Summary: Trapped in his personal hell, Murtagh lives each day with regret. When Nasuada is captured by Galbatorix, Murtagh's life takes a turn that could very well change Alagasesia...MurtaghxNasuada

Disclaimer: I don't own Murtagh or the Inheritance Trilogy. If I did, Eragon would be dead and Murtagh would be the main character -Stabs Eragon voodoo doll and stares at it- You sicken me you whiney brat

Rating: T for angst

Song on Repeat: Honey by The Hush Sound

-Shuffles in slowly- Ehh, I know you guys must hate me by now, but I promise, this is worth it!! I added an extra plot twist which I think will kick arse!! So yeah, hope you like this chapter!


'You seemed to be in a better mood after visiting the Lady.' Thorn remarked with interest as Murtagh entered the Dragon Hold.

'What?' Murtagh asked surprised. Then he saw Thorn smirk.

'What!?' He asked again. Thorn shook his head.

'Your lips are swollen.' Thorn smirked. Murtagh's eyes opened wide and he hurriedly turned around and wiped his lips hard.

'So you kissed the lady?' Thorn asked.

'Yes. Why?' Murtagh asked.

'The king's not going to be happy.' Murtagh's stomach chilled. He hadn't thought of Galbatorix.

'What do you propose to do Murtagh?' Thorn asked seriously. Murtagh screwed up his vision and stared at the wall.

'I-I'm not sure Thorn. I really don't know.'

'I suggest you don't see the Lady until you are sure.'

Murtagh jumped around and stared at Thorn. 'What!? You're the one who tried to get us together! You're the one who wanted me to protect her so! I cannot leave her unguarded!'

Before Thorn answered, he smirked to himself, thinking to himself that only a mere week or so ago, Murtagh wanted nothing to do with the Lady, and now wanted nothing more then protect her.

'Not indefinitely. Just until you get your thoughts together about what your going to do. A day or two at the most.'

Murtagh bit his lip and paced silently. He could still taste Nasuada on his mouth. His hand gripped Zar'roc's hilt, running his hand over the smooth edge.

'Alright.' He said finally. 'I'll get one of the Rebels to see to Nasuada.'

'Rebels?' Thorn questioned. Murtagh gave a grimacing smile.

'Yes, the band of Rebels. They're the foreign soldiers and maids Galbatorix has captured in his "Foreign Peace Treaty". They want to overthrow him and have Alagasesia ruled by their home kings. They're crafty but poor. They'll do anything for a few coins. Anything. '

Thorn stared at Murtagh. 'How do you know all of this?' He asked incredulously. Murtagh shrugged.

'You hear things sometimes.'

'Like voices in your head maybe?'

'…IT'S YOUR VOICE FOR ALAGASESIA'S SAKE!'

'Still a sign of-'

'Insanity! I know!'

Murtagh sighed and walked in a circle, running a hand over his face.

'I'm a really doing the right thing Thorn? I'm a really going to be able to save her?'

Thorn turned his fiery eyes to his young Rider and looked him over slowly.

'How important is your life to you?' Murtagh froze. A year or so ago, he would have simply stated that no ones life was more important then his own. When he'd gotten Thorn, no one's life was more important then his or Thorn's.

Now…

'Not very, I guess.'

Thorn nodded.

'Then you'll be able to save her.'

Murtagh sighed.

'I'm going to go clear my mind.'

'How?'

'I think killing a couple Urgals will help.'

Thorn gave a small chuckle.

'Have fun.'

Murtagh gave a cold grimace.

'Oh, I will.'

Oh God poor Murtagh! I'm really very terrible aren't I? Murtagh finally gets what he wants, but faces the pain of lonliness to have her stay safe! Dear me I'm really horrid...Oh wait till you all read the next chappie... -smirks- Read and Review!