The Princess'choice II

Winds of change

Emmett

Elidi ran out without explanation. I still felt anger because she accused me of breaking an agreement we didn't even started. I looked at Conrad waiting for a reason.

- We accidentally crossed the protective shield with Maya, her maid and she got kidnapped by a bunch of knights. - he said and I rushed after Elidi. I heard her scream to the guards not to let anyone out and she disappeared, just like my anger. I ran to the shield and the guards stopped me.

- We are sorry but you cannot leave. - I laughed.

- I'm not one of her underlings! Let me out! - the guards shook their heads.

- This is ridiculous! - I marched towards the shield and when I touched it the guards threw me back.

- Emmett, please keep calm. - Conrad said.

- I'm the Second Prince of the Struabus Empire. I'm free to go if I want! - I said and my heart raced. She was out there alone. What if something happens to her and the last time we spoke we argued? I groaned with anger.

-Until the Master says it's fine to go, no one leaves this town. Once you are brought here, you are under her and pur protection. - the guards said and I felt even worse. I turned to Conrad and asked.

- Why didn't you stay to protect Maya?

- I tried to, but she pushed me back into the shield. By the time I got out next, she was gone. - I held my head an felt terrible. What I hated more than anything was the helplessness. I felt like my hands were tied and I was trapped. I sat down where Elidi rushed out and waited there like a puppy would wait for it's owner. Conrad leaned closer and whispered.

- Why don't we wait at the guest house? - I looked at him and grinned.

- Are you ashamed that your Prince is waiting like an obedient dog? - he looked uncomfortable and I pulled him next to me.

- I have no other option so I'll wait here unless they let me out to help and maybe save their Princess. I hope there is a substitute if she dies who can take care of the town and its people. - everyone near us started to murmur. As I thought, they had no one else to rely on. They never even thought of the possibility that one day, they can lose her. Their belief in her was heartwarming, but really idiotic at the same time. But at least I managed to make the guards doubt in the order. They kept looking at the barrier and at me from time to time. Time passed really fast, it seemed abnormal. After a couple of hours one of the guards opened the barrier and said.

- We won't take any responsibility for your safety. - I thanked them and ran following the traces hoping that I'll arrive in time. Conrad ran after me and he complained.

- If we get caught we might end up dead. We trespassed another Empire's territory without any advanced notice and helping a wanted criminal. - I smiled, he was right. I've never done anything this reckless and stupid in my life but it felt damn right. We arrived at the moment when a huge fire light up the middle of the forest. It was already dark so we found them easily. Elidi was lying in Maya's arms. I ran to them and looked at her. I caressed Elidi's face and in a calm voice Maya said.

- She is just exhausted. - I sighed with relief and with Maya's permission I held her in my arms. She seemed so fragile and small now. Nothing compared to the woman who fought me that morning and argued with me only a few hours ago.

- Are you okay? What happened? - I asked while we walked back. Elidi was sleeping deeply in my arms and she turned facing my chest. One of her hands clenched into a fist and she slept like a baby. She was adorable.

- I'm fine thanks to my lady. She masked herself and tricked the knights.

- Where are them now? - Conrad asked and Maya looked a little sad.

- Things got out of control. You see, she has enormous power and she can normally handle it well. But, whenever someone close to her is in danger, it seems like humanity vanishes from her. She set the knights on fire and wanted to leave a really disturbing message to the Emperor and Prince, but her power got a little instable and she ended up killing all of them. - Maya seemed sad and Conrad worried but honestly, I felt so proud. I marched with the cooing Elidi in my arms back to her home.

- Aren't you disturbed? - Maya asked and I smiled.

- Why should I? - I asked back. She looked a bit confused.

- I just told you that she got out of control and killed ten people. - I smiled and both Maya and Conrad looked at me as if I was a lunatic.

- I'm glad that both of you are fine and that she showed them not to f**k with her! - I heard Maya whispering to Conrad.

- Is he fine?

- I think the winds of change are blowing tonight. - we arrived back and I took Elidi home. Maya immediately started to prepare her bed and a warm bath while I sat down with Elidi still in my arms. Maya walked to me.

- We should wake her up. I'll help her from here. Thank you Prince Emmett. - I didn't want to wake her nor leave her.

- Just five more minutes. - I tried to bargain and the old lady shook her head. I sighed and leaned closer to Elidi's ears.

- Sleeping beauty, it's time to wake up. - she murmured something in her sleep and I chuckled at her childish reaction. I glanced at Maya and said to Elidi.

- If you don't wake up alone, I might use a kiss of true love to wake you up. - she groaned and snuggled to my chest even more. I had to hold my laughter back.

- Looks like she doesn't give me another option. - I said to Maya who poured some cold water on my head. The water fall on Elidi as well who woke up. When she saw me holding her she literally jumped out of my arms. We quickly explained her what happened.

- Thank you for bringing me home. - she said and headed to the bathroom to take a warm bath.

- Do you need help? - I asked playfully and heard her answer a few moments later.

- I'm tired not dead!

- Is that a maybe another time? Great! Have a nice night my lady! - Maya almost threw me out but before she shut the door on my nose I stopped her and asked.

- Why didn't you let me kiss her? - she shook her head gently and with a small smile she said softly.

- I have to take care of her, so I will never allow for you to take advantage of her. Try making a move when she is conscious, if you really want that kiss. - she closed the door and felt a bit disgusted with myself. Maya told us on our way back how she saved her. The thought of other men trying to touch her boiled my blood, but with this sneaky move I tried to do, I wasn't a lot better than them. Conrad waited for me in our guest house and reminded me that we have to head back in two days.

- Do you think she'll agree in the end? - Conrad leaned in his bed and said half asleep.

- Offer her something she cannot refuse.

- I already did.

- Well, maybe she wants more.

- What more? - Conrad looked at me and turned towards me in his bed.

- Really? You are 28...and I should tell you what more you should offer? My excuses your Highness but you are a lost cause! - he turned towards the wall and tried to fall asleep. I couldn't sleep a blink, i was worried for her and wondered what more can I offer to convince her.