Across the Ages: Book One Ch. 01

"Do as she says, Alexander," Blake chimed in. "They are cooperating." It was not difficult to see his amusement.

"For now," Alexander murmured, tipping off Rene that her work-in-progress plans were not unexpected. Alexander let go of Brianne's arm and she quickly distanced herself from him. Still furious with the turn of events, Rene glared in Blake's direction. Once again he merely smiled and turned away, headed towards the horses.

"What do you think you are doing?" Rene demanded as Blake reached for the saddlebag. It held the remains of the boar and the mix matched scraps they managed to smuggle out of the castle's kitchen.

"Well, I was going to get us all something to eat," he replied, "if that's alright with you, my lady." He turned back to face her as one side of his mouth curled upward. Rene nodded as felt herself begin to blush, and she quickly averted her eyes. He made her feel like a child with that smile. And yet, something in his eyes made her long for more. More of what, though, she wasn't sure. She would need to control both mind and body to have a chance at outsmarting him.

Brianne caught her eye, interrupting her thoughts. There were so many expressions being sent through that single look from her best friend. They ranged from sorrow at their plight, to asking permission to help with breakfast. Rene managed a reassuring smile that she was okay. Brianne nodded and immediately began helping with their meal.

Without thinking, Rene found herself watching Blake as he masterfully stoked the fire in the pit and skewered the remains of the boar for reheating. Looking up, she met Alexander's eyes. They narrowed as he slightly cocked his head as if trying to figure her out. She raised her chin and met his stare, as would be expected of royalty.

"Would you like to accompany me as I fetch our horses?" Blake asked Rene, startling her. They had gone minutes without speaking, and she had found herself slightly comforted by the sounds of the forest as its inhabitants rose to greet the morning.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Alexander asked. "What if she tries to escape?"

"She is not a common fool, Alex," Blake said coolly. "But it would be wise for you to call me sir." He looked at his comrade knowingly. "I am your commander now, cousin."

"Yes...sir," Alex conceded with a pause.

"Much better. Now, shall we?" he directed at Rene.

She nodded and he led the way from their campsite. For a while, the only sounds were those of crunching leaves beneath their boots. More than once, Rene glanced at her bodyguard but could not force herself to break the silence. Fortunately, he spoke first.

"You seem well accustomed to the woods."

"I am," she answered plainly.

"And why is that?" he prodded.

"Is this your attempt at small talk?" she snapped.

"Perhaps," he laughed. "Or perhaps I'm merely curious why a princess is comfortable wearing men's attire."

She stopped suddenly and he raised an eyebrow, taking in the full spectrum of her fashion choice. Rene watched his eyes slowly travel all the way to her boots then shoot back up to meet her own.

"Perhaps," she began, mocking his word choice, "I deemed it appropriate." She raised her chin and began walking again. She was acutely aware of how tight her pants were but did not attempt to quell the swaying of her hips. Smirking to himself this time, Blake hurried after her.

"I know you must be angry with me," he sighed, "but surely you realize your plan would not have succeeded."

"I had to try," she retorted bitterly.

"There are better ways to solve your problem than running away, Princess."

"What would you know about my problem?" The anger was rising in her voice already.

"Only that I would feel as you do. Betrayed. Used. Helpless." Blake looked down at her as they walked. She tried to keep from reacting to his words but it was difficult. He had hit it right on the nose. "But that's no reason to give up hope."

"Hope for what? That my father will change his mind? There is no hope for that." Her voice broke as she finished and she dropped her head for fear that she would cry.

"Hope that fate has a plan for you. You must trust in that knowledge." They were nearing the horses now, their reins tied to the low branch of a tree. "Fate always has a grand design," he concluded with a smile. "Someday, you will have a happily ever after."

"Happily ever after," she mused, turning away. "That is something only found in children's tales. I have no use for 'happily ever after' now." Her tone was somber, almost brokenhearted.

Reassuringly, Blake rested his large hand upon her shoulder as they approached the nearest horse. Rene looked to his face once more. He said nothing; but his sparkling green eyes told a story so beautiful, she found herself encouraged.

Pink flooded her cheeks yet again and she quickly busied herself by untying the chestnut gelding. This time when Blake offered his hand, she took it and gracefully climbed into the saddle. Blake jumped on the other horse, his signature smile gleaming in the morning light. Though Rene did not want to admit it, he looked quite dashing astride the stallion. She smiled slightly as he rode up beside her.

"You should smile more often, Princess. It suits you," he complimented.

"Thank you," she replied as her smile grew, "and you can call me Rene."

"Rene," he admired. "That's a lovely name," he flattered again earning another smile. "Well, Rene; shall we?"

"Yes, let's." They maneuvered the horses onto the path back to the small camp. How could it be that a man she just met, her guardian no less, could raise her spirits when they were so near to the grave? And as they made their way back to the castle to meet the impatient fury of the king, would he continue to do so?