The Great Escape

"Shall I summon the physician?" he inquired.
"No, there is absolutely no reason to trouble him over such trivial matters," came my dismissive response.

In that very moment, as he leaned in to bestow a tender kiss upon me, I abruptly recoiled.

"Darling, are you feeling well?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine worry.
"Yes, I simply experienced a wave of nausea," I replied, my voice strained.

I hurriedly made my way towards the sink, narrowly avoiding a mishap. Jake swiftly entered the room, gently holding my hair back. Once I had finished, I leaned back into his comforting embrace.

"My love, I am overcome with fear," I confessed, my voice trembling.
"I cannot fathom the thought of bearing his offspring," I continued, my words fraught with anxiety.

"What if something were to happen to me?” “What if I were to perish?" I voiced my deepest concerns.
“Rest assured, my dearest, such a calamity shall never befall you," he reassured me, his voice filled with conviction.
"I shall not permit any harm to befall you," he vowed.
"You will emerge unscathed," he declared with unwavering determination

"My love," I attempted to interject, only to be silenced by his gentle hushing.
"Fear not, for I shall attend to your every need," he whispered soothingly.
"Please, my sweet, take this moment to rest," he implored, his voice filled with tenderness.

Jake gracefully lifted me from the ground, his strong arms cradling me with utmost care as he carried me towards the bed. With a gentle touch, he placed me delicately upon the luxuriously turned-down sheets, ensuring my comfort.

He pulled the covers up and, his arms enveloped me in a protective embrace, his voice soothing and reassuring.

"Fear not, my love, for I shall remain by your side throughout this entire journey."
In a tender whisper, I expressed my affection, "I adore you, Jake."

His response, filled with genuine adoration, resonated in the air.

"I love you, Katherine."

With his comforting presence, I nestled into the warmth of his shoulder, succumbing to the embrace of slumber.
Awakening from my peaceful rest, a gentle knock echoed through the door, announcing the arrival of Macy. She entered, bearing a modest bag, her presence exuding elegance.

"Miss Katherine, within this humble bag lies a simple dress and cloak of mine," she informed me.
"Would you require any assistance in dressing, my lady?" Her offer was met with gratitude, "Yes, please."


Guiding me towards the bathroom, she skillfully unlaced my dress, freeing me from the weight of the elaborate fabric that Jacob favored. Macy then adorned me in a breathtakingly exquisite gown, her craftsmanship evident in every stitch.

"Macy, this dress is truly magnificent," I complimented her.
"Did you create it yourself?"

Her response was filled with pride.

"Indeed, Miss Katherine."
"It was my own creation."
I expressed my admiration, "As always, your work is a testament to your talent."

She gently draped a cloak around my shoulders, completing the ensemble.

Embracing me tightly, Macy confessed, "I shall miss you dearly, Miss Katherine."
I reciprocated her sentiment, knowing our separation would be temporary, "I shall miss you too, my dear Macy.”
“Fear not, for our paths shall cross again soon."

With a final embrace, she handed me the bag, bidding me farewell. Shortly after, the doctor entered the room, his presence commanding attention.

"I presume we shall be traveling by carriage or cart, rather than on horseback," he deduced.
Confirming his assumption, Jake replied, "Indeed, a discreet cart would be more inconspicuous for our journey."
Realizing the urgency of our mission, he urged, "If we are to succeed, we must depart promptly, as the changing of the guard is upon us.”
Jake graciously collected me from my current location.

"Darling, I am more than capable of traversing on my own two feet," I protested gently.
"However, considering the treacherous nature of the steep stairs, it would be more expeditious for me to carry you," he reasoned.
"If you insist," I acquiesced.

"This is the very reason you were reluctant to bear the king's offspring, isn't it?" the doctor inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity.
"Indeed, I have fallen deeply in love with another man,"
I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "Then why did you choose to marry the king?" he questioned; his voice filled with genuine concern.
"Alas, I had no say in the matter," I lamented, my voice heavy with resignation.
"Neither of us had any control over our fates," Jake mused his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness.

We commenced our descent down the staircase, our steps echoing through the dusty halls. In a mere matter of minutes, we found ourselves at the precipice of the enchanting forest. A horse-drawn carriage awaited our arrival. Our horses were already harnessed and prepared for our journey, a testament to Jake's meticulousness.
Jake gallantly guided me to the passenger seat, his chivalry unmatched.

"Would you prefer to sit in the back, my dear, where the doctor can attend to your needs?" he inquired. "I would much rather have you by my side, my love," I replied. With utmost care,


Jake settled me in the bed of the carriage, joining me without hesitation. His strong arms enveloped me, providing a sense of security amidst the jostling of the carriage. Though the bumps and jolts caused me discomfort, the presence of Jake rendered it inconsequential.

"Pray tell, sir, where are we headed?" the doctor inquired.
"Continue along this road, until we reach the majestic mountains.”
“There, I shall reveal more," he responded. And so, we embarked on our journey, the rhythmic rocking of the carriage lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

I awoke from my slumber. I found myself nestled in a bed spacious enough to accommodate two. It was the very same cottage that had been the subject of my dreams, and I recognized the exquisite quilt that adorned the bed. I turned over, my beloved Jake stirred from his sleep.


"What troubles you, my dear?" he inquired.
"Nothing, my love," I replied.
"Fear not, my darling, for we are safe and sound in this haven," he reassured me.

"I too had a vision of this place," I continued.
"Jacob’s son had grown into a fine young man, and you were like a father to him, tending to the fields.”
“In my lap sat a precious little girl, our very own."
"Truly?"
"Indeed, my love," I replied planting a tender kiss upon his lips.

A sharp pain coursed through my body, causing me to cry out in agony. In an instant, the physician rushed to our side.

"What seems to be the matter?" inquired the doctor.
"The excruciating pain in my delicate ribs has resurfaced," I replied, my voice tinged with distress.
"Has the king once again coerced you into engaging in intimate acts against your will?" the doctor asked with disdain.
"Indeed, he has," I confessed, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and vulnerability.

"Pray tell, how and when did this transgression occur?" the doctor pressed.
"On my hands and knees, in a most degrading manner, just last night," I revealed, my voice barely above a whisper.
"That is utterly unacceptable."

"Furthermore, the unborn child has shifted, potentially leading to complications, although certainty shall elude us for a few more months," said the doctor.
"In order to alleviate any discomfort, I implore you to rest on your back or your sides, rather than your stomach," he advised.
"Thank you, esteemed doctor," I expressed my gratitude.

"I apologize for the disturbance we have caused you," I added, my voice filled with remorse.
"Nonsense, my dear, never apologize for rousing me from slumber, even for the most trivial of matters," he reassured me.
"Thank you, doctor," I repeated.
"Rest well, my dear," the doctor bid me goodnight.
"Sweetheart, are you feeling well?" Jake's voice broke the silence.
"I am alright, my love," I reassured him.

I nestled my head upon Jake's exposed chest, seeking solace in his embrace.

"Jake, what shall become of us when the child arrives?" I pondered aloud.
"Do you question whether my love for you shall endure?" Jake responded.
"Yes, that is precisely what I mean," I confirmed, my voice filled with vulnerability.
"Sweetheart, my love for you is boundless, both now and forever," Jake declared.

"Shall you bestow your affection upon the precious offspring?"
"Indeed, for it is your own flesh and blood, my dear."
"However, the true inquiry lies within your own heart - will you truly cherish this blessed child?"
"Without a doubt, I shall adore this little one, for as you have rightly stated, it is my own progeny."

"Darling, do try to find solace in slumber."
"I am enamored by your presence."
"I, my love, am equally smitten."

I then drifted into a peaceful sleep for the remainder of the night. Meanwhile, the sentinels of the grand palace were far from restful.


"Your majesty, it is time to awaken." No response.
"May we enter, your majesty?" No response. They proceeded to unlock the door and entered the chamber.

Macy had meticulously arranged the bed, leaving no trace of our departure. Fetch the captain of the royal guard, posthaste. They approached his quarters and, they knocked. Once again, no response. The entire castle was meticulously searched, yet we had left no trace behind.

"What course of action shall we pursue?"

"Our only recourse is to dispatch a missive to the king and fervently pray that he does not unleash his wrath upon us all."

They promptly dispatched a message to the king, which would not reach him until the following day, as he was a day's journey away.

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the cabin, Jake stirred from his slumber. His eyes fell upon me, and a smile of contentment graced his lips. It was the first time we had spent the entire night together in the same bed, and the memory of it filled him with a sense of bliss.

With a sense of purpose, he made his way downstairs to the kitchen, intent on preparing a sumptuous breakfast for us both. Meanwhile, I slowly roused from my sleep, my mind still foggy with the remnants of a dream. Disappointment washed over me as I realized that Jake was no longer by my side.

The sound of his cheerful whistling drifted up the stairs, and I knew that he was close by. I attempted to rise from the bed, but a sharp pain shot through my body, causing me to stifle a cry of agony. Despite the discomfort, I remained silent, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the morning.

I was overcome with a sense of relief as Jake gracefully entered the room, his mere presence exuding an air of tranquility.

"Darling, what ails you?" he inquired.
"Merely a repetition of last night's affliction," I replied nonchalantly, dismissing it as inconsequential.
"Shall I summon the doctor?" he offered, eager to alleviate my discomfort.
"No, I implore you to remain by my side," I pleaded, my eyes filled with unwavering devotion.

With utmost tenderness, he presented me with a plate of exquisitely prepared eggs, settling himself beside me. I managed to partake in a few morsels before the waves of nausea washed over me.

"Do you feel the urge to regurgitate?" he inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"No, it appears that reclining has granted me respite," I reassured him, grateful for the temporary relief.
"Please, endeavor to retain some sustenance, for the safety of both you and that precious child," he implored, his love and protectiveness palpable.
"I shall be fine, my dearest," I assured him, my voice filled with unwavering confidence.
"I merely wish to ensure your well-being, for I cannot fathom a life without you," he confessed, his words resonating deep within my soul.

We remained ensconced in the comfort of our bed, cherishing each other's presence, as the hours gracefully slipped away.