(Luxa pov)
The torches in my living quarters were almost burned out, and I guessed that it was almost midnight. I could still feel tears tracing hot patterns down my face from my fight with Vikus earlier that night. I remembered Vikus's words and I once again reviewed my options, marry some brainless suitor, or abdicate the throne and hand it over to my greedy and equally as horrid as a cutter, cousin Stellovet. Both options were repulsive, and I wished for the thousandth and something time that I had Gregor by my side to face my sixteenth birth date. It had been five years two months and eleven days since he had left the underland. Even with the war for peace raging I could not help but feel the pain of my warrior's absence. If I had Gregor by my side my choice would be easy. The fight with Vikus had occurred while interviewing suitors. Kale, who Vikus was talking to at the time, nearly wet himself and for some reason Vikus thought it childish of me to make a comment about catch cloths. The fight was broken up by Mareth, who told me later that since Vikus was getting older I must be careful, that he is more fragile than he was when I was eleven. I am wishing for Gregor again now for he would know exactly what to do.
I am interrupted by a soft knock at my door. "who is it" I call "Luxa it is Hazzard, I wish to speak to you" I sighed at any other time I would be happy to have the company of my half lander twelve year old cousin, and I did not wish for him to be sad so I called "the door is open". when Hazzard walked/ran into my chambers, I could tell he was bursting with excitement over some new scheme. he had been like this lately and though some guards were angered by his mischief, it made me laugh. "what is on your mind now?" Hazzard looked at me straight in the eye and said "I do not know what you are speaking of". I smiled I knew his games well, after about ten seconds of silence he could not wait any longer. "FINE I will speak..." I rolled my eyes at this "I have figured out a way for you to be reunited with Gregor and be queen!"
I froze. "how do you suggest I reach Gregor? he is in the state of Virginia Hazzard, not to mention I am forbidden to go to the overland." Hazzard smiled and said "when did the council say that you specifically could not?." "Well..." Hazard's smile grew wider as he spoke, "when Luxa?" I could feel my eyes grow wide as I realized, "they did not..." I whispered and then I smiled
As I ran down the hall I saw Mareth and Perdita, I could not help but think what a cute couple they made. it seemed to take forever to reach the museum, and when I reached it there was also time wasted as I found clothing and protection from the sun. About thirty minutes later I was racing away from regalia on the back of my bond, a golden bat named Aurora. flying up the tunnel towards the portal first used by Gregor six years ago, my heart beat wildly. adrenaline was pumping through my veins and my stomach was in knots. it was then that we reached the grate, so i bid farewell to Aurora and told her to wait at the water way. my heart felt as if it were going to explode. i was about to see my Gregor for the first time in five years. I took a deep breath, steeled my nerved, and pushed through the grate.