Odessa

I honestly don't know how it happened.
One moment I was getting changed, the next Alexander was dragging me out of my room down to the basement.
I had no time to even think of anything else besides from the fact I knew it was a rebel attack.

As soon as I reached downstairs towards the kitchen I met the others, all clambering down to the stairs. I didn't even say a word. I just obeyed Alexander's commands and followed the others down.
Mother hurried the children along and there was no sign of James anywhere. Even though I still can't forgive him I hope he is okay.

"They say it's could be just a protocol but we better be safe than sorry" Alexander reassures me as he hurries me down the latch under the kitchen. It is safely hidden behind a large spice cabinet, a place no one would ever inspect.

Once we are all in, Alexander locks the trap doors and we make headway down the dark stairs accompanied with torch light.
Charlie's maid coos the whimpering child as Herald holds his breath as he tries to stay calm. I walk over and tightly squeeze his hand to help him. He has a fear of being stuck in confined place and always hates rebel attacks.
His breathing starts to shift as he breaths heavily in and out through his nose, his glasses inch forward on the bridge of his nose.
I can only say softly "You'll be okay" but honestly I'm not sure what is actually going on.

Slowly breathing in the stale air, we make our way down to a large opening with dim lighting. In the large space, there is only one king sized bed with a shelf full to the brim with tinned food, but even that doesn't stop the cold creeping into the damp room.

I let out a huge sigh of a mixture of relief and anxiety just thinking about what is to come.

The children all huddle into the corner with maids as mother plops on the bed. I feel like an intruder with no where to go just standing near the door. It is only when Alexander follows behind me do I relax. He simply let's out a hefty sigh and falls to the floor, thumping his head against the damp salmon walls.
He puts out a hand and I sit down beside him. I can only close my eyes shut and place my head on his shoulder.

We sit together on the floor, I rest my head against his bony shoulder. And in that instant with the pale lighting, a flicker of sheer beauty appears.

I am not one to say I ever fancy Alexander; I've always seen him as a father figure.

But he has a kind of understated beauty, perhaps it is because his was so disarmingly unaware of his handsome features. Even with age, his skin is completely flawless. He is all about simplicity, making things easy, helping those around him to relax and be happy with what they have.

Perhaps that is why his skin glowed so, it is his inner beauty that lights his eyes and softens his features. When he smiles and laughs you can't help but smile along too, even if it was just on the inside. To be in his company is to feel that you too are someone, that you have been warmed in summer rays regardless of the season.

He turns and looks my glance upwards. "What's the matter dear?"

"Oh" I babble, flicking my hand over my face. "It's just that you always have a glow"

Now as I see his features, there is one thing that stands out the most; his eyes.

His eyes are a brilliant hazel. Whenever he is jovial they were warm, lively, and sparkle with mirth. When he is downcast, they seemed to grow dim and dark. The smooth green on the edge contrast beautifully with the amber color in the middle, capturing the heart of anyone whoever gazed at him.

He is bashful as he chuckles to himself. "You always say the strangest thing"

He now turns towards me and suddenly I see a stern look on his face. "How are you?"

At first I pause until I realise he means how am I after my dismal fall. "Oh...fine I guess"

He nods and loosens his grip around my hand before slowly asking, "Have you considered to forgive James yet?"

Immediately I jump at him.

"Alexander out of all people you should know how I feel about the situation"

I lower my voice as I don't want anyone, especially Mother, to hear our heated argument.

"My dear, he did nothing wrong-"

"Nothing wrong?! Have you been living under a rock?! He practically ruined me on live television!"

Soon our voices rise above the sacred silence but still hushed as we continue to argue over James' ordeal on national television.

A glance, touch, and one small comment stirs a hurricane of harsh and hoarse insults.

Our own Pandora boxes opens, sending each word full speed ahead to shatter our souls into a million pieces.

His face brightens, just a tone lighter than my own crimson. This is no longer 'He said' , 'She said'.  It just ends with a bitter defeat.

"Honestly Alexander can we forget about this now, I'm not in the mood"

I let out a yawn as I listen to his soft breathing as he says 'just sleep my dear, just try your best to relax.."

But no matter what in a situation like this, I don't think I can ever relax...

* * * *

Out of nowhere I am awoken as a guard darts into the room. Trying to catch up with his breathing he stops "Your highness.....the rebels.....are gone now....you can return back up...."

Instantly Alexander loosens his tight grudge and lets out a huge sigh of relief. We all scurry back up, relieved to see light shine through the windows once again. Maids and cooks shuffle by, already preparing the evening meal for tomorrow as if nothing has happened.

Mother orders the children to go back up to their rooms to get ready for bed, to which Ethan groans. Charlie is carried away by his maid, sniffling away tears, pleased to know once he gets back up he will read his favourite story again.

Alexander bows and says "I must check if everything is alright, I'll see you later on" I only nod before he rushes away.
Mother says she better go back up and catch up on her reading, waddling off, holding a hand to her bump. It's a month away until the new arrival comes. I fear the attacks will continue no matter what the occasion.

I can't pretend nothing happened. I need to check if any damage has been done. Judging by the commotion about me, there is nothing frightening. Chef Helga orders cooks to chop carrots and parsnips while others boil potatoes and prepare stock.

It feels weird to think I've just emerged from a rebel attack to see all of this. I am truly thankful but I feel I am in their way. I scurry past, muttering my thanks and kind regards, rushing back down the large hallway to the stairs.
Compared to the last encounter, so far there are no casualties, no blood stains on the steps or railing, no signs of agony or death.

I let those fearful thoughts slip away as I walk up. Once I reach my room, I can only lie on my bed. All of this commtion can wear you down. If only I could have one day of jsut relaxation. Perhaps I should have a nice cup of tea out on the balcony to forget my worries.

As I trial my fingers against the delicate sheet, I can only close my eyes and finally feel all my muscles relax. I've never felt so relaxed in my life.....
Suddenly I feel something. I let my fingers mess around the hard material and sharp corners. I can only hazily open my eyes to see an envelope on my pillow.
That's odd, I grunt, lifting my head up and opening my eyes wide. I lift myself up and rip open the envelope.

A thick cream coloured piece of card is unveiled. I slide it up gingerly preparing myself for what it says. As soon as my eyes see the scrawled writing the world around me stops.
My pulses quickens as I fathom over the words. My hands tremble as the card falls to the floor. The words appear in my mind over and over again.

'We have your precious prince James. Come to the forest at midnight or else you will face consequences....'

I close my eyes. My world starts to swim in darkness. I can only imagine James being held against his will, being forced to obey their orders or even being tormented. The thoughts makes me shrink to my bed.
As I continue to shake I have to pull myself together. I have to save him, I have to. As my hands tremble I look up at bedside clock. It reads 11:37.
I heartbeat stills for a moment. I need to go now to make it or else. I can't think of what would happen.
Rain pours outside as droplets form on the window. As I stare out the rain slashed window, I contemplate on what to do. Should I risk it? What if it's a trap?

I hurry to my bed and retrieve my guard uniform. I now keep it hidden under my bed. No one, not even Alexander knows about it. If anyone discovered it I would face severe consequences.

Tucking my hair up under my cap, I work in feverish concentration. I carefully put on my boots. I march forward to open the windows. Gingerly I open the left pane. The storm has calmed but rain still comes down steadily enough to mute the sound of my footsteps. I look over my shoulder one last time. I take a deep breath and then walk out to the balcony. Col rain lashes at my arm, pinching my skin.

"Odessa?"

I whirl around at the voice. Behind me, a silhouette of a young girl stands in my doorway- Rosa, still rubbing sleep from her eyes. She stares at the open balcony door and my uniform, and for a terrifying moment, I thought she might raise her voice and shout for Father.

But Rosa only watches me quietly. I feel a pang of guilt but I brush it away. I need to get James.

Still I find myself rushing to her side on silent feet, take one of her hands in mine and putting a slender finger up to her lips. She gives me a worried look.

"You should go back to bed" I whisper. In the dim glow of light I see the gloss of her dark hair, her marble eyes and the thinness of her delicate skin. Her beauty is so pure.

"You'll get in trouble if anyone finds you" I squeeze her tighter and then let our foreheads touch.
"Rosa" I whisper softly. "I need to go, James is in trouble".

Instantly her eyes widen. I place a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry I'll get him, he'll be fine"

She only nods, afraid to say anything else. I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear. "Don't say a word to the others" She doens't reply; instead she grabs me and clings to me. Finally she nods.

"Be careful out there. Stay safe. Good luck" We exchange a final look before I turn away and walk out to the balcony, preparing myself to stand up and climb down. I nearly slip as soon as I step up to the ledge. The rain has made everything slippery and my boots fight for grip against the narrow ledge. Don't look down. I think myself as I make my way along the ledge until I slide down, leaving myself dangling with nothing but my trembling hands holding me in place. I catch my breath as the rain falls. I close my eyes and let go.

My legs crumple beneath me when I land. The impact knocks my breath from my chest and for a moment, I can only lie on the grass, drenched in rain as I fight for air. Strands of my hair cling to my face as my muscles ache.

No. I can't stop now. I need to get up.

I can only crawl onto my hands and knees allowing air enter my lungs. I need to get out of here before anyone discovers me. Finally I scramble to my feet and run, dazed towards the forest. Even if my muscles scream in agony I fight on and continue to run. From time to time my feet get stuck in the mud but I carry on.

That's when I hear it. The moment I've been dreading, the sound of guards behind me. At first it seems distant- almost entirely muted by the storm but then an instant later it turns deafening. I feel shivers but I continue to run. And before I can think of anything else, I see a flash of torchlight. Terror rushes through my blood as I continue to run as fast as I can. My breathing stifles as my heartbeat pulses throughout. No matter what I can't stop. I need to be there for James.

I jump forward using all my adrenaline as I rush forward. The forest clearing is so close I can smell the wet pine. My boots splash into a puddles as I continue to run.

I can make it. I can make it.

I pump forward with all my strength, I dart forward not looking back. I am now hidden amonsgst the trees. Once I catch the whiff of pine and decaying leaves I stop.

Bending forward I listen to my sharp breathing. The moonlight shifts forward glimmering above in the dark array. I can't stop for longer, I need to get away. I need to find James.

And before I can think of anything else, I see a figure, a shadow lurking in the darkness. The sight makes my heart leaps.

Soon the figure darts forward, their outline materialising through the fog of a wet midnight. I rush to jump away but I am not fast enough. One moment the figure is before me, the next, their hands close around me like an iron shackle.

I try in vain to escape but their hand only grips tighter until I gasp from the pain. I am pushed to which I stumble, losing my balance and fall. Mud splashes my face. I am not able to lift my head, the figure places a boot thumping my head.

The agony makes me hold back tears as I try to fight back but I only have the pressure of pain from the mysterious figure as they use all their force top press down on me.

I grit my teeth, using any force I have left ti kick my legs upwards.

"Where is James" I manage to breath out.

The only reply is the touch of their hand close around a fistful of my hair. I shriek loudly as my nails dig into the dirt. The grip on my hair is only tightened as they pressed down harder, nearly making me lose my breath.

"Please" I beg, this time streaming down my face.

Suddenly I stop my sniffling as I hear a voice boom throughout the forest. "Stop what you are doing this instant!"

I can only manage to catch my breath again as the figure releases their pressure. I bend to my hands and knees grasping for breath, unaware of the figure standing before me watching my every move. When I look up I am taken aback.

"Astra? Alder? What are you doing here?"

"We could say the same for you" Astra bitterly replies, her hair still let loose flowing with her half shaven blonde head of hair. Then I hear another voice. "Wait, you know her?"

I look up to see a tall male stand before me. The moonlight shows off his lean athletic body type of huge biceps and a tight set of abs under his tight cream t-shirt. His complexion is dark, not to mention the deep cut that runs across his left eye. I can let out a small gasp, captivated by his mysterious strong presence.

"Yes Flint this is who we were on about" Alder adds, staring down at me, focussing only on my uniform.

"You mean her, the her  you were on about?"

"No shit Flint, we just made the whole entire thing up" Astra replies exaggerating by rolling her eyes.

Suddenly so many thoughts run through my head as I try to grasp everything, but I can splutter out with panic, "Where is my brother James?"

Alder, Astra and Flint only stare with furrowed eyebrows, their arms folded. "Why would we have your brother James?"

"You mean the prince James? You guys weren't kidding when you told us" Flint remarks and then lets out a slightly nervous laugh.

"Others? What are you on about? B-But there was a note saying meet in the woods at midnight or else. Please I'm begging you even though I hate him- well you wouldn't understand- but please-"

Now they only exchange a look at each other, more confused than ever. "Calm down princess" Astra snaps. "We ain't got anything to do with your precious prince"

I can only stare up from my sitting position of the tarnished mud. "Then who did? And once again, why are you even here?"

Once again, Astra glares hard snapping, "Look Princess we hunt to survive, it's not like we just folic in the forest all day long picking flowers and singing songs about peace"

"Jeez Astra give it a rest will ya?"Alder punches her hard in the arm to which she grits her teeth and snarls at him. She grabs his arm tightly and pulls him towards her "Don't you mess with me, you little twerp"

It seems Flint is the only responsible one who first watches but only Astra packs a punch, he breaks the two of them apart. "Calm down the two of you, you always have to fight"

"Well he started it" Astra only mutters turning away.

I speak up to stop any more of their bickering. "Then who has my brother? I mean if it is just you here and your friends, who else would have wanted James? There was an invasion today but last night there was people looking for him"

"Well he is the future heir to the throne. There is a long list of people who want him dead"

Alder punches her hard again. "Astra! Stop it!"

"What? It's the truth! The precious royal family is targeted and there are people who want them dead"

"Targeted?" I can only shake my head in disbelief. "Who would want to target us?"

But of course that is a stupid question. The entire nation wants us targeted, especially with the failing economy and growing fear of war and plague.

I get up slowly from the ground, stepping foward to Astra. "I swear if you know anything about my brother I will get the guards to track you down and kill you"

She only pretends to yawn. "Oh boohoo I'm so afraid of a little princess and her toy soldiers"

"Astra!" Alder snaps again. "I swear you better shut up or else I will tell the commanders"

I brush past him. "Astra I'm serious. I know last time we saw eachother you threatened to kill me but if you know anything about the attacks and James' whereabouts I will pay you"

Now I've gotten her attention. "How much?"

"I'll give you all my jewellery and five of my favourite dresses in return to information on these attacks"

She looks over and Flint and Alder, who both stand deeply impressed by my offer.

She eyes me her arms still folded asking "Are you actually offering me this or is this a joke?"

"No, cross my heart and hope to die, I promise" I put out my hand. "I swear, just please, I need to get James" Slowly she unfolds her arms and shakes my muddy hand.

She lets out a long breath before she begins. "Okay so the rebel attacks are quite frequent, well there is reason to believe that there are people angry with the way the kingdom. They want an uprising, a rise to power. They want to eliminate the monarchy"

Even though it feels my heart has stopped, I continue to listen to her. "This group are notorious well trained hunters who will do anything to defeat the kingdom. They won't stop until they get what they want. They train everyday and every night. They have the entire kingdom mapped out and they have inside spies telling them everything, that's when they know when to attack"

I swallow a lump in my throat as the cool night air breeze sweeps off my cap. My hair sweeps down onto my shoulders. Flint stares as I tangle knots with my slender fingers.

"So there are spies in the castles? Do you know who they are?" My heart pulses as I pray that Alexander is not mentioned.

But Astra only stares at the ground. "We don't even know who the rebels attackers are, let alone the spies"

"Astra don't scare the poor girl, I think that's enough"

Astra obeys and backs away. She stares up at the moon like a wolf ready to howl. "We better get back home"

"No! What about James?!"

Alder stares at me with pity as he turns to Astra. "I'm sorry but we can't help. That's not our thing"

"Not your thing?! But he could be dead for all we know?!" No, don't think like that. Not now. Not yet.

Flint backs away too only saying with his deep voice "Sorry girl, we have to head back...oh and sorry for nearly killing you earlier.."

They all stand together, like warriors with their hand carved knives and arrows.

My mouth has become dry as I try to stop them. No. Come back. I need you. Please, I'm begging you. Please.

But they don't even look back as they rush away from me. I can only crumble to the ground wanting to howl and let out tears.

Why would they leave me like this. Out of all times.

While I wallow in my own misery I don't notice the swift motion before me. I lift up my head to see Alder standing before me.

He crouches down to my level "Look you better go back. There's nothing you can do. Just go back and if you hear anything further, then come back tomorrow. I'll help you find him I promise, it's just tonight isn't a good time"

I can only stare at his sharp emerald eyes as I finally get the strength to nod.

"Look I say he'll be fine. Don't worry"

In the harsh cold night I can only feel the sharp bitterness of the coldwith the dense fog as I try to hope for the best for James.