The Secrets of Llawnech

"I don't care about what your stupid job is," Gwen muttered, leaving the room and walking back to her own. Picking Rose up and heading to the carriage, getting inside in silence.

Gwen remained where she sat for the whole journey, deathly silent.

"Do not touch him," Gwen snapped at Carol as she got out of the carriage and took a step between them. Mad at Hayden for him not allowing her to go after her sister but not going to see him smacked. "Even though I am perfectly aware that you do not mean to cause actual harm, do not do it. My child is here and she will not witness violence, nor will I. We are all concerned."

"And she is my sister and his friend. We are perfectly aware of the seriousness of the problem without your little miss no it all attitude coming along and being needlessly aggressive. " Gwen replied sharply. "Apologise to him, Carol. Children are present. Show her what good morals are supposed to look like."

Rose stood just behind Hayden and Gwen, watching them all cautiously.

"Oh I am not talking to you as royalty, I am talking to you as a mother and a wife who is sick of her family being abused every damn day for years. I am at the edge of my string, Carol, do not test me." Gwen almost snarled, before taking Hayden's hand and mumbling, "Come on, we don't need help to find him."

Rose gave Carol a cautious glance as she walked passed her, jogging to try and keep up with Gwen and Hayden once she was content enough that she wasn't being watched.

"No one gets to hurt you like that," Gwen whispered to Hayden, squeezing his hand tightly as they walked. Glancing over her shoulder occasionally to make sure Rose was keeping up with them.

In the throne room, Leo would of been sat in his chair - eyebrows furrowed as he read through letters and the like.

Gwen gave his hand a squeeze once again, a longer and tighter one. Hoping it was all she had to do for him to know that she wouldn't let anything bad happen to him.

Leo glanced up and grinned when he spotted them. "Ah, you are back, wonderful! With the little one in - oh yes, I see her, she is precious." He hummed, "Now that all of that is done, Gwen, Alicia and I will be going away for seven days to celebrate our marriage - all major affairs are in order so you won't have to fret but I would appreci-"

"Not to interrupt but.... we must tell you something."

"Something? Hayden, where is Alicia..."

"It isn't his fault..."

"What isn't his fault?!"

"And where were you when this happened?" Leo asked, skim reading the letter - struggling to sound calm.

"Asleep?!"

"Of course he was asleep, you can not send one guard on such a long trip and expect them not to fall asleep - it was a long journey and he was exhausted." Gwen defended, squeezing Hayden's hand once again and encouraging him gently, "Hayden, get up, this isn't your fault."

"Oh, so this is my fault?" Leo questioned with an eyebrow raise.

"It is no ones fault." Gwen answered, "It does not matter how it happened, what matters is getting her home. No?"

"This can not go unpunished, I planted my trust in him."

"Then punish me, I made him get into the bed with me rather than guard - I allowed him to fall asleep. Punish me, but first lets get her back."

"Get up." Gwen told Hayden quietly.

"How do you propose we do that without sentencing the kingdom into poverty, hm?" Leo asked Hayden with a raised eyebrow. "Remain on your knees."

Leo motioned for Hayden to stand then so he was able to comfort Gwen whom instantly lowered her gaze and stumbled a few steps away when Jasper walked in.

"Daddy!" Rose exclaimed happily, running over to Jasper and grabbing onto his shoulder. "You are coming on the adventure too! Its a weird adventure, I dont really understand what is happening but things are really colourful here!"

Rose was unphased by being pushed away, entirely used to it. Simply walking to his side once again, "Whats a stray?"

"Rose, come here." Gwen encouraged quietly.

"Why? Its just daddy." Rose frowned.

Leo shook his head, humming to Jasper, "Your behaviour and language has always been the most disgusting thing I have seen. Now, where are your people keeping my wife, Jasper? You have stepped into very dangerous waters."