Bella – Prepare for attack
It was time to get prepared and get the castle ran as normal. Guards were sent out to the neighbouring villages and kingdoms to try and find out anything about my father’s death, but nothing had been found out so far.
We thought that maybe it was an opportunist killing and that’d we’d be attacked at any moment. If we found out whoever did it, then we’d have to attack. Either way, this wasn’t going to end peacefully. Unless it was a robbery, a lone man, a mistake. Who knew, I certainly didn’t. The castle was on high alert. Even if it was a lone robbery, the castle may be attacked if people think we’re vulnerable.
I had spoken to John about a plan of action and he was getting his men prepared for battle. The castle seemed a lot more focused with John around, he was a man who demanded respect. People had more respect for me too, I had let John free and he was there by my side. I was prepared to fight, do whatever I could for my kingdom and my castle. I spoke to John about it, but he had other ideas.
“You need to flee the castle immediately if anyone comes” he said, I was disappointed and asked him why I couldn’t stay and fight.
“Because they’ll come for you, they’ll find you, and they’ll kill you. My men need to be focused, and protecting you would be immensely difficult. Flee, we’ll repel any attack and then we’ll come and find you if we win. If we lose . . . then you still have your life” he said, he always spoke perfect sense. I couldn’t fight, I’d never picked up a sword and I’d get killed straight away. I agreed I’d flee the castle and hide.
After such a crazy day, I locked myself in my room, trying to escape from this new world I had found myself in. Josh could have protected me from the evil that was swirling around the castle; maybe I should have played happy princess a little bit longer to protect myself. I tried to get some sleep, not knowing what the next day would bring. I tossed and turned for what seemed like an eternity, me and my father never had the best of relationships, but the news consumed my thoughts. I wanted my freedom; I wanted to be with a man I loved. With my father’s death, I could have both of those things, but I didn’t have my father and I might not have my own life for much longer. If someone wanted this kingdom, they needed to get rid of me as well.
Just as my eyes started to drift off, I heard a knock on the door, a frantic one. I was scared and in a bit of a haze after being startled from my half-asleep state.
“Who is it?” I said through the door, in fear of what would greet me on the other side.
“It’s Max” said the whispered voice, clearly not wanting to be heard. I tentatively opened the door, half expecting there to be a sword pressed into his back or some sort, but he’d rather die than do that to me. “Bella, you have to leave!” he said as I closed the door behind him. “An army of Gattzam men have been spotted coming over the hill, the castle is just about to get stormed, John sent me to warn you.” His eyes looked in a state of panic, I was now fully awake. “I can’t go, I have to stay and fight for my kingdom” I said, without much though. “Your kingdom needs you alive, you’re the first person they’ll come for” he replied, I knew he was right, as was John.
I started to get changed into more comfortable clothing. Clothing not fit for a princess, but fit for an escape. “I’ll come with you, I’ll protect you” Max nobly said.
“With what?” I said abruptly, all he had was himself. No sword, only his fists to protect me.
“No, you’ll stay here and stay out of this like a servant should, this is the only time I’ll ever call you that, and you need to act like one.” He knew I was right, but still looked like he was going to say he should protect me again, so I cut him off before he could.
“Look, I’ll be safer on my own. If anyone saw you with me, you’d get killed instantly. Just stay out of the battle, I’ll be back.” There almost looked as if there was a sentence on the end of his lips before he drew it back and resigned himself.
“Ok” he said meekly, I’ll be here for you.
“You’re an incredible friend” I said, as I gave him a kiss goodbye. He tried to kiss back more passionately, but I drew back. I knew he wanted more, but I always made it clear that what we had would never turn into a relationship, he knew that too.
“I’ll always be at your service princess” he said.
“I know Max, and you’ll be rewarded if this all works out.” He gave a smile, but the moment of serenity was broken by loud noises coming from the belly of the castle.
I grabbed a bag together and threw in some clothes and food supplies; I didn’t know where I was going to go, but thought I may head into the town and hopefully find someone to protect me. There were royal shops there which would surely keep me safe until things became clearer. Max opened the door, and checked the way was clear before looking back one last time. “Stay safe Max, that’s an order.” I said, as I smiled. He smiled back before closing the door. My face changed, I knew I had to leave straight away. I opened the door to the secret passage and crawled through. All the times that I had used this to defy my father, and for the first time I was actually using it for what it was built for.
I made my way down the narrow stairwell, which led to a concealed entrance on an unlit side of the castle, I poked my head around to see if there was anyone lurking around, but it was clear. My father ran through this escape routine many times before. The concealed entrance led to a ledge that couldn’t be accessed directly from the castle, at the bottom of the ledge was a boat to take me across the moat to the concealed rope ladder on the other side. I gave a little smirk as I looked back across, above the ledge was Max’s window where he used to use a rope to climb down and meet me. As I looked into the window, I saw a shadowy figure that gave a little wave, I waved back. I knew it was Max, of course he was going to check if I made it safely across. I did, and I had started my journey in order to find shelter.