I’m so lost in my own thoughts that I don’t realize we are only feet away from the castle. The horse takes it first steps on the grey and white stone bridge. Its hooves clop along as we approach the tall, imposing doors.
Two guards stand on either side in armor similar to what I saw Lucas wear in my dreams. These have the eagle on them, with its wings spread wide, and talons showing in the same steel blue color. On the top of the wall, I notice other guards patrolling. My heart starts to pound in my chest. I don’t want to go in. What if I never come out?
I twist my body and look at Lucas with pleading eyes. “Please don’t take me in there. They aren’t going to believe me. I don’t want to be locked up. Please.” Tears start falling onto my cheeks. I’m unable to hold them back.
He stops the horse just a few feet from the doors. With a gentle hand he reaches up and captures my tears with this fingers. “Shhh, don’t cry. I won’t let them hurt you. You might get locked up, but only until I can clear things up with my father. Be brave, my princess. I’ll protect you.”
“You said you were going to contact King Pine about me. What changed? Why do you want to protect me now?”
“I believe you. That is what’s changed. I can’t be too careful. You must understand that. I find a woman in the middle of a field, who happens to be the daughter of our enemy. Now that I have proof of your words, it eases my mind. I also saw the knife in your bag and knew if you wanted to harm me you would have. It’s in my pocket now, by the way. Plus, I use my instincts a lot and they tell me I can trust you. They tell me more, but that is for me to know right now. I feel like I’ve known you much longer than I have. Seeing you for so long in my dreams, I can’t explain it, but there’s something very special about you.”
His words cause my body to relax marginally. They are what I need to hear. I might be in a cell once we get inside, but Lucas would watch over me, right? He said he’d protect me. I only hope he means it. I close my eyes and lean into his touch, relishing this moment which will soon break. I’ve been alone for too long. It’s nice to have someone touch me and care.
Heavy footsteps come toward us. His hand drops from my face, and I immediately miss the warmth of his skin on mine.
“Prince Lucas,” one of the guards calls. “Allow me to walk you in.” Lucas nods as the man takes the reins and walks the horse with us on it through the door. The other guard remains at his station, but bows as we pass.
Once inside, I’m amazed by all I see. The courtyard is covered with the same grey and white stone that the bridge is. There are a few vendors within the walls with colorful carts selling different goods. There are azure colored flags sticking out from the wall with the same eagle on them, with its talons spread wide and feathers sticking out on either side.
Men bow and women curtsy as we pass by, and Lucas nods in their direction. I notice the men are dressed in loose fitting twill pants with long-sleeved cotton shirts. The women are wearing dresses or skirts that reach their feet. Some are more colorful than others. Aren’t they warm? I only just got here, but sweat has formed on my brow from the sun. It’s not stifling, just warm.
We attract everyone’s stares as we make our way through the courtyard. I don’t look like these women, with my fitted top and jeans that form to my hips and legs. I wonder what they think of me. A couple of people even whisper as we pass by. Lifting my head, I focus straight ahead and not on those around us.
The horse is brought to a halt in front of the tower house. Lucas dismounts first, then helps me down. He thanks the guard who escorted us in and leads me into a dark room.
Neighbor
Lucas said he would protect me, that no one would harm me. I can’t help but feel he won’t be able to keep his word. Sure, he’s a prince, but he’s not the king. I’m sure the king makes the final decisions, and I’ll be labeled as a spy. Even as I reflect back on how I appeared and what I said, it seems so far-fetched. Without the letter I’d really be screwed.
My body is trembling. Lucas stops, and I bump into him with my shoulder, since I’m not paying attention. I look around waiting for something to happen, unsure why we halted.
We’re in a dark hallway with only bits of light filtering in through windows. There were a handful of guards we passed, but now we’re alone. He turns to me and speaks in a soft voice. “Alison, I can feel you shaking. Please, be calm. I already told you I’d watch over you. You must trust me.”
My voice is barely above a whisper. “But I don’t even know you.”
His head tilts slightly to the side. “Don’t you? We’ve been meeting in our dreams for a while now. Have you ever felt frightened of me or worried?”
“No, not frightened of you. Worried, yes. Scared in general, yes. I always felt like something was about to happen to me, and I needed to get to you; that I would be safe by your side.”
“And now? Are you afraid of me? Do you think I’ll let harm befall you?”
“I’m still not frightened of you, but I don’t think you’ll have the last say as to my fate. I think the king’s word will be final.”
He shakes his head. His dark brown hair that was swept back falls onto his forehead. I have to resist the urge to brush it back. “Have faith in me,” he urges.
I look away. I can’t have faith in someone I don’t know. No matter how many times I’ve seen him while asleep, I don’t actually know him well enough to put all of my trust in. Although, what choice do I have? No one else is going to sweep in and save me. The only person who I’m related to in this realm doesn’t even know I’m here. Does he even know I exist? I was born in the U.S., at least that’s what my birth certificate says. Who knows what’s true and what’s not anymore? Only two people know the answers and one is gone.
“Ali, believe in me.” I nod. It’s all I can do. To speak a confirmation out loud would be a lie.
To my surprise, he takes my hand in his and leads me through the corridor. I have so many conflicting emotions where he’s concerned. He’s shown me he can be hard one moment and soft the next. We stop outside a grand wooden door with thin pieces of wrought iron curling in design over it. It’s closed and guards are stationed on either side. They both bow to Lucas.
“Is my father in?” he asks.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Lucas nods and steps toward the door. One of the guards opens it so we may pass through. The door shuts with a loud clang, making me jump. There is a gorgeous chandelier above the long table before us. It’s wrought iron with candles atop it. Three men are sitting at the far end. One at the head and one on either side. The man at the head I know is the king. He has the same color hair as Lucas, but is stockier with a full beard. He exudes power. None of the men are dressed formally, only in simple cotton, navy long-sleeved shirts and black pants. The king’s eyes immediately fall on me and he tries to hide a gasp, but I hear his sharp intake of breath. Next, they are on our joined hands, then to his son. The men at his sides shift in their chairs to look at us as well.