~*Peace*~
Tonya was breathing hard as she struggled to figure out what was going on around her. She was unaware of where she was, who she was with, and the danger facing her now. Chezem could tell that she was in a bad state. It only added to things that Ryu had managed to find them so quickly. Knowing that he couldn't move her just yet, Chezem took his gold covering off his shoulders and gently wrapped it around Tonya. He gave her a slight hug before standing and facing Ryu.
"Well this is a surprise. It would seem that you aren't over her yet. And after how you saw us at your home? You must really want this bitch for your own now don't you?" Ryu taunted as Chezem placed his hand on the hilt of the dagger he always carried with him.
"If you want Tonya then you'll have to go through me. I refuse to let you take her again." Chezem growled as Ryu let out a sadistic laugh.
"Oh she will be mine again. And this time around I won't be as nice to her. I'll make her remember who is master and who the subordinate is. But first, it would seem that I would have to take care of you." Ryu smirked as he pulled out a gun and trained it on Chezem.
"Attacking me means going against the crown. Do you really think you'll win that battle?" Chezem challenged as he stepped away from Tonya. Not wanting to drag her into the fight that was sure to break out.
"If I make it seem like an accident I can. After all it wouldn't be that hard to cover up your death. All I'd have to say is you chased your beloved there into the woods. You two got into an argument and then you slipped and fell from a cliff. Of course, I'd have to find your body and dig out any bullets that would still be in you. But that is merely a trivial matter to me." Ryu chuckled as he clicked the safety off.
"Why do you want Tonya so badly? Why did you have to ruin our lives!?" Chezem hollered as Ryu tapped his head with his gun.
"Tsk…It's simple really. That girl is mine and has been since we were younger. We were always meant to be. You of all people should understand that it is our duties to marry those with power and create a strong lineage. Besides, Tonya was my first love." Ryu said softly as he looked past Chezem to the girl who was still slumped against the tree. "I've always held a certain fondness for her in my heart. You could say she was my first and only love. She was the only one to truly accept and love me. All others were either afraid of me or only wanted my power. Not Tonya. She genuinely cared for me. I can understand why you're so keen on her boy. That girl is easy to fall in love with. Hell, even at a young age I figured that out. And well, unlike most little boys I wasn't forced to give my first love away. My parents didn't like it, but I was dead set on her and have always been. You should know I always get what I want princey. And I will have Tonya one way or another. Nothing will keep me from having her as my own."
"What you're doing isn't love. It's torture." Chezem snarled as Ryu nodded.
"Perhaps. But in time, she'll be mine once again. And we'll be happy, just as we were when we were kids. But first—" Ryu grinned as he took aim.
Chezem quickly dodged before the trigger was pulled. The shot echoed loudly through the trees as Chezem charged towards Ryu. Drawing his dagger as he did so. Ryu fired off a couple more rounds at the prince. Amazed at how fast he was as Chezem easily dodged the shots. It didn't take the prince long to close the distance as he swiped at Ryu. Drawing blood as Ryu quickly dodged his various attacks. Barely able to keep up with Chezem's speed as more and more blood was drawn with each swipe. It didn't take Chezem long to knock the cocky man off balance, giving him the chance he needed as he drove his dagger down hard into Ryu's leg. The young man let out a howl of pain before knocking Chezem back hard. Quickly firing off a round as it struck home. Chezem was now the one hollering in pain as he held his shoulder. His blood seeping through his fingers as he pushed himself up. Ryu pulled the dagger out of his leg, flinging it away as he glared down at Chezem. He fired off another shot, this time the bullet piercing his side as another cry escaped from Chezem.
"I always get what I want. And I won't let someone like you stand in my way." Ryu growled as he raised his gun once more to finish things off. But all the bullets were gone.
Throwing the gun away, he limped over to Chezem who was in too much pain to move at the moment. Despite how much he was willing his body to do so. His cries of pain would not go unnoticed though. Tonya slowly began stirring as she weakly opened her eyes. Her vision cleared as she was finally able to focus on the two figures. Chezem was on the ground as Ryu was limping towards him. Both were bleeding, but Chezem was in a worse state. And he was easy pickings for Ryu now. The older boy cracked his knuckles as that sickening laugh echoed through the trees. It was that laughter that snapped Tonya out of her daze as she took in the situation around her.
Chezem wasn't able to move very well and Ryu was closing in on the downed prince. Tonya gritted her teeth and managed to get to her knees. She weakly pushed herself up to her feet, using a nearby tree to support herself. Looking around, she tried to find something she could use to help Chezem out as she tried to remain on her shaky legs. Something flashed brightly, drawing her attention towards it as she stumbled to the object. The dagger lied on the ground, blood still on it as she picked it up. The cold steel felt good in her hand as she turned to where Ryu was. Standing over Chezem, knowing that he had his prey cornered. Drawing upon the last of her strength, Tonya forced her legs into a run as she drew her arm back. Driving the dagger into Ryu's back, forcing it as far down as it would go. Ryu let out a scream as he stumbled away from the two. Chezem looked from Ryu to Tonya in surprise. She was barely able to stand, yet she'd just saved him.
"How's it feel to be the one in pain Ryu?" Tonya snarled as her legs finally gave out. Chezem caught the girl, drawing her close as Ryu turned around. Pure rage in his eyes as he glared at them both.
"You?! I'll make sure you pay for this Tonya! And I'll start by making you watch as your little boyfriend here dies because of you!" Ryu hollered as he started towards the two. Intending to rip Tonya away from Chezem before delivering the final blow.
"Unless you wish to die, I suggest you back off now." A cold voice commanded as Ryu stared down a blade that had broken the skin, causing a droplet of blood to slowly roll down his neck.
Both Chezem and Tonya were surprised to see Jun standing before them. Ryu turned, only to be met by Alvah's blade this time as Lambert and the others walked forward. Nagit and Melchiorre rushed to the two on the ground as Lambert ordered Ryu's arrest before turning to the other two. Tonya was in shock as she looked around her. All the princes were there. They had come for her. She looked from the five around them to Chezem who was still holding her. A smile on his face as he looked at the small girl.
"You're finally safe." Chezem whispered as Tonya just leaned into him. Happy to be free from the nightmare once and for all.
_._._
They were all finally back at the palace safe and sound. Doctors had been called in to look after Tonya and Chezem while the others took care of business. Lambert had Ryu officially charged and locked up while Jun worked to try and bring down Tonya's grandmother as well. If she hadn't ratted out Tonya, then Ryu never would've come for her. They planned on charging her as an accessory to Ryu's crimes. As promised all charges against Falitna had been dropped. But of course, she was warned to never come around the palace ever again. Chezem had to have minor surgery in order to have the bullets removed, but he was expected to make a full recovery. As for Tonya? She'd been confined to her room to rest for now.
"I'm proud to say that your child is going to be fine. While you did put your body under stress, it didn't affect your child. Just take it easy for now and I promise things will be ok." The doctor assured Tonya as she fought the urge to cry out of joy.
"Thank goodness." Tonya breathed in relief as she placed a hand on her stomach.
"I take it you have good news?" Ivan asked as he walked in. Tonya nodded as Ivan caught on quickly.
"Yes. We're going to be fine." She smiled as she looked down at her belly. "Ivan, did you send for him?"
"Yes. He should be here shortly. Are you sure you're up for this so soon?" Ivan asked as Tonya nodded.
"If I don't do it now then I may never do it." Tonya sighed as Ivan nodded. The girl was still the same as ever. "Ivan, tell me something. How were the others able to find us?"
"They heard the gunshots and followed them into the woods. It wasn't long after that screams broke out, urging the princes on. You two had them scared that they were too late." Ivan said as Tonya nodded. "Miss Tonya if I may ask, why did you run in the first place? Surely you must've thought something was up upon seeing Prince Chezem at the party?"
"Ivan, I wasn't in the right state of mind. My will had all but left me during my time under Ryu's thumb. When I saw him with Falitna I had just about given up. Then my morning sickness hit me and Ryu overheard me and Eva talking about my child. He was going to terminate my pregnancy by force. That's why I ran. It wasn't just me I had to fight for anymore." Tonya sighed as Ivan nodded.
"Oh, you will be happy to know that Eva is receiving the best care. She sends her wishes." Ivan smiled as Tonya nodded.
It wasn't long after that that Chezem walked into the room. Dressed in simple clothes to avoid aggravating his injuries. Ivan bowed as he left the two alone, closing the door behind him as he went. Chezem looked to Tonya who had her gaze down. She was debating on how she should start things out. After all, they hadn't exactly spoken since the huge fight they'd had. Chezem took it as something else entirely though as he walked over to her bed and sank to his knees. Despite the pain it caused him as he reached out and grabbed her hand. Surprising the girl as she wondered what he was doing.
"What are you doing?" Tonya asked as Chezem laid his forehead upon her hand.
"Apologizing for everything I've done to you." He whispered as he gripped her hand tightly. Causing his shoulder to hurt slightly as he did so.
Tonya felt tears fall on to her hand as Chezem just sat there. She could feel his body shaking as well as she recognized the emotion he was emitting. Fear. The same fear she'd had the night she'd ran to his room. The fear of falling apart. Of needing the single most important person to you in your arms. Needing someone to keep you whole as you just let everything pour out.
"I was wrong for what I did. I just lost it. What I did was unforgivable. To not even allow you a chance to speak. To just assume that the girl I'd come to know was nothing but a fake. To allow myself to be swayed by some photos and a few words? Tonya I wouldn't blame you if you never wished to see me again. But I just had to tell you that I'm sorry." Chezem said as he kept his head down. Afraid to see what expression was on her face right now.
"…..What about your engagement to Falitna?" Tonya asked as she felt herself on the verge of tears as well.
"A ruse. All to get that man to let his guard down to find out where you were. Once we knew for sure where he was keeping you we were going to come and rescue you. As you can see, things didn't go as planned." Chezem said as he finally picked his head up, but still avoiding her gaze.
"So you're not marrying Falitna?" Tonya asked as Chezem nodded.
"No. You're the only one I want. The only one I'll ever want. Tonya I love you." Chezem said as he finally looked up at her. As happy as Tonya was, there were still things that needed to be said. And not knowing when she'd get the chance again she had to say them now.
"Chezem, I don't know if I'll be able to forgive what you did." Tonya said softly as Chezem felt his body grow cold. Even though he'd been expecting this, it still pierced his heart and put him in immense pain. "I trusted you completely and then you just destroyed it. It tore my heart to shreds and I don't know if we'll ever be able to fix things."
"…I see…" Chezem whispered as he looked away.
"But—saving me was a good place to start." Chezem looked back to the girl to see that mischievous smile on her lips before she flung herself at him. "I love you Chezem."
Their lips instantly locked as they pressed their bodies to each other. It was a passionate kiss, one that they wished wouldn't end. But of course had to at some point. Because Tonya still had news of her own she needed to share as Chezem wondered what was wrong. Taking a deep breath, Tonya could feel her face grow hot as she placed a hand on her stomach.
"Tonya, your face is hot. And you're holding your stomach. Are you not feeling well?" Chezem asked as he scooted closer to the girl as she shook her head.
"No I feel fine. I…um…Chezem?" She finally managed to get her nerves in check as a smile broke out across her face as she squeezed his hand lightly. "I'm pregnant. With your child."
Chezem froze as he looked at Tonya. It only lasted temporarily as he looked from Tonya, to her stomach, and then back again before reaching out lightly to touch her stomach. Even though he knew there were no visible signs yet. He couldn't help the action as he slowly locked gazes with her once more as Tonya waited for his reaction.
"I'm going to be a father?" He asked softly as Tonya nodded. "I'm going to be a father!"
Chezem cheered loudly as he pulled Tonya close and hugged her tightly. He fought the urge to pick her up off the bed and spin her around as he couldn't believe the news. Chezem kissed Tonya once more, overdoing a bit when his injuries started acting up. Causing him to let out a string of 'ows' and making Tonya laugh.
"You know, we're going to have to tell the others eventually." Tonya groaned as she could only imagine the ruckus it would make.
"Before that…Tonya after this ordeal I realized how much I need you. Now more than ever. So, before our child is born will you marry me?" Chezem asked as he got down on one knee.
"Of course. You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily did you?" Tonya winked as Chezem caught her up into another kiss.
_._._
A few days later the coronation ceremony began. Lambert stood at the ready as Tonya officially gave him the bracelet before the king, the princes, and other dignitaries of the land. Cheers broke out through the hall as the party commenced. The engaged couple sat off alone as the others wondered what was going on. The two had been acting very secretive as of late. Chezem had snuck out of the palace a couple times and Tonya had been very careful about watching what she'd said around them. All of the princes, even the king, could tell something was up as the two got up and slowly headed out of the coronation hall and towards the garden.
"Three, two, one…" Tonya counted down as the princes and the king all came around the corner.
"Wow. Perfect timing and everything." Chezem grinned as he held Tonya with his good arm, being careful on the injury on that side.
"Ok you two, spill it. What's the deal with you guys?" Alvah demanded as he narrowed his eyes at the two who looked at each other. Feigning ignorance.
"You've been sneaking around an awful lot lately. You especially Chezem." Melchiorre pointed out as Chezem let out a chuckle.
"And Tonya, you've been editing your language quite a bit." Jun noted, since he'd purposely tried to piss her off to find out what was going on.
"See, I told you they noticed." Tonya said to Chezem who nodded.
"So they did. And here I was hoping that we could drag this out a bit longer." Chezem said as Nagit spotted something on Tonya's left ring finger.
"Tonya, is that an engagement ring?" Nagit as Tonya held up her hand to show off the simple single stone placed in the silver band.
"So all this secrecy was to hide your engagement?" Lambert asked, a bit annoyed as Tonya giggled.
"Not just that. Chezem you want to tell them?" Tonya offered as Chezem placed a hand on Tonya's stomach.
"You're all going to be uncles." Chezem said as they all looked at each other. Unable to process what they'd just heard quite yet.
"Tamir, this means you'll be a grandfather." Tonya smiled as the king pointed to himself.
"I'm going to be a granddaddy? Woo hoo!" Tamir cheered as he ran forward and picked Tonya up and spun her around. Gently of course. This is when the news finally sank in.
The six immediately swarmed the two as they bombarded them with questions. The two had expected as much as they took it in stride. Tamir was on cloud nine as he already began thinking of ideas for their wedding, the baby shower, and turning one of the many rooms into a personal nursery for his soon to be grandchild. Alvah and Jun started taking bets on what the baby's gender would be as Melchiorre and Lambert wondered what it would be like to be uncles. Nagit just flashed the two a smile, happy to see that things had worked out for them before being caught up in all the planning as well.
"I'm glad we got them alone to tell them." Chezem said as he pulled Tonya to his side.
"It was a family matter. So only family should be allowed to hear it first." Tonya said as she kicked off her heels. "Man my ankles are killing me. I think I'm going to go lay down."
"How about we all go rest? Since we don't need to worry about making any major decisions for a while." Chezem said as he swung her into his arms.
"Chezem! You're going to overdo it!" Tonya said as she worried for his wounds.
"Then I guess you better kiss me and make it all better." He teased before claiming her lips as he walked them back to their room.
And we've reached the end! I want to thank all you lovelies for sticking it out with me! I may do spin offs for this story, but that's way down on the to do list right now. As always I will post updates on my page if you should so choose to follow me. And for those of you that already are you are awesome! Till next time guys!