Author: Kathea aka WinterQueen82
Title: Burn Away
Rating: PG-R
Paring: Cain/DG
Spoilers: Umm, all three parts
Disclaimer: I still don't own it. Or him.
AN: This should be about a four part fic. Now, that work has slowed down this might be written fairly quickly.
Chapter 1: Gathering Tinder
DG was fit to be tied, literally. Her mother, that was still odd on the tongue, sat serenely in the corner watching a bevy of seamstresses flit around her daughter who was standing on a low stool. The Queen decided that her youngest daughter's current attire was decidedly inappropriate for her station. Her sister quickly donned more demure outfits. There was something still quite a bit off about Azkadellia but the change of style went a long way to restoring her public image. Privately, Az was far from well. The healing Az required would take far longer than a mere three weeks.
Three weeks was exactly how long it took DG to submit to the fittings. Between reuniting with her family, regaining old memories, and relearning her home, DG had successfully avoided all of her Mother's gentle and not-so-gentle attempts to "royalize" her. Evidently, the last resort was to ambush DG in her own room. That was how DG found herself standing on a stool being measured and draped with fabric by strange women. As she glared at her mother for the hundredth time, DG thought she saw a flicker of a smirk on her mother's otherwise placid face. When her mother finally realized her from the clutches of sewing guild, DG hurried out of her rooms. She was at a dead run as she passed Raw in a corridor and stopped, out of breath, just past the entrance hall.
A figured stepped from the shadows to her right and watched passively as DG tried to normalize her breathing.
"There aren't anymore monkbats to chase you, so where's the fire, kid?" Said a gruff, familiar voice. DG started at the sound but quickly recognized her friend. In two steps she wrapped him in a hug.
"You, Mr. Cain, left me here all alone. My mother has been torturing me!" DG scowled as the pair turned and headed inside.
"Last time I checked, parents were entitled to a little torture, especially to children they haven't seen in almost 20 annuals" DG's scowl deepened in reponse.
"I just…" she trailed off. "Never mind. Welcome back!" DG finished brightly. Cain watched her closely as she rattled on about her past few weeks. Her face wasn't as relaxed as it usually was and her right hand started clenching into a fist as they walked. There was something wrong with her, he just couldn't tell what. As they turned the corner, the Queen and her consort approached.
"Hello Father, Mother." DG called. Cain bowed as he removed his hat.
"DG, shouldn't you be getting dressed for dinner? There will be several outer zone noble families in attendance tonight." Her mother scolded gently. DG's face fell at the reminder. She turned quickly to Cain.
"Can you come?" Hope brightening her voice.
"I really don't think that is appro…" The Queen began.
"I apologize, your Majesty. I must report to Headquarters this evening. I hope you have an enjoyable dinner." Cain said quickly as he watched DG's face contort in confusion. "Your Majesties, if you'll excuse me. See ya round, Princess." With the tip of his hat, Wyatt Cain neatly about faced and made his way out of sight. DG gaped at the suddenly empty space beside her. Gritting her teeth, she attempted a passable curtsy to her parents and headed back to her room…to dress for dinner.