-Chapter 2-

I ran so fast it felt as if my feet barely touched the ground. The Darkness was still oozing up through the streets, flowing out from every building, even showing itself mockingly in the form of people I loved and trusted. My only focus was reaching him in time, and as I fell to my knees to lift his limp body into my arms the Crawler taunted me.

"You let him die, and now death beats its wings for you. You can never escape darkness, it flocks to you always."

I clutched my beloved companion close to my chest and I cried into his soft fur. "Duke, please...no. I'm so sorry...I-"

"You too will be swallowed. You tire of your travels, your burdens, the cries of the helpless, the cries of your dead."

I could hear Walter and Ben quickly approaching behind me. I knew they would need me to fight if we had any chance of beating this. I gave Duke one last embrace. "You were the best dog I could ever have asked for, boy. I love you so much-", I shook with uncontrollable sobbing, "...and I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry for this." I gently laid him back down, placing one last kiss on his head.

I rose to my feet as Walter and Ben came to stand by my side. They looked at me sympathetically. We had no need for words; I knew we had to move. After all that the Darkness had already taken, I would be damned if I let this be the end for us. I wiped my face and readied my weapons, unwilling to lose anyone else I loved to this evil plague.

I woke with a start. In one swift motion, I threw back the covers and sat up as I struggled to regain my breath. My hands rose to my face to find it covered in a light sheen of tears and sweat. I convinced myself I'd finally have a restful night after Ben left me feeling so at ease, but I knew all too well that the pain from my past could strike at any time, and my dreams had always been my most vulnerable place. I wiped away my tears and wondered if I would forever be haunted by all that I had done, everything I had seen. The Crawler was dead, but for me, his shadow still remained.

I went to my wash stand, desperate to soothe myself with the cool water it held. Looking out the window, I saw that the sun was just barely peeking up over the horizon. I gazed longingly back at the bed, craving a bit more rest, but it was not worth another nightmare, so I begrudgingly decided to get an early start to my day. I let my dressing gown fall to the floor and liberally smoothed the refreshing water over my skin. I didn't feel much better yet, but it was a start.

I called on Helena to assist me with getting ready for the hectic day ahead. I would be quite busy dealing with matters of state and as such, I was required to wear the full royal regalia. I really did not care for wearing such cumbersome attire. I much preferred the comfort of my shorts and striped leggings to anything fancy, but I doubted sincerely that they would respect that fashion of dress in Court, or any formal setting for that matter. I had once entertained the idea of wearing a giant chicken costume to my ruling on one of Reaver's more ridiculous proposals, just to spite him—and to make Walter laugh—but since the battle, my usual sense of humor became buried under the weight of both the scars and the aftermath. With Walter gone, I found little to laugh about, now.

While I waited for my handmaiden, I noticed my spoiled dress lying in a heap on the floor where I'd discarded it hastily before crawling into bed. I had always been quite fond of that dress, but I could only smile as I looked at it in its ruined state. It conjured up memories of Ben kissing me in the rain. I closed my eyes and my smile widened as I pressed my lips together and replayed that moment in my mind, savoring it. A sudden knock at my door brought me back down to earth, Helena had arrived to assist me with my wardrobe.

Right. Focus, Evelyn.

After I had been properly dressed, made up, and adorned with royal embellishments, Helena applied some finishing touches to my long tresses and affixed my crown. I looked up to the mirror and studied myself for a moment, wondering if I looked as tired and run-through as I felt. "Thank you, Helena. As always, you do such a lovely job in preparing me for Court."

"Your Majesty, there is no need to thank me. I'm here to help, as always." Helena backed away from my chair and folded her hands in front of her, waiting further instruction.

I'd always wished I could regard her as more of a friend and not just a royally appointed lady-in-waiting whose presence existed solely upon orders. I was desperate for someone to talk to, but the only person I could turn to anymore was Ben. How could I possibly talk to him... about him?

"Helena.."

"Yes, My Lady?"

After a moment of contemplation, I realized there was no time to attempt to confide in her right now. "I...Thank you. You may go, now." Another unfortunate side effect of being royalty was that I was expected to keep any personal dealings among family.

Family...a luxury I no longer had, which all the gold in the treasury and all the love of the people I saved could not buy back.

I smiled back at her, nodding my head in gratitude. She curtsied before leaving, closing the door behind her.

I stood and turned toward the window, looking out at the statues in my garden. The most prominent to me were those of Logan, closest the castle, and Walter, which was situated farther away with a beautiful view of the city he died saving. I missed them both so very much. Just as I started to feel the pangs of loneliness resurfacing, there was another knock at the door.

"Your Majesty, it's nearly time to see to your first appointment. Are you ready?" Ben said from outside.

Suddenly I felt a rush of excitement. My heart quickened with nerves. I could not deny the effect he had on me, and that was quite worrisome. I could not allow this to go further than it already had. I took a deep breath and shook away the nerves, gathering my composure before I beckoned him in. "Indeed, I am. You may enter."

He came in and quietly closed the door behind him. He approached me with his irresistibly unique grin and I couldn't help but reciprocate it as the corners of my lips curled upward.

"You look stunning, love. Feeling any better today?" he asked as he held out his arm for me.

"I am, yes. Though I will feel even more at ease once this dreadfully boring day concludes." I replied with a chuckle as I placed my arm under his, feeling another rush of fluttering as soon as I touched him.

"Evie, before we go...Should we...talk about anything?" Ben asked, raising a brow.

He stood so close it took all of my restraint to suppress the rising desire to cradle his face in my hands again. His cologne carried a hint of citrus but it was his ever-present scent of gunpowder I loved most. Even on days when he was not required to fire a single rifle shot, he was diligent about cleaning his weapons and practicing his skills. I found myself leaning into him as I let myself be carried away by his alluring aroma.

"Evie?" He tilted his head to the side with a perplexed expression on his face.

"Oh, gods, I am sorry Ben." I let out a soft giggle. "I must be more tired than I thought. I believe I woke much too early for my own good." Then I remembered his question. I hesitated for a moment, because I knew it would be wrong of me to lead this good, earnest man to believe we could have a future, given our current stations. "We really should be going."

Ben nodded and moved to lead me from the room, stopping just before the door. "Court is bound to be full of buffoons today, so if you need anyone—you know—taken outside, just nod that pretty head of yours in my direction, right?"

I grinned and nodded as I looked up into his crystal blue eyes. "You spoil me, Benjamin Finn."

I sat in my throne with my hands folded in my lap, as my third hearing of the day was announced. Surely this couldn't be any more exciting than the noble woman from Millfields petitioning for more luxury shops, or the eccentric, highly-forgetful gentleman from Mourningwood demanding we recognize a funny smelling herb for its medicinal efficacy.

I felt exhaustion setting in, my eyes drooping slightly. I hadn't gotten nearly enough rest, and before I even made it to the throne this morning I was bombarded by Hobson. He again brought up the matter of taxes. I refused his proposition on a regular basis and yet he still persisted, trying to persuade me to raise the taxes on my people. Not one day could pass without his constant pestering. I tried to expedite any dealings I had with him, but as one of my advisors he seemed to have his meat hooks sunken deeply into every aspect of my life. I wanted nothing more than to 'accidentally' lock him in the treasury and lose the key, but unfortunately I needed regular access to the contents inside.

My next hearing was beginning. I sat up to correct my posture and give my full attention.

A woman approached, pausing to bow. "Your Majesty, my name is Corina Owen. I live over in Industrial and my son went missing over a week ago. I fear the worst for him, ever since he got mixed up with that filthy gang that's been hanging about. Something must be done! The streets are no longer safe."

I knitted my brow with concern. Unlike the other matters brought before me previously today, this was far from trivial. "Miss Owen, I am sorry to hear that your son has gone missing. I assure you that I will look into the criminal activity in Bowerstone Industrial with great haste."

I looked over to Hobson and nodded, letting him know I wished this matter to be moved to the front of my schedule for the following day.

Corina bowed and said, "Thank you. Thank you so much, Your Majesty. I am most grateful."

I was saddened to hear of the rise in crime and gang activity in Industrial. I had been working so hard to rid the town of that type of filth. I created schools, helped fund a new orphanage, and even made sure factory workers received fair pay for their labor. I couldn't let all of that progress fall back because of something else I had the power to change.

With a soft sigh, I gathered myself and tried to clear my thoughts as the next petitioner was brought before me. This would be a very long day, indeed.

I was positively itching to get out of this heavy garment. The final hearing had just concluded and as I rose from the throne, Hobson approached. I looked up to make sure the room was empty and the doors closed before allowing the conversation to begin.

"Your Majesty, as you requested, I've scheduled transport to and from Bowerstone Industrial tomorrow morning. General Finn will accompany you, however I might also suggest that you take a regiment of guards."

Ben stood with his arms crossed, and as he raised his eyebrows, he glared at Hobson. "Matters of the Albion royal army are not yours to decide, are they, Hobs?"

Hobson would never look directly at someone who spoke to him. He was always quite seedy in that aspect. "I beg your pardon, General Finn, but I do have a proper name and I was only suggesting the guards due to the nature of the-"

Ben raised his hand and interjected, "I am well aware of the nature of our visit. As far as names go, I am bound by no one but Her Majesty to adhere to such propriety...Hobber."

A giggle bubbled up and escaped my lips, but I quickly stifled it to clear my throat. "Thank you, Hobson, that will be all for today."

"Good day, Your Highness." Hobson bowed his head and turned to leave with a disgruntled look on his face.

Ben and I stood in silence for the few moments it took Hobson to vacate the throne room. When the coast was clear, he looked at me and let out a hearty laugh while shaking his head.

I smiled, my lips pressed together trying to contain my own laughter. "Ben, that was hilarious but you really mustn't provoke that man. He is positively dreadful to deal with, especially when he's put in a sour mood."

Ben sighed, cocking his head to the side and running his fingers through his hair. His eyes caught and held my gaze and his captivating crooked grin spread across his lips. "Take it from me, love. That bastard will be dreadful no matter what, so why not have some fun at his expense every now and again?"

I smiled and nodded, but I was having a hard time standing up straight with the fatigue and the weight of my attire pressing down on me. I slouched slightly, and my eyelids grew heavy.

Ben promptly took my arm and ushered me toward my chambers. "Let's get you some rest. I'll call on Helena to help you dress down, unless...well I could always help get you unrigged much more quickly."

His words, though spoken in jest, summoned undeniable stirrings inside me I couldn't dare indulge. Feeling compelled to joke back, I spoke without thinking. "Perhaps another time, Ben, though I do thank you for the most generous offer!"

Ben opened my door and before closing it behind me he said, "Anytime, love. Sleep well."

I nearly jumped from under my covers. I was sweating profusely and my mind was clouded by yet another nightmare. Have I gone positively mad? I reached down to where Duke used to sleep and felt nothing but a cold, empty indentation. My eyes pooled with stinging tears. I missed them all so much, yet I felt solely responsible for the absence of so many of them.

My breathing quickened and my heart pounded, sending an ache throughout my tired body. The sobbing became uncontrollable once again and I knew I needed to get out of the room. I could not just sit there and let myself come undone. I reached for a robe and ran barefoot to the nearest exit.

I made my way into the gardens, where everything was bathed in brilliant moonlight. This had once been my favorite place to play, read, and hone my marksmanship under Walter's practiced eye. Now I felt loss everywhere I looked. There were the statues of Logan and Walter, Duke's grave, the spot where Elliot first kissed me, and my parent's large stone crypt. It was as if I were drowning in a sea of reminders of all I once had. Was this what my life was to become?

I looked up to the statue of Logan. I could never bring myself to remove it, despite Hobson pressing the matter only days after I'd sent my brother off to pay his debts to Aurora.

I whispered, hoping no one would see or hear my strange display, "I miss you, Logie."

I missed my brother with all of my heart. The people refused to see anything but a tyrant during his reign. When he'd forced me to make a deplorable decision, I knew he wasn't truly himself. He had been compromised by something else, and I sensed his struggle. It didn't matter how badly I needed him or wanted him in my life now; I could not have him. Because I had spared him, the people demanded some form of justice and I was obligated to do something. I made the decision to send him back to Aurora to make good on his broken promises. It broke my heart that I was sending him back to the place that had scarred him so. I could only hope that maybe one day he would forgive me as I forgave him.

I made my way toward the back of the gardens. Walter's statue stood tall and proud, as ever. I approached it and leaned against the stone base, crossing my arms over it and resting my head against them.

"I wish you were here with me." I heaved a sigh, fighting back the tears. "Walter, I'm…so lost. I still need you." I sobbed, silently at first, and then as I thought of all the painful memories this garden held, I cried out loud. Like a flood gate opening, I could no longer control it. The release was so very needed but so unimaginably painful.

I must not have been able to hear someone approaching over the sounds of my own torment, because a pair of arms wrapped firmly around me. For a moment, my rattled mind thought Walter had come back to answer my pleas.

I quickly turned and saw Ben looking down at me with empathetic eyes. "We really should stop running into each other this way, love," he said with a warm and comforting smile.

I slowly shook my head, looking back up at him, unable to find any words. The pain was too great, and he was there to hold me. I felt like I could let go of it all in his embrace with him grounding me. I began crying into his chest, my hands clutching his shirt.

His arms tightened, as if he knew I needed this. "It's alright, love. I've got you." His hand moved up to the back of my head, placing my face in the crook of his neck. He turned his head and lowered his chin to place a gentle kiss on my forehead.

As the crescendo of my cries finally subsided, I was left breathless and bewildered. I felt drained and ashamed as my senses returned. "Oh, Ben...I am so-"

He leaned down to place his forehead against mine, closing his eyes and whispering against my lips, "Evie, don't you ever apologize for feeling. I won't hear it."

My heart raced for this man. My lips screamed for the touch of his. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. Ben's strong hands held my face gently and wiped away the tears that still clung to my cheeks. He kissed me with such tenderness, I raised my brows in disbelief, letting out a faint, muffled whimper. He was everything I could ever need, yet I could never truly have him. I could not take the risk.

I softly stroked the side of his face and pulled away. I sniffled, trying to choke back the weak sobs that were still trying to escape. I looked deep into his eyes. "I can't lose you too."

He looked back at me and shook his head, perplexed. "I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart."

I placed my hand against his chest where I could feel his heart beating just as hard as mine was, and my gaze focused on that spot. "This thing...what we are doing cannot continue. You are the only person in this world I can trust. I need you, and I need for us to not go to a place that might threaten to pull us apart."

Ben smiled down to me, placing his hand over mine where it rested against his chest. "Evie, I'll be anything you need me to be and I will never pressure you for anything more. You have my word."

I started to sway from the utter exhaustion of my emotional outburst. Ben put an arm around my waist, steadying me. "Let's get you back inside, love. You've had yourself quite a night."

I was relieved that it was the middle of the night and most of the guards that stood watch during the day had already left their post. Also, because Ben was their commanding officer, they wouldn't dare question us if they did see us together in this state.

By the time we reached the grand staircase I was placing most of my weight against him for support. Before I could interject, he swiftly scooped me into his arms and ascended the steps.

We reached my chambers and I looked at him, expecting him to place me back on my feet. Instead he skillfully opened the door with one hand. Once inside, he quietly pushed the door shut with the heel of his boot. He walked over to my bed and gently deposited me on top, grabbing the blankets I'd previously thrown back to cover me once again.

I sank back into my pillows as he sat at the edge of my bed. Gods, how I wanted him to stay and wrap me in his arms until the sun came up. I smiled wanly, still feeling embarrassed over my display earlier. "General Finn, I do believe it is highly inappropriate for you to be in bed with the Queen at such an hour."

Ben smirked, speaking softly, "Then tell me, at what hour would Her Majesty find it more appropriate that I join her in her bed?"

I gave him a gentle shove and smiled back at him. "Ben..."

Ben leaned forward and hushed my mouth with one finger. "Evie, a very long time ago I lost my entire family…one by one." He paused to take my hand in his. "My brothers, they may not have been the most upstanding blokes, but I'd do anything to have them back." He paused again to look at me knowingly. "I know you miss him...and it's okay, love."

He could see right through me. I thought he would be angry that I felt a genuine need for my brother to come home. "How...how can you not be angry with me for sparing Logan's life? He was responsible for taking away the last of what you considered family. I don't-"

"Swifty wasn't the last of my family," he said as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Now, try and get some sleep. You'll want to be rested in case we need to knock over some troublemaking arseholes tomorrow in Industrial," he said as he flashed a crooked grin.

My eyelids grew heavy, and as I let out a yawn I asked, "Please...just stay...until I am asleep?"

He nodded just before my eyes closed. I felt his fingertips tracing delicate lines up my arm and back down to my hand. It was entrancing. The last thing I felt before sleep took me was his soft lips kissing the palm of my hand.

"Goodnight, beautiful."

A/N: *Updated with chapter revision on 2/17/2015!* I'm really enjoying going back to where I began with my writing and making the little tweaks and refinements necessary to really make this story read the way I intended it to. Reviews, follows and favorites are always appreciated!