Now that Thanksgiving holiday is over, I'll try to update once a day, but I don't know how that's gonna work out with finals approaching. Oh, and my review reply button doesn't work, so I have to reply on here.

Restrained Freedom:Thank you. I'm pretty transparent, so your guesses are probably right.

Luvin'-music: Thank you! I love that song!

Warrior of the Flock of Music Shines: Aww, thank you! And I want to do nothing more than write, but it's not the smartest of career choices. Thus the full time college student.

NormalityIsNonexistent: He's evil...he'll do...evil things...**shifty eyes**

TrappedInWonderland: I was VERY disappointed with CP's ending. After Galbatorix died, it just went downhill. It almost felt like another author altogether. I did this because I couldn't think of a way to fix it...which is kind of weird for me. I normally go all anal over these things.

Once again, thank you all for reviewing :)

UPDATE: this is a direct continuation of the previous chapter. We have one major time leap to go - very soon - before the chapters will all be continuous/skipping small amounts of time as a book would.


Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear

-Mark Twain

.

.

She was not afraid.

Why should she have been? The King had been nothing but kind to her. Her parents had warned her – many times – and whatever they kept from her, she knew they kept it for her own good. She trusted her parents.

And in trusting her parents, Alyssa resolved not to trust the king.

But she had to have faith, faith that she would not be harmed, faith that everything would fall into place; faith that Galbatorix really meant to control everything, and would do it through whatever means possible.

And maybe, if she cooperated, he wouldn't hurt her or her family.

She held her chin up. She would be strong. She was strong. She was brave. She would not flinch under his gaze, would not falter in her step, would not shiver at his touch or the sound of his voice. She was invincible.

She knew she wasn't, but it helped to think so.

With the guards at her flank and the herald leading her as if he believed her to be a stray dog – honestly, the mad king had been kinder to her in her rare memories of him – the doors to the throne room opened with a great heave.

Alyssa saw the back of the herald's tunic, heard the doors close behind her, the rustle of the guards' mail behind her. This room was warmer than the others, large and far above her head. She saw gold and black and silver all around her, to each side; the view before her was blocked by the herald.

The herald clacked his tongue against his mouth distastefully. "I have brought forth the child."

Alyssa sighed dramatically.

And a chilling voice laughed. "I see. And which child would that be?"

The herald paused. "I…."

Alyssa shifted her weight to her other foot, groaning inwardly; almost by accident, the words came from her lips, dripping in sarcasm. "Remember how to speak, if you please, or go away."

When the herald spun on his heel to face her, she suddenly realized she'd said the words out loud. Her eyebrows rose in surprise at the man's furious expression, but knowing there was no way to take it back, she adjusted the expression to look expectant, crossing her arms for emphasis. "Well? Have you chosen to address a girl before answering your king?"

"She makes a very fine point."

Alyssa felt as if her muscles had frozen her into place.

She dropped her arms to her sides, and as he came into view behind the frightened herald, she met the eyes of the king.

He looked on her with interest, a faint smile touching the ends of his lips. He did not look at the herald as he spoke. "Do as she asks and leave before I change my mind."

The herald hurried from the room.

She held his gaze without fear.

His smile widened in the slightest. "Such a precocious child. Tell me, what should be done with him?"

She treaded carefully, unconsciously biting her lower lip. "Perhaps he should be struck once or twice. It's what happens when I speak proudly."

Galbatorix paced two steps, pursing his lips. "Hm. And who, dear girl, strikes you? Your mother or your father?"

"Mother." She answered immediately, keeping her back straight, her hands clasped in front of her, and her thoughts reigned in.

"And why…" He raised an eyebrow briefly, turning to her with a charming smile. "Do you think that is, Alyssa?"

She thought over her answer several times. "Mother is very smart. She knows that no matter what happens between us, she will always be my mother, and she will always do what is best for me, because she loves me."

"So your mother is the one who punishes you because she will do what is best, no matter if it hurts either of you?" He surmised, watching her closely.

She nodded. "Yes, your majesty."

He smiled. "You're a very smart girl. Perhaps one day when I ask that question, you will consider the other side of the matter." He took several steps towards the throne.

"And what side would that be, King Galbatorix?"

He looked at her, pausing with his back in her direction. "That your father simply cannot bear to harm his child, even if it is for your future prosperity"

She bit her lip again. "What is there to consider about that?" Her wondering aloud had been well-received so far, and Galbatorix seemed almost eager to answer.

He turned to face her completely. "That when asked why it is your mother that punishes you, you consider it because of your mother's virtue, and not your father's fault."

She nodded, understanding. "And it is a fault to put his feelings over my welfare."

He smiled, almost proudly, and sunk into his chair. "Very good. You are much farther along than I had previously guessed."

She dipped her head in respect, speaking slowly. "….Thank you, your majesty."

He laughed. "And such a polite girl too. Come here, girl. Stand where I can see you properly." She took large steps forward, halting with a lurch several feet away from his throne.

He sighed. "That's a girl. Now, answer me this: you still spend much time with your father's dragon, yes?"

She nodded. "Yes, your majesty, I do."

"And you know much of dragons?"

She nodded again. "Yes your majesty."

"And has your father, by any chance, deemed you ready to learn the ancient language?"

She paused. "I…" He smiled at her hesitation, but then she straightened her shoulders and met his eyes again. "I know a little. Thorn says it suits me."

"I imagine so."

She fell silent, unsure of what to do. She would not speak unless she was spoken to. Silence was valued in young ladies.

"Dear girl, don't be so skittish. If it pleases you to know, we are waiting for another, apparently incompetent, messenger. He has a…present for you."

"I am…grateful, though I assure you it is not necessary."

He laughed. "Oh, I'm afraid it is."

The silence was heavy.

The door opened.

Alyssa resisted the urge to peek.

Galbatorix stood, still smiling in a disarming manner. "Don't resist the temptation, dear girl. I have a feeling this belongs to you."

She turned slowly, silver-green eyes widening. When her gaze rested upon her gift, Galbatorix prepared the shackles he would bind her with, lying in wait once again.