AN: No major TW for this chapter...

Enchanted Forest:

Its been almost four days and Regina hasn't heard anything about Morrigan's state. Puck would occasionally engage in idol conversation but when she asked about the witch, he just says it isn't his place to say. Shes demanded several times to see their oaf of a leader but Brendon constantly refuses, Is she alright?! Is she dead?! Its driving me crazy!..Regina paces inside the dirty tent, hands on hips and deep in thought. The young Queen wears a green and cream sleeved dress with a tight dark green bodice. The fabric's heavy but not as heavy as her royal gown and more flexible. It'll do, even if it does smell like a horse. Puck suddenly enters with a bowl full of broth and a piece of crusty bread but Regina waves him off impatiently.

"I wish to see Brendon!"

"I'm sorry your majesty but he's busy."

"I find it very hard to believe that he cannot visit his prisoner in four days because he's too busy! Ive had enough of him ignoring my requests and I will speak with him now!" She pins the boy with a determined glare but he avoids eye contact.

"As Ive said, I apologize but he's very busy at the moment.."

"Fine! I'll find him myself!"

Regina bounds forward, pushing passed the startled boy and steps into the sunlight. She takes in a deep breath, the cool air crisp with the smell of burning wood and pine needles as she savors her first slither of freedom since the attack four days ago. Scrutinizing the camp, she spots several bandits sat by the fire, chatting away over their bowls of stew and oblivious to her presence. Amongst them is Luke as he chomps away at his crusty bit of bread and brown eyes glance to a sick black bruise at the bridge of his nose. Grinning, Regina replays the moment she headbutted the annoying man when he tried to grab her but Brendon suddenly appears from a tent with an empty bowl in his hands and her anger flares, Busy?! Yes very busy stuffing your face!..Regina makes her move, briskly walking towards him with her head held high.

Brendon spots the hot headed Queen closing in and lours, marching towards her at a quickened pace.

"What the hell do you think your doing! Get back in the tent!"

"I want answers bandit!"

"You don't demand answers! You're a prisoner here and you'd be wise to remember it."

"And you're a coward constantly dodging my requests and hiding in your tent!"

The men around camp are silent, quietly watching the growing battle between the pair. Brendon's eyes burn with rage as he takes a threatening step into the woman's personal space.

"You forget where you are! You have no power here woman!"

Regina raises her chin defiantly and glares at the towering man.."And your a pathetic excuse for a leader! You cant even control your own men, not to mention your incapable of caring for your own sister!"

Brendon lours.."How would you like to be hung upside down with dusty rags stuffed in your mouth and nostrils!"

Regina contains a small shiver, her defenses cracking slightly at the horrifying method of torture, The savage brute! He wouldn't dare!..She closes the gap, her face inches from Brendon's muscle toned chest.

"Go ahead coward!"

Everyone holds their breath, waiting to see if the Queen has called their leaders bluff but Brendon simply glares, signaling Luke to his shoulder.

"Luke...Prepare one of the posts.."

He isn't really going to do it is he?!..Hands roughly grab Regina's arms from behind and pull her back roughly. Fear sets in and she struggles, brown eyes glazed in alarm, he's really going to do it!..

"Brendon stop!"

Morrigan's weary voice echo's over camp and everyone calms their movements, Brendon's focus sliding to the woman who's slowly walking towards the small party.

Regina's heart races, relief washing over her, I..I feel strange, why do I care so much? Perhaps its because she saved my life..yes that must be it..Morrigan keeps dark green eyes fixed on her and her heart flutters.

"That's enough Brendon."

"No, she wanted to play games so these are the consequences!"

"You cant just.."

Brendon cuts Morrigan off, pinning her with a stern glare.."Yes! I can!"

Morrigan glances at frightened brown eyes staring at her and frowns weakly, Why shes being so difficult I don't know. I heard about her frequent requests to see me but..why?..Morrigans gentle hand lays on Brendon's leather clad chest.."Please..I'm tired."

Dark green eyes look up at him wearily and Brendon's demeanor softens. He bites his cheek, waving his men off the Queen.

"Fine! but if she steps out of line again.."

"If she steps out of line I'll handle it okay?"

"Fine! But keep her away from me!"

Brendon whirls and storms off like a ten year old which releases a weary sigh from Morrigans slightly dry lips, I still feel drained as hell, I need to get away for a while, relax a little, I need to go to my rock..She glances at Regina and notices that the woman continues to stare at her intently, I cant just leave her here with a sulking Brendon stomping around, I'm gonna have to bring her aren't I..Damn! So much for an afternoon alone..She heads towards the tree line beckoning the royal to follow.

"Come on."

"Where are we going?"

She turns back to the uneasy Queen.."Really your majesty, if I wanted to kill you I would have done it long ago, or let Brendon have his way. Now please.." Morrigan reaches a hand towards the critical woman.

I guess it makes sense, Morrigan could have easily let me die two days ago or let that brute execute me..Regina hesitantly takes the offered hand, feeling a certain warmth in her palm that makes her whole body tingle, It feels kind of...nice..My stomachs doing back flips..Brown eyes widen slightly, Oh no..do..do I have feelings for her?..She quickly shakes the idea from her mind, no..it must be because she saved my life..nothing more..

They've been walking through the trees for a while and Regina finds her stomach still hasn't settled, but what makes it infinitely worse is that she still hasn't let go of Morrigan's hand yet.

"We're almost there."

"May I ask where it is your taking me?"

"Its where I go to just get away from things."

"Like the other night?"

There's a pause and Morrigan frowns.."Yes.."

Regina can see Morrigan's brows knit together and instinctively she squeezes the woman's hand for comfort but it seems to go unnoticed.

"We're here.."

Morrigan reluctantly drops the Queens hand to pull back a section of overgrown bushes.

"After you your majesty.."

Pink lips grin as the Queen carefully slides through the split bushes and into the world beyond. When Regina takes in the view she gasps, the large stone structure catching her eye immediately, a waterfall cascading from its center and plummeting over the edge of, what she can only assume is a very long drop to a ravine below.

Morrigan grins, sliding passed the gawking woman.."Is it to your liking?"

"Its beautiful."

Morrigan nods her agreement and approaches the cliffs edge to stare out over the Enchanted Forest.."Yes it is."

"How did you find it?"

Regina bends down and gently cups one of the sparkling purple flowers.

"I didn't, he did."

Morrigan nudges her head at something behind them and Regina turns quickly to find a beautiful black unicorn eating purple and white flowers. She slowly stands, not wanting to frighten the beast and notices its broken horn.

"What happened to its horn?"

"I don't know, I found him like that. Or should I say he found me."

"He's gorgeous. How long have you had him?"

"Not long, we met two years ago. I was just starting out in magic, trying to control it when I botched a particularly nasty spell. It resulted in the surrounding area being set on fire and I was trapped inside. I thought I was a gone'r but then he appeared and dragged my sorry ass out of the flames. He hasn't left my side ever since and I'm not entirely sure why."

"Maybe he's drawn to your magic."

"Maybe, or it could be my sparkling personality.."

Regina stares at Morrigans grin and she can help raising an amused eyebrow. The unicorn snorts making Regina chuckle as Morrigan heads toward the exotic stallion.

"Thanks buddy, love you too.."

The unicorn lifts its head to inspect her as she strokes his nose tenderly. Soon Morrigan turns to beckon the Queen forward and smiles weakly at the mesmerized royal.

"Come and meet him, he wont bite."

Regina rolls her eyes at the childish treatment but edges forward regardless.

"What's his name?"

"Ive been calling him Magnus.."

Magnus refocuses on Regina as she strokes his neck lightly and he warily sticks his nose in raven hair. After a pause, he pushes her head lightly to one side and Morrigans smile widens.

"Well would you look at that."

"What?"

"Well since Ive known him, Your the only other person besides me who he's felt comfortable around."

"He must like my sparkling personality too."

Magnus roughly pushes Regina with his nose and Morrigan's quick to keep the stumbling Queen upright. Brown and green eyes lock for a brief moment, the world around them suddenly standing a moment.

I haven't felt like this in a very long time. I feel so comfortable around her, its like everything else doesn't matter, like her being a Queen and me being a cut throat bandit isn't an obstacle...I'm scared..Have I got feelings for the bloody Queen?..Morrigan clears her throat and slides from the woman's personal space, edging towards the stone structure.

Regina notes her companions sudden mood change and she frowns, was it something I said?..Morrigan pauses at the base of stone looking up at its peak as Regina steps in behind her.

"I apologize if I upset you."

"No! No you didn't I just...I'm a complicated person."

"That makes two of us dear."

Regina offers a small smile which Morrigan woefully returns, but an idea has Morrigan smiling as she reaches her hand out almost eagerly.

"Take my hand."

"What? Why?"

"Do you trust me?"

Regina looks deeply into forest green eyes, her heart flutters and for some indescribable reason, she finds herself trusting the bandit far more than she ever should.

"Yes."

The reply's but a whisper as their hands slide together and Morrigan's heart skips a beat, she actually trusts me?! Why the hell she does after I scared her half to death with dark magic I'll never know..She smiles and softly and pulls the Queen in close hearing an audible hitch while her arms continue by snaking around the royals waist.

"Hold on."

Regina grabs ahold of a firm shoulder, brown and green eyes never breaking contact even when there's a sudden tingling and then their view is clouded with Burgundy smoke. The next thing Regina knows, shes sat down as hazy brown eyes rapidly blink away the cloudy magic, What the..She inspects her surroundings but startles noting they're sat at the peak of the stone structure with her legs dangling over the edge of a twenty foot drop. Instinctively she clings to the body beside her as she pears over the edge.

Morrigan chuckles, keeping a fixed hold on the startled Queen.."Are you okay?"

She picks up on Regina's anxiety and her smile drops, Perhaps this was a bad idea.."Your Majesty?"

"I..."

Shit! bad move Morrigan.."I'm really sorry, I shouldn't have brought us up here without.."

"No its fine I just..that's never happened to me before, it took me by surprise is all."

"I'll take you back down.."

"No you will not!" Regina pins Morrigan with a look and Morrigans grin returns.

"As you wish your majesty."

"Regina."

Morrigan's smile grows.."Okay Regina. May I have my arms back?"

Brown eyes dart to her clinging hands and Regina immediately pulls back, clearing her throat awkwardly.

"I apologize."

"No problem."

They both stare at the expansive view in front of them, the frost covered mountains touch the horizon, rivers snaking in every direction surrounded by an endless amount of trees. Regina can even see smoke billowing from neighboring villages not far away and her thoughts darken, I'll be taken to one of those villages soon and be escorted back to the palace. My life, my misery restored..Her mood dampens, I don't want to leave! I may be a prisoner here but at least I have some freedom! At least I don't have to see my former fiances murderer every day and be forced to sleep with a man three times my age. At least I could be with...Morrigan..

The sound of rushing water continues to bellow in Morrigan's ears. Occasionally green eyes take a peek at the Queen and note Regina's growing despair and grave expression, something's troubling her..Time for a distraction..

"I grew up over there.."

Morrigan points towards a cluster of mountains in the distance effectively cutting off the Queens dark thoughts.

"There was a small village in the mountains, a river ran right by it."

"Was?"

Morrigan stares at the spot in the distance, eyes sparkling with grief.."It was destroyed when I was ten years old."

"How?"

"It was over territory rights. The village was in a prime spot for military strategy."

Brown eyes widen.."The king destroyed your village just for strategy purposes?!"

"It wasn't the king."

Regina frowns.."Then who?"

"It was a rival faction. Just like there are now, groups of us control certain parts of territory. Where and what's allowed to be pillaged and by whom is divided by borders that have previously been discussed with each faction head."

"You divide between these factions what villages you can pillage?"

Morrigan shakes her head.."No, well yes but we don't pillage villages. Ive never allowed it and I never will."

"But a faction destroyed your village, why would you join one after what happened?"

"I had no choice in the end, I did something terrible that I couldn't come back from.."

Regina stares at her perplexed and a weary sigh pushes passed pink lips, why the hell I'm telling her any of this I don't know, But its nice to finally console with someone for a change..

"When my village was destroyed I lost my parents and brother in a fire. After I managed to escape, I salvaged what I could and journeyed here. I begged on the streets for three years before I was caught stealing food one day by a shop owner. She took pity on me after I told her my story and took me in. As long as I agreed to work for her she wouldn't tell the guards and have me sent to the stocks. Over the years I got to know her, she was really nice, never mistreated me, even when I was a little shit sometimes.." Morrigan smiles at the memory and Regina grins.."But one day I was in the market and I saw some man steal from the cart. So I gave chase and when I finally caught him it turned out to be my dead, not so dead brother."

"Brendon."

Morrigan nods, the smile slipping from her lips.."Turns out he survived and like me, he found himself in the area. The only difference, he had joined a faction and intended to avenge our parents deaths. He asked me to join but I didn't want that life, constantly running, always having to watch my back. I liked it where I was, I wanted to be free but he wanted us to stick together as a family, to seek revenge on those who wronged us. It was bullshit so I told him to leave me alone..but he didn't.."

Regina can see the woman's anguish, tears brimming as green eyes slide to the expansive distance. She slips her hand on top of Morrigan's, squeezing lightly.."What happened?"

"He came back that night, he took me out into the forest to try and talk me into it but then I.."

Morrigans voice cracks slightly. Regina squeezing her hand again, rubbing soothing circles with her thumb.

"I heard someone screaming, she must have followed us..I didn't know but there was just screaming. I ran towards her and a this man he..and the blood..and the screaming." Morrigans head turns away blocking her distress as a tear slips from glassy green eyes.

Regina sits perturbed, Morrigan's brutal response the other night suddenly making sense, It seems Morrigan's had a cruel life filled with pain and darkness. I know exactly how she feels..its nothing like inward despair to bring lonely souls together..

"Morrigan it wasn't your fault."

The bandit shakes her head.."Yes it was, she never would have been out there if it wasn't for me."

"You couldn't have known what would happen, it isn't your fault regardless.."

Morrigans angry eyes quickly refocus and Regina physically recoils.."Regardless the man was murdering her! And I took a knife to that bastards throat and sliced it wide open!"

Regina stares at wild green as a silence washes over them like freezing water. Noticing Regina's growing anxiety, Morrigan slowly relaxes, her anger stuffed back into its bottle and she sighs weakly.

"Why were you asking for me?"

"What?"

"Brendon kept saying you wanted to see me, why?"

Regina blinks a few times.."I wanted to know if you were alright."

"Why?"

"Because..Because I thought you were dead!"

"So what if I was? There was no need to get yourself worked up. Brendon could have killed you today."

"Do you really value yourself so little that you think I wouldn't care?!"

Regina's astounded, how can this woman think that I don't care! She saved my life..twice!..

"You saved my life and risked your own for a complete stranger. I wanted to make sure you were alright, I had too, and that brother of yours was not helping by keeping me confined to that damn tent!"

Morrigan senses the Queens anger rising.."I'm sorry I.."

"No!"

Morrigan flinches.

"You should have at least had the decency to tell me you were still alive!" Regina looks away perturbed, trying to battle her anger and confusing heartache.

Morrigan can only stare in shock, Gods shes really mad. I feel weird..She actually cares? No one besides Brendon, on very rare occasions, cares for me, and we're complete strangers, complete opposites...I feel even weirder now. The one person in the world who actually cares is pissed. Ive messed up..Nice going Morrigan..She softens, green eyes shining guiltily.

"I'm sorry Regina.."

Regina's angry and critical eyes flicker back to her.

"I'm truly sorry, You shouldn't have been kept in the dark and Brendon shouldn't have threatened you like that. I'm sorry for what happened with.." Her eyes cast downwards to her fidgeting hands.."..With Dermit, it never should have happened and you never should have been dragged here. Its wrong, all of it and I cant apologize enough."

Regina glances down at Morrigan's tightly balled fists and reaches out, setting her gentle hand over one with a soft squeeze. Slowly their hands unfurl and fingers hesitantly lace together.

"Stop blaming yourself Morrigan, everything isn't your fault."

"Isn't it?" The words slipped out as a defeated whisper.

"No."

Green eyes dart from warm brown eyes to lavish red lips and Morrigan bites her cheek, Crap! I have got feelings for her..What do I do?..

Regina's heart beats wildly in her chest noticing green eyes lingering on her slightly dry lips, I really like her, and not just because she saved my life but because I feel safe, I feel unbelievably happy..Regina slowly closes the gap between them, Morrigan reciprocating as green and brown eyes lock, their breath mingling together but the moment is broken by Magnus whinnying and stomping a hoof on the ground below.

Both women fly apart, Regina clearing her throat and Morrigan scratching the back of her neck awkwardly, Thanks a lot you stupid unicorn! The unicorn whinny's again, nodding its head up at them and Regina starts to laugh. Morrigan stares at the alleviated woman, her own chest bubbling with laughter.

They both sit laughing a moment until they're sated and soon raven hair rests on Morrigans shoulder. The Queen and the Bandit stare into the distance and watch the sun dip behind the mountain tops.

Regina stares grimly at the wondrous view.."I have to leave don't I?"

There's a pause, Morrigans heart taking an emotional beating, its too dangerous for her to stay. The king would send his army and eventually he would find us. Even if we did manage to get away, we'd be wanted for the rest of our lives, constantly on the run..As much as I'd love for her to stay, I cant put Regina and my crew through that much hell, I wont..

"Yes..In the morning."

Regina nods weakly.."Can we sit here a while?"

Morrigan gently lays her cheek atop the woman's crown who in turn grabs her hand again and their fingers lace together.

"Of course."

They both watch together for what seems like a golden age as the sun slowly sets behind the frost covered mountains and darkness finally blankets the world...

Morning dawns, the forest unpredictably quiet as men from the bandits camp set about their regular routine. The only difference, two white horses are tacked and ready to leave at the entrance to camp.

Leaving camp is a relief but leaving Morrigan is almost..painful..But even if I did find a way to stay, Leopold wouldn't just let his Queen be lost forever, he would send his army and I'd be dragged back to the palace and god knows what would happen to Morrigan and the camp then. I have to leave but if she asks me to stay..I think my heart wouldn't be able to deny it. I hope she asks..I almost beg for it..Regina steps from Morrigans tent, a black hooded cloak draped across her shoulders. She glances around camp spotting Puck preparing the horses and she heads towards him with a weak smile.

"Almost ready your majesty. I bet you cant wait to get back to the palace." He chuckles nervously, fidgeting with his hands.

"I wish to thank you Puck."

The boys eyes widen.."Me?"

"Yes, you took care of me when I needed it and showed true courage in horrific circumstances. You'll make a fine hero one day."

Pucks face lights up.."Hero?"

Regina chuckles but a masculine voice cuts her off.

"Heroes don't exist in our world your majesty.."

Regina whirls to find a steely Brendon stepping in behind her, a black cloak of his own draped over his shoulders and a scabbard hanging from his belt. Pucks smile instantly drops.

"..You should know that better than any of us."

Regina bristles at the snippy remark and watches Puck scamper off in silence. She scowls at the placid man.

"Hes just a boy! Would it kill you to show him some compassion!"

"Compassion is weakness here, he needs to learn to be strong and do as he's told. This hero nonsense is bad for him.." Brendon moves over to one of the white horses and pulls himself into the saddle.

God he sounds just like mother..

"Now if you'd like to mount.

"What about Morrigan?"

Brendon glares at her.."What about her?"

"You may be a bandit but I'm sure your limited brain can count there are only two horses."

He snarls.."Carry on insulting me and her majesty will be walking for the next four hours!"

Regina grits her teeth, what the hell is this guys problem!.

"I don't know why you have such an issue with me but you don't have to be such a horses ass about everything! I'll be gone soon enough!"

"Yes and I thank the gods for that! As for my issue, you almost got my sister killed and disrupted my camp with your, I'm the Queen of the fucking forest attitude!"

"If I recall rightly it was your stupidity to kidnap me that started all of this! If you would've kept your moronic ideas to yourself, then none of this would have happened!"

When Morrigan arrives atop her black unicorn she could cut the tense atmosphere with a knife.

"Did I miss something?"

"No!"

Morrigan recoils at the harshness of the scowling Queen as the woman mounts her horse and jabs her heels into its ribs setting off in a canter. Morrigan lifts a quizzical eyebrow to Brendon who only scowls at her and marches his horse forward. She sighs, this is going to be a long day...

Several hours have passed and a dirt road looms in the distance, a road that leads to the next village. Morrigan frowns grimly, their journey had been nothing but silence and blanking glares, she'd hoped she could at least talk to Regina before they went their separate ways but the woman's been stubbornly silent, Fucking Brendon! I'm bloody pissed off!..

All three horses swing onto the dirt road and Morrigan and Brendon raise their hoods promptly. Its dangerous for them to be out in the open, but the road is the quickest way to the village. Smoke bellows above the trees in the distance and Morrigan's heart sinks, we're almost there...To hell with this!..She launches Magnus forward and brings him to a halt in front of the startled Queen who quickly pulls on her reins.

"Brendon give us a minute."

"But we.."

Morrigan tugs her hood down sharply.."Brendon for fuck sake, piss off!"

Magnus stirs uneasy at the sudden explosive temperament of his rider before Brendon huffs and carries on trotting up the road.

"What the hell's wrong with you?!"

Regina stares ahead placidly.."There's nothing wrong, I simply wish to get to the village."

"Bullshit! What did Brendon say to you?!"

"He said nothing, now if you'd kindly move.."

"He clearly said something that upset you because you haven't said a fucking word in the past four hours!"

"Would you kindly refrain from using that kind of language.."

"No, don't give me that Regina! Hes clearly said something to piss you off and after what happened last night.."

"What happened was a mistake."

Morrigan takes in a sharp breath, her heart sinking that little bit more. But..She cant really mean..I felt a connection..

Regina's heart shatters at the pained look in shocked green eyes, I didn't mean it, of course I didn't but its better to push her away than it is to let her in..isn't it? Mother always used to say love is weakness..but is it?..

"I'm sorry." Regina quickly moves her horse around Magnus and takes off in a canter.

Morrigan's frozen in place, left staring down the dirt road as Regina's words crash into her like a tidal wave, Was it all a lie? Was she just playing me for her freedom?...No, I refuse to believe it..Morrigan turns sharply and moves Magnus quickly to catch up to the Queen and her pain in the ass brother.

After a short while of uncomfortable silence, they discreetly abandon their horses just outside the village and after a quick and pointless protest from the Queen, Brendon grabs ahold of the royals upper arm and guides them towards the back of a house on the outskirts. Morrigan pokes her head out from behind the wooden hut, scanning the area.

"I cant see properly, I'm gonna take a closer look." She moves to leave but is caught by Brendon's beefy hand.

"No I'll go, you watch her!"

Brendon pushes Regina against the hut harshly and darts around the corner. Morrigan see's the Queen flinch at the rough contact and her anger simmers, what a prick!..

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

They both stand awkwardly in silence a while before Morrigan cant take it any longer.."I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier."

"Yes you did."

"Please tell me what he said."

"Why do you care?"

"So he did say something?"

Regina watches a grin pull at Morrigans lips and she cant help a smile tugging at her own. She sighs, conceding to the infuriating bandit.."He mentioned my direct responsibility for your condition the other night."

"He blamed you because I nearly died? Well that's stupid.."

Regina cant help her smile widen.

"Regina you weren't responsible for what happened the other night."

The Queens smile falters.."Aren't I?"

"Listen, it was my decision to use that type of magic to heal you. Its no one else's fault but my own so stop blaming yourself..That's an order."

Regina raises an eyebrow at the demand from a grinning Morrigan who only sticks her chin out regally.

Battered red lips curl into a playful smile.."You forget who the Queen is, Bandit."

Brendon suddenly rushes around the corner startling them.

"Whats wrong?"

"They spotted me!" He pulls the sword from his belt and Morrigan follows suit.

Intrigued brown eyes lock onto the blade in Morrigan's hand, Ive never seen anything like it..The ebony sword is not a normal cut, its serrated edge is slightly curved and jagged, the hilt is spiked sliver at each end and a large red jewel rests within the center.

"Who spotted you?"

"The kings guard! We need to move now!"

Morrigan looks at the regal woman alarmed.."We cant just leave her!"

Brendon frowns.."What do you mean? That's why we're here!"

"I mean what if they think shes one of us! They're not too bright, swing first ask questions later!"

"But all she needs to do is.."

Someone calls out and they spot a guard clad in white Armour running towards them.

"Shit! That way!"

Morrigan grabs ahold of Regina's wrist and quickly guilds them around the hut. As they step out from behind stone, a sword swings at Regina's throat and instantly Morrigan's blade flicks up and there's a clang of metal. Regina stares wide eyed at the deadly silver mere inch's from her face.

Morrigan pulls Regina behind her as she dances sword to sword with the white guard. Making short work of one of them, she spins to defend herself against two more and glances over at Brendon finding him scrapping with his own on the floor, he always did prefer to use his fists..One of her opponents lunges, she quickly peels her cloak from her shoulders and wraps him in it, sending him stumbling forward. With one swift kick he flies headfirst into a hut unmoving.

Her second opponent strikes down and she blocks, grabbing ahold of his wrist and shoving him back. Morrigan strikes several times, weakening his defenses until hearing a shriek behind. She spins to see a shifty white knight holding Regina at knife point and she growls, The moron doesn't even know hes threatening the Queen!..

"Put your weapons down bandits or she dies!"

Well shit!..Morrigan glances at Brendon who still holds one of the white guard in a choke hold. He looks to her apprehensive but keeps a tight hold on the guards neck.

It happened too fast, Regina felt an arm grab her from behind before cold steel was being pressed against her neck, Why is this constantly happening to me?!..She can see the struggle in green eyes, the concern and fear, maybe that concern is for her, but for the moment she just hopes the fumbling man behind doesn't accidentally slit her throat, she can practically feel him trembling, He must be new to the guard..

"I said drop it! And you let go of him! Now!" The guard presses his dagger closer to Regina's neck and she whimpers when blood is drawn from delicate skin.

Morrigan immediately drops her sword and gives Brendon a stern look. He returns an anxious glare but with a huff, her muscle clad brother lets go of his wrestling buddy who quickly rolls to one side, coughing, and retrieving his sword.

"Good, now on your knees!"

The man addresses Morrigan who reluctantly obliges and a sword is pressed firmly between her shoulder blades, Unnecessary! But if it makes you feel like a man..Green eyes dart from place to place, glancing behind her at the lone guard and her mind trying to seek a window of opportunity to strike and take all the knights out at once, but have to be careful not to get skewed in the process..

"Now what? We just going to sit here all day?!"

"Shut it bandit! Tie their hands!"

The guards pull off their belts and bind the bandits hands from behind. Morrigans guard cant help another rough tug on the leather, digging it further into skin.

The knife at Regina's throat drops slowly and Morrigan braces herself, that's my window!..Quickly she flexes her wrists, releasing the hidden blades in her black cuffs and they slice through the belt. The leather flops to the ground, and in one quick motion, she knocks the sword away from the man behind and uses her magic to send the guard behind Regina flying backwards. The man behind Brendon stands immobilized and she chuckles, looks like my magic show scared him..Morrigan watches the knight amused and oblivious to the guard behind her composing himself and meaning to attack. Regina panics and quickly wrenches the hood from her head.

"Enough! Your Queen commands you to stop!

The two guards physically pale, their swords clattering to the dirt and silver armour bending to one knee. The sound of charging horses heads toward them and Morrigan quickly darts over to her brother and breaks his bonds.

Regina spots the flash of a white banner, Leopold's banner, closing in fast and her heart races.

"Morrigan go!"

Morrigan stares at glassy brown eyes, and for the first time in her life, shes torn, if the king finds out his wife let her kidnappers go, Regina could be in serious trouble..Brendon suddenly grabs her arm, dragging her towards the forest as she continues to stare at pleading brown eyes. Regina desperately mouths Please from faded red lips and a tear gently rolls down Morrigan's dirty cheek.

"I'm sorry.."

And with another sharp tug on her arm, Morrigan lets Brendon drag her to the treeline.

Sad brown eyes watch the bandits flee into the forest. white knights surrounding the area, their leader barking out orders sending men after Morrigan as others rush to their Queen's aid, I know she'll get away, there's no doubt in my mind..Regina drowns everything out, trying to keep a mental picture of the woman in her mind, I wish..I really wish she'd ask me to stay, and for a minute I thought she would have but I pushed her away and now I'm being dragged back to my prison..Tears threaten to fall, I just need to have hope that maybe, just maybe, I'll see her again some day, and she can save me one last time...