Lacey woke in the castle infirmary and Julien was sitting in a chair by her side, holding her hand. "Julien...."

"Lacey...." He raised her hand to his cheek with tears in his eyes. "Lacey, why didn't you run when they attacked?"

She sighed, trying to sit up, but her head hurt too badly. So, she gave up and lay back down. "I had to protect my young warriors." She shook her head at the memory. "I wasn't about to leave them to fight experienced warriors alone. So, I sent them off." ...