Leanna woke with a strange feeling; like she was being watched. She sat up and looked around, but saw only Rika yawning and tending to the last embers of the fire. She felt eyes on her from every angle. It scared her. She spied Cole sleeping not too far from her, and despite all her mental arguments, she went with her heart and shuffled closer - taking hold of him arm she held it to her chest, hugging it tightly, and snuggled up to him. She no longer cared who knew about their relationship. Vince and Rika were nice people anyway. Leanna finally managed to drift off again, although into a rather uneasy sleep.
When she woke, Rika and Cole were already awake, although Vince seemed to be snoring loudly. The sun was just peeking over the horizon. "How long until we move again?" she asked, hoping she would have a little time to wake up properly. Rika smiled sadly, "As soon as that big oaf wakes up we're off. I was just packing a few things up. The eastern course will be easier - but with more risk of attacks - the western front is much more hidden but will take longer. And we might suffer from natural issues such as wild animals and poisonous plants." She paused her actions, "What should we do, Princess?" Leanna blinked a few times - she had no idea!
She often listened in on her Father's meetings and strategies but she'd never thought she'd have to make a decision herself. "W-well..." she stammered, "The enemy is already pushing forward on our land so the quicker the better. We'll have to face whatever they send after us." She saw Rika smile, "a wise choice". Vince woke eventually, after most of the work was done and they headed on their way again - Leanna held her palm, cut from the previous night, and breathed deeply. Cole would protect her, and she would protect Cole. They had been walking for a number of hours, the sun was almost directly above them now and Leanna felt extremely uncomfortable in the heat. "Ugh, I feel so gross" she said while trying to air out her shirt. "A Princess shouldn't be so sweaty..."
Rika and Vince's laugh made Leanna pout.
They walked further and further still until it was decided they break; Leanna slumped to the ground, opting to hide under the shade of a large tree. Vince sat heavily on to the ground as well, "I'm getting to old for this shit" he muttered, trying to get stones out of his shoe. "Don't get too comfortable, we'll be starting again in an hour or so just so that we can camp in that large forested area" Vince grumbled again. Leanne sighed softly and stood again, deciding to tend to Azutri for a while, who seemed equally uncomfortable in this hot weather and then it hit her again - that feeling of being watched. From everywhere
Leanna froze, it almost felt like someone was creeping up on her, their hands slowly reaching out and cold fingers curling around her neck. Azutri snapped - teeth catching the edge of Leanna's arm and the dragon lunged forward, fighting with an unknown entity; she heard Rika and Vince scream as figures seemed to materialise from the darkness; swords clashing and blood spraying the grass. Assassins seemed to be everywhere, Rika struggled with three of them as they pinned her to the ground - Vince fought valiantly against four but had his leg sliced so that he couldn't stand and although Cole was still standing there was no way she could reach him. One assassin reached for her but she punched him hard in the gut; turning and trying to run toward Cole.
Those cold hands were on her again and Leanna reached for her own weapon and defended herself from whatever was trying to attack her - but her eyes met a pair of eyes that didn't recognise but instilled the feeling of pure fear. "My, my, my... The Princess of Androa dares to draw a sword against me?" The voice make Leanna's heart turn cold. The figure stepped through the shadows wearing a red cape and royal black garments. A dark gold crown adorned his head.
"Oh how rude of me, let me introduce myself. My name is Prince Haytham of Yeurna." he paused to bow, eyes glancing menacingly to Cole and then back to Leanna. "You're future husband"
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