The Lost Princess

She stood before them her face holding an eager smile.

Vestin sighed and covered his face with his hands as he hung his head in defeat.

The men all went to stand and bow when the tall one next to Loraz motioned his hand for them to stop.

"I don't think formalities are necessary at the moment. We are not trying to be recognized by too many people." He said.

"For once I have to agree with you there, Robbie." Vestin chuckled.

"I've asked you not to call me that, my name is Robert." Robert scoffed.

Loraz stepped between them holding her hands up at Robert and Vestin then said,

"Will the two of you cut it out," then looked over at Gotte, "Now, what is this friend of yours suffering from?"

"He was attacked by a Hitcher. A poison called Death's Doorbell. I cleaned the wounds and gave him an antidote, but his condition...it may not be enough." Gotte replied.

"Say no more...," Loraz said then turned back to face Robert, "Rob, do you know where we can find the herbs for that tonic that I made for father?"

"The one he drank after that scare from my farewell banquet. Yes, most of them can be brought in the market," Robert replied.

"Good, I will also need the ingredients for the paste that I used when I was fifteen. Do you remember what they were?"

"The one that you made out of scraps? Didn't that one make you vomit?"

"The smell of it is not a pleasant one, but it worked for skin injuries and helped leave little to no scars."

"Well I guess the lad should be lucky he doesn't have to eat it."

"Oh that reminds me, I have to remember the recipe for the powder that helped with internal wounds. We can't ever be to careful when it comes to Hitchers."

The men watched the two go back and forth with their conversation.

Gotte got up out of his chair and walked over to her and sighed. He cleared his throat and Loraz looked at him.

"Young miss, if I may ask what more can you do that I haven't?" He asked.

Loraz looked at him and turned to face him completely. Her face held no emotion as she stared him down and the she spoke,

"Tell me sir, have you yourself ever been poisoned?"

Gotte shook his head and made a few gestures with his hands and answered,

"While I have had my share of close encounters, the Ancestors watch over me because poison has yet to be one of them."

Loraz nodded her and sighed. She looked over at Robert then at Vestin. She was about to disclose something neither of them knew and she had made the King of Massca keep secret.

"Exactly my point. The antidote and treatment you gave was most likely a tonic made mostly of gig tree bark and the paste to heal the wounds was of gibbles and haystash. Those won't work on Death's Doorbell. That information was false. Faked to give people hope when the Hitchers attacked random villages. Have you ever heard of a victim living after receiving this treatment, no. That tonic and paste was only to prolong the inevitable..." She looked over at Vestin, "Your friend will die in three days time if you don't take me to him."

Just then Jensek shot up from his seat and slammed his hand on the table then scoffed,

"And how do you know this? What gives you the right to place a number on his life?"

Loraz walked over to him and smiled. She slammed her hand on the table next to his and there faces were close enough for them to have kissed. Locked in a stare off he could see an unexpected energy coming from them.

"Because I am one of the five people who has survived such a poison. Plus I have been poisoned over two hundred times since I was twelve. My knowledge of poisons and there antidotes is great enough to write my own book series. Now either you lead the way to help your friend or he dies three days from now in the most pain he's ever been in."

Vestin shot a look over at Robert who avoided eye contact with him.

"Did you know about that?" Vestin whispered.

"I only found out a few years ago how cruel my siblings were to her, I have been blaming myself ever since," Robert whispered back.

"Your siblings must have a death wish of their own."

Robert looked over at Vestin and smiled,

"Worry not, they have all been thoroughly punished for the crimes they have committed. I myself have seen to it."

Vestin looked at Robert's face and saw the flame of vengeance in his eyes.

Back over at the table Jensek stood up straight and bit his bottom lip.

"If he dies his blood is on your hands and your blood will be on mine."

Loraz inhaled deeply then released it slowly. She smiled and said,

"Your threats don't scare me. Now of you are done stuffing your face and pretending you're some big bad tough guy lead the way to your place now."

Jensek looked over to Vestin who nodded his head towards the door.

"Would you cut the dramatics? If the young sassy can help then take her to where he is. Worse scenario is that she put the kid out of his misery." Sav said.

He hoped out his seat and motioned for Loraz to follow him.

She turned over to Robert and said,

"The herbs quickly..."

He walked up to her and said,

"Yes, of course, Loraz. Just be careful while I'm gone."

He then placed a hand on the side of her face and kissed her forehead.

Her face glowing red she nodded her head and walked towards Sav to be led to her patient.

He watched her walk off with the man and whispered a silent prayer for her safety.

"That was bold of you." Vestin said.

Robert turn around to face him and saw the look of hatred he held in his eyes.

"Glaring at me will not undo what I did. Let's just get what she needs to save your comrades life." Robert replied.

He went to walk passed Vestin and was stopped by Vestin's placing a hand on his c.h.e.s.t.

"I may have come to the conclusion that my heart may never receive what it had d.e.s.i.r.ed most, but I also don't intend to give up either."

Robert removed Vestin's hand from him and looked at him with a smile.

"Then I guess you are smart enough to understand that we are rivals," He then looked back at the where the other gentlemen sat and watched from,"Gentlemen enjoy the rest of your meal."

He then walked out of the restaurant and into the market place.

Gotte walked over to Vestin and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"My boy, I know your heart is aching to hold her, but don't forget the mission. She is of royal blood and must take her rightful place. She has a duty to her people. That young man understands what lies on her shoulders, but do you?"

Vestin pulled away from him and walked towards where Sav took Loraz.

"Poor, stubborn, fool..." Gotte whispered.

He watched as Vestin hurried off towards Loraz, his shoulder hanging as if he knew his love would forever be one sided.