Natalie pov

"I never thought the day would come. Oh but it appears you haven't fully bloomed now have you?" I gritted my teeth as he spoke. His voice was calm and had a sing song tune. "Celton. Get her." He ordered and the tall man had obeyed his orders.

The second he was close enough, I punched him as hard as I could in the jaw, hearing a faint pop as I did. He stumbled back before running at me full force. I was able to block the next few hits until he whipped around and kicked me square in the chest. Sending me flying backwards. I got up doing my best to shake off the pain with the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

With another hard strike he sent me down and grabbed a fist full of my hair, I screamed as he held onto me. I threw my fair share of hits and kicks but there was no way I could get away. Quickly I reached down for my belt knife and with one swift movement hacked the locks of hair, skinning his knuckles in the process. Then rewarded him one square punch to the chin, hoping to completely dislocate his jaw.

I scrambled back to where Finn was. Preparing myself for the worse of it. I held my knife tightly, as fear took control of my entire body. I took deep breaths to try and calm myself from a losing fight.

If I had my bow this would be different. I'd be able to protect both Finn and myself from a distance but I only had a small blade and barely enough space for close combat.

"Excuse me, what's going on here?" A stern voice asked as Cole had made his appearance. Brandishing his sword he looked around.

"Stay out of this palace boy. This does not concern you." Valerius said. That's when he noticed Finn and I with our backs practically against the wall. My hair was lopsided and I held a defensive stance for my life, brandishing my knife.

"Nathaniel?" Cole called with a voice wavering with worry.

"Hes right Cole. You need to leave." I said with a panting breath. Whatever this fights outcome would be, Cole had no place for it. But of course that idiot had to step in.

When Valerius gave the command Celton was quick to act. Quickly disarming Cole and the two of them circled each other. When the first punches were thrown I knew I had to step in. Celton practically towered over Cole.

I ran full force, aiming my blade but I was thrown down to the floor. Valerius had made his efforts to keep me from the fight as the two men brawled. I scrambled to my feet, looking for the knife that had fallen from my hands. But Celton had gotten to it before me.

"Alive, Celton." Valerius said.

Holding the knife up high over his head, he slammed the butt if the knife down onto Cole's head. And with that final strike his body went limp.

I screamed as I went to lunge after the man but was held back. Strong arms held me still as they wrapped around me like snakes. I struggled to break free until he held a damp cloth up to my face, pressing it firm against my mouth and nose.

My vision started to to hazy and I felt my body go limp. My last view was of Finn, whose back was pressed firmly against the wall as the armed man made his way closer. And with that I was out.

***

I woke up with a rocking motion, swaying back and forth against my control. I lazily opened my eyes and saw I was in a carriage. In front of me was Cole who happened to be unconscious still, next to him was Valerius. He sat tall with his arms crossed, an expressionless face with shut eyes. Next to me sat Finn, I had feared the worst about him but from the looks of it he seems fine. But his eyes looked filled with terror.I tried to move but my hands were bound together tightly with coarse ropes. I leaned over to him and whispered in his ear.

"There's an arrow head in my pocket. Saw yourself free with it." He nodded and turned awkwardly to get his bound heads to my waist before slipping his hand in and drawing out the refined piece of metal. Then he adjusted himself so he could saw freely. He closed his eyes and concentrated.

But our motions of escape were cut short when Valerius's eyes flipped open. "You're awake." I didn't respond. "I do hope you weren't too attached to that city, as you won't be seeing it again anytime soon."

"What do you want with me?" I asked with venom.in my tone.

"Its rather simple really. Everyone knows Fina's petal lies within you. Once that power manifests I can take back what was rightfully mine." he explained.

"And what would that be?" I glared at him.

"Two things. Actually. One of them is to take back my throne."

"You can't take back what was never yours."

"Oh but it is. I have my reasons, as high regent. Along with the fact that I have made a few deals that must be fulfilled." He said casually with a light tune in his voice. I had no idea where he was going with this but when he saw I had nothing to say he continued, "now as you and I both know, the gods are trivial." He leaned forward a bit and clasped his hands. "Harom was difficult to satisfy but he only requested two demands for my reward." My stomach sank low at the mention of the god's name. Everyone knew Harom was to never be associated with. His voice grew dark and quiet, "the death of the royals and the sacrifice of a flower."

"That's treason." I barked.

"So is impersonating a soldier and infiltrating the palace." I shrunk down a bit and glared at him. "But obviously treason is only admirable when you do it?"

"You're insane if you think you can kill the royal family. And even crazier to think you can kill me. Check my arms! I hold now power." I hissed.

"Oh but you see I already have. With my meeting today I had slipped something into the drinks of the monarchs. The king and queen would be dead by morning." I furrowed my brow. "As for the prince I do need him alive for now, the little brat he is."

Audrey? What does he want with Audrey? I thought to myself.

"What do you mean?"

"Oh do not worry, it does not concern you just yet." He said as he went to put caress my face but I immediately recoiled at his touch.

"You're really a sick bastard y'know that!" And with that I spit in his face. He jumped back immediately and slapped me hard.

"You will regret that." He said as he drew a handkerchief from his coat and wiped his face.

I stayed silent. I couldn't even look at him so I faced the window. I noticed we were near the mountains somewhat, that's why it was so bumpy.

"Celton. How much longer till the estate?"

"An hour tops." he responded.

"Good."

We hit a rock while Finn was mid stroke. His eyes flipped open as his hand slipped and the arrowhead slid up on his forearm before leaving his fingers and clattering onto the floor. I saw a warm liquid begin to run down his arm. That's when Valerius noticed. He bent down to pick up the arrowhead.

"Trying to escape are we?"

Perfect. I raised my leg and kicked him in the head. I gave him a nasty gash a cross his forehead. We made eye contact and he looked pissed but I smirked as I stared into those cold and hateful eyes.

"Y'know I've been trying to be nice but you've left me no choice!" he slapped me once more but this time with the arrowhead between his fingers. Leaving a small gash under my right eye. Finn looked at me with concern filling his eyes as his face twisted at the wound.

"I really do hate to damage that pretty face of yours, especially since I need it to put you on display in a few days. But of course you just have to push your limits. Oh well, nothing a little makeup can't hide." That's when he looked up at me, "If I were you I suggest you behave."

I sat back once more, quietly. Now I showed, I was no more of a threat. "Fine. Ill cooperate." I muttered as I felt blood drip down my cheek from the wound.

"Good. I'm glad we can come to a mural agreement." He placed the arrowhead into his pocket and leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes.

I looked out the window into bleak darkness once more as I felt Finn's hand in mine. He was able to saw through the ropes.

Perfect.

Now all we can do is wait.