Aveline's POV

“Lorand!”

He rushes down the stairs, dropping the sword and shield as he gets closer.  I hurry over to him. We fall into each other’s arms.

My heart leaps.  “I'm so happy to see you!”

We share a kiss.  I hold him closer, and he begins to sob.

“It's okay, I'm safe,” I tell him gently.

“No,” Lorand chokes out.  “Morden, he…”

“He what?”

“He killed my mother!” he cries, burying his face in my shoulder.  “For the throne!”

Chills run down my spine, and my heart sinks.  How cruel! I can't even imagine…

“I want him to pay for what he's done.  To her. To me. To this kingdom!” He gasps for breath.

My eyes fill with tears.  “I'm so sorry.”

“Aveline, I… I have to keep you safe.  I love you. I can't let him hurt you.”

“I love you too.  We can fight him. We'll save ourselves.”

Lorand sniffles.  I close my eyes, letting the tears roll down my cheeks.  My sweetheart in such pain… it hurts me. I really wish…

“Lorand!  Aveline! Run!”

I open my eyes to see the door to the dungeon burst open.  Morden lunges at Nellie.

“Don't hurt her!” I scream as Lorand grabs his sword.

“You'll pay!” Morden roars.  “You'll pay, all of you!” He grabs Nellie’s collar and grips it tightly.  Already her face is turning colors.

“Let go of her!” Lorand and I command in unison as we hurry up the stairs.

“Not until she's dead!” Morden growls.

Lorand reaches for his sword.  But then Nellie whispers one word:

“Dodge.”

What?  Oh! I grab Lorand’s wrist and pull him away.  “Dodge!” I repeat in a shriek. We leap down from the side of the staircase.  It's a miracle we're unharmed!

Nellie stomps on Morden’s foot, startling him into loosening his grip.  She then shoves him with all her might. His feet topple backward, and he screams as he can't control his fall.  Down the stairs he goes, a monster rolled up in an elegant cape, arms and legs flailing, until he reaches the bottom of the staircase with a horrid but splendid crash.

“You terrible…” he gasps, hatred boiling in his eyes.  “Awful…” He grits his teeth. “Imbeciles!” And then he groans in pain.  His eyes droop closed, and his head rolls to one side. I squeeze Lorand's hand.

“I-is he dead?” I half-whisper to Nellie.

“No.  I can see him breathing from here,” she replies.

Lorand swallows and sets down his sword.  “Let's bring him to one of the cells.”

We go over to Morden.  It makes me nauseous just being near him, even in his current state.  Lorand grabs his legs. A chill creeps down my spine as I take his arms.

“One, two, three…” we say, then lift and start carrying him to the nearest empty cell.  We drop him in a musty pile of straw. Lorand immediately hurries out, but something makes me stay just a moment longer.

“Aveline, please hurry,” Lorand mutters worriedly.

“It's all right,” I reply.  I reach down and lift the crown from Morden’s undeserving head, then bring it to Lorand, who shuts and bolts the door behind me.

“Aveline…”

I reach up and set the crown on his head.  The light reflecting off of it is more golden, more beautiful, and the gems seem to glow.  It's like how it was with his mother. “You're going to be a great king, my love.”

Lorand looks at me and blushes, the remnants of tears still on his cheeks.  My arms wrap around his shoulders, and he holds me tight. “I hope so. I'll try my best.”

I know he will.

Nellie calls us from the top of the stairs.  “Come on, let's go check on the others.”

Lorand gives me a sweet kiss, then he grabs his sword and races up the stairs.  I follow. Nellie opens the door. As soon as we step out into the hallway, she screams.