@hergrvce
One hand bracing his ribs and another pressing a handkerchief to his nose, Thomas made his way as stealthily as possible through the servants corridors towards the part of the palace that housed the English’s apartments. He still wasn’t quite sure what had happened. One minute he had been reading in his room, the next minute William had knocked at the door and greeted Thomas with a fist. The young Prince had found out somehow about his twin’s relationship with her tutor, and had seemingly decided to take matters into his own hands. Thomas had always found William to be unpleasant, but even this was a step further than he had ever anticipated. He had never expected the man to be violent. But if he thought it would dissuade Thomas from continuing the relationship then he was wrong. Yes, Thomas was a cautious man by nature but he wasn’t about to take the coward’s way out. He loved Anneliese more than anything, and a bloody face and bruised ribs wasn’t going to change that.
The apartments were quiet, the wall sconces casting long shadows down the hall, a clock chiming midnight in the drawing room. He carefully picked his way towards Anneliese’s room, coming to a stop outside her door. Relinquishing his hold on his ribs, he quietly knocked at the door. “Liese, it’s me.” The words somewhat muffled from the handkerchief staunching the flow of blood. “Let me in? Please.” Every breath hurt and he wasn’t sure how much longer he would be able to stand.