Chapter 4

When she opened her eyes, she saw an aged man holding a damp cloth.

"you're awake," The old man said." would you like some food?".

She sat up quickly.

" no. I need to see my family. they'll be worried about me by now".

"you're safe here," The old physician said placing his hands on her arms in comfort. he was short and fat in his sixties.

"do you have any dealing with Rufus? "Philip asked with a questioning look.

Serena glanced at him.

For a moment she didn't know he was there.

There he is, the man who made her feel faint when touched. He wore a plain shirt and breeches that showed powerful long legs.

Her mouth went parched.

"no sire. I don't. I...I have no idea who he is and why he decided to lock me up." she replied standing up to go.

Prince Philip stared at her as the old man stroked her arms again.

" My name is Theus, I am the court physician. if you need anything. do not hesitate to come to us".

She nodded and gazed at Philip.

" Thank you, sire... for... saving my life"

" no problem" Philip replied." but before you leave, one of my guards will go with you".

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The sun had set when they reached her family's cottage. the place looked calm that her footsteps and that of the guard echoed.

No chicken running around, no goats waiting to be fed.

she looked around.

" Perhaps your family went to their daily work?"

The guard asked noticing her discomfort.

she sighed and scampered to the barn. The door looked as if it was yanked out of its hinges.

"something happening?" The guard asked again.

She swallowed the lump in her throat, went straight to the door, and pounded on it.

" Mother!"

The guard utilized his sword to open the door. A foul smell wafted into their nostrils.

She looked around the room. her mother's sewing machine was upturned, the old chairs were scattered about and dusty, and the smell grew thicker and harsher.

she found her way to her mother's chambers, unlocked the door, and screamed.

Madeline's body lay on her bed. her head chopped off alongside her husband's.

The guard clutched her hands." we...we should go,..."

The sight before them was unbearable. She cried in the guard's arms. hitting him with her fist in anger. Someone murdered them!

"I think we need to leave," the guard said again stroking her back in comfort.

After burying her parents according to their customs, they made their way out, Serena sobbed uncontrollably recalling the wonderful memories she created with her parents. The motivations they gave her, the faith they had in her.

After the burial was finalized she turned to go.

"Where are you going?" He asked trailing behind her.

" Please sire.. kindly go back...thank you for staying with me when I needed It".

" I won't leave until I know you're safe." he said with determination."

She stared at him. he wasn't unnerving but his eyes were sincerely plain with concern.

" I'll come to the court if I know it isn't safe sire. but for now...I need to go somewhere ".

" be safe." the guard said and left.

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"Serena! Matilda screamed lowering her work tools and running to her.

She hugged her friend and laughed with joy and happiness. She had missed Matilda so much.

Matilda stared at her." are you well? come inside and have some hot soup. you look pale!"

after eating a hot soup and freshly baked bread, She told her friend everything that happened.

" O, Lord Serena..." Matilda held her hands. "You shouldn't have risked so much for me. but you have us now..you can stay with us as long as you want."

" But.. wouldn't it be uncomfortable for the family?"

" no it wouldn't my friend..you're a sister to me...and we will always be together. when you were missing, I was so worried. I thought I'd lost you forever..and then your mama and papa .."

"thank you, Matilda,"

***********

Philip stared at Celot his guard. he held a goblet to his lips and drank up the wine.

"So celot, has she finally found her family?

"well.. your highness..she had been unfortunate..her family was killed.".

He frowned and sat up" her family was killed? when did that happen?"

"I have no idea my lord" Celot replied with a confused look." I was as confused as you are".

"So where is she? I told you to make sure she is safe! "he replied angrily and he wondered why he was.

" What was that?" His father the king asked scrolling through a paper book.

" Nothing father, just something that needed attention".

"She was. ..she told me she needed to see someone...I'm sure she'll be fine my lord ".

Philip sighed and drank more wine.

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