So…. I'm late again with this. I apologize. Here we go!

Jinx POV

The rest of the people I danced with came and went. The entire time, I could only think about what he said to me. What does he mean? Why can't I drink the punch?

The music stopped and John waved me to the throne area. When I got up there he handed me a cup. I stared at it for a moment before smiling at him.

"I would like to propose a toast," John started, "to this beautiful, bright young woman. This young princess, who has been through so much, has grown to be one of the most surprising women I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She could probably lead you just as well as I could. Possibly even better."

I'll admit, I blushed a little. Even though I knew he was just trying to look good for the people.

"So cheers to the birthday girl!" He said and threw his glass up.

Now's my chance. I thought as I tossed my glass up – and "accidentally" sent it into a plant. "Oh my gosh, I'm so clum-" suddenly I'm cut off by a sizzling noise. "What is that?" I look towards the plant, just as it begins to melt. Acid?!

John looked shocked. "Who did this? Search the castle!" He screamed. "The rebels are here!" Guards swarmed everywhere, people were running and screaming. John looked slightly satisfied. Star grabbed my wrist and pulled me out into the courtyard.

"We need to go now." She whispered. "I overheard a lot of talk between John and some dude – you're supposed to die tonight."

"Why would he want me dead?" I said as we ran through the courtyard.

"To ignite the war." She whispered. "Hide." She pulled me into some shrubbery, just in time to hide us from John and some man.

"Where is she?" John growled. "She will die tonight, if not by the acid by a blade."

"Brother, calm down." The man said.

"Don't tell me what to do Peter!" He threw his hands up. "This is foiling all my plans."

"If we don't find her, we can still work with it."

"How so?"

"We'll say they kidnapped her of course."

"It won't be as effective, but I'm sure it will work."

They went back towards the castle. We held our breath for a moment longer before dashing out of the shrubs and ran – not very fast I must admit, we had corsets on for Pete's sake! – until we got to the edge of the forest.

"Where are the others?" I whispered.

"Richard is going to meet us here with them." She whispered back as she led me to the house she used to live in with her mother.

Nicole POV

A hand grabbed mine in the midst of the chaos – and I just knew it as him. I turned and buried myself into him. "Joey."

"Nicole…" he murmured into my hair.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as we got out of the crowds.

"I guess no one told you?" He smiled down at me. "I came to rescue my best friend of course."

"Rescue?"

"Yes, there's war coming."

"What?"

"I'll explain later. Let's go." He intertwined our fingers.

"Wait." I whispered as I hugged him. "I missed you so much. Just let me have a moment with you."

He sighed and held me close to him. "I missed you too."

I looked up at him and he looked back at me. "Don't freak out." He said softly.

"What?" I scrunched my brow. Then, he leaned in and kissed me. Soft, and sweet, and everything I've wanted for so long. I kissed him back just as softly.

When we broke apart he looked down at me. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

"You have no idea how long I've wanted you to do that." I smiled.

"We need to go now." He said and together we went out to the courtyard, through the maze and to the cottage Star used to live in. Everyone else was already there.

Wally and Jinx were hugging and I think she was crying – but there was so much commotion after that, I don't know for sure. We ran through the woods and didn't stop until we reached this village a couple miles away – that's far since all the girls were in corsets.

We all went separate ways to sleep. I went to Joey's hut with him and after we both changed – thankfully some other villagers had clothes we could borrow – we curled up together and fell asleep.

Jinx POV

Wally and I were walking through the village, once I changed into a simpler outfit and rid myself of the mask. "You looked stunning tonight." He said.

"As did you." I smiled. "You should dress up more often."

"I don't have many excuses for that anymore." He laughed.

"I missed you." I said, stopping as we reached a clearing.

"I missed you too." He sighed. "I'm so sorry I left you."

"It wasn't your fault, I know." I hung my head. "Father had to raise the taxes, he needed more money to protect us."

"I know, it wasn't his fault." He said. "Jinx, look at me."

I looked up at him through my hair. "Yes?"

"It's okay, just think, if we hadn't left I never would've been able to meet these people. Lead them the way I am."

"I know. And I'm so proud of you." I threw myself at him and hugged him as tight as I could manage, causing him to stumble back as he returned the hug.

"I couldn't have done it without knowing I needed to protect you." He said, sounding almost nervous. "You're my best friend – I couldn't just let you stay in there. He needs to be dethroned."

"I know. I'm glad it's you doing it." I said, then took a step back and looked at him. "I want to help. I want to be out there with your army."

"Jinx, we're attacking in two days-"

"Father taught me how to shoot a crossbow, and how to sword fight. I could help."

"Jinx, what if you get hurt?"

"I'd rather die fighting to save my people than live knowing I did nothing."

He looked taken aback. "There's a queen inside of you."

"Garfield said the same thing. Said he may give me the throne." I smirked. "Now, either you agree to it – or we duel to decide it."

He stared at me for a moment. "Fine, we'll duel tomorrow. If you win I'll let you fight by our side."

"Good, now let's go get some sleep." I smiled.

"You may have my bed, I'll sleep on the floor right next to you." He said as he led me to his hut.

"No, just sleep with me." I said, "I don't want to be alone tonight."

"Alright." He smiled at me.

And so we fell asleep, side by side. Just where we always should be.

Okay, so, did this chapter make up for all the delays? My next chapter will include answers to the last cliffhanger. I hope you guys didn't give up on. I love you all so much, thank you for reading.

More fluff in the next chapter – I know I've been torturing you guys lately.

Stay classy!

~Coley :)