Chapter Twenty-Three

Sophie screamed and raced blindly through the woods. Unsure of which way to go, she sprinted as fast as her legs would take her. Panting hard, a cramp twisted up her left side. She wouldn’t be able to run much longer.

Slowing down, she looked behind her. All she saw were shrubs, trees, and the base of the Zonam Mountain.

Why is Grishma trying to kill me? What did I do?

A booming laugh filled the air. “Oh, Princess Sophie, or shall I say, Brooklyn… where are you?”

Brooklyn?

Sophie stopped running and crawled under some thick leafy bushes.

“There’s no use hiding, I will find you and I will kill you, my dear!”

She could see the nearby brush shaking and a disgusting smell filled the air.

Mucus was dripping down, forming a puddle on the ground. “Come out, come out, wherever you are!”

Suddenly, someone dropped from a nearby tree limb. “Leave her alone!”

Grishma spun around. “Ryder? Have you come to die, too?”

Ryder?

Sophie couldn’t see much through the shrubs, but she could hear the clanging of swords.

“Is that all you’ve got, boy?”

Ryder screamed and Sophie could hear rapid footsteps.

Why is Ryder here and why is Grishma trying to kill him, too?

Sophie felt someone tugging on her leg and a hand reached up to cover her mouth as a muffled scream attempted to escape her lips.

“Princess! It’s me, Emlyn!”

Sophie’s heart was beating so fast she thought it might thump right out of her chest.

“Quick! Come with me, Princess! Brianna has Prince Algid on a horse nearby and they’re waiting for us with another horse!”

Emlyn waved and beckoned Sophie to follow. “This way,” she mouthed.

They crawled through the woods on their hands and knees until they could no longer hear Grishma and Ryder fighting.

“Just a little bit further,” said Emlyn in a hushed tone.

After a few more moments of slinking through the woods, two horses came into view.

Emlyn raced to the horse and threw herself on its back. Sophie followed and took her outstretched hand.

Brianna and Emlyn nudged the horse’s sides and galloped off into the woods.

“What the happened back there?” Emlyn shouted over her shoulder.

Sophie felt numb and yet overcome by emotion at the same time. “Grishma tried to kill me!”

“What? Why?”

“She called me Brooklyn and said I knew too much and that I had to die!”

“I’m so sorry, Princess! We’ll ride straight to Dratun! We’ll be safe there!” called Emlyn.

The horse galloped through the thick brush of the woods. Sophie could see the tail end of Prince Algid and Brianna’s horse. “Is Prince Algid okay? He was acting so strange!”

“Brianna said that Grishma followed you once you turned to run. The Prince just stood there with a strange look on his face. When Brianna got to him, he had a dart in his neck!”

“I knew something was wrong with him,” said Sophie.

The four escaped through the woods and rode for the rest of the night without stopping. By the time dawn approached, the horses were exhausted and needed a drink. They stopped by a nearby stream to rest.

Algid had snapped out of his daze and reached for Sophie. “My Princess! I’m so sorry I abandoned you in your time of need! Grishma drugged me. The last thing I remember is being in the carriage with you.”

He embraced Sophie and rubbed her back. “I will never leave you again, my darling!”

Her stomach growled as they embraced.

“You must be hungry, my love! Brianna, Emlyn, do either of you know what might be edible in these woods?”

Emlyn shook her head no.

Brianna smiled a sad smile, “Yes, my mother taught me how to forage for food in the forest when I was a young girl.”

“I’ll go with you,” said Emlyn.

The girls went off in search of something to eat in the woods, leaving Sophie and Algid together to rest and watch the horses.

“Princess, what happened back there? What was Grishma doing?”

The long night plus the stored up emotions finally collided internally and Sophie began to sob.

“Grishma called me Brooklyn and told me I knew too much!”

Algid held his wife and attempted to soothe her. “It’s okay, I promise I’ll never let Grishma or anyone hurt you again. We shall ride to Dratun and my father will help me protect you! He’s the most fierce warrior in all of Necoh!”

“Really?” Sophie asked meekly.

Algid kissed her on the forehead. “Yes, I promise.”

They sat on a log and waited for Brianna and Emlyn to return. A short time later, the girls came back with the top layer of their dresses folded over and overflowing with roots, nuts, and assorted berries.

“Oh Brianna! Thank goodness for your mother!” Sophie said.

The four sat together and ate the food the girls had collected. Then after a short rest, Algid stood and stretched his arms above his head. “I think we should depart. Grishma may be close behind and we can’t risk staying here any longer”

“Agreed,” said Brianna.

“Princess Sophie, I shall ride with you the rest of the way,” said Algid. “Plus, I know a short cut through the mountains.”

They climbed on the horses and took off racing through the woods.

Sophie wrapped her arms around Algid and attempted to momentarily forget the madness and mayhem that had taken over her life the past several days. She quickly realized there was no way to stop thinking about it.

Her memories were flooded with images of Grishma and the sounds of Ryder’s sword clashing with her long, putrid nails.

The rocky mountainside rose and fell along with the tree line. Algid guided the horses through small openings between rocks and large trees. They climbed up and then raced down throughout the beautiful scenery.

The sun dropped gracefully in the sky as they reached the end of the forest. In front of them lay a barren wasteland.

Prince Algid held up his hand and Brianna slowed her horse.

“Let’s give the horses some water and food. We shall eat, too. Then, we ride through the night to Dratun.”

The weary travelers dismounted their horses and dropped to the ground.

Sophie’s legs felt numb and her bum felt sore from the bumpy ride. She looked at her friends. “How are you two holding up?”

“Okay, Princess Sophie. And you?” asked Brianna.

“My shoulder really hurts and my legs feel like they’re about to fall off, but other than that, I feel okay,” said Sophie with a weak laugh.

They rested, eating and drinking to replenish what they’d lost during their journey. Sophie tried to shake the pain from her shoulder but her attempt proved futile. She soon gave up and suggested they move on.

Brianna groaned and Emlyn sighed.

Algid attempted to smile. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

They mounted their horses and rode across the treeless plain. Sophie began to shiver. She pressed against Algid for warmth.

“We’re getting close!” he shouted over his shoulder. They rode for what seemed like an eternity until finally the gates of Dratun came into view and the towering castle rose in the background.

Sophie gasped, “It’s beautiful!”

Algid grinned. “I knew you would love it.”

Sophie couldn’t take her eyes off the castle. Everything was covered in ice and it shimmered against the cold gray sky. Spires twisted up toward the heavens and the towers became lost in thick, low hanging clouds.

When they approached the city walls, the massive gates opened and two riders raced out. Algid hailed them and the group trotted through the city gates.

Sophie’s eyes swept across the icy kingdom and tried to take everything in. Small snow-covered homes and shops lined the streets. “It’s exquisite,” she murmured.

With a huge smile on his face, Algid said, “Welcome to your new home.”

After entering the castle, everything flew by in a blur. Algid greeted several people dressed in warm furry clothing and before she knew it, Sophie was being led up a large staircase and shown into a massive bedroom.

“Do you like it?” Algid asked.

“It’s stunning,” replied Sophie.

“I hoped you would like it,” he said smiling. “This will be our wing of the castle, that is, until we become the King and Queen of Dratun.”

Sophie ran her hand through her hair and sighed. “Prince Algid, thank you for everything. The past few days have been horrible!”

He shook his head. “I know. I never would have imagined that Grishma would have turned on your family. We’ve already sent riders with the news to your father.”

“What do you think he’ll do?” asked Sophie.

“I imagine he will retaliate. I’m not sure how, but he’ll want Grishma’s head on a stake as soon as possible!”

Sophie nodded in agreement.

“Darling, you must be exhausted. Why don’t you rest? I’ll call you in a bit for dinner. I must speak with my father.”

Relief washed over her like a rain shower on a spring day. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed Algid on the lips. “Nothing would make me happier. Goodnight, my sweet Prince!”

After Algid excused himself, Sophie made a beeline for the enormous bed covered in warm down comforters.

She crawled under the covers and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

“Princess, it’s time to wake up,” said Algid as he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

“Huh?” Her voice was groggy.

“It’s time to wake up. You slept all night and throughout much of today.”

She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in her shoulder prevented her from doing so.

Algid held out his hand. “Here, let me help you.”

She winced as she got out of bed.

“How does your shoulder feel? We have a healer waiting to treat you,” said Algid.

“It really hurts,” admitted Sophie. She looked down. The hem of her dress had come loose and there was a long tear running from the side of her waist to her feet. “I can’t go anywhere looking like this. But it hurts so much, I’m not sure I can change into anything else.”

He handed Sophie a plush white robe. “Why don’t you just slip this on?”

She managed to put on the robe without too much pain.

“Come, the healer is this way,” said Algid. The cold air tickled her nose as she followed Algid through the magnificent castle. “Aren’t the ice sculptures beautiful?” asked Algid.

“Yes, I’m just surprised you have them inside the castle walls,” said Sophie.

“You’ll get used to the cold,” laughed Algid.

“I sure hope so,” she said.

Sophie’s stomach growled and her cheeks turned crimson. “Pardon me!”

“You must be hungry,” chuckled Algid. “There is a feast prepared for us. We shall attend as soon you’ve seen the healer.”

Algid pushed through an ice-cold wooden door. “The healer is in this room.”

Sophie looked around and saw rows of glass jars sitting on shelf after shelf, filled with strange looking ingredients.

“Bressa, do you mind if I leave Princess Sophie with you while I tend to some personal business? I shall return before you finish.”

A short, extremely thin woman with a crooked nose approached Sophie. She had a toothy smile that was riddled with large gaps. “Princess Sophie? As Prince Algid said, my name is Bressa and I’m the King’s lead healer. I hear you have injured your shoulder?”

“Yes. I fell in the royal carriage and since then, I have been in pain,” said Sophie.

“Come here, dear. Let me see,” said Bressa.

Sophie slowly took off the robe. Her shoulders were already revealed in her cream colored strapless dress. She shivered, and then grimaced. Pain rippled through her shoulder.

The old woman inspected her from head to toe. “How odd,” she murmured.

“Pardon?” Sophie asked.

Bressa didn’t answer. Instead, she examined Sophie shoulder. “Ah, yes, you received quite the blow to your shoulder.”

“Is it bad?” questioned Sophie.

“Not really, but it will hurt a bit to fix. I’ll give you something to ease the pain.”

Bressa looked at Sophie and then frowned. “Do you mind if I prick your finger first? I would like to test a drop of your blood.”

Sophie held out her left pointer finger. “Um, sure.”

Sophie felt a small pinch and flinched.

Bressa rushed the drop of blood over to a vial. She quietly counted to ten and then furiously shook the bottle for another count of ten. The once clear liquid in the vial turned a murky gray.

“What is that for?” asked Sophie.

“Princess, have you been feeling differently? Perhaps having odd memories?”

Sophie paused. Should I tell her? She looked at the woman again. She seemed trustworthy. Okay, I’ll tell her, I will just word it extremely carefully. No mention of this Ryder guy though, I would hate for something bad to happen to him because of something I said.

“Well, yes. Since the wedding, I’ve had at least two really weird experiences. It’s like I’m in a dream, only I’m a completely different person. The other people there call me by a different name. They’re very short memories and they’re almost like dreams.”

“I’m not sure how to tell you this, Princess Sophie, but you’ve been drugged,” said Bressa.

Dread crept up from her core and dispersed throughout her body. “What? What do you mean I’ve been drugged?”

Bressa put her arm gently on Sophie’s good shoulder. “Dear, someone has been giving you something to control your memories.”

“Why would someone do this?” asked Sophie.

The old woman shook her head. “I’m not sure. It must have been someone close to you, though. I’m sure not many people had access to your food or drink.”

A look of anger washed over Sophie’s face. Adeline! I bet she is the one behind this!

“I take it by that look you know just the person who may be responsible?”

“I have a guess,” replied Sophie.

“Well, I have some good news,” said Bressa. “I have a cure. I’ll mix it up and send it to you after dinner. Make sure you take it right before you go to bed, because it may make you feel…” she paused, “Well, it will make you feel very strange. Possibly extremely euphoric, dizzy, or just plain tired.”

“Okay, if you think it will help.”

“It will.”

Bressa handed Sophie two yellow vials of liquid. “Okay, I want you to take this now, it will help ease your shoulder pain.”

Sophie drank the liquid. “Thank you for taking care of me.”

“You are welcome, dear,” said Bressa. “I need to put some medicine on your shoulder now. I want you to take a deep breath.”

Sophie complied and Bressa slathered on a dose of gooey medicine.

“Ouch!” cried Sophie. “It really stings!”

“I’m finished and I apologize for the pain,” said Bressa. Then she wrapped up Sophie’s shoulder in a sling. “You’ll feel relief soon. Try not to move too much.”

There was a brief knock at the door and Prince Algid strode in. “How are you feeling, my love?”

“Bressa has fixed my shoulder and given me something for the pain. There is some bad news, though…” she trailed off.

Bressa looked at Algid with a serious expression. “Your bride has been drugged.”

Algid’s face turned red. “What?” he fumed.

“Someone has given her something that has severely impacted her memory,” said Bressa.

“Who would do such a thing?” shouted Algid.

Bressa remained calm. “Well, unfortunately, we won’t be able to find that out. The good news is that I can mix together a cure and she can take it tonight.”

Algid sighed with relief. “Oh, thank you, Bressa!”

Bressa smiled. “You are welcome, Prince Algid. I’ll begin making the cure at once and I’ll bring it to Princess Sophie as soon as it’s ready. Just remember, it should be taken after a meal and directly before bed.”

Algid helped Sophie back into her robe. “Thank you again, Bressa.”

Bressa nodded. “You’re welcome. It has and always will be my pleasure to serve the royal house of Dratun.”

Algid gingerly held Sophie by her good arm and escorted her out of the healer’s room. “I was hoping you could meet my mother and father over dinner. But I’m afraid you’re not well enough. Perhaps we could push that back until tomorrow?”

Oh thank goodness!

“I would greatly appreciate that, my sweet Prince.” Sophie stopped and kissed her husband on the cheek. “You take such wonderful care of me!”

Algid gazed into her eyes. “I will always take care of you and I will always love you.”

I’m the luckiest girl in the whole world of Necoh.

When they pushed through their bedroom doors, Sophie instantly smiled. Their room was filled with beautiful flowers.

“Do you like them?” asked Algid.

“They’re beautiful!” exclaimed Sophie.

“The washroom is through those doors and a bath has been drawn. Why don’t you go get cleaned up? I’ll ask the chef to prepare us dinner. If it pleases you, we can dine together in our room,” suggested Algid.

“That would be lovely,” Sophie replied.

Algid left the room and Sophie entered the washroom. She managed to peel off her sling, robe, and dress without too much pain.

Wow, the medicine Bressa put on my shoulder is already working!

Sophie actually sighed out loud as she got into the soothing bathtub. After soaking for quite some time, she reflected on the past few days. Tears flooded her eyes and she began to sob. What is happening to my life? I had to leave my father and my home. I was almost killed by Grishma last night! Now I’m in Dratun and I barely know anyone.

She felt utterly overwhelmed and incredibly sad. Sinking down lower into the relaxing warm water, she closed her eyes and wished all of the emotional and physical pain away.

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