Bella ran through the forest Jemma not far behind. They could hear feet thundering behind them as they pushed past the branches. Both knew if they stopped running they would meet a fate worse than death. The path opened up leading to false hope as the two faced a large stone wall. Panic crossed their faces as they frantically looked for a solution only to be met with the grinning soldiers emerging from the tree line.

“Come now princess, it’s time to come home,” stated the leader with a smirk on his face. Bella felt tears streaming down her face. Home? She thought bitterly. That place is a prison.

Jemma however voiced her thoughts, “yeah right! You took us away from our real family! That will never be my home!” Bella looked at her sister with panic. Pleading eyes to be quiet. They would be in enough trouble already. Jemma missed the hint and kept going, “It’s all a lie! I’m never going back!” Bella remained silent knowing that anything she did would make it worse.

The soldiers merely chuckled and turned towards their leader, “Zion how many children did they say to return with?” He smirked in response, “only one.” Bella looked up quickly, fear evident in her face. “Isabella Grace come here.” Zion stated in a cold tone. She stole a glance at Jemma before slowly making her way towards Zion. Her betrothed was not one to argue with and she didn’t want another reason for his anger. He smiled and grabbed her arm harshly before turning to his men, “get rid of the other one. She’s unnessicary.”

Jemma looked to her sister for help only to see her restrained by Zion. She held tears in her eyes for both of their fates. The soldiers were closing in fast and she knew there was no hope left. “I love you Bells,” and with those words she was gone. Her body lay cold against the grass.

Isabella was thrown up onto a horse with Zion before she had time to process her loss. Her sister was gone along with her hopes of freedom. She sat numbly with her betrothed not noticing her surroundings. Silent tears traveled her face, yet she made no move to wipe them away. Zion smiled knowing he had succeeded in his mission and the knowledge that his future bride had no escape.

He rested his arm possessivly around her waist as they rode through the castle gates and Isabella made no move to fight it. “Awwww baby. No fight this time?” Zion teased sliding down from his mount. Bella remained silent, unmoving. “Come on. Don’t be a baby. You brought it upon yourself. Now get down. Your parents want to talk to you and after that we have some things to discuss in private.” When she had still yet to move Zion grew impatient and roughly pulled her down from the horse. He kept a frim grip on her arm and dragged her to the solar.

When they arrived the butler explained the king and queen had to leave for an urgent meeting three towns away and would be gone for the week. “They have left the princess in you care Sir Zion” With those words he exited to room.

Bella quivered in fear. I’m really in for it now, she thought. Zion pulled her over to the sofa and started talking but Bella wasn’t listening. Her mind kept returning to the image of her sister lifeless against the forest floor. She felt a stinging pain on her hand and returned to the present to hear Zion yelling. “Listen when I am speaking!” Tears flooded her eyes and she backed away from him. She tripped over the carpet in her attempt to create more distance between them.

Zion simply sighed and started walking towards her. Her shaking increased with every step until he was right in front of her. Zion silently picked her up and left the room. Bella remained silent afraid of what he might do. Zion continued walking until he reached his room. He laid Bella upon the bed and walked to the balcony opening the doors and stepping out.

Bella laid on the bed crying silently, missing her sisters comfort. “Go to bed Grace.” Zion stated from the balcony. “Don’t call me that” mumbled Bella. “Only mom called me that” However her words were only a whisper and never reached Zion’s ear. She felt her eyes droop until she finally succumbed to sleep her sisters lifeless face sill stuck in her mind.