By the time I finish the story I've seen nearly every emotion grace their faces. I desperately wait for one of them to break the silence. They share a troubled look before Moira speaks at last.

"I am deeply sorry for you hardships, your Highness." She breathes, gently patting my hand. Her words sound clumsy. It's clear she is unsure as to how to address me now. Pádraic remains silent, staring at his shoes with a look of utter puzzlement.

"Please," I smile lightly. "There's no need for formalities. Call me Riniya."

This is where we stay for the rest of the evening. Exchanging stories as we sit around the small kitchen table. They tell me the story of how they met and in return I tell them the few things I know about my would-be fiance. I hold their hands as they speak of the child they've lost, same as how they hold me when I reminisce about my late father. The fire in the hearth burns bright, the flames cast vague shadows on our tired faces. For the first time in days I feel at peace. Though danger lurks only a door away, the couple has made me feel as if I'm in the safest place on earth. No blade can cut me when I am surrounded by their heartfelt laughter.

"Right, your Hi-" Pádraic clears his throat before correcting himself. "Riniya. You must be dead tired. Why don't we show you to your bed?"

The pair show me to a tiny room at the back of the house. A single mattress lays on the ground, accompanied by a small pillow and a frayed blanket.

"It's not much but-"

"It's perfect." I reassure them. "It's more than I could have wished for."

Moira places a soft kiss on my forehead and Pádraic smiles from the doorway as they bid me goodnight. They leave me a final candle before closing the door. And now I'm alone again. As I lay in the dark, the safe feeling I had felt mere minutes ago quickly leaves again. No matter how much I twist and turn, sleep never seems to reach me. Visions of my ordeal plague me whenever I close my eyes.

As I try to calm myself with the thought of Moira's motherly care I can't help but be reminded of my own. If I try hard enough I can still vaguely picture my mother's face. I can't even remember how old I was when she went, but I couldn't have been more than six. Father never really liked to talk about her. I could see the memory of his wife pained him whenever I asked about Mother. Yet I have always felt this unbearable need to know everything there is to know about her.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, I hold a memory of being in my mother's arms as she lovingly sings to me. I don't know whether this is a figment of my imagination or an actual memory, but I cling to it as if it's my most valuable possession. Lost in memories, I mindlessly twist the silver chain around my neck. Iliyana's necklace. Yet another motherly figure that was taken from me. The silver pendant serves as my beloved reminder of her wonderful heart. As I turn the jewellery between my fingers I am overcome with the realisation of how utterly alone I actually am. An orphan in a broken world, and no way to repair it.

An hour passes before I decide to give up on trying to sleep. The wooden floor is cold beneath my feet as I make my way to the door. I drift through the hall in the soft light of the candle, my long shadow trails behind me. Once I reach the top of the stairs I'm met with hushed voices. A heated argument seems to take place but it's hard to make out any words. My ears perk up when I hear my own name being uttered. Filled with curiosity I quietly crawl down the steps. I press myself against the wall as best as possible and intently listen to the quiet words.

"We would damn her." Says Moira's faint voice.

"If we are found out, we will be the damned ones." Pádraic responds.

"This act of selfishness would damn us just the same."

"If my wish to keep you safe is selfish then so be it." Pádraic sighs, his voice laced with ambivalence. "Now please, my dear, go get them."

I can't see her face but as I hear the sound of the door opening and closing I know she has made up her mind. My stomach drops. I feel my heartbeat quicken. Unsure of what to do now I try to make my way back up the stairs. In my shocked state I miss a step and loudly stumble forward. I pray in naive hope that Pádraic didn't hear me but none too soon he appears at the base of the stairs.

"Riniya-" He starts.

"You're going to sell me out."

"We have no choice, you don't know what they're like."

"I think I have quite a good idea of what they're like."

"Then you must understand." He begs desperately. I hate him for giving me a fake sense of safety. I hate him for selling me out. But most of all I hate him for being right. If the cursed ones find out they've hidden me they will be condemned to a faith worse than death.

"I can't lose her, Riniya." Pádraic continues. "She's all I have left in this world."

"Your child." I say, as the pieces slowly fall into place. "You told me you lost your child in an accident but that's not true is it?"

His eyes glaze over, a mix of fear and sadness graces his face. "They took him the first night they arrived. Said they needed extra hands."

"I will get him back." I don't know where the confidence comes from but I persist. "Listen, I promise you I will get your child back but I can't do that if I'm dead or imprisoned."

Pádraic shakes his head, clearly unsure of whether or not to trust me. He roughly strokes his beard as he paces through the room. My heart beats faster with every step he takes. After the longest seconds of my life he stops. His back remains towards me.

"They'll be here soon." He sighs. He sounds unsure of his own words. "Get out the back before they come."

I nod a silent thank you as I hastily walk to the door. Before I can leave I feel his hand on my shoulder once again. He regards me with a pained gaze, a dark garment in his grasp.

"Your hair is too noticeable. Take this." Pádraic carefully places the cloak around my shoulders. His hands linger for a moment longer, seemingly undecided about my escape.

"You will see him again." I promise, as I take his hands in mine.

"Iain." He smiles sadly. "His name is Iain."

A/N Will they see Iain again? Don't forget to vote!