"HE'S ESCAPED!!!" I screeched horrified. I could feel Conner gently pulling me into his arms. In an attempt to calm my trembling heart, but I ignored him. Too consumed in my panic to accept even the slightest amount of comfort. 

"My apologies your highness.  It seems like he had help. We found this outside his cell." The appologitic guard stated, holding out a simple bejeweled bracelet with the words "Forever Yours" carved into the hanging heart in the middle of the bracelet. Frowning at the familiar looking jewlery. I attempted to remember where I had seen it to no avail. Sighing and shaking my head. I handed the bracelet back to the waiting guard. 

"See if you can get any finger prints off the bracelet. If we can figure out where it came from. Than we can find out who freed him. Also ask around and see if anyone lost a bracelet without giving out to many details. I want your findings on my desk by tomorrow night." Conner demanded pulling me closer so i could bury my face in his shoulder. 

"Right away. If you will excuse me." Bowing the guard turned and headed back inside. No doubt to do as instructed.  Once alone Conner gently pushed me away. His softened eyes filled with concern as he gazed at my fear filled face. His hand reaching up to gently cup my cheek as he comforted me. 

"Are you ok?" Pulling my face from his hand I turned away from him. My bottom lip trembling as i wrapped my arms tightly around my chest. My terror filled eyes scanning the area. As if terrified Aaron would suddenly pop out from behind a bush. 

"I just... I thought it was finally over. That these last year of constantly looking over my shoulder was finally behind me. Yet once again I find that not only has he escaped, but now a second person is possibly after me." I whimpered. Shivering in dread as flashback of the graveyard ran through my head. 

I was pulled back to reality by Conners strong arms enfolding me in a hug. Pulling me close as I trembled against his chest.

"He may have escaped, but he won't hurt you. Not again. No matter what may happen remember you are not alone. We have stopped him before and we can do it again." He vowed pulling back from the hug enough to stare determinedly into my eyes.

"But what about the accomplice? It could be anyone." I reminded. Chewing my bottom lip in distress.

"Sasha. Its ok. As long as I am here. I promise I won't let anything happen to you. For that matter. Do you honestly believe the king would allow some crook to make off with his daughter again? I bet you anything that he already has plans to lock you inside a fully fortified room as we speak." I chuckled at this. Already knowing that he is right. No doubt I will be on lockdown until Aaron and his accomplice are captured.

"Ok. I guess your right. After what happened last time I doubt anyone will be able to get past the k...." My words were cut short as a loud commotion inside the palace drew our attention.  I felt my heart sink. Already knowing something is wrong. Without another word. We both race inside the palace. Following the loud distressed yells from the throne room. Pushing through the crowded entrance doors. 

We stopped dead in our tracks. My face paling in horror at the sight of my father. A knife sticking out of his chest. His eyes glazed over as he lay limp in a pool of his own blood. The court physician was working frantically to stem the flow of blood and keep him breathing. 

"He's not breathing. Starting chest compressions." I gagged at those words. My whole body seeming to be frozen in place as I worked them desperately pumping my dads chest. Pleading with him to breath. A few moments later. The physican stops. Reaching over and placing a hand on his neck. Looking for a pulse. I hold my breath. Praying that this wasn't actually happening. The depressed slump of his shoulders. Followed by a sad head shake to the watching guards. Cemented my horror. Straightening and making eye contact with everyone in the room. His eyes lingering regretfully on me. The guard on duty belows out the horrific words I never wanted to hear.

"THE KING IS DEAD! LONG LIVE QUEEN SASHA!!"

"LONG LIVE QUEEN SASHA!" 

"LONG LI...VE...QUEE...SAS....."

"LO....Q...N...S....."

"SASHA!!!" The world turned black as I lost the fight against consciousness.