The sun covered the hills and burned the lower horizon among the tops of the distant cliffs. The flames floated into the sky and the hushed weeping filled the fading day's sky. Flames reflected in her eyes and her body felt cold. She watched Diana's body be burned like her father's and her hand clenched into a fist. The need to scream hung at the end of her silenced tongue and she took a silent breath.

A warm hand caught her clenched cool one and she felt the fingers slip hers into their warmth and protection. Slowly her gaze slid to her side and she met his. Carefully he drew her into his warm embrace and held her securely around the waist. His father stepped beside them and shook his head with a low sigh. Derek met her gaze and rested his hand on her shoulders.

Annie ran her hand along her jaw and kissed her forehead softly. Tears glimmered in the queen's eyes and she looked back at the fire. The sympathy cut through her as the moment her mother had been taken from her and she just wanted to hide away. Glancing back at the man holding her, she took a deep breath and pulled out of his embrace. Silently she lifted the last piece of wood and laid it into the growing fire.

The viewers slowly began to retreat into the manor for the evening and the sun disappeared behind the cliffs. The evening's heat continued to brush their bodies and she let her eyes follow the flickering of the flames. Derek caught her shoulder once more and escorted Annie into the manor. Simeon rested a casted sword in the fire and withdrew. He cast a glance at his prince and received a dismissive nod.

Val silently moved next to her and rested his head against her side. She took him into her arms and he crumbled to the ground in pieces. Silently she comforted him as she knelt on the ground and watched the fire. Darkness covered the land and the summer's heat disappeared to a cool night's breeze. She stood silent and alone as her eyes remained on the dying flames.

Nothing was left of her mother's body but the ashes and her eyes drifted to the melted gifts. Closing her eyes, she let out a low breath and opened her eyes. Her eyes flashed and narrowed as her hand clenched once more. It rested on her sword's hilt and she knelt down in remembrance.

"I will make him regret it, I swear it."

Silently she rose to her feet and turned to the gates. Her eyes rested on her waiting husband by the courtyard. Quietly her boots crushed the ground and she stepped into his reach. He kept away from her and she glanced back at the alter.

"Jacob's execution is tomorrow at noon."

Her eyes drifted back to his face and she nodded. His hand slowly slid through her fiery hair and he lifted her face to meet his gaze fully. Her hand slid over his hand and he gently brushed a kiss over her lips. She closed her eyes and he wrapped his arms around her waist. Her head rested on his chest and he scooped her into his arms.

Silently he carried her into the manor and up the stairs to her bedroom. They shut the world behind the door and he rested her on her feet. Sitting on the bed, he watched her slowly rest her sword on a table by the window and draw the drapes. Her hand caught her hair tie and she pulled her hair free. His eyes watched the dance of fire as her hair fell down her back and caught her watching him through the mirror.

Her eyes were still chilly to look into and her skin was freezing to touch. Silently he crossed the room and slid his arms around her waist. The loss had stripped her of the last protective shell she had and now she was left vulnerable. The impact of everything clung to her like chains and he kissed her shoulder. She turned in his arms and he drew her closer to him.

"You need to sleep tonight."

Her eyes met his and she closed them slowly. He carried her over to the bed and rested her gently on the soft bedding. She rolled onto her side as he rested next to her and rested his arm across her side. His hand caught hers and he rested his head above hers. He listened to her slow descent into sleep and let out a relieved sigh as he followed her into sleep.

The night slowly gave way to the morning and the gentle breeze of summer filled the room. It brushed her arms and her eyes opened. Silently she slid from the man's embrace and walked over to the window. Her hand brushed the curtains back and she rested on the window sill. Leaning her head back, she took a deep breath and watched the sun begin to rise.

Slowly the summer heat filled the room and his eyes opened. He felt the bed empty beside him and slowly sat up. His eyes moved to the window and he watched her. The bedding rested aside and he walked over to her. His eyes watched her eyes focus outside and he slid a hand through her fiery hair.

Her hand caught his slowly and she turned her green eyes on him. He saw the fading in her eyes and kissed her forehead. His arm slid around her waist and he drew her to her feet. Slowly her arms snaked around his neck and she stepped back. His eyes narrowed and she took a deep breath.

"Let me handle the execution."

His brows went up and she continued, "It would be easy for him to be executed. It'd be merciful. Mother deserves justice."

Her eyes studied his hardened face and she watched the slow recognition and nod. Letting out her breath, she kissed him slowly and rested her head on his shoulder. His hand slid along her spine and he scooped her into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he carried her from the room. Silently they descended the stairs to the main floor and he lowered her to her feet.

His arm rested around her waist and they slid into the dining hall. Derek stopped talking and watched the two slip into a pair of chairs at the end of the table. Annie caught his hand and turned her attention to the two.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

She saw her son's eyes narrow and his jaw tighten as his gaze lingered on the woman beside him. The captain met her gaze and slid to her feet.

"I'll be conducting the execution."

The protest was cut off by Derek. His eyes met the captain's and he nodded. He picked up his fork and took a bite.

"It's only fair."

"I never was able to avenge my father, but I swore to avenge my mother."

The king looked back at the woman and she disappeared, leaving her food untouched. Silently she glided down the hall and shoved her way outdoors. Her boots carried her to the gardens and she stopped by the pond. Taking a deep breath, she drew her sword and tested the sunlight. It flashed along the side of the metal and she closed her eyes.

Dropping to her knee, she held the sword across her lap and lowered her head. She pressed the hilt against her forehead and took a deep breath.

'Forgive me Father.'

A boot crunched behind her and her eyes flew open. Her sword whipped around her and clashed against the Prince's. Silently she lowered the sword and slid it into its sheath. He slid his away and caught her gaze. Their gazes burned and their jaws tightened.

She took a deep breath and he drew her to him. His mouth crushed hers and she slid her fingers through his hair. His arms wrapped around her waist and the kisses fueled her chilled body with a hot fire. Slowly he caught her chin and looked into her eyes.

"You will not be alone in this."

Her eyes closed and she rested her head on his shoulder. He held her closely to him and kissed her forehead. Slowly she looked at him and stepped away. He followed her around the manor and watched her approach the stable. Simeon greeted her and she took Lucian's awaiting reigns.

Val stepped up to her and she knelt down in front of him. Her hand slid through his dark hair and he nodded slowly. His arms slid around her and she stroked his hair. Silently he drew back and she watched Wind be brought out. Her eyes moved to the man mounting the horse and she slid into her saddle.

Lucian tossed his head and she guided him out of the courtyard. He trotted away from the estate and she pulled him to a halt. She looked back at the estate and took a deep breath.

"Kris?"

"Blood covers this land, desecrates it. Blood will heal it soon enough."

She met his gaze and he nodded. Silently he led the ride to his father's home and left them to their own thoughts. The horses slowed as they entered the market and walked cautiously through the streets. The silence was chilling and he glanced back at her. She glanced among the alleys and pulled Lucian to a halt.

They dismounted in an old alley and he tied the stallions. She pulled the door back and climbed into the old building. Silently he followed her into the ratty place and they entered her old home. She walked over to the makeshift beds and knelt next to the better furnished one. Slowly she drew back the bedding and wrapped the cloths into bundles.

He leaned against the wall and watched her gather the remnants of her life in this building. Her eyes were empty as she gathered the last possessions of Diana's and got to her feet. He took the bundles without a word and carried them outside. Alone with her memories, she walked over to the window and looked back at the place. Her eyes caught the glimmer from the far wall and she slowly approached the loosening bricks.

Her fingers slid across the wall and she found the small gap. Slowly she removed the brick and found a hidden safe. She felt her nerves and blood racing and slowly drew the secret box from the wall. Setting it on the floor, she knelt in front of it and ran her hand across the top. Her eyes closed and she smirked as she traced her father's writing.

Opening her eyes, she lifted the lid and looked into the box. Her hands lifted the bracelet and necklace from the box and she felt her blood screaming in her ears. Feeling her hands beginning to shake, she put the jewelry in the box and closed it. Holding it in her hands, she glanced up and found her husband watching her. She moved to his side and he guided her down to the horses.

The box was fastened to Lucian's saddle and they mounted the horses without a word. Silently they rode to the castle and stopped in the courtyard. Thomas and Bryan took the bundles indoors and Ala led the two stallions away. She held the box in her hands and followed the Prince into the castle. They withdrew to her quarters and he locked the doors behind them.

She rested the box on her desk and stared at it. His arms slid around her waist and he kissed her neck gently. She closed her eyes and felt him easing her mind with each caress. Slowly she turned in his arms and let his mouth tease hers. He offered her an escape from the grief and she took it.

His arms carried her into the bed chambers and he rested her on her bedding. Looking into her eyes, he ran his hand through her hair and caught her lips. She slid her fingers through his hair and turned her head to expose her neck. His lips ran down her neck and she closed her eyes to the escape.