There is no answer. His tone had not been questioning.

Regarding each other, his tone is unmistakably displeased. If you oblige Spaniard, I have been demanded to let you freethat is unless opposite response to my directions occur, and then the outcomes will involve forced consequences. Upon our leave, I bid you to take recognition that Ms. Thimlet will be tended toconsistently, and will endure no physical harm.

I feel Nadejes arms tighten around me.

You are stubborn, sir. His tone is now sourly dark. It pains me to know that your will is your fate There is a pause. You are not easily persuaded. Another pause. My explanations are worthless, but as I was ordered, you were warned.

I make out the man beside him shifting a little restlessly.

You must move.

No.

The response is steady and calm. So is Nadeje against me. It is silent apart from the faint rain drops outside and my hearts pounding. I lightly curl my fingers around his shirt.

Separate them, the sound is quiet but it sharply travels through the space to me.

Nadeje does not move. My heart skips a beat as I process those words. His men move forward. I bury my face in Nadejes shirt and plead with God that Nadeje knows what he is doing. He does not waver at all. All I can think of is that in approximately ten seconds I may be removed from Nadejes hold for forever. I brace myself. Nadejes arm slowly tightens on my waist. I hardly feel it.

They close in on us.

Hands settle along my body, entering my space and immediately beginning to draw me from him. The pull is gentle but has strength, and its gradual take becomes forceful.

I want to say something, anything, but no words or cries come. One word echoes in my head, but my heart is pounding so hard I am not sure it will make it out of my mouth. I look up to Nadeje and our eyes meet. Nothing but everything in the world is happening. His hold gives and I ache inside. His eyes hold mine with a sworn promise. I trust him.

I resentfully let my hands relax from their grasp. They slip away. I clench my hands as I am tempted to grab hold again, knowing that we are by far outnumbered, and that one wrong move could mean his last. I force my body to remain and not fight it. My heart desperately reminds me of my deepest wishes and I feel the words spill up my throat. I voice his first name to me as I am taken.

Gilch. It is soft and only reaches him, but this is all I wanted.

Nadejes face is tender and I can feel his pain. As much as seeing this hurts, I feel the relief for his grief helps me. He releases me. They take me back as others secure him.

Comforting, the mans voice is now smooth and reserved.

This does nothing to calm me.

Ms. Thimlet, his address is firm but moderate.

I do not respond, too overwhelmed to act on my own.

Bring her a distance from our Spaniard if you would.

The easy effort to guide me in the direction of the man is frightening.

Perhaps now that we are able to be face to faceI may introduce myself, and my reason to enter into your privacy, his tone is fairly calm, and holds justice. There has been no justice in his actions so far. I am Sir Marren. I work for a certain gentlemanmy friend and Master, he pauses. There is more butI wish to explain the important detailsthe basics The rain around me is still a drizzle, the drops lightly sliding down my hair.

Your vaderI once was appointed by him after a long friendship The first two words bite in and I am awake. All other thoughts scatter and I am brought to utter concentration. Vader?

He agreed that I should beI was ordered to take full responsibility of your safety afterduring the siege and while he voyaged My heart is thrashing in my chest. While he what?

The space is quiet. Your vader is not dead.

The man slowly steps closer as I stare into nothing. The words crash down on me like a thunder storm. It is like one that happens in summer, unaccustomed to in the season and unexpected at the time. It makes me stop and feel the rain nip at my sin with every drop.

Lyra, he says it gently as the reign of it falls hard. He disappeared in the knowledge that his family was safe but knowing the Spanish would come. He left with the rest of the Aristocracy, not wanting his secrets out to your family, so that you would know of your worth and if anything happened, would be able to remain silent to questions. He left in search for necessary equipment to break the Spanish so that Holland and the Protestants could have freedom. He did not expect the loss of Mrs. Thimlet. His plan was to come home. He did not know that the Spanish would enter so quicklyor that he would need someone to enter Leyden himselfa woman and one he could trust with the secret He pauses. He chose you.

The words are simple, but I cannot understand.

This is not my only reason to protect youwhen your vader left he went home to HollandI must go further though it may hurt you to know nowLyra, your bloodline is such that...your worth as a person isif anyone was to take you hostage it would mean fortunes upon fortunes of He stops for a moment and breathes, as if trying to find how to phrase it. Your vader is of great breeding, meaning that you are of his royalty.

I feel my throat tighten. Nomy vader was in the Dutch States Administrationhe was protecting Lyra, since birth you have known yourself as what you are the opposite ofand now that you are of age and needed, you must learn your own truth.

My heart feels like a hammer in my chest, knocking out my ribcage. This has to be a mistake.

You are a descendant of kingsyour moeder hadnt known of his dynasty when they were together through matrimonyand your vaderhe kept it away for her own safety. HeI hope not to be too fast, but time is light and I must put this heavily so that you can understandyour vader is a prince, Prince William, Sir William of OrangeThe Silent Prince.

My whole world crumbles around me as it floods in; the conversation with moeder, how she spoke without knowing him to be my vaderher husband.

Ms. Orange, I take you to see him tonighthe will arrive with other battle ships and food for the people. He has everything apart from you, the last of his bloodline, his daughter, his last family here andrelatively his worry during the past few weeks. If it proves anything, the letter you received from him was miscarried for a dayhe received notice of your Spanish imprisonment and sent it in haste during a Sundaycausing him to call upon me for my service to him since your birth as your protector.

I want to say something, but my mouth is dry and mind wordless.

You are our last hope, and after what I have concealed in you, I trust I shall have an easy time preparing you.

It is not a question.

As for our gentleman His tone becomes dark, and I know who he means. Decisions are hard on his account. He refused to obey my orders, and though she is still standing I have instruction that he is related and connected with the Spanish Armada and was positioned to keep her trapped in house arrest in his own facility. In doing so he has broken law, there is silence as he pauses.

I beg God for him to let Nadeje go freeto make him let Nadeje go free.

In any circumstances I do not fancy Spanish men, and despite the knowledge that he is secured by my men, he cannot be freed without being treated for his illegal engagements. Penance is certain, for he must be the demonstration to teach our Spanish fleets not to waver the Monarchs own blood again.

My world shatters around me. I try to say words of protest but my head is not fast enough.

Punish him.

My eyes flash to Nadeje who is still guarded by a few men. My insides quake with terror as one of them draws something from his belt. I grow faint and my head spins. The mans hand positions itself at Nadejes side. I cant see it. I jerk and nearly fall as the men behind me snatch me back.

Do not...hmmm. Sir Marren seems to have noticed my discomfort and sounds unsure. Labor He murmurs as though contemplating. In sympathy of Ms. Orange, let us not punish him in this manner before her. He will be useful though, and may perhaps contribute to our plans. He, of course, may be disciplined, and will perform whatever labor is given. There will be further discerning of his future by my master, but for now, we may gift him with this exception, although he may be treated with anything, when away from her presence.

The pain worsens yet I am able to release some fear for him, postpone my anticipation for another time, but I know a catch holds to my heart at their possible deception. I feel my pulse beating harshly.

He may be let free if he makes it through his confinement as our service.

I feel a sense of protection fill me. Even if I had to go with my vader, whoever this man was, I would stay close to Nadejeor try. If he made it throughI weaken. How could I stop it?

Secure him. Let us go, bring Ms. Orange and do not use weaponry on her. Keep him here and dont let him be seen until I have returned, hide away if we complete it before this happens. Come.

I feel the men behind me secure my body and my heart wavers as I realize they have full control over him, over me, and that they were taking me to leave him alone with them. I force down the struggle as they begin to move to the command. I cant let them. NoNadejehe had to of had a plan. They move me. I try to fight it, I lean for Nadeje but their pull is too strong for my shaky effort.

Leave him be I whisper it, unable to get out more without breaking down.

I want to scream, to hit, to kick, but I cant stand the thought that every wrong move made would be weighed on his side of the torment, especially when I am gone from his side. One hauls me forcefully around the waist and Nadeje grows rigid.

They begin to guide me towards the egress. I am weak as they move me. I am made to turn away from Nadeje and the other men. My chest feels like it is full of thick air, something impossible to breathe yet it sustains me. It aches, and though I wish to relieve it, I know I cannot. We are a fair distance away from the spot when I hear it.

There is the sound of metal clattering to the floor and a force hitting a hard surface. I feel my throat tighten at the thought of what it had come from. I try not the let it win me, but my body seems adamant. I cannot go on. I freeze. My guards urge me forward, apparently unconcerned by my stop, but I will not move on my own. They force me, but still I listen, begging and imploring it not to be that they have I am jolted to a stop as there is a third sound. I whirl. Nadeje is kneeling on both knees at the mens feet. I catch the glimmer of metal in the mans hand and I know what he intends to do. I lose all sanity. I race forward.

Nadeje! My cry fills the square.

No answer meets it.

The guards retain me, wakened by my unexpected jerk.

Nadeje? The question sounds amused. This is what he is calledsurely there must be a Mr. addressing? Interesting how you call him such.

I grow rigid in my lean. I had said his improper name.

Sadly, there is not time for chastisement. We must go. Secure Nadeje as he is called, and try not to kill him.

The men obey. They pull him to his feet. They do not, however, sheath their blades.

I feel the men begin to draw me back. My heart pounds. The men with Nadeje undoubtedly will hurt him. I wont let him. I wrench forward, losing all logic.

Leave him be! Dont hurt himplease! Let him go, noDont make him pay! Nostoplet him go! Let him go free! Sir Marren, please! He didnt do anythingNO! I sob out as hands jerk me back. I fight it. No! Nadeje! No! Let him go! Let him go pleaseIll do anythingjust leave him alone One alerted soldier catches me to his chest and his hands clasp my mouth, muffling my sound even as I scream. I try to pull away but his arm straps me to him. I wrench at him and reach out between his hold desperate to win, but it is no use. I am taken.

I keep screaming as they draw me back. I reach for him and yell, begging, but I am unheard. I am too weak to be felt and too unimportant to be truly seen for what I need. I elbow back a little and my keeper hauls at me warningly. I see Nadejes gaze grow severe upon the man behind me. This only stimulates me to continue.

I kick out and feel my holder cringe. His grip relaxes and I almost rip free, but I am grabbed by others who turn me away and drag me on. I scream out but soon they force on a piece of cloth and my sound is only half of what it was before. Tears drip down my cheeks, and now that I am captured I can hardly feel anything but their cold path down my cheeks. I am broken as we exit the egress. I feel my heart being torn.

I try to turn back. Nadeje. They would hurt him. God, they will injure him. I push and reach but know it is futile. I twist but collapse as my effort is diminished. I break down. I am as useless as a hurt mule, stubborn too, and they realize it as I do. They scoop me up. I tremble as they take me in. I am silent as they wind through different streets towards the destination they wish to make. I recognize nothing of my home as they carry me forward. I shake all over. I remember the Hanging Gallows and think of Nadeje beingI scream aloud.

They wouldntnothey couldnt be so cruelbut I know they can.

Suddenly, the men stop, pausing briefly then scattering to make space for the approaching figure which is blurred by my tears. Sir Marren. He looks at me with what seems to be pity, as though I am a young girl who learnt something contrary to the truth and is merely throwing a fit about it, but I doubt he has pity inside him for even a little girl. I resent it as he comes closer, wanting to pull back and away from his rotten being.

We must perform here, let me teach you what you must be taught and you will have easy work tonight.

I want to vomit. I feel sick. I dont want ease or want to give help to them. I dont stir.

Ms. Orange, we are in need of your pactallow us a night of your time and you will be let free.

My throat tightens and heart falters with anger and pain. I know he will do no such thingand even if sowhat of Nadeje?

He watches me a moment then speaks. Untie her mouth. She is quieted now.

A follower finds the cloth and much too gently pulls it from my mouth. I look away from the direction of the man to show him I have no interest in his treatment of me.

Ms. Orange, let me.

A bare hand comes into my view and I know his meaning. I cannot make myself do it; hold the hand of the man who could so malignantly kill another. When I do not move to his welcoming, he takes the matter into his own hands. He firmly grips one of my wrists and draws me to him. Come, he says starkly, then he raises his tone. Stand back but make sure no one is close to this place. He firmly grips me and leads as the men take order around us.

We walk only a few steps when once more, he speaks. I have been directed to bring you to my shop, where you will remain until your vader arrives, he is steady. I am not. And then to bring you to greet him at the close of battle, as well as bring you to the safety of his ship.

I feel sick. First to lose a moeder and darling sister, then my Nadeje, now I am a treasure sent to be held by my own vader. My vader would never do thismy vader would never make assumptionsbut then he didnt. He knew of my imprisonment. He wouldnt make me leave something I needbut he didnt. He left that for his men to do.

Sir Marren glances at the sky. It is late, but we have time, short, but enough, if you would take responsibility.

I feel anger make my heart beat faster. Take responsibility?

There are many paths: one down the market, one through the east square, and one through the alleys, all towards the west, which is our destination. You will be travelling alone, but we will be close by, so dont get any ideas of running. It is only meant for anyone out this late not to become suspicious.

I am lost as my throat tightens.

Which would you prefer to take?

My head hurts and legs feel like wood. After a few moments of my silence, he turns to me.

Lyra, I beg you to be amenable to us.

I feel his grip harden and cannot help but weaken as tears rise. He is restraining me; stopping me from running away and making me want to run.

You are the last blood relation to your vader. Do you understand me? Losing you would mean he would need to bear another heir, or that the city could come under control of another if he did not have someone to follow in his path of seizing it.

I cannot understand what he is saying, my intellect has been distinguished.

Lyra, look at me.

My eyes are blurred with tears and I cannot find the strength to raise my face to him. He sees this. Suddenly, his hand finds my chin and he harshly lifts my face for me to meet his gaze. I cannot breathe as he stares at me like I am to blame, as though I am being threatened now. His eyes hold a fire, a hollow flickering flame of emptiness that he fills with bitterness. Finally, he drops my face.

I recommend the east square path. It is quieter and lacks guardsyou should be safer if traveling quickly.

I do not look at him; no force could make me look a demon such as him in the eyes.

You work with us tonight, and I give you my word that you will be let free.

By some blessing of nature, my heart strengthens. But not Nadeje? I strike back weakly.

His voice is undeniably unamused. I cannot let him go.

My heart is splintered. Why can you not?

He stands steadily. It would be treason. He is in the wrong.

I look up. Release him and I will go willingly. My heart is hammering.

He is undaunted. You will go either way.

My head hurts. Sir Marren.