“I cannot do it!” Heidella looked frantically over her shoulder. Her body trembled, whether from the North wind that blew through the alleyway or from the emotions stirring inside her, she did not know. She shook her head. “I cannot,” her voice came as a whimper.

“You have to!” her cousin Malak’s harsh whisper was a command. His hand on her back pushed her forward. “We must make it across the courtyard. If we can get to the stables, we can take a horse and escape.”

She shook her head, fear warring within her.

“Listen to me.” His eyes locked on hers. “We have no choice. If we stay here, we die.” He gulped, “I wish there was another way. If, Lord forbid, we are caught, you can never tell anyone who you really are,” Malak’s voice was harsh. “They must never know you are the Princess of Hebra.”

When she said nothing, he shook her. “Promise me!”

She nodded.

Hiding in the shadows they inched their way to the edge of the stone buildings they used to play beside. Heidella could hardly look at the scene before them. Soldiers wearing Hebra’s bright red and gold struggled against an enemy clad in black chainmail with tunics of deep green, the colors of the Kingdom of Balandria. Sword struck sword, and men fell to the muddy ground. The brave few left to protect the castle were greatly outnumbered. People raced across the courtyard searching for safety. A shrieking mother, clinging a child to her chest, stumbled. A Balandrian rider on horseback reached down and tore her infant from her arms. She screamed and grabbed for her baby, but it was too late. Several other Balandrian soldiers threw torches on to thatched roofs, and despite the coming rain, the structures burst into flames.

“O God, save us,” Heidella whispered faintly.

“Heidella, now!” Malak’s words thundered into her ears as he clutched her hand. Pulling her out from their hiding place, he forced them into the deadly chaos.

Five feet from the stables a black clad hand latched on to Heidella’s right arm. Her whole body jerked backward. As she was wrenched from Malak’s grasp, a piercing scream broke through her lips. The Balandrian invader pulled her on to his horse and pushed her petite frame down across the animal’s body.

Arms flailing, she tried to strike her captor.

Malak lunged for her. His fingers touched hers for the briefest of seconds before the soldier spurred his horse into motion. Malak did not give up. He jumped and grabbed the man’s leg causing the rider’s balance to wavier. Then he pulled a small dagger from his boot and thrust it into the leg. The man yelled, but it was not enough. Releasing the reigns for a moment, he raised his sword and struck Malak on the head. Malak’s grasp slipped, and he fell to the cold stone ground.

Kicking and screaming, Heidella fought against her abductor, yet he continued to ride off, carrying her away from all she ever knew. She was seized by one thought, what is to become of me?

***

The moon withheld its light as her captor rode into an abandoned village. She kept silent as they approached a small, dark house with one lantern in the window. A guard, also dressed in the green of Balandria, stood outside the door. He reached up, grabbed Heidella from the horse, jerked open the door, and pushed her inside.

Blinking, her eyes adjusted to the dim room. Three lanterns hung from the ceiling and around the room were dozens of faces – all girls. Some looked nearly five-years-old, others closer to her own age of sixteen. Instantly she assessed, “These were not all from Hebra.”

A gasp drew her attention. Two young women rushed at her. Before she could say anything, Heidella was hugged so tightly she could barely breath. Chocked sobs met her ears, “God be praised, my Lady!” Leaning back, Heidella looked into the faces of Aida and Sellana. Aida, who was a year older than Heidella, was the only daughter of their Royal Gamekeeper, and Sellana, age twelve, was the third child of a Hebrakite Noble, Lord Sedrick.

“Shhhh,” Heidella quieted them. “Come with me, and tell me what you know.” They quickly made their way to a somewhat secluded edge of the room.

The three huddled together. “I don’t know anything,” Sellana said, “but Aida does.”

“They burned the palace,” Aida said, “They defeated the guards, and those who would not submit were killed. They also dragged away several young men. We think they will force them into service or sell them as slaves. We feared you did not make it out alive, your highness,” Aida spoke softly.

Heidella lifted her hand. “You must not address me as Highness, or My Lady. I will simply be Heidi. Malak warned me that if I was taken to change my name.” she paused and looked down to the floor. Shaking her head, she said, “He tried to save me…we were so close.” She took a deep breath and her eyes began to fill with burning tears. “I do not think he is alive.” A low moan escaped her and the tears fell.

As she cried, the arms of Aida protected her. She stroked Heidi’s dark curls. “My Lad – err, Heidi. Malak is alive.”

Heidi’s head shot up, and she looked into Aida’s face.

“He was taken,” Aida continued. “I saw a soldier push him into the house across from here. I think that is where they are keeping the young men, my Lady.”

For the first time since being abducted, Heidi breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank You, God.” He was alive! Please protect him and bless him for his bravery, she prayed. Taking a deep breath and blowing it out through her still shaking lips, she recalled Aida’s calling her “My Lady.” It would be a miracle to keep her secret hidden, but that is what they needed – a miracle.

A whimpering to the left caught her attention. A young girl of perhaps ten, sat in the corner with her legs held tightly to her chest.

Heidi knelt down beside her. “Are you alright?” What sort of question was that? None of them were alright.

The young girl just cried more.

Reaching her arm around her, Heidi asked, “What is your name?”

“Bridget,” was the mouselike response.

“I am…” she glanced at Aida and Sellana before returning her attention to her new charge. “I am Heidi. Do you like music, Bridget?”

The girl nodded. Her matted hair and dirt-stained dress fared nearly as bad as Heidi’s own. But one look at her told Heidi that this young girl was far from home. The style dress she wore Heidi had only seen once, when she traveled with her mother seven years ago in the far East.

Hoping to calm the girl’s fears, Heidi quietly sang a passage from the ancient writings. “O the Great Shepherd…” she began.

Slowly, Bridget’s breathing returned to normal. When Heidi finished, Bridget looked up into her face and stated, “I do not want to get married!”

Heidi nearly laughed at such an outburst, but then paused as she took in Bridget’s wide eyes, trembling lips, and tight face.

“How long have you been here?” She asked.

“Five days.” Sniffing, Bridget rubbed her hand across her nose. “They told us we would either be married or be servants. And if we did not do as they said, they would sell us as slaves. They said to forget who we were.” Bridget shook her head. “I don’t want to be married or a servant…I want to go home!” She buried her face in Heidi’s shoulder and again began to sob.

“Forget who we are,” Sellana repeated after hearing Bridget’s account.

Aida stood frozen. Her eyes were fixed on Heidi. Her face was as white as a sheet.  

“No.” Heidi shook her head. “We will not forget. We will do what we must to survive; we will adapt to this new life ahead of us, but we will never forget who we are or where we came from.” She lifted her chin and looked at her companions. “We will trust our God to get us through this.”

The echoes of the song sounded in her mind. “Yea, though I travel through a valley of shadows and death, I will not fear the evil.” Lord, she prayed silently, lead us through this valley. And protect us from these shadows.

***

Heidi sat on the stone bench on the edge of the rose garden looking up into the clear blue sky. The sun had been shinning that morning beckoning her outdoors, and she answered the call. She had spent the last several hours in the garden surrounded by sweet smelling roses and green trees and helping Roderick, the gardener, plant the new roses he cultivated. They had finished not long ago when she chose to sit down and enjoy the rest of the morning. Her dress was sprinkled with dirt and the hem claimed a new shade of brownish-black, which contrasted greatly with the sea blue gown she had donned, but she did not care. Who would see her anyway?

“Forgive me.”

She jumped from her seat. Her heart beat wildly as she stared into the face of a young man who appeared to be four years her senior.

“I do not mean to startle you. I did not realize anyone else was here.” He reached out to stop Heidi from leaving. His eyes were soft and brown. Sandy blonde hair, once brushed to the side, now fell across his forehead. His clothes were of royal standing with the golden embroidery etched along his wine-colored jacket and black pants, and on his finger lay the Royal seal.

She gasped and quickly bowed. Before her stood crowned Prince Ethan. She had seen him from afar once, when he returned from abroad two months before. But never had she seen him this close.

“Forgive me, my Lord.” She grabbed her skirts. “I should go.” She wondered if perhaps she should not have lingered so long this day. If she could just slip back inside, all would be well.

“Wait,” he stopped her. “What is on your hands? Are you hurt?”

She quickly tucked her hands behind her back and held them tightly. “I am fine.” She bowed her head and took a step away. “It is nothing but a little bit of dirt.”

He tipped his head and stared at her. His brow drew together. “What were you doing out here?”

She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. “I was helping plant the new roses with the gardener.” Seeing his eyebrows raise, she lifted her hand to stop him before he said anything and added, “But I asked him if I could help. He is not to blame.”

“I will have to speak with Roderick,” he said.

She dropped her head, and her shoulders fell. She had not meant to bring harm to the servant.

A light chuckle reached her ears. “He is supposed to let me help with that task.”

She looked up at him. He was smiling. His eyes focused on her. She smiled in return, although not as full a smile as his.

“Tell me your name,” he said as he shifted his weight from the left foot to the right. Neither of them had sat down. “You are not one of the servants.”

“I am Heidi, your highness.” She dipped a low curtsey.

“How did you come to be here?”

She cocked her head, and her brows drew tighter. “I walked, my Lord.”

He smiled again. “I gather that, but how did you come to be at the palace, here in Balandria? It is apparent by the way you speak you are not from here.”

Ducking her head, she answered, “I was brought here two years ago” she paused, but added, “in the sixth month of the year of Adar.” That dreadful month when Balandrian soldiers ransacked not just Hebra, but other kingdoms as well.

He winced. “I am sorry for that.” He took a few steps and sat down on the vacated stone bench. Inhaling, he blew out a breath. “I know it is allowed as spoils of war, but my father should not have stolen women and children from their homes. To take prisoners of war is one thing, but –” He shook his head. He spoke again almost to himself, “As if I need a wife so badly, we must steal from other lands.” He stopped and looked up at her. “Forgive me. I know I ought not to speak so before you. One day I will be king and must fight my own battles.”

Heidi glanced towards the east gate that led to the castle rooms, then back to Ethan.

“Heidi, I found –” Roderick stopped short. Bowing, he acknowledged Prince Ethan. “Majesty, how may I be of service?”

“Do you like it here?” Ethen asked Heidi, ignoring for a moment Roderick.

“The gardens are lovely,” she answered and gave a fleeting smile to Roderick.

“What of the rest?” Ethen pushed for more answers.

“I think you are a very favored kingdom. And while I may not have wanted to come in the manner in which I did, I believe my God is in control. So therefore, He must have a reason for all this.” She looked into Ethan’s eyes. “I am here to serve my God and my King.”

“Heidi!” Aida’s call broke the quiet of the garden. Her friend stood beyond the gate looking her direction.

Heidi looked towards her.  “If you will excuse me, my Lord?” She arched her brows and dipped her head toward Ethan, waiting for permission.

“Yes, of course.”

She bowed and left.

Ethan watched as she walked quickly away to answer the summons of the other girl.

Roderick looked from Ethan to Heidi’s departing form.

“Roderick,” Ethan asked, still watching her, “Even though you were forcibly taken away from your home, would you still trust in the God of your fathers?”

Roderick did not answer.

Ethan turned and with a small smile etching his mouth asked the gardener, “So, you have given away my position to another? Am I no longer worthy of planting your roses?”

Roderick smiled back, lifting a red rose bush in his hands. “Since you were a lad, you have always been worthy and welcomed,” he said. “Here, my Prince.” He approached the bench. “I have saved you one.” He laid the plant at Ethan’s feet and knelt down before him. “With you gone the last two years, I have been in need of a helper. Heidi is a kind girl who offered to help since the first time I found her out here. She had been crying I am sure. But when I tripped and nearly fell, she came right over and insisted that she help.” The old gardener smiled. “She has been back ever since.” He rubbed his hands on his legs. “It may not be my place to say anything, but she is special, that one. If you must pick, choose one like her.”

Ethan looked toward the gate through which Heidi had disappeared. “Tell me more about her, Roderick.”

***

One year later…

“I cannot do it!” Heidi shook her head.

She had come down to meet Malak in the stables that morning. Ever since the Balandrian soldiers learned his skill in training horses, Malak had been sent to work in the stables. He sent a message by Aida to tell her to meet with him; it was urgent. A rider had come in with news of uprisings.

She turned and began to pace in the small stall, wringing her hands. “Even though he chose me as his bride, it does not excuse me from the law. He is the King!” She abruptly turned and faced Malak. “Do you know what it means if I go and seek an audience with the King? I could be killed! The law is clear. Unless he reaches out his hand to me, the punishment is death!”

Malak stayed strangely quiet. His lips pressed tightly together. Nodding his head, he said, “I know.” His voice was barely audible.

“What?!” Heidi stared. “Unbelievable! And you still want me to go talk with him!” She threw up her hands. “This is madness.”

“Heidi. You are the future Queen of Balandria. You are the only one who has the position to say anything.” He shook his head. “This is beyond the lives of yours and mine. We are speaking of our people.” He caught her eyes. “Your people. The people of Hebra are about to suffer from false claims of an uprising by Lord Halltem. If you do not stand up for them, they will perish.”

“If it is not true, then perhaps it will go away. We have nothing to fear.” Her eyes pleaded with him to make it so.

He shook his head. “Other kingdoms have risen up and are fighting against Balandria; no one will take the time to ensure Hebra’s innocence.”

Heidi leaned against the stall wall, and she slowly slid to the stable floor; her head resting on the cold wood. “But why me? Why now?”

“We cannot begin to understand the ways of God. Perhaps He has placed you here for such a time. Is it possible that this is why God allowed them to take you – to save your people?”

Tears ran down her face as she looked at her cousin. “I am not brave like you, Malak. I do not run into a fight or jump on racing horses to save young girls.”

A small smile touched his lips. He shrugged. “You may not be physically strong, but you are kind and compassionate. You care for others. You always have. And now our people need an ambassador to go before the King.” He came to sit beside her. “I know no other alternative.”

Lifting her handkerchief, she wiped her eyes and nodded. “I am afraid you might be right.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Do not be afraid, Heidella.”

Her eyes shot open. No one had called her that since the kidnapping three years ago.

“You are our Princess.” He rose to his feet and bowed before her. “God will give you the strength to do this.” He reached out his hand and helped her stand.

Rising to her feet, she dusted off the bits of straw that clung to her gown. She pushed her shoulders back and lifted her chin. “Gather those from Hebra who were with us that day and pray. I will do the same with Aida and Sellana.” She stepped out of the stall and walked to the barn door. Looking over her shoulder, she nodded at Malak. “Thank you, for all you have done.” She left and made her way to her room to pray.

She needed his reminder of who she was, a princess of her people. But she would need more than being a princess to stand before the King. She would need God’s help.

***

“My Lady, please. Can we not wait another day?” Aida looked beseechingly at Heidi.

Heidi stood before her mirror. She wore her favorite ice blue gown with the jewel neckline. Delicate lace trimmed the collar and reached out over her shoulders to form the sleeves. Her matching tiara rested on her head, and the turquoise necklace Ethan had given her at their engagement hung about her neck. Golden earrings dangled from her ears. Her dark curls were pulled back from her face and cascaded down her back. Today, she was Princess Heidella. Today, she would serve her God and her people.

With a calmness she never thought she would have, Heidi turned from her reflection and set her hand on Aida’s shoulder. “Aida, we have been praying for three days – one for each year of captivity. And God has confirmed to me this is what must be done. I am the only one who is in a position to plead for the lives of my countrymen.” She wiped the tears sliding down Aida’s face. “Do not fear for me.”

“But, my Lady,” Aida spoke as chocking sobs penetrated her body, “what…if…you…perish?”

“If I perish,” Heidi looked out her window into the clear blue sky and took a deep breath, “I perish. But at least I will have obeyed God and tried.” Turning her face back to her servant she said, “Come. It is time.”

Aida led her to the room where the war counsel assembled together, in the Great Hall. “Can it not be done this evening when he sits down to eat?” Aida tried one last time, whispering.

Heidi shook her head. She addressed the two guards who stood outside, “Open the door.”

The sound of the heavy oak echoed in Heidi’s ears as the hinges turned. As the door opened candle light from golden chandeliers filled the Great Hall. The painted ceiling and carved walls, etched by the finest craftsmen, faded in the background as Heidi stepped through the doorway. The pathway was lined by crowds of people, at that moment all eyes seemed to turn, aghast at who dared the death penalty by approaching the King unannounced. May God have mercy on my people, she prayed.Taking the first step, she continued to place one foot in front of the other. With her head held high and her shoulders strong, she slowly made her way down the aisle. Murmurs, gasps, and whispers sounded across the room, but Heidi focused her eyes on Ethen. Sitting in his engraved throne of gold, with scepter in hand and the royal crown on his head, he watched her approach. His eyes searching for some explanation as to why she had come. Lord, grant me strength, Heidi silently prayed. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil. For You are with me.

The moment her foot touched the threshold nearing the King, she met Ethen’s gaze. Her eyes locked on his face, and the faintest of smiles lifted her lips. Slowly, she bowed low before the King.

The guards, who had followed her since her entrance, stood beside her, swords ready, awaiting the king’s command. For a moment, everything was silent.

The left side of his mouth tilted up, and Ethan reached out his hand. “Come, my betrothed.”

As she rose, she took one step forward before her whole body began to quiver and everything turned black.

Ethan jumped from his throne and caught Heidi around the waist as she fainted. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the crowds and sent away the onlookers. Only his guards and advisors remained.

Down on a knee, Ethan gently stroked her cheek with his right hand as his left arm continued to hold her. “Heidi. Wake up, Darling.”

Blinking, Heidi’s eye alighted on Ethan’s face, so near hers. “Are you my Angel?” Her soft voice was barely audible. She reached out to touch his face. Her fingers caressed his cheek.

With a soft chuckle Ethen shook his head. “Not an Angel, just a very worried groom.” He took her hand and brushed a kiss over her fingertips. “What is so important that you would risk your life to come and see me?”

“I wanted to invite you to dinner,” she chuckled, her face regaining color.

Laughing, he stood her upright on her feet. “Very well, my dear, I accept your invitation. Tonight?”

“Yes, my Lord. And the invitation extends to Lord Halltem as well.” She nodded toward the advisor hovering near Ethan’s shoulder.

Halltem straightened his shoulders and nodded toward her. “I shall be honored, my Lady.”

Having sent a guard to fetch Aida, Ethan carefully walked Heidi out the side entrance. Giving her a slight bow, he smiled. “I must return and finish some business, but I eagerly await tonight.” He looked into her eyes. “Perhaps then you will tell me what you really desired?”

“Until tonight, my King.” Heidi returned his smile and was escorted by Aida back to her main rooms.

“So, we are hosting the dinner?” Aida asked.

“Yes. Tell the kitchen servants to bring it to the garden as planned.”

***

As Ethan approached, Heidi watched for his expression. The garden pathways were lined with candles. The light danced off gossamer curtains that were draped across low hanging branches. The gentle wind drifted through the garden caressing the drapes with a delicate wave. His eyes took it all in, but they rested on her. She stood beside a spread of green and gold cushions. Behind her, servants stood ready with trays of food and drinks in their hands. Near Ethan walked Lord Halltem. He too watched with delighted eyes and a smile on his lips. His eyebrows raised, and he nodded his head.

“Your Highness,” Heidi addressed Ethan, “I am honored by your presence.”

“You have outdone yourself, my Lady,” he nodded as she curtsied.

“Thank you, my Lord.” Looking to Halltem, she said, “Welcome, Lord Halltem.”

He bowed as she curtsied again.

Halltem was the reason her people were afraid for their lives. Halltem had persuaded the council, and the king, to turn on the Hebrakites. He said they should be made an example of to the other kingdoms. Heidi knew she had to be careful, but what she had to do was necessary.

As the meal progressed, Ethan once again spoke of her request. Leaning back on his cushion, he said, “My Lady, I thank you for this delightful meal. Now, what, pray tell, is your request? For I know you did not risk your life to merely ask me to eat with you.” He set down his goblet. “Come tell me your desire. Up to half of my kingdom is yours if you ask.” He smiled at her.

Setting down her goblet, Heidi cleared her throat. She stood up, walked to Ethan, and dropped to her knees before him. “My King, if I have found favor in your sight, I plead not for half your kingdom, but for the kingdom of Hebra. Would you spare their lives?”

Both men sat up straight.

Ethan looked to Halltem and then back to Heidi. “What is Hebra to you that you would risk your life for them?”

Lifting her chin she looked into his eyes. “I am one of them. And my love for them goes beyond the love of my own life.”

Ethan’s eyes pierced into hers. He stroked his chin. “Who are you?”

Moisture filled her eyes as she looked into his. “I am Heidella, the Princess of Hebra. It is my place to intercede for my people at all costs.”

“This is preposterous!” Halltem shouted, “You are no one! You have no proof of anything!”

Her eyes never left Ethan. “I am the daughter of King Allentor and Queen Vahalta. I was stolen from my people and my land. There were others taken who can verify my words. I do not seek assistance for myself. God saw it fit to preserve my life for this moment that I may be the intercessor for my people.” Heidi bowed her head as she knelt deeper before her king. “I ask, as my request,” she raised her eyes again to his, “for the lives of the Hebrakites to be spared.”

Ethan stood and paced a few feet away. Shaking his head, he spoke almost to himself, “The order is in place. The uprisings must be quieted.” He turned toward her. “Do you realize what you are asking for?”

“Forgive my boldness,” Heidi said. “May my king live forever and not be displeased with his servant.” Watching him she added, “Yes, I know what I am asking for.”

“My King!” a servant called from beyond the garden.

Ethan bowed to Heidi. “Excuse me.” Leaving the curtained garden, he strode toward the beckoning servant.

“How dare you!” Halltem’s voice breathed like fire. “As my father before me, I have done all in my power to see the downfall of Hebra, and now you beseech the King to have mercy. I should have done away with them all the day I raided it three years ago.” He rose from his cushion and walked toward her. “I should have killed you all.” His breath smelled of soured wine. He squatted near her and spoke, “Perhaps it is not too late.”

Suddenly, his hand was around her throat.

Pressing his fingers tighter, Halltem began to choke her. He pushed her backwards onto the ground. Air was failing to enter her lungs as the pressure on her neck increased.

Darkness crept in, and somewhere in the distance she heard Ethan’s voice. “Halltem! How dare you!”

The hand that grasped her fell away. She gasped filling her lungs with air. Reaching her hand to her throat, she tried to focus, but her vision remained a blur.

Halltem lay on the ground. The King himself had landed a blow that knocked the very breath out of him. Standing over him, Ethan watched as two guards quickly seized Halltem.

“Take this traitor out of my sight,” Ethan growled.

Heidi felt one of Ethan’s hands support her head as the other slipped around her back. His face slowly came into focus.

“Did he hurt you?” his voice quivered.

She shook her head.

He cradled her in his arms. “I am sorry, my love. I did not know the full depths of his treachery until now.”

“What?” she asked hoarsely, her face against his chest.

Pulling slightly away, he looked into her eyes. “Halltem has been raiding the villages and blaming the Hebrakites for causing uprisings. In truth his very men were responsible. It was not until just now that my spies collected the full story.”

Her eyes brightened with comprehension. “He deceived you!” Yet as soon as she spoke the words, her eyes misted and she looked away. “I did not mean to deceive you, my Lord,” she whispered.

“No.” He stopped her. “I understand why you did not tell me. I am furious with his deception, but my anger at him touching you is far greater.” Helping her stand, he placed his hands on both sides of her face. Stroking her checks with his thumbs, he peered deep into her soul. “I love you. Your request is granted.”

“My Lord!” She would not have believed that she could love him more, but it happened in that moment.

“I give the lives of your people to you. Hebra shall not be slain. I will personally write the decree and place it in the oracles.”

Heidi’s tears raced down her face. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Ethan wrapped his strong arms around her. His furry at Halltem was overshadowed by her safety.

They stood there for a moment in each other’s arms. Ethan spoke first, “Tell me your real name again.”

“Heidella,” she whispered.

“Heidella,” he repeated softly, almost reverently. Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, “I like it,” he said. He lifted her head. “Now, my stolen princess, is there anything else you request?”

Her eyes lit up and sparkled. “Nay, my Lord. I have all I could ask for.”

“Then may I ask for something?” His face grew somber.

“Anything, my Lord.”

“A kiss?” His eyes dropped to her mouth and rose again to her eyes.

“A kiss?” She repeated.

“Yes.” His thumb brushed across her lips. “Just one. Until the day I can claim them all.”

She flushed with pleasure at his request. “Granted, my King.”

His smile surfaced, and he lowered his head.

She smiled into his eyes, and her lips were captured by his.