3_42 Of Love And Lies

"So how did you escape?" Zane asked Will as they rode, turning his head slightly so she could hear him over the wind. She was seated behind him on the saddle since there were no available horses for her to ride on her own. Zane had also thought that this was a better idea since Will had barely been able to keep her eyes open since they'd left.

"I'm clever," she replied simply. When Zane nudged her to proceed, she continued. "I found a dagger in the room where I was being kept and I picked the lock," she explained. "Then I hit the hinges off the door. After that, it was all a matter of sneaking. I found the soldier uniform in the wash room and put it on, then I just walked out."

Zane glanced at her. "That easy?" he asked.

She glared at him. "I had a considerable amount of motivation," she told him.

~~~

Robert was exhausted. His entire body ached from hitting into bookshelves and the floor, and his head was pounding. He was pressed up against the window, his breathing ragged and heavy.

"You're going to lose sooner or later," Marius hissed in his head. "Give up."

Robert closed his eyes in concentration. His thoughts were blurry and fading-- that was part of the possession process. In order for a spirit to assimilate into their host, all of the host's memories had to be erased. Robert could barely remember what his grandfather looked like, only that he had a crooked smile. "No." He thought of Will-- the only person who refused to be erased from his mind. He thought of the piercing glares she gave him, the way her mouth crinkled when she laughed, the softness of her hair-- anything that would help him remember her. I have to fight. he told himself firmly. I have to fight for her. He pushed himself to his feet slowly, supporting himself against the wall. He stumbled over to the table, his shoulders quivering with effort.

Marius' spirit seemed to push Robert out of control, sending him sprawling to the ground. Robert gasped, exhausted. In his mind's eye, he could see Marius sneering at him. "Pathetic." Robert's body pushed itself up to its feet, but it was no longer Robert who was in control. Marius walked to the balcony, looking around at the city below him. "It's mine," he hissed to himself using Robert's mouth. "It's all mine."

"No." Robert forced himself back into control again, and he fell, scraping his hand against the stone of the balcony. He could hear Marius' angry shout ringing through his head, but he ignored it. He drowned out the sound with Will's laugh, thinking of the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled. "None of it is yours anymore-- it's mine."

~~~

All eyes went to the door to the throne room as it swung open, revealing a much different face than what was expected. Lord Borius stood, his mustache quivering with agitation. "Where is the King?" he demanded.

Holland put up his hands as some of the other nobles prepared to complain. "His Majesty is taking the day to prepare for his fiance's return."

Borius' already pale face whitened. "She's been found?" he said quietly. Holland nodded.

August smiled. "This is excellent news," he said, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening. "I look forward to her return to Court." He glanced at Borius, who ducked his head.

"Indeed," Borius grumbled. "I'm sure we all do."

Holland smiled and bowed to them. "The Court may be out for a couple of days after Her soon-to-be Majesty returns. No doubt it will take her a while to recover from her experience, and His Highness will wish to ensure her health before he returns to politics." A couple of the nobles chuckled and nodded. Holland bowed again before turning neatly on his heel and exiting the room, leaving the nobles to discuss his news.

"Lord Holland?"

Holland turned to find August following him. "Yes, Lord August?" he said, his voice smooth.

"I was wondering if you'd seen my daughter," he said quickly, not quite meeting Holland's eyes. "I thought she was ill, but she isn't in her room. Is she alright?"

Holland could not bring himself to tell August the truth-- that Ali, the wisest and bravest of his children, was dead. "I believe she's gone out to meet the returning party," he lied. "Lady Willow was one of her closest friends-- I'm sure she just wanted to ensure her safe return."

August scrutinized him for a moment before nodding. "Thank you, Lord Holland," he said, nodding his head in respect.

Holland nodded back and continued down the hall, breathing a sigh of relief. He rounded the corner before taking off at a sprint, his cloaks flying behind him. He skidded to a halt just as he passed the Rider's barracks. "Orielle, I need your help," he said as she moved hastily out of his way.

She nodded, brushing back her hair. "What do you need me to do?"

~~~

August stepped back in surprise when the door to Ali's room opened, revealing an equally surprised maid. She bobbed in a deep curtsy, her eyes fixed firmly on the ground. "Lord August," she breathed. "Forgive me, I was not expecting you."

"Is Lady Alarin here?" he asked, looking behind the maid to see if he could get a peek into the room.

"I'm afraid not, sire," the maid replied hastily. "She had me prepare her traveling things this morning. She rode out just before dawn to meet the search party. I was just tidying things while she's not here. Dusting and such."

August nodded. "Thank you, that is all."

The maid nodded and shut the door again. She turned her gaze to her left, which had been obscured by the door until a moment ago. "Now we're even," she told Holland, who merely grinned at her.