Medieval Times

"I would never propose to her then," Jason says with a smile as he goes to get bandages for his hands, as if only then realizing he needed them. A lot had happened in less than an hour, but ones life could change in a second. "Well, I suppose I can do it tomorrow, or the next day. Its getting a bit late for me, do you need anything before I go to my room?" Jason asked genuinely.

Isabella climbed back up to the tower, her hand trailing along the wall as she walked, humming slightly. She went into the room, wondering if Lucian was in there.

James smiled. "Maybe, next time, you could try to ride with pants instead of skirts even if it isn't necessarily proper," James says as he walks with Gabriella inside the castle. "I'll be going to get some food in the servants quarters. I suppose I probably won't see you any other time tonight, so have a nice night," he says moving to go.

“No, I’m fine.” Sebastian replied glancing at Elaine and Charles, who were still asleep by his side, he smiled a little before resting back himself and closing his eyes.

Lucian looked up from where he was sitting on the bed reading when Isabella came in. “Feeling better?” He asked softly going back to his book.

Gabriella stopped him. “Why don’t you eat with me?” she asked walking him down the halls to where she usually ate with Elaine and the others, as soon as she entered the servants started running around setting the table for them, Gabriella sat down beside James. “Tea Lady Gabriella?” The servant asked with a curtsy. Gabriella smiled kindly nodding. “Thank you.” She waited for them to serve James his before turning to look at him, it wasn’t long before the food came from the kitchen and was placed in front of them. Gabriella gave James a kind smile. “This is better than eating alone.” She said as the Servants lit the candles to keep the dark at bay.

James looked around feeling somewhat awkward as his friends served the meal. "Ah, not so much eating alone when you're in the kitchen. It's nicer, that's for sure, but it's different," He says as he looks at the silverware with hidden horror. He had never been taught any table manners yet he knew extreme basics, like not chewing with your mouth open. He had no idea about the different forks and knives and spoons. He hardly knew where to put the napkin and he was just barely able to keep himself from fidgeting in the seat that felt too out of place for him. James stared at the food for a moment before smiling up at Gabriella. He had never had whatever was before him before and he wondered if he could actually stomach the food. He thanked everyone, knowing a lot of them even if he worked outside and them in. "Thank you for inviting me Gabriella. I... Do you perhaps... Nevermind," He says as he looks down to the food, copying Gabriella's movements to eat it. It really was delicious though a bit rich for him.
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Jason went to bed, his gaze was on the ceiling when he heard the voice. The voice that chilled him was almost haunting in the darkened room. "Jason, I hear you have a little romance going on with Annabelle, I suppose I'll have to crush that now won't I?" Will's voice echoed in his head. He heard a scream, Annabelle's and was moving before it was over, he ran towards the sound that kept getting further and further away. The screams traced down to the dungeon where Annabelle lay crumbled, her clothing shredded, Will standing behind her though only his green eyes were visible. "This is what will happen soon, be careful," He said before the eyes dissipated along with the deathly wounded Annabelle.

Jason called out in the middle of the night. He sat up in bed, his clothing and sheets soaked with sweat. He had never had a more realistic nightmare than that one and it terrified him. He got out of bed, walking quickly on the verge of running to get to Annabelle's room. When he knocked and she answered, he hugged her in relief. She smiled up at him. "Is everything alright Jason?" She asks laughing slightly from the look of pure relief on his face, not understanding what it was for. "Everything is perfect, wonderful in fact, and I wanted to ask you if you could make it more perfect by... by, marrying me," He said in a rather large rush, his words coming out in relief and thankfulness, not wanting to risk loosing her by tying the knot. Annabelle smiled and looked down, there were tears in her eyes as she nodded, unable to speak quite right in her happiness. Jason practically fell over in relief as he swept her up in his arms.
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Isabella nodded as she went to the bed, climbing in and snuggling up next to Lucian. "It's strange, I just remember getting up this morning, then being in the infirmary again, as if I passed out tired or something," Isabella says as she rests her head on Lucian's shoulder, looking at the book he was reading. "Is that the story of Avalon?" She asked curiously as she tried to see the letters in the darkened night of the room. She layed against him contently, envisioning the warm hugs he used to hold her in and the gentle kisses he used to give her on those nights they stole away to go riding. For a moment the face was slightly different, of one she hated, then it was Lucian's again.

The scent of roses came from the room next door that conjoined the king and queen of England's chambers to their own. Isabella briefly thought of a cup of tea before her thoughts resumed Lucian and his gentle warmth. The guard earlier had given her a cup of tea while she was asleep, the concoction mixed in altering Isabella's memories just right and adding to her love. The guard had come in, having a rather threatening talk with Lucian courtesy of his father. The English king's goal was clear to the guard who was tasked with it all. He needed his son to have an heir soon even if it wasn't something he wanted. To have the boy have a child was one more controlling factor of the French.

"Lucian, that's not the story of Avalon... What are you reading?" She asked softly, slightly tired.

Gabriella gave a kind smile. "Anytime, I would have been dining alone anyway. Elaine hasn't been feeling well, with the baby and all, she barely eats anything now. Annabelle is probably with her and the Prince, and Sebastian has just recovered from a poisoning." Gabriella took a sip from her tea putting the glass back down.

Lucian smiled kissing her forehead. "Its nothing exciting Isabella. Just an old book I found lying around, I was curious so I picked it up and started to read." Lucian wrapped his arm around her gently rubbing her back closing the book and setting it down on the bed side table.
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Elaine rose the next mourning to Charles pulling at her hair, she sat up surprised that Sebastian wasn't beside her or even in the room for that matter, she picked Charles up getting off of the bed, she walked out of the room, soldiers were walking through the halls in large groups prepared for a battle, Elaine went to the nearest window to see a portion of the army forming in the front of the castle, her heart started pounding as she went out of the castle the cold air nipping at her skin, Sebastian was there organizing the men his sword at his side. "Sebastian." Elaine looked at him, he came over to her. "Spain" Was all he said knowing Elaine would know what he was talking about. "I thought you solved that problem." Sebastian sighed. "I thought I did to, but now they are threatening war and we need to get to our boarders quickly."

Gabriella walked out along side Annabelle and Jason, seeing Elaine talking with Sebastian who was dressed for war she looked at Annabelle and Jason. "Whats going on?" She asked them quietly.

Elaine felt her eyes start to burn as Sebastian kissed her forehead. "You just recovered from poisoning Sebastian, you can't leave." Sebastian lifted her chin so he was looking at her. "The King always leads his men Elaine you know that." Sebastian pulled a Necklace out of his pocket putting it around Elaine's neck securing it. "Happy Birthday my Queen, I wish I could have stayed to celebrate with you." Elaine shook her head. "Sebastian you can't go, if you don't come back...Charles, and the baby, and Isabella." Sebastian smiled softly. "I will come back. Let me see him." Sebastian said taking Charles from Elaine kissing his forehead. "You take good care of your Mother while I'm away alright?" Charles smiled giggling a little wrapping his small arms around Sebastian's neck, he handed him Back to Elaine. "Its your birthday, go Celebrate, enjoy yourself, I will be back in a week maybe two." Elaine looked up from her hands gently Kissing him. "Promise you will come back." She whispered. "I promise." Sebastian mounted his horse. "Move out." He ordered. it wasn't long before they disappeared over the hill, Elaine turned. "Lets get you out of the cold." She whispered to Charles heading back to the castle door brushing past Gabriella, Annabelle and Jason.

James nods his head in understanding. "In reality though she really should not stop eating. Just have Isabella, Jason, Annabelle, or I make the meals. I mean, we wouldn't dare try poison her, she's our friend. We all know how to gather ingredients and I know Jason knows how to make edible food at the very least," James says with a little laugh. When he had to stay with Jason for a while, he had to endure the physicians poor cooking though it wasn't his fault he couldn't quite copy recipes or the extra ingredients he added weren't good in the various soups and dishes he made up.

Isabella let herself be held, thinking of the book over Lucian's shoulder though she didn't pursue the topic. He would have told her if it was anything major or he wanted her to know. It couldn't be anything bad, it was Lucian after all. She ducked her head into his chest, taking in the scent that didn't match up with what her head told her she would expect. She ignored the warnings from her head as she usually did, those weren't very good all the time so why bother? She didn't speak, not wanting or knowing what to say. "What a calm night," She whispered as she savored being close to the man she believed was the love of her life.
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Jason stared after Sebastian. He had been given a choice the day before, stay here and keep things calm, or go and do as he was told. The answer was quite simple, especially after such a nightmare as the one that night. He held Annabelle gently as she waved slightly to Sebastian who rode off. Annabelle and Jason followed her, watching her back carefully. "Elaine, we're here for you," Annabelle says as she goes to hug her friend. Jason looks at the scene, then back outside. Maybe it was the light playing tricks on his eyes or the paranoia, but for a moment he believed to see a group of men around his age running secretly everywhere on grounds. The attack from Spain was real. It had to be. Right? Only then did Jason realize they were in a house of cards, one blow from caving in with a mad king, perhaps assassins closing in, a queen and her child, and a delusional princess... His hand didn't seem to be a winning one even after last nights big yes. Annabelle even wore the twine ring Jason had fashioned for lack of funds for a real proposal gift. The rose was safely in her room where he had taken it that morning.

"Annabelle, go spend time with Jason, I don't want my husband running off to war to ruin your engagement." Gabriella gave a sad sigh. "Elaine, its your birthday, you should be with your friends." Elaine sighed. "I have a child to look after and two countries to run Gabriella, Sebastian may or may not come back and I need to prepare France. I don't have time to think of me right now." Elaine looked at her hands. "I have work to do, go enjoy yourselves, I will send word for you if I need you." Elaine looked at all of them before turning she got half way down the hall before being swarmed by Advisors and Diplomats, she headed for the throne room the crowd following. She set Charles down beside her throne and had a maid bring him something to play with while she listened to the people in front of her argue with each other and worry about if their King didn't return, getting her to approve things Sebastian normally would just in case he didn't come back.

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It had been a few months and Sebastian still wasn't back Elaine paced the infirmary another letter in her hand. "Charles, don't put that in your mouth." She looked at him, he had started walking and was getting into everything, he had also learned a few words and wouldn't stop talking. "Sebastian is doing well, and says not to worry. Spain is attacking in waves and the numbers are getting smaller, though they have lost 150 men. The Spanish Prince will be arriving on french soil later this week to negotiate some sort of agreement between Sebastian and the Spanish King." Elaine took a shaky breath putting a hand on her stomach. "Sebastian understands that my time is nearing and requests that Jason." Elaine looked at Jason. "Sends him an update on my condition up until the baby is born, when the baby is born he wants to know if it is a girl or a boy and if the baby is well and healthy, He apologizes but he doesn't think he will be back for the delivery. He sends you all his best regards and sends Charles and I his love. He hopes to return soon." Elaine sat down on the bed setting the letter from Sebastian on the bed beside her. "He said he would be back in two weeks, its been four almost five months." Gabriella looked at Annabelle then back at Elaine. "Things got complicated quickly, I'm sure he wants to be here for you..." Elaine pulled her shawl around her shoulders shivering a little. "I'm sure he does to, but he isn't." Charles walked over putting his head on Elaine's lap. "Dada dada." He said looking up at her, Elaine pushed his dark hair out of his eyes. "Your Father will be home soon Charles." Charles rested his head back on Elaine's lap yawning, Gabriella looked at her friend. "Are you feeling alright?" Elaine gave an irritable sigh. "I'm feeling fine, I'm just tired, and sore....Charles has been keeping me up with nightmares, and I've been uncomfortable. And the Damn advisors and diplomats wont give me a moment of peace." Gabriella looked over at Jason with a sigh before looking back at Elaine. "Things will get better." Elaine grumbled. "I hope so."

Jason watched Elaine with thoughtful eyes, Annabelle sitting beside him with her hand entwined with his. "Well... There is always one option..." Jason says quietly. Annabelle shakes her head at Jason as if realizing what he was going to say. "Elaine, you know that I was raised with politics, I know every king, their children, their weaknesses, their cultures. I can help you if you'd like. Spain doesn't know of Avalon falling, the old French king made sure that they believed France had a great relationship with Avalon so the trade routes continued though only France controlled them. If you show off your friend, as I'm sure they're rather suspicious, maybe that'll give them some reassurance," Jason explains, his tone rather thoughtful and considerate, thinking through the various variable and being careful with the outcomes. Annabelle sighs inwardly, she had feared this would happen and that Jason might become a large target again. It was a rather scary thought.

Isabella was walking through the gardens when she caught sight of James. She paused, unable to tell why, but her gaze somewhat mesmerized by the boy who was shoveling hay. Something in the back of her head stirred, but she shook the worry away, uncertain what it was. She was on her way to have tea with the English king and Lucian considering the king's wife had gone back early, just before the war. She walked quickly to get to the tower and entered, surprised somewhat to see a mad Lucian and a seemingly sly king. "Is everything alright?" She asks as she hears a knock at the window. The french king waved the guard from many months before to open it and in tumbled a green eyed boy. "Ah, the princess of France, the King and prince of England. So why have you called me here my wonderful partner, your highness?" Will asked the king of France, walking over to Isabella who started backing up before being held by Will like Lucian had the first time they met.

Elaine looked at him. "Send you into the battle as a diplomat?" Elaine shook her head. "No, the last thing I need is two dead Kings." Gabriella looked at Elaine. "Sebastian promised he would come back Elaine." Elaine looked at Gabriella. "Yes he did, but Sebastian is not God; and I am not sending Jason into a war, I'm already a wreck because Sebastian Is gone, I don't want anything to happen to Annabelle if anything were to happen to Jason" Elaine stood carefully picking Charles up. "I'll be in my chambers, I'm really not feeling well." Elaine left the letter on the bed returning to her chambers setting Charles down and laying on the bed. Gabriella looked at Jason and let out a sigh laying back on the bed exhausted.

Lucian gave Will a warning Glance taking Isabella from him holding her close. "You can leave, my Father is mad, he called you here for a ludicrous reason." The King shook his head at Lucian. "Its not crazy Lucian, I want power, and the new baby, who will be born any day now, any minute perhaps stands in my way." Lucian growled. "And I told you, if you hurt anyone in Isabella's family I would go to the King and Queen of France." the King laughed. "Sebastian is at war, and Elaine is weak..." Lucian snapped at him. "You will not touch the Queen or her children, I will make sure of it." Lucian took Isabella from the room back into their own.

The King looked at Will. "Wait a few days after the new royal baby is born, I want the infant dead, and anyone who stands in your way dead as well."

Elaine sat up slowly changing out of her dress into a nightgown, she put Charles in his crib before climbing into her bed drifting to sleep, she woke in the middle of the night pains surging through her stomach. Gabriella walked into the room a guard having gone to get her, she went over to Elaine, she waited for Annabelle to come in. "Stay with her and watch Charles I'll get Jason." Gabriella grabbed a candle and walked quickly into the infirmary she went into Jason's room to find him sleeping, She gently shook him, Jumping back when he shot up. "Don't worry its me." Gabriella held her candle in between them. "Its Elaine and the baby." She said softly.

Jason stared after Elaine rather mad at the seemingly unreasonablility of her response. Spain liked him a lot more than Sebastian yet they sent Sebastian in because of the rank in the country. It was as if they were trying to make mistakes that could be costly though Elaine was really just looking out for him. Annabelle was thankful on the other hand, glad he wasn't to go and wasn't to be near the fighting though he was near it enough already.

Isabella looked up at Lucian with wide terrified eyes. "I... They're going to try to kill the child. That can't happen Lucian, it can't," Isabella whispered in her awe as she held onto him, looking at the door in terror of bye assassin. Tea had turned deadly without a drop being poured. "We need to stop him," Isabella said as she moved to go to the door. The guards posted outside however had locked it as well as the door they had entered through, only admitting the king. "What are we going to do?" She asked nobody in particular as she pulled at the ungiving door.

Will had smiled before leaving, his frame held tall, as if royalty.

Jason popped up in bed upon being wakened. When he heard Gabriella he yawned tiredly, "Elaine and the baby, got it..." He turned over to go back asleep before realizing what was happening and running from bed to Elaine's room. "Oh, okay, so Elaine has gone into labor... Yay," he says somewhat sarcastic as he has servants get what he needs while he himself gets ready. Annabelle and Gabriella stand on either side while the midwife delivers the baby, Jason standing beside her. "Do you want to see the baby?" Jason asks as he takes the small child and quickly scans for any flaws or disabilities before wrapping the baby in a blanket and passing it on.

Lucian looked out the window hearing the bang of fireworks going off signalling the birth of a Royal child. "I don't know, but we better think of something fast, Elaine must have delivered the baby."

Elaine nodded a little taking the small child, Gabriella smiled. "She looks like you, except for the eyes of coarse." She said pointing out the bright blue eyes that were clearly Sebastian's. Elaine looked at Gabriella. "Get Charles." She whispered wearily looking at the young boy standing up in his bed whimpering thinking something was wrong, Gabriella brought him over set him on the bed where he proceeded to crawl over to Elaine curling up beside her. "You have to name her." Gabriella smiled sitting on the end of the bed. "Lillian..." Elaine whispered her eyelids growing heavy, she was exhausted. Gabriella carefully took the small girl from Elaine's arms bringing her over so Annabelle could see her, she looked back at Elaine to find she was asleep with Charles curled up right beside her. "One little boy is not going to like his new sister getting all of his mothers attention." She whispered with a small smile laying Lillian in Charles' cradle assuming the boy would sleep beside Elaine and since Lillian's wouldn't be there until morning. Gabriella pulled the covers up over Elaine and Charles before putting her hand on Elaine's forehead, she gave Jason a worried look. "She's still burning up." She whispered to Jason. "The fever should have passed when the baby was delivered."

Jason shrugs watching Elaine. "Yes and no, it should have passed, but traces of it can still be found. We should wait another five minutes until we panic, this happened last time of you remember and she was alright," Jason says as he moves to go to Lilian. Annabelle puts a hand on his shoulder. "Wake, eat, cry, sleep... That's all these little bundles of not seem to do," he declared with a sigh of amazement. Why did anyone ever want one? Because they were downright so amazing you just couldn't help yourself when it came down to it. There was a knock on the door and Jason went to answer it. An advisor was outside wanting Elaine. "She's asleep and really can't come out after you know, having a baby," he says rather annoyed the guy would think it possible.

Isabella felt her heart drop as she struggled and sank to the floor feeling defeated. "There must be something," she whispered as she stared up at the doors keyhole pained. She heard the laughing guards and footsteps running on the stairs, will was on the move already.

"Its all a small price to pay when the reward is watching them grow up." Gabriella replied going over to Lilian standing beside Jason. "Charles was probably a little bigger than his sister, and now look at him, he looks almost Identical to Sebastian, he's walking and starting to talk, and he is absolutely attached to Elaine. I'm not sure he will like having Lilian around since Elaine's attention will be on her more than on him." Gabriella smiled down at the small baby her little eyes wandering between all their faces.

"Maybe if we make noise Elaine's or even Sebastian's patrolling guards might will hear us." Lucian looked at Isabella. "I'm sure Elaine is not alone with the Prince and the Baby though, her Ladies and Jason will be there, and Sebastian doubled the guards in her hallway and outside her door before he left. They won't get far when their intentions are made clear."

Jason smiled but frowned when he heard a scuffle outside the door. He frowns rather confused as he hears it stop suddenly. "Wake Elaine, we need to get out of here," he says as he understands what was happening. He moves to the door, opening it slightly to see exactly what he feared. A group of men were in the hall standing over the bodies of the guards, bloodied weapons in hand. One looked up and Jason saw will before he slammed the doors and held them. "Get her out," he yells as he holds the doors. Annabelle fakes Elaine, picking up Lilian as she rushes the group to a secret passage. As everyone made it through, Annabelle looks back to see Jason struggling with the doors. "Come on," she calls but understands with a shake of his head he couldn't come. She looked sadly back at him before going into the passageway, sealing it just as the thugs burst inside to envelop Jason.

Annabelle could barely see in the passageway as she led the group. After around ten minutes, they emerged in a secret room with cobwebs and old stores of food. On the way in the group had heard through a small hole in the wall two men talking. They were laughing about how easy becuase were to trick and how someone named will was so happy to be sitting on the throne now that their gang had secured the castle. The remaining guards were either dead or in towers that were locked and more heavily guarded with people than those inside. "We can figure a way out and get things back to normal," Annabelle says softly as she tries to reassure the group.

Isabella looked up as she heard shouting and cries of pain not too far off. There was a loud hang of the door before quite yet again resumed. Moments later she head shouting come from the room next door. "The queen couldn't have escaped, I have my men all over. She must still be in the castle, we just need to find her. We have two people who could know, this one and the princess. How hard can it be to pry that information out?" Will asked.

Jason had been thrown at the feet of the English king rather roughly and was rather ticked at this point. "I'm being honest when I say I don't know where they could hide if you really have your men everywhere," Jason manages as he stares up at the king with a defiant and aloof gaze.

"We need to get out of the castle." Elaine said. "If we can make it to the stables through the passageways, any guards who got away should be there, they will take you two and the kids to Paris, and from Paris on to a small town there is a family there that you are to leave Charles and Lilian with. From there you will go to the shore where Sebastian is negotiating with Spain, he has our army there, he will settle the deal with spain and once the army is back at the castle they will out number Wills men. When the castle is Secure we will go and get Charles and Lilian." Elaine slipped the small baby into Gabriella's arms. "Take care of her." Gabriella looked at Elaine. "And what about you?" Elaine smiled softly. "I can't leave France at the mercy of the English King, I'm the Queen here as much as I am in Ireland. I will be fine, I promise you." Elaine nudged her towards Annabelle. "Annabelle knows the way through the tunnels, be safe, and be careful, and don't look back." Elaine turned from them heading back through the passage coming out of her room, she shut the passage taking a deep breath.

The English King laughed looking at Jason. "Please, you know Elaine better than that." He walked over to him. "So well, I heard you even shared her bed." He circled around Jason. "Its fair to be honest, I don't blame you, she was supposed to be your wife first, not Sebastian's, she should have bore your heirs not Sebastian's. I'm surprised you didn't say anything when she arrived, she remembered the plans both your fathers had made, and she was so young at the time, The french stole her, your country, your family. She married Sebastian to fulfil the will of her dead Father, and she was her daddies little girl. I remember the look on her face when she found him dead and her mother dying; and I'm proud to say I killed them, and I killed Elaine's unborn child, and I killed her aunt." The King laughed. "Does that make you angry Jason? So why don't you tell me where she is, because I'm sure you would rather deal with me than Will, as I hear you two don't get along." The King looked up when Elaine was escorted in.

"There you are, now I can have some real fun. Come here." Elaine stumbled when the men pushed her forward, she watched the King Stand Jason up and bring him over to her. "Elaine, tell your betrothed how much you love him." Elaine looked down. "We aren't betrothed." The English King laughed. "But you were." He watched ELaine look away from both of them. "Come now, you remember, you were to marry on your 15 birthday." Elaine took a deep breath when the King struck Jason. "Say it." Elaine looked at the King. "I love you." She said looking at Jason. "I don't see the point of this." Elaine growled at the King. "Well, while Will looks for your Children, I don't want to be bored, and I know how much this pains both of you, so this is better punishment then what Will had in mind." The King went over to Elaine gripping her wrist so tightly it made her eyes water. "Your turn Jason." The King smiled moving her long hair away from her neck. "She's beautiful isn't she?" He gently kissed her neck. "Get away from me." Elaine tried to pull away glancing at Jason before looking at the floor.

Annabelle looked after Elaine with wide eyes. "We aren't leaving her behind. Come on, let's get the children to safety," Annabelle says as she moves to go from the room with the children. As the opened the door, two men stood outside smiling in at them. They reached for the two only to fall after two large bongs. James stood behind them looking down with what looked like a pan in his hand. "I didn't mean to kill them for the record, I just didn't want them to hurt either of you," He says rather frantically as he drops the pan. "Stables are overrun with the thugs. English army is being admitted past Spain's to come defend France from it's own armies according the the men who were ransacking the kitchen via the servants doing it all. We need to get you out of those clothing and the children as well. We can give them to one of the servants and they only have to worry of concealing Charles as the king hasn't seen the new baby. Where's Elaine? I should congratulate her," James says as he looks behind Annabelle only to see Gabriella, surprising him. "Oh no," He whispers as he realizes what happened. "She went back for Jason," Annabelle says barely concealing tears. James nods his understanding as he takes the scared looking Charles from her. "Hey, my name is James, I'm going to get you and your sister and your mother to safety, I promise," He says as he holds the child close. The youth rests against James' shoulder, wrapping his arms around his neck. "Come on," James says as he moves to go with the group to leave and head to the servants quarters. He moves quickly, avoiding the men now patrolling the secret passageways.

As they arrived at the servants quarters, servants swarmed, assisting in dressing them and getting them to appear more appropriate. "Gabriella, you must remember to do whatever the cook tells you to otherwise you will look suspicious. Annabelle, the king isn't in his right mind so as long as you just do what you're told by anyone, you too will be okay. Just be sure to do everything you can to make sure we don't help the queens children," James finishes as he spots men enter the room out of the corner of his eye. "Our leader has ordered us that we just need one person per job at the moment. We want the head of every department. Three servants will be needed. You three will do," The man finishes as he points at Annabelle and two others. "Everyone else is to go to the town and find a place to stay there. You have ten minutes," He says before turning to guard the door. James looks around and runs a hand through his hair. "Gabriella, do you believe you can care for the children in the town? That way they can be kept safe with someone France trusts. You will have everyone who leaves' support. They will be certain to protect you and I promise to try and fix things in here. That b*&^%$d Will needs to pay for ruining my life," James says sadly as he passes Charles to an older lady.

"I never shared a bed with her," Jason almost said out loud. He kept his gaze steely as he looked on, not daring to look into the eyes of a mad king. When his family was mentioned, he tensed all over. His hands were in fists, his anger coursing through his frame in a way that had happened only once before years ago during his first capture. When Will was mentioned, Jason smiled as he looked up. "I would rather go through Will or even hell itself before I told you where they went," Jason says with a slight laugh. When Elaine come in, a word Jason had never used before in front of royalty came out of his mouth yet he didn't seem to hear it. Elaine was put on the edge of the English kings bed moments later and Jason led over to kneel in front of her. When Elaine was told to admit she loved him, he was extremely confused. What was this to do to them? Make her feel guilty for something she didn't do probably. "I'm not to marry Elaine anymore," Jason says as he tries to stop what was happening before it did. When Elaine spoke, then the king, Jason heard the dangerousness in his tone. He had not in fact expected a blow to the stomach and doubled over in response to it, gasping for air he couldn't seem to drag into his lungs no matter the way.

Jason shook his head at what the king said about this being better. "Contrary to that belief, it's just a really good thing for me that you wanted to torture me compared to Will. He would have used knives and mallets, not words and fists," Jason explains having just barely regained his breath enough to speak. When he gripped Elaine, Jason tried to breath in but still couldn't breath properly. "She's beautiful yes, and I do love her, but not in the way one would love a betrothed one. She is a friend, nothing more than what you insinuated earlier and I never once took her to bed even if it was said everywhere. What you're doing is plain childish and I am wanting to understand why you don't just kill us, unless you are genuinely trying to not be bored. What's next, want us to hold hands?" Jason asked, his humor leaving as he stared up at the English king with that old attitude he used to have, one of pride and strong resolve he got from his father.

Will was getting rather angry by the time he ordered majority of the servants away. His men were to search for the children in that crowd though they weren't entirely sure what they were looking for. The men he had sent wouldn't kill every child to be certain like he had wanted them to, but they had been the only ones that appeared trustworthy to the servants.

The King laughed a little. “No.” He said sharply before pushing Elaine towards Jason. “I want to know if the new Royal baby is a Girl or a boy and what it looks like.” Elaine glared at him. “Go to h*ll” she mumbled weakly. The King snickered again. “Tired are we your Majesty? You don’t look so good.” He walked back over to her Ignore the looks he was getting from Jason; he pushed Elaine’s hair back over her shoulder lifting her chin up so she had to look at him. “How long do you think you can keep this up? Your tired, you just delivered a baby, your husband is gone.” Elaine pulled away from him leaning on Jason. “When he gets back, he will kill you for what you have done.” The King waved her off. “I will be back later. Jason, look after her.” He walked out of the room the guards closing it behind him and blocking their only way out, Elaine looked at Jason taking in a few weak breaths.

Gabriella looked at James shaking her head. “This won’t work, Annabelle and I have been Elaine’s Ladies since we were little girls, they will recognize us.”

James shakes his head trying to get things to be okay. "These people don't know you Gabriella. You are the children's only chance. Annabelle can't leave lest she be drawing attention to herself. We will just have to hope that she isn't called for. You need to go now, everyone else is. Thing's will be alright, they don't know the children either, trust me," James says as he takes Gabriella's hands and looks down at her, praying she could be okay and could do everything she would need to do to keep the royal children alive. "You must go now though," He finishes as he guides her to follow one of the cooks. Annabelle gives her a reassuring smile as she goes with the other servants to where they stay.

Jason watched the king with concealed anger that wasn't so much concealed as he had tried. He knew Elaine shouldn't be here, should be laying in bed and resting. "You do need to rest Elaine, the king is right about you not looking so good. You did just deliver a baby not but an hour ago," He says as he tries to move to make her slightly more comfortable but not able to lean back with his hands bound as they were. He was annoyed by it of course, but was used to the feeling and knew how to work around it. He prayed Annabelle was alright, wouldn't be hurt, would get out and go, though he wasn't sure if she would. "We just need to stay strong," He whispers as he finally regains all his breath.

Will looks around rather angry now as he calls out in anger upon hearing about his men in the secret passageways. "So Elaine and her physician are caught, her ladies in waiting and children are somewhere though. Who's helping her? Someone find out. Find the girls, and do whatever you can. Until then... oh, your highness... The best way to find out where the children are may be through those Elaine loves you know. She's bound to know, all we need to do is let me have half an hour with them and my tools and she can tell us after some of his blood his spilt," Will says with a smile as he tries to convince the man.

Gabriella felt her hands start to shake and her eyes fill with tears, she looked back at James moving aside to let the other servants past. "James I'm scared, if they find out who we are. If they find the Princess...if they kill her or Charles, if they kill Annabelle or I..." She held her hands together trying to stop them from shaking.

The King looked at Will. "There is no point in spilling his blood Will. Elaine is a mother, and a Mother will protect her children with her life. She may love Jason, she may love her ladies, she may love her husband, but she loves her children more, every mother loves their children more than anyone. You wouldn't get a word out of her, and she is very weak, having her around her precious physician will keep her alive."

"And when they come for you Jason?" Elaine whispered. "They will come for you, they will torture you...They would do anything to get me to talk." She took a shallow breath closing her eyes before opening them again, she moved behind Jason, undoing his bounds, before walking back in front of him leaning back against him, she was still shivering from the fever. "They would kill every person in France if it meant getting to my children." She mumbled wearily.

Jason shrugs slightly as he sits back. "You don't realize however that I have been tortured before and know how to handle it. Will is probably begging for it right now in fact. They won't find them though I am rather mad at you for not going with them. How is the child going to be able to live when it doesn't have its mother to feed it?" He asks careful not to give away the gender. He runs a hand through his hair, praying and hoping something better might come to them. "The kings up to something, he wants something from us and I don't know what quite yet. That display he had us do... Makes no sense really," Jason says confused.

Will frowns and shakes his head slightly. "You'd be surprised. She'd possibly believe them to be untouchable just to help him... Anyway, I have my men taking out most of the staff here and checking all the children for the young prince and whatever bus newborn is. Can't be too hard. In the meantime, England is surrounding the castle and town with its army now. France doesn't stand a chance. Such wonderful planning with Spain. Now, where was it you were off to before I interrupted?" Will asks curiously.

James smiled down at Gabriella. "I know, as am I, though know I wouldn't allow them to do that. You must trust those around you Gabriella, they are good people and won't hurt you. You have to get out and you have to get safe. Annabelle is my concern now and as long as she is good with what she does she won't get caught and neither will you. Now go, go so you can come back. If it comes to it, I'll distract them. Just be confident yet, not too confident," James says with a wink before motioning to a friend to lead her towards the door, giving a slight wave as she goes.

A servant passes Gabriella Charles as they go outside, the one next to her holding Lilian carefully as they guide Gabriella to a safe house.

Elaine sighed. "I don't want you tortured again..." She looked up at him slightly. "I think you have forgotten, I may be seventeen now, but france is my country as well, and what kind of Queen would I be if I left it to the mercy of the English? Besides my children are safer without me with them, Will doesn't know what Annabelle and Gabriella look like or shouldn't, and the English king has never got a good enough look at them to be able to identify them, especially not in his state of mind." Elaine closed her eyes again. "I think the English King is just trying to prove a point, get you mad at France for taking me, your country..." Elaine trailed off. "And make me feel guilty, make me think its my fault. He doesn't have to try with me though, I know its my fault, I've felt guilty about it since the day it happened." Elaine shifted her weight. "Maybe you were angry with Sebastian once...but I don't think you are anymore."

The King looked at him. "Jason needs to be with Elaine. We should have waited a few days. She's weak, the last thing we need is for her to pass away." He sighed. "We just need to kill the new baby, and keep Elaine from getting pregnant again, Sebastian's line will be weakened without a second heir. He can leave diplomats with Spain and come back here with his army as soon as word gets to him of the invasion, he will have us executed, maybe not me, but he can have you executed with the wave of his hand."

Gabriella looked back at James taking a deep breath holding Charles close keeping him warm as they led her to the safe house, she was praying they would get to Elaine and Jason before the English King could do anything to either of them, or both of them.

Jason shakes his head slightly. "No, I'm still angry at Sebastian though for different reasons. It was my fault that I let the French king catch me, my father just loved me too much and gave up the kingdom because of it. I understandit now burn also knowi wouldn't have been able to do all I have without it all happening. I met Annabelle, I've helped you and your family, I've done a lot and it helps to have had tough times ski can appreciate it," he says as he moves to rest his head and close his eyes. "If we aren't careful, we may be dead by midnight. They need me though, and you too. Me to get to you really though..." He says as he runs a hand through his already tussled hair.

Will smiles and shakes his head. "Not quite, I have a secret that Jason is dying to know and would save me just to get it. I won't die so long as I don't tell him," will says as he walks with the king towards the kitchens. "Listen, go back upstairs and I'll have a servant bring you up food to dine with the two. It'll make a statement, I'll even join you though do me a favor and keep them bound to chairs or whatever," will says as he goes to order the food.

Annabelle looks up as she sees someone enter. "You, come on, need you to serve," will says pointing at Annabelle. Annabelle's breath freezes as she stands and follows theothertso servants to get food, taking it up by following will to the tower.

Elaine sighed slouched in her chair looking at the King, he had left her unbound but had tied Jason to his chair, she stiffened seeing Will and the servants come in and recognized one blonde one. She looked at the food as if she were going to be sick. “Are you feeling alright your Majesty?” The King asked with a wicked smile. Elaine nodded. “I’m perfectly fine.” She replied taking some of the food and putting it into her mouth. She ignored the King staring at her as she ate.

Jason sat across from will, his gaze unmoving before he heard the door open and liked. His entire body tensed for a moment as he saw Annabelle, then he dropped it to not alert the king and will. If they figured out the connection... She wore her ring as did he and he just prayed that the two didn't take that small detail into play. Jason couldn't really eat much considering his circumstances, but he was able to get in a sip and a small bite of food. He felt sick however as Annabelle took a place at the wall with the other servants. As if to make matters worse, will was watching her sharply, as if he was going to pull her aside for something. Jason let his head fall into his hand as he stared at the plate with a furrowed look. "What is it jason? Having a problem are you?" Will asks with a smile. Jason shakes his head slightly. "No, it's just that I'm so frustrated with this food. It isn't something I should eat. Could someone take it away?" He asks looking up. Will raised an eyebrow and one if the other servants came for eliciting a silent curse from Jason as Annabelle was now one of two servants in the room. He only prayed the king didn't recognize her.

Annabelle stared down at the ground submissively. Her heart beat quickly and as Jason spoke, she saw will point to the girl beside her. She felts his eyes on her as she looked back down. She had silently served all of them food and thankfully, not missed anything, or been caught missing anything. She hated to see Jason this way, but he was safe aside from what looked like a new bruise or two from something. Elaine too had a bruise though Annabelle hoped the king wouldn't do anything more to her. Maybe they were not needed anymore...

Will smiles as he watches Jason and Elaine's discomfort. It was interesting and surely rather obvious though the two were rather well at covering things up. Will was now sure exactly who it was considering Jason hadn't lost the tenseness in his body when the other servant left. He wasn't sure what was different though about this one...

“May I be excused?” Elaine asked softly, the King gave her a funny look. “Since when does a Queen have to be excused from her own table?” Elaine looked up glaring at him. “Since she is being held hostage in her own court.” The King rested back in his chair. “It is a pity, isn’t it? You an innocent in all of this, this is between France and England, and you are neither.” Elaine shifted. “I am the Queen of France now as well.” The King laughed. “Yes, but we all know that if it came to a choice between the two countries you would choose Ireland.” Elaine gave him an irritated look. “I asked to be excused.”
“Yes, and I told you a Queen doesn’t need permission to leave her own table.” Elaine pushed her back from the chamber standing up. “Well, if this is my table, and this is my court and my castle as you are still treating it as, I want Jason untied and returned to the infirmary where he can do his job; and while we are at it, you are to treat my servants with respect, as I do, your men can wander my castle and look for my ladies all they want, but if they disturb anyone in my court, or any of my advisors I will make sure your stay turns into a very unpleasant one. I am exhausted, my husband is at war with Spain, and a whole half of my pregnancy I was being poked and prodded by advisors and diplomats, and I just delivered a baby, I am exhausted, I am upset, and I am very angry, and for all I care you could be God, and I would still make your stay very unpleasant! So, if you two can act like civilized men for more than five seconds….” Elaine sat back down putting her hands in her head. “Maybe I wouldn’t have such a bad headache,”

Annabelle keeps her head down to avoid meeting the glare of will. Jason a as furious asto the fact that will was just staring at Annabelle, but was rather powerless to stop him. "It's not like I have anyone to care for as I wouldn't do a single thing for will's people," Jason says as he rests his head in a hand. "Tell me, what do you hope to achieve after all this is said and done? I mean, you hold us here, attempt to humiliate us, threaten to kill us, and then control everyone in the castle in your own way. It's as if you've taken it over and to be quite frank, I think it is rather stupid," Jason says as he puts his hands in his lap to remove he ring before placing them back up in a casual manor, hoping that the difference wasn't seen by the king.

Will frowned at Jason and stood making Jason to tense all over. Will walked over to the servants and Annabelle and whispered behind Jason something he couldn't hear, but rather heard a small gasp he knew to be Annabelle's as will had jerked her hand up to his face before releasing her and smiling as he took his seat again. He had made a display to show the king the ring around her finger as he did so before taking a seat. "Playing with any wench you can again are you will?" Jason asks in a drawling voice making will shrug smugly.