Chapter 2: A blossoming friendship.
Disclaimer: Once again, I own nothing to do with fable. Everything belongs to Lionhead except for my queen and the plot, I made these my own! Firstly, if anyone is actually reading this, THANK YOU! I'm so sorry for the slow upload, I hit a really thick writers wall and I've been busy revising for all my exams next week! Anyway, I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, I've tried very hard to find the time to write this for you guys..Dedication or what? Enjoy! :D
Over the next few days Rose and Reaver grew closer, Rose felt as if she had know Reaver her whole life. Reaver had told her EVERYTHING that had happened in the past and was beyond shocked that she accepted it. He put it down the the fact that she had watched nearly everyone she cared about die, the only exceptions were Logan and of course her faithful butler Jasper.
Logan was growing evermore suspicious of Reaver wondering out loud at times about his true intentions. However, Logan had it all wrong. Court was in session and Rose had to decide whether to keep Bower lake as a quarry or restore it. It was Page requesting that it be restored and Reaver opposing her suggesting that it would be more useful as a quarry.
"All stand for her majesty Rose, queen of Albion." Rose heard hobson before she saw him.
How come somebody hasn't shot him yet. What a complete buffoon. All he cares about is money. I should consider shooting him or at least-
"your majesty? What do you intend to do about the lake?"
Blast! I didn't hear a word of that... What were they talking about again? The lake! That's it!
"Oh uh..yes..right. Bower lake shall be restored, the quarry closed."
I really should pay more attention in these court sessions. Reaver was quick to hide his disappointment from Rose unfortunately he wasn't quite quick enough, she saw the look on his face and frowned.
"Certainly your majesty, I shall make the necessary arrangements.."
Well that's just bloody brilliant. Balls..Logan. I need to stop saying balls.
"Sister."
"Hello Logan.."
"I couldn't help but notice how close you and Reaver are getting."
"That is none of your business Logan."
"I'm just saying, be careful Rose. He is manipulative, he might just be after power.."
Well that's great. My brother is now trying to interfere in my life. Doesn't he have any friends or some hobby to keep him out of my personal life or something.
"Sister? Are you feeling okay?"
"Yes. Fine. I'm just thinking, that's all. Was there anything else you wished to discuss or was it just my private personal life?" Rose said raising an eyebrow.
"Actually no, there was something else." Logan said grinning
does he have any idea how bloody annoying he is when he winds me up like this?
"As I am your brother..and none of the others had the confidence to speak with you, it is my duty to remind you that you should think about uh picking a suitor.."
Balls.
"Ah. Urm. I see. Well ahem..I shall..consider this.. I don't need a suitor do I?"
"Oh goodness no! I managed without didn't I?"
"Well the people were scared of you and sort of hated you so I doubt anyone even wanted to be your suitor.. And then you kind of lost the plot a bit.. Yes, you managed just fine didn't you?" Rose's eyebrow rose even higher.
"Well..this isn't about me or the way I ruled. You are the queen now, and it is up to you. Whatever you decide, I will... Iwillalwaysbehereforyou."
"Pardon? Logan, I can't understand gibberish! Take a breath!"
"I said..I will always be here for you."
Well that was weird. Logan never speaks his feelings.
"Sister are you sure you're okay? You've been looking very pale and 'out of it' lately..if you need to take a break-"
"no. I'm fine. I just wish everyone would stop asking if I'm okay and just BACK OFF!" Several of the maids and servants retreated from the throne room which Rose had just noticed was empty apart from her and Logan. Logan was shifting awkwardly from leg to leg.
"Loggie..is something bothering you?"
"Just the usual.. Worrying about my little sister."
Why is he worrying? Balls. I'm not dying am I?
"I'm fine. Honestly."
Another lie.
It was that very moment when hobson burst through the doors to the throne room, flushed in the face and panting heavily, only just managed to pant out:
"your...majesty..you...need...to..go..to..the..war..room"
then abruptly collapsed in a sweaty heap on the tiled floor. Rose shot Logan a worried look however neither were worried about the panting servant that may or may not be experiencing a seizure.
"Come on we need to see what's going on." Rose flew off her throne and ran out of the war room at an inhuman speed, swiftly followed by Logan. Rose burst into the war room to see the familiar faces of Ben Finn, Page, and Reaver.
"And here she is! Rose! How have you been?"
"Ah Ben, it has been too long" Rose said whilst hugging her two friends and allies and stepping out of the way of Reaver's embrace and watching him awkwardly return to his spot. Logan froze at the sight of the deviant. Rose spotted the body of a butler on the floor, a bullet between his eyes
Balls!
"Reaver..WHAT THE HELL? You can't keep killing my servants! I only have so many!"
"Now where is the fun in that ma cherie! You simply must try it! It is so enthralling!"
"I'd rather not shoot innocent people for fun reaver. Now why have I been disturbed? What's happened?" Page was the first to speak
"well your majesty, there seems to be an invasion in the city.."
"An invasion? Of what? Hollow men? Hobbes?"
"No. An invasion of banshees."
Balls. Oh balls I must stop saying balls. Bloody Walter and his sailor curses!
"Y-you're sure of this?"
"Positive."
"Your majesty, if I may say so, banshees are lovely, sure they may make you re-live your worst moments and cause you great pain and possibly even death but they are rather easy to kill!"
Bloody Reaver and his sarcasm. Typical of him not to take dangerous situations seriously. I should shoot the man and give him something to really worry about or maybe I should just-
"uh Rose? What do you intend to do?"
"Sorry? About what?"
"The banshees sister.."
"Oh right. Yes. We kill them of course!"
*The next day*
Ouch. What the bloody hell happened yesterday? Ow my head. Rose put her hand on her head to feel where it hurt, when she looked at her hand she saw the blood.
Balls.
"Sister! Thank the heavens you finally woke!"
"Ma cherie! I was actually starting to doubt that you'd ever wake up! I was starting to think that the great hero of brightwall had died!"
"Logan..? What..STOP CALLING ME THAT REAVER!"
Ouch. I wish he'd stop with the bloody sarcasm before I shoot him or ram my sword through his stomach. That idea was extremely tempting to Rose, and she no doubt would have attempted it if it wasn't for the pain in her head. She clutched at the now excruciating pain in her head
"W-what happened?" Logan shook his head in amazement.
"You truly don't remember do you..? The banshee..I've never seen anything like it.. It wasn't any ordinary banshee. The two of you were duelling until you rammed your sword through it and it...it shouted at you..I've never heard anything like it in my life. It...it sent you flying..w-when we eventually found you..your body was..." Logan started welling up
"your body was so mangled..we all feared the worst...I thought I'd lost you sister." It was then Logan burst into tears. She had never seen Logan cry since the day their mother, Sparrow had died. Rose comforted her brother.
"Logan its okay! I'm fine! Did...did I..kill it..?"
They watched Rose in awe as her body started to heal itself before their eyes, the amazement was hard to miss..even in Reaver's eyes. Her broken limbs straightened and mended themselves, her cuts and wounds repaired and healed themselves and the painful throbbing in her head stopped as the massive gash in her head also healed. Their eyes widened as her skin became clearer than it was before and very faint will lines appeared on her skin, she didn't like using her will powers very often as she didn't like the will lines that occurred when using will, that is the main reason she's taller than any of the other women and men because she prefers using skill. She is also the same height as Reaver, much to his displeasure.
Why are they all staring at me like that?
"Why are you all staring at me? Natural healing ability..remember..?" Logan and Reaver snapped out of the trance that they were in.
"Amazing ma cherie." Was all Reaver managed to say.
"But, you didn't answer my question: did I kill it?"
"Yes sister."
"Where's Page and Ben?"
"They went back to industrial. If you'll excuse me, I have to let the staff know that you are awake, if anything bothers you, let me know." He said, not making any effort to conceal his pure hatred for Reaver, before he turned and swiftly walked out of the door closing it behind him.
"Why are you here?" Rose asked quietly.
"Ma cherie, would you rather I left? Because if that is what you wish-"
"NO!" She blurted out a little too quickly.
"I mean no, that's not what I meant, how long have you been here? Isn't there some poor wench that demands your attention?"
"My dear, I'm shocked that you would suggest such a thing!" Reaver said with a mocking tone in his voice.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
Gladly she thought
"please don't get upset and don't feel you have to answer this but, Reaver is not your real name is it?"
"No. It's not"
"if you don't mind me asking..what IS your real name?"
Balls. He's going to think me a nosy fool now. Reaver hesitated before cupping her hand in both of his,
"now is not the time to say. Maybe in the future I will tell you but now we need to focus on you." Rose wasn't sure if the emotion that burned in his eyes was feigned or true, with Reaver anything was possible.
*Two days later*
Rose was fully healed and healthy again, her cheeks were a healthy peachy colour once again, her mind fully focused on ruling over Albion. Rose stepped into the war room to see the beaming faces of her friends and her brother, even Reaver was smiling. They all cheered as she walked in, unfortunately the happy moment was cut short as hobson, who was red in the face once again burst through the doors saying something about a statue and painting being made today and he casually mentioned that her schedule was very backed up.
If its that backed up why isn't he dead yet. Rose let out a sigh
"its good to be back! I feel alive again" everyone allowed themselves to let out a laugh. The moment was short lived as she was dragged off for a painting and then a statue. When it was finally over she returned to the war room and only Reaver and Logan were in there. She could hear them arguing through the door.
"JUST STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER! I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE PLANNING BUT WHATEVER IT IS, IT WON'T WORK!"
"Logan, I don't know if you understand the concept of love but I am certain that this is what I feel about Rose. I have never felt like this around anyone before."
"YOU? IN LOVE?" Logan spat.
"The idea might seem absurd to you but, yes. I love Rose. With all that I am..." Rose walked through the door.
"Hey! Who's ready for a ball?"
Balls balls balls. Worst distraction EVER.
"Sister! This man seems to think he is in love with you." Rose felt herself blush a deep shade of red.
"Does he now?" She raised an eyebrow and tried to keep her cool mask on and not just run to his arms.
Wait what am I thinking? I don't love him..do I?
"Indeed. Well? Spit it out then before I throw you out!"
"Logan! Calm down, go ahead Reaver. Reaver cleared his throat awkwardly and took a deep breath.
"I said no such thing!" She could see the sadness in his eyes. She of course knew what he had said, she'd heard it with her own ears had she not? There was a long pregnant silence before Rose spoke.
"Well. I don't know about you two..but I..uh have a ball to prepare for..I guess I shall see you both back here in half an hour!" Rose tried to fake a smile she could feel her eyes pricking and decided to leave before the tears could escape.
Rose spent what felt like an eternity getting ready for the ball she had the maids do her hair so it fell in ringlets down her back and they did her make up using the eyes of the beholder make up pack. She was about to slip into her royal dress when the maid stopped her and made her wear a gorgeous deep blue gown that had gold thread and went all the way down the the floor and clung to all the right places. So this was why they measured her a few weeks ago! They finished it with her crown. It was time to meet her brother and Reaver. She made her way back to the war room where she almost cried when she saw Logan all dressed up as did he with her. They weren't used to getting so dressed up.
"Sister. Page sent a message for you, she can't make it tonight but sends her regards and asks that you enjoy yourself. As for Ben, I haven't seen him. He will most probably be late as usual." Logan frowned. Rose dared to look at Reaver, he wasn't wearing his usual white outfit, he had changed into a tuxedo.
Wow. He scrubs up well.
"I must go and help with preparations. I shall see you later sister." Logan smiled for a fraction of a second then left the room.
"ma cherie, allow me to say, you look lovely tonight." Reaver picked her hand up and kisses it softly.
"Shall we? My dear?" Rose felt herself go light-headed but nonetheless replied with a smile
"let's."
Okay. So that was chapter 2. I hope I didn't disappoint.. I think I'm slowly getting the hang of this. Once again comments and criticism are welcomed with open arms! I hope to upload the next chapter quicker than I uploaded this one but I have a hell of a lot of revision to do but I will try because I don't want to let you guys down. Thank you for reading! :)