Chapter 2: Annalise

She sunk into the weathered bay window and cried as she looked out over the battle torn land. She couldn't understand why he was so cruel. He had always been strong willed but this was beyond that. Her thoughts then drifted to Cailan, he was never cruel or stubborn. He always had soft eyes and a kind smile. "Oh, Cailan, why? Why didn't you flee with me?" Her sobbing echoed across the stone room. Two months ago the palace was attacked by her uncle and her father made her flee Thorngate with the General and Cailan, her royal knight and secret love, while he and his men regrouped at a near by fort to plan the siege of their own palace. Along the way they were ambushed and her beloved Cailian gave his life delaying their attackers so that the General could get her to safety. He was so incredibly brave it was no wonder she had fallen in love with him as a child. But now he was gone leaving only his ill tempered younger brother with her. It was obvious that the general cared very little for her. Though she was certain the only things he did care for were giving orders and that cutthroat mercenary girlfriend of his. She shook her head, Cailan would never have entertained such a woman. But sadly, the general was all she had left. There hadn't been word from the main camp in weeks. Though no one would daresay it was possible that her father was dead she knew it was possible. She could very well be the last of her line.

She shook her head. She had to drive such thoughts away. She had already lost too much. The door creaked open and her maid entered carrying a tray. "I know you mourn but you must eat, your highness." The kind elderly lady smiled as she sat the tray in front of her. "The General asked the cook to make this for you."

She looked down at the tray where she found several slices of honeyed bread, her favorite treat that normally could only be found during the harvest festival. "Seriously?! You can't mean General Jameson Amerthine, can you?"

Her maid laughed. "He is the only general in Morea, is he not?"

"That he is. Besides the Lieutenant General... but he's with the main forces." She smiled slightly looking down at the still steaming bread. "I will be sure to thank him personally."

Her maid smiled heading towards the door. "As you should. I know he can be a bit harsh at times but try to remember he has the weight of the world on his shoulders."

She nodded, maybe he did have a lot riding on him... and he was only named General in the last year... and she was being a burden. "I should also apologize." She smiled nodding her head as she took a very large bite of her honeyed bread. Yes, she would apologize... as soon as she finished this bread.