Chapter 3: My Empire of Dirt. Part 1

"I hurt myself today,
To see if I still feel.
I focus on the pain-
The only thing that's real…

What have I become,
My sweetest friend?
Everyone I know goes away,
In the end.
And you could have it all,
My empire of dirt.
I will let you down
I will make you hurt…"
-Johnny Cash, "Hurt".

The Queen's private chambers at the Grand Court were lavish and elegant. The crème coloured walls and crimson tapestries were a stark contrast to the Mystic Man's rooms at the Court, which Cain remembered from his time as a Tin Man. His had been a mixture of clean white walls and luxurious green carpets, stretching from wall to wall. Cain made a mental note to ask the servants to prepare those rooms. He had been fond of the humbleness those plain chambers held, and if the Queen meant to keep him as a guest at the Court, he was determined to stay in them. Unlike his three current companions, there was no royal blood running in his veins. The Mystic Man's chambers were honour enough for the former Tin Man.

Having made up his mind, Cain allowed himself to refocus on his surroundings. He was seated across from the Queen, the only thing separating them being a beautiful ivory coffee table. Cain's cup of coffee had remained untouched on the table, and was probably cold by now. The Queen was nursing her own cup between her delicate, well-shaped hands, but her attention remained elsewhere.

Cain followed the Queen's gaze to her two daughters. The Queen, he had noticed, seemed to keep the two princesses in sight at all times. She seemed frightened, as if a part of her believed that they might somehow vanish into thin air if she wouldn't guard them with her warm lavender gaze. Cain understood how she felt. The last time the two sisters had strayed too far, Azkadellia had been possessed by the Witch and DG eventually paid for it in blood. A shudder went through Cain as his mind replayed the memories Raw had revealed to them in the mirror, and he pushed them forcefully away. The image of DG's body, lifeless and cold on the bed, was food for his worse nightmares. And he had had enough of those, these past few months.

The princess in question, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the two grown-ups' fears and insecurities. She was seated on a piano bench next to her older sister, attempting valiantly to play along with the far more accomplished princess. Even Cain, who's knowledge of music was rather limited, could see Azkadellia had greater flair and finer skills. Although DG kept a steady and accurate tune, it was Azkadellia's fingers that produced the beautiful harmony, which filled the room. Cain forced himself not to laugh. It seemed DG was already cross with him, there was no need for him to further arouse her anger by mocking her musical skills. Besides, she was doing extremely well for a novice.

As if she had been reading his mind, the Queen's words seemed to echo his thoughts. "DG has made much progress, has she not? I think you would find her much changed, Commander". Although her words implied no double meaning, her slight smile seemed to hint that there was more to the question than a mere polite inquiry.

"Yes, Highness", Cain hurriedly replied, avoiding her curious eyes. "I am sure the princess has made much progress in my absence". He conveniently chose to keep their little reunion to himself. The Queen needn't know of DG's odd behaviour. In fact, he was determined to keep their meeting a secret.

"Funny you should mention your long absence, Commander", the Queen seemed quick to use his words against him, and Cain began feeling as if he was being led into a trap. "I would expect DG to be thrilled by your return, after being separated from her three friends for so long. And yet, she seems very much composed and cool about the whole affair".

"Are you saying you do not approve of the princess's calm welcoming? It is what I would expect from a royal princess", Cain hoped to whatever deity that was currently listening that this was the correct answer to give the Queen. He was uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading towards, and was trying helplessly to escape unscathed.

"A princess, yes", the Queen halted, and her eyes momentarily slipped back to her youngest daughter. "But we both know that DG is much more". Cain found himself as nervous as a child, caught in a lie. The Queen was the most powerful being in the OZ, now that peace had been restored, and she was undeniably clever. Which left Cain with the terrible question- how much did she know, and how much was she guessing?

His lack of response seemed to spur the Queen forward. "What I mean to ask, Commander, and pardon my bluntness, is why my DG seems so upset with you?" Although the question was spoken softly, Cain wasn't fool enough to miss the steel behind the words. This was a threat, no matter how softly it was uttered. Hurt her, it said, and you shall answer to me.

Cain straightened in his seat, and for the first time in their conversation, his piercing blue eyes met her lavender orbs and locked with them in silent battle. He was a warrior, a Tin Man, a man of honour; a good man. He had nothing to hide, nothing shameful to confess. He had done no wrong, and he would not apologize for a sin he did not commit.

"Highness, I will not try to deny that the princess has expressed her… displeasure with me. I rather formed to notion she believes I abandoned her when I went away to fulfil my obligations to my country. I assure you, I have been nothing but kind towards her, and I do intend to sort things out as quickly as possible".

The Queen gave in, refusing the challenge his blue eyes declared. Her eyes strayed to her daughters. "Has anyone ever called you an optimist before, Mr. Cain?" she pondered, and her voice was a mere whisper.

"No, Highness, not even when I was a mere child", Cain answered with a slight chuckle, recalling a time when Glitch tried to scold him for being a dry cynic. The Queen, however, did not appear to share the joke.

"You must be", she said after a long pause, "If you believe my daughter would be won over so easily. I fear that both of us have made grave mistakes with my angel. I, in keeping her locked inside the Palace, away from her friends. And you, Mr. Cain", her lavender eyes were once again focused on him, and never had the Queen's gaze scorched him so. "You made the mistake of thinking her strong enough. I fear that we did not see the wound she was nursing, and that the pain it caused her will make her stubborn now. She will not want to listen to those who left her to fight alone when she needed them the most".

Cain's eyes shot back to DG, as if expecting to see the hidden wound the Queen had talked about. His mind conjured terrifying images of DG, silly little DG, lying in her bed, bleeding heavily and crying out to him. Could it be? Had she cried for him in her sleep? Had he been too far away to hear? But all he could see was the wall of calmness that surrounded her- a shield of coolness, of detachment, that separated her from the world. And, in the back of his mind, he knew he had a new image for his nightmares. And he dreaded what sleep may bring him tonight.

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A/N – yes, I know, it was short. Don't shoot me. Don't shoot anything at all, as a matter of fact. This is only Part 1 of a longer chapter, and Part 2 will hold more interaction between DG and Cain. Thank you all for the amazing support you have been showing. You give me the energy to go on with the story.