"T-there's nothing here," Thomas stuttered. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnjaA2OXZc
She grinned in the dark. The air in the house was thick with dust and mold, but she was too excited to care. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0xW81tZ9U
"Do you think Barry made it this far?" she asked, excitedly. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHhQRgIFWa
Thomas snorted. "H-he wouldn't t-tell if he didn't."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0kreLGZmy
That was true. Barry was older than both of them and he thought he had to prove himself by doing everything better than them. When she had suggested sneaking into the old shack in the forest that surrounded the kingdom, Barry had boasted of doing just that a year before. She had prodded him for details, but he wouldn't give any. Instead, he had made her promise not to go venturing off alone to investigate herself. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXmGAagf0S
So she brought Thomas with her. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq8yV44aP1
"I d-dont like this."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy1wC7ZacA
Ignoring Thomas, she focused on climbing over the fallen logs in the middle of the room. Just as she had crossed over one, there was a loud 'snap' and something hard knocked her off her feet. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgJu4FkMgW
A large section of the ceiling crumbled over where she had been standing moments before. Her eyes adjusted as moonlight streamed in through the gaping hole in the ceiling. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡReKXZKwAym
"Thomas!" copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUZCIvP6Sg
"Over h-here," he coughed, waving from under the rubble. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDWQf3qWEx
She climbed to her feet and hurried over to him. His legs looked pinned beneath the debris, but with her help, he managed to wiggle free. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5eoRHWMVK
"Oh, Thomas are you hurt? I'm so sorry, I should have listened to you," she cried, helping him dust off his shoes. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjLeWa4p6t
"It's okay, Em, I'm okay," he assured, waving aside her hands. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzoaECmFAM
She looked at the boy through the tears brimming her eyes. "You saved me. If it weren't for you, I would have died."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPJZW86oHL
"It's nothing." His cheeks grew red beneath the faint moonlight. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQyRP4BiKD
"No, it's not." She leaned over and kissed him square on the mouth. Being only eleven, she had never kissed a boy, but she had seen numerous ladies kiss the winning knights in the tournaments. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOsFuL2ufI
When she leaned back, the red on his cheeks had spread to the tops of his ears and his eyes were as wide as the full moon hovering above them. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26Whvzj8Ui
"Now, I knight you, Sir Thomas," she said with a smile, though she didn't have a sword to knight him with. They'd have to sneak one out of the castle's weaponry when they returned. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaqdUpqoSJ
He blinked. "Knight m-me? W-why?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyrbFAVeUD
"Because I can only kiss the man I marry, my daddy says," she explained, matter-of-factly. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SBF6oz2wv
With a start, Thomas leapt to his feet and bolted for the door. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeTkGp0sgp
"Hey! You can't run away! We're getting married!" she called out after him, following after him through the rubble and out the door, albeit carefully. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9L4SKgKMj
_copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwFfnRDkYZ
Thomas stared at the door. The impenetrable barrier made it impossible for him to watch the exchange taking place within the room, but he knew the prince was probably busy trying to convince the king to grant him his daughter's hand. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Sjlvo8Og
Not that the king needed convincing. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGiMXkWVyS
Through the years, the king had made it blatantly clear that he wished Barry to marry Em. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIt158aBp8
Thomas's heart sank as the door opened and the two men came out wearing satisfied smiles. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg21xd2WEV
"Thank you, Barry," said the king, slapping him on his back. "I'll see you tonight at dinner."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3jXZD7TGE
Barry nodded, but stopped walking when he noticed Thomas. The king didn't look back as he started down the castle corridor, not seeing Thomas as he went. Not that he cared, he preferred to remain invisible. He was just a stable boy with a stutter. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL7NYEKCvN
"Thomas," greeted Barry. He grinned. "How are the horses?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rgMlvbEp0
He diverted his gaze, holding the bouquet of roses he had brought for Em behind his back. It had been his intention to find her and give them to her, but that was before he had seen Barry and the king. Now he wished he hadn't come at all. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoAA2FM0iM
"Still as talkative as ever." Barry chortled at his own joke. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to go find the princess."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFqf5E68aZ
He waited until Barry was out of sight before he dropped the bouquet on the floor. He'd been foolish to believe a princess would marry him, even if she had at one time proposed. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2zzWIVRtl
_copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBBrrlr7UR
Ember leaned against the chestnut mare as the horse nestled its nose against her neck.copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kV0MctEjH
"Oh, Gingerbread, everything is falling apart. I don't know what to do." The horse regarded her with eyes filled with dark-brown warmth.copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡUa3Oi0Vtxp
A sob choked her as she buried her face into her hands. Everything was falling apart. It had come to no surprise that Barry persisted in asking her to marry him, despite after several times of her denying him. What had come as a surprise was her father accepting his offer on her account. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WfAKPnZUP
Her pity was interrupted by the crunching of sticks and hay as someone entered the stable. She swiped at the tears with the back of her hands, keeping her head down as she stood to her feet. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDuuK43yJn
"Excuse me," she murmured, but a gentle hand on her forearm stopped her from leaving. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFqGi6iwhj
"Em?" Thomas's eyes swept over her. "W-what's wrong? Are y-you hurt?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC2am343Jg
She was relieved when she saw that it had been Thomas and not one of the other servants. The other servants liked to gossip, but that wasn't the reason why her heart leapt at his sudden appearance. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5V50O9Fnza
"Thomas," she whispered, breathless. Speaking low wasn't necessary since no one else was around to hear them, but their close proximity to one another seemed to warrant it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4DI0qwv3v
Another sob wracked her body. Without hesitating, Thomas pulled her to himself and held her as she wept. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNUoy7CLCq
After a few moments, she regained control of her emotions and forced herself to step out of his embrace, albeit not completely. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡacWUFnH5ec
"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't be so given to pity."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0rArRlr43
"It's not pitiful to mourn occasionally," Thomas assured, though his words came slow and broken as always. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNDTOM0mPo
Not that she ever minded his stuttering. He was often made fun of by the other workers in the castle and even by Barry at times, though he had learned not to do so in her company.copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9TYabs2qk
Thomas was everything to her, even if no one knew. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTgU6vIZXX
She glanced away, lest her expression convey her emotions. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbYtkTE726
"You make me sound more honorable than I am," she replied, clearing her throat. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbs6K0VviR
He shook his head with a small smile. "N-no."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcywQb1tuK
"Father has ordered me to marry Prince Barry," she blurted out, fighting another onslaught of tears. "I have no choice."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrxOgPCZb0
Thomas's brow wrinkled as he frowned. "He ordered y-you?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TgnToV1fz
She nodded. "Yes. In two weeks I'll have to leave and live in his kingdom. I'll be his wife and bear his children."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡgL6MKU0jWD
She shuddered at the thought. Thomas appeared conflicted, but she knew there was nothing he could say or do to change it. Still, part of her wished he could. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡteRdsZTTbp
"M-marry me," he murmured. His eyes bore into hers intently. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHs0SSF09a
She blinked. "What?" copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyzn271lD9
With calloused hands, he reached out and held hers. "I love y-you. Marry m-me. We c-can run away and s-start a new life somewhere else."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01p3bwCcJx
Her heart soaked his words. He loved her! The thought of running away and marrying Thomas was enticing. What more could she ask for? But could she give up her kingdom for the man she loved?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb0Ytxywlt
"Thomas, I-..."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMpuPD8524
He saw the denial in her eyes before she could speak it. Releasing her hands, he took a step back. "Is it b-because I stutter?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AHqtdx1ka
"What? Of course not!"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYrvLuw5HI
"Because I'm not a p-prince?"copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyEaWEaHtC
"Thomas, stop, you know I don't care about such things. If I leave, who will take care of the kingdom? My dad has no other heir," she reasoned. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqpeUfs7af
"F-fine," he snapped, turning his back to leave.copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXnDzHXHDm
"Thomas, please don't do this." copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dzVFRcFI4
_copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tFxDDLoyT
He could hear the tears in her voice, but he had to escape before he crumbled in front of her. However, a figure blocked his path as he neared the exit. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9ktuB2jNL
A sinister smile crept over Barry's lips as he crossed over the threshold of the stable. "Just what I hoped to find. T-thomas and Ember snuggling in the stable."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Meoy6ON5f
The sword in his grasp flashed vehemently as he strode forward, forcing Thomas back. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0gj4F0M3R
"Barry, how dare you tease him," Em admonished, coming up behind him. "What are you doing? Put your weapon up before you poke an eye out."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjgdnTOtZg
Barry fixed her with a glare and pointed his sword at her. "I'm afraid I can't do that, my dear. You see, Thomas here is about to kill the princess in a fit of rage after finding out that she accepted my proposal. Or so that's what I will tell everyone. With no other living heirs, your father will grant me your kingdom when I tell him how I heroically fought off the ignorant stable boy, but was too late in rescuing you."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFciEmiWCG
Thomas clenched his hands into fists. There had always been something dark behind his eyes, but he would have never guessed Barry was capable of murder. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqi5b48mTM
Ember gasped. "You can't!" copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzcB2P1mQI
"Oh I can. You should have just married me, Ember." copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9xPRuRE1P
Thomas had little time to react as the prince swung the sword, missing them by mere inches as they dodged the attack. He snapped his head around to look at Ember. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdXK3Wdetq
"Run, I'll h-hold him off."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcPhd89hZO
Defiantly, she shook her head. "I'm not leaving you."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Zu1N63ntE
He didn't get a chance to argue. Barry plunged the sword, striking his side as he tried to jump out of the way. Pain radiated from the spot. Again, Barry swung, this time hitting open air as Thomas dodged to the side and caught his extended arm. Despite his speech defect, Thomas was much stronger than Barry after years of physical labor. In seconds, he had overpowered him and rendered him unconscious. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51Rbu0XYYh
Ember ran to his side. "Thomas, you're hurt."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡScaHi7tKsD
But they were given no time to inspect his wound. Several guards and her father rushed in. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v5dpK6f5U
"What is all the commotion?" the king demanded, entering the stable. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKK9w8pQCA
Ember indicated Barry with a nod of her head, then explained everything. After she was finished, the king stared intently at Thomas. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡQts8WNYsvW
"You have saved my daughter and my lineage and quite possibly the kingdom. How can I ever repay you?" the king asked. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIDUA1WYnu
Thomas's eyes widened at the king's offer. Only one thing came to mind. "With y-your permission, I'd like to m-marry Ember."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXO7K9ygcN
The king raised a bushy, white brow and glanced at his daughter. "I'm afraid my judgement has failed me before, so I can't speak for her. But if she agrees, you have my blessing."copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyUxVRUxIT
Thomas gazed down at Ember and removed a wisp of hair that had strayed from her auburn braid. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqKXoHRa55
"Will you-" copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHzCiRswRU
"Yes!" she said, interrupting him before he could complete the question. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBvCWljpHi
"I was going to ask if you w-would finish c-cleaning the stables," he said playfully. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKNhcQ1gwW
With an exasperated breath and a smile, she stood on her tiptoes as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYFIvFc2ep
111Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10SCBi8mne
copyright protection107ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZ5CkEIPNf
and then Add to home screen.