Dedicated to jully1620, a faithful reader who constantly leaves encouraging comments that make me smile to read! Enjoy!
~~~

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

It was the sound of footsteps. Over and over the noise repeated.

"They are here," William whispered to Rose. A jumble of emotions filled Rose's chest - excitement, fear, trepidation, hope, and relief.

Eliad's army stood nervously in perfect formation. Rose had to hold back her sorrow as she stared at the young and old and all those in between, who suddenly looked like they weren't so sure they wanted to be there. What was it like to stand there knowing they were about to fight against their own King? What was it like to know they would face death in order to fight for a cause they had been manipulated and tricked into following?

The sound of the approaching army grew louder. Rose stared out against the opposite trees, straining to see the men coming. She could hardly wait, yet she wished it had not come to this.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Their footsteps were closer. William smiled softly at Rose. They both had their hands tied, but instead of being attached to a tree they were simply under heavy guard next to Eliad.

As the sounds grew louder, Eliad nodded at the guard closest to Rose. Without a word, Rose was lifted over to Eliad who sat atop his horse. She cried out her protest, kicking her legs, but Eliad paid her no attention. William frowned but stayed quiet - what could he do, after all?

Rose turned her attention back to the opposite trees. A sudden ray of light temporary blinded her. She blinked, then saw where the light had come from. It had reflected off from a piece of armour. A piece of Tristan's armour.

He was here.

At once Rose wanted to run to him and squeeze him with all of her might. Tears formed in her eyes just from seeing him again - how badly she had missed him, how badly her heart had ached and ached!

He was there, leading his army. Most of his face was covered by his armour, but his visor was lifted up so she could see his eyes.

"Remember him now, Rose," Eliad whispered into her ear. "For this is the last time you will see him."

His words sent a shiver down her back, but she refused to listen. Tristan's eyes scanned the army until they came to rest on Rose.

"Rose!" He cried. His eyes widened and he immediately started forward, his army following him with a hastened pace.

"Halt," Eliad ordered loudly. His hand whipped out in front of Rose, until something cold rested against her throat. "Or she dies." There was no teasing, no doubt in Eliad's voice. The dagger pressed against her skin. Rose froze, too afraid to even swallow.

Tristan immediately stopped.

"Eliad, let her go," Tristan replied, staring at the man dangerously. Eliad snorted.

"I do not think so."

"You do not want to do this. You are outnumbered, your warriors are not trained, and you are unprepared."

Rose stared at Tristan wide-eyed. He gazed back at her, his eyes longing and impatient.

"Be that as it may, but I have the girl," Eliad taunted.

"Give her to me."

"No." Eliad pressed the dagger tighter, causing Rose to gasp. The metal pricked her skin and she felt a small cut begin to bleed.

"Stop!" It was her brother. Out of the corner of her eye she saw William struggling against his bonds, his guards holding him back as he desperately tried to reach her.

"Think carefully, Your Highness," Eliad mocked. "One wrong move and I will end her life before your eyes."

Rose's heart was beating so fast she felt sick.

"Why don't you get off your horse and fight me like a man," Tristan challenged, his hands clenched tightly into fists.

"Ha! I will not be goaded into fighting you when I can win without moving a muscle," Eliad responded.

"Eliad, stop," Rose whispered, leaning as far away from the dagger as she could. Eliad held her tightly, like iron chains around her chest.

"What did you say, Rose? Make him suffer?" Eliad asked with a chuckle.

"You do not have to do this. It isn't too late," Rose begged.

"Alas, it is too late. Ten years too late for the Royal Family to finally choose to face me, to make things right with me," Eliad whispered into her ear.

"Eliad, do not be a fool," Tristan called out. "How do you think it looks to your followers - a man too afraid to fight like he should?"

Rose raised an eyebrow, surprised at his words. Eliad growled quietly. It dawned on her suddenly, and she widened her eyes. Was this Tristan's plan? He would make Eliad look bad and tempt him into fighting, instead of simply using Rose? She did not know if she thought the plan was genius or ridiculous. Let it work, God. Let it work.

"How shameful to know that you were too scared to fight the Prince!" Tristan taunted.

"Bah!" Eliad scoffed, never releasing the dagger from Rose's throat.

"To think I thought you must be a courageous leader to create such a force! You are nothing but a coward!" Tristan exclaimed. His army roared in agreement, echoing their own thoughts.

"Enough!" Eliad hissed, silencing the crowd. Eliad's followers stared up at him anxiously. "I could beat you in a fight with one flick of my sword."

"Prove it," Tristan challenged. Eliad was quite for a minute. Rose and Tristan stared at each other.

With a huff Eliad shoved Rose away from him and off the horse, into the arms of a nearby guard.

"Do not let go of her," Eliad warned. The guard nodded and held Rose's forearms tightly. Eliad dropped to the ground and pulled his sword out. He swung it around a few times; it hissed through the air with a deadly whoosh. At once, Rose was terrified for Tristan. "If it is a fight you want, it is a fight you will get," Eliad said with another flick of his sword.

God, let us win. Protect Tristan.

"Attack," Tristan said in a voice so calm he could have been commenting on the weather. With a surge, Tristan's army roared and moved forward, their swords raised high and armour shining.

A knight began attacking Rose's guard. Her guard just brought his sword up in time to block the blow. With one hand still holding Rose, he did not have the advantage. The knight was relentless, striking with blow after blow until the guard was forced to release Rose. Rose could feel the panic seeping off the man.

"Run, Rose! Get out of here," the knight yelled. With a gasp, Rose realised it was Samuel. She did not hesitate to react to his words. Rose charged past the pair fighting and looked around desperately.

It was mayhem - the clearing was full of bodies fighting and shouting; the Twisted Heart echoed with the sounds of swords ringing and clashing. Rose whipped her head to either side, searching for a safe place to hide. She could not see anyone she recognized - not Tristan, William, or even Eliad.

Not pausing to ponder her options, she ran with all her might towards the opposite trees, where Tristan's army had arrived from. She weaved through fighting bodies, squeaking as she ducked under the swing of a sword. The men fighting did not pay attention to her.

She dashed towards the line of trees - she was almost there! As she was running, a nearby knight swung his arm out, preparing to send a forceful blow to his opponent. The hilt of his sword hit Rose roughly in her temple - she had not had time to duck. Her head was pushed to the side forcefully. The blow sent dots to her eyes and her head erupted in pain. Her thoughts instantly felt foggy - out of place, like she could not quite remember what she was meant to be doing.

Rose blinked. She took one step, then another, as her vision swarmed dizzyingly. Another step, and she collapsed. Blackness engulfed her as she fell to the ground.

~

Tristan charged with everything in him to his enemy, Eliad. Around him, the ring and roar of knights clashing with the rebels sounded. Tristan blocked them out and focused on Eliad. With a roar, he swung his sword and violently attacked Eliad.

Eliad blocked the blow with a grunt; his eyes glared coldly at Tristan.

"Surrender now, Eliad," Tristan hissed, "and I will not kill you."

Eliad growled and swung his sword out in an arc. Tristan blocked the sword and was quick to reciprocate, his sword flicking out rapidly. With a flurry, he went on the offensive, sending blow after blow in rapid succession. Eliad was talented and trained and managed to block each strike, though he grunted every time Tristan pressed down on him.

The battle raged on around them, so chaotic and intense it was almost a blur. Out of nowhere, Eliad's sword flew towards Tristan's right. He raised his sword just in time.

With an annoyed grunt, Tristan yanked his helmet off - the metal was reducing his line of sight. He dropped the helmet to the side and licked his lips, waiting for Eliad's next move.

"How lovely to see your face," Eliad said sarcastically. "What a shame it is that I," Eliad swung his sword, "have to kill you," he hissed as his sword attacked Tristan. Tristan ducked the blow and immediately retaliated.

"Not if I kill you first," Tristan responded.

Their battle seemed to go forever, neither one ever making progress - too evenly were their skills matched. Tristan's arm was burning from the weight of his sword, but he ignored the pain and tightened his grip on the weapon. Eliad was panting, matching Tristan's own hard breathing.

"I do hope Rose forgives you for leaving her for all those weeks," Eliad said innocently. Tristan growled and immediately continued with his assault. For Rose.

With each blow, Tristan seemed to become stronger and faster. With each strike, Eliad looked more and more panicked; his breathing laboured and arms shaking from exertion.

"Give up!" Tristan growled.

"Never!" Eliad cried, blocking Tristan's sword once again.

"You are tired, Eliad," Tristan said. His sword moved at such a rapid speed, even Tristan had difficulty keeping his eye on it.

"Me? I could do this all day," Eliad laughed, though his eyes betrayed his statement. They were wide and tinted with fear. Eliad moved from the defensive and began attacking Tristan. Tristan blocked his strikes easily, feeling newly invigorated and exceptionally calm.

His relaxation was short lived. Eliad flicked his sword up high, catching Tristan off guard, and nicked Tristan on the forehead, just above his left eyebrow. Tristan hissed from the pain as he felt the familiar feeling of warm blood begin to drip.

"Your confidence may just be the death of you," Eliad taunted, his eyes shining victoriously. Tristan growled and pressed forward, attacking Eliad faster and harder.

Again the two fought too evenly matched. Their blows rang through the clearing as they attacked and blocked, both panting once again. Tristan swung his sword again, and once again Eliad blocked. Their swords stayed pressed together mid-air. Tristan glared at his opponent, staring straight into his cold eyes.

His eyes showed determination and malice, yet mingled in them was a deep rooted fear.

"You are afraid," Tristan laughed, pulling his sword back and striking again.

"Of you? Never," Eliad responded. Again their swords met mid-air.

"No. Of what happens when you fail."

Eliad growled, but Tristan saw the flicker of acknowledgement in his eyes. Eliad was out of breath and his hands shook.

"You cannot win," Tristan said.

Heart pounding with determination, Tristan sent a final, hard blow to Eliad's hand. His opponent had not been prepared for the strike. Eliad hissed and dropped his sword automatically. His eyes widened and he immediately reached for the weapon. Tristan acted fast and dove forward, kicking the sword far away from Eliad's reach. Eliad tripped as he reached for the weapon. He collapsed onto his stomach, then rolled onto his back when he realised he could not reach the sword. The next second, Tristan had his sword up to Eliad's neck. The weapon glinted in the sun.

Tristan panted as a smile slowly made its way onto his face. Eliad's eyes were horrified yet angry and unrelenting.

"You win. Make the final blow," Eliad said angrily. Tristan moved, ready to do as suggested, then hesitated. "What are you waiting for?" Eliad roared furiously.

As he stared into the cold eyes of his opponent, he saw life. A life given by God, despite the mistakes Eliad had made. It was not Tristan's place to take it, no matter how much he hated the man. With a sigh, Tristan took one step back, keeping his sword planted firmly against Eliad's throat.

"Tristan!" Tristan whipped his head up to see his knight, William, running over to him. He had somehow managed to remove the rope around his wrists and found a sword to fight with.

"William, good to see you," Tristan said with a smile. He flicked his eyes back to Eliad who was glowering at the sky. "Have you seen Rose?" Tristan asked, scanning the battlefield. The battle seemed to be coming to an end. Most people had surrendered, and the few that still fought were quickly realising that they were heavily outnumbered.

"No. But go. Look for her. I will handle Eliad," William said with an amused smirk. Relief flooded Tristan - he was desperate to find Rose.

"Thank you, William," Tristan replied.

"This is for my sister," William said. With that, he promptly seated himself on top of Eliad's stomach. Eliad let out a groan and William grinned. Tristan could not help but chuckle at the sight. "He's not going anywhere," William assured.

Tristan turned and searched briefly for Rose. His knights were handling the battle well and he had no doubt that they would be fine without him. Victorious. Tristan had to beam. His beam soon turned into a frown when he could not see Rose. He stopped a passing knight with his hand.

"Have you seen Rose?"

The knight shook his head. Over and over Tristan asked the question, with the same negative answer. He began running, frantically searching for her. Oh God, I cannot lose her now.

He dashed through the battlefield, scanning desperately. He scanned to his left.

"Tristan!" Someone called. Tristan turned his head to see a group of men crowding around someone on the ground. No. His heart stopped as fear and devastation overwhelmed him; he was barely able to move. On the ground he could just see the tattered remains of a ripped blue dress. Rose.

He sprinted to her, his heart shattering. She can't be dead. She can't be dead. He pushed through the crowd desperately, his eyes only on her. She was laying on the ground, her face pale and eyes closed. She seemed so much smaller - thinner, from weeks of being without food. Her wrists were tied together; he could see blood crusted under the ropes. Her dress was torn and nearly grey with dirt.

"She is alive," one knight murmured to him when he saw Tristan's frantic expression. The relief was so strong he nearly dropped to the ground.

"Help her! Help her up," Tristan ordered. One knight reached under Rose's back gently and pulled her up into a sitting position. Her head lolled to the side. Another knight cut away at the rope around her wrists. Tristan sagged to his knees and moved over to her. He caressed her cheek gently and cupped her face.

Let her be okay. Don't let her die, Tristan begged, tears threatening to form as he stared at Rose. He could not lose her now.

"Rose," he murmured, stroking her cheek with his thumb. Please wake up. A small frown made its way onto her face. Tristan grinned and stroked her cheek again. "Wake up, Rose," he said quietly. Rose groaned and slowly her eyes fluttered open.

~

Rose groaned as the side of her head pounded in pain. Slowly she opened her eyes and came face to face with warm brown eyes that made her want to cry.

"Tristan?" She whispered, hardly daring to believe that this was real - that he was here. He was sweaty and looked tired, and one cut bled above his eyebrow, but to Rose he had never been more beautiful.

"I'm here," Tristan whispered, blinking back tears. Rose stared at him, suddenly overwhelmed. Tears flooded her eyes and with a cry she pulled herself to Tristan and hugged him tightly. Tristan squeezed her like his life depended on it. His arms were so strong and protective, at once she felt safe. I'm home.

She heard footsteps and opened her eyes to see the surrounding knights leaving to give them privacy. Rose closed her eyes again and sobbed as she held onto Tristan.

"Do not cry, my love," Tristan whispered into her ear. His voice was hoarse, as if he was holding back his own tears.

"I'm so, so sorry," Rose finally sobbed out. Tristan pulled back slightly so he could see her. There was so much joy and love in his eyes that Rose wanted to weep even more.

"What for?" Tristan asked, as he moved a hand to caress her cheek.

"Everything I said back in the clearing was a lie. I-I had to protect you, I thought I would l-lose you," she sobbed.

"I know, I know," Tristan repeated gently, pulling her face to his shoulder. "I'm going to take care of you," he whispered.

"I never wanted to h-hurt you. But Eliad said he would kill you, and-and-" Tristan held up his hand to her mouth to stop her babbling. He stared at her for one, brief second.

"I love you so much." And with that, his lips came crashing down to her own. Rose clutched him tightly and poured all of her love and sorrow into the kiss.

It didn't matter that they were in the middle of a battlefield, that people were watching or that she was only a servant. The world faded and finally, at last, she had Tristan. Tristan kissed her so thoroughly until she felt dizzy. Her hand ran through his hair and she could not help but smile.

He pulled back from her with an enormous grin on his face.

"I waited a long time for that," he said. Rose giggled, almost hysterically from all her pent up emotion, and moved forward to kiss him one more time. It was short but sweet, a tender display of love between the two.

Tristan pulled away with a sigh and rested his forehead against hers.

"I love you, Tristan," Rose whispered.

"I have missed you so much," he responded, his hands moving behind her head to clutch her hair. They stayed like that for a moment.

"What happened to Eliad?" She hated to ruin the moment, but she was truly curious.

"William is sitting on him," Tristan replied, as he pulled his head away to stare at her in amusement.

"What?" She giggled.

"See for yourself!" Tristan turned to point in the right direction. William, looking quite comfortable, looked over his shoulder and smiled jubilantly, waving at them. Rose laughed then, fully and loudly, her voice echoing through the clearing and bringing smiles to everyone. Joy filled her. She was with Tristan, William was okay, the battle was over, and Eliad was defeated. Tristan pulled her to him to give her another, tight hug.

"I have exciting news," Rose said with a grin. Tristan stood up and pulled Rose to her feet, intertwining their hands.

"Do share with me," he said, his grin never fading.

"William is my brother."

Tristan's mouth dropped so wide and his eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets. Rose cackled hilariously, unable to stop the giggles from his expression.

"No," he said in awed disbelief.

"Truly," Rose promised.

"What else is new?" Tristan asked, astonished.

"I made a new friend," Rose said. She looked around the clearing. "Mira!" She called, delighted when she saw her friend. The woman was surrounded by knights who were watching her suspiciously. Her eyes were wide and afraid, but she raised her hand in a wave when she saw Rose.

"Who is that?" Tristan asked curiously.

"She was part of Eliad's army," Rose began to explain. Tristan raised his eyebrows but did not say anything. "But she is so, so sorry! She didn't want to go through with the plan! Eliad manipulated her and she didn't think she had a choice - please forgive her, you have to," Rose rushed out, her eyes pleading. Tristan smiled and released one of her hands. He raised his hand and ran it gently across her forehead, easing away the frown that had formed.

"Here you are, finding family members, befriending people, and converting members of Eliad's army. Why, you did not need my help at all," he teased.

"Of course I did," she giggled. Tristan smiled at her and pecked her gently.

"We will work out what to do with Eliad's rebels later. But if you say Mira is a friend, I believe you," he promised. "Are you well?" He asked gently. Rose leaned against him and Tristan wrapped his arms around her. She sighed in contentment.

"My head hurts a little. I am hungry, thirsty, and a little tired. But I am well," she assured him.

"My brave girl," Tristan murmured.

"To think you sent an entire army after me," Rose said in amazement.

"I would send much more, and give much more for you, my Rose," he promised. He kissed her forehead gently. It seemed that now that he finally, finally, had her back, he would not be letting go of her anytime soon.

"Where to now?" Rose asked, smiling up at him.

"To home," Tristan whispered, before his lips came crashing back down on hers.

Heaven, Rose thought as she happily surrendered herself to his kiss.

~~~
This isn't the last chapter!!!!
There will be one more chapter and then an epilogue before this comes to an end! :)