Part 1 – here

Part 2 – here

Theo was present when the news struck the royal family. He watched his mother’s heart break, yet she quickly regained her composure, only glistening tears betraying her sorrow. The kings were silent, the guests allowing this country’s’ ruler digest the news of his daughter’s death. Yet the silence was too short.
“As you know-“ the Duskwell king Reginald started out, causing Theo’s dad to look up. “We bartered. We were promised a princess” his tone was calm, his body relaxed as he interlocked his hands in front of his body.

“You can’t possible-“ King Gabriel replied in a harsh tone and Reginald bowed his head slightly. “Under different circumstances I would never demand” he quickly amended “but it is vital that my son get married to one of your daughters”
The rulers of Northwind exchanged a confused look, but King Reginald didn’t explain. “You have two others, have you not?” he demanded and Theo tensed slightly. He knew, even before his parents answered, where this would lead. Slowly he backed away, as usual he was ignored and the conversation continued.
“We do- “King Gabriel said hesitantly. “Meldoy is far to young. She is only ten” he said, glancing at his wife “Grace would… do” his tone was considering. Asking. Theo had heard enough and silently went out the door. With calm composed steps he walked pass the visitors entourage, going towards Graces room. When he was out of hearing range, he set into a sprint.

“Grace!” he whispered as he barged through the door. She was packing for the trip to go to the wedding that was not happening, her movements composed and calm. She did jump slightly as the door flung open and a furrow appeared between her eyebrows. “You must run”  he continued, pulling of his belt with the ornate dagger he had been gifted years ago “take this. Go”
“Why-“ she started with a confused, but he shushed her “Listen. Elanore is dead… They want a replacement. They want you. You have to go – now!” he explained. Her green eyes went wide, and no more questions passed between them, instead she put on the belt, grabbed her cloak and stuffed the training clothes into a satchel. As she stopped in front of Theo, he reached out pulling her into a fierce hug. “Take care, Wisp” he whispered “go to the clearing. The hollow tree. I’ll try to leave stuff there if-“
“I’ll be fine” she replied, her voice was shaky and he could feel her fear – but knowing her, it was the fear of being bound in marriage, and not the fear of the woods or being alone. “I’ll be fine” she said again, as she pulled away “be careful” she said and he nodded. Then she ran and he saw his sister disappear. He didn’t want to cause his parents any more heartbreak, but his sister was special. She was made differently. She was meant to be something else, not a wife standing in her husband’s shadow.

The silence was oppressing. Slowly he moved down the hall with a casual demeanor, while Grace had properly already found her way to the gardens. He could visualize her climbing the fence, they had done it so often that it came second nature.  She had never been a princess. Never satisfied with this role that destiny had forced her into. He just hoped she would be free. Would live the way she deserved to live.

It took a few hours, though Theo had hoped the deliberations would have lasted all night. He listened as the castle started bustling, people running, hushed voices. It didn’t take long for the knock on his door and he stood, answering it as if all was good. His parents stood outside, his mother anxious and his father furious. “Where is Grace” Gabriel asked and Theo lowered his gaze in respect, as he had been taught. “I don’t know father” he replied calmly. Once more silence ruled.
“We need to find her – where would she have gone?” the pressing words were laced with anger, and Theo swallowed the lump that appeared in his throat. “The willow perhaps?” he offered. A guard set off, Theo hadn’t even seen him in the hallway. “She better be” Gabriel continued, before he turned and left. Theos’ eyes met his mothers. She knew. She knew Grace was gone. She knew she had lost not one, but two daughters this night.