It was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Miguel's instinct was to jump astride his horse and ride as fast as he could away from the fray, but he knew that would only draw attention, and attention was the last thing they wanted. He felt a little like a coward for running away, but it was better to run and live to reclaim his throne and marry his beloved than to stay and die for nothing.

They rode through the darkest hours of the night, through dawn, through the morning, keeping to the well traveled roads, hiding among other travelers at times, until finally the walls of Tosforth came into view just as midday bells began to ring. Matilde was drooping in her saddle, desperately in need of some sleep after such an arduous ride, but there was still a tense hour before Pedro and Maksim found them an inn to take their rest in.

Miguel, too, was showing signs of exhaustion, but they were too close to their destination now to stop and rest. He only hoped they didn't run into any trouble, as he was unsure he lacked the strength for a fight after the long journey. He had been talking to Matilde in hopes of keeping her awake and aware and at ease. Talk of little things, unimportant things, but only when there was no one around to overhear them.

Even now, down from their horses, Matilde was leaning heavily against Miguel's side, barely able to keep her eyes open as they followed Maksim into the little inn. It was certainly not a place you would expect to find a king or a prince in, which was in their favor, though the innkeeper's wife was a homely, matronly sort who was quick to usher them into their room for a sleep. Maks gestured to Miguel, needing a brief word before the other man fell asleep beside Matilde.

Miguel was no sissy, but he hoped the inn, and more importantly, the beds were clean enough that there would be no vermin. It was taking all his strength to remain upright, if only for Matilde's sake. He could not wait to close his eyes. Even food was unimportant until they got some rest. With an arm around Matilde to keep her upright, he stepped aside to hear what Maksim had to say.

Keeping his voice low, Maksim said, "Stephan will apparently be here by mid-afternoon. I'll procure fresh horses, but ..." He eyed Matilde, who was all but asleep on Miguel's shoulder by this point. "I think you will need to ride with her. How are you doing?"

Despite looking almost as exhausted as the woman beside him, Miguel nodded his head. "I only need a little rest, and I will be well," he assured his friend. They had come too far to give up now, and once they reached the capital city, there would be plenty of time for rest.

Maksim nodded. "I'll keep watch," he said. "When Stephan gets here, he'll take you onward, and I'll catch up on my sleep before following. I think we've given them the slip for now, but I want to be sure."

"Thank you, my friend," Miguel said, reaching to grip the other man's hand to show his friendship and his gratitude. "We could not have come this far without you."

"Thank me by getting safely to the capital," Maks told him with a smile. "Get some sleep, both of you. You'll be guarded, and woken when the time comes."

Miguel nodded again, a feeling of relief washing over him, though he knew they were not entirely safe just yet. "We will, and you will do me the honor of standing by my side when Tilde and I are wed," he said, refusing to take no for an answer. His brother was dead, after all, and Maks had quickly become his closest and most trusted friend.

"It will be an honor," Maks assured him, squeezing his arm firmly. He looked at Matilde in amusement. "You may need to carry her to bed. I think movement at this point may actually knock her down."

Miguel smiled as he glanced aside to his love. "I think you are right again," he said, as he shifted to sweep Matilde up into his arms - not without effort at this point. "Come, little bird. It is time for rest," he whispered, whether she heard him or not.

She murmured softly, awake enough to lift her arms about his neck, trusting in him to look after her. Maks grinned as he closed the door behind them. Now that was a partnership well on the way to love, if he was any judge.


Unaware that Maksim was watching, Miguel carefully carried his lady to the bed and gently laid her down. He leaned over her a moment, just long enough to brush a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers grazing her cheek. He was close enough to kiss her, close enough to study every detail of her face, but he found that the longer he watched her, the harder it was to keep his eyes open.

Matilde was already asleep, sighing softly as he laid her down, fingers grasping at his sleeve as though unconsciously demanding that he stay close. She had been alone for a very long time.

He paused only a moment to unbuckle his sword belt before lying down beside her, too weary to even remove his boots. He touched her cheek again, smiling as she sighed in her sleep. Though he hardly realized it, he had lost his heart to this gentle creature a long time ago and was only rekindling the love he had once felt for her as it slowly deepened. After a moment, he, too, surrendered to sleep, his fingers curled around hers, their bodies close together.

Quietly, Maksim settled down into a chair outside the door, sword drawn, Matilde's crossbow on his knee. They would sleep safely, and when Stephan arrived, he would finally get the rest he had been denying himself for a little too long.

A few hours later, the Crown Prince arrived to relieve his younger brother, with a small group of guards, but little to no fanfare. He arranged for a quick meal to be sent to the prince's room, while Maksim told his brother everything that had taken place before he'd arrived.

With the still exhausted pair fed and at least partially rested, the ride continued, this time under the auspices of Stephan and his guards, who were well rested and well prepared for any trouble that might cross their path. They made good time, but even so, it was well past midnight when the little party made their way into the castle at Berengaria. Thankfully, the Crown Princess had arranged everything necessary in advance, with trusted servants, ladies, and gentlemen on hand to help the weary guests to chambers and settle them to sleep. They might not sleep all day tomorrow, but they were certainly safe and well now.