Discovery (Revisioned)

Chapter 11

I can not believe that I just heard that conversation. My Dad just told Joseph that he can marry me. I don’t trust Joseph, he’s a guard. I don’t even belong here. Why would Dad do this to me? Anger courses through me causing me to have enough energy to sit up. I glare at both of them while tears of anger slide down my cheeks.

When Dad and Joseph both reach out to me, I recoil back against the wall. When I see the look on both of their faces, they both have the same expression. They both look as though I had stabbed them in the chest and that brings some of the anger down.

"Please, I only want to help you." Joseph pleads.

I shake my head and look at my Dad, showing him how much he betrayed me. He scoots over and grabs my hand.

"Honey, I don't know what has you so upset. Will you tell me?"

I try to speak, but I can’t. It hurts my throat to even try like a fresh wound has opened up. So I point at Joseph and then to my ring finger as I shake my head.

"You don't want to date Joseph?"

Joseph asks, 'date’?’ at the same time I shake my head.

"That is what we call courting." Dad explains to Joseph while still looking at me.

I can see the disappointment, in my Dad, in both his eyes and his posture. I’m not really sure what he’s disappointed about. I’m not sure I can trust Joseph. I glance towards the man and see the looks in his eyes. The sheer sadness, in Joseph's eyes, cools off the heat and I sigh.

I don't think that you can fake the look of pain that is written on his face. Why could he possibly care about me that much. I don’t even know him and he definitely doesn’t know me. I hold up my finger to signal for my Dad to give me a minute so I can think. I have a lot to think about.

I think about things, every thought that passes through my mind, and not able rebut any of the positives I came to the conclusion that he seems sincere enough.

I’m not going anywhere. Of course, my current self is screaming, " NO, what about Derek. You can't do that to him." But at this time, there is no one named Derek. So I just have to watch and listen to the replay.

I look at my Dad, point to Joseph, and give a thumb's up. I’ll give him a chance. He’s good looking. He’s strong. He seems sincere and, for whatever reason, I feel an attraction to him. There’s no reason to fight it if I’m not going anywhere. He may be our only hope. Maybe I’ll get a chance to be happy. Joseph looks at my father for an explanation.

"That means that she has said "yes"."

The look of pure joy on Joseph's face had me stunned. He crosses the room, crawling on his hands and knees, and gently hugs me. I’m not going to lie. It’s a little awkward.

"I have some wonderful news. I didn't want to say anything until you both could hear."

We both look at him curiously. Any good news will be great to hear.

"My King has a plan ready. When he learned that we were moving, he planned for an ambush outside of the other castle's forest. When we reach the spot, I’ll be given a signal. Then I am to take you to safety." He says all this while holding my hand gently. I gently lay my head on his shoulder, it feels nice, and relax for the first time since arriving.

"What will you do from there?"

"Well, since we are courting,” He says pointing between the both of us, “it will be my job to be both of your guardians."

"Is there a safe place for us to stay nearby?"

"No, we will be given horses to travel back to the capital. From there I will take you to my cottage. You will be safe because no one knows my identity. Even if they manage to escape they will not be able to find you so easily. Would you like some water?" Joseph asks me after I start coughing.

I nod my head and he left swiftly. My Dad grabs my hand.

"You don't have to do it. I don't want you to feel forced into anything, sweetie. I will love you no matter what you decide. Are you sure this is what you want?"

I think about it for a second and nodded my head once. My current self is confused. I was to marry Joseph? So I am married, yet I am in love with Derek.

Or, did I even get to get married? I'm not sure that I want to know the rest of this. I do want to find the machine my Dad created and find my dad so he can see that I am happy. Maybe I can stop this from happening.

Joseph walks back into the cell, so I take my attention away from my inner turmoil and back to the memory.

"Here you go. Please be careful when drinking it. I don't want you to get sick again."

He helps me to hold the cup to my mouth, but I still have a hard time swallowing. It’s very painful. When I’m done, I notice that he’s watching me.

He searches for my eyes and I allow mine to lock with his. I notice that they are a beautifully vibrant green color and the smile makes him radiate a light glow. I can’t help but to smile back. I try to hide the pain that it causes but he notices it anyway.

"I care about you a lot and I will protect you with my life. I promise you. When this is over, you will not ever need to worry about anything again. You can have everything you want that I can give.” His declaration causes tears to fill my eyes.

Thoughts drift to my friends back at home. As if he can read my mind, he answers. “I would take you back to your home in 2013 and live with you there, if I could."

He looks at the setting sun then glances back at me nervously.

"I must go. We will leave soon. I cannot get caught here.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Please take care of yourself. You are my only treasure."

He gives me a gentle kiss on the forehead and encases me in a hug. Turning to my dad, he shakes my dad's hand and says,

"It's an honor, sir," and walks out quickly.