It's short but I updated.

To my reviewers:

Kitavarie: Thank you and I will. I try to do what makes me happy with myself, if people don't like it then that's their problem. Not mine.

CompanionsQuartet4eva: I thank you but I would rather no one bother The Editor VI, I've always found that to really aggravate a person you treat them kindly even when they are rude. Besides, we are all criticized at some point and I didn't expect everyone to like my story. :)

Princess Emarelda: Thank you, I'm glad you like it.

The Editor VI: I understand that you may not be reading this and that's fine. But, you know, if you don't like something then don't read it. I never claimed to be a good writer but I enjoy writing stories all the same and I thank you for your criticism sincerely. It did not anger me so much as make me laugh. I thank you for your refreshing criticism, but I believe I will continue with my story because it is what makes me happy. I don't particularly mind. Continue to review with your negative comments if you wish. I truly don't mind. :)

DaWoot: Haha, we're all happy that he's alive.

Someone aka Me: Thanks!

Leigh Miller: Thank you very much.

epitomeoffly: No… I'm pretty sure I said that it wasn't over at the end of chapter twenty… it would be sort of stupid to end the story like that.

Queen of the Nymphs: Thank you!

bunnysgirl1: If he ever wakes up…

random2one: No problem

hotchocolate7903: Thanks!

OnceUponAFlyingPomagranite: Nope, not a mistake.

chitown4183: Thanks

Darkmagis74: Thank you very much.

Ms-Lady-Phoenix: I'm glad that you don't have to kill me with an angry mob too.

JainaZekk621: Thanks

GladeSistas: Haha, thanks.

tfobmv18: The vial was what her mother gave her once, with healing elixir in it…

Pinery: Yeah he's pretty asleep…

itsmelon: Who knows… well I do but I'm not telling.

Mariano's-Twins: Thanks.

holliebollie: Perhaps there is

Chapter 21

Bedtime Stories

Over the next few days Frell was on the edge of its seat, waiting for their king to wake. He did not, Anna stayed with her parents and was slowly nursed back to health, though she still felt weak and mentally exhausted, at least she was no longer coughing. And she couldn't imagine why Darrow wouldn't wake, Finn and Serafina came to visit her often, Serafina more than Finn seeing as he was so busy at the castle.

"Anna I'm sure you'll think of something, you did bring him back to life," Serafina assured her, watching her friend pace across the room and Anna sat down with a sigh.

"Yes…" she agreed wearily.

Finn leaned on the back of Serafina's chair, "Listen, Charmont no longer thinks you are guilty of the crime, which is why you haven't been arrested but Marie-Claire cannot be revealed as the murderess unless Darrow wakes, she is slowly gaining control at the palace," he said quickly, "We must act before it is too late. Then Darrow will end up dead along with you, me, and anyone else who opposes her."

Anna looked at him, "Happy thought," she muttered and shook her head, "I need time to think. I need to rest."

Serafina nodded, "Of course, but it will be all right in the end Anna. It always is." She stood, "I'll come and visit you tomorrow Ann." Finn nodded and sighed before following her out the door.

Anna started to get ready for bed, over the past few nights she hadn't seen her mother in her dreams, not even a small dream. She knew she needed help in this, she couldn't do it alone. Anna didn't understand why her healing elixir had made him sleep, why couldn't he wake? She was determine dot find out.

OOO

Marie-Claire looked up when Finn entered the room, she'd been sitting by Ella, Charmont was speaking with yet another physician about his son and looking just as frustrated as with all the others, "How can you not know why? Do you know how to wake him at least?"

Finn sighed and went over to him, "It'll be all right Char, Anna is trying to think of something."

Ella nodded, "Yes, she's a good friend to our son Char; she'll come to his rescue again." Marie-Claire nodded, looking worried; luckily she was able to pretend to be worrying that Darrow would never wake. While in truth she wished for him to die again.

Finn and Charmont had to leave to attend to some other business in the kingdom but the ladies stayed, Ella refusing to leave her son's side since they'd gotten him out of that dreadful coffin and into bed. They did not speak but sat in silence and watched him sleeping soundly, Ella willing his chest to rise and fall as it did so and Marie-Claire wanting to plunge a knife through his heart again.

"So you succeeded darling, I knew you would," Brianna smiled in greeting.

Anna looked around in relief, glad to be back, "Yes, but it made him sleep and now he will not wake. Why is that?"

Brianna sighed, "The elixir heals Anna, but bringing someone back to life is different, he will sleep now. Forever if it is necessary, until there is one who can wake him. But I believe that the person who can wake him is there now."

Anna's brow furrowed in confusion, "I don't understand…"

"True love," Brianna said, "There is no more powerful force in all the worlds. It will come to you. Now go and rest dear. I will see you soon."

Anna woke and sat up, suddenly knowing what had to be done and that she had to be the one to do it. She got out of bed quickly, it was late at night but she knew people would be awake at the castle. She dressed quickly, now that she had figured it out she would be able to ride back to Bast, she would go immediately afterward. If her plan worked, if it didn't then she would stay until she thought of another, but she pulled on Royce's clothes, now cleaned and mended, and she went out into the night mounting her horse again and riding toward the palace.

The guards were waiting at the gate for her, "Who goes there? State your business."

Anna dismounted, "I am Lady Anna and I have come to wake the King."

"We've orders not to permit you into the walls of the castle, witch." The guards informed her, "You must permit me to enter! I can wake Darrow; do you not wish for him to wake?" One looked a bit uncertain but the other stayed fast, "We've orders miss."

Anna looked around and sighed, "Then will one of you at least fetch Sir Finnegan, I've business to attend to with him."

"Of course Miss…" the younger guard nodded and hurried away from his post, leaving Anna with the one loyal to Marie-Claire. They waited in silence.

Soon the guard was back with Finn and he smiled, "Anna! Come in, quickly," he took her arm gently and lead her through the gate, "So you thought of something?"

Anna nodded, "I believe so. I can't promise anything though Finn."

Short but I updated… lol.