It's coming down to the last few chapters. I love this story and I'm sad to see it end, but all good things must come to an end. Thanks so freaking much to all of my reviewers. I couldn't do without you. Much love to everyone!
Disclaimer- I don't own anything, but the plot and a few places and things like the camels!
Chapter 9 It's A Deal
The escape from Panera was a successful one and Hermione and her clan had made it back safely to their hideout. But hell had broken loose all over the desert. The entire desert was out looking for Hermione. Now that people knew what she looked like, it made it easier for her to be spotted.
During all that was going on, the clan was suffering. No one had been able to leave the hideout in case they were spotted. The food supply was demising by the day, and their money supply was almost empty. Times were hard, and the clan wasn't sure what to do.
Meanwhile, King Lucius had taken the news of his son's "seduction" in a terrible way. He believed that Hermione was a witch and had Draco under her spell. A huge reward was offered to the person or persons that brought Hermione to him dead or alive. Since many people of Sirena were poor, everyone was out looking or her. Travelers could be mistaken for her and been beheaded. Many brunets had been taken to the palace and locked up in the dungeon. Things had completely gotten out of control.
Today, Hermione had called a meeting with the entire clan to find a solution to their problem. Sitting around and waiting it out wasn't helping. Something had to be done, and fast before it was too late.
"Why don't we just head out to Egypt?" asked Ron looking at them all. "We were going to a festival there anyway. Why not just go there now?"
"It's too risky. The entire desert is looking for us and security is tough." Said Ernie crushing Ron's plan.
"We could try and get another clan to help us." Suggested Neville in a timid voice. "Thieves stick together, don't they?"
"At one time, that would've worked, but no one would help us. We've spoiled everything because we got caught and now everyone is extra suspicious." Hermione said getting up and staring into the fireplace where a brightly lit fire was dancing wildly around. "And it's all my fault." She whispered quietly.
"No it's not." Said Draco in a soothing voice as he got up and tried to comfort her. She only pulled away.
"Yes! Yes it is!" she exclaimed. The clan fell silent. "If I hadn't been so damn careless as to hide ourselves and brought a prince into our damn clan, then damn it, this wouldn't have happened. I should've done what any real thief would've done. Kill you right then and there."
No one could move. Hermione was always strong against not killing. This was the first time that she mentioned it without putting it down. She stood there still staring into the flames and panting.
"I'm the princess of this clan, and I let everyone down by doing everything the nice way instead of doing it the way I was meant to. By being a ruthless, cruel thief whose top priority should have been to kill and get all the treasure for herself and her clan." Hermione looked around at her stunned clan members. She sighed. Well, she was the princess and it was up to her to get food. "I'm going to Sirena."
There was a loud gasp. The clan began to talk all at once and yell and shout their ideas. Hermione ignored them all, even Draco.
"Hermione, you're going about this the wrong way." He said trying desperately to convince her.
"No, it's my responsibility to feed everyone and I damn well will do it." Said Hermione coldly as she swept from the room and summoned for Carpet, who came immediately, and she was off.
The clan sat there motionless. It was as though everyone was stuck to their seats. Draco looked from one person to the next.
"Will she be alright?"
"I don't know." Said Harry looking at the spot where Hermione was standing. "She's never done this before."
"I only know one thing." Said Justin. "This can't be good."
"Thank you Captain Obvious." Muttered Draco under his breath.
!
Hermione flew out of their hideout and to the city of Sirena. She was still furious with herself for letting this all happen. She had been their princess for eight years and this had never happened before. 'It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't fallen for Draco.' She kept telling herself. Hermione shook her head and got off Carpet as they reached Sirena. Off to the side was a secret door that led into a pub meant for thieves. It was hidden deep under the city away from the prying eyes of the people of Sirena.
After slipping her cloak on, Hermione slipped into the small door and into the pub, which was called "The Cactus." Thieves from Panera to Sirena came here to chat and talk business. Since it was broad daylight, the pub was empty. Everyone was out of Sirena for safety. Mugs and decks of cards were still laying all over left from thieves who packed and left. Hermione looked sadly at how lively and interesting this place used to look. She stopped at the door and saluted the haven for thieves as she walked out into the bright sunlit city of Sirena.
The streets were once again filled with the city's occupants out and about shopping, bartering, and gossiping. Women, whose faces were hidden by veils, ran from group to group whispering and mumbling to one another. Hermione tried not to listen as she passed, but some things just happened to catch her ear.
"She's a slut."
"He's so above her."
"She's evil just like all thieves."
"The only reason he likes her is because she's pretty. After he beds her, he'll leave."
"She's not worth dirt."
"She'll probably end up pregnant and alone."
Hermione heard all of these horrible words and began to believe them. She was evil. She was a thief. She wasn't worth anything to a prince. Why would he be interested in her when there were so many good people out there who could offer him more? It was stupid to think that he really loved her. After all, he had never said it even if she had never either. He belonged with a princess of a city, not a clan of thieves.
All these things and more only point to one thing. Hermione must leave Draco and her clan. They were good people who shouldn't always out on the streets and be alone. Ernie had lost his fortune and, Hermione and her clan had robbed Blaize. Not one of her clan members had joined because they were all alone. They had families to go to, but she did not. She was evil.
Someone, however, was watching Hermione and seeing the look on her face. This was it. She was in a point of weakness and wasn't sure where to go. Now was his chance to strike.
!
"Hermione!" yelled Ron as the door to their hideout opened to let Hermione. She was looking hard as though she'd never smile again.
"You're back!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yes, but not for good." She said coldly as she walked briskly past them. They gave each other questioning and (in Neville's case) frightened looks.
"Hermione?" asked Draco following her down the hall to her bedroom. She entered and threw open her closet. A small suitcase lay on the floor. She quickly picked it up and shoved a few weapons and extra clothes in it. "What's wrong with you?"
"What's wrong?" she asked as she left her room and headed back to the entrance hall where the rest of the clan was still sitting. "I'll tell you. It's me. You guys are all good people. I'm not. I'm a thief, not you guys. I was born and raised one. The rest of you have been brought here because of me. I haven't even been a good thief. I've never killed anyone! Almost every clan has at least killed once. Those that haven't are usually starving!"
"But we've been doing fine!" said Dean trying to calm her down, but it was no use.
"Hermione, it was my choice to stay here. I could've slipped off during the festival." Said Draco.
"That's only because you haven't gotten what you've wanted. Sex! That's it. That's all I'm good for is a little bit of fun. You'll be gone as soon as I give in."
"No I won't." he exclaimed trying to reason with her.
Suddenly, the door to the hideout opened. Sunlight came blazing through and in stepped an outline of a man.
"You're right, Hermione. You are evil." Said the man. He stepped in clearly and the clan gasped. It was Adam.
"I've been telling you that you were evil for a long time. You just needed a wake up call to realize that I was right."
"So you were right, big whoop-di-do!" she muttered sarcastically. "What's so great about it?
"I can give it to you. I can give you the evil life that you so desperately need. Marry me, Hermione, and together, we will rule Sirena." Said Adam extending his hand. Hermione looked at it cautiously.
"Why do you need me, and what's in it for me?" asked Hermione.
"I need a queen who's smart, beautiful, and evil. You get a lifetime of riches, and a palace that you must stay in. It's a win-win situation." He grinned evilly. "So, do we have a deal?"
It was the moment of truth. Hermione looked at Adam's hand, then at his face, then back to Draco's pleading look. "It's a deal." She said shaking his hand. Adam smirked. He snapped his fingers and the rest of his clan came riding in. Adam jumped on his horse and pulled Hermione up with him.
"She's mine now, prince. Better luck next time!" called Adam as he and Hermione rode off with Hermione just looking back to see Draco's heartbroken face.
A/N: Don't shoot! This isn't the end. More is still to come. Will Hermione realize that being a thief doesn't make you evil? Will Draco win back Hermione's heart. Can Draco and the clan make it to the palace of Sirena before Hermione says, "I do"? All that and more will be answered in the next chapter of 1001 Arabian Nights!
Me,
RonFan