Prince Randolph's POV

I knew even if I could take her and escape but then we both will be hunted down and she will be the one to pay the price so I bitterly agreed and said "I will do as you say my King".

The King seemed pleased with my reply and I was about to move out when he said "Son... since you are getting married to the Princess. Keep your distance from your lover for a while".

I nodded and strode off.

Soon the news spread that the Princess Sarah and I are getting engaged. I could do nothing about it and so I was once again seated at the Podium where I got engaged with Aria.

It's been 12 days since I saw her. I wanted to visit her when she slept but King my father has forbidden that too. If my father had not threatened her life I would have not married Princess Sarah I would have never left the woman I love alone.

Everyday seeing maids and servants running in urgency to prepare for my wedding celebration was very painful since I wanted to see this being done while I would have been waiting for marrying Aria my love. But now I can't do anything to stop this unwanted wedding. I knew I had forced the marriage on Aria too and I can feel her pain but in our case at least I was in love with her and I knew sooner or later she would have loved me too, but in this forced marriage neither me or Princess Sarah are interested.

I felt even if I would have to live with Sarah but I would make sure to protect Aria. Today I was getting married to Princess Sarah and it was surprising to me when Father proposed the engagement of her and me that she didn't even object when she herself was one of the guest during my first engagement. I thought may be she would say something but it seemed like she was mute on the subject.

I wanted to discuss with her so I tried meeting her but my and her Father objected and today will be the first time I will be seeing her after that fateful day. I was lost in my thoughts when my valet came and got me dressed and when he was done he said "You highness we are late. Everyone's waiting". 

I reluctantly nodded and moved to the Podium where I once imagined Aria and me exchanging vows. I looked at Princess Sarah she was as glum as me even though dressed in one of the best white gown studded with diamond and gold. Soon we exchanged our vows monotonously and we were married. Everyone around seemed so happy but the two persons who must be happy about the arrangement were sitting unhappy trying to avoid each other's eyes.

Soon the celebration came to an end and it was time for our wedding night. I could not bring myself to go into the chamber where my new bride awaited me. I went to my old chamber so that I can relax. I called for my valet to bring wine and he did and soon I was out of stock and I again ordered for more he brought again but when I asked for third time he refused stating I was not in my senses. I got angry and pushed him and while I was moving to get more wine I passed the hallway near the chamber where Aria resides. I didn't think and just stepped in her chamber and found the bed and I saw her sleeping and I went there and gazed at her and soon I was asleep. Morning came and I moved my hands to hold her but she was not there. I kept looking for her but didn't find her. I called for the maids and asked and I didn't get any reply.

"Where is she??" I asked commanding.

"Sir, we are not aware. She is not to be found since last night. But we were surprised to find you here" One of them replied.

"What do you mean you are surprised huh... Wait did you say she is missing since last night" I asked glaring at them. 

"Sir it was your wedding night and you didn't go to your bride and instead came here and yes Miss Aria was not here when I came with her dinner" The one who questioned my presence answered.

"She was here when I came and I can do what I like and who do you think you are to question me and if you have nothing better to say get Aria to me".

They ran away and after sometime which was like hours for me they came back.

"Sir,  we have tried to search her in whole palace and everywhere but could not find her" the maid replied.

"What is that supposed to mean? How can she be not in palace" I yelled at them and I called the guards who came running.

"Where is Princess Aria?" I asked.

"We don't know your highness" They replied shaking now.

I felt anger boiling and yelled "Inform all the guards and fetch her to me and if anything happened to her I would surely punish everyone for their mistake. I kept you all for a reason you could not even do your job properly". 

I may have not married her but I vowed to protect her. She was the love of my life and her absence was killing me. I will make sure each and everyone respect her because she is the woman I love.

I was pacing in my room when everyone returned empty hands and told me they could not find her. I realised that my Aria was not even in the room when I entered the room. I was so drunk to even realised she was not even there, all I did was imagined her there. And I might have been responsible for her being taken away because if I was in my senses I would have taken action sooner and she would have been next to me.  I asked them to announce in the city if anyone gives any information about her then they will be rewarded. I strode out of my chamber  to take my horse and thought about going out and searching her myself when a voice stopped me. I turned to find my father the King standing there and seeing him fuelled my anger.

"Son.. I want to talk to you" He said.

"I don't want to talk anything to you until I find her your highness" I replied bitterly. I was angry because if I had married Aria she would have been with me right now.

"Son... I want to talk now" He commanded. Momentarily I thought of just brushing him off but I knew I would need him to get back what I lost. He could just imprison me and that would delay my search for my love.

We moved to the Private chambers and he walked and sat on the throne and gestured me to sit. I followed his command.

"Son since you are married. I want to announce you as the new King but before I do you would have to give me heir" He said.

"What??" I shouted. I could not believe he would say that.

"Son.. I need you to give me heir for the Kingdom before you can rule this great Kingdom. So go to your bride and spend time with her. For god sake stop your wild goose chase for the woman who is not yours" He said angrily.

"You think just because I married Princess I will consider her as my wife then you are absolutely wrong Father. That woman was just not any woman, she was love of my life and I would never give her place to anyone in my life" I replied bitterly.

"Son.. there are so many women who are beautiful you can have anyone. Why are you destroying our ancestors reputation for a single woman? " He asked.

"I don't care about being a King father all I care is about her and if I don't have her right next to me then I don't want to be a King" I replied.

"Careful what you say Son. You don't want me to disown you now" He said.

"You can do whatever you want. You have destroyed my happiness already and now that I am trying to do the right thing by finding her you want to stop me. I don't care you are a King but I love her so much that if I didn't find her then I will kill myself" I said and made my way out of the chamber.

I roamed all over the city looking for my woman but no luck and returned empty handed. After the dinner was done like was the custom for the Royal couple I went off to garden where I knew she like to be. I went to sit near the pond where I saw her sitting many nights while moonlight was falling on her illuminating her giving her beauty an ethereal look. 

I roamed around and then I felt something under my feet. I stepped away and bend to take it my hand. I looked at it and immediately I knew where my love is. She was taken away by the outlaws for I held the chain which had a pendent of eagle having mouse in its claws.

I agreed some of the decisions that my grandfather and father took were not in favor of the people but they have made amends on that but the outlaws have crossed their limit by taking away one thing that the most precious to me before my life my love my Aria and now they must be prepared for the consequences.

Andrew's POV

I made the beds for ourselves and laid on the it when I noticed that Josh was not sleeping I could see tears flowing out of her eyes and I knew she was reminiscing the past  so in order to stop her from feeling pain I said "Josh... don't think about past.. tonight is for rest and so rest".  

I found soon she had relaxed and was sleeping. It was great to have her next to me. Josh was the only friend I had in my childhood. After the massacre which destroyed our happiness I felt finding her was the first happiness in a long time. When I could not find her I felt my heart was out of my chest and it caused lot of emotional pain to see the remnants of my once beautiful village. I searched the whole village for her like crazy. I was crying when my father found me and told me that everything was destroyed and no life exist now in my ruined village. I looked one last time we made our journey away from the place that once was our home and now was ghost of itself. 

Meeting the outlaws being and settling with them did made me feel somewhat better but the void of not having Josh with me could not be filled. It made me bitter initially that I was not there to protect my best friend, my secret love. Yes I loved her before even knowing what love is. She was definition of love for me. She was caring, sweet and outspoken. I still remember kids younger than us were torturing the small puppy by tying his tail to a tree and the poor puppy was struggling to move. I saw a young girl came out of nowhere and said "You idiots untie him right now. Are you not ashamed to torment that poor animal just because he could not speak".

"Look who came to save the poor animal... a weak girl " one of the boy said and she glared at him and then she took a stick and hit him. The others caught her stick and were trying to catch her when I could not see it anymore and I dived in and hit them. All the boys now focused on me and hit me and soon I was lying on the ground and they left laughing at us.

I tried getting up when I saw her angelic blue orbs looking at me with concern and she helped to get up and took me home. She narrated what happened to her mom and her mom and her cleaned me up and bandaged me. Her mother made me to stay in their home which I must say was a very big house compared to all in the village.

Next day she was studying I went near her and tried to see what she was doing. When she saw me she said "Do you know how to read Andrew". I shook my head in denial. Then she said "Don't worry I will teach you". 

She helped me start learning and once we were done she took me to kitchen and asked cook to server us our lunch which we enjoyed. That was start of our friendship. In the evening my father who had been worried about my whereabouts came to take me back but Josh's mother insisted I stay till I was fully healed. We spent time together soon we were best friends and we always stick together.

Sometimes we would sneak to visit the part of forest from where we would stare at stars in the night. It was so much fun but every thing that was beautiful comes to an end and the massacre was one of them. I got busy in my life settling with outlaws doing monotonous jobs and learning to fight. One day I was asked to go in the city with others to spy and there I heard people speaking about him marrying a young girl. I didn't bother about it but when they said it was the same girl he brought as a slave I wondered if she was Josh.

Now it became my mission to find out whether Josh was still there. I wanted to go then and there when the others pulled me and said "Andrew we know what you are thinking but we cannot take the risk now we would need to plan this if we were to rescue Josh and god forbids what if the girl is not Josh. So think clearly".

This did jolted sanity in my brain and I waited and meanwhile I practised harder than I would. We made our way to city again only to discover that General Christopher was killed and lot of people gathered in his home to pay respect to him. We kept scouring the manor for some days to find about all the staff. We even thought might be the maid will come out since she was about to marry the General. But no, no news of the young girl who was supposed to marry the beast. We sneaked in the house while everyone was in was mourning for general's death and didn't find anyone similar or familiar to us. We went back to our village in forest sad and the hope of ever seeing Josh died in my heart. 

I now focused on getting information about King and learnt that Prince was arriving and celebration will be held soon. To know that these Royals enjoying feeding off the poor people angered us. So I made it my goal to scour the palace and soon I found the loopholes. And when it was time for the Prince arrival I found the perfect opportunity to sneak into the Palace. But my bad luck some soldier caught me while sneaking in so I wounded him and escaped and while I was escaping in one of the balcony I noticed a man trying to force himself on a lady. I was utterly disgusted and shouted at the man "Leave the lady right now before I behead you.. you dirty Dog".

I could see the man was angry and from his clothing he was an important man but I still raised my sword to challenge him. He was furious which made me laugh. I noticed while focusing his attention he has released the poor girl who was making the attempt to escape when he warned here " Don't even think about it Ria.... I warn you .... if you even make a move out of this room I will make sure you are punished...."

She stopped and was fidgeting with her fingers obviously afraid of the beast. I glanced at her at once I realised those familiar blue orbs she was my Josh and this angered me that had I not made in time he would have forced himself on her. So in order to get her out of the situation I had to make sure he is focusing only on me so I chuckled and spoke "You think you can outdo me General. You think when I have sword around your neck and your life is about to end and yet to care to threaten a lady. You amuse me."

"You don't know what you are doing filth" He retorted.

"Oh.. I do know what I am doing bastard" I said looking at him " Woman make a move from here if you don't want to see his blood". I knew she was soft hearted and would not be able to witness the violence.She was shocked at first and when I noticed her hesitating when I told her "Woman if you want to see his blood then I promise to give you a great show".

But when I saw my horrified  she was I chuckled and said "Seems like you are softy even though this bastard deserves pain. Go ahead and run then, since I am in control here". She looked relieved at me and left abruptly.

When Josh was gone the man attacked me but I was ready so I jumped from balcony of the room and lunged at him . He held me back with his sword for sometime and I attacked again which he was able to dodge off. We kept fighting like this. He was about to strike me in my lower abdomen when I caught him and slashed his right arm. I saw blood seeping pouring out which gave me advantage of his distraction and I attacked him but he was smart enough to block it in mid air but I kicked him in stomach to get him at disadvantage. He fell down and I could feel him go weak and so I was about to stabbed his stomach so that he knows not to harm Josh or any other woman for that matter. I would have killed him if the soldiers didn't barge in the room. I hurried to the balcony and escaped.

Soon I was on the balcony on the other end and I dived in and came out of the room and on to the corridor when I found soldiers following me so I was able to give them a nice chase when I entered the balcony. It was mere luck for me to enter her room. I heard the commotion in the room and as the door opened I saw the soldier entered and I jumped outside of the balcony and hanged in the other side when I heard one of them asking Josh "Hey did you see anyone running around the castle?"

She might have nodded in denial since she didn't noticed me yet but I knew search will happen so I waited and then I heard doors closing and I entered the balcony. Josh might have heard the noise my feet because she came towards balcony where I clasped her mouth "Don't... It's me pretty lady" I said "and you won't scream when I remove my hand. Ok.."  She nodded and as soon as I removed my hand and she whispered "Who are you?"

I smiled at her naivety but I wanted to tease her so I said smiling at her "Well you really have very short memory dear" 

She blushed and said "No I mean...I know you saved me there but I want to know...who you really are and what you are doing in the palace and why did you save me". 

"So many questions... woaha... hold your horses" I said to quiet her but still I was not ready to give answers so I walked to her bed and laid there.

She stood near the bed and  frowned at me. I knew she was getting agitated when I didn't say anything  she said "Look sir... it's not safe here.. Please leave as soon as possible..." I looked at her and she was not even looking at me there was fear in her body language which I didn't like.

"Did I do something that offended you my dear" I asked her. She was shocked at my question and then she said  " You... shouldn't have involved yourself with General. Now whole palace soldiers will be after you". 

Though I knew she was worrying about me but this angered me. My best friend was not like this she was sweet, caring but at the same time she loved speaking her mind and the lady standing in front of me was timid version of my friend so I said "And do what let him take advantage of you".

"Sir.. may be you are free to do what you do where you live but this is a king's empire and the place where I live is his. We are bound to King and his subjects to both respect them and their command. And we have rules which we are bound to follow and if we don't, we are punished because we are mere slaves. General is one of the favourites of King. I know what General was about to do, but you know what may be today you saved me...but sooner or later he will get what he wants. So please leave.. at least I won't have your blood on my conscience" She said and turned her back to me. 

Any other day I would have scolded her but when I saw tears rolling out of her eyes. I knew it pained her to say what she said. 

"You want me to leave I will for now but I will come again" I asked her.

"No please don't come here... Your life will be in danger" She said.

Seeing her vulnerable I knew our talk has to wait so I said "Ok I will not come here. But promise to meet me tomorrow night " 

She was in confusion so sensing her hesitation I added "I will not come to palace unless you promise to meet me" 

" Ok fine I will meet you in the gardens near the pool which is attached to the forest and in case we are in trouble you will have fair chance to escape" she told me determined.

"Not changed a bit.. same like how you were Josh" I said while recalling our childhood moments.

"Josh.. How do you know my name? Who are you?" She was surprised.

"I will tell you when we meet again dear" I said and moved out of her room through the window this time.

As promised I waited for her hiding in trees and she made her my way towards gardens cautiously and then she came to the pond which was behind thick bushes.She sat down but I noticed one of the soldier using the big light to do the patrolling so I remained hidden and I noticed Josh was having her dinner and when she was done she was now feeding the fishes leftover. Soon she was gazing at sky and I knew she loved it so much to stare at stars. I came down from my hiding place and sat near her and said "So I see you were eager to meet me pretty lady" teasing her.

"Sir... I came so you won't come to palace and get your life in trouble" she answered honestly.

"Hmmm.. Josh... please stop calling me Sir.. call me Andie... as in Andrew Knight" I said revealing my identity to her to notice she was shocked and asked "Andie.... Andrew Knight... are you from Dorton..." still not believing.

"Yes Precious I am"  I replied 

"Are you who used to play with me" she asked again finding it unbelievable.

"Yes Precious I am.. did you forgot me?" I said and for a moment I thought she forgot me

And the next question she asked was like opening of padora box

"How did you survive the massacre Andie..." She asked.

"Remember me and my father went to my maternal grand parents home and I asked you to join us" I said and she nodded "Well that's why I am alive".

He eyes were filled with tears I knew she was happy but sad as well for the loss of her parents. When she asked me to continue I told her the story.

"I came back and found dead silence in the village no one was there. It felt so lonely seeing the village that was full of live turned into ghost of itself. You know I ran to your mansion to look for you and when I didn't find you it broke my heart. I ran towards the forest and ponds and could not find you anywhere. My father could hardly hold himself after that incident. We moved to another location and in the journey we were attacked by outlaws and taken to their leader.

When we went to meet him we found he was my dad's childhood friend and then he asked what we were doing in the forest and when we told him about the massacre he let us stay and we came to know these outlaws were people whose villages were also massacred or destroyed by General Christopher. The feeling of revenge brought these people together to form forces against him. As the day passed we were gathering forces when we got the news 2 and a half years back that he died.

We thought his son will continue to torture the villagers so we kept our forces trained. He protected his people unlike his father but still he is not a saint either. He kills mercilessly. I came to spy on him. I hid myself in that room but then I heard it getting opened and jumped to balcony. I saw the person who entered was pacing and then suddenly the door was opened and person pulled someone inside and then I heard muffled cries and I peeped from my hidden place it was a lady. I found she was struggling and I could not bear it so I challenged him. But when I looked at you I recognised you immediately. So I could not control myself and launched attack on him and rest you know already.

"How did you recognise me Andrew? I was very small when I was taken"  she asked.

"Well Josh you have these beautiful oceanic blue eyes like your mother's I knew it was you and when I asked you to meet me you immediately came up with a solution and even asked me to leave as soon as possible. Josh... your name can change but nothing will change your personality.. caring and loving as ever" I told her honestly.

She smiled at me and then she asked me how good I was with swords and how I became so good. I told her I practised a lot with aim to be the best since I was motivated.

"Your father was very inspiring man Andrew and I know he is the one who motivated you" She said not knowing it was her who was my motivation. Her being taken away from me was the one which made weapons as my friends. I promised myself that I will be perfect with swords and other weapons to protect my loved ones.

I was still in my thoughts when she said "Goodbye Andrew I must haste or else someone may be suspect" I said.

"Josh... why don't you come with me now" I said not wanting to loose her after finding her after a long time.

"You know I would if I felt it would be successful but you see it is early hours and we did not prepare for escape and we will get caught easily and I don't care if I did but I can not put your life at risk. So we will plan this and once we have good time we will" she said.

Thinking she needs time to grasp all the things I told her I left it to her to make a decision to be with us outlaws or be her in palace and so I said "We will meet tonight again".

"No not tonight, I would say 3 days henceforth because last night I was caught by a soldier and I don't want anyone to get suspicious" She said.

"Good Bye Precious.. I will wait for you here" I said and made my way out of the gardens. All the while it was in my mind as how to convince her to leave with me.

Next evening when I was in the city I heard that Prince was injured and a maid saved him. I made my way to our meeting place and waited for Josh to come but no sign of her till the dawn I left. I was visiting the place since a week and no sign of Josh. But I knew she would come when she was ready and then I saw her on 15th day  and she told me it was her that saved the prince and she is under his scrutiny and I didn't like it a bit. I didn't want her anywhere near Royals.

"Josh.. I didn't like that you are now his personal maid" I told her

"Andy you know I didn't asked for it but it is done and we can do nothing about it" she replied.

" Josh.. come with me now. You can escape it is our chance" I tried convincing her.

"You know Andy we are not prepared still and there are chances that we will be caught. You already know that since the attack on the Prince, the number of guards have been increased. Let's plan to escape after a week on this same day and I will try to come early. We would need backup incase we are caught" She said and I knew she was right I didn't have plan and didn't have my men support to help us in escape.

"You are right Josh. Sure I will come with backup and Josh next time there will be no backing down and I mean it" I said

"Of course Andy I don't want to stay her constantly under surveillance. I would very much like the freedom I longed for so long" She said smiling and I felt whole world lighting up but I was bit disappointed she didn't mention she missed our friendship so I pouted while saying "Only Freedom Josh".

"Of course to be with my own people" She replied smiling at me.

We bid our goodbyes and I was determined that next we meet I am going to take Josh with me because I was convinced she didn't like the palace very much.

I waited for Josh to come again and but again there was no sign. So I kept visiting till a week and I got frustrated and then I entered her room only to find it vacant and then I heard maids talking The girl who was supposed to marry the Prince is now in Prince chamber but not for long. I quickly made my way to Prince's chamber via balcony and I saw her coming there and I found she was surprised to find me there.

"Josh... how are you" I asked while hugging her since I was worried about her. Then I felt her shaking and soon tears were rolling out and she told me how prince caught her and got engaged to her forcefully and how he threaten her with our life and how she was ruined and now prince was not marrying her but another Princess. I was angry that Prince who claimed loved Josh was not trying challenge the wrong doer and I had enough of her declines so  I said "Josh... come with me. I think this is the right time".

This time she didn't decline and we escaped and now I have her next to me and it gives me immense happiness that she wanted to be with us.

Eden's POV

I was in my chambers when someone informed me that Princess Aria is not to be found anywhere after the engagement celebration. I ran the halls looking for her. I heard many people whispering she might have ran away to escape the marriage with Prince. But when she was found nobody would have thought in their wildest of dreams that she would be ruined her like this. She laid on the grass with only strips of clothes covering her body and there was blood on the ground. 

I wanted to be in the chamber she was taken and when Royal Physician said she will be unconscious I wanted to stay there but knowing that the Prince or the King would not let me be. I strode off and went to my chambers. I had glued myself to her since last two years I went there with a plan that this time I will make sure to ask Aria's hand in marriage from the King. 

But after seeing her being engaged to Prince I had wanted to stop the marriage. Now that she is not fit enough for Prince I knew she would not be married to him. I knew I would have to ask her hand before she is declared a mistress to the Royals. I will not let that happen to her. She will not be a whore to the Royals. I will make her my wife as it should have been.

Next morning when of the Prince's wedding I asked the King for a meeting and he agreed and I asked him "Your Highness, I have a favour to ask".

"What is it General? I know you deserve the most of the prizes after your work at northern borders" He said smiling at me.

"My lord I don't need money, I want something else" I said.

"What is it you want Warrior and don't be afraid" He assured me.

"Sir I want to ask hand of Aria in marriage" I said.

I looked at him and his facial features turned grim and he asked "Are you sure that is what you want? You know you can ask any other woman, money or land?"

"No your majesty I want her and only her" I said firmly.

"Fine as you wish" He replied.

"Thank you your majesty. I will owe you for rest of my life" I said.

I was happy after getting out of the meeting chamber when I heard the commotion and I asked one of the soldier and he said "Sir, Princess Aria is no where to be found and Prince is very angry".

As soon as I heard that Aria is not to be found I went ahead and led the searching party and I searched each and every nook and corner of the palace but no leads. I was now afraid she was not attempting to take her life so I went out of palace into the city asking each and every onlooker for her. I kept going on like this for week. But no leads, I went back and I think it was time to call off the favour from the King for my services.

I barged into the meeting chamber when I saw Prince and the King were discussing something.

"General you know you should wait for permission before entering here" King admonished me.

"I know your majesty but forgive me" I said.

"It's ok but never let your being my favourite to count that you can disrespect my privacy" He said.

Prince left after seeing I might not let him discuss whatever he was discussing. As soon as he left I asked "Sir, I want to ask the prize which was promised to me when I fought off eastern borders".

"I remember warrior. Ask whatever you want" he said.

"I want half of your army under my command so I can search for my woman" I said.

"Have you gone mad General. You want to have half of my Army under your direct control just for a mere woman" He said annoyed.

"I know I may sound crazy but your highness for this favour I promise my life to you. I want to search for her and till I find her I can't work. She is the only thing on my mind and if I don't find her live or dead I won't be at peace" I said.

"Warrior... I understand but how do I know you won't be rebelling against me and try to overthrow me" He asked.

"Your highness I pledge my life to you and if you think I am planning to overthrow you then you can withheld my position as General and all the property with you and only grant me the power on the army for one month after which your army will return" I said

"You know what you are saying Warrior. If I take away your title and property you will be as good as a common man" He said.

"I know but she is my life and without her I am just dust and if I can't have her then I don't want these riches" I replied.

"Fine.. young warrior I grant your wish. And I before you start your search let me give you a clue that you may find the girl with outlaws" He said.

I looked at him surprised when he added "Prince was here to ask for the same what you did. I cannot let Prince go crazy for a woman it is going to put on a weak image for the future ruler. But you can go ahead and claim your woman I bless you" .

I made my way out of the chamber happy that I have a clue where my love is.