"Please your highness, I insist we return to the palace. Your father will be done with his meetings soon, and I'm sure he'll want to see you."
The riding track ahead of you continues to twist away from the royal palace, much to the concern of your attendant. Tall oaks on either side of you provide excellent shade from the giant midday sun, and the sounds of wildlife surround you and help you feel relaxed. Turning back, you see the enormous stone castle with majestic spires and tall towers get smaller and smaller.
"I beg of you, your highness, the king worries for your safety and so do I. It is a common known fact that are national security is not what it should be, and if we're ambushed I won't be ample protection for you."
"Calm down Jasper," you say, trying to soothe him. "It is just a quick ride, we'll be back to the palace before sundown."
"Sundown is several hours away," Jasper points out. "And in that time anything could happen. It worries me to think what might become of you if you happen to get captured."
"You're worrying to much, Jasper. Just calm down and enjoy the forest." You spoke the truth, but it has always been Jasper's nature to worry. Nearly six feet tall standing, he was easily taller than many in the palace - you included. His angular features were creased with worry, his short black hair combed to perfection without a stray strand to be seen. His clothes were elegant and straight, and his demeanor always made it clear to whom he owed his loyalty.
Your caretaker for several years, Jasper has always been by your side and ready to make himself handy. If only he could be a bit more relaxed, he'd be the perfect person to have around. As it was, his excellent manners, good sense of humor, and his ability to talk his way out of any situation makes him a valuable friend, and one of the closest people to you.
One thing about Jasper though, he is always worrying about something. In his defense, a member of the royal family is a huge responsibility, and in this particular instance his worries were well-founded. Hostilities have been brewing for many years now, and the allegiance of your country will be the key to ensuring its safety as well as the outcome of the war. It's times like these that a country could make use of a skilled diplomat...
Or a hostage.
Ever since the declaration of war, your father has made sure you've been well protected. He says it will stay that way until he makes his decision on which coalition to join and can move you to a safer location, preferably far from enemy borders.
And so it has been, for the past month, that your father has had several diplomatic meetings and met with other monarchs and rulers that he may make a more educated and wise decision. Because of all that he has had little time to see you except to make sure you're all right from time to time and for some formal presentation to a potential ally. And whenever you are alone, it is with a dozen guards outside the door and windows, making sure no one can get near.
Damn politics.
This horse riding trip was the first opportunity you've had to even get out of the palace. And to your surprise, Jasper was to be the only one accompanying you. Of course the attendant tried to 'reason' with the king, but your father said you needed some time away from the worries of international politics. Whatever the reason, you were glad to get the chance to step out into the wild. And so far the trip has been turning out to be exactly what you need, calming your mind and relaxing your worries, and no sign of anyone else.
"Your highness, I understand your desire to get some fresh air but there's plenty of that in the garden. This far out from the capital there's sure to be some horrible fate awaiting us."
"Nothing's going to happen. Besides, kidnappers would expect me to be in the palace. You need to just calm down, and-"
"Your highness look out!"
All of a sudden an arrow come hissing out of the trees, burying itself in the neck of the chestnut horse you're riding. The well aimed shot kills the horse instantly, which falls to one side as two men step out of the bushes and hurry towards you. Trapped between the dead horse and the ground, there is nothing you can do but wait for them to come.
"I'll go back to the palace your highness! Your father will know about this, and not rest until you're found!"
"Hurry Jasper!"
The galloping of Jasper's horse grows quieter as he hurries back to the capital. You're glad he had the sense not to try and save you himself: Jasper is a smooth talker, but by no means a fighter. Turning to face your attackers, you see that one of them is holding some rope. You have no time to register this information though, as the pommel of an unseen sword makes contact with your temple, and you pass out.
You stir. Your head is still throbbing from the blow, and you wince in pain. Trying to bring a hand down to rub it, you realize you can't. It is then you notice that you're no longer in the forest.
The room is empty, not even a table or chair to furnish it. Directly in from of you on the far wall is a door, old but solid. The walls and floor are also made of lumber, but the roof seems to be made of thatch like a farm cottage. There is a gap where some of the material has fallen, allowing the morning sun to shine through and give light to the barren scene. You try moving again, but are still unable to do so. That's when you look at what you are restrained to.
Proving your earlier assumption false, there is one thing in the room. A hook, originally put there for hanging paintings, is now used lift your bound hands above your head. Looking down you see your feet are tied in a similar fashion, except that there is a heavy stone on the ground to which they're attached. The wile layout has you spread taught on the walls, with little slack and your body completely exposed. Speaking of which, it finally hits you that you are nude.
You begin to blush, but are distracted when you hear the door creak open to admit a woman in tight-fitting dark clothes. Entering, she closes the door behind her. "Well well well," you hear her say.
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