The sting of betrayal | Closed.

@ A Drop On the Window

"Awful.. but I suppose that's normal... Will you bring me back to the palace now?" She asked softly, holding her arms out to him, hoping he'd agree to carry her.

Rowan nodded softly, "Yeah that's normal, come on lets get you to your father," he said lightly. He lifted her up into his arms, and carried her out of his home.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

Freya wrapped her arms around him as he carried her, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. Once at the palace they were directed to her room so that she could rest, a number of maids helping her out of her ball gown and into a nightgown before she settled into her bed to rest.

Her father came in not long after, sitting at the edge of her bed to speak with her softly, making sure she was alright before turning to Rowan, who had two guards standing next to him to make sure he wouldn't do anything.

Rowan set her down gently, before stepping back. He looked around the room watching the guards. He was clearly on edge, searching for a way out, if necessary.

He stood back and looked up as the king turned around to look at him. "Sir,' he said lightly.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

"I thank you for saving my daughter, Rowan Nightfell. You were saying earlier, that you knew who was behind this?" The king asked, studying Rowan carefully.

Freya was exhausted, and wanted to sleep, but forced herself to stay awake, worried about what would happen to Rowan.

Rowan smirked, "So you figured out who I am," he said lightly. He looked around at the guards, "I was mentioning something, and I'm happy to share, just not at the end of a sword," he said softly. He lifted his coat, and spun around showing that he was unarmed, which wasn't strictly true, he still had a blade strapped to his leg, just in case.

He smiled softly at the King, "please can we talk like civilized people," he said lightly, "If I wanted to kill either you or your daughter I've had plenty of chances," he added.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

The King thought for a moment before nodding, having all but two of the guards leave, who moved to stand outside of the door. "You seem to be a reasonable man. Alright, now tell me, what do you know?" He asked, remaining seated by Freya, holding her hand comfortingly.

Rowan nodded seeing the guard leave. "Thank you, let's just say I'm not the only man in the dark," he said softly. "And I heard about the threat on your life, and the princess' so I started trailing you, to figure out who showed up," he said softly.

He looked down, "It was someone I knew, from out of the city, and we had a conversation, I learned who hired her," he said softly. He paused for a moment, "you're not going to like the next part," he said softly.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

"I dont like any part of this, my daughter's life is in danger." The King frowned, looking at Freya worriedly. "She is all I have.."

Rowan nodded lightly, "I know Sir, but it seems like from what I've pieced together, the plan was initially to get you worried so you marry her off to the King to the north's son. Then once the wedding is done, kill you, and suddenly he has two Kingdom's," he said softly.

He paused, "now even if you don't believe me, I actually like your rule, you've been fair and just, which is why I've conducted most of my business out of town," he added. He looked up, "have you heard of my reputation?" he asked.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

The King frowned worriedly, standing and pacing the room. "That is troubling.. You seem like an honest man, Rowan. And despite being an assassin, I believe you're an honest one." He paused in front of him, looking him over. "I believe you. For bringing me this information, and saving the princess's life, I will pardon you from all previous crimes committed, and grant you a noble title and an estate. However, you must swear to never kill again, and if you do, I won't be able to grant you my mercy."

Rowan chuckled softly, "Thank you Sire, but I must decline," he said softly. He stood up looking over at Freya for a moment. "I'm not done yet, all I would ask of you for saving your daughter, is to be able to go back to my life, so I can hunt down the one's responsible" he said lightly.

He moved to the side of the bed, and placed her hand on Freya's leg, "then maybe I'll think about your offer," he added.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

The King nodded, watching him move over to Freya. She was just barely asleep, most definitely running a fever, looking rather peaceful as she slept.

"She loves you, you know.." the King spoke softly, watching the pair. "Even if she hadn't told me earlier, it is obvious by the way you two look at each other."

Rowan looked up, "Yeah I know, but it's one of those things that can't happen, isn't it," he said softly. He smiled softly, "I hope that you understand that I have to deal with this problem, I can't walk away," he added.

He moved over to the King, "besides, if I do it, maybe you can try keep the Kingdom's together as friends," he added, "less bloodshed that way,"

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

The King nodded. "I understand... And Rowan." He paused, on his way out of the room. "If you accept the title, and become a noble, it wouldn't be impossible." He spoke before leaving the two of them alone.

Rowan smiled softly, and nodded. He turned to look at Freya, and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling?" he asked her lightly.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

Freya's eyes fluttered open when he kissed her, looking up at him tiredly, although she was smiling despite the pain she was in. "Awful.. But I'm glad you're here.... What did my father say?"

Rowan smiled gently, "He seemed nicer, nicer than I was expecting," he said lightly. He lent in and kissed her lips, "Now why would you go do a fool thing like drink poison?" he teased.

@ katahdin

@ A Drop On the Window

Freya smiled weakly, blushing at the kiss, although she happily kissed him back. "I didn't know.. And why would you do the foolish thing of saving me?" She asked softly, weakly trying to move over to make room for him to sit with her.

Rowan climbed onto the bed, "well that foolish thing, seemed to have worked out for now," he said lightly. He put his arm over her, "I promise you'll feel better by tomorrow," he said

@ katahdin