Disclaimer: I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or any of its characters.

Chapter Eleven

Murtagh slowly awoke from his deep sleep. He felt warm, at least warmer than he had felt for the past...how long had it been? He couldn't even recall.

He was comfortable, laid upon one of the softest beds he had ever felt. He slowly opened his eyes, gazing around the new room he now dwelt in. It was a great deal larger than the one he had previously been placed in. From what he could tell, it branched out in several different directions, indicating that it was much larger than just the part he slept in. The furniture was done in dark cherry wood, the sheets all in black.

He sat up, looking down and noticing the dragon, who was curled up on a carpet beside his bed, contently sleeping. He stared at him for a moment, before scanning over the rest of the room. He spotted a pair of clothes on the nightstand beside him. He took them, climbed out of bed, and quickly dressed, anxious to have a look around the place.

He found that there was a balcony there, also, which was wide open, letting the cool, nighttime breeze come into the large room. He stepped out onto it, gazing up at the open sky and below to the ground. He was in a high room, no doubt placed there so that his dragon could fly if he felt like it. He inspected the balcony for a moment, then made his way back to his bedroom. As he walked in, he was met by the familiar sight of all the bottles laid across his desk. He wondered why he hadn't noticed them before. They usually meant that Zuriel was either there or would be coming. He let out an angry huff, not wanting to see her at the moment.

He continued to absently stare at the desk and vials, until he noticed something else behind it. He walked closer and gazed down at the sheathed sword that was placed there. He took it in his hand, realizing now that it was his hand-and-a-half sword. He smiled to himself as he slowly unsheathed it, running his fingers slowly over the sharp and shining blade. He placed it back, happy he finally had something that was his.

But his smile quickly dropped when he heard approaching footsteps and Zuriel walked into the room.

Her gaze was to the ground like usual, then she looked to the bed, expecting to see him on it. She quickly turned to him, an expressionless look on her face as she faced him.

"You're awake," she said, walking closer to him. "You've been out for two days." A small smile dared make its way to her lips, but it was quickly washed away as Murtagh reached out and took her by the throat.

He gripped tightly, catching her by surprise as he pushed her back against the wall, holding her there. She couldn't breathe, but she didn't franticly panic and try gasping for air. She looked relatively calm as she grabbed his hand, trying feebly to pull his fingers from her neck. She kept her eyes locked with his the entire time.

"Why?" he asked through clenched teeth, as he squeezed harder on her slender neck, thinking how easily it would be just to snap it. "I could have escaped."

Zuriel's gaze hardened, as her fingernails threatened to puncture the skin of his hand. "Let go of me!" She said firmly, though it came out weakly from her lack of oxygen.

He didn't obey. He held on, feeling a surge of power over her as he held her life in his hand. He could will her to breathe and live, or die of suffocation. But she looked as composed as ever, even though her face was beginning to turn red.

Murtagh. The dragon's voice cut through his thoughts, making him turn his gaze from Zuriel. Let her go, he said calmly, his voice stern.

He turned his gaze back to Zuriel, then roughly pulled his hand from her neck. She slouched against the wall, gasping in air. He stared at her for a moment longer, before turning away and going to sit back on his bed. Before he reached it, a hand grabbed his shoulder, yanking him back around.

"Let's get one thing straight," she said, pointing her finger up at him. "My loyalty is to the King, not to you! I serve the King, not you! I warned you not to try and escape. I told you what would happen. You chose not to listen and that is your fault, not mine!"

He stared down at her, seeming unaffected by the speech she was giving him. She was now angry, much different from the calm facade she was putting up a moment ago. She was still trying to catch her breath, and he felt it blowing hot against his face as she exhaled. He continued to gaze down at her, feeling a bit amused, angry, and shameful. But he hid it all.

He silently turned away from her, making his way over to the bed and taking a seat down on it. He looked down at the dragon, who was switching gazes back and forth.

Zuriel watched him for a moment longer, still taking in deep breaths. She finally turned away from him, facing the desk and beginning to place the many vials into her bag. "You've been out for two days," she continued what she was about to say beforehand, but this time her words came out harder. "Your training begins at dawn and I would suggest you not be late."

She finished, looking back to him as she fastened her bag. She stood erect, proud and regal. He continued to keep his gaze away from her. "It seems I am not needed here anymore, so I shall take my leave. Farewell, Murtagh." She bowed to the dragon, then turned and made her way out of the room.

Murtagh watched her as she left and disappeared from his sight. He waited for the slamming of the door, then turned his gaze back to the dragon, who met it.

Why did you do that? the dragon asked him. I like her.

Well, I don't, he replied, placing his hand on the dragons head, as he snaked it closer to him.

Liar.

Murtagh gazed deeply into his eyes, the creature staring back at him, sharing all the emotions his Rider was feeling. Anger, sorrow, fear, regret...Everything that had happened since the moment he was brought to the palace was beginning to surface, along with what he had done before his imprisonment.

Forget about it, the dragon cautioned.

I'm sorry, he said.

I forgive you...just don't ever leave me again.

Murtagh smiled softly, continuing to caress the dragon's head until he started to throatily hum. "I won't. Ever."

A moment of silence passed between them. Murtagh stared down at his content companion, the dragon's eyes closed as he focused on Murtagh's touch.

I've thought of a name for you, Murtagh suddenly said.

The dragon perked up. What?

Thorn, Murtagh answered.

The dragon was silent for a second, thinking over the name. Am I a thorn to you? he asked.

No, but that's what you will be to our enemies.

Murtagh felt a sudden wave of satisfaction come from the dragon, as he continued to rub his scaly head against his hand. I like it.

A/N: There's only two chapters left now. Someone suggested I do a sequel, and I've been thinking about it. But I wanna really make sure it's something I wanna do, cuz I have a habit of starting sequels and not liking them. -_-

Anyway...please review. ^_^