Someone else saves her

Before she could decide her course of action, a pair of hands reached out and grabbed her from out of nowhere. She thought of screaming, but that would draw attention to her. Instead she stayed quiet and let the pair of hands have their way with her for the time being. Then she caught a whiff of something pungent, and before she knew it she drifted off into unconsciousness.

Sophiana woke up to find a tall figure dressed in black towering over her. She sat up and looked around her, and was surprised to find out she was still in some part of the castle. "I guess I should thank you for rescuing me" she said. The figure said nothing. Instead it held a finger up to its lips as a gesture for her to be quiet. Then Sophiana heard footsteps outside the room they were in, and she understood why the figure had gestured to her to be quiet.

Moments passed as the sound of footsteps faded away into nothing. "You're welcome" said the dark figure. It was a male voice. "It's not often people get to rescue a princess every day. I guess today is a lucky day for both of us."

"Do you know what's going on? Is there anything you can tell me about my parents?"

The dark figure moved closer to her, and sat down beside her. He pulled off his mask. "Yes, I am afraid it dire news for you though. The King is dead, and the Queen as been taken hostage. She is to be **** and turned into a **** at an impromptu banquet and ceremony by the traitors who were responsible for their downfall."

Sophiana started to cry, and the stranger pulled her close and held her against his shoulder. "I know how you feel. I lost someone very close to me. All I could do was stand and watch as they stripped her, and **** themselves on her like wild animals. I never thought they would kill her, but it's probably just as well that they did. She was one of the kitchen girls here at the castle."

"I'm so sorry for your loss, too" said Sophiana. She hugged tighter as they both sat for awhile, comforting each other. "What was her name?" she finally found the courage to ask.

"Her name was Glendalina. She had golden hair and eyes of the deepest blue, and the cutest lilting laugh you'd ever want to hear. She was always happy, and she loved her work. She always told me there was no greater thing than to serve the royal family.

Sophiana remembered the girl. They had met a few times in passing. She always had kind words to say, and never had a frown on her face.

"I knew her, though not very well I'm afraid. She was always pleasant to me, well to everyone. She always wore a smile."

"Yes, she did" smiled the stranger. "I'm glad you knew her. It somehow makes things a little bit better to know that." He looked into the princess' eyes. "I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Theron Loxmont, and I am at your service. I am a rogue by trade in case you're wondering."

"A rogue?" Sophiana was surprised. "Aren't they like thieves?"

"Actually a rogue is much more than a thief" he started to explain. "We do much more than pick people's pockets for a living. I'd rather think more of myself as being a stealthy treasure hunter than as a thief. And before you ask, no I don't belong to a guild. I'm an independent operator who has ties to no one. Well, I should correct that. I have ties, but they're loose ones."

"Whatever you are is fine with me, Theron Loxmont" said Sophiana. "I won't judge you, even if you are a common thief, " Theron started to protest, "which you are not. I owe my life to you, and I don't know how I will ever repay that debt."

"Don't worry, I'll put it on your tab" said Theron. "Right now the real trick is going to be in getting us both out of here alive. And after that, I know of someone who can keep you safe for a while. I'll take you to her, if we get out of here."