Annette/Amelia POV

The gold coins around my neck, a symbol for our people of prosperity, hang like weights constricting my chest. As I lift my eyes to the mirror on the wall I see myself for the first time in years as a girl in a long flowing dress; it's beautiful. The dress has blue silk flowing from my waist with flower embroidery and a white blouse covered by an embroidered gold vest, but I just want to get out of it. The gold coins shine and I try not to look on the scar on my face from all those years ago. Not surprisingly there aren't many mirrors on the ship. I've almost never been faced with my own imperfections so clearly reflected back.

 A lot has happened in the past few days and I can hardly think straight. Jasper is soon to be my husband. Guilt clinches in my stomach and the face of the prince flashes in my mind. I wipe it away and head towards the where the main ceremony shall be held. I walk to the meadow where only a few people are standing around. I see my father laughing and patting a man on the back. He is dressed formally and I assume he will conduct the ceremony. Ion is shifting from foot to foot and looks about how I feel.

It's a short ceremony, nothing big and I'm fine with it. I want to get this over with quickly and save the prince.

"Don't give me that face" Jasper says as I snap out of thinking about how to find the kidnappers. "Give me this day. Don't think about him"

I don't look Jasper in the eyes even when I see his shoes touch mine or feel his hand on my shoulder. He sighs

"You're the one making this happen. It's not my choice"

Anger or hurt flashes across his face and I immediately feel bad and want to reach out. "I didn't know it was that painful for you, such a horrible thing, marrying me. I love you, I thought you felt the same."

The man I saw earlier comes up stopping our conversation and explains the ceremony. I notice how his body does whatever it can to avoid touching us. I almost smile at how ironic it is. Two outcasts marrying each other because of tradition.

 I focus on the knife on the small table lying by a few slices of bread, because I can feel Jasper staring at me intently trying to have a silent conversation with me. My skirt blows with the wind and I think of the sea, the freedom of miles of the unknown. I flinch as the knife cuts my hand and the bread is dipped into it. The elder speaks in Romani and I miss most of the ceremonial speech. I haven't spoken Romani in a long time and I wonder if Jasper knows what he is saying.

The elder lifts the knife and now cuts Jasper's palm saying"O manusha khelevan tut. More (koomi) covvas the well.The elder nods and Jasper takes a deep breath before saying his vow

"Share  this bread, this blood. Mi dèhiba, I feed you and you feed me and even as hearts slow, our tresses sewn with suy.
Our unlike hands will untangle. We shall 
Gather up kookoochìn for your balà.
Sorì simensar sì mèn, we cry as one. 
All who are with us are ourselves."**

He means it. I know he does, but a few days ago I jumped off the bow of the ship ready to die because I feared ending up like the captain alone and feared. I look at him finally and breathe in and out. His smile fades as I put the bread down dipped in his blood..."I won't marry you." I can't marry him like this. I can't make a choice that will hurt him in the end. I don't know if I could ever live as a sweet little wife homely and content with picking herbs. I turn away ready to run.

I don't know which came first, the scream or Jasper's arm around me. I look up and soldiers on horses slash a woman in half who falls to the ground her scream caught in her mouth by blood. I panic and search for a sword something to protect myself and find the knife still stained with our blood. I grab it and lunge myself at a man nearby grabbing a woman with hand slithering over her body. I stab him in the neck and Jasper throws me a better sword. Our caravan is never this close to the city, but they pulled closer to get medicine for me probably. I curse; I've hurt these people too. I can see the town in the distance set on fire. The soldiers and just having fun, no guilt, no purpose. Just kill, rape, loot.

Anger forms in a lump in my throat as I see the gleam of happiness as one gallops over the body of an old woman. I lunge into the massacre one tiny protest in a whirlwind of attacks.

I can't tell if it's the sweat from my forehead from fighting towering solders in steel cocoons on horses or the blood spattering in my face, but my eyes burn with water. There are no tears. No. I can't cry here. I scream as a soldier comes at me. His horse must be somewhere nearby or must have been hurt by some of the few people still fighting. I quickly twist away from his attack ready to swing at his open left side when a man behind me grabs my neck. I throw my elbow back and bite down on his arm but there are three more around him to compensate for his release. The men laugh and chuckle.

"Let's keep this one. I like her face. Even with this nasty little scar" he kisses below my ear and I scream out flinging my body; my thrashing is useless. I see one man pull out his sword. I don't flinch just prepare, but it's the hilt that hits me and the lights that fade away as I'm hoisted up onto the horse.

Jasper POV

I survey the disaster as more soldiers pour into the camp from the now burning town and curse. I see Amelia fighting off one who dismounted is now no match for her. She doesn't know how beautiful she is. Her scar is like a ripple on the Milky Way galaxy, you couldn't pinpoint just one star but her face shown and twinkles especially in the thrill of the fight.

I was so close. I know it was unfair, it was even cruel to tie her down, but I love her so much. It didn't condone his actions; he had lied to her and had used her hope of family against her.

When Amelia had walked to the ceremony she was a picture of astonishing beauty. Her short hair curled in defiance to gravity around her face like black smoke in an unfelt wind.

When I turn and hear Ion being attacked I rush to him. The battle was lost before it began. Many of the people do not know how to fight, only hunt. The soldier stumbles back surprised at my sword inside him like hey that shouldn't be there. His confusion crumples away as his body falls to the ground. I help Ion back up and turn away as he begins to thank me. I don't have time for him. I search for Amelia unnecessarily.  She is a better fighter than I am, yet I can't help but look for her in the mass of steel sparks. I look again and then my thoughts stop as I realized there aren't many people left. I quickly turn again and shout to Ion to find his sister.

I cry out her name running through the camp the fear that I had just forgotten clutches at my chest. I see her falling off the ship. I see her struggling against the waves and now I fear this time she won't be coming back to me.

Amelia POV

The light poured in all too quickly like when you eagerly gulp down a hot drink, the liquid burning your throat. My body is slung over the side of a horse with a man in amour riding in front of me and another solider to the side. I blink away the pain throbbing in my head but the soft ice-cream numbing feeling wraps around my brain. I began to hyperventilate as my eyes take in the unfamiliar settings, but I quickly lock my mouth shut

"Is she awake?"

"No, Probably just dreaming," the one in front of me pats my butt and laughs crudely. "She should rest up."

Instinct kicks in and I still by body that is screaming to get away. I know I need to be quiet and plan a way to escape. I try to pry open the memories of the past few hours or the past few days. I bite my cheek as I search for anything. I stumbled with every thought.

Were the hell am I and who am I? The throbbing on the back of my head hadn't stopped, but my heart was beats faster distracting me as my past remains an empty slate. I try to conjure up a family or a occupation, but everything seemed silly--a baker, a harlot, a fisherman. I think of the sea as I imagine my father going out to catch fish and it makes me feel calmer like a gentle hand guiding me away from all the questions.

The town we were headed to looks small, probably the two soldiers are stationed there or further on and need to rest here. I breathe softly surveying my options. I wouldn't be able to get a weapon quickly enough, but I could take them on one by one. I pause wondering if I know how to fight, I somehow knew that I couldn't grab the sword from the man's hilt fast enough. I can't remember ever learning how to fight, but I feel the empty fear knowing that my sides are defenseless without a weapon. I decided I would have to wait until one left to attempt to escape and feign sleep which almost took hold of me if it wasn't for the up and down jolt of the horse.

When we reach town, the other soldier gets off his horse and saunters inside a small inn. It's my only chance and I know it. I quickly push myself off the side of the horse my body aches with the sudden movement from hours in such a stiff position. The solider shouts stop trying to grab me. He gets off pulling out his sword 

"You don't want to do anything stupid."

He's right. I have no plan and no idea where I am. I actually don't know who I am. I scream as he jerks my hand and pushes me to the ground. The soldier lets go suddenly, not because of the fearsome scream of a defenseless girl, but because of the general behind him.

I look up at the general. He is dressed casually except for the medals gleaming off his chest.

"Hello solider. What seems to be the problem here?"

"Nothing sir, me and my companion are just resting here before traveling to the next town where I am stationed."

"I see," he hums and the solider shakes.

"I didn't know there were any generals here. The edge of the kingdom kind of far from the capital."

"I like to survey the outskirts for any enemy infiltration. I didn't know I had also to be concerned with my own soldiers as well. I will take the girl home."

The solider bristled at this idea and looked almost green as he stared at my clothes. I looked down and flinched. It wasn't the gypsy clothes that surprised me, but the blood covering them. My clothes were caked in sticky brown smudges smelling of iron and death. Did he kill my family? Who could do this to someone?

The general's eyes widened as he saw my clothes then a madness crept onto his face with understanding. It was a quite madness under the neutral facade one that was worse than outright hostility. The solder was apparently accustomed to doing anything he wanted, but I saw the fear and sweat rolling off of him.

"I know you're aware of our rules. We do not harm civilians, especially the people of this kingdom. Women and children are to be protected. This is the creed you swore is it now?"

"It's just a filthy Roma girl. They're trash," he squawked, knowing as the words came out that he should have just left me.

"I can assure you that the filth in this town is not the girl. You will not be resting here tonight. You have by the end of today to leave and that goes for the other solider in the inn as well" With that the general turned and paused. I got up and followed hesitantly until he continued to walk.

I walk beside him and follow the winding streets until we get to a tavern. The general walks in guiding me up the stairs to a small room. He closes the door and I stare nervously.

"I won't harm you. You may call me Luke," He sighs. "I'm am sorry for that soldier's behavior. With the war there is a shortage of men. Any vagabond can join. We've let the people down. What is your name?"

I stay silent unsure. I don't know if I can trust him although he just saved me. He is patient as I struggle how to phrase my situation.

"I'm...I don't know."

"You don't know? Your name? Where was it the soldier stole you from? I assume you're Romani. Don't worry, I have nothing against your people."

"I am. I can't remember anything other than waking up on that horse." He stares dumbly, probably wondering if I'm lying. and runs his palms across his face.

 "I shouldn't have gotten involved," he grumbles, and I look down hurt.

He gets up and grabs the basin on a small table. "I will be back with water and clothes, God knows you can't go around looking like that."

He leaves shutting the door behind him softly and I wonder what's next.

Prince Gabriel

I look at the rat sitting across from me and don't even try to flinch away. The rat seems apathetic to my hungry stare and scurries around the empty room. The cell is really a makeshift one from an old shed. The windows covered with wood and I can see the shadows of guards by the only entrance. I think of Amelia because she's the only thing that distracts me from hunger. I wonder how she took the news from Jasper. I rake my hands through my hair as I think back to the where I am. Surely my brother has jumped at the opportunity to get rid of me. I'm my only hope of escaping.

I snap my head up as I see a man walk in and sit down in a chair in front of me.

"Hello Prince," he nods and I stare silently. I don't know what his plans are, but keeping me alive seems slim.

Amelia POV

When I look in the mirror I flinch at the scar I see. I touch it lightly and my skin tingles.  Look at my reflection so strange to know that's you, but not recognize the eyes staring back. I'm not beautiful, but the scar seems to blend in with my dark skin and add a brightness to my face. I take off the clothes soiled by blood and throw them away and wash the rest off my skin. I dip the sponge in the basin and see red in the water and turn away. I slip the dress on just as the door opens and Luke stare at me. I scream and throw a shoe at his face as he quickly closes the door.

"Pervert!"

"You were taking a long time, I thought you needed help," he groans and I steam realizing I can't actually tie the dress in the back.

"Help me tie it."

He slowly opens the door, ties my dress, and sets some sandwiches on the bed.  I look at his face and laugh when  I see a red mark already forming on his forehead.

"What?" he asks.

"Nothing," I giggle and eat a sandwich. For a second I see the bread and pause. There's... it's nothing.

"We need to give you a temporary name if you can't remember yours." He thinks for a bit. "How about Syeira?"

"I like it" I eat more of the sandwiches starving.

"Where did you get these?"

"The inn downstairs. They said you could work there for as long as you want. You start today."

"Today?" I hesitate.

"The soldiers are gone now"

After eating I head down the stairs and I sit beside Luke and he orders a water for me and a beer for himself.

"Maybe I'm old enough," I look at the water.

"Cheeky. You look like a kid." He knocks me lightly on the head and eyes me.

"You really don't remember?" The bar tender asks me. She's a plump woman with a face the size and shape of a radish.

I shake my head and she smiles understandingly "It will be okay. Maybe you'll turn out to be the lost princess," she laughs.

"I think I lived near the sea." Luke thinks for a minute.

"I don't know any sea towns close to here and the Roma stay near the mountains mostly. Do you know their language?" I think for a minute, bits of pieces coming together, and shake my head again. 

"Maybe. I don't know."

I work at taking peoples orders and bringing drinks, but in reality Luke is gone most of the day and not many customers come in. Aside from the few regulars I don't see many new people.

Grace pulls me aside. I've gotten used to her radish face, but her want to hug me all the time is still alien. "Sweetie, can you take this lunch to the next few houses over?" I see a pile of sacks and bags filled with meats and buns.

"Sure." She beams and tells me it's the colorful one and that I can't miss it.

I walk outside looking for the colorful one. The town, much like tavern, is empty. I see an old couple going into a house staring at me suspiciously and I see kids playing with sticks and stones. Then it hits me the oddity of the town. There are no adults, yes there are the old and the hurt, but it's the quietness of the whole town except for the occasional laugh that puts me on edge. I stop when I see one house with all sorts of colors and drawings on the outside. Before I even knock, three hands grabs the food from the bags I brought. A woman comes out with silver hair and dark green eyes. 

"Thank you dear," she smiles, not staring at my skin like most of the children, and I hurry back to the tavern.

Jasper POV

I stroll into the small town and look around. I don't think she would be here, but she wasn't with the rest of the dead counted after the battle. I curse. I had to stay behind and help with burials. I know Amelia can't be dead. I just know it.

I stop and stare at the girl handing out food and then run towards her.

"Amelia!" She turns frightened and runs. I grab her and wrap her in a hug.

"I thought you were dead!" She pushes me away. 

"Amelia? Are you still mad? I'm not going to make you marry me."

"Marry you? I don't even know who you are," she sputters. My face scrunches up. 

"What? It's me, Jasper."

A man comes up behind her with thick black hair and aged lines. He has many metals and stands beside her protectively.

"You! You took her!" I lunge, only to be pushed down.

"Do you know her?"

"I'm her betrothed." I try to grab Ameilia, but she hides behind the man.

"I don't know him. I want to go back." He surveys the situation and sighs.

"Why don't we talk this over tomorrow. It's been a long day and we don't want to upset Syreia"

"Her names Amelia," I growl, "and if you touch her --" He cut me off with a wave.

 "Amelia. Yes. We will meet you tomorrow afternoon to discuss things." And with that he led her into the small tavern without another word.

 Amelia POV

"Where are you going?" I wake up to see Luke putting on his boots. The sun hasn't even risen and he looks at me like he was just caught trying to sneak away.

"Just an early morning errand."

"Let me come with you," I blurt out. "I'm coming with you." I don't want to meet that guy again without Luke. I hurry to get dressed and grab his arm. He sighs and nods.

"You will have to return with that man if he is truly your betrothed." I grab onto his arm and he sighs. "We'll return in time to meet him. Amelia." The strange name rolls off his tongue unnaturally. 

The horses are half asleep when we creep up the stable. He quickly mounts the horse bareback and lifts me up. I wrap my arms around him and the horse jolts forward.

A couple of hours pass and I don't see much of anything, but I don't want to ask Luke. Something in his jaw has set me on edge. The way he grinds his teeth seems like yesterday's conversation wasn't a simple update. I finally see something though it seems like old ruins and the horse slows down. 

"Are we here," I ask.

Luke nods still keeping the silence maintained over the trip. The sun has just started to rise and as we get closer I see tents scattered throughout the abandoned town. There are only a few men up, but they run over to greet us with smiles.

I look around and see men of all ages with all sorts of injuries. Many are sitting around laughing and eating the soup handed out.

I get a bowl and hungrily wolf it down and sit by Luke.

"I'm disgusted by the army. They aren't men sworn to protect the country. These men want that to change. The've all lost their loved ones to this war. I'm not sure who is at fault anymore."

"But why are you here with them? You could be in the capital and get away from all of this"

He looks at me and takes a picture out from his pocket. There's a girl smiling. She has black hair and skin like the moon with bright green eyes.

"She was my older sister. She was taken by one of the soldiers on a raid, raped, and killed. One life lost in this meaningless endless war. Just another number." I hug him and apologize. He pushes me back some and takes the picture. 

"She had a daughter before the raid. She's living with my mother who takes in many of the orphaned kids. That's why I'm here with these people. I need to protect this town. They can't fight. Many are just refugees."

"That's why there were so many children in that town."

He nods. "I just got a report today that there seems to be enemy infiltration. They are trying to burn the outlining cities to slow the enemy. Tomorrow a liege of men are coming to evacuate the citizens safely."

"They won't be evacuating them will they?" I ask

"No most likely they plan to kill them"

"Why!" I shout in protest. Conversations still and eyes shift to me. I sit back and lean closer to Luke.

"The kingdom is not concerned with a few cities on the outskirts. I think the king hopes by destroying his own land it will make the enemy back down."

"We have to do something!"

"That's why I'm here. We have to evacuate the city by the time they get here." Luke stands when an elderly man comes in and locks eyes with him. "I need to talk with some of the main soldiers in order to plan for this. Wait here." I nod as he walks away.

I eat my soup, which is almost cold already, and look around at the men eating when I see one with his eyes intently on me.

Prince Gabriel POV

I have been talking with Duncan for a few days now. Unsurprisingly, my brother did not submit to their demands, but killing me would seem like a waste. The more we talked the more I realized that  we both could use each other's help. What I've seen from the kingdom thus far seems to be only half of the horrors hidden from me.

"So what you propose is that we help you overthrow your brother?" the old man ponders.

"No. I propose that I return and take the throne. The nobles will not protest and I am the rightful heir, but I will promise to change things. I will end this godless war and you and your men will be seated on the private council surveying all my decisions."

"But why must we use the rebel forces then?"

"I doubt my brother will just hand over the throne. You have already seen that he wants me dead."

He nods in approval and shakes my hand. "I am glad that we have hope in the royal family. I thought they were all corrupt."

"I was, but stupidity and a girl changed that," I smile.

"I must speak with my general. Please go outside and have some soup."

Those words couldn't have come soon enough. I was starving and had already had three bowls before I saw her. I was sitting across the fire and it was impossible, but in the bright morning air she was beautiful. Why would Amelia be here? 

                                                -

Two really long chapters. I hope you liked them.

** I wanted to recognize that I used the poem "Marriage Vows of a Rom to a Gadji by David Morely for the vows and they were not my own work. I really like this poem and thought it was cool to include it.

 Please Comment! Lots of Love