Anastasia's POV

Growing up, my life wasn't simple but it wasn't exactly disastrous as it is now. Growing up, I would run through the gardens and fields, I'd love travelling through tunnels and secret passages, I'd enjoy the carriage rides and royal duties, now, I sort of despise them.

I feel like life is on a downward spiral and there's nothing I can do to stop it. There's nothing I can really do to fix any of the situations that have arisen from the last few days.

I haven't been able to see Harry since we landed a few days ago, once my family got into the palace to get a few personal items, we were moved to Windsor Castle and Harry was taken to the emergency room. Matthew has done his best to keep me in the loop; Harry had surgery on his dislocated shoulder, and that's as much as I was told. My father has us on strict lockdown, I'm not allowed to leave, even with security. For the most part, I'm not even allowed to roam the outside of the castle in the areas where the public eye can see me. I've had Oliver on my services, the poor fella is doing his best to learn the ropes as quickly as possible, but after the boat incident, he's shaken up.

If I'm being honest, I am too. Oliver hid me down in the galley of the vessel, he shoved me into a small area and closed the door. I felt suffocated but I knew I had to stay tranquil. I could overhear footsteps and mumbled breaths before the scuffling of bodies caused me to hold my breath. I could detect Oliver in some sort of altercation, suddenly, a piercing gunshot silenced the altercation. I gasped and grabbed the gun Harry had given me, I wrapped my hands around it and began to silently pray, not only for my safety but for Oliver and everyone else's. "Princess," Oliver whispered before he reopened the door and crouched down to my level, "Hey, we need to get off the boat quickly, I'm going to ask you to close your eyes and I'll carry you. You don't need to see this." Oliver softly informed, "I'll tell you when you can open your eyes, but keep that gun in your hand, okay?" Oliver commanded, gesturing to the gun as my hands shook, "It's okay, you know how to use it, right?"

I nodded my head, abruptly realising that this is real. My life was truly in danger and I have to rely on Oliver to keep me safe. If I had my choice, I wouldn't have him to be the one keeping me safe at this moment, I prefer if it was Harry, I know I can trust him. But, I have to leave my life in the hands of a stranger. I barely know him but I am left vulnerable and in his hands. "Okay, close your eyes, I'll carry you out," Oliver directed and I did just that before he picked me up and carried me out.

I'm not sure what Oliver had to witness, I can only assume the gunshot was him killing his antagonist, but I'm grateful I didn't have to observe the aftermath of it. I'm shaken up over it all and I'm not the one who had to fire the gun and cripple someone.

I stroll down the bleak hallways with Oliver, administering small conversation in an attempt to pass some time, for the first time in a long time, I don't have royal duties to tend to. I haven't had to take calls or have meetings, I haven't even had to reply to letters. My father has completely given me some time off. And as much as I appreciate it, I'm wholly bored without Harry. There's only so many occasions I can wander the grounds with Oliver before I know he's getting weary of me.

I grin as Matthew rounds the corner and begins to make his way to us. Matthew glances at Oliver and nods, "Go watch the monitors for the east wing. I'll take the Princess from here," Matthew instructs, and Oliver immediately begins to walk off.

Matthew watches Oliver walk away and round the corner before he beings to speak, "I don't suppose you've found Harry yet, huh?" Matthew beams at me.

I shake my head, "I don't know where my father has hidden him," I respond in all honesty. I have no clue where Harry is.. Since Harry's surgery, for some reason, my father transferred Harry into Windsor. But to which section and room, I'm unaware of. Nobody has been able to tell me, the staff don't know anything, my mother couldn't give me any answers and Matthew has been in and out of the grounds trying to get things under control.

"Come with me," Matthew directs, leading the way.

We talk for the length of our journey, essentially discussing the events of what has occurred, what will happen and he also briefed me on the fact that at any given time, I can be put into an entire lockdown due to the high risk of an attack on the family. It's scary to imagine that for some reason, the family is being targeted. I'm not sure what my father has done, but it seems as though he has done business with the wrong people. I don't want to know the details at this point. My mother is beginning to feel the aftermath of everything, she has secured herself in her room for the last two days because, she too, has no understanding of what is transpiring. I don't think she can wrap her head around everything either. She was fortunate that she didn't chaperon the event on the boat. Part of me queries if she is getting ready to go into the shadows and turn against the royal duties she has. Her assistant has been handling everything, taking phone calls, responding to emails and letters, probably teamed up with my assistant as well.

My mother is a strong-minded character, she is never truly silenced, she has nevermore before locked herself in her chambers and dismissed all duties, but whatever is happening at the moment is destroying her, it is destroying us. She has dealt with a lot when it comes to life as a Queen, she has been followed by the press, she has been scrutinised and dealt with a few haters, she has learnt many languages and always been by my father's side no matter the cost. She makes it all look easy, being a Queen, but deep down, I know it has to be taking a toll on her by now. It is all taking a toll on my father, he still wants to step down as King and hand the crown to me in just a few months, but I don't want it. I don't want the strings that come with it, I don't want the constant fears of having to look over my shoulder any more than what I already have to.

This is not how it was meant to be, this is not what it is like in all the stories my parents told me. This is not how they told me it would be when they announced I would be taking over soon.

This is not a fairytale. This is not a happy ending.

Matthew and I reach a door and he turns to me, "He won't stay awake long, he's getting groggy, I'll be right here if you need me, okay?"

I nod my head before Matthew unlocks the door and allows me into the room where Harry is. I step inside the relatively small room with white walls and gold-trimmed ceilings. There is a fireplace in the corner of the room and right in front of the bed there is a dresser that has a few candlesticks on it and a glass box, from afar, I can assume it is a jewellery box of some sort. Along the walls, there are various paintings. I am not sure what it is but Windsor has more paintings than I think I can count.

I observe Harry in the bed, half up with pillows propped against his back and neck and a pillow under his left arm that is encompassed by a sling. Harry opens his eyes and gives me a meagre smile as I shuffle closer to him. "Hey," he breathes out.

"Hey, heard you got that morphine you asked for," I smile, attempting to lighten the mood while I kiss his forehead.

"Mhm," he hums, "Jus' enough to knock off the edge for a bit."

"How's the pain?" I question, guilt tugging at me while he does his best to conceal his discomfort.

He might be in a comfortable bed with godawful portraits staring at him and morphine at his request, but it doesn't make me feel any better about the situation as a whole.

"They still have me on morphine, so not bad. Your father has your doctor watching me. I don't know why you don't like her." Harry answers with a smug grin.

Whenever I have the doctor, she doesn't give me pain meds, she tends to sit and watch me while hooking me up to Iv's and taking my blood. Unlike him, I get a different treatment. Then again, I have yet to have an incident where I need strong pain meds. When I broke my ribs, she did put me on some pain meds but she made sure it was nothing strong.

I'm shocked my father has the private royal doctor looking after Harry, just as much as I'm surprised my father didn't let Harry go back to his own private area at Buckingham, but instead made sure Harry was at Windsor with us. I don't know why my father is being so generous, but I won't challenge it.

I playfully roll my eyes, "You just like the pain relief." I respond, resting on the edge of the bed. Harry takes a breath and shifts some of the covers, revealing his arm before he reaches over with his right hand and intertwines his fingers with mine.

Harry lifts his lips into a small smile, "I love you," Harry sweetly breathes out while his thumb grazes circles on my hand.

"I love you, too. You worry me though." I sigh.

"Why?"

I lift my shoulders into a shrug, "You... you put your life on the line for me and Dad, you could have died."

"Jus' a bad shoulder, Anna."

I shake my head. It wasn't just a bad shoulder, he put his life on the line when he went back for my father while leaving me to get off the boat with Oliver. "It could have been worse. I think we should get married."

"We are getting married," Harry tiredly smiles, drifting towards the ring on my necklace. "Hey, don't cry, I'm fine." Harry murmurs, noticing my eyes beginning to well up with tears that have been threatening to fall for days. I have kept myself together for the last few days, mainly because I don't want anyone to see me breaking or to ask questions. After all, how am I meant to tell my parents, who have no clue about the relationship, that I am petrified of losing Harry? I am terrified of what is happening and the fact we are in danger. I am scared for us all. I never thought all the protocol and the hypothetical emergency situations would come true.

I can't help but worry and believe that things could have been a lot worse with Harry. Things nevertheless could be a lot worse. Harry still has to defend me and do his duty, we never know when something critical could transpire.

"No, I want to get married soon. No waiting." I inform Harry of my thoughts.

I don't want to wait and plan a long drawn out wedding, there is no need to have some lavish wedding and spend years planning it. All I need is him, all we need is to be happy and in love. That is all it takes.

I don't even need the dress, all I require is him— to take me as my wife.

We can get married, have a somewhat normal life together in the castle and ultimately have children, although, I am not quite sure I want my children to be subject to the royal mess that I have had to go through. The concept of children has always been iffy with me, part of me wants them but the other part doesn't want them to grow up in this lifestyles.

But, if I do not have children, who takes the crown?

Which extended family member takes it?

"Anna... darling, " Harry begins, "I can't have this talk right now."

"Oh.." I trail off, assuming he no longer desires to get married and is reconsidering everything.

I don't blame him for aching to revise his proposal and concept of marrying me. I wouldn't want to marry in this life. His life will never be the same again once anyone discovers that we are married. He will invariably be followed by the media— he won't just be a bodyguard— he won't just be my husband.

"No, no, I mean... Anna, I'm getting sleepy... I'm seeing double of you... I want to marry you," Harry immediately reacts, reassuringly.

"Can I stay here with you?" I softly challenge, not wanting to appear needy.

It isn't that I'm being needy, it's more the thought of losing him doesn't settle well with me, I was left in the dark for the first few hours he was at the hospital. Nobody told me much information and it pained me. It distressed me not knowing. If I'm here, I'll know, I'll be informed and I won't be left in the dark. I know he is okay and recovering from surgery, but I don't want to just leave him by himself.

Harry shakes his head with heavy eyes, "I can't."

"Why?"

"Anna, I can't let you stay with me. If-if something happens..." Harry takes a moment to take a few breaths, "I can't protect you or get up quick enough."

"Matthew is right outside."

Harry shakes his head, "I'm sorry, I love you."

I heavily sigh but respect his wishes. I lean down and kiss his warm cheek, "I love you, too," I whisper, smiling at him as he nods his head and closes his eyes. "Get some sleep, I will be back later."

I unobtrusively step out of the room where I'm welcomed by Matthew. "He won't let me stay with him."

Matthew nods his head before closing the door behind me and commencing to walk with me. "He's groggy, Anna."

"But I don't see why I can't stay? You're right here."

Matthew sighs, "If something happens, he doesn't have the strength to get you to safety or to fight someone off."

"What could possibly happen? It is the middle of the day."

It is midday, if an attack on the family is going to happen, I believe it would be more logical if it was to occur at night. I would say the castle is moderately safe at this hour.

"Princess, a lot of things. It's for your safety."

Everything appears to always be about my safety, it is like the world revolves around me— but it doesn't— there are other people in this world. "And what about his safety?"

Matthew sighs and takes a moment of quietness, "Princess, he signed up for this. He knew his life could end up on the line. We do our best to make sure we are all safe, but you are the priority and so are your parents, not us." Matthew tries to explain, but I don't want to listen to it.

I know that Harry signed up for this job, but it doesn't mean he should be compromised. "He should be a priority, too. He's going to be my husband."

"He's the bodyguard right now until he's the husband and no longer on the service, he can't be the priority. It's something you'll need to take up with your father. It isn't my decision. I can't compromise you in order to protect Harry."

I roll my eyes and heavily sigh, attempting to understand Matthews point. Matthew isn't in a position to make decisions when it comes to me and Harry, at the end of the day, I am the one Matthew has a responsibility to protect. He is the head of security, as much as I am Harry's responsibility, if something goes wrong, it will all turn out to be Matthews fault, he is the head, he has the overall say and power when it comes to what Harry and Oliver do. "Do you think you could help pull off a wedding without anyone knowing?" I question, curious to whether he can help me.

"I swear you are determined to get me fired," Matthew laughs, "For you and Harry, I'll do my best. What do you have in mind?"

I lift my shoulders into a shrug, "I don't know, but I want to marry him as soon as I can."

"A shotgun wedding... you know that doesn't look good, right?"

"What?"

"Princess, a shotgun wedding makes people think you're pregnant."

I shake my head instantly. "I'm not... and nobody will know, it's a private wedding for just me and him. You can be the witness and make sure nobody sees."

Matthew side-eyes me as we continue to walk the tranquil and aged hallways. "Is Harry onboard about this?"

"Uh..." I trail off, "Well... maybe? He's a bit groggy and said we should have this conversation when he's feeling a bit better."

"Mhm, I can see why," Matthew laughs. "Not a conversation to have while on pain meds and in and out of sleep." ... "When he agrees to it, I will see what I can do. Until then, your assistant wants you, I will take her to you before I have to go check the systems, if you need me, you call me, okay?"

I nod my head in agreement.

The most salutary thing about Matthew is that he is sort of like a second Dad. If I ever need him and I can't get ahold of Harry, a simple call or text and Matthew will be at my side as soon as he can, it doesn't matter what time of day it is, he will be there.

Harry's POV

I gradually come to terms with the fact that someone is speaking. I can't entirely hear the words he is saying, I don't understand them. It takes me a moment to adequately open my eyes and recognise the voice that echos the once peaceful room.

The king relaxes on a chair with his back to me, his hand pressed to his ear. I do my best to adjust my focus, a little confused as to why he's talking to himself, but then I realize. He's on the phone.

"No, this eye for an eye ends now. I've paid my debts, you don't get my daughter.... NO! You listen to me, you piece of shit, don't come near my family. You have gotten the money you wanted, you got some of the assets, I am not giving you any more. You don't deserve them and your son doesn't deserve to be a royal or King. I don't know where you evil wife is, but if she comes anywhere near my family, I will make sure my security team doesn't let her leave with her life" The king is stern as he speaks to whoever is on the other end of the phone, I can only assume it is the Ace's family he is talking to.

I am not sure why he doesn't have Matthew deal with them, I am sure that there is a way to have them silenced. If I had a say, I would have their heads, mainly because they are endangering Anastasia. Unfotiently, I do not get a say, I do not get to make the commands, all I can do is listen to what I am told. If the King doesn't want us to deal with them, there is nothing I can do. "No, I did everything I could; I changed the will and testimony as you insisted, there is nothing more I can do. If you want the wedding, get your son to sweep my daughter off her feet, simple. Don't think I forgot that he is the reason she broke her ribs. I ought to have had Harry kill him right there and then for that stunt."

Great, they're nevertheless attempting to marry Anna off to that prick of a prince to accommodate the fact that his family saved the Queen. If someone saved Anastasia from dying, I would be eternally grateful, but I would be damned if I was to let some ignorant want-to-be sit there and threaten me and my family. This eye for an eye wouldn't fly for me, I would be putting my foot down—— more so, I would be pulling the trigger on whoever was threatening my family. The king is a powerful man who knows various people, surely there is a way to settle this. There is no way this family has better ties than the King of England.

"Oh, please? What more can you do to me? I have the top security there is, you cannot get past them..... NO! You listen to me, I don't care that you're part of the mafia or have mafia affiliations, the only person who will be swimming with the fish will be you, I will make sure they drown you with concrete on your feet, do you understand me? You as much look at Anna the wrong way and I will have you killed. This is over." The King's voice booms like thunder causing me to wince and hold my hand to my head.

Fuck, I did not need a loud voice to ring through my ears.

The King turns to face me as I move amongst the sheets, he hangs up the phone and steps closer to where I rest. I blink at him a few times, striving to wrap my head around what he has said. I only wish I got the rest of the conversation and woke up sooner. "How are you feeling? How's the pain?" the King challenges as he clears his throat, perhaps hoping I didn't hear his phone call.

"Like shit," I respond honestly, "I have a horrible headache and I've had pain for a while, just in and out of sleep from it."

"When was the last time the doctor was in here?"

"Hours ago, I think this morning?"

I'm not quite sure what time it is now, all I know is my head feels as though I have someone hitting it with a brick, it almost takes the pain away from my shoulder.

The King nods his head and starts to type on his phone, "The Doctor will be back up here in a few minutes."

"Sir, where is Anastasia?" I softly question.

The king stares at me and raises a brow, "I uh— I actually don't know," he cocks his head to the side, "Why?"

"I'm not on her service, jus' making sure she has someone watching her."

I might be stuck in bed and in pain, but I want to make sure she is still being cared for and looked out for, I know Matthew can be trusted, as for Oliver... He is called Eageltte for a reason, he is the baby in training.

The King nods his head, "I will get ahold of her."

♔♔♔

Anastasia begged me to let her stay with me for the evening, once she started crying again, I couldn't tell her 'No'. I can't sit and let her cry, the minute she has tears I become putty in her hands. I can't do it. That is the easiest way for her to win an argument with me, I cave once she cries, every single time.

I felt bad for her, tear-stained cheeks and puffy eyes as she explained to me that she hadn't been sleeping the last few nights, she has been stressed and I gather she is still shocked from what has happened in the last few weeks. From Henry pulling his stunts to what happened on the boat, I don't blame her for not wanting to fall asleep alone. I don't blame her for not wanting to fall asleep without myself or Matthew standing at her door on guard.

Unfortunately, she doesn't feel safe anymore unless I or Matthew are around. There was once a time she would request me to give her time to herself without being observed because she hated all the security, now she is begging me not to make her go to her room.

Against my better judgment, I let her stay. I allowed her to crawl into bed with me on the conditions that Matthew stayed outside. The last thing either of us needs is for anyone to walk in and see us. Whether it be the doctor or the King himself. I can't trust that he won't try to use my room as another private call area.

I've been in and out of sleep, mustering enough energy to check to make sure she is still asleep beside me before falling back asleep. By the time I manage to sit up and glance at her, I am about ready to knock back out again. With each time I wake up, she has shuffled closer to me, I don't mind, I find it endearing. I will never complain about her wanting to be close to me in the bed, I will never complain that during the night she finds ways to place her hand on me. I will always do my best to make her feel safe and protected with me, and I will do my best to make sure that she has what she needs in this life. I will make sure she has the husband that she needs and merits, someone to be there for her, to support her. She deserves the world and I will do what I can do to make sure she has the world. I love her with every being in me; at the risk of seeming cliche, I love her and intend to love her until my last breath. She truly is everything to me, she is the daydreams of all daydreams.

I wake up immediately as I discover the door creak open, I force myself up immediately and reach to the side table where my pistol is, "Don't shoot, it is me," Matthew powerfully whispers, "Get her up and in the tunnels, the alarm has been pulled," Matthew directs, and my heart rapidly begins to race.

I swear at this point, there is not a moment where something isn't happening.

"Anna, Anna, darling," I mildly brush Anastasia's arm, drawing her from her sleep without causing her to panic.

The last thing I need is for her to panic, she already has enough trouble sleeping as it is. The poor girl doesn't need to be woken up in a horror of a stir.

Anastasia sighs and groggily glances at me, "We need to get in the tunnels, get up," I instruct, forcing her up and out of bed without explanations. "Matthew take her," I command, grappling to get up quick enough as she grabs a blanket and wraps it around her.

Anastasia shakes her head, "I'm not going without him."

"Now is not the time to be stubborn, Anna," I mutter, taking a deep breath and pulling myself to my feet, "Matthew, pull that mirror and dresser, it's the hidden opening," I gesture towards the gold-trimmed mirror and dresser that I have had the privilege to stare at a few times while in and out of sleep.

"Fuck, Harry, it's stuck," Matthew grunts.

I step around Anna, "Anna, baby, move for a second," I gesture for her to step away, using my good arm to help Matthew with pulling the secret compartment open, "This is why I didn't want her staying with me," I grunt, not too pleased with the fact that if she had of stayed in her place, she would already be safe and sound in the tunnels. "Fucking hell," I murmur, using all the strength I have to get the passage open a little further.

"This will have to do, we can fit," Matthew instructs.

I glance towards Anastaisa and she steps closer to me. I place my pistol in the waistband of my sweatpants and she slips her hand with my own, "Go, I'm right behind you," I assure her, "And Matthew is behind me, we are fine," I continue, supporting her through the passage before she freezes at the vibration of Matthew closing the passage door behind us.

"Harry—"

"It's okay, just the door. Here, I'll go first, it is dark and you're already startled," I benevolently tug her behind me and I take the lead.

I am familiar with the tunnels at Buckingham, Windsor not so much, we are infrequently here and we never utilise these tunnels, we have never needed to, not to mention, the tunnels are remarkably old and dusty. If I had to decide which tunnels I would prefer to be escorting through, it would be Buckingham's, at least I know the tunnels there are clean. There is no telling what is down in this chilly, sullen and old passage.

I can tell these tunnels haven't been accompanied in years, there are cobwebs everywhere, broken stones and rodents scurrying around. "Harry, this place gives me the heebie jeebies," Anastasia whispers, gently pulling back on my arm.

I nod my head and turn to her, "I know, sweetheart, I know," I respond.

There is something very unsettling and eerie about the tunnels we are walking through. I can't quite put my finger down on it, but there is something not right.

The castle started to be built in 1070 and it took sixteen years before it was complete. Over the years, many King and Queens have adjusted the structures and design, for the most part keeping the stone foundations. The castle wasn't built to be of a Royals residence, it was built specifically for a fortress, and for the most part, it has done exactly that. Windsor Castle has been in the royal family for almost 1,000 years and 39 monarchs have graced its halls, I am not surprised the tunnels are starting to decompose and are in horrid condition. This castle is meant to be one of the safest castles, after all, it has survived the bombings of World War II.

With the fact that St. George's Chapel is the burial place to deceased monarchs and not all of them were buried at peace, some were beheaded, some poisoned, some killed by natural causes... I wouldn't be surprised if this castle and the tunnels were haunted. Perhaps that is the eerie feeling that wraps around us as we walk.

I can't help but feel as though we are being watched, and I know Anastasia feels the same way.

Matthew takes my attention from focusing on walking forward with the little light that we have with the flashlight on our phones. "Harry, do you know where you're going?" Matthew questions.

"Honestly, no. We've never used these tunnels."

"Thought you had a photographic memory?" Matthew mutters.

I stop in my tracks and turn to face Anna and Matthew, "All due respect, Matthew, I'm coming off a morphine-induced sleep the king put me in, we're lucky I'm walking."

Anastasia heavily sighs as she let's go of my hand and puts a little space between us, "I can lead the way, I used to run around these when I was younger."

I glance towards Anna and shake my head, "No, we can't see a thing, the last thing we need is for a surprise attack with you in front." I respond and she looks towards Matthew for his response, "Don't look at him, I made the decision that it was safest for you to be in the middle."

Anastasia raises a brow and I know by the ways her eyes stare at me that she is far from amused by my comment. I don't tend to be dominant too much with her, I try to let Matthew make the decisions so that it doesn't cause arguments with her and I. "Says the one who is in front and has a slow reaction time."

"Anastasia—"

"Harry," she cuts me off, "You two don't have a clue where we are, that's unsettling."

"And you know where we are, Princess?" I question, adjusting the sling as she crosses her arms over her chest.

"Don't talk to me like a Princess, you know I hate it."

"And you know I hate when you make my job harder than it needs to be, so let me and Matthew figure it out."

"You're being an asshole."

"Yeah, well, I have bigger things to worry about than you calling me an asshole."

I don't want to be an asshole to her, it is not my intentions, but right now, I need to figure out how to get her out of the tunnels securely and in one piece. Matthew and I are both compromised, he doesn't know these tunnels, and I can only remember parts of the map that I glanced at weeks ago while attempting to uncover a map to the castle in Ireland.

"Are you two done bickering? At any moment we could get attacked," Matthew questions with his arms crossed over his chest.

I nod my head, "We came in on the far west side, very back corner of the manor, we took a right because there were too many rocks closing off the closest exit on the left which would have to lead us under the church and out into the river street car park," I begin to retrace our steps, "Which means, we've been walking for around fifteen minutes which puts us around about near the kitchen. Which implies we should be travelling towards East Terrace Lawn and will come out at Queen Victoria's walk." I notify Matthew, attempting to retrieve the map of how Windsor is set up, but my thoughts are still a little hazy.

"There's another entry and exit, Harry," Anastasia familiarises me, "It's this way." She motions to the right where there's a small hole in the wall.

There is no way I want her following a hole in the wall, and there is no way I want to manoeuvre my way through the small hole.

I shake my head, "There were only two on the map."

Anastasia rolls her eyes at me and huffs, "I'm going this way."

"Anna, you're going the wrong way, can't you just listen to us?"

Anna disregards me and manages her way through the space, prompting me to glare towards Matthew. "My future wife is highly fucking stubborn."

"Are you going to go after her?" He asks, unsure of what to do.

It is a fine line between us bickering as a couple and bickering as a Princess and a security guard.

I shake my head, "I need a minute," I respond, resting against the wall, "She won't walk too far without us, she's partially scared of the dark still."

Anastasia didn't want to sleep without me, I highly doubt she will walk too far in the dark on her own. She wants to prove a point, I understand, but sometimes she needs to just listen to us, we know what we are doing, we were hired in these positions because we are damn good at our jobs. Up until now, I have never questioned our ability to keep her safe.

"She's right though, it's another exit."

I close my eyes and take deep breaths, my shoulder throbbing with pain. "Near the dungeons," I nod, "But it's dangerous to walk through, it leads out to the River Thames, and I don't know about you but I'm in no position to swim for my life again," I respond, acknowledging that Anastasia is correct, there's a hidden tunnel that isn't on the maps, but it doesn't mean it's the most trustworthy option, in fact, I'd say it's the most dangerous. "It is cold, I don't need her swimming in cold water either."

"Fuck me," I huff, adjusting my shoulder in my sling. "Matthew, call her back, if I do it, she'll walk further just out of spite," I command, not wanting Anna to wander any further towards the River exit. I don't want to have to swim after her because of her being stubborn and I also don't know what is down that tunnel. For all we know, the walls' could cave in.

At the moment Matthew goes to open his mouth, a high pitched scream sends chills down my back. My eyes widen and I accelerate off the wall immediately, forcing my way through the hole.