Chapter Eight: Betrayal
Chapter Eight: Betrayal

"Where are you running off to?" Rath asked, catching Vilandra's arm on her way down the palace steps. She smiled nervously. "Just into the city. You know how I like to mingle with the common folk. It humbles me." Rath roared with laughter. Vilandra held her head high. "I'll return shortly," she said haughtily, moving past him. Rath turned her around, catching her lips in a long kiss before she left. "What was that?" Vilandra staggered. Rath shrugged. "Something I felt like doing. We'll be married in a few short weeks," he reminded her, "but I feel as though we're drifting apart." He noticed a shift of something in her gaze, but ignored it. Vilandra leaned forward again and kissed his cheek. "Nonsense. I'll be back in time for dinner. Meet me in my room?" He nodded, touching her hand. Vilandra lifted her scarf and scurried down the steps.

**

"I've missed you," Kivar murmured, running his hand down her neck. Vilandra leaned into his touch. "Kivar," she said softly, "what of the plans? What else can I get for you?" "Forget the plans," he told her, "if I'd wanted to discuss strategy, I would have sent Nicholas." Vilandra beamed, turning in his arms. "I'm so glad to hear you say that." She kissed him soundly, throwing her arms around his neck.

**

"Alex, how did this happen? I mean, how did it ever come to this?!" Isabel exclaimed, flouncing into her bedroom and throwing her purse to the floor. Alex shut the door behind him and brought a chair in front of her on the bed. "What are you going to do?" he asked carefully, not breaking eye contact. She shifted uncomfortably and looked at her hands. "I don't know. But Roswell is home to me, you know? And my parents … god, what are they going to think if Max and I just up and disappear? I can't do that them." Alex nodded, silently encouraging her. "What if something happens?" Isabel continued, "and we can't get back? What if we're killed? I don't want to risk it." Alex reached for her hands to still them. "Then your decision is made?" he asked softly. Isabel paused, then slowly nodded her head. "I don't want to go." Alex smiled, lifting a hand to her lips and kissing her palm. "Oh Alex," Isabel cried, leaning forward and hugging him tightly. "I can't go back there. I was a terrible person. I betrayed my family." Alex shook his head, stroking her hair. "You can never be terrible. You're not."

**

Vilandra's mouth opened in shock. "I'm a terrible person," she whispered, the memory fresh in her mind. "What?" She turned her head to the side. Kivar laid next to her, one hand stroking the skin of her belly. She flinched at his touch. "I have to go," she said quickly, frantically reaching for her clothes. Kivar stood, pulling his on as well. "Alright, but Vilandra …" She stilled, meeting his eyes. "Remember our plan. Your wedding day …" "I know," she said, swallowing a lump in her throat. Throwing the scarf over her head haphazardly, she ran from him, as fast as her legs could withstand.