Princess Treatment Season 2 Episode 16 "Rescue Mission part 2"

The fortress loomed ahead as night fell. Maximillian scanned its walls through a spyglass. "The main gates are sealed, as expected. But see - the western postern has slackened guard."

Cedric grinned. "Then that is our entry. Arabella, remain safely out of reach with the scouts until our return." A hug and kiss blessed their parting.

Under cloaks of darkness, Cedric's team ghosted to the postern and slipped within. Maximillian led them unerringly through twisting passageways lit dimly by smoky lamps.

They came upon two guards dicing at an intersection. Amelia and Gabriel dragged them aside silently and bound them. But as they resumed course, Amelia's wrist brushed Gabriel's - and sparks like live wires shot between them, however unwelcome.

Deeper into the maze they stole, straining ears for any sign of Seraphina. Rafael's malicious laugh suddenly echoed from above; the hunt was on. Their princess's fate hung by the narrowest of threads - and tensions within the rescuers threatened to fray them further still...

Amelia spied a staircase and whispered to Maximilian, "That must lead to the dungeon." He nodded assent and they climbed down.

In the gloom, Amelia's foot caught a loose stone. She stumbled into Gabriel, who caught her arms to steady her. Electricity crackled between them once more, and for a moment they stared silently at each other.

Valerian scowled in jealousy. "Keep your hands to yourself, Gabriel."

Maximilian sensed the anger rising. "Now is not the time, men. We've a mission."

They discovered the dungeon cells but no Seraphina. Only a battered guard remained, who coughed, "Rafael took her...to the tower..."

As they rushed back up, Gabriel pulled Amelia aside. "We'll speak later," he said meaningfully. But Valerian inserted himself. "You'll do nothing of the kind."

Sparks flew near to blows before Maximilian separated them. "Enough! Our princess needs us united."

Their quest grew ever more grim - as did the threat from within their own ranks. Love and envy stirred volatility that might see them all undone...

The team raced up the tower steps, Maximilian leading. As they climbed, the sounds of a struggle intensified - and Rafael's manic cackle.

They burst into the chamber to find Rafael choking Seraphina, her face turning blue. With a roar Cedric charged and body slammed the villain away from her. "You'll not claim another life, monster!"

Gabriel and Valerian joined the brawl, pounding Rafael mercilessly as Maximilian cut Seraphina's bonds. But Rafael was devilishly strong, swinging Gabriel by the collar to crash into Amelia.

She caught Gabriel's weight, and their eyes met with surprise and affection - noticed too keenly by jealous Valerian. He shouted and plowed his fist into Rafael's jaw, rejoining the melee.

Seraphina gasped for air as Maximilian scooped her up. "We must away, quickly!" But Rafael seized a dagger, lunging at Cedric's exposed back - only for Amelia to throw her dagger first, pinning Rafael's wrist to the wall in a spray of blood.

For a moment all was still. Then Cedric grinned. "Well done! Now let us depart this cursed place forever."

Though their mission was complete, tensions lingered among the rescue party as they fled Rafael's fortress under cover of night.

Seraphina leaned weakly against Maximilian, eyes fluttering shut with exhaustion. "I have you now, Your Highness," he soothed. "Rest - you are safe."

Meanwhile, Amelia strode ahead, lost in turbulent thought. Gabriel matched her pace, reaching for her hand. "Amelia, we must speak when there is opportunity." But she pulled away, eyes downcast. "There is nothing to say."

Valerian glowered after them, jealousy a bitter poison on his tongue. If not for the urgency of escape, he might have challenged Gabriel then and there.

As the grey light of dawn broke, their horses came into sight where left concealed. Arabella ran to embrace Cedric and Seraphina in turn, tears of relief dampening her cheeks.

Yet an air of melancholy lingered over the travel-weary company as they mounted up once more. The road remained long, and storms of emotion still threatened their united front...

The journey home proved arduous for all, yet most especially for Amelia, torn between duty and desire. As their company camped that night, she walked alone beneath the stars, seeking clarity.

Unseen, Gabriel and Valerian followed, hoping to sway her. But when they found her, old flames were fanned anew. "She is mine," snarled Valerian. "You would do well to forget her."

"I cannot," said Gabriel softly. "My heart is hers, as hers is mine." Fists flew as the men came to blows, the clash of steel soon joining their furious cries.

Alarmed, Maximilian and Cedric hurried over, dragging the combatants apart. "Enough!" boomed Maximilian. But passions burned too hot for calm counsel.

Amelia watched in anguish, feeling the seeds of discord she'd sown. Only by making a choice could peace be restored, the fractures in their fellowship healed. But which path led to wisdom, and which to deeper strife? On the morrow, a decision must be made...one that would shape their fates, for good or ill.