Thanks so much! Again, this is a two-chapter update since I feel awful for abandoning this work for so long, so don't forget to read the last installment if you haven't yet. :) Please review!

Snow had just began to gently fall when the weary troop finally spotted the fortress in the distance. For Miranda especially, the dark castle was a welcome sight after two solid days of walking and battling her inner demons. The corners of her mouth twitched up in a small smile when she imagined her children and her lover in her arms once more.

"Soon my loves, I will free all of you," Miranda whispered, her breath making small clouds in the chilly air.

She pulled her cloak tighter around her body and, renewed with hope, quickened her pace. It seemed that spotting Jacqueline's castle instilled a fresh wave of energy back in the army as well, and all the men urged their horses to trot a little faster. They marched on over the rocky terrain, the horses still keeping their distance away from the Dragon Queen. Nate's eyes were brighter than they had been in days, and his quickened breath was coming in excited puffs of air. When they had reached a small clearing of flat land, Nate held up a hand, halting the army. He slid off his horse and ordered his men to attend to the horses while he walked over to the Queen.

"I believe we should make camp tonight, and attack tomorrow when we are all well-rested," Nate said, running a hand through his shaggy brown hair.

"We are taking quite a risk," Miranda crossed her arms. "If we wait, there is a greater chance that Jacqueline will realize we're here and attack first."

"I know," Nate rubbed his chin, "but look at my men and their horses. Everybody is exhausted. We aren't in our best form for fighting Jacqueline's masses."

Miranda raised an eyebrow and was silent for a minute, observing Nate's army. It was true; everybody looked drained and in need of a good meal and rest before doing anything else.

"Fine," Miranda replied, turning back to the man. "But first thing tomorrow, we will attack."

"Absolutely," Nate agreed. "We also need to review the battle plan with the men."

"By all means then," Miranda waved her hand graciously. "Let us review."

After refining the battle strategies, the men had eaten the last of the precious bread they had left in their knapsacks, and immediately dropped off to sleep soon after. Only Nate and Miranda were up, silently keeping vigil over them. The snow was still falling gently, and the air had turned colder, but the Queen had quietly set an enchantment to keep the soldiers warm as they slept. When they woke, they wouldn't know the wiser, for the snow would still be piled upon them.

"I can't sleep," Nate said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence that had developed between the two. His eyes were alert and bright as he stared at the fortress that was so close to them.

"Nervous?" Miranda asked, also training her gaze upon the evil sorcerer's lair.

"No," Nate shrugged. "Yes. I don't know. I'm not afraid of losing my life. My only concern is saving Andy and ridding the world of that horrible enchantress once and for all."

"I quite agree," Miranda murmured.

"We will be ready tomorrow," Nate said determinedly. "We will not fail."

"I have hope," Miranda cradled her cheek in her palm and let out a small derisive chuckle. "Hope. My god, I live on it."

"It will!" Nate said vehemently before glancing at his sleeping men and lowering his voice again, still speaking fiercely. "It has to. Our numbers are great with our combined people, and we have the force of the dragons on our side. Hope aside, we are strong enough to defeat Jacqueline."

Miranda was silent for a while, looking at his intense eyes and fierce stance. "You should try and get some sleep," she finally said, placing a hand on Nate's forearm, shocking both herself and him with the contact. She dropped it quickly and continued, "You will need your strength. I will weave a small spell around us for protection."

Nate looked into her crystal eyes and nodded solemnly. "Thank you." He scratched his head. "You should, er, also probably get some rest too," he said sheepishly.

"I will," Miranda nodded at him and turned away to gaze once more at the place that kept her family enslaved.

Nate's soft footsteps crunching on the shallow layer of snow on the ground indicated that he left her side, and she closed her eyes. Nigel and the dragon army had made quick time flying, and were currently hiding in one of the rocky alcoves above the mortal army. They were under strict instruction to wait for Miranda's signal in the battle to reveal themselves. The Queen had one chance to unleash her secret weapon, and she had to make sure the timing was crucial in order for it to be effective. Looking one last time at the fortress, Miranda let out a rush of air and turned to cast a spell that would keep them safe and warm for the night. If Jacqueline decided to attack them in the middle of the night, the enchantment would ensure they had a few precious minutes to organize themselves for battle. Raising her arms, Miranda cast it effortlessly, her eyes glowing as the magic flowed out of her fingertips. Satisfied with the protection it offered, she laid down, and closed her eyes, finally succumbing to sleep.

Nate woke up with a start, his first thought being of Andy. A large grin crept along his lips as he realized today was the day he was going to save her. He glanced over at his men, snorting softly at the fact they were all still asleep. Unsurprisingly, Miranda was standing a distance away with her arms crossed, staring at the fortress. She didn't turn around when she quietly uttered, "It is time."

"Your Majesty," her most faithful servant fell to his knees once he reached her throne, "The young man's army with the Queen are on their way for war now."

Jacqueline smiled. "Excellent."

She was aware of their presence the night before, but avoided attacking. Her army hadn't been assembled yet, and she still had a few techniques she wanted to teach the princess before they headed into battle. Plus, Jacqueline was craving the sight of Miranda's face in daylight when the Dragon Queen realized that she was battling her beloved mate. Sneering, she beckoned to Andrea who was standing quietly in the corner. The brunette was by her side in a flash. Critical eyes scanned her body. "You mustn't wear that into battle," Jacqueline mused. She snapped her fingers, and the Princess' slim form was dressed in all black with a billowing dark red cloak flowing from her shoulders. Jacqueline smiled at the result, and motioned for Andrea to come closer. Petting her long chestnut hair, she motioned for the young woman to sit between her legs. The sorceress began weaving it into a high tight braid. Andrea's viridescent eyes gazed emptily upon the man still on his knees, watching in fascination at his Queen doing something so...normal. When the French woman was done, she pushed Andrea off and beckoned to him. He scrambled up to her and gazed upon her as if she were the sun itself. She leaned down, and his heart stuttered. He leaned up in anticipation for the kiss, and found himself abruptly smacked away. Crying out in shock more so than pain, he looked up at her in confusion and heartache.

"I need you to ready the twins," Jacqueline said, flicking her fingers dismissively. "Then I want you to unleash my pets."

"T-those dead monsters?" he trembled. "They almost killed me the last time you wanted me to fetch them."

"What a shame they didn't," she drawled, her sharp eyes cutting his heart to shreds.

He turned away, hot tears burning in his eyes.

"I joke," her voice was flat. "Do as I say. Now!"

He scrambled up, angrily swiping at his tears and did as his Queen ordered. As he approached the cage where the girls were being kept, they immediately began to whimper at the sight of him. Ignoring their cries of fear, he forced their heads into position and clasped the necklaces upon their necks, rendering them incapable of all action and thought. He pulled the twins out of their cages and controlling them by their necklaces, led them back to the throne room where Andrea was standing protectively with her hand on Jacqueline's throne. He sneered at the sight and thrust the two girls forward. Their ratty, fiery hair was thrown in their faces, and Jacqueline tutted at the sight. "What a waste of such brilliant hair," she murmured. With a snap of her fingers, the knots and dirt were washed away, and their beautiful red hair laid in twin French braids.

"Much better," she clapped her hands. "Now about your attire..." She snapped her fingers again and they were dressed in all crimson. They stood quietly and watched her. She turned to the man, "What do you think? Do they look better?"

The man replied with a stony face, "Yes."

Jacqueline tutted. "Don't act like that. You know I was only joking earlier. Be a good boy."

The man stiffly bowed and gruffly responded, "Yes, My Queen. I will fetch the monsters now." He left quickly.

Jacqueline rolled her eyes at his abrupt departure and turned to her prizes. Three pairs of viridescent irises were staring at her blankly. She chuckled and motioned for them to come closer. "Soon, my pets, we will be victorious." Her eyes flashed with mirth. "It is time."

Next up: Battle scene! I promise I won't keep you guys waiting so long this time—Thank you all!