Rise

Adrian gripped the wheel tight as he drove quickly down the long winding road. Occasionally he glanced at the rear view mirror to make sure they weren't being followed. That he still had time to keep his family safe.

He looked over at his wife. Her pale knuckles clutching the door handle. There was panic in her eyes. She always worries. He thought.But then again..this is a cause to worry. And he reached over to grasp her hand gently.

Liana began sobbing. "We're never going to make it in time. They'll catch us. I'm sure of it. The safehouse is still so far and we are running out of time."

" Darling, we will be fine. I asure you. I will do everything to keep you and the children safe."

" Then why wont you listen to me?? You need to come with us. You are not safe either! I cant loose you. Please understand."

" We talked about this Liana" Adrian said sternly. "I have a duty to my people and the kingdom as their king. I will never do anything that will hurt the intergrity of our family values. I have an oath to uphold. You know that. "

She looked away. Unconvinced.

He softened a little and squeezed her hand.

" Besides, as long as Neva is alive they wont be able to do anything to me. You need to stop worrying about me. Neva and Chiron should be your priority. I will be fine. Okay?" He looked at her questioningly.

Liana shook her head and sighed. This man will never listen to me. He will make you repent this later.

The sun had already set long along, before they had even left the villa. If only Callum had warned them much before... they would have had more time.

" Mama? Papa? Where are we going?" asked the tiny voice from the back.

Liana turned and saw her daughter Neva staring at her. Short black hair. Her father's nose. And the trademark Blaur eyes glowing ice blue. Like a frozen river beginning to thaw. Like tiny icicles on a frozen tree. Like glistening snow on a mountain top. Mesmerizing. Beautiful. The intricate glowing designs on the tips of her eyes pulsating outwards.

"Mama!"

"Sorry, what?"

"Where are we going? I want chocolate. And the baby's diaper is smelly. Can I sit in the front. Papa, when will I be allowed to drive? Can I have cheese and the big people juice? Why does the baby get new toys but I dont? And why is he allowed to have a carseat? I want a carseat too. I need to pee....." she rattled on and on in her six year old language not waiting for an answer.

The 8 month old baby sat next to her. Gurgling and smiling toothlessly.

Adrian laughed. But he sobered quickly.

"Ni, you must listen to me carefully. There are bad people coming after us. You have to be careful. Always listen to your mother-"

Liana interjected " If something ever happens to me and your father, promise me you will take care of your brother. He comes first Neva. You must always look after him. You are a big girl now. Promise me you will be careful."

The little girl nodded. "I will mama. But can we get chocolate?"

"Soon we will-"

The loud sound of helicopters came from above them. The deafening sound made their ears hurt.

Adrian pressed on the accelerator. Determined to go faster. They still had to cross the mountain. And it was already dark. If they managed to reach the safehouse, they would be safe. He would somehow quell the ministers later.

Suddenly a dark barrier stood out on the road. Adrian swerved to the right to avoid it. He glimpsed a quick flash of red and grey as the car's headlights fell on the dark shape for a quick second. It was a band of men on motorcycle. Hunters. They were too late.

He raced the car quickly across the field and into the thick forest in front. He could hear the river rushing. Good. It would cover up their sounds and buy them some time.

"Lia, take the kids and get out of here. Run into the forest. Hide in there until the morning. I will stall them as much as I can. Go!"

He placed a quick kiss on his wife's lips and got out of the car and began walking towards the Hunters.

Lia was no weak woman. She was a queen and a mother. She sprang into action. She got to the back and lifted Neva down and got Chiron out of the carseat. Grabbing the food basket from the boot, she ran into the forest with her children as quickly as she could.

They got scratched by the bristles of the woods. Clothes torn and limping, they reached the river edge. Liana saw a battered boat. She put her children in it and wrapped them up with a blanket from the basket. Placing the basket inside the boat. She untied the rope tyig the boat to the stump on the ground.

She was about to get in when she heard a gun shot. Fear coursed through her. What if they had done something to her husband? They will take over the kingdom. I musnt let that happen. Adrian was right. They cant hurt us as long as Neva is alive.

Then she made a decision no mother should be made to do. She looked at her babies staring at her with tearful eyes. She kissed them both on their foreheads. And quickly unclasped her locket and put it around her daughter's neck. "Remember your promise Neva. Be safe. I love my darlings. I will find you again. "

Liana closed her eyes and summoned her powers. She placed her hands over Neva's and uttered the spell. She watched the glowing eyes disappear into a dull common brown. The birthmark on her eye tips faded into the skin. She did the same thing to her baby and watched his gold eyes fade away. They looked like the common people. Unlike the royal children they were, destined for great things.

She pushed the boat into the river and prayed to the gods to keep her childen safe. Then she walked back into the field to save her husband.