Princess Sarri

Flames burn all around me everywhere I look there is no escape I watch in fear as the flames form the like of an enchanted dance, a dance designed to lure me into their mist, pulling me, grabbing at me, my breathing quickens, everywhere I look they consume me. I can feel the heat on my skin burning as I fall to my knees the flames still burning, however the flames do not come closer as I am overcome by a series of strange images, they race through my mind with so much force and so fast that I can't even tell what they are. All I can make out is shadowed figures and places I know but can never tell if they are the same.

My head aches with the force of them, terrible pain sears through my mind like snakes poison, slow but painful. The pain becomes so agonizing that I can no longer feel the heat of the flames, no longer tell if they are still there or not.

"What's happening to me?"

I scream into the flames, suddenly I hear a voice the soothing calm tone instantly eases the pain in my head, the flames disappear the images disperse. I know the voice belonging to my bother Coran as I have known it all my life, he is full of concern. As I listen I also sense something else, I urge myself to listen harder until I feel it. The fear in his voice is so great that my heart aches to reach him and find out the source of it but when I try to talk nothing comes out all I can do is listen.

"Sarri if you hear me open your eyes, everyone is worried about you. Please you must open your eyes."

Before I could grasp the concept of his words I hear his footsteps leave. I try to call him back but he does not hear me and I cannot see him.

"What's going on?"

I whisper,

am I asleep? If I am why can I not wake? What keeps me in this nightmarish slumber?

As his absence grows longer I am again overcome by the images, as they swirl in my head the pain grows. It grows stronger until I can no longer fight it, as I feel the strength left in me decrease I lay down. Lying there silently giving in to this madness I wait for it to take me completely, if I could not wake up then there was no point in fighting.

Suddenly just as I feel myself drained of almost all my strength, a hand touches my own. I cannot see the person I only feel him, I know it male but not of my brother's. He does not say a word but merely holds my hand, the warmth in it and the familiarity in it lends me some of my lost strength. Then just as fast as he came he slips away. Somehow I know I have met this man, I can't explain it but I know. I can feel it in his touch that there is an instant connection between us, it is with this feeling that I know I must wake. I must find out who this man is and why his mere touch affects me in such a way.

I concentrate on my breathing as I push the strange images away and will myself to wake, it's hard at first but the longer I concentrate the easier it is until I finally feel myself waking.

Slowly I start to open my eyes, they feel heavy but I finally manage to open them wide enough to see around me. However once they are open I find it a struggle to keep them open.

Quickly I look around expecting to see the man that I felt, however before I even see the room I'm in it starts to spin reeling out of focus forcing me to close them again and again I fall asleep. Waking hours later I again try to open my eyes this time it proves easier, managing to keep them open long enough to look around. The man is still gone, a quick glance around proves that. Feeling anguish at his absence I try to put him from my mind as I look around more slowly taking in everything.

I see that I lay in a small room with one window, the sun shining brightly though it causes my eyes to hurt. There is an oak chest of drawers beside my bed, however other than that the room is empty. It was normal for a healing room to have limited furniture, however it gave me no clue as to where I was, nor does it seem how I got here.

Slowly I try to rise out of bed but my body does not allow it. Hearing footsteps I turn my eyes to the door just as a girl enters the room

she looks about seventeen with long flowing blond hair and forest green eyes she's wearing a green gown with short sleeves matching her eyes perfectly she's thin but her arms show some muscle from obvious hard work in her short life.

Supporting a tray with water and food that I couldn't identify, she walked through the door crossing the space between us she places the tray on the chest of drawers beside me, then glancing at me her eyes bulge in surprise quickly turning her head she calls,

"Rietta, she's awake."

Instantly I hear footsteps moving fast down the hall the door opens again and an older woman enters, I could only tell by her eyes that she was an older woman. Her features however showed no sign of aging her hair like the girls was long and blond, her eyes brown. Her face was flawless with a prominent chin making her look very feminine. Wearing the same style of long green gown with short sleeves they seemed very different people to what I was used to, it was from this that I knew we were not in any part of Dralic but somewhere else entirely.

This older woman approached my bed sitting beside me she reached over and grabbed the glass of water gently putting it to my lips. Still confused at the situation but to thirsty to refuse I take a sip but finding it hard to swallow forces me to cough however with every sip it gets easier until I had drained it all. Still exhausted I slumped back down only half hearing her tell me to sleep. Not being able to argue my eyes close and within seconds I was again in a deep sleep.

The world whirls around me, spinning in a seemingly never ending circle, until suddenly it stops. As I look around I find myself in the middle of a forest with flames all around me, I knew these were not the same flames as before, for they did not seem so consuming.

"Quickly Sarri,"

A man instantly appears in front of me, before I can react to his sudden appearance he starts pulling me by the hand through the woods. We are running, running from what I did not know. We were deep in the forest when he skids to a halt, he looks around franticly. As his eyes settle on a bunch of thick bushes he pushes me down behind them.

"You'll be safe here."

I desperately try to see his face but oddly it is always hidden by shadows. As he turns to leave something strange happens to me. I am no longer controlling my actions it was almost as if I was remembering something that happened to me. Realizing that I might have I chance to find out what happened I no longer fight but merely wait.

"Wait don't go, they will kill you!"

Kneeling beside me I watch as this man I can not see grabs my hand

"Sarri I have to go back others need my help as long as you stay here you will be safe I must help the others escape."

Shaking my head I answer.

"I'll go with you they will need my power."

"No! Sarri you must stay here there are too many of them even for you. I must help the queen get the rest out and you must stay here in case something happens you will have to take her place."

Still shaking my head a tear escapes my eyes reaching up he caresses my cheek with his hands

"Don't worry I'll come back for you I promise, just follow your instincts and everything will be fine."

He stands and starts to run back in the direction we had just come.

"Please return unharmed," I whispered.

As the forest disappears I am surrounded by the same flames and am again overcome by a series of undistinguishable images that flow through my mind with the same force as before. At that moment I awake sweating, my breath comes quick as I open my eyes and look around expecting to be in the woods. However am relieved to see the small room with one window.

Reaching over I grab the cup of water left on the tray and drain it, still feeling the heat of the flames. Once again I hear footsteps seconds later the door opens and the younger girl enters

"good morning your highness my name's Taleane I heard you wake up. How are you feeling?"

She feels my forehead

"You're a bit hot, bad dreams?"

I nod not being able to find a voice, I found it fascinating the way the girl talked flowing question after question not even waiting for an answer. She also surprised me with her forwardness towards me as her princess anyone else would never behave so casually around me.

"I heard you tossing and turning."

Swallowing I try to talk but my voice is croaky at first trying again I find it easier this time and ask

"Where am I?"

"Oh sorry for my rudeness your highness, you are in Killarai."

She sits on the bed beside me.

"Do you remember what's happened?"

I thought back to my dream with fire all around me however I could not remember the cause of it.

"It's alright Rietta said you might not remember anything?"

She refilled the glass with more water and held it to my lips to drink.

"How did I get here?" I ask.

I did not know the reason I was in killarai nor did I know why I was brought here and was not in my room in the palace of Gradkail. What happened? It must have been bad if I was brought through this portal

"You were brought by Commander Drake to killarai for your own protection while you healed your majesty."

It did't surprise me that Drake was the one to bring me here for he is the commander of the royal army and is in charge of the protection of every member of my family. My mind snapped to him carrying me through the woods behind Gradkail, but there the memory ended. Facing this woman I asked

"How long ago?"

The smile was wiped from her face instantly, hesitating she finally answered.

"Three weeks ago your highness, you have been asleep the whole time."

My shock was instant, how could I have been asleep for three weeks? With my power it was not possible. What was done to me for this to happen? I started to open my mouth to ask another question but am interrupted as the door is opened by the woman named Rietta. Taleane moved off the bed to make way for her to sit at my side. She smiled with such kindness

"My name is Rietta, how are you feeling?"

I assumed she had the skills of a healer by the way she held herself and the gentle touch with which she felt my forehead and nodded to herself.

"Tired,"

I answered,

"Although for what reason I don't know since I have been asleep for so long."

Taking her hand from my forehead she answered

"That's to be expected my dear even sleeping for three weeks takes it's toll on the body."

I stared at her as she hand fed me for I could not do it myself; she gave me more water.

"Better?"

I nodded. The food gave me some energy but I was still tired. However Rietta began to ask me questions most of which I couldn't answer having no memory of how I come to be here or why I was asleep for three weeks. After her questions she nodded to herself.

"I believe that whatever has happened to you has taken your memory from you mind of the events that occurred before you came here."

Nodding to herself she smiled.

"I have a strong feeling your memory loss is only temporary. You see whatever happened to you has traumatized you to a degree that the mind erases it until it knows you can deal with it. So to save yourself so that mentally you will survive."

Nodding I ask,

"Then how do I get it back?"

"It is different for everyone but most likely you will slowly gain each memory in stages, to build it up so that you don't go out of your mind. All you have to do is be patient your memories will come back in time. Some things you do will be a trigger to a memory and piece by piece the puzzle will one day be complete, but for now you need to sleep to regain your strength."

I didn't argue for my eyes were beginning to close anyway.

The next day I opened my eyes to see my older brother Coran sitting beside me. With his strong build, black hair like my own and his purple eyes also like my own which fully show the sign of royalty in us both they were also slitted like a snakes like all our race. I also saw the deep concern in his eyes,

"How are you feeling?"

I smiled glad to see him. Coran was bastard born which made me the only pure blooded heir to the throne. However he never showed jealousy and was always there for me whenever I needed him. He was the most honest and loyal brother anyone could have, kind and gentle.

"Tired,"

Worry spread across his face.

"You had Elaine worried. No one knows what happened to you, even Deagan fears for your life."

A picture of the man I was to marry entered my mind. His Brown hair and brown slitted eyes, he was taller than most men and with strong build like most of our people. We had known each other since childhood and as we had grown so had our love for each other. A smile came to my face as I thought of him. Eagerly I asked

"Is he here?"

Coran instantly looked away it was all I needed to see to know that he was not.

"He is helping his queen."

Confused I asked.

"Helping with what?"

Coran did not answer but merely changed the subject.

"Rietta says that you can return to Dralic soon."

Growing angry at his evasion of my questions I fumed.

"Do not change the subject Coran, with every question you evade, my worry grows and if you continue I will have no choice but to return to Dralic and gradkail to find the answers I seek myself."

I made as if to rise from bed but was gently pushed back down.

"Alright I'll tell you."

He sighed.

"You are so stubborn."

I smiled.

"You should know."

He smiled as well then after a long pause the smile faded.

"Gradkail was invaded by Alicia. She came without warning, her followers were tens of thousands we had no chance her forces were too many and too strong. We tried to fight them back, but we were overwhelmed, there was nothing to do. It was only luck that we managed to save the many that we did."

He paused, my eyes wide as I realized the magnitude of what he was saying,

"Gradkail…"

I shook my head, trying to deny what I knew he was going to say. He went on despite my shock at his words.

"It was lost, Alicia now controls it. We were forced to flee,"

He sighed.

"I am sorry you had to hear this but this is why you can not go to the city and it is why you are here. When the attack started no one knew where you were everyone was looking. The chaos that reigned on the city made it impossible, until finally you were found deep in the Jakan forest. No one knows what happened to you or how you came to be unconscious, or even why you were in the forest. You were covered from head to toe in cuts and bruises, not to mention internal injures. We thought you dead. We feared that Alicia herself had lured you there and tried to take you wanting your powers, she very nearly killed you. We thought you were unconscious from the injures that you suffered, but when you did not wake we knew something was not right. So we brought you here in hopes that it would help so that you could return and help gain back our home from Alicia."

Coran finally looked at me again.

"Who found me?"

He sighed.

"Drake found you."

My mind reeled with everything that Coran had revealed I became lightheaded with the impact of it. How could I not remember any of what Coran had told me? Coran knew me so well that he knew my thoughts just by looking at me as he said,

"I should not have told you."

I shook my head and took his hand in mine,

"You could not have kept it secret for long."

He began to stand, but I held on not wanting him to leave.

"Go to sleep Sarri you are still not fully recovered."

I did not say a word only stared

he sighed knowing how I felt.

"If it pleases you then I will tell of it in more detail when you are fully recovered."

I was not happy with his words but let go anyway for my eyes were already beginning to close at the mention of sleep. Within seconds I fell into a sleep full of sorrow.

Again the images ran through my mind however no matter how much I tried I could not make sense of them. I tried with all my concentration to fight the pain and separate the images, try to make sense of them. But there were too many, as they raced through my mind the pain was just too much to overcome and the more it hurt the faster they would race in my mind it was impossible to comprehend any of it.

Over the next week the dreams continued every night but I did not allow it to stop me from recovering. I began to gather more and more strength with each passing day. I still hadn't left the room though and only saw Taleane, Coran and Rietta. As Taleane and I talked more and more during the week we become very close even though she was one of my warriors from the royal army. I spoke to her of many things she listened closely never passing judgment.

Coran visited everyday and told me that Drake had known Rietta and her husband Brennan for years, they were happy to give us sanctuary outside of Dralic. I had yet to see Drake but was told that he and a warrior named Jace were also here to protect me. Occasionally I sat at the window just staring at the outside world of Killarai.

As I stared out the window I noted that there were miles and miles of farm land, a vegetable garden also lay just outside my window, the wind smelled different here and the trees were so foreign it was hard to feel at home in this strange world. It was also strange that no matter how long I looked out the window I never even glimpsed any of the others in the house, it made me wonder what they did all day.

Finally one day I grew annoyed with the same surroundings of my room and asked Taleane to take me for a walk across the grounds. Nodding excitedly she quickly helped me up then suddenly she stopped

"what's wrong? "

I asked.

"What are you to wear?"

I looked upon myself I was in a nightgown hardly the clothing to go for a walk in.

"We have some of your gowns."

I stared at her.

"What of my warrior's garb?"

She smiled.

"I thought you might ask that."

kneeling before the chest of drawers she opened it to pull out a set of clothing and handed them to me. She smiled as I placed the pair of black pants on with the tight black shirt with no sleeves, creating a v, straps crossed at my shoulder blades that wrapped around my hips to clip to my pants at my sides. The leather belt loped through the pants. There were also wrist bands that I placed around my wrist with an arm band on my right arm. they were specially made for maximum movement in fighting by the best tailors in Dralic.

Dressed I left the room as I followed Taleane through the house. It was smaller than the farm houses that circled gradkail. The furniture was of good make it seemed not to need much to create a happy home for Rietta and her husband, even though I felt strange in these surroundings I understand why Rietta and her husband lived here alone yet were happy to do it, for in Killarai this farmhouse, it's animals and it's two inhabitants were the only thing that resided in this world.

Taleane lead me to the rear of the house and through the back door. As I stepped outside I spread my arms feeling the fresh breeze against me it was as if I had never breathed or felt such a beautiful thing. Taleane showed me all that she could of the grounds surrounding the house.

By afternoon we were sitting just outside the house watching the animals in the farm while we talked. From the corner of my eye I noticed four men approaching. I knew one was Coran by the way he walked, as they came closer I could clearly see that standing next to Coran was obviously Rietta's husband for he was older than the others.

Brannan showed lines of wrinkles at the corner of both eyes, (which told me he smiled a lot) his skin was tanned olive from long days in the sun his hair dark brown showing signs of grey, his eyes dark green. For his age He was tall and bulky showing great strength.

The shortest of them all I did not know, with medium brown hair and brown eyes he was very lanky with long limbs which was strange for a warrior, it told me that he was human and not one of our kind, plus not having slitted eyes was a dead give away.

Setting my eyes on the last man I knew instantly who he was. His hair dark brown almost black, his eyes shined like sapphires (the kind of eyes most women would spend eternity staring into.)

Both Taleane and I stood at the approach of these men. Each bowed before me except Coran, The man I knew was Rietta's husband stepped forward.

"Good afternoon princess I am Brennan I trust my house is comfortable enough for your recovery?"

I smiled,

"It is more than comfortable and please call me Sarri there need be no titles in this realm. I thank you for opening your home to me and my people we are eternally grateful. As is my realm for the sanctuary you have given us these past weeks."

"It was no trouble I assure you we always welcome company especially when royalty visits it is not every day one gets the privilege."

I smiled,

"You are most kind."

Turning to face us all he said.

"Well I will leave you to talk amongst each other. I am sure you all have much to say."

With that he started for the house. Coran proceeded to introduce me to Jace I could tell he was only young for he seemed completely overwhelmed to be near me.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Jace."

Stammering on his words he answered.

"An… And same to y.. you your highness."

"Just call me Sarri."

He seemed so overwhelmed at my talking to him that he said

"I I'm s…sorry your h…highness but I would ne..Never be so informal towards you."

Coran looked to me at Jace's excitement.

"Go with Taleane and see if Rietta or Brennan have anything for you to do," Ordered Drake.

He was always loyal to his people and to my family and always did things the right way. He is even loyal to Deagan even though I sensed he does not particularly like him. Facing Drake I said.

"I see you have another new recruit under your wing."

He did not smile rarely does he show his emotions, forever hiding behind an unreadable mask. I did not know whether he hides them from just me or all who surround him.

"He is a good man and good with a spear however as you just witnessed he needs lessons in calming his nerves."

Coran laughed.

"He needs more then to calm his nerves."

I scowled at him,

"Coran, don't be rude."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Well it's true."

Coran stopped laughing but I could still see the laughter in his eyes. My anger grew at his continuous mocking of others, however I did not say anything to him I would not lose my temper in front of Drake. Coran saw it in my eyes however and sighed.

"Alright I'm sorry come let us get you back into the house. You may not agree but you are still tried."

I shook my head.

"I no longer tire Coran I have been in that room for long enough. I am no child that needs constant attention."

"You are so stubborn, suit yourself stay out here as long as you want. Me I'm going inside it is almost dusk and the nights are cold here."

Turning he walked towards the house leaving me with Drake.

"I'm sorry for my out burst sometimes he forgets that I can take care of myself."

I stared into his sapphire eyes there was something about them a kind of familiarity.

"Deagan will be pleased about your recovery I am sure he wishes that he could have been here when you woke and I'm sure he would rather be here now."

Snapping back to my senses I said.

"Yes I know that and I thank you for your words. Maybe it would be good to be apart for awhile, we've spent so much time together lately that time apart might strengthen our relationship."

He nodded I hint of something I couldn't place in his eyes.

"I'm sure your right."

I turned towards the house.

"Perhaps I should get back before Coran sends someone to fetch me."

Drake stepped closer,

"I'll escort you your highness."

He offered his arm looking up at him hesitantly I took it.

"Thank you."

As we walked back to the house I asked.

"I wondered if I could ask a favor of you."

Without looking directly at me he said.

"I will not take you back to Dralic I am under strict orders not to take you back until it is safe. I'm sorry but what you are going to ask I can not do."

Stopping before the house I faced him squarely.

"Very well then I understand."

I already knew his answer but I had to try, anyway it did not matter I already had another plan in mind. However Drake knew my intentions before I had even took one step.

"You couldn't do it, to use any of your powers even to transform in Dralic Alicia will know where you are instantly. Even with your power you couldn't hope to defeat her and all her followers combined."

Growing frustrated with everyone's opinion of what I can and can not do. I opened my mouth to fire back but I was suddenly hit by a spinning in my head. Without warning I began to fall but I did not hit the ground for I felt Drake catch me.

A flash entered my mind of the woods behind Gradkail city these were the same arms that had carried me then. I tried to open my eyes and just barely succeeded,

"Drake?"

He proceeded to carry me inside and lowered me onto my bed. He was the only one in the room as the others were nowhere to be seen. I began to sit up but was gently pushed back down.

"Rest princess you are exhausted, it may not feel like it but you must allow your body to heal itself you do not have my power to heal. You have been through a lot even if you do not remember it."

My frustration again rose to boiling point,

"Heal itself, from what may I ask for I have no clue as to why I have been bed stricken like some decrepit lump with nothing to live for, with no memory as to what happened to make me like this. Please tell me Commander for I do not remember. How did I come upon this awful state?"

He did not answer turning away from him I yelled

"Go! Leave me to this blasted bed if I needed silence I would go to a human church."

As he left the room I instantly felt bad for what I had said to Drake, however if I apologized I would be showing weakness and he had already seen too much weakness from me. Minutes later Coran entered my room.

"Are you alright? Drake told me that you had collapsed."

I did not move to face him.

"I did not collapse he exaggerates, though it did not take him long to report to you."

"He was only concerned as anyone of your subjects would; you merely continue to be stubborn like Elaine."

I turned my head to meet his eyes.

"I just want to go back to Dralic so that I may find out what happened to me and who did it."

Coran sat beside me on the bed.

"I know how you feel Sarri I myself would also like to get my hands on that person but for now you must get better first. You can't fight if you do not. Get some sleep the sooner you do the faster we can return. That is if there is anything left to return to."

I did not answer merely closing my eyes to shut him out in sleep.

I awoke the next day feeling much better than before, but I was beginning to miss my home and Deagan. This had been the longest that we had been apart in at least a year. I missed everything about him, his face, and the way he smiles. He never held me back if I wanted to do something out of the ordinary he never questioned it. Never treated me like a child like I was all too often treated. All I want to do is return to Dralic there was no harm in that, I am strong enough now to at least travel by horse if I have to avoid using my powers.

My mind made up I rose out of bed. I didn't need to change for I still had my warriors garb on, silently leaving the house I headed towards the woods surrounding killarai. It did not take long and I was in front of the portal to Dralic. Summoning the power I raised my hands to start the rune to open the portal when a twig snapped behind me.

Instinctively I reached for my sword then realized I did not have them for this was a world that did not allow access to weapons. Readying myself without a weapon I waited, only to see Drake approaching through the trees. I sighed with relief and disappointment.

"You weren't thinking of leaving were you your highness?"

Turning from him I began to start the rune again.

"You can't stop me, I am going no matter what you say or do."

Before I'd even finished the rune I was summoning I felt him grab my arm and pull me away.

"No your highness, you must stay here it is not yet safe."

Now facing him I readied myself, I would not let him stop me.

Without warning I pushed him back preparing to fight with fists if need be, he smiled as we met together in battle. Even though Drake was one of the best fighters in Gradkail it did not matter for I had more power, even in my weakened state my speed far out matched his as I caught him off guard with a sweeping moved that knocked his feet out from underneath him. I smiled down at him spawled o n the ground.

Standing he watched as I walked past to the portal, but just as I was about create the rune my legs gave out as sank to the ground. Turning to Drake I realized that he held me with magic. I fought against it but my strength was spent I still had not fully recovered from whatever ailed me. Looking into his eyes I said with steel in my voice.

"You will regret this Commander."

His face remained a mask as always answering.

"And you will thank me your highness."

Suddenly a third voice said.

"You can let her go now."

Instantly Drake did as ordered by Coran. Coran reached out a hand ignoring it I stood without his help.

"Just face it Sarri you are here until you are better. Just relax for once you don't have to do everything yourself."

Moving away from the portal I turned to face both Coran and Drake.

"I will stay one more night, but tomorrow I am going back."

Coran shook his head,

"no Sarri this is not up for discussion. You stay here until you are better."

Clenching my fists in anger I spoke through gritted teeth

"how can you expect me to stay here in the safety of this place when my people are in need of me. I will not stand idly by why they are suffering. I need to go back and help gain back our city. You can say no but nothing will stop me from leaving tomorrow and to force me to stay will do no good in this recovery you think I still need."

Coran in stunned shock looked to Drake then back to me. He groaned in frustration, throwing his hands in the air

"Fine but until then no more exerting yourself, ok?"

I smiled happy that I had manipulated him so easily.

"Deal,"

Leaving them I walked through the woods back to the house. Entering my room I found Taleane waiting for me.

"Trying to escape were you?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Trying,"

her smile grew wider.

"So we leave tomorrow?"

Laughter was in her eyes.

"Of course."

"Well I can't say I'm disappointed, I too miss home. Just remember we have to travel by horse."

"I know, it means it will take three times as long to get there. But at least I will be in Dralic again and that's all that matters."

She smiled even harder,

"And you will be with Deagan again."

I returned her smile thinking of that meeting.

"Yes, with his help I can find out what happened to me and together with the rest of Dralic we can start claiming back Gradkail."

Taleane stood.

"I had better prepare for our travels then."

She left me to myself and I was able to think. I sat on my bed trying to remember what had happened to me during the attack. The last thing I could remember was being in my personal chambers then nothing, not even a quiver of memory. Sitting on the bed with a serious face was how Coran found me when dinner was ready.

"What?"

I asked when I noticed he had said something, He sighed.

"Come on Sarri now is not the time to day dream everyone is waiting."

"Eat without me I'm not hungry."

I turned away from him to stare out the window. I heard him enter the room as he sat beside me. Laying a hand on my shoulder he asked.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm just thinking, with the attack, which I still don't remember and the memory lose itself. There are just so many questions I want answered, like what happened to me? Why was I asleep for so long? What caused it? All these questions keep running through my head but there are no answers and no body can tell me. I feel like I'm going crazy trying to remember. I just want to be home where I can busy myself to stop thinking about it, but I can't even do that."

I turned to face him.

"Look as far as your memory loss Rietta said it is only temporary. As for Dralic we all want to go home but if we do and you are not ready then we will lose you to Alicia. You know as much as any that since we lost the power of Dralic, you are the most powerful thing she would want. However for now I will try to help with your memories but I fear it will only come when you are ready for it."

His words did not please me nor did they work to calm my mind. I knew Coran sensed it by his eyes, they showed worry.

"Just send my dinner here, I do not feel up to the company of others."

He pulled me in his arms in a hug.

"I'm sorry Sarri that I do not have the answers I only hope that you find them soon."

His hug felt warm.

"Thank you Coran, I know that sometimes it seems that I do not appreciate you but just know that you are helping by just being here with me."

He nodded then pulled away and left towards the dinning room. Once again I was alone, Jace brought me my food then silently left. Looking down at it I could not stomach the thought of eating it so I left the room through the window not wanting anyone to see me go. If they did they would want one of them to come and I just did not feel like being treated like I was as fragile as glass that would break any minute.

Walking across the fields I breathed in the fresh air, it felt refreshing but it did nothing to calm my raging thoughts. Suddenly I heard someone behind me, spinning around I was surprised to face Drake. I turned my back on him hoping he would leave but to my dismay he did not so I asked heatedly

"Why aren't you eating with the others?"

He did not answer at first seeming lost in thought.

"I eat after everyone so that I can watch while they eat, then they watch while I eat."

My anger forgotten at his words I asked.

"But don't you miss the company?"

"When I protect royalty their safety is more important than my wanting company while I eat."

He moved forward to stand next to me.

"You do not need to always put others before yourself, do you ever just do what you want just because it makes you happy?"

Turning my head to see his face he did not look into my eyes but merely looked past me.

"My life is built on protecting others it is all I know, yet it does not mean that I do not live my life without purpose. Just because I do not devote my life to drinking at the local tavern or courting a light woman for the night means nothing. I am not the man to find enjoyment in seeing a woman throw herself at a man for his rank."

His revelation of his life surprised me but also angered me at the way he spoke.

"You think that is what all lower class women do in gradkail, do you?"

He smiled for the first time since I had awoken in Killarai.

"You obviously have not spent much time in the slums then if you are naive enough to think that they do not."

His arrogance was infuriating, this was the first time that we had spoken about something meaningful in all the time I had known him. Usually our conversations were too formal or they ended with us arguing because he had just caught me sneaking out of the palace when I was confined to my chambers. I found it refreshing to see this side of him, yet it did not mean I was not angry at his words.

"I have spent more time in the streets of every town, village and city of Dralic that you could ever know. To presume otherwise is a mistake on your part. I have seen many lower class men treat those who do not seek to be a light woman as if they were. It is even done by men of your own rank. Would that not make all men the same no matter their rank in society?"

His smile made me lose myself to anger even more.

"If that were true then would not your fiancé be of those that you have described?"

The game that we played had finally gone too far on his part.

"How dare you! To even imply that Deagan is like those men who pry on women for their own amusement. You have forgotten to whom you speak it will not be forgotten on my part."

Swiftly I turned from him and I started to walk away. Instantly I felt his hand grab my wrist and gently spin me to face him. A flash of da ja vu entered my mind but Drake's words banished it.

"Please your highness I did not mean to offend you or Deagan, I-"

Cutting him off I ripped my hand from his grip.

"You have no right to say those things about my soon to be husband, he is twice the man you'll ever be."

For the first time during our conversation he looked into my eyes.

"Yes he is twice the man I'll ever be, I'm sorry that I spoke out of line. It is not my place to word lies about my soon to be king, please I beg for your forgiveness."

I saw the sincerity in his eyes, I knew he truly regretted what had been said. Sighing I answered.

"You have my forgiveness but see that it never happens again."

Stepping back he said.

"You have my word your highness."

Turning he walked away leaving me alone in the fields surrounding the house. Staring after him I was surprised at what had transpired, never had he been so informal with me. Whenever our paths crossed he would address me as befits my rank with short and formal words. He would always bow. Something had changed between us but I just did not know what is was and this new side of him only made me want to know more.