"We can't stay in one spot then," Solomon decided. "Not for too long, at least. We should rest until the early morning, just as the sun is rising, if we can time it."
Rose stood up and brushed off the dirt and leaves. "Agreed. I can keep watch for the night, if that's okay."

Solomon sat down to catch his breath. "Gods, so much has happened today!" he exclaimed. And it was true - he'd met and rescued a real life princess, fought assassins, died, and rescued his killer from a fire. Like the gentleman he was, though, his thoughts turned towards the Princess. "Amalthea, how are you holding up in all this?"

Amalthea exhaled loudly and sat on the ground beside him. "Considering that I've barely had a good night's sleep in months and was nearly murdered, I could be doing worse. I felt so helpless back there at the inn. While you were fighting for me with everything you had, I could only sit back and wait for results. What I regret most, though, is not bringing a weapon. I can swordfight pretty well, but I'm nearly useless in a fight otherwise."

She glared at Rose. "You, however, are a royal pain. I don't know what Solomon sees in you. You're just a killer to me, and that's all you'll ever be."

Rose cringed. She bowed herself to the earth before the princess. "You have every right to be angry. You've tried so hard to live up to your birth and fought tooth and nail to gain the respect of the court. You didn't deserve to be hunted down like a dog. I have treated you far beneath your station, and truly, I deserve to be hanged. If forgiveness is too much to ask, I will be content with tolerance in your noble presence. Just please, I beg you, do not cast me out."

The princess sat there, stunned by the assassin's apology. "Well- um, ah, yes, I see. Behave yourself from now on. I've got my eye on you."

Rose's face brightened.

Amalthea coughed into her fist. "I guess we should call it a day, then. I say we camp here until dawn."

Rose pointed to a bowl-shaped rock formation in the mountainside. "Solomon, you're the experienced courier here. What do you think of that area? We won't be easily seen from most directions except directly above."