Oh why can't Tin Man be mine? I'll be a good little girl, I swear!

Author's Note: All of you rock! Thank you so much for the awesome reviews. I'm all giddy here.

Chapter Ten

DG woke up slowly, knowing right away that the warmth surrounding her was none other than her own personal Tin Man. Eyes still closed, she smiled to herself and cuddled further into his body. The events of the night before came back to her and she had to physically restrain herself from leaping to her feet and jumping up and down on the bed in glee.

Wyatt Cain loved her. Her! Strange, eccentric, pants wearing DG of the House of Gale! She wanted to announce it to the world.

Instead, she kept her mouth shut and enjoyed the comfort and safety she found in his arms. She buried her face in his neck and inhaled the warm, masculine scent that was so wonderfully familiar. If she could bottle Cain's scent, she'd wear it every single day for the rest of her life. She'd spray every her pillows and bed sheets and every article of clothing she wore with it. She could make a fortune selling it.

Screw that, she thought, grinning to herself. He's all mine!

Cain's arms tightened around her and she felt his low chuckle before she heard it. Peeking up through her lashes, she met his light blue eyes and her grin widened into a smile.

"Morning, Tin Man," she murmured. His eyes darkened slightly as he took in her sleepy appearance.

"Pretty early morning at that, sweetheart," he said softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "But good morning to you, too."

"How early are we talking here?" DG asked, moving up so she could lay her head over his heart. "Because I have no problems staying in bed here with you for the rest of the day."

He smiled at her as his hand moved up to play with her hair. "A few more hours until everyone else wakes up, I'm sure."

Feeling brave, DG turned her head and pressed a kiss his chest. Despite being covered by a thin shirt, Cain could feel the burn of her lips through the material as if he were completely bare. He mentally groaned as he hardened instantly. It was definitely way too soon to take care of that!

"What shall we do until then?" She whispered coyly, kissing a trail from his chest to his chin. His grip on her tightened, stopping her from going any further.

"Gods, DG, you're way too much of a temptation," he groaned, lifting her so that she was sprawled out on top of him.

She chuckled. "And that's a bad thing?"

Cain stared into her sultry blue eyes and wished for a moment that he wasn't such an honorable man. He would kill for the chance to rid her of her clothes and bury himself deep inside her warm, soft body. But he couldn't. He wouldn't rush their relationship like that.

"Sweetheart, there's nothing I'd like more than to make love to you, but it's best that we wait for that."

DG sighed, but nodded her consent. She didn't want to rush him into anything and she was willing to wait forever for him. She started to move off of him, but his grip on her tightened, holding her in place. She looked into his eyes, confused.

"If you want to wait, should I be lying on top of you like this?"

He smiled sweetly at her, reaching up to brush a lock of hair out of her eyes. "I like holding you like this."

She smiled back at him. "I like you holding me like this." She settled more comfortably and sighed. "Nothing makes me feel as loved and safe as being in your arms."

His hold on her tightened in response and his hands began moving up and down her spine. They laid there in silence for a long time, just enjoying the feeling of melting into one another. DG was almost asleep when Cain finally spoke.

"Can I ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything, Cain."

He squeezed her shoulder gently at her response. "What are your thoughts on the Queen and Ahamo? I noticed that you seem uncomfortable around them."

DG thought about that, not sure how much she wanted to reveal about her thoughts. She didn't want to sound like she was against her parents, but at the same time, she didn't want to lie to him. "I don't remember a lot about them, so they're like strangers to me. Occasionally, I feel like I belong to them, but it's not often." She paused. "I'm starting to feel disappointed by them."

"Disappointed how?"

She shivered as his hand passed lightly up her spine. "I just thought that the Royal Family would do more for their realm. The vibe I get from my mother is that she's no longer interested in being Queen. Or maybe after all this time, she's forgotten what's involved in the job."

Cain's hands stopped. "Vibe?"

"Feeling." She lifted her head, resting her chin on his chest so she could look at him. "Before they left the tower, she was so adamant on leaving, despite the fact that Glitch didn't have his brain and we had no idea on how to fix the suns. They said that the most important thing was for the monarchy to be safe. It just struck a nerve."

Understanding filled Cain's eyes as he began to stroke her hair. "I caught that, too."

DG sighed. "It's not just that, though. We should be heading for the Black Mountains now, but all they thought about was having a freakin' family reunion. And when she heard about the Longcoats threats against me, all the Queen cared about was us keeping our word to be here before the month was up."

Cain just nodded. That had pissed him off more than anything. He was glad that DG caught on to that bit of information.

"But it was worse last night," DG continued, reaching up to run her fingers through his short blond hair. "All that food, Cain. There was more food on that table than we could all eat in a week. And people are starving out there! The Royal Family shouldn't be living in the lap of luxury while everyone else is suffering. I thought the Queen was smart, but all I'm getting from her is selfishness."

DG looked away and felt her face heat up. "Is that wrong of me, Cain? Does that make me a traitor?"

His arms tightened around her immediately. "No, it makes you smart, sweetheart. I've noticed the same things and it doesn't sit well with me either. I'm relieved that you said something about it." He was quiet for a moment as he continued to rub up and down her back. "I don't understand it myself. All I can come up with is that she missed her family and wants to spend more time with them without being interrupted by her duties."

"Then she should step down!" DG argued. "The O.Z. needs a leader who will fight for them! A Queen and Consort who are living in denial won't do anybody a bit of good!"

Cain smiled. "Spoken like a true Queen."

She started. "Huh?"

He lifted her chin so their eyes met. The look he was giving her made her heart flutter. Love and pride and awe mixed with desire as he stroked her face with his large, warm hand. "What you said. A true ruler would say something like that. I have a feeling that you might be the next Queen sooner rather than later."

She sat up suddenly, accidentally kneeing him in the stomach. He cringed as she rolled off of him to settle beside him on the bed. "I'm not Queen material, Cain! I'm a waitress from Kansas! I have no idea what it takes to run my own country!"

Cain sat up, reaching out for her hand. For some reason, he couldn't stand not being in constant contact with her. "What you've been doing is exactly what a Queen would do. Granted, there are other things to do as well, but you've done more for the realm in the past five weeks than your mother has. And all of this during a major crisis! That's damn impressive, kiddo."

DG shook her head. "But Az is the oldest. She's going to be Queen."

"Even though she's doing better health wise, most of the people still think of her as the evil witch. She won't be welcomed as Queen. In fact, I have a feeling that if she takes the throne, people against her will stage a coup and overthrow the House of Gale."

DG swallowed hard at his words. Although she didn't want to believe something like that, she knew he was right. So if Az was out, and the Queen was quite possibly on her way out…

"Shit," she breathed, closing her eyes tightly. It was bad enough being a princess. All those damn lessons and rules and dresses were enough to drive her crazy. Being the Queen would be so much worse. Her freedom would be gone. She'd be stuck ruling a country that she had no business running. "I can't do this, Cain. I'll fuck up the O.Z. even worse than it already is."

Strong hands gripped her shoulders and she found herself flying through the air as Cain pulled her into his lap. "Don't ever think like that, sweetheart. You're just what this realm needs to get back on its feet. We need a ruler who cares enough to fight in the thick of things. Someone who won't stand for sitting safely in a palace while all hell breaks loose outside. The people know this. They'll respect you for everything you've already done and are still doing." He pulled her closer and brushed his lips over hers. "And you won't be doing this alone. I'll be right beside you if you need me. And so will Zipperhead and the Furball."

DG melted into his embrace, moaning as his lips wrecked havoc on her senses. All thoughts of royalty and thrones and Queens flew out of her head as his tongue feasted inside her mouth. She had been kissed before back in Kansas, but the boys back there had no clue what they were doing. They didn't know that they weren't supposed to just shove their tongue inside the girl's mouth. Cain kissed like he went to school for it. He was slow and sensual and possessive and it left DG feeling like the most treasured thing in the world. If kissing him was this good, she might actually die from making love to him. Pleasure that intense had to be deadly.

Reluctantly, Cain broke the kiss, leaning his head back to look in her eyes. "Are you sure you're ready for us, sweetheart? I'll understand if you want to wait before starting a relationship with me."

She cocked her head to the side. "Why wouldn't I be ready for this?"

He shrugged, his attention turning to the lock of her hair he was twisting around his finger. "You're still so young, DG. I'm quite a few annuals older than you and more experienced. You might be happier with someone closer to your own age."

DG snorted. "I've been with someone my own age, Cain. Trust me, it was nothing to write home about."

His attention immediately went back to her as his eyes darkened. "Who was he?"

She couldn't help but chuckle at his uncharacteristic display of jealousy. "Some boy my own age back in Kansas. If that's what I'd have to look forward to, I'd rather become a nun."

Cain had never felt jealousy before. He knew what it was, but the intensity of the emotion shocked him. The idea of another man touching his princess, his DG, made him want to shoot something. Or someone. The little bastard was lucky he was safe on the Other Side.

Cain was torn. Part of him wished he could have been her first; been the man to introduce her to lovemaking. But the other part of him was relieved that he wouldn't be the one to cause her pain. Still, that meant that some fresh faced little shit had caused his princess pain when he had taken her innocence.

Maybe she would use her magic to conjure up a travel storm. His trigger finger was getting antsy.

"I wished I had waited for you," DG whispered, burying her face in his neck. "If I had known, I wouldn't have done it." She snorted. "It wasn't even worth it anyway."

Although he was relieved at that comment, he was curious what had occurred. "Were you his first as well?"

DG rolled her eyes. "Hardly." She paused for a minute, burrowing further into his body. "I was curious. And we had dated for a year so I figured 'what the hell'. All I remember was pain and then it was over. After that, I wasn't interested in a repeat."

Cain was disgusted that the boy who was lucky enough to be with her didn't take the time to appreciate her. It was something that she wouldn't have to worry about ever again. When the time was right, he would show her what it was to be loved. What it should feel like. "Were you still with him when the storm brought you here?"

She shook her head. "No. He broke up with me soon after we slept together. I guess he'd already gotten what he wanted."

His arms tightened in anger and DG squealed when he squeezed her too hard. He apologized softly and loosened his grip. "If you can magic up a travel storm, I'll shoot him for you."

DG burst out laughing. "No need for that, Tin Man. He's in the past. You're my future." She blushed then, not really knowing how relationships worked in the O.Z. Did Cain want a future with her? Or was she just something casual for now? "That is, if you want to be."

Sensing her sudden loss of confidence in the matter, Cain kissed her again, quick but soft. "I'm going to marry you one day, DG. Never doubt that."

Her blush grew even warmer for a whole different reason. Marry her? After knowing each other for five weeks and declaring their love for each other less than twelve hours before and he was already thinking about marriage?

She cleared her throat. "You sure don't waste any time, do you Tin Man?"

He chuckled, his eyes growing soft. "No, I don't. When I find what I want, I'll do whatever it takes to hold onto it. I found you and unless you toss me out on my ass, I'm here to stay."

DG grinned and wrapped her arms and legs around him. "There will definitely be no ass tossing. I'd be out of my mind to damage an ass as perfect as yours."

His smile lit up the room and he playfully squeezed her ass. "I'm partial to yours too, sweetheart. I'm looking forward to seeing it without clothing one day."

She groaned. "You practically did the other day."

Cain's expression turned apologetic at the mention of that morning. "I'm sorry about how I acted afterwards, DG. I was confused and ashamed that I kissed you like that. I'm sorry I hurt you. You just shocked me." He pulled her closer to nuzzle at her neck. "But for future reference, I wouldn't be upset if you dressed for me like that again."

Boy, if he kept talking like that, her blush would become permanent. "So you liked it."

He growled, catching the flesh of her earlobe between his teeth. "You wouldn't believe how much I loved it."

"Good to know."

They settled back down on the bed and Cain pulled the blankets over them. As he played with a lock of her hair, she slowly walked her fingers across his chest.

"Cain?"

"Mmmm."

She paused. "You do know that if we get married and I become Queen, that you'll be the Consort." At his nod, she continued. "Are you sure you want to do that? Do you want to be stuck with that responsibility?"

"I'll do whatever you need me to do, DG. And I think with us working together, we can rebuild the O.Z. and make it better than ever."

DG smiled at that, relief filling her. With Cain by her side, she could do anything. Ruling over a country would be a piece of cake.

She sighed, though, thinking of the life she wanted that she would never have. "I had hoped to leave the palace one day and move to a little house on the coast," she admitted sadly. "If I end up as Queen, that dream will fly right out the window."

"I remember you telling me about that," he said. "You can still have that, sweetheart. You might not be able to live there full time, but you can visit there on vacations."

She smiled up at him, grateful that he was able to cheer her up so easily. "You feel like building a vacation home with me someday, Cain?"

"I'll build you as many as you want." He answered sincerely. And he would. Whatever she wanted he would get her.

They became quiet, enjoying the serenity that came from just being together. Feeling safe and warm and loved, DG fell back to sleep.

00000000

"No! Absolutely not!"

DG groaned at the high-pitched tone of her mother's voice. She always thought Royalty was supposed to sound strong, not whiny. Apparently, the Queen hadn't received that memo.

"It's the only way, Mother," DG argued, ignoring Lavender's dark expression. "Glitch knows how to bring back the suns. His machine won't work without Moretanium and we can't get any if the miners won't go back to work!"

"I agree that we need to get them back to work, but there is absolutely no reason for you yourself to go! I won't allow it!"

"Give me one good reason why not?" DG demanded, no longer caring that there were other people present.

The Queen's eyes flashed. Obviously, she never expected her youngest child to defy her. "You just got here, DG. I allowed you to stay at the tower for a month and I think I was generous with that. You belong with your family!"

"And it's dangerous," Ahamo declared, throwing in his two cents. "It's not safe for you to be out in the open right now."

DG gave a very unladylike snort. "That didn't bother you when you demanded my presence here within the month! The Longcoats were plotting my assassination and all you cared about was having your family reunion!"

"Watch your tone, DG," Ahamo warned. DG just rolled her eyes.

"I'm not a child, Ahamo. Don't scold me." Ignoring her biological father, she turned her attention back to her mother. "It's the only logical solution. A member of the Royal Family must be a representative in the Black Mountains. We have to convince the villagers to back the House of Gale and get the miners back to work. Azkadellia can't go because many people still think she's the witch. You can't go because there are other matters for you to take care of here. So it's up to me."

The room was silent after DG's explanation. The guards, Jeb, Rena, Raw and Tutor looked uncomfortable being present for the big Royal argument. Cain just looked proud as he reached under the table to squeeze DG's hand. Although he didn't like the idea of her being in danger and traveling to the Black Mountains, he knew it had to be done and he would be there to keep her safe.

He didn't like it. But he was trying to be supportive.

The Queen and Consort, however, didn't feel that particular need.

"You are not ready to be a Royal representative," Lavender stated, folding her hands primly on the table in front of her. "You still have many etiquette lessons to attend with Tutor."

"Really, Mother. Are the miners going to care one bit if I can curtsy properly?" DG knew her sarcasm wasn't helping the matter, but she couldn't help it. She was furious. How had her mother managed to rule the Outer Zone before? She seemed sadly incompetent for the job.

"Our subjects expect grace and knowledge from the Royal Family."

DG would have jumped to her feet, but Cain's hand kept her firmly in place. "The people of the O.Z. expect their monarchy to help them! I guarantee they're more worried about how they're going to feed their families and how we're going to bring the suns back more than my ability to wave and speak softly." She waved her hands, indicating the table laden with food. "And please tell me why we're living in the lap of luxury while our subjects are out there scrounging for food and starving? Why are we safe and well guarded while there are innocent civilians out there with no protection from Longcoats and raiders and riots?"

The Queen's eyes flickered with anger and impatience. "Now is not the time to argue with me, DG. We're in the middle of a meeting."

"I think it's the perfect time to discuss how to fix the realm's problems." DG countered. "I think solving these matters are more important than protecting your feelings."

Ahamo looked like he was ready to tear into his youngest daughter, but a dark look from Cain stopped him cold. "We have other matters to discuss. I think it's time to move on to something else."

"Fine." DG sat up straighter in her chair. "I think we need to ration out our food supply and share it with the other villages." She glanced over at Cain, feeling her body warm up at his nod of approval. "I also think its time to reinstate the Tin Men. The villages need order and protection."

"I agree," Ahamo relaxed in his seat, looking at his wife for confirmation. "My dear, do you agree?"

The Queen nodded, seemingly relieved that the argument was over for the time being. "I do." She turned her attention to Jeb and Cain. "How long do you think it will take to reinstate the Tin Men, gentlemen?"

Cain looked over at his son. Jeb shrugged.

"I know of quite a few former Tin Men who would be more than happy to have their jobs back, your Highness," Jeb spoke up, facing the Queen. "Once we get the word out, I imagine it wouldn't take longer than a week tops."

"Excellent." Lavender looked pleased as she took in the guards and her family. "Any other matters of concern?"

Jeb cleared his throat. "We have a group of Longcoats being held until trial at the tower. We should get them sentenced soon before the other Army cells bring in more."

"I agree," Lavender said. "Send word to have them executed immediately."

The room went completely silent and DG jumped forward in her seat. "Executed? What about their trial? They haven't been sentenced yet!"

"They're Longcoats," the Queen raised one perfectly arched eyebrow at her daughter. "And I just sentenced them."

"They caused death and destruction for many annuals, DG," Ahamo added, reaching out to cover his wife's hand. "Their death's are expected."

DG shook her head in confusion. "But I thought they were supposed to get the chance to prove their allegiance to the House of Gale?" She turned to Cain for confirmation. "Didn't you tell me that's what happens?"

Cain nodded slowly, also confused by the Queen's actions. She was skipping over a vital part of the O.Z.'s sentencing process.

"Times have changed." Lavender's voice was firm. "The Longcoats are murderers and thieves and they were plotting to assassinate you, DG. They will be executed in front of a firing squad immediately."

DG was stunned. She thought the O.Z. was run by a monarchy, not a dictatorship. She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her.

"Anything else?" the Queen sounded impatient for the meeting to end.

"Just that little issue with me traveling to the Black Mountains," DG murmured, feeling out of place all of a sudden. Her mother was turning out to be nothing like her vague memories of the past. Instead of the kind, caring Queen, Lavender had become a cold, selfish and vengeful dictator. DG felt her heart crumble at the realization that what little memories she had were disintegrating before her very eyes. Her last link to the mother she barely remembered was gone.

"I agree that we need to send people to the mines," Lavender began, holding her head high. "But you won't be one of them, DG. It's not safe. And I'm not arguing with you over this again."

DG closed her eyes, desperately trying to reel in her rage. She had a lot to say to the Queen and Consort, but none of it could be said in front of the guards.

"Gentlemen, Rena," DG looked each person in the eye. "This meeting is adjourned. You are all free to return to your posts."

The Queen went to stand but DG reached out and grasped her hand. "We're not finished, Mother."

Ahamo looked at DG as if she'd grown another head. "Dorothy Gale, you do not speak to your mother like that. You may not like her decision, but she is your mother and the Queen of this realm and you will give her the respect she deserves."

DG narrowed her eyes at both of them. "Unless you want me to speak my mind in front of all these people, I suggest you sit down."

Everybody scurried out of the room, leaving only the Queen and Consort, DG and Cain. Ahamo looked at Cain and tilted his head towards the door. "You're free to go as well, Mr. Cain."

"He stays." DG's tone indicated that he was going nowhere and her parents looked startled.

Lavender sighed warily. "DG, I'm not going to argue with you about this. You're not going to the Moretanium mines. I think you should be happy that I'm sending people there at all."

"Why wouldn't you send people there, Mother? We need Moretanium to bring the suns back out." DG leaned towards her parents. "Why do I get the feeling that you don't care what happens to the O.Z.?"

The Queen's eyes darkened. "Of course I care what happens! Why in Ozma's name would you think otherwise?"

"Your actions tell a different story." DG's voice was cold and hard and she felt Cain's hand tighten around hers, sharing his strength. "I can understand your need to spend time with your family, but not at the expense of the lives and safety of your subjects. There are people starving out there, Mother. Starving! And we have enough food here to feed half the villages in the realm! Hell, I can't imagine that all that food last night was eaten. What did you do with it? Throw it away?"

"I don't know what the servants did with it," Lavender sputtered.

"Why was there so much?"

Ahamo's eyes narrowed. "You arrived with the guards, DG. We had to feed everyone."

DG shook her head. "You didn't know that we'd be here then. The meal was ready by the time we walked in the palace. I hope to God that you don't have that much made for just you two and Az and the servants."

The Queen looked offended. "Watch your tone, young lady! And don't complain about the food. You had plenty at the tower yourself."

"We rationed out everything between ourselves and the guards. It wasn't just us."

"I don't appreciate being interrogated like this by my own daughter. What happened to you to make you so bitter, DG?"

Cain's hand wasn't enough to keep her in her seat. DG leapt to her feet, her blue eyes almost black with anger. "What happened to me? My entire life was turned upside down! I found out that my parents were not only not my parents but were robots! I was thrown into a fucking tornado and swept into some war torn parallel universe and expected to find a goddamn stone and stop a crazy, psychotic witch!" Her voice raised with each word until she was outright screaming. "I had to outrun starving papays, jump off a cliff, walk across the entire realm, and hide from Longcoats out to kill me! I was imprisoned by a witch, expected to restore this damn palace after finding out that I was the reason the witch took over in the first place, was kidnapped by you," she pointed her finger accusingly at Ahamo. "Thinking that you were nothing more than a sick rapist bounty hunter, separated from the friends who kept me safe in the first place, locked in a fucking marble coffin by my own sister and then still had to stop the witch!

"And if that weren't enough, I can't stop the witch in time to stop the suns from being locked behind the moon! I'm suddenly Princess of the entire fucking O.Z. and expected to take Princess Lessons while trying to figure out how to bring the suns back! My parents were reprogrammed not to remember me; one of my only friend's had brain surgery and a group of fucking rebel crazies are plotting my assassination! I think I have a hell of a lot to be upset about!"

By the end of her rant, she was red faced and exhausted. The Queen and Ahamo stared at her in shock and Cain's eyes were wide. DG swayed slightly and Cain jumped up, catching her before she fell.

"Are you okay?" He asked in concern, helping her back to her chair. She nodded, grabbing a hold of his arm as he sat beside her.

Lavender swallowed hard and reached out for her husband's hand. "I understand that you've been through a traumatic experience, my angel, but that doesn't give you the right to speak to your father and I like that. Especially during a meeting in front of other people."

DG glared at her mother. "I refuse to sit by and let you destroy this realm. I don't know what your problem is, but if you can't rule like you should, you need to step down from power. The O.Z. can't afford an incompetent ruler."

The Queen jerked backwards as if she'd been slapped. Ahamo's eyes filled with fury as he got to his feet menacingly. "I don't ever want to hear those words come out of your mouth again, young lady! That is no way to speak to your mother!"

DG turned her glare to him. "In case you've forgotten, I'm an adult now. Don't speak to me as if I were a child."

"I don't give a damn about age!" Ahamo hissed, his face contorted in anger. "You're still our child and you will show us respect."

"You gave up your parenting rights when you sent me to the Other Side with Momster and Popsicle. Just because we share the same DNA doesn't make you my parents." DG took a deep breath. "You brought me here to save the O.Z. In case you haven't noticed, that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I never thought I'd have to fight the two of you in the matter, though."

Lavender's eyes filled with tears. "You don't know how difficult it was for your father and I, darling. We gave up so much to save you!"

"You should have saved your power to defeat the witch on your own, then."

"You would have died!"

"Then you should have let me die!" DG shouted. Cain's hand tightened considerably around her arm at her words, but she continued. "If it came down to saving me or stopping the witch and saving Az and the O.Z., you should have let me die."

The Queen let out a sob and Ahamo stared numbly at the tabletop. Since neither one of them spoke, DG continued.

"I'm leaving for the Black Mountains tomorrow. We're taking the same guards we arrived with and we're going to get the miners back to work and get that damn Moretanium to the tower." DG's voice was cold as ice and Cain actually shivered from the sound. "I'm not going to let the Outer Zone die because you two didn't make the effort to save it. Once the machine is built, you'll need to return to the tower. Glitch's plan calls for Az and I to use the emerald and the machine to bring the suns back out."

"But it could be dangerous," Lavender whispered, her voice devoid of emotion. "You and your sister could be killed."

"Unless you plan on whisking us all off to the Other Side, we're all going to die anyway. Without the suns, the realm will freeze and every person and animal and plant will become extinct. And what good is a monarchy without any subjects?"

Ahamo slumped in his seat and the Queen just wilted. Her lavender eyes glassy, she looked up at her daughter with a mixture of fear and wariness. "Fine. We won't stop you from leaving."

DG stood up then, looking from her mother to her father without any emotion. "Good. I'll inform the guards."