"Is everyone ok?" Asks William.
People nod while murmuring. He smiles to himself then it fades when he sees the anguish on his son's face when he is running towards him.
"Where is she?" Asks Edgar.
"Where is who?" Asks William.
"Mia. Where is she?" He asks again. When he sees no anwer forthcoming, he grabs his saddle and says, "I am going to find her."
Caramel stops him in his tracks standing infront of him. "I know you love her. So do I. She is the only family I have." She says.
"Then we should look for her!" He says now becoming angry.
"She is a strong girl. What she needs right now is for you to stay alive and not to be stupid. Stay here, stay safe." She says holding him by the shoulder. "If anything I know, she is a survivor." She adds.
He sighs and gives her the saddle. Queen May then speaks up. "Good. The last thing I want is losing you to that gutter girl." She fans herself.
"May!" Starts William but Edgar cuts him off.
"No father. She is missing because she was protecting her!" Says Edgar pointing at his mother. "The most ungrateful human being I have ever met in my life." He adds.
"Don't you talk to me like that! You are getting married soon. You should behave like a king to be!" Says May now furious.
"You think? You think?! Well, I have just lost my chance of having my queen. And it is all.because.of you!" He says breathing heavily as he stares her down and then turns around and storms off.
"Edgar! Edgar!" She yells after him. She then turns to face everyone else. "You will stand and watch our son insult me?" She asks.
Everyone slowly starts to walk away. William steps up close and whispers, "My son May. Not our." Then he walks off, leaving her stunned for a moment.
She is left with no other choice than to follow her quietly to their tent. Every other relative had refused to house them therefore, they had to set up camp and make due.
***
She hears voices talking in the distance as she struggles to open her eyes. Somebody slaps her lightly to wake her.
"Well. This is a gift." Says Ariana. "Get me something to drink darling." She says to the guard.
Mia opens her eyes and blinks twice in confusion. "You? Why?" She asks.
"Oh shut it. We both know that I am doing this kingdom a favour." Answers Ariana laughing wickedly. The guard brings in the drink and Ariana takes a long swig and wipes the corner of her mouth. "Now, start talking." She says.
***
"Oh come on prince. You have to eat something." Says one of the maids.
Edgar makes a face and shrugs then he moves to another log and sits looking the other way.
May then looks at him and decides to break the ice. "Ed darling, you must..." she starts and reaches for his hand but he pulls away. Sighing, she continues, "you must think of your well being. Eat something will you?" She adds.
"The person who cooks my food is not around. I cannot eat anything else." He says and stands up, leaving for his tent.