No pursuer came, no knights of rescue.  If ever there were knights that rescued damsels, they came from Terracor and if the knights of the present realm began to follow the dark path the king was on, they would all but grow scarce indeed.  Only the cool winter air would greet her at the balcony.<br/><br/>******************************************************************************<br/><br/>As the queen left his company, Ancel turned to his advisor and long standing friend Marquis.  They had fought side by side in many battles, forming a bond that would be hard to break if it came to that.  The darkness eased off the king as he met the man, shaking his own head.  “I’m afraid Sir Pil’iar is correct.  Our friend Tormeu has captured bandits in the Kingwood with a plot of murder against her majesty ... your daughter.”<br/><br/>The Marquis was taken aback slightly, controlling his own emotions far better than the king had done over the news.  “Where is she now, I presume she is safe my lord.”  The feint was well guised, he was with her not long ago and he had his own little birds that kept their ears out for any trouble.<br/><br/>“She is in my chambers.  Once Sir Pil’iar has searched Collindor, I want the two of you to join me in my antechamber.  We must discuss this plot of treason, it may be something spreading amongst the small folk.  Though I suspect Lord Porfun to be at the heart of his after that comment he made at our wedding.”  It was no secret, it was something that helped the whispers spread, something to the affect that a new wife would not replace the one he loved and the realm didn’t need another new queen until the Prince was wed.<br/><br/>That had also started his passionate anger that he had released upon Natalya that night.  It felt so good, being that rough with a woman, he found it a good release anytime the darkness fell upon him to have his way with his wife;  it was his right as king.<br/><br/>“Or any of the small lords that heard his drunken stupor,” replied Marquis, coming to Ancel’s side.  “I’ll move to help with the search so that we may join you in council over this grave matter.”<br/><br/>“We will have a guard on Natalya at all times until this matter is resolved.  Her attendants are failing to be vigilant over the lady they are waiting on.”  Ancel turned to head for his own chambers as well, as if to let his advisor dwell on that topic, but he turned to face him.  “Find my son; this is the perfect duty for him.”  There was nothing else to explain to Marquis.  Ancel was sure he would find him.<br/><br/>******************************************************************************<br/><br/>In the silence of the king’s chambers, the door opened and closed.   The locking of the door was done with a flourish to let anyone know it was being done, taunting at the silence that greeted him.  It was no mystery to the woman on the balcony that Ancel had entered the room if she was paying any mind.  Yet, he lingered in silence, as if letting the rage build in him, the anger and the desire for her.   His eyes swept the room, noting the open door to the balcony.  His voice called in that direction for her alone, “You lost your freedom when you gave yourself to me at the altar.”<br/>