Before The Worst

Chapter Thirty Eight

DG grinned at Azkadellia as Deirdre pinned the hem of her dress up. It was Friday evening and Deirdre was muttering about the short amount of time she had to finish the dress.

"Deirdre, it's gorgeous and it fits perfectly." DG said calmly.

"It's too long, so stand still!" She snapped and Azkadellia giggled. DG rolled her eyes as Deirdre disappeared into the corner of the room to fetch more pins.

"I'm not too sure about wearing white." DG commented quietly to her sister, "Feels slightly hypocritical after the past month!"

"DG!" Azkadellia pretended to be shocked, but she couldn't help smiling at her sister's happy attitude. They'd arrived back only two hours ago and DG had been instantly whisked into dress fittings, been reciting the names of guests and trying to catch up with her sister in between. Cain had been pulled away to try on his suit and go over the security reports for the past month.

"You had a good time then?" Azkadellia asked as Deirdre returned. DG's smile widened, if that was possible.

"It was perfect, Az. I felt like a regular person, not a princess or heir or anything like that."

"Sounds lovely." Azkadellia said softly and then gestured at the Emerald, which lay on a nearby table, glowing gently. "I think she missed you."

"She says that she wanted to talk to you so many times. And that I could learn a lot from you." DG said shifting on the stand. She'd been stood there for almost an hour and her legs were starting to ache. The jewel glowed more brightly.

Azkadellia remains calm in the face of adversity. You should learn to hide your emotions as well, for diplomacy if nothing else.

DG frowned, thinking back to Ozma.

'What happened to Az? What adversity?'

It is not my place to say. I feel that Azkadellia may be suffering in society.

'Did somebody say something to her?'

It is not my place to say.

'Ozma, you can't say something like that and not elaborate!'

"DG, don't go off into a private conversation again!" Azkadellia's voice broke through and DG quickly turned her attention to her sister.

"Sorry, Az. Ozma's just winding me up. You and I are having a talk later." DG said firmly.

"You can talk now. Get that dress off." Deirdre interrupted and DG jumped down from the stool, pulling the white cloth over her head and tugging a bright blue one over the petticoats. The seamstress disappeared and as Azkadellia went to fasten DG's dress, she twisted her head to look at her.

"Az, has someone been giving you a hard time?"

"Not particularly, why?"

"Ozma said you were facing adversity." DG said, placing the Emerald around her neck. Azkadellia pulled a slight face.

"Nothing more than usual. You know how I feel about gathering in society these days. And we had some guests for dinner the other night and it… there was some awkwardness." She said lightly, "But nothing to worry about. Come on, we'll be late for dinner at this rate and I still haven't seen your pictures!"

~*~

Cain and DG's new suite was on the fourth floor and consisted of a large bedroom, a large bathroom and a very large sitting room. Cain peered around it uncomfortably.

"Kinda big for just two of us." He commented and DG nodded.

"I know. But I like a big bathroom." She said, glancing into the luxurious bathroom, decorated in pale marble. All their belongings were neatly arranged and Cain was looking through the wardrobe.

"I've got a dozen new suits in here." He commented but DG was rearranging the dressing table, looking for something. "What is it?"

"I'm just looking for… oh!" She held up the tiny, carved motorcycle he had given her for Lurlinemas, crossing to the bedside table. "This lives here."

His arms went around her waist, pulling her back against his strong chest. She put her head back onto his shoulder and smiled up at him.

"Ready for the ball?" She asked quietly and he kissed her temple.

"Never. Don't like 'em, too many ways for people to get in."

"You're not going to stand there looking threatening all night, are you?" DG asked in exasperation and he smiled.

"Why not?"

"It's our wedding celebration!" She said incredulously, turning in his arms to face him, "People will want to talk to you!"

"You're the princess, darling."

"And you're my future consort!" She shot back, hitting his arm lightly, "I have to be sociable, so do you!"

Cain looked remarkably unimpressed at this.

"Sweetheart, I'm not what you call a people person. I keep to myself and to those I care about. I'll be your consort and I'll make the right noises on the right occasions. I'll do my duties and I'll do them well. But I'm not going to kiss up to a bunch of nobles just because they're curious." He said firmly. DG gazed at him for a moment and then raised herself onto her tiptoes.

"Glad to see all this power hasn't gone to your head." She teased, kissing him softly, "But can you at least talk to a couple of people?"

"If you're that keen for me to." He relented and she grinned, kissing him again.

~*~

The ball was beautiful. The music was exquisite. The company was hearty. DG and Azkadellia were bored. DG because she had spent the last two hours giving the same 'so glad you could come, oh thank you, I couldn't be happier!' speech to three hundred people and Azkadellia because she had spend the last two hours being stared at and avoiding people. Cain was dutifully meeting and greeting, Glitch by his side to help him get the names right.

As a duke and his wife moved away DG turned to her sister and rolled her eyes.

"Boy, are you having as much fun as I am?"

"More, if possible." Azkadellia said dryly and DG laughed, linking arms with her as they made their way back to the platform where Cain and Glitch were waiting. Cain kissed DG firmly.

"You owe me for this, sweetheart."

"I'll make it up to you." DG promised with a grin, "You've been very good. I've barely seen a single glare."

"He's been very restrained." Glitch confirmed and Cain eyed him. Glitch smiled and turned to Azkadellia.

"How is it going?"

"Oh, as usual." Azkadellia said with a slight shrug. "Desperately awkward and I feel like an exhibition. But in a couple of hours it will all be over."

DG gave her sister a sympathetic look and then turned to Glitch.

"You two go and dance. You could use a break from babysitting Cain." Glitch laughed at Cain's expression and turned to Azkadellia, bowing slightly.

"May I?" He asked, holding out a hand.

"Have I ever said no to you?" Azkadellia smiled becomingly. Glitch grinned and they swept away to the already crowded dance floor. DG beamed, looking up at her husband.

"It's going well. My feet barely hurt, I haven't been groped by any random noblemen and I think I've spoken to everyone here so I don't have to do the 'thanks for coming!' speech again all evening!"

"It's the little things that make you happy, isn't it darling?" Cain said dryly and kissed her again. She mock-scowled, swiping at his arm.

"Come on, cheer up. Like Az said, in a couple of hours it'll all be over."

"And then you can start on making this up to me." Cain smirked and DG arched an eyebrow, turning as a familiar face approached.

"Jeb, perhaps you could educate your father in the appropriate manners expected at a royal ball?" She said and Jeb laughed.

"You think that's a one man job?" He asked and DG smiled, shaking her head. Cain gave them a look as though to suggest that they were very immature. Jeb held out a hand to her.

"You haven't danced all night. Since I can safely assume my father's not going to ask you, may I have the first?"

"You certainly may." DG said graciously and smiled beatifically at Cain as Jeb escorted her to the dance floor. Cain didn't seem in the least bit bothered, turning to chat with passing couple.

DG smiled at her sister as they passed, she and Glitch barely touching the ground as they danced together, before looking at Jeb.

"I haven't seen you since the wedding. How's your arm?" He grinned, twisting his cast-free limb.

"All better. Raw helped patch me up a little, so I'm already back at work."

"Workaholic, just like your father! You Cain men don't know how to relax." She scolded him and Jeb raised his eyebrows.

"I can't remember the last time I saw Dad less bothered about working. Look, he's not even scanning the room for hidden threats."

DG glanced over her shoulder to see Cain's eyes on her and her alone. She smiled swiftly before turning back to Jeb. He was smiling fondly at her.

"I'm glad for you. Both of you. You do each other good." He said as they span around other couples and DG gave a quiet laugh.

"I'm glad you approve of me. Otherwise this could be a pretty awkward situation."

"Oh, I approve." Jeb said and then laughed, "As long as I don't have to call you mother!"

"Please don't!" DG said with a nervous laugh, as the dance ended. Jeb bowed and DG curtseyed before turning to see Azkadellia being asked to dance by Rex Nikan. Glitch had disappeared and DG briefly saw the back of his head vanishing into the crowd.

She waved at her sister as she passed, smiling at Rex, who inclined his head. Azkadellia smiled, turning her attention back to her partner, although her eyes darted around the room as though searching for someone.

"I hope I did not make you uncomfortable the other night." He said quietly and she met his eyes, smiling faintly.

"No, of course not."

"I'm relieved." He smiled handsomely, "I was anxious about it all day."

"No need, Baron." Azkadellia assured him, "It was kind of you to come after me."

His smile widened as they wove through the other couples, laughter and chatter filling the air. Azkadellia returned the smile warmly and Rex's hand twitched on her waist.

"I wonder…" He began and she saw that his face had reddened slightly, "I wonder if… if it isn't too presumptuous of me, if I might visit you one day soon. I enjoyed our conversation in the garden the other day and would like to continue it."

Azkadellia smiled, her heart lifting. This was the first time someone had requested a visit to her and not her sister. She considered him for a moment.

"That would be most welcome, Baron. I would be grateful for the company."

~*~

"I love you." DG whispered in Cain's ear as they lay in bed together that night, her head against his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. His hand slid over her thigh to wrap around her waist, pulling her tight to him. His lips brushed against her forehead and she closed her eyes.

"I love you, too."

"Do you ever…? Do you wish that I wasn't going to be queen?" She murmured and he looked at her, frowning.

"Sweetheart…"

"It's just that you never asked to be consort, you just kind of got dragged into it." DG said, avoiding his eye.

"DG."

She fell silent and he turned her face to his. His face was tired but his eyes were determinedly bright, staring into hers with absolute certainty.

"If I didn't want this, I wouldn't have asked you to marry me. Maybe life would be easier if you weren't the heir, but I knew what I was getting into. Besides…" He smiled faintly, "I want to help you make the O.Z. whole again. But not until Monday morning."

DG snorted and lightly kissed his shoulder.

"Too tired? That's what happens when you get old, you just don't have the same power to stay awake." She teased and he made that growling noise that she enjoyed so much before he rolled over onto her, kissing her ferociously.

~*~

Glitch glowered at the plans for the H.I.E. They weren't coming along as swiftly as he'd hoped. There was a knock on the laboratory door and he fumed silently.

"Come in!"

DG's head popped around the door, looking surprised.

"Hey Glitch. I thought Az was here."

"No, she's… busy." Glitch said shortly, rolling away the plans for the machine and picking up a screwdriver. DG looked at him curiously.

"Why so grumpy?"

"I'm not… grumpy." Glitch muttered, opening the main panel on the machine. DG didn't look at all convinced.

"OK… where is Azkadellia?"

"She has a visitor."

"Who?"

There was a loud clang and Glitch gave a yelp. The screwdriver had slipped and blood was welling from a scrape on one of his long fingers. DG bit back a smile as she picked up the cleanest cloth she could find and handed it to him.

"Glitch, who is it?" She asked and he eyed her.

"Rex Nikan."

"Oh… oh!" Realisation struck DG and she giggled, "Glitch, are you jealous?"

"Don't be ridiculous! I'm just irritated that people won't leave me alone to work." He said abruptly but DG had seized his arm.

"Come on, let's go find them. If it'll stop you sulking, I'm sure they won't mind our company!"

Glitch tried to protest but DG wasn't listening, stopping a nearby servant to find the whereabouts of her sister. When the answer came that they were in the fountain garden, DG looped her arm through Glitch's, marching him off.

Azkadellia and Rex were walking side by side, talking amiably. Azkadellia was wearing one of Deirdre's dresses of pale yellow, her hair in a demure plait down her back. She was smiling widely as Rex told her what was no doubt a highly amusing story but DG walked over to them brightly.

"Good morning!"

"Highness." Rex bowed and shook Glitch's hand, "Lord Ambrose, a pleasure to see you both again."

"And you." DG said. Azkadellia was still smiling as she met Glitch's eyes. Her grin faded slightly but his eyes warmed noticeably.

"Baron Nikan was telling me about the house he was presented with. Apparently there was something of an infestation of bats, and the workmen are utterly convinced that the place is haunted." She said and Rex chuckled.

"Yes, unfortunately. Princess Azkadellia suggested that you might be able to come up with a solution, Lord Ambrose. Apparently you're the man to ask in difficult situations." He said and Glitch couldn't help smiling.

"Well… I could try. Some sort of sonic pulse, combined with a method of ensuring they don't return." His eyes had glazed over in a look that was very familiar to both princesses. Azkadellia touched his arm.

"I knew you'd be the one to ask." She said quietly.

~*~

DG hated paperwork. It was her mortal enemy. It seemed that for every thought she had, there was a file that needed to be read and signed on it, which had been fine at first but when Glitch was arriving every five minutes with a fresh batch, she was starting to suspect that he was actually a traitor, determined to force her into abdication. It had been over a fortnight since the celebration ball and she was beginning to drown in paperwork.

The door opened and she glared at the royal advisor.

"No! No! Go away; I haven't finished the Ix files yet! And no, I haven't signed off on the plans for the electrical plant yet, my father is supposed to be dealing with that!"

"Calm down, DG." Glitch laughed and she put her head in her hands.

"I'm not even queen yet. How did my mother make time for all of this?" She moaned, signing her name at the bottom of a piece of paper and throwing the folder onto the depressingly small 'finished' pile.

"Your mother knew how to allocate." Glitch said, sifting through the folders. "Besides, you have a visitor. Why don't I sort this into lot into priorities?"

"That would be fantastic." DG sighed, noticing with some amusement that he'd put his plans for the electrical plant on top. "Who's visiting?"

"Rex Nikan." Glitch said abruptly, "He's in the sitting room."

"There's no need to look like such a sourpuss." DG grinned, patting his cheek as she came around the desk, "He's not going to steal Az out from under your nose. He's just a friendly guy and let's face it, Az can use all the friends she can get."

"I've never said a word against the Baron." Glitch said huffily, waving a folder at her. "Just you get on with your meeting. Lunch is half an hour though, don't be late."

DG laughed and moved into the hallway, waving to Tomlin, who was patrolling the corridor before pausing in front of a mirror to tidy her hair. Her delicate silver tiara sat at an odd angle and she straightened it before walking to the sitting room.

Rex Nikan was stood by the window, clad smartly in navy blue and his hair combed neatly, although he looked decidedly nervous. DG smiled.

"Good afternoon, Baron Nikan."

"Highness." He bowed and she moved towards him, joining him in admiring the view of the gardens.

"How are you? Recovered from the ball?" She asked cheerfully. It had lasted several hours longer than planned and she knew that many people hadn't departed before dawn. He smiled.

"It was highly enjoyable. I'm grateful that I was invited."

"Of course. Would you like a drink at all?"

He declined and they moved to two armchairs. He sat awkwardly, a nervous smile playing about his mouth. DG watched him curiously, he had always seemed at ease in her company before.

"What can I do for you today, Baron?" She asked and his fingers played nervously with his cuff.

"I… it's something of a delicate matter." He said hesitantly. DG leaned forward, frowning slightly.

"Is there a problem with your lands, Baron?"

"Oh no!" He looked abashed, flushing a little, "No, the lands are wonderful, far more generous than I deserve!"

DG grinned, sitting back again.

"That's a relief. What is it that you wanted to talk about? Believe me, after the last six months there are very few things that can shock me!" She said jovially and that nervous look reappeared on Rex's face.

"Well… ordinarily I would go to your mother and father for this sort of thing, but with your coronation so near, I thought it might be more prudent to approach you." He said, babbling slightly. DG sighed.

"Baron, just say it. You're starting to make me nervous."

Sitting awkwardly, on the edge of his seat, Rex cleared his throat.

"Your highness… I wish to court your sister."

DG stared at him for a minute before blinking.

"What? Azkadellia?" She said vacantly, stunned by the news. Rex nodded, smiling.

"Yes. She's… well, she's an extraordinary woman. I know that she's been through a great deal but I'm very fond of her and I believe that she likes me. I know that I'm only a baron, but-"

"Baron, I'm married to an ex Tin Man. Titles are not something that concern me." DG said, standing because she felt rather confused and needed to clear her head. Pacing to the window, she turned to look at the now-standing man. "You want to court Azkadellia? To marry her?"

"Yes." He said simply and his face was earnest. DG lifted her hand to chin, trying to think straight. After a moment Rex bowed his head.

"I understand if you think I'm unsuitable. I just wanted to let you know that care for Princess Azkadellia a great deal and would offer her a good life." He said quietly and DG let her arms drop to her sides, sympathy flooding her.

"Oh, I know. Baron, I know that you're a good man." She stepped towards him, "But I can't make this decision without consulting Azkadellia first. I know that technically I'll be responsible for her once I become queen, but I won't decide her future for her."

She hesitated, wondering how to phrase her next words.

"I will, of course, let her know how you feel and that you would like to court her. But I… I think it only fair to tell you that Azkadellia is… well, I believe that she's become very… attached to someone. It's not official, but I think…" She stopped, not knowing how to continue. Rex was frowning faintly.

"I was not aware that she was… attached."

"It's not common knowledge." DG admitted, "But as I said, I will let her know of your intentions."

"And I would be most grateful for that. Even to be considered would be an honour." He said nobly and bowed again. DG smiled, offering him her hand. He kissed it, although she'd been expecting a handshake and disappeared with a disarming smile.

DG sank into an armchair, groaning.

~*~

Everyone else was already seated for lunch, Raw and Tutor having spent the morning discussing the Viewer homeland in great detail, Ahamo and Lavender had been in meetings and Azkadellia had been reading in the library. DG hurried to her seat, arriving just in time for hot soup. Cain, who had been doing his own mountain of paperwork, smiled and then eyed her.

"What's wrong?"

"I didn't even say anything yet!" DG said exasperatedly as everyone turned to look at her. Cain shrugged.

"Didn't need to. What's happened?"

"Nothing. Really. Az, I need to talk to you after lunch though, it's kinda urgent." DG said, reaching for a bread roll. Azkadellia looked unsettled.

"DG, what's wrong?" She asked and DG could almost hear her pulse quickening. Lavender and Ahamo exchanged glances and DG sighed.

"Look, it's not… it's not something bad. I don't think, just… awkward. And not something to go over at lunch."

"Sweetheart…" Cain said warningly. Glitch set down his spoon, realisation dawning.

"Is it to do with Rex Nikan?" He asked and DG made an irritated noise.

"Yes. Yes, it is. Can I have my lunch?"

They fell silent, all eating quickly, apart from Azkadellia who had gone rather pale. Glitch was throwing her anxious looks, in between glancing from DG to her parents. No sooner had the plates been cleared than DG leapt to her feet, signalling for Azkadellia to follow. The two young women half ran to DG's study, where she closed the door behind her. Azkadellia's hands were twitching nervously around her throat and DG tried to figure out how to speak, but the door opened again and Lavender and Ahamo appeared.

"Mother, Father, please… I need to talk to Az." DG said but Lavender shook her head firmly.

"No, DG. You can't make us worry like that and then run off!" She said and Ahamo had already taken a seat. DG looked desperately at Azkadellia, but before she could speak, the door opened again and Glitch appeared, followed by Cain. DG threw her hands up.

"For god's sake! This isn't a public announcement!" She said in despair. Azkadellia shook her head and moved to her sister, taking her hand.

"Please, DG… tell me what's happened." She said quietly.

DG stared at her sister for a moment before taking a deep breath and squeezing her hands gently.

"Rex Nikan wants to court you, Az. He wants to marry you." She said.

Azkadellia gazed down at DG, a slight frown on her face as she absorbed this information. Lavender, on the other hand, smiled brightly.

"Rex Nikan? He's a wonderful young man, Azkadellia." She said and Azkadellia flinched. DG gave her sister a sympathetic look before turning to look at Glitch. He had gone very pale and DG saw Cain's hand on his shoulder. DG was fairly certain that their parents wouldn't have any objection to him proposing himself as a husband for Azkadellia, but she could see that Glitch was anxious about her. He adored Azkadellia; but was she only with him because no one else had offered? Rex Nikan had good prospects, a family-earned title and was clearly very keen on her.

Nobody had spoken. Ahamo and his wife looked at each other briefly and Lavender touched Azkadellia's arm.

"Azkadellia? Are you alright? I'm sure this is a surprise…"

"More than you know." DG muttered but Azkadellia had turned to look at her mother, Ahamo moving to join Lavender. He smiled at his daughter.

"You know that we'll support you, whatever you choose to do." He said but Azkadellia wasn't looking at him. Her eyes were fixed on Glitch, who was watching her closely. After a moment, Azkadellia smiled and Glitch seemed to let out a breath he'd been holding for years.

DG smiled helplessly and her parents looked thoroughly confused as Azkadellia walked straight past them to Glitch, who held out his hand for hers. The royal advisor looked at the Queen and Consort, looking far more regal than any of them. Ahamo's eyes widened in sudden realisation.

"Your Majesty, Lord Consort… I would like to marry Princess Azkadellia." He announced and DG let out a short giggle as Cain came to stand by her. Lavender looked from her daughter to her advisor before turning to her husband.

"Well… we suspected that they were spending a lot of time together." She said wryly before looking at DG. "Darling, any wedding would take place in your reign. I suspect that is why Baron Nikan approached you instead of me?"

"Exactly." DG nodded.

"Then it is your duty to arrange Azkadellia's marriage." Lavender said and Ahamo let out a quiet laugh.

"Thank god we only have the two daughters. I don't think I can take anymore surprise marriage proposals."

DG walked to Glitch and Azkadellia, who were watching her uncertainly. DG considered them for a moment before shaking her head.

"OK, now I'm going to look like the bad guy. Rex Nikan really wanted to marry you, Az. I don't know how he's going to take this!" She said and Azkadellia smiled. DG laughed, hugging her sister tightly.

"I already told you, you can marry whoever the hell you want. But if you want my opinion…" She released her sister and looked at Glitch, eyes full of love for her closest friend, "You made a pretty good choice."

A/N: Hello chickadees! All together now – awwww. Yay for Az and Glitch, or Glaz as suggested by vixen519. This chapter would have been posted last night before I went out, but we had a slight drama with my dog, who thought it would be a great idea to escape from my mum in the park and run all the way home, somehow getting across two main roads at rush hour with only some nasty grazes to show for it. Heaven only knows how he wasn't killed, I'm just relieved he's ok at this point. So £102 in vets bills later, he's sat at my feet looking very sorry for himself!

Another chapter tomorrow, darlings. Must get back to revising for my exam! Thank you for the reviews!

Lots of Love

Katie