Run

    I glided down the left wing of the castle, my long, deep scarlet dress rustling on the cold stone floor. Nervous, i looked behind my shoulder, desperately hoping that i would not be seen. Surely, though, Navarro would not look for me here. Even if he was in the castle, he would certainly be at the tournament enjoying the festivities. Though i chanted that thought to myself, i could not completely snuff out the feeling of unease deep in my stomach.

    Then i heard him.

    Soft foot steps gaining on me. I picked up my pace just a bit, frantically shifting my dark emerald eyes from wall to wall, looking for any sort of opening i could fit into.

    "M'lady." I gasped as i felt a man's hand grip my elbow. He turned me around to face him and i let out a sigh of relief. I t wasn’t Navarro.

    "M'lady," The young man repeated, "You look lost. Here, shall i point you to the festivities?"

    I starred at him, his light, wavy brown hair fell into his hazel- green eyes, trying to decide if i could trust him. My eyes searched him. His tunic was red and gold, obviously his loyalties did not lie with the man i was running from. I stood up a little straighter and smiled gratefully, nodding at him.

    "Thank you m'lord." I said, trying not to sound guilty of scared.

    "Follow me then. I am Sir Alexander Lancer." He bowed formally.

    I curtsied, "Lady Lynette Austin." He smiled and led me out into the courtyard. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people were gathered to watch jousting, archers, and fencers. Alexander led me to an open seat, then kissed my hand.

    "I must leave you here Lady Austin, I have a joust to prepare for." He trotted off then and i couldn’t help but look after him for a moment, how the sun hit his broad shoulders, the way his tunic clung to his muscles desperately…

    I regained my focus as the trumpeters came out to signal that the archers were going to start. I watched indifferent to who won or lost, clapping with only polite interest, slyly searching the crowd for any unwanted visitors that might be mingling in the crowd.

    Then the jousters came out. Sir Lancer got a mighty cheer from the crowd and the king looked at him fondly. He met my eye for a moment ,

    That’s when I saw his competitor.

    Navarro. Hesitantly from under my dark bangs, i looked at the two and stifled a groan. Navarro had caught my eye and he gave me a sly smile, his eyes absolutely menacing. My fearful gaze turned to Alexander, and he looked from me to Navarro, confused and a little concerned.

    I bit my lip as the two men took there stances, praying to God that Navarro would not win. When Alexander and Navarro commanded their horses to charge i looked away. With a loud clang, The round ended and i looked up and gasped. Alexander lay on the ground clutching his side, Navarro looked at me victoriously. I stood up quickly and weaved out of the crowds, making my way back into the castle. Once i got inside i ran as fast as i could. Tears stung my eyes as i tried to escape this nightmare

   

    This castle was so unfamiliar to me, I searched wildly for and exit.

"Hello," I called in a whisper, not wanting Navarro to hear in case he came looking for me, "hello, please, can anyone help me."

    "Yes, my dear I think I can." I whipped my head around to face the voice. Navarro smiled evilly at me, a dark hood hid the rest of his face. I stumbled back into a wall, trapped. Teasingly, Navarro slowly strolled forward to meet me then took my face in his hands and kissed my cheeks. My fists were balled at my sides, i dug my nails into my palms.

    "hello Lynette." I stared at him, unmoving and waited.

He seemed to understand that I did not intend in moving. "Oh, dear, sweet Lynette, please come with me willingly. If you don’t your only harming yourself." I looked into his burgundy eyes, mentally telling him that i wasn’t going down without a fight. Navarro sighed, mock sadly, and grabbed my elbow, half dragging me across the hallway. 

    Desperately i tried to pull my arm away. Apparently i had caused him enough trouble to irritate him, he swung me up and over his shoulder, carrying me like he would a sack of worthless potatoes.

    I screamed for help and kicked Navarro hard in the back repeatedly. That caused him to lose his temper. He threw me on the unforgiving floor and towered over me. I lay there, gasping for breath then Navarro pulled me to my feet and lowered his face to mine.

   "Now Miss, not a peep from you." he hissed at me.

    "What is going on here?" a new voice exclaimed. I peered around Navarro and had to swallow a shout of relief.

    The knight i met earlier was standing a few paces away, his hazel eyes wide.

Navarro scowled and roughly pulled my ear to his lips, "I will return for you. If you try to run, rest assured i will find you." he then threw me into Alexander's arms and rushed away.

    Alexander held me for a moment then i stepped back, keeping my head down. I wanted to avoid familiarity with anyone i could not trust completely. Also, i wasn’t about to let a stranger see me cry. Unfortunately… he did. Gently, Alexander lifted my chin forcing me to meet his gaze. He softly ran a lightly tanned thumb across my damp cheek. A tear glistened on his skin.

    "m'lady, shall i arrange for you to spend the night here?" he asked quietly.

I took a deep breath and nodded, thankful for the temporary protection

   

    Alexander walked me down a long corridor, glass chandeliers were suspended just above my head. I trailed close behind him, keeping a wary eye out for Navarro in case he was lurking in the shadows as he always seemed to be. At the end of the hall Alexander paused at a huge, ornately carved wooded door and knocked three times. When the door opened he bowed respectfully to the king standing in the door way. After a moment my sense kicked in and i curtsied, my cheeks flushing under the kings wise, watchful eyes.

    "Alexander, to what do i owe the pleasure?" He asked, still eyeing me.

    "Gracious Uncle, this lady has had a most trying day. Pray, will you allow her to stay here for the night?"

    I kept my eyes down, awaiting his reply. My nervous habit kicked in and i dug my nails into my palms.

    The king came to where i was standing and circled me. His white hair was thinning, his blue eyes looked as if they had seen everything in the world and new what to do in every situation. He intimidated me...but in the way a father would intimidate his child when he took charge.

    "What my dear has taxed you this day, then?" He asked.

    I clenched my jaw and kept my gaze firmly on the floor. I hated the fact that i need help, i hated feeling weak, and most of all i hated the tears pooling in my eyes. King Lancer lifted my chin up, but i refused to meet his eyes.

    "M'lady i cannot help you if you wont tell me why i should." The king said. Alexander's eyes pleaded with me.

    Biting my lip i thought which would be worse, swallowing my pride, or being forcibly dragged away by Navarro. The choice was difficult, but eventually i took a deep breath and spoke.

    "There is a man, Navarro,...he-he is trying to...to take me away with him. i-i don't know why me!... he-he wants-" I hated how my stuttering voice broke, and at the end the word just caught in my through. Embarrassed, i squeezed my eyes shut against the river of tears escaping. Alexander tried to put a hand on my shoulder, but i shook it away angrily. I lived for years without anyone caring about me or even comforting me, why should i need it now?

    For a long moment no one spoke. Then the king called for a maid to prepare a room for me to stay in. Wanting to get out of the room as fast as possible, i curtsied to King Lancer, murmured a quick thank you, and rushed out of the room

 

    "Wait!" Alexander called after me, i just kept running. Tears stung my eyes and i didn’t try to stop them as they rolled uncontrollably down my flushing cheeks. i didn’t know where i was going, but i just couldn’t stand to be near Alexander, or the king, or Navarro or..or...anyone! In a dimly lit hall way i stumbled and had to slow down. He caught up with me then. I gasped as Alexander grabbed my arm, irritated with myself for being so jumpy, but after the day i just had i couldn’t help it.

    Alexander whirled me around to face him, by this point i was sobbing and gasping. Even if i wanted to stop, i doubted i could get a grip on myself. Tenderly, he cupped my face in his warm hand. Before i could stop myself, i leaned into his comforting touch, calming down just a little. I closed my eyes, and let out a shaky breath.

    "Lady Austin...Lynette," Slowly, i dragged my eyes up to meet his. Nothing was there but warmth and concern. I bit my lip to keep the fresh tears at bay.

    "You need not fear anything while you are here. I swear to you, I shall keep you safe." He murmured lowly and i closed my eyes, sighing. His lips were agonizingly close to mine, just barley touching my skin. What was happening to me. Since when did I ever lean on a man-or anyone- for support, a man that I barely knew, who I couldn’t trust. But, oh, He was so warm and strong…and…and….

    “Your bleeding…”He breathed and softly stroked my blood moistened hair. His lips drew closer-

    Someone cleared their throat. Alexander looked toward the noise and i lowered my head, digging my nails into my palm. What had just happened... what did i almost let happen...what did i want to happen?

    "Miss, what do you need?" He asked, voice husky. My heart fluttered a little at the sound of it. Mentally i kicked myself.

    "Begin' your pardon Sir, but i am to take Lady Austin you her quarters." The maid turned to me, "There’s a hot bath waiting' there for ya Miss, and some fresh bread."

    I nodded and gave her a small smile that i hoped portrayed gratefulness.

    "Right this way then Miss, follow me."

    Reluctantly, i followed, keeping my doubtful, weary eyes locked on Alexander. His gaze was on me until I was out of sight. My room was in the left-most wing, the last door on the right. We stepped in and i looked around. The walls were white and plain, and there was a small bed . On the wall to the left of my bed was one Long window and a chair in the corner next to a lonely book shelf with only a dusty bible on it. In the middle of the quaint room was a wash basin. Steam rose from it invitingly.

    The maid, Eliza, helped me out of my gown. When she was gone i slipped into the tub, letting the soothingly hot water relax me. I eased deeper until the surface of the water was at my nose. I sighed, suddenly very tired. ‘But’ , I thought, ‘better to fall asleep in a bed rather than risk drowning’. So I grabbed the soap and washed myself slowly, stifling a groan as the water turned red when I scrubbed my thick hair.

When i was done i put on a light night dress and smiled as it's silky material waterfalled down my long my legs. My loose, wet hair waved down to the center of my back. A cool breeze came in through the window, it felt so nice.

    A tentative knock sounded at my door.

    "Come in." I said, swallowing a yawn. Alexander walked in and smiled slightly. I looked down.

    "I just came to see how your head was,” Alexander strolled over to me, standing mere inches away, he placed his hand on the back of my head where a small lump was now forming, but the bleeding had ceased, “ Which I see could be worse, and to say goodnight m'lady."

    “Alexander..” I cautioned, stepping back and pushing my hand against his chest. He did not drop his hand.

    “What?” He asked, eyes pleading with me. “Are you saying you feel nothing between us?”

    “God, Alexander I don’t know? I met you only hours ago while I was running from a mad man! And you were there…and I’m grateful, but I hardly know you M’lord. And I certainly can’t trust anyone I do not know… not now.”

    He hesitated then said quietly with a hint of a smile on his lips, “Well then my dear, I will just have to show you how trustworthy I am.”

    I sighed. It certainly felt like I could trust him. Oh, but I was to tired to think straight. So I whispered, "Goodnight," my eyes still on the floor.

    He lifted my hand to his mouth, and my eyes finally found his. Gently, he pressed his lips to my ivory knuckles, holing my gaze.

   “Goodnight Lynette.” Alexander murmured. Then he turned and left. I stared at the closed door for a few moments before I blew out the candles in my room, and collapsed on the bed, falling asleep instantly.

    My eyes fluttered open to a dark room, I was in heavy chains. I scanned my surroundings, but blackness enveloped my vision.

    “Hello?” I called out, “Hello is anyone here? Help! Please somebody help me!” The only response I got was the echo of my voice reverberating around the room. Panic gripped my hart, causing me to hyperventilate.

    Footsteps started coming toward me and I scrunched back into the cold, damp wall, a nervous sweat rolled down my face. And then Navarro’s face was in front of me. I jumped. He kissed me roughly, grabbing a fist full of my hair. I cried out.

    “Hello Lynette.” He growled with a smile. He pulled me to my feet, the chains fell to the floor. Navarro held me tightly to him and put a knife to my throat. I screamed for help, sobbing.

    Out of the shadows stepped my father. I gasped, begging for him to help me. But he just stood there with a blank face, watching his daughter cry as a knife at her throat made crimson trickle down her ivory skin. I don’t know why I was surprised.

    “Austin, give me what I want or your daughter shall pay for your mistake.” Navarro threatened, pressing the knife deeper into my neck, the blood flowed faster, but I could feel no pain. My father met my eyes with a blank stare then turned his attention to Navarro for a moment. Slowly, he walked back into the black abyss. My knees felt weak, my breath came out shaky.

    “No…”

    Navarro looked me with an angry fire in his eyes, but he smiled when he saw the fear in mine. He pulled myclose to him harshly, I winced as the knife clattered loudly to the floor.

    “Now my dear, it looks like I have you all to myself.” He laughed devilishly into my neck

    I screeched and woke up to my plain room panting and sweating from the fear. Seconds later Alexander rushed into my room to find me, yet again, tear stricken and afraid.

    “Lynette! Are you alright? Was Navarro here? Did he hurt you?” He spit out Navarro’s name as if it left an awful taste in his mouth.

    “Nothing m’lord…” I murmured, glad that it was dark so he couldn’t see me blush in embarrassment, “just a nightmare.”

    Alexander, hesitantly at first, came to sit on my bead. He cradled me in my arms as if I was made of porcelain. Needing a strong embrace at that moment, I snuggled into his chest, smiling as he held me tighter. My heart pounded at his touch and I sighed. The last thing I needed at a time like this was to have my thoughts clouded by…l-l-love. I shuddered at the unfamiliar word. Surely what I felt for this Alexander fellow was nothing more than infatuation. Still, I couldn’t help but be thankful for his presence at the moment. For I could finally fall into a restful, dreamless sleep

 

    When I awoke the second time, light flooded into my room, telling me that I could sleep no more. Lazily I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stretched, moaning when my body protested. I stood up and looked around the room. Something was missing. My heart raced. Where was Alexander?

    “Sir Lancer?” I called quietly, “Alexander?” I started to stumble towards the door, but then it opened and Alexander walked in, taking me into his arms.

    “Forgive me for leaving you my sweet, but it wouldn’t have been right to stay.” He whispered, kissing my forehead. I nodded to show him that I understood.

    “Lynette, what did you dream of last night? Might I be able to help in anyway?”

    I laughed one humorless laugh. “I doubt that anyone can help.” He looked at me questioningly and I sighed, telling him the dream, and of my father who really has never loved me.

    I remembered as a young girl I would put on my best dress, curl my hair in pretty ringlets, and twirl around smiling and singing, my mother always said I had the voice of an angel. I had hoped my father would feel the same. But he only looked at me as if I was a nuisance. When I was bit older I wouldn’t dance around like a silly girl, but I would sing hymns for my family. My mother loved it, my father waved me away indifferently. Then , two years ago my mother died of a fever, so I cooked and cleaned and sewed and never sang and was a good young lady. Still my father hated me.

    One evening when I came to bid him a goodnight he started yelling at me, “Why couldn’t you be more like your mother? You look like her but you are just an irritating little girl who will never be good enough for this family! Get out of my sight! Do not speak to me unless I speak to you! Understand? Go get out of my quarters! Now!” I ran out crying. The next day I was completely silent, only seeing my father when I brought him meals. He still looked on me with no affection, only stared blankly.

    Alexander looked at me sadly when I finished telling him my tale, but I kept my hardened gaze on the floor, willing the tears to stay at bay. Suddenly he pulled me into a caring embrace and kissed the top of my head. I stayed stiff and cold

    “Lynette you are beautiful and good enough for all, do not let your father tell you otherwise.” He said softly, but with a ring of authority. I couldn’t help it then, I melted into his warm arms, his strong chest.

    “Thank you.” I mumbled into his tunic and he chuckled.

    “Of course my dear.”

Author's Note

Sorry if this is rushed, i hope you like it anyway. Should i continue?