Hello everyone! So, this took a while and I'm sorry for it. London was amazing! And o-m-g I actually saw Keira Knightley (I'm a huge fan) in Hyde Park. But well..ehm, so this next chapter..interesting chapter to write..I hope it's just as interesting to read. Please review! Thanks for reading darlings! X

Chapter 10 – She's the only love I know

Murtagh felt brackish when he woke up the next morning. His back ached since he had slept in an uncomfortable position in the chair. He blinked his eyes because of the bright light that came through the windows. The sun was shining, something that didn't happen very often around here. The former black leaves that autumn had turned red made it look like everything was on fire. He threw the blanket off of him and tried to sneak as quietly as possible towards the washing chamber. He washed his face with fresh cold water and looked at himself in the mirror. He was skinnier then before. His hair was darker and his face was manlier. He looked into his own eyes who had softened since he had looked at himself so critical before. For the first time since..always..he looked less bitter. He smiled, he though he looked better this way. He dried is face and walked out of the washing room. He saw Meghan lying in bed. Her legs were almost against her chest. She was lying there like a small and silent pile on the corner of the big bed. He put a chair next to the bed and sat down. She crinkled her nose before she took another position, still sleeping peacefully. Murtagh felt how he enjoyed her presence even if she was sleeping. After a long while he slowly began to talk.

"Meghan..wake up, love." She didn't hear his voice, she was too far lost in sleep.

"Darling.." he dared to say while he stroke a dark lock of hair out of her face. She moaned softly and opened her eyes, they were blinking in protest of the light.

"Wake up." He said again with a sweet and soft voice while she slowly opened her eyes further to look at him. She held her hand before her eyes to protect them from the light, he saw the bandage around her hand. He turned warm inside when she looked at him and he smiled.

"Morning." Her voice was hoarse.

"What happened?" he asked implying on her hand.

"Yesterday..the plate, remember?" he didn't answer but nodded understandingly.

"I though about last night.." Murtagh said serious. "If you want to escape..I will do everything in my power to help you do so." He said with pain in the heart. "But I don't think either of us is ready for it." She nodded slowly.

"Thank you."

Murtagh changed his cloathes when Meghan had left. He didn't feel much for the fact that he had lessons with Galbatorix today. He was tired and the doubt about what he was supposed to become grew stronger every day. He thought about Eragon, and how he had always wondered why Murtagh hadn't made other choices in his life. He missed him. He even missed being held prisoner at the Varden. All in black he went to Galbatorix' chambers. One of the guards accompanied him to the king.

There he was, proud on his throne, watching the map of Alagaësia with bored eyes.

"You're late." He said irritated.

"I'm sorry." Murtagh answered.

"You're not sorry at all. And you're getting more disordered. You can't afford disorderly."

Galbatorix had gotten up and walked towards Murtagh, his purple cloak floating behind him, dancing around his legs as if it led his own life.

"Disorder is for the weak. You don't want to impute you're weak dearest Murtagh?" the king asked on a disgusting tone.

"No sire." Shivers went over Murtagh's back, he felt like a little helpless boy again. He felt like he had felt with his father. Completely inferior and humble. He closed his eyes to find inner peace again.

"Today we are going to work at your mental strength." Murtagh nodded. "I'm going to see if you can resist intruders in your deepest self. It's important that you understand that this is the hardest part, Murtagh. You have physical strength and potential enough, but what I want..what you need, is mental strength. Magic.." he started to walk again, his fingertips pushed together. "..Magic, dearest Murtagh is something incredible. What I want to teach you isn't..'just' magic, it's the most powerful magic in magic's existence. All of it shall have to come from inner strength. You're going to be able to call upon power you didn't even know you had. And I don't have the patience to sit and wait until you figure it out yourself. That's why today is going to be hard, and I don't want you to focus on anything but this. I don't want you to resist at all, I won't accept weakness." Murtagh nodded, it was the only thing he could do.

"Have a seat." Said Galbatorix. Murtagh took place in a big wooden chair, it was dreadfully uncomfortable. Before he could prepare himself he felt a terrible Sting in his head. Galbatorix was definitely trying to invade his mind, his thoughts, his holy asylum. Galbatorix' power was incredible. Murtagh felt how he saw things from his youth, his father, his time in the palace, his time with Eragon and then..he startled when he realized that Galbatorix was getting information about Meghan. He didn't know where the power came from but he fought Galbatorix and blocked his mind with such intensity that Galbatorix lost his balance for a while. He was furious and surprised.

"Obviously there's something you don't want me to know, or are you just practicing and it turns out you're a natural?" Murtagh felt that his body was wet with sweat, as were his clothes and hair. He looked at the man in front of him with anger. The king almost ran towards him and tried again. Murtagh tried to fight him and keep him away but he felt he could never be strong enough. He felt Galbatorix searching for the worst time in his life. The worst thing ever. The moment when his father gave him the wound that now was the scar on his back. Galbatorix stopped by himself. He had to laugh while Murtagh tried to catch his breath in the chair. Galbatorix' laughter was without joy.

"You're weak Murtagh. So weak. Your father would be disappointed."

"I don't care about my father." Murtagh yelled to Galbatorix' face. Galbatorix' face lost all colour. He held up his hand and tortured Murtagh without saying a spell out loud.
"What did you say? Do you think you would still be alive without him? Without me?! You're nothing! You're pathetic! Even the Varden could hold you prisoner! Don't forget I'm offering you a glorious life Murtagh. Don't disappoint me!" Murtagh fell down on the cold and hard marble floor when Galbatorix stopped.

"All I want, is be a good Dragonrider." The comment was ambiguous, he knew Galbatorix would think it ment he wanted to be good for him, but what he really meant was that he wanted to be good. No more evil.

"Very well." Galbatorix said satisfied. "And bring me your servant, I would like a word with her."

Weak Murtagh walked through the hallways. His clothes were wet from sweating. He was exhausted. He wished Galbatorix had never said that last sentence. It was his fault Meghan had to come to Galbatorix after what he did, after his weakness. He walked towards the kitchen. He found Aiden, Aiden asked him if he could do something for him and while asking he sounded vicious.

"Do you know where Meghan is?" Murtagh asked, still out of breath.

"What d'ya want from her?" Aiden asked agitated.

"I need to speak with her Aiden. It's important." Murtagh was the only one polite and interested enough to remember servant names.

"She's at the stables." Aiden said with aversion "It's where she goes if she worries about something. But you would know of course.." he said sarcastically.

"Thanks." Murtagh didn't have the will nor the power to show how Aiden irritated him.

At the stables Murtagh saw Meghan putting her head against the side of a horse. She looked even smaller near the big horse. She was in complete tranquility. He sighed. Meghan heard footsteps and looked up. Leaves blew into the stables, she rushed herself to him.

"What happened?!" she asked when she observed him.

"Galbatorix wants to see you." She was shocked. Her eyes widened and Murtagh looked at her, his hands on her shoulders.

"He intruded in my mind and saw things I never wanted to show, including you..I don't know what he saw but.."

"It's okay." She said numbed by the shock, she embraced him. His heart was still beating fast under her ear.

"Meghan.." his voice was almost inaudible. She looked up.

"Yes?" she hoped for some comfort, something to put her at ease. To take her fears away. But the truth was nothing could take her fears away. She suddenly noticed how fierce and clear blue his eyes were.

"I love you." He said, his hand caressing her cheek.

"Be careful." He kissed her and let her go.

Meghan felt how she trembled with every step. After a long, numb walk she stood in front of the throne hall. Without questions the guards let her enter. Her footsteps echoed through the high hall.
"Meghan right?" he didn't look at her, he was looking out of a window which was barely see-trough.
"Yes, sire." Meghan answered with a trembling voice.
"You know why you are here?" his voice was cold and et friendly, too friendly.
"No, sire."
"Curious." He turned fast and his cloak followed his every move. With grand fast steps he walked towards her and held up his narrow hadn. Meghan felt how he searched her latest memories. She resisted him fast, but he had seen enough. She felt that her legs couldn't hold her any longer, and it seemed like her head was ripped open. She was nauseous right away. But he wasn't looking for what she though he wanted to know, which was Brom and her background. But he had been looking for Murtagh.

"You won't talk, won't meet, won't serve, you shall avoid him at all time and every form of contact is forbidden. Do I make myself clear?" Galbatorix face was but inches away from hers. "I only give you one single warning. And even that's too much. He doesn't need you anymore. It's over." He said furious but weirdly calm.

Meghan couldn't walk herself. The guard got the order to take her away to the servant chambers. Outside it was already getting dark. Her head hurt so much that every move was hell. The guards threw her on the ground of the servant chambers and left. The position in which she was left there was the same in which she fell asleep. Not much later, at least it seemed so, someone woke her up. It was Aiden.

"What happened?" he asked quietly. Meghan felt too weak to talk, she never had been strong. But Galbatorix power had taken all of her. She moved her head a little, barely capable to open her eyes. She heard the door open. After which she heard Aiden stand up, and someone getting hit. She heard someone fall against a door or something made out of wood and after that footsteps that walked into her direction. She felt warm hands caressing her face and shoulders. It was Murtagh, she could see his face in the twilight. He put her head on his lap and stroked her hair.

"What did he do to you, love?" he asked, his voice sounded broken.
"He.." Meghan sighed, her head ached and the nausea made her think she could throw up any minute now.
"It's over Murtagh. I can't.."
"What's over Meghan? What's the matter?" she felt something break inside of her and realized it was her heart. Aiden was looking at the situation from a distance, he knew he shouldn't interfere. Not now.
"Us. It's impossible Murtagh."
"Did he tell you so? What did he say Meggie?"
"You.." her eyes narrowed and she started to cry. "You have to go." She said with all the strength that was left in her. Aiden thought it safe to come closer.

"You hear her, mate." He said while he put a hand on one of Murtagh's shoulders and he pulled it gently. Murtagh shook off his hand.

"I'm not your mate, friend. And she needs me!" Murtagh hissed.

"She's got us. We're all she has. Murtagh, don't fool her any longer.." Aiden was talking slow and calm. Angry Murtagh pushed him away and left the chambers, he slammed the door with such power that half of the palace could hear it close.