Maddie sat on her bed, crying slightly. She stared at her mother's crown which she was twirling in her hands (https://www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g2-M01-E5-9D-rBVaGlYfb1KAb_UpAAIzndaezvw576.jpg/bridal-wedding-jewelry-queen-crowns-tiaras.jpg). She remembered back to before they ran away.
"Run, Madelina," Arkayna whispered, slowly turning to stone.
"But Mother!" Maddie cried, looking over at Malvaron who had already been turned to stone.
"Take my crown. Remember me always. Know that I love you." Maddie did what her mother said. Almost immediately she was swept off her feet by Andion, who was trying to get her out of the castle.
Tears ran down Maddie's cheeks.
Andion could sense something was wrong with Maddie but not wanting to go down there himself, sent a baby dragon down instead. It cautiously crept into the cabin and walked around Maddie’s feet.
Maddie wiped her tears as a smile appeared on her face. "Hi there little buddy," She said softly.
Andion smiled to himself and made the dragon jump up onto Maddie’s lap, a look in it’s eyes to indicate an apology from Andion about today.
Maddie giggled as the dragon jumped into her lap, mistaking the apology in it's eyes for just being adorable. She made a small fire in her palm.
The dragon spread its wings, making a small sound as it did so. It then breathed a huff of smoke and the smoke formed the words, I’m sorry about today, A. Then the dragon settled down and went to sleep.
Maddie cupped her hands around her mouth and whispered something. She then sent it up to Andion and tried to get to sleep. The words whispered into Andion's ear, Me too, M.
Andion smiled softly and kept watch that night, staying on the roof and making sure nothing disturbed them.
Maddie woke up with the sun shining through the window of her part of the tree house.
Andion jumped down from the roof and walked inside, placing his sword across the table.
Maddie reached out of her window and plucked an apple from a nearby tree.
“Did you sleep well, Highness?” Andion asked, still not looking at Maddie.
"As well as I can considering my parents are now made of stone and I've lost my kingdom."
“Sorry, stupid question.” He muttered, slipping back into silence. He was unusually quiete that morning, more reserved and alert then normal.
"There is no such thing as a stupid question. Silly, yes. But not stupid."
“There is, Highness. You just haven’t had any directed towards yourself.” He said, not looking at her.
"I'm just saying what my dad told me," Maddie said softly, huffing slightly.
“I know,” Andion sighed, “I’m going out and no, n-no you can’t come.” He stuttered, he never stuttered.
"Fine. I didn't want to go out with you this time anyway."
Andion sighed, “I’m not hunting if that’s what you’re wondering but you still can’t come. I’ll be back shortly.” He said, leaving the tree house.
Maddie watched Andion leaving from the railing of the tree house. Why doesn't he get it?
Andion flipped his hood up, the cloak behind him rustling in the slight breeze and headed west, hoping Maddie wasn’t following.
Maddie had a sudden idea. "I'll go into town as Odette!" She said out loud.
Andion didn’t go into town but passed just outside of it, heading towards a grave yard.
She magically changed into peasant clothes and started to head out the tree house before the she remembered something. She quickly put her glamour on and then climber out via a vine.
