AAAaAaaAAa LETS GoooOOoo

Lets make it so we're both waking up in the morning

Haven woke up before the sun even rose. She yawned a stretched,getting up and getting dressed in her usual clothes. After putting up her hair she grabbed her sword from the edge of the bed and raced down to the fighting arena.

Haven peaked around one of the pillars and saw him," Morning Jackson!" She said and walked out to meet him," Mornin' princess," He said with a smile. He was way taller then her, with messy reddish blonde hair and brown eyes. His sword was resting on his hip," Ready to start?" he asked," You know it-" She unsheathed her sword and readied herself. They spared for a few hours, the sun had already rose at this point. Haven was sitting on the floor resting, she wiped her forehead," Well I better get going, my Ma and Pop's have something to tell me and Maddax today." " Alright, i'll see you later then." Jackson said. He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it, but Haven swatted him away.

Right as Maddax stepped out from her room Haven bumped right into her, sending them both to the ground," Oops! Sorry Mads, didn't see ya there-" She got up and helped Maddax up too," I-I must look like a mess huh..?" She laughed.

Haven sighed," I know-" She pushed some of her sweat soaked hair from her face," Not really, for all I know they could be mad about me going out to town by myself again."

" I can't HELP it Mads! People treat me like a normal person out there," She hugged her arms," Fine then, I'll go get ready.." She stormed off to her room. After a quick bath she got dressed in a simple blue gown. Her parents always made her wear SOME type of dress around them. She pinched the skirt and growled. She stormed down the stairs and into the dining hall and sat down in her usual spot. King Ekon and Queen Rory gave each other a look. (Sorry I had no idea what to name our parents lmfao)

Haven didn't look up at Maddax as the food was brought out. She played with her bacon before their father cleared his throat," As you know my girls, I told you a few day's ago that I have some important news. Maddax." He looked to his older daughter," You are reaching your 18 brithday, and soon you will take over the kingdom for me. So," he closed his eyes and sighed," You will need to find a husband." Haven choked on her drink," HuS-bAnd?"

Haven hit her chest a few times before she quit choking," Don't you think this is a bot soon father? I mean she's never been allowed her boys and-" Their father cut her off with a raised hand. He turned to Maddax," I have picked a fine prince from a few kingdoms away, i'm sure he'll e to your liking. His name is Prince Conan,and should be arriving here in two days." Haven stood up so quick her chair fell over and she slapped her hands onto the table," So you're just going to force this man onto her with just a two day notice? That's cruel father." " Haven please-" Queen Rory started but Haven marched over to Maddax, took her arm and dragged her from the dining hall. She stomped up the stairs and to Haven's room," Come on, I think we need to go for a ride."

Allowed near*

Haven pushed her over to her room," Get in your riding clothes, and I finally get to take this dress off-" She shut the door and got dressed in her favorite blue and gold outfit, feeling way better. She knocked on Maddax's door," I'm going to the stables,I'll get Quartz ready for you." Instead of taking the stairs Haven jumped from her bedroom window to the tree right outside of it. She slid down and took off to the stables. She threw open the two wide doors and breathed in the smell of hay and horses. She felt way better. She pulled out Quartz and saddled him first, while she took out her usual horse, Ketro, a pretty golden stallion with sweet eyes. (oh, what's this? Leroy isn't there? gAsP, pLot DeVelOpMenT)

Haven turned Ketro around," I think we should ride in the woods instead of the castle grounds, I don't think I can stand it here much longer." She gritted her teeth but looked up and forced a smile," Wanna race?" And before Maddax could answer Haven kicked Ketro and yelled," YE-AH!" And left Quartz and Maddax in the dust.

" HEY-" She kicked Ketro a bit more," Come on boy, let's beat em!" Ketro picked up speed and tied neck to neck with Quartz, but Ketro felt, too good... his head went down and before Haven could pull it up he started to buck wildly. Haven laughed and held on, her heart racing from the thrill, after some fighting she was able to get him to stand still.

Haven huffed," Not fair!" She puffed out her lower lip but laughed," Should we go down the usual trail or go explore today?" She adjusted her sword belt and tightened her ponytail.

Haven rolled her eyes," Well you just KNOW what i'm going to pick." She steered a tired Ketro into the woods," Well come on." She called though the brush.

Haven looked up into the trees, sunlight made everything dappled, and it was just so pretty. She wished she could stay here forever. But then that one thought came back," If Mads is forced to marry someone she doesn't choose, what about me?" She knew that Maddax would swallow her feelings and be the mature big sister she is and do the right thing for her people, but Haven didn't want that. She wanted to ride her horse for forever, and never stop, choose the man she wanted to marry... She turned around to ask Maddax something only to see she wasn't there," MADS?" She yelled," HEY! MADDAX!"

Quartz busted from the trees behind Haven and she was able to grab his reins," MADS?" Haven yelled one more time. There was a howl and her eye's widened. She hopped off from Ketro and tied both horses up and raced through the trees," MADS!" She unsheathed her sword and ran into the opening that the stream was in. There was four wolves that had Maddax backed up too the water," HEY! MUTTS!" Haven yelled. She swung her sword, and with an angry glare in her eyes she said," Get me instead."

(WELLSHITMYBAD) Haven charged and swiped her sword and cut it's head clean off. She stepped in front of Maddax," COME ON THEN, COME AT ME." The two other wolves growled, and one jumped. With a swift moment she sliced the belly and sent it rolling down into the stream. The other turned and fled, but Haven chased after it into the woods," COME BACK HERE YOU *****," She tripped over a tree root and fell," F-****," She said holding her left wrist. She walked back to Maddax," You okay Mads?" She tore of part of her overcoat and wrapped her leg," we, we should go back.." She led her to the horses and helped her up.

Haven stood holding her wrist," I'm sorry Mads, this is all my fault, we need to just go home.." She patted Maddax's arm and walked up to Ketro and untied him. She didn't mount, and simply took Quartz's rains and well and started to walk`both horses out of the woods. After a long a silent walk they reached the castle gates.

"It was my fualt Mads, I should've stayed by you, you don't know how to protect yourself." She kept walking, they were now in the palace gardens. Haven stopped the horses and stared at Maddax with wide eyes,".But-you're the mature one, you're supposed to tell me that- oh I don't know," She winced when her wrist moved," Mads, i'm sorry, I wish I could help.." She stood still and hung her head, her hair flopped over her face.

Haven yelled in pain and smacked her hand away," GET OFF!" Her eyes were wild and she looked so angry. She gasped and her unhurt hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes welled up with tears,she grabbed her wrist and ran.

There was no reply. "Princess Maddax?" Maddax turned around to see Jackson," What,what happened to you?" He walked up and looked her up and down, Runny mascara,puffy eyes from crying,leaves and twigs in her hair,a bloody leg," Forgive me miss but, you're a mess."

Maddax woke up in the hospital wing from a maid dabbing her forehead with a cool wet cloth," Good evening miss, sorry I woke you, are you feeling better?" She opened the curtains on the window next to her bed, flooding the room with moonlight.

The maid gently pushed her back into the pillows of the bed," Princess Haven hasn't been seen since this morning your highness, do you have any idea where she might be?"

"Princess!" The maid forced her back into her cot," You aren't going anywhere, you need to tell me what happened so it can be reported to the king and queen." She huffed and crossed her arms. Haven stared up at the stars. She had wrapped her wrist but it was throbbing now. She pulled her knees up to her chest," I should've known you were out here." Jackson walked from the trees to her and sat down on the boulder she was on," Why aren't you home yet?" "Because,when Ma and Pops learn what happened to Mads right before she was supposed to meet this prince guy I'LL be blamed," she buried her face in her knees," I don't want to be hated even more..." Jackson wrapped an arm around her and she leaned into him.

The maid shoved a bottle under her nose," If you don't stop I will force you to drink this medicine that will knock you out. Besides, her personal guard Jackson is looking for her,he's probably with her right now." "Haven?" "Yeah Jackson?" "I'm worried about you," Haven looked up at him," If this is about my wrist it's just sprained-" He held up a hand to stop her,"No. I mean, if your sister is being forced to marry someone...will you have too to?" Haven looked at the moon," Probably. Ma and Pops want me gone after all." Haven looked back at Jackson, and was shocked to see his eyes shining with a few tears," But I don't want to lose you Haven." Her breath hitched in her throat. He took her face into his hands and leaned in... " NO- I-" She sprung back and fell off the boulder," OW."

The maid sighed and shook her head," You can't move. Your leg needs to heal,so please,just rest." Haven was lying on the ground with her arms and legs sprawled out," I'm sorry I just- no guy has ever touched me like that before..." She got red right away," Oh that sounds wrong," Jackson laughed but his face quickly fell and he looked away," I won't do it again." He looked back to see Haven's face right in front of his," No, you're fine." She kissed his cheek and then jumped up into the trees, disappearing into the night. She jumped from tree to tree, feeling like she was floating on air. She jumped over the castle wall and landed, but slipped,falling right on her butt," Ow."

"I will do so your highness," She bowed and left the room. There was a tapping on the window next to Maddax's bed. Haven stared at her though the glass and pointed at the lock," O P E N." she mouthed.

Haven stepped inside," Hi, h-hows your leg?" She sat on the chair next to her cot,fiddling with a stand of her hair. Her face was red and she had a tiny trace of a smile on her lips.

Haven winced," QUIT!" She tried to force her fingers off," You're hurting me, and it's just sprained." She managed to peel her fingers off her wrist. She rubbed it while staring at the floor," I was angry okay? I needed to be left alone." Her voice was on edge.

"You don't need to get all pissy with me you know!" She stood up and stared at her right in the face," Go ahead and tell Ma and Pop's what happened. I'm not speaking to them OR you anymore." She stormed out of the room,slamming it shut. She raced down the halls and back to her room where she flopped onto her bed. She buried her face in her pillow when the door opened,"Haven,it's me,Jackson." "Jack..?" "Yeah?" "Stay with me for a while.Please." Jackson walked in and closed the door behind him," What happened?" "Nothing." He sat on the bed at her feet," Just tell me." " No." He laughed and sat there before she sat up and put her head on his shoulder.

" I think I should go-" Jackson looked at her face to see her sleeping. He smiled and tucked her into bed. He dimmed all the lamps and left the room. Haven opened her eyes and rubbed them. A bird chirped outside her window," It's morning..?" She got up and looked, sure enough it was morning. She looked down at the ground below and yelled in shock. There was a carriage here,and it had the crest of the Northern Kingdom. Prince Conan's kingdom. The maid ran into Maddax's recovery room," MISS, WAKE UP PLEASE,WE NEED TO HURRY,PRINCE CONAN IS HERE A DAY EARLY!!!"

Haven peered down at the carriage," Why is he a day early..?" She got dressed into one of her gowns, knowing she would be dragged from her room if she didn't come out. It was a pale blue,with navy blue patterns on the bodice. She did her hair and applied a very tiny bit of make-up. She frowned the whole way until she met up with her parents in the main hall. "Look up you horrible excuse for a woman." Her mother snapped. She wouldn't look them her the eye.

Haven squeezed her hand and looked at her from the corner of her eye. That one look said one thing,'I'm sorry.' The doors to the hall opened,and there he stood. Tall,brown hair,young face,he was good-looking, but Haven could sense this coldness surrounding him. Their father stepped up to him and shook his hand,"Prince Conan! We welcome you to our castle, this is my wife,Queen Rory,and my two daughters,Princess Haven," Haven bowed," And Princess Maddax."

Conan took one of her hands and kissed the back of it,even his lips were cold. Haven shuttered,something about this man made her uneasy,he didn't seem like he had good intentions. "Ahem, Maddax, why don't you show Conan the castle grounds? Your sister and I need to talk about some things." He grabbed Haven by the shoulder and forced her away. As they were walking off Haven waved and said," I'll see you later Maddax,love you." And she was gone. Leaving Maddax with this man. Alone.

He shook his head," Not really,just anywhere I guess." He wouldn't look her in the eye. Was he staring at her- no,he's a gentlemen, he wouldn't do that. "I guess we could start with the gardens, those looked nice." He sighed,as if he was bored already.

" So, what do you do when you're not doing your princess duties like singing with birds and kissing babies." He yawned, looking bored out of his mind," You should wear shorter dresses by the way, with deeper neck lines."

"A princess that rides horses? Interesting. I would like to see it." He looked at her shoes," You're limping,from what?"

"Hmm, okay, I'm guessing you can't ride in a dress though,so i'll wait here while you change." He sat on the cobblestone path and stared at his boots.

"Just go." His voice was cold and cruel. It sent shivers down her spine.

Conan sat with his head down, not saying a word. "Your highness." He looked up to see one of his guards," You shouldn't speak to her so coldly if you want her hand in marriage." " I will speak to her how I want."

"Mads?" Haven peeked into her room," Why are you in your riding clothes..?"

Haven walked in and closed the door,she took her hands," What's goin' on? Somethings wrong huh? I noticed he seemed...cold.."

Haven's eyes narrowed," No, something isn't right. What did he say to you? Tell me Mads." She squeezed her hands.

Havens eyes hardened," But you're the one marrying him, not father," she played with her hair," ya know what? I'll follow you from behind, close enough to see and hear what's going on but he won't be able to spot me. Does that make you feel any better?"

Haven hugged her tightly," come on, I'll be right behind you." Holding her hand Haven led her down the stairs and out the doors. She stayed behind but followed along, hiding behind the bushes and trees of the gardens.

"You took a while." He stood to his full hight, why was he so tall? " I'm guessing you'll lead me to the stables correct?" His voice was flat and monotone, Haven absolutely hated it.

Haven followed them as they walked to the stables, Conan looked at the wide range of horses," who should I ride?"

Conan stopped in front of one of the doors," this one looks nice..." Oh God, it was ketro. He thrust his head and snorted when conan tried to pet his nose.

Conan grabbed Ketros head and stared at him right in the face," yes, I'll ride this one. Now saddle them up for me, I'm tired from my tip. Haven was sitting outside the window and she was fuming. Take my horse AND force my sister to do the work? She was shaking with anger.

He yawned, clearly annoyed," took you long enough.." he jumped into the horse and tugged on the reins harshly," I think we should go into the woods I've seen enough of your crumbly gardens." He kicked Ketro a little too hard and the stallion grunted in dismay.

He waited until she took to the lead. He was quiet, and didn't speak a word. Haven leaped from tree to tree, what is he planning...? She could feel her gut telling her something was about to happen.

There was a thud and a crash,Maddax looked behind her to see Conan on the ground, with Ketro lying and withering in pain while his front leg was twisted horribly.

He smacked her hand away," Don't touch me!" He stood off and brushed his coat off," Stupid horse! Tripped over his own feet, now he can't even walk!" He kicked Ketro in the back, making him squeal in pain. Haven was leaning on the tree trunk, high in the leaves. She was sobbing quietly,her heart felt like it was ripped from her chest.

"How DARE you speak to me that way?!" He advanced on her, pushing her back until he had her against a tree trunk," WOMEN KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT AND LET THE MEN DO ALL THE TALKING, HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME IN THAT TONE." he was towering over her, and he raised his hand and gave her a slap across the face.

He glared at her," you're lucky all I did was slap you. Just wait, soon you'll be my wife and I'll punish you for what you did." He stormed off angerly to the castle. Haven leaped down from the trees and cradled Ketros head in her lap, sobbing quietly.

Haven sobbed," n-no, it's too late, he's bleeding too much and a h-horse with a broken leg n-n-never heals." She let out a cry and sobbed harder. Stroking Ketros face, his eyes were fluttering, open, closed, open, closed.

Ketro closed his eyes and haven could feel his last breath come through his nostrils. She stood up and plucked a few strands of his mane,and wiping her tears she braided them, attaching them to her sword hilt. " He will always be with me now." She said in a somber voice. She turned to Maddax," let's go for a walk, I need to cool off."

Haven took her hand and they walked along. Silent tears fell down her face," it's taking all my will power not to go after him and stab him right now." She squeezed her hands.

Haven squeezed her sister tightly, and rocked back and forth. After a long moment she pulled away," You need to tell pop's about this okay? I can't have my big sister married off to some prick." She wiped a tear from Maddox's face," Want to keep walking though? There's something you might want to see."

She once again took her hand gently and led her though the woods. She seemed to know exactly where she was going, and the woods were becoming very thick. " It's just up ahead." She whispered," Stay quiet too, we don't want to scare them off." She winked at Maddax. Haven pushed aside some thorn bushes and hid behind them," Look," A herd of wild horses were grazing in a large meadow, all were shades of gold,white,and redish brown. Except one horse, a large black stallon.

"They've been running through these woods for about a week now, I don't think they're from here, because look," She pointed at a few of the white ones," That breed isn't from here, they must have been from a cargo ship. I was out riding when they started running, damn, I thought it was an earthquake." She looked longingly at the black stallion," I wish I could rope him, he looks like a great challenge."

Haven sat down on the ground," Maybe, but, look at the SIZE of him! I would need father's horse to rangle him," She twirled her hair and got to her feet," It's getting dark, let's go home."

Haven and Maddax walked in silence, the glow of the gates came into view," Princesses!" A guard raced up to them," We've been looking everywhere for you!" he gasped for air," P-please clean yourselves up, then the king and queen would like to speak with you." Haven growled and shoved him aside," I'm not going." She marched off," Come on Mads! You need to see the doctor!"

Haven scoffed," You think I didn't notice you were limping? I was hoping you could walk it out, but I guess it's worse than I thought." She patted Maddax on the back," And i'll be right there, don't worry." She led her to the medic building, and knocked on the door. A nurse opened it," Princess Haven? Princess Maddax?" She sounded surprised, " please come in." Haven made Maddax sit on one of the beds," She was limping pretty badly, and got a good hit to the face."

Haven glared at her," Yes it is." She turned back to the nurse and folded her arms," She was riding with the prince and got smacked by a tree branch, she also stumbled off her horse, hurting her leg." She shot Maddax a look," And she IS GOING to get it looked at." "Yes, thank you very much Haven." She went and grabbed a few things before working on her face and leg," She needs to stay off this leg for at least two days." She said when she was finished.

Haven laughed," Come on, lets get you to your room." She hoisted her up and had her lean on her shoulder," Thank you!" She said to the nurse. Haven helped Maddax stumble up to the palace, and up the stairs, and finally, to her room.

Haven laughed," It's not that bad! I'll be here too, don't worry. " She patted her good leg," We can have a slumber party!" She jumped up," Go and get cleaned up, I will too, then i'll sneak into the kitchen and grab some snacks!" She bounced on her feet," be right back!!" She raced to her room and right away started to freshen up.

Haven got dressed in her night clothes, then snuck down into the kitchen, grabbing crackers,cake,popcorn, and anything she could get her grubby hands on. She raced from the kitchen and ran into Maddax's room," I GOT THE GOODS.:

Haven dumped the food onto Maddax's bed and squatted to examine her leg," I forgot you were bit. Maybe I could get some ointment from the nurse in the morning for you." She grabbed some crackers and shoved them in her mouth," So, what are you going to do about this whole prince situation?" She asked after she swallowed.

(bRuh iMA bEAT u)

Haven blinked slowly," Gosh do you have to sound so formal all the time?" She laughed," I would march right up to father, and tell him," I will NOT be marrying this bastard.'" Haven crossed her arms and nodded to herself. She grabbed a mini cake and almost inhaled it," I don't want to get married," She said quietly," Especially to someone that father picks."

Haven shoved her shoulder playfully," Oh come on, i've heard you curse a few times when you've stumbled," She flopped onto the bed on her back," No you're good, but.." She put her arm over her eyes," Sometimes I wish father did care."

Haven was quiet for a minute," yeah... Besides, who wants to wear a huge poofy wedding dress anyways?" She laughed, but it sounded a bit forced," So how many kids are you going to have with Mr. Asshole prince?" She smiled at Maddax and then her eyes lit up," Oo I have an idea for what we should do tomorrow, you'll get a break from that prince too."

Haven laughed so hard her eyes started to water," YOuR fACE!" she had to take a second to get her breath back," I was thinking we could go to the tidepools by the ocean tomorrow, the water could help your leg, and it would be super fun!"

"Wait no no not the actual ocean, the tidepools higher up from shore, near the cliff, we won't be near the ocean at all because hightide is only at night." She grabbed Maddax's hand," Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,"

Haven's eyebrows furrowed," We don't have to go if you don't want to, there's always the rivers and creeks in the woods if you would rather go there?"

Haven raised an eyebrow," Okay, but if you freak out i'm going to tell you that you agreed to this okay?" She curled up like a cat at the foot of the bed," I'm so tired, but at the same time not?" She giggled. All Haven could think about though was getting up before sunrise and seeing Jackson, and she could feel her face growing hot.