, “I suggest we wait it out until he gives up and then I will safely see that you go back to your island safe and sound.”

He loosens the rope that tight up his horse to the tree. “In the meantime,” He turned back halfway smirking, “We’ll hide out for at a place I know very well.”

I sighed and followed him.

I didn’t trust Garreth fully to tell him that I am a warrior from Isle of Elah. I just said that I was from Isle of Elah who had always been curious of Dove Lorraine and came to visit.

Garreth Aleron. He was sent by the queen to find me and hide me away from the king. He is a distant cousin of the queen on her father’s side. A weak link but worthy enough to not be broken down by other nobles. Especially since he has the same emerald, green eyes as the beloved princess, Aria Dove. The beloved princess that died years ago and to this day is still remembered and honored by the people.

Garreth says that while he does obey the current king’s reasonable commands, and only reasonable commands, the one he always answers back to is Queen Anabel.

Right now, Garreth is on holiday for a year. He plans to return before the queen gives birth. So, the vulgar king had better lose interest in me quickly because I do not plan to be here longer than a year.

The cabin that Garreth took me to is a hideaway that he built for himself to be alone. It’s isolated and no one knows about it. It is the perfect place to hide. Located in the depths of the forest beneath the mountain. It’s perfect and well kept.