Forbidden Love

Chapter 4

No such luck it seemed as Laura woke up to the sounds of tents being brought down and horse being saddled and mounted. Yara was no where in sight.

She stood up and looked around, noticing a basin of water and a washcloth, feeling the coming ons of a headache.

" A pleasant morning it is princess "Yara said cheerfully, stepping into the tent holding a tray of food. It was laden with some type of roasted meat, it smelled divine.

" What is that "she asked coming closer to the tray with a mouthwatering expression.

" The men caught a wild animal that was roaming the mountains, it came too close to the camp "she answered.

"Hmm....... "Laura said taking a cautious bite. Her eyes widened at the barrage of tastes that assaulted her tongue. She closed her eyes in delight and ate the rest of the food while humming contentedly.

" So, " she said licking her fingers. " Where were you earlier "

" Oh "Yara fumbled for an answer and came up empty.

Looking at her with suspicion, Laura asked " You were with the head guard, Dominic, yes "

" Yes, my lady, " she replied hanging her head.

" Hmm...... "she hummed in thought. " Tell me true Yara, have you developed feelings for him? "

" Yes princess, "she said with a sigh. " I know it has not been long but it is true. He treats me well, he is kind to me and he makes me laugh "

" I see, " Laura said pensive. " I will not lie to you, I feel a little betrayed "

" I am sorry, princess "

" I know you are but I cannot help how I feel, they captured us Yara, took us away from our loved ones, how can you see past all that? "she asked incredulously.

" I have not princess, but being with him makes me happy and he looks at me with such tenderness "

" I cannot pretend to understand or like what is happening but I will support you and I will try to be happy for you "

" Thank you princess, that is all I want "

Yara said rushing forward to hug her.

" Well then it seems I will be returning home alone "

" What do you mean "Yara asked confused.

" I will be making my escape soon and due to recent developments I will be going alone "

" Oh I see "Yara said nodding. " I will help you in anyway I can "

" Good, you can start by getting me a blade, can you do that "

" Yes princess, Dominic hides his weapons whenever I am with him but I am confident I can find where he keeps them and take one without him noticing "

" Perfect, come then let us see what all the ruckus is about "she said taking Yara's arm and walking out of the tent.

The sun was out already but it was hidden by the mountains surrounding them. All around them, tents were being brought down, fires were being extinguished, Laura looked around spotting the prince talking with Dominic.

Walking swiftly towards them, she heard the tail end of their conversation

" It would not be good to hurt her my friend, I doubt she is accustomed to the ways of one such as you " Philip was saying.

" Yes I know it will be fine "Dominic replied in a careless manner.

" Hello gentlemen "Laura said loudly.

They jumped, startled to find her there so suddenly. They had not heard her approaching.

" Good morning to you too princess "Philip greeted, eying her up and down.

Dominic greeted her the same with a slight bow then smiled widely at Yara who blushed profusely. Laura rolled her eyes internally, this would take some getting used to.

" Prince Philip, I trust that with a good night's sleep, you have abandoned the stupid idea of me riding with you and crossing the bridge altogether "

Philip laughed lowly, his shoulders shaking slightly " Unfortunately for you princess, no I have not abandoned the idea. We will cross the bridge and you will ride with me "

Eyes blazing wildly with unchecked anger, she replied, " How can you expect me to ride with you, I am a princess and you would deface me in this manner in front of all your men "

Eyes softening with understanding, he said " I would never want to do that to you, but it is not safe for you to go yourself, you could fall off the side of the mountain or even off the bridge "

" Then find another way, must we use this accursed bridge "she asked in exasperation.

" Yes we must, so come along princess, it would be best we get started now " he said taking her arm and bringing her towards his horse with Dominic and Yara following behind dutifully.

Leaning down to reach her ear, Philip whispered " You need not fear the crossing or the climb, I will make sure nothing happens to you and riding with me does not make you any less of a princess "

Laura looked at him with an inscrutable expression on her face " Thank you, Philip "

He smiled gently at her and helped her mount his horse. He swung up behind her and gave the order for his men to move out.

They began the slow climb up the side of the mountain with Philip in the lead and Dominic behind him with Yara situated in front of him. When they were almost to the bridge, Laura made the mistake of looking below, perched high as they were, she could see the chasm below them more clearly especially since the fog had cleared, jagged rocks rose up from below and would instantly kill anyone who fell.

A wave of nausea assaulted her then and she closed her eyes in fear.

" Laura "

" Yes "

" Open your eyes "

Shaking her head quickly, she kept her eyes shut firmly. Could she not just keep her eyes closed till they crossed?

" Laura, open your eyes " he said again.

Reluctantly, she did so and looked back at him. He smiled widely at her and said " Good girl "

" If I fall Philip, I will haunt you for all eternity "

Laughing loudly, he replied" If I let you fall then I deserve to be haunted for eternity "

" Good "

" Now look to the east "

Wondering why she was even listening to him, she did and was immediately captivated. The sun was just rising high enough to leave behind the shadow of the mountain. The first rays of the sun were touching the landscape and it was breathtaking, sheets of snow covered the land as far as the eye could see, in the distance there was a frozen river that reflected the sun's light. It was simply beautiful.

" Breathtaking, is it not "he whispered in her ear. His husky voice sent shivers up her spine and she swallowed before answering. " Indeed it is, thank you "

" You are most welcome princess "

The rest of the climb was uneventful and when it came time for the crossing, Philip tied a rope around her waist and looped it to his. To assure her he said, now if she fell so would he and dying here was not part of his plan.

* * * * * * * * * * *

They made camp that night a little ways from the mountain, the crossing was successful and nobody had fallen to their death much to Laura's relief. As she sat in her tent awaiting her meal, a soldier came in and said" The prince would like you to join him for the evening meal "

" Is that a command or a request? " she asked.

" It is a request "

" Tell your prince I am not interested in dining with him "

" Very well "the soldier replied and left.

The nerve on him, she thought annoyed. He thought he could just ask her to share a meal with him and she would oblige him. " Pompous fool "she muttered.

" I assume it is I you are referring to "

no other than Philip said coming into her tent holding a large tray of food.

" What is the meaning of this "she asked in annoyance.

" Since you will not join me for supper then I will join you "he answered smiling.

" Come,sit we have things to discuss "he said beckoning her towards him.

Reluctantly, she went to him and sat resigning herself to a very long dinner.