8 Chapter 7: A Path into the Flames

The realization that Prince Winston, his father, and teacher Sir Jamonson are actively and deliberately taking the focus of the dinner from her and Prince Winston makes Lillian feel quite confused. Her confusion soon turns to worry as a thought comes into her head that perhaps the prince doesn't even want to find out if she could be his fiancée.

Maybe he doesn't want to waste his time talking to her and this is just his polite way of giving his parents the message. She quickly pushes the idea out of her head. That couldn't be true. Lillian then remembers what happened not long ago. When Prince Winston easily became embarrassed under her parents' praise. Then it clicks.

<i>It's not that he doesn't want to talk to me. He just doesn't like when all the attention is on him and people expect to see something happen.</i>, she thinks.

Lillian turns her head to Prince Winston. She can understand how he may feel that way. This is quite a stressful situation. She even feels the same way she realizes truly to herself.

As the dinner carries on the prince continues his plan with the help of his father and teacher. Lillian remains unbothered by it and instead thinks of another way to get to know Prince Winston. As her own father and the king share stories of their long ago youth Lillian decides she will asks Prince Winston if he would like to spend the next day together.

Between or during the thought Lillian's mind is interrupted by Prince Winston as he makes side remarks on their fathers. After the first couple she decides to join in and the two of them end up sharing laughter and jokes with each other. Eventually Lillian's worries and nervousness melt away like ice in the summer and ends up enjoying herself by the time the dinner comes to an end. This reassures her of her plan and becomes her push to execute it.

When Prince Winston bids her good night Lillian asks him if he would like to spend time together tomorrow. Although when she does she feel as if her tongue is twice its normal size and her words become daggers in her throat. Prince Winston pauses and does not reply right away. Lillian hopes he doesn't reject her offer deep inside herself.

"I shall think about.", the prince's answer comes with a friendly warm smile that makes Lillian optimistic, but at the same time disappointed he didn't agree right away. "Goodnight, fair maiden.", he continues.

"Goodnight, dear prince.", she returns with a halfhearted smile. Though it is only due to her being caught in disappointment.

Lillian follows her family out the dining hall to return to their rooms. She feels good about tonight's dinner and actually can't wait to tell Malinda about it. The fact that it didn't go the way she thought it would make it less boring to her and more interesting. Even Prince Winston himself seemed more intriguing. When she returns to her room Malinda is waiting for her most anxiously.

"My lady! How did it go?", she says to Lillian as soon as she arrives.

"It went well, I think.", Lillian answers as she sits on her bed. Malinda seats by her as she begins to tell her what happened. "The dinner actually was not focused on us. Although that was a result of a plan orchestrated by Prince Winston, his father, and his teacher apparently.", Lillian begins. Malinda looks at her with a curious look.

"What do you mean?", she questions.

"There wasn't any ill will in it. It was more for personal reasons rather than anything to do with me.", Lillian explains in part to herself. "It seems dear Prince Winston does not like being in the spotlight of a situation.", she goes on.

"But you two talked a little, yes?", Malinda asks.

"Oh yes, we did. It was mostly jokes and comments about our fathers though when they were telling stories of their lost years.", Lillian recounts with a cheerful voice.

"Oh, is that all. Sounds like it did go well.", Malinda comments. Lillian agrees.

"Hopefully he will choose to spend the day with me tomorrow. That way we could actually talk and get to know one another.", Lillian confesses.

"Now that will be major progress and surely get you the title of fiancée.", Malinda says.

"Hmm, hopefully.", Lillian agrees simply.

.......

The next day Lillian awakes with anticipation on Prince Winston's decision. It is some time before she hears word from him, but when she does it is to meet him in the courtyard out back.

"Looks like you had no need to worry.", comments Malinda as the two of them read the letter. Lillian takes a breath and releases it.

"I wonder what we will do?", Lillian asks.

"What do you mean? Does he seem like the type of prince to plan something elaborate just for a day out?", Malinda wonders.

"Not at all.", Lillian says shaking her head. "The complete opposite in fact.", she goes on.

"Huh, well the best way to find out is to go. Now isn't it? Best not be late.", Malinda says.

When Lillian arrives to the courtyard by escort Prince Winston is waiting alone.

"Good day, my lady.", he says to her when they meet.

"Good day, Prince Winston.", she returns with a courtesy. "I am grateful you decided to take me upon my offer.", she says humbly. Prince Winston smiles, but says nothing at first.

"You're welcome. I'm happy to do so.", he says. "I was thinking I could show you around. We could talk along the way.", Prince Winston suggests.

"That's fine, your grace.", Lillian says.

The two walk around the outside of the castle first and talk about their families and selves. As they do the mood stays calm and casual and Lillian actually enjoys herself. When they get to one of the gardens Lillian decides to show Winston how she makes floral crowns.

"Floral crowns...? What do those look like?", the prince questions.

"I'll show you.", she says walking up to a patch of flowers. She turns around to Winston as he comes up behind her. "May I?", she asks gesturing to the plants.

"Of course.", Winston agrees. Lillian kneels down to pick some flowers. She chooses orange and blue and proceeds to weave them into the shape of a crown or halo.

"There. It's done.", she announces when finished. Lillian hands the creation to Winston who examines the colorful craft.

"This is impressive. You're quite good.", he compliments her.

"Will you accept it?", she asks him suddenly.

"I don't see why not.", Winston says to her. When they come near the gazebo and fish pond Lillian begins to think about last night. She wonders whether she should bring it up. The last thing she wants to do is offend Prince Winston, but the thought of offending him soon disappears when she watches him as he bends down to look into the fish pond.

"Prince Winston. If I may, can I ask you something about dinner last night?", she asks. Lillian notices Prince Winston stiffens at her words. Lillian's heart skips a beat. Did she say something wrong? Prince Winston stands up and turns to her. Lillian becomes nervous about what he will say.

"What about it?", he says calmly.

"It is just... I noticed what you were doing with the help of your father and teacher... Redirecting everyone's focus I mean.", Lillian becomes weary of her words as she says them and desperately tries to find the right ones to say. "I was just curious. Did that have anything to do with me?", she asks.

"No...it didn't. Forgive me if I made you feel like that last night.", Prince Winston's voice becomes very matter of fact in tone as he answers. "What happened last night was personal. You and your family just so happened to got caught in the crossfire.", he informs her. Prince Winston turns from Lillian. She becomes curious about what could possibly change Prince Winston's mood so much. Let alone get him to want to repurpose a dinner.

"Can I ask what the matter is?", Lillian ventures carefully. Prince Winston looks back at her. He waits a moment before responding.

"Have you ever felt trapped or like you're missing out on something?", he asks Lillian.

"What do you mean?", she says.

"I think you can understand being the daughter of the most powerful lord of the realm. That burdensome feeling of upholding your family's name and legacy. The reality that your life is laid out for you from birth. Believe me I am grateful for what I have and it's not the responsibility that I detest. It is the fact that's all there is. You are denied the simple things in life that other kids get to have.", Prince Winston goes on facing the pond, or at least that is what Lillian thinks he is looking a. Beyond the pond and garden in the distance is the wall that divides the castle from the town.

"I'm afraid I don't, your highness. What is it that you mean?", Lillian asks taken aback by the prince's words and thoughts. Winston turns to her with a neutral look.

"Freedom, Lillian. Freedom to have fun and play, laugh and enjoy the simple things of life. The freedom to choose who you want to live your life for. As people of our positions don't get that usually.", Prince Winston says to her. Lillian is surprised by Prince Winston and though she tries to understand she can't bring herself to do so. She has no quarrel with her life nor does she ever worry about what she didn't have.

"I'm sorry Prince Winston, but I can carry on my family's duties and legacy as I do now. I never desire such things as you do. I suppose my life may not be as controlled as yours though. I live for my family your grace not for myself. Even now it is for my family that I am willing to try to become your fiancée.", Lillian admits. She looks away to the ground waiting for Prince Winston's order to get out of his sight, but it never comes. She looks back to him.

"I see... I suppose I can understand why you feel that way. You have everything and want for nothing, but answer me this. What good is living if it is not you that is living and what good is having everything when deep inside you have nothing?", the prince says instead. The two stare at each other for a moment.

Two born of the same world, but two different outlooks. Lillian is left speechless, but at the same time she begins to admire Prince Winston for another reason. His ideals and his passion in which he holds them close. However, she has her own ideals as well and hers is to bring more honor to her family.

"I suppose we can agree to disagree.", she says.

"I suppose so.", Prince Winston agrees. "How about we put this aside and continue enjoying this day together?", he suggests. Lillian happily agrees wanting to forget the words shared between her and the prince, but she couldn't. Even as they visited the ducks and swans or a beautiful part of the castle she couldn't quite forget the moment. She guesses because it showed how different Prince Winston and her thought.

How different Prince Winston thinks actually, yet at the end of the day Lillian could hardly find anything to complain about. She still finds that she enjoyed Prince Winston's company. As she watches Malinda gather her things she finds she feels very pleased with herself and very accomplished.

"Alright, looks like everything is here and accounted for. Shall we get going?", Malinda says to Lillian. Lillian agrees and leads the way to where her family waits. On her way Lillian stops in front of a portrait of primroses in a vase.

As she looks upon the flowers of the portrait they seem to change from their normal colors to a scarlet red before her eyes. As they grow darker and saturated with the color they appear to begin to drip blood and become weighted down, yet they still become darker with the color of blood.

Lillian becomes frightened at the sight taking place in front of her. She gasps with her hands to her mouth. Soon the primroses become as dark as night and a puddle of blood forms at the base of the vase. Lillian begins to shake as she becomes overwhelmed.

"My lady...? My lady!", Lillian snaps out of her trance at the sound of Malinda's voice. She turns to her with a jump grabbing Malinda's outstretched hand with wide eyes.

"What's wrong? Are you alright?", Malinda asks Lillian frantic. Lillian doesn't answer instead she looks back to the portrait. It is normal; from the color of the flowers to the sunset setting. Lillian steadies her breathing and turns to Malinda.

"I'm fine.", she says to her.

"Are you sure?", Malinda asks with a worried look. Malinda looks to the picture herself. "This picture... it was a gift to the royal family from your family, yes?" she asks without taking her eyes from it. Lillian turns her eyes to the painting.

"Yes, it was.", she answers. Malinda looks back to Lillian.

"Come. Your parents will be waiting.", she says choosing not to question Lillian any further. An ominous feeling comes over Lillian as she begins to walk again. A feeling of dread. What could have been the reason for such a vision?

After saying their farewells to the king, queen and Prince Winston. Lillian and her family begin their journey home. During which time Lillian chooses to say nothing about it to her family nor to dwell on it so much. On their way home Lillian overhears a conversation between her parents.

"I will be meeting with Lord Argon when we return.", her father whispers to her mother.

"Don't tell me he is still trying to get a share of your domain.", Lady Lackburd says.

"I believe it's moved past that my dear. I think he wants to completely own a portion of it.", Sir Lackburd confesses. Lillian's mother is shocked at her father's words. Lillian doesn't know much about this Lord Argon. Only that he is a lord of the realm like her father and is actually seen as a nuisance and rival by him.

"That man's greed knows no bounds.", Lillian's mother says in an exasperated tone facing her husband.

"He can be greedy all he likes. As long as I live, he will not go no further than I let him. If I don't he would throw the balance of the lords into disarray. Then the king and kingdom would be in danger.", Lillian's father speaks with a stern, determined look in his eye. Lillian can't help but to admire her father's strength which is one known by all. Lillian notices his words also brings peace to her mother who smiles while resting one of her hands on her husband's lap.

"I know you will.", she says to him. Listening to her parents, Lillian knows her family nor herself had anything to worry about. To her everything is perfect; too perfect to change.

.......

When they finally return home Lillian's father prepares for his meeting with Lord Argon that afternoon. As he does Lillian decides to asks her brother about the order of the lords and what is going on really between their father and Lord Argon while their bags are unpacked. Lillian finds him in his room overseeing the unpacking of his things.

"Justin.", she calls to him as she enters.

"What is it?", he responds.

"I want to ask you something. You have learned about the order of the lords, correct?", Lillian starts off. Justin turns to face her before answering.

"The basics. What it is and what it does.", he answers. "Why?"

"I want you to tell me about it. What is it? What does it have to do with Lord Argon and father's meeting?", she asks seating down in a nearby chair. Justin looks at her questioningly. It is not like Lillian to be interested in such things.

"Why do you want to know?", he asks her.

"I'm curious after hearing mother and father's conversation is all.", she replies.

"Ah! Well I guess it really doesn't mean anything that they talked in hushed voices. Even so they obviously have no quarrel with discussing such things in front of us.", Justin comments half to himself as he seats in a chair across from Lillian.

"Okay...", he says with a sigh. "The order of the lords is basically the monarchy's council. It is made up of the most influential lords of the realm. Currently it totals five and of course our family stands at the helm. The purpose of the order is to act as an adviser to the king and help keep order throughout the realm. The church also acts as an adviser to the king as well, but is not part of the order in any way.

"This is where the balance comes in. I don't really get it myself honestly, but according to father the order is meant to extend the king's power to the people and follow his example. That helps the monarchy compete against the church.", Justin explains the order to Lillian as best he can. Lillian listens intently, but is only barely able to understand. Even so it is enough.

"So what does that have to do with the meeting?", she asks.

"Uhh...like I said dad stands at the helm of the order. He is the one who the others listen to most. Also that makes him the one that helps the king keep the loyalty of the lords who, if they wanted to, could join together and use their own forces to overthrow the king or even each other. And the one thing that gives someone power is how much land and resources they control.", Justin answers. Lillian's eyes widen. That's what she is looking for.

"Is that why Lord Argon wants a portion of our domain?", she asks.

"Most likely I'm afraid. Luckily father would never agree to anything of the sort. He sees it as his duty to maintain peace among the lords while the king maintains the kingdom as a whole.", Justin tells her.

Lillian thinks for a moment. She has found out what she wanted to know, but why did she want to in the first place? She can't figure out any reason or any way this would be useful to her. She decides not to pursue her feelings or thoughts for now and instead waits to see what comes about from her father's meeting with Lord Argon. She thanks her brother for helping her and returns to her room where she doesn't even tells Malinda of her thoughts.

.......

As Lillian prepares for dinner she ponders whether to asks her father how his meeting with Lord Argon went. As she does the vision of the primroses once again flash in her mind. The sight causes her to jolt with a fright, but she shakes it away. She needs to keep the vision away in order to keep control, but this time Lillian's shock does not escape Malinda's eye.

"Alright! Enough is enough.", Malinda says outraged. She seats by Lillian and faces her determinedly. "It's not like you to withhold something from me when it affects you so. There is clearly something wrong with you and I want to know what.", she says to her.

"It's nothing. Truly.", Lillian denies.

"Stop it Lady Lillian. You have been distraught ever since the day we departed from the capital and at certain moments at that.", Malinda stares at Lillian for a moment. Lillian knows she is recalling what happened in front of the portrait of the primroses. Before Malinda can say anything Lillian rises and walks away.

"What happened to you? When we were leaving. In front of the portrait. What happened to you?", Malinda says to her as she does. Lillian stops and turns to face her dear friend. "Do not say nothing.", Malinda tells Lillian before she speaks. Lillian faces her silent for a moment. Finally, she chooses to speak of the event being unable to deny Malinda's request much longer.

"I think I had a vision.", Lillian confesses walking back over to Malinda. A look of intrigue appears on Malinda's face.

"A vision of what?", she asks.

"A vision of the flowers in the portrait turning a scarlet red as if soaked in blood, but it was never ending. As if the flowers stood under a never ending waterfall of blood that stained them. So much so they grew darker and darker, but it was still blood. The flowers, they began to drip with the liquid forming a pool around their base.", as Lillian recalls the sight her voice begins to shake and her eyes widen as if the scene is playing out in front of her once again. Malinda reaches out to touch her.

"Lillian... Lillian!", she calls with a horrified expression. "I can see why that would affect you. Does it come and go?", she goes on. Lillian nods her head in agreement and faces her friend. Suddenly her heart feels with agony and dread.

"I just feel so awful when it happens. It comes with the most dreadful feeling that consumes my being.", Lillian admits with despair. "Why me? What could it mean? Why is it happening?", she questions Malinda who wraps her in an embrace.

"I don't know. I wish I could answer you; I do.", Malinda says emotionally at her lady's state. "Do you not have any reason you could think of? Any at all?", Malinda asks. Lillian seats up.

"It did come back to me when I listened to my parents' conversation about father's meeting with Lord Argon. It may have something to do with that?", Lillian tells Malinda. Malinda takes a pause.

"Whether it does or not, it is clearly a bad omen.", Malinda thinks aloud.

"I was going to asks father how his meeting with the lord went at dinner.", Lillian shares. An expression of deliberation becomes present on Malinda's face.

"Hmm...perhaps you shouldn't. You wouldn't want everyone else to become panic stricken as well nor for anyone's actions to be affected by it in the wrong way. Especially your father's towards another lord.", Malinda advises.

Lillian thinks and has to admit that what Malinda said is true; she wouldn't want to be the one to sow seeds of mistrust between such powerful and strong individuals.

"You maybe right.", she speaks to Malinda. "Therefore I will not be the one to say anything about it or connect it to Lord Argon in any way unless my father speaks first and says something that would prove or support my suspension.", Lillian decides. Malinda nods her head in agreement.

As she had decided Lillian says nothing of her vision nor her idea that it may connect somehow with Lord Argon, yet her father fails to bring forth any mention of the meeting as well. This makes Lillian thinks she has done right by not saying anything as well as Malinda. Even so Lillian begins to feel relief after finally sharing her burden with Malinda and is able to lay her head down feeling free and unweighted.

As she sleeps her dreams are filled with her family and memories of her past, however, after an unspecified passage of time Lillian starts to feel a hot sensation and her nose and throat fills with smoke. She awakes with a jolt and a fit of coughing. She looks around to see that flames are present in her room and spreading. Her eyes widen with fear and at first she thinks it is just a realistic dream, but soon pushes the foolish thought away as she hops out of bed. The sound of men yelling outside fills her ear, but that is not all.

"Lillian! Lillian!", she hears her voice being called as Malinda bangs on her door. She makes her way to the door and unlocks it.

"Quickly, we have to go!", Malinda says pulling Lillian out of her room.

"Where is mama and papa?", Lillian cries in fright.

"I don't know, but we have to move quickly.", Malinda answers. As they make their way down the hall Lillian and Malinda hears the sound of someone approaching. They look to see it is an unknown man. Lillian gasps in fright grabbing Malinda's arm.

"This way quickly!", Malinda says pushing Lillian in the opposite direction.

The flames grow stronger and stronger with every passing moment. Lillian hears the steps of the man running behind them. Her heart fills with fright. So much is happening at one time. As they pass a hallway Lillian worries that they will be caught only to hear the sound of her father charging their pursuer with a yell. Lillian and Malinda turn around to see Lord Lackburd grappling with the man.

"Flee you two get outside and hide! Lillian find your brother! Malinda protect them please!", he commands throwing the man to the ground and drawing his axe.

"Papa!", Lillian cries out with tears and fear.

"Go!", her father shouts engaging once more with his foe.

"Do as your father says, my lady.", Malinda urges turning Lillian around to continue to Justin's room. Lillian obeys and flees with Malinda. The sound of clashing weapons are heard as they go and the mansion continues to burn.

As they draw nearer to Justin's room they once again hear the sound of footsteps. They halt to see if who approaches is friend or foe. To their relief and surprise it's Justin. His eyes are wide and alert and his face covered with smoke.

"Lillian, Malinda are you two alright?!", he says.

"We're fine. Come we must go and get outside like your father said. Where is your mother?", Malinda replies.

"I don't know I haven't seen her.", Justin admits.

"She must be already outside.", Malinda deduces quickly. "Come we must make haste.", she tells Lilian and Justin. The three continue to make their way following Malinda to the kitchen where there is a back way outside used by those who serve in the kitchen. When they near they encounter more invaders who spot them.

"There! Get them!", one of them cries. The three of them hurry off to the kitchen. When they reach it they decide to hide behind a crate filled with cooking ingredients. The two men inter just as they settle. Lillian and the others watch them; planning to make a break for the door as soon as they leave.

The toxic air that has been building in her throat though causes Lillian to cough. Though she covers her mouth it is enough to alert the men of their location. When they head in their direction Justin thinks quickly and pushes the crate they are hiding behind on top of the men. He is successful in crushing one of them, but his accomplice escapes and charges them with a knife in hand. Justin reaches for a wooden box and uses it to block the man as he prepares to bring the knife down on him.

"Run!", he yells as he struggles with the effort. Eventually he is forced to push the man off him.

"No Justin! We can't leave you!", Lillian tells him.

"Go, I'll be right behind you.", he says. Lillian looks around and spots a knife. After retrieving it she tosses it to Justin. The two share a quick glance before Justin is forced to reengage his attacker.

"Lillian, I'm going to help Justin. Go and find your mother.", Malinda says to Lillian as she obtains a large mixing spoon.

"What! No!", Lillian says frightened by her brother and friend's decisions.

"Your father told me to protect you and Justin and this is the best way I can. You know where your mother is. Go there now.", Malinda tells her charging to Justin's side. Unwillingly Lillian does as she is told trusting Justin and Malinda. She soon finds her way to where her mother and the surviving servants of the house are. Lillian's mother runs out to greet her.

"Oh, Lillian...!", she says embracing Lillian. "Where is your father, brother, and Malinda?!", she asks frantic and relieved. Lillian looks her mother in the eye.

"I-I don't know they each stayed behind to fight the people who did this.", she explains to her mother. Lillian's mother looks up in the direction of the house with horror stricken eyes. The glow from the roaring flames light the sky as smoke rises into the air in plumes. Lillian turns to take in the sight praying she sees one of her loved ones coming. Meanwhile, she hears her mother take a breath and turns to see her face the survivors of their home.

"Alright! We can not stay in the open like this much longer. Not while there are people who roam these grounds who seek to do us harm. Everyone move to the trees. We shall take refuge there.", Lillian listens and is amazed by her mother who takes control of the situation and performs her duty to keep everyone with her safe. Lillian herself had done nothing this whole time, but run and allow others to protect her and fight for her, risking their lives for her. Even now her body trembles still. Her mother turns to her.

"Come, Lillian. You too. You must help in any way you can right now.", she tells her. Lillian faces her mother.

"I don't think I can. What can I possibly do or help with when I can't help myself.", she says terrified. Lillian's mother places her hands on her shoulders and looks her in the eyes.

"Enough of that talk. In times like this everyone is looking to us to protect and lead them. We are the only authority figures here which means we are responsible for their lives. I need you to be strong for me Lillian. So we can keep everyone safe. Can you do that for me?", she tells Lillian. Lillian returns her mother's stare and pauses for a moment.

"I'll try.", she says taking a breath. Her mother nods her head to her and they prepare to set off after the others, but before they do Lillian takes one final look back and this time she sees someone approaching. She strains her eyes to make out the approaching figure. To her relief its Malinda and Justin, but her joy soon turns to dread when she notices that they both are wounded. Lillian and her mother run out from the trees to meet them.

"You made it!", Lillian says in relief as she is the first to reach them.

"Quickly, Sir Justin... He needs help, now.", Malinda says through panting breaths. She is supporting Justin with one side of her body while covering a wound on her left side. A gash leaks blood on the right side of Justin's face and with his right hand he holds his stomach. Lillian's mother gasp with fright at the sight of them both. Lillian turns to her.

"Mother they need help quickly!", Lillian cries out. Her mother calls for one of the servants to come and help as she takes Justin from Malinda to help him along while Lillian proceeds to help Malinda. They lay the both of them down near the tree line while the remaining maids present begin to bind their wounds.

"Where is father?", Justin breaths weakly.

"I don't know dear, but do not speak. You must save your strength to recover from this night.", Lillian's mother replies through tears of pain and emotion. Lillian looks upon her mother who up until now had remained strong and calm, but the condition in which her son is in coupled with not knowing whether her husband is alive or dead threatened to overwhelm even her spirit. It takes all of Lillian's remaining strength to not fall back to her turmoil state, for not knowing whether her father is alive or not deeply troubles her as well.

The moment soon worsens when the vision of the blood drenched primroses flashes in her mind more strong and vivid as ever before. She looks around her to see Justin and Malinda being treated, her mother worrying dreadfully for her son and husband, the glow and smoke of the flames that burns her home and as she does her mind begins to spin out of control the images in her mind becoming one continuous line of horror.

The world around appears to spin around her and the sound of crackling flames fills her ears. Her breath quickens as the images of the primroses becoming drenched and darkened by blood plays out agonizingly slow in the background until her anxiety overtakes her and she collapses to the ground with a thud.

.......

She awakens in a room lit by sunlight that pours in through a window. The sound of birds can be heard from outside. At first she thinks she is home in her own room and that what happened was just a terrible nightmare, but when she scans the room with her eyes she realizes that it is not her room. Confused she looks to her side to see Malinda standing over her with wide, relieved, grateful eyes.

"Ohh...! You're awake!" Malinda says through emotion and tears. She brushes aside some of Lillian's hair that is in her face. Lillian says nothing and her eyes remain slits, but that doesn't stop Malinda from smiling joyously. "Hold on, I must go and tell your mother. She will want to know this immediately.", Malinda says quickly before hurrying off with a slight limp to the door.

Lillian watches her as she goes silently and her mind struggles to awaken along with her body. She seats up and looks around with clearer eyes. This is definitely not her room. It is smaller and does not hold the elegant furniture that her room had carried. Then she suddenly remembers the last sight of her room filled with flames and smoke. The sudden memory surprises her, but she still feels too weak to react to it any more than that. She doesn't even dwell on it long. It only reminds her that what happened was true.

She gets out of bed with a subdued expression and goes over to the window. Wherever they are she can tell it is on a hill. She can see trails and people on them too. Fields of wheat could be seen from her window as well. Golden and lush they are ready for the coming harvest that by the cool breeze Lillian could tell is not too far away. A sound at the door causes Lillian to turn around to see her mother and Malinda rush in to her. Her mother gasp at the sight of her.

"Oh, Lillian! My sweet, sweet Lillian! Oh, I'm so glad to see you are well!", she says dearly embarrassing Lillian. Lady Lackburd straightens up and takes in her daughter's person.

"How do you feel, dear?!", she asks Lillian.

"I'm fine mother.", she replies simply and weakly. This results in Lillian's mother hugging her once again.

"Your mother watched you day and night. I was only recently able to get her to allow me to watch you so she could rest.", Malinda comments to Lillian as she stands back from the mother and daughter. Lillian gives her a smile to show she acknowledged her words.

"Where are we?", Lillian asks as she comes out of her mother's hug. Lady Lackburd looks at her daughter for a moment. Which makes Lillian certain something is wrong.

"We are at Lord Argon's mansion.", she says simply. The joy fades from her face and is replaced by a disturbed look instead. Lillian's eyes widen in surprise.

"How did we end up here? Where is Justin and the others?", Lillian asks now more alert than before.

"Lillian...let's not talk about this now. It can wait.", her mother urges desperately.

"What can wait? Talk about what?", Lillian presses on not caring for her mother's plea now. She wants to know what happened. "How long was I out?", she goes on to another question before returning to her previous ones.

"About three days.", Malinda says quickly jumping in. "Your mother is right though. All this can wait.", Malinda goes on.

"No it can not! I want to know what happened! I will not be left in dark on this!", Lillian fires back with a voice now filled with determination. "Where is Justin and father?", she reiterates.

"Dead! Your brother died of his wounds!", Lillian's mother shouts in despair. She then falls to her knees in tears.

"What? No, it can't be.", Lillian says shocked by her mother's response. She looks to Malinda who goes to comfort Lady Lackburd.

"It is true, Lady Lillian. He did not make it.", Malinda confirms with sorrowful emotion. The news of her brother's death hits Lillian like a blunt blow from a hammer, yet still she couldn't help but think how much her father must be hurting. Then she realizes her mother have not said anything of her father yet. She remembers the last moment she had seen of him was him engaging an attacker.

"Where is father?", she asks turning around to Malinda and her mother once again. Malinda raises her eyes to Lillian. The two share eye contact for a moment.

"He is dead as well. He never made it out the mansion.", Malinda answers as Lillian's mother continues her sobbing. Lillian stands silent and Malinda takes that time to continue to explain to Lillian what had all took place. "Your mother had sent for help by way of one of the servants to the nearest lord. As such that lord was Lord Argon who was on his way back to his land.

"When word reached him he quickly turned his caravan around and made his way back with the men with him. When he arrived he sent in men to search for those responsible, but they had got away. Lord Argon and his men searched first the perimeter than made their way inside. That is when they found the remains of your father.", she is somber at this part of the tale. Then went on. "By the time the sun rose we needed somewhere to go. Lord Argon offered us a salem. Justin held on until about two days ago when his strength failed him.", Malinda concluded. Lillian felt her heart fill with dread.

The news stabs Lillian through her heart like the sharpest dagger. Now she understood why her mother wished not to speak of her husband and son's fates. Lillian kneels down to her mother and reaches out her hand.

"I'm sorry mother. I didn't mean to-", she stops as her eye feel with tears, but she does not allow them to run. "What are we to do now, mother?", she asks struggling to hold back her tears.

She needs to do what she failed to do for her mother before and that was to be strong. She knows, by law, her mother would not be able to hold onto their family's wealth or property. The death of both her father and brother meant the death of their bloodline and family and its legacy. As a daughter she could do nothing to stop it, for she did not truly carry her family's name or legacy. She has lost everything as well she realizes.

Everything that made her who she was now stripped from her. The last thing to cross her mind unconsciously are the words said to her by Prince Winston. The thing is now that she is facing that question in life she still couldn't answer it.