I will be strong, she told herself.

She made her way to standing. She didnt look much like a princess now. Her dress had tears in it from the violence of her capture, but Lenore pulled it back on anyway, tying the torn elements together as best she could.

She padded toward the door on silent feet. Outside, she could hear Eoris and Syrelle talking, and Lenores heart hammered in her chest, fearing that they might be about to come back inside.

…sure we dont have time to tarry here with the princess? Syrelle asked, in that wheedling, half mad voice of hers.

We need to get her back to the south, my love, Eoris said. And if you hurt her too much she wont transport easily.

King Ravin is no fun, Syrelle said.

And when I tell him you said that, what do you think hell do to you? Eoris shot back. No, we leave in an hour. Well head for the nearest bridge and be across soon enough. Remember to leave some of the maids alive. King Ravin wants them to talk.

He wanted them to talk? Lenore found herself caught between happiness that at least some of her servants were still alive and horror at all the things they must have suffered alongside her, fear of how many of them might have died, and confusion, because why would King Ravin want any of them alive to tell people that he had King Godwins daughter?

That didnt matter right then. The only thing that mattered was trying to get away. Shed tried that before though, and hadnt gotten even as far as the stables. How was she supposed to get away when shed already been caught once, when they had shown that they could catch her whatever she tried?

No, she wouldnt give up, she couldnt. Once they got her beyond the river… how could anyone hope to escape from there? It had to be now, while they were occupied; while they still thought that she was helpless and caught here.

Knowing that there was no way out through the door, Lenore went over to the window. It was chipped and sticking, hard enough to open that Lenore was sure it would creak and protest as she pushed the shutters apart, giving away what she was doing to anyone listening. Lenore opened it and froze in place, waiting to see if there was any reaction. No one burst into the room though, no one shouted or raised an alarm.