19 Adding Salt to the Wound (1/2)

James released her hand and she stepped away to attend to Torta. The saddle and bit were set next to her on the ground. Lilly pulled the comb she'd given him from one of the saddlebags and combed Torta. The light spring hair came off easily and left a thicker winter coat behind.

'What brings you out here, Prince?'

'I came for you.'

'To stay with me or take me back to the castle?'

'Take you back to the castle.'

'For what purpose?'

'What purpose?' he asked, standing. 'To marry you and live with you.'

'Marriage fine. To live? I... Torta, what...? Ahhh!'

James heard a crack just before she screamed. 'Lilly!' He moved towards her, but he felt Torta brush against him, stopping him from going to Lilly. 'Torta, move!'

'Stay where you are James,' Lilly said. 'Torta's right.'

'Right about what?'

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Several shouts could be heard through the trees and James stepped into Torta again trying to get to her.

'James, be still!' she pleaded.

He stopped and listened. The voices came closer until they were only a few feet away. Then there was only the sound of steps and the crunch of dried leaves.

”What have we here? An Adremedian? A wounded one at that. Which are you—the leader? Or a weakling?”

'I neither lead, nor am I weak.'

”Oh really?” There was a soft thwack.

'Ah!'

”Very well. Then perhaps you can tell us where your leader is.”

'She died hundreds of years ago... at the hand of Periculae Marigold.'

James heard an audible slap.

”How dare you speak that witch's name.… But I guess there'd be no point in killing you. Poison is written all over you, you'll be dead soon anyways.” Then the footsteps retreated and Torta took a few steps once they were out of hearing range.

'Lilly,' James said, hurrying forward again.

'To your left,' she replied.

He shuffled left, not wanting to step on her, and unsure as to where she was hurt. After a few steps he bumped into her arm and knelt, hands following her arm to her face. 'Where are you hurt?'

'My left leg is broken.'

'What did you do to make Torta kick you?'

'Nothing.'

'Then why...'

'James, Torta just saved my life. The look of pain and the poison markings made them believe I was dying.' She shifted slightly. James felt her jaw tighten then followed her arm down her leg. It was starting to swell, but the skin wasn't broken.

'Sticks,' she said. 'We need sticks.' Lilly rolled slightly as if to get up, but he found her shoulder and made her to lie down again.

'Don't move. I'll find some,' he said to her.

'James. I have some here.'

He felt them touch the back of his hand.

James tore the sleeves from his tunic to secure the sticks in place. He was almost done when his brow furrowed.

'What is it James?'

'Periculae Marigold. That name sounds familiar.'

'It should. She's one of your ancestors.'

'That can't be right. Isn't she Gerrabella?'

'She is. Did you not wonder how part of you is Gerrabella?'

'But...Gerrabellas hate Humans.'

'As a people, yes. Periculae Marigold was the exception. She found herself attracted to a Human king, they married and had a daughter. Her people were furious when they found out, her husband and child fled and she was killed.'