Septimus rushed out the door of the Wizard Tower. The snow continued to fall softly as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard ran across Wizard Way. Just five minutes ago, Septimus had heard of the terrible news from Stanley. The Queen, Jenna, was in critical condition and was presumably nearly on the verge of death. No one knew what this disease she contracted was, and not even The Castle's Alchemist, Marcellus Pye, seemingly could do nothing to help her.

Septimus ran, ignoring the snow and the cold that beat against his face. As he did so, Septimus thought about the last time he spoke with Jenna.

"Sep, why can't you do this for me?" Jenna had asked him.

Septimus looked up at her. All he wanted right then and there was to be with Jenna-in that brief moment, that small fragment of time. But he knew this moment would never last forever.

"I can't make such a sacrifice, Jenna." Septimus responded. "ExtraOrdinary Wizards aren't meant for those kind of things."

Jenna stepped closer to her brother. "I am barren. Beetle does not love me. The Castle is need of a child, future Queen! Don't you understand this Sep?"

Septimus frowned and looked away. "Things never work out in situations like this for ExtraOrdinary Wizards. And what would the Castle think if you and I-?"

"Don't make this about us, Sep!" Jenna yelled. "This is for the future of the Castle. It is not for me, but for the people! Without a Queen, the Castle will fall into chaos!"

Septimus looked up. He looked deep into his sister's eyes. "Is this truly only for the Castle's future?"

"Yes," Jenna said exasperated. Septimus seemed to have finally understood.

However, Septimus moved his hand up to Jenna's face. He held her cheek with his warm hand, his thumb rubbing away dust on her face. Septimus continued to look at Jenna's violet eyes.

"Then what is this that I see?" He asked. Jenna did not respond but stared at him open-mouthed. Septimus continued, softly speaking. "I do not see worry for the future. There is no hint of eyes that have not seen sleep for days. I see instead eyes that have experienced sweet dreams. I see a deep longing desperate to be quenched. What is this Jenna? Is this love that I see?"

Jenna stared open-mouthed. She did not know if Septimus was right. Was this love? She had loved sleep. It was there on her bed, in the night all alone, that she thought of her beloved. Who was this beloved? Who was this that kept her up at night?

The Queen moved her hands up to the Wizard's hand. "Sep..." she whispered softly. She kissed his hand softly and looked at him. Septimus stared at her with his bright green eyes. His lips softly quivered as he spoke.

"Jenna." Septimus said. "Who do you love? Who is this that you long for?" His breathing became heavy as the answer became apparent to him.

Jenna placed both hands on Septimus's face as her breathing became heavier.

"You, Sep." She said desperately. "I want you!"

Suddenly she planted her lips onto his. The two embraced as the two tasted each other for the first time.

"I love you, Sep, please." Jenna said through Septimus's kisses.

Septimus pushed Jenna to the wall. There she was trapped. Septimus broke himself off and kissed Jenna's neck. There he sucked on her skin, enjoying the taste and the smell. Jenna groaned under his strength. And with his hunger satisfied, Septimus leaned his head onto her chest, hearing her heart beat.

"What is this feeling, Jen?" Septimus asked. He shivered although the room was warm.

Jenna did not answer but was left gasping. The Queen finally caught her breath and spoke.

"Sep." She said. "I'm running out of time."

Septimus moved his head off her chest and looked up at her. Jenna looked down on him.

"What are you talking about?" Septimus asked.

Jenna's eyes welled with tears. "I'm going to die, Sep. I only have a year."

Septimus stared agape. "What do you mean you are going to die? I will protect you Jen, you know that! What is it? Is someone after you?" Septimus fired question after question. What did Jenna mean that she will die?

Jenna shook her head. "You don't understand, Sep. It's a disease. Marcellus doesn't know what it is and nor does Simon."

"There must be a cure! Why didn't you tell me before? It must be something Darke. I can fix it, I can-"

"No, Sep." Jenna said. "There is no cure."

Septimus stared wide-eyed at her. Jenna said this statement with such certainty, he knew she was speaking the truth. He did not know what do. Only a year for Jenna?

Jenna continued to look at Septimus. "That's why I need a child, now Sep. I don't have much time anymore." Jenna rubbed her tears away and held Septimus's hands. "Sleep with me, Sep." she told him softly.

Septimus held her hands back. "I don't know if this is the right thing to do, Jen. Why me?"

Jenna looked sadly at him.

"Sep," she said. "I've always wanted you Sep. I just didn't know it would be this soon."

"What are you trying to say?" Septimus asked.

"No matter if I got this disease or not," Jenna replied. "I would've chosen you anyway."

Septimus looked away, not sure what to do.

"Everything will work out, trust me." Jenna said.

Septimus looked at her.

"Okay, but you must wait." He said. "I will not do this without honor."

Jenna looked at him. "What are you going to do?"

Septimus sighed heavily. "I will give up my duties and I will marry you. Then, we shall make things right on our wedding night."

Jenna gasped. "No, Sep! You can't give up your duties!"

Septimus looked away. "Tod has almost finished her training. I will induct her this week." Septimus looked at Jenna next. "And then, we shall be married and happy."

"Are you sure, Septimus?" Jenna asked.

"I'm sure." He replied.

Jenna nodded. "Thank you, Sep. You have given me hope."

Septimus Heap brushed away teardrops as he ran hurriedly. Jenna would be fine, he told himself. Everything will be fine.

Everything will be fine.