Hey there!! Succorelle here! My apologies for how late in the day this is, but my computer's being evil.

For all you who didn't know (people who haven't read volumes 7 and 8- poor you I'm ruining this!), Yuginn is indeed Yuujel. He's the prince of Zi Alda.

Thanks for all the reviews! Keep em coming! And, fallnangel892, I am intrigued by your proposition and wish to learn more. Email me details. For everyone who sent me compliments, thanks! And those who criticized my writing style- doom befall you. (Nah, I'm just kidding!)

Broken Dreams: Chapter Six

Ishtar's Revelation

Ishtar sat at her vanity desk, running a comb through her lush raven hair. She hummed a little tune and pretended not to notice the glare Duzell was giving her.

Finally he could take it no longer. "What on earth were you thinking????" he exploded. Ishtar turned and regarded the vampire. He sat on her bed, a sheet covering his lap. His slender build, delicate face, and long hair matched hers exactly.

"Aww, don't be a mean kitty..." she pouted, sticking out her full bottom lip.

He stared at her, incredulous. Is she kidding me? "Ishtar, you just told Yuujel that you'd marry him! Why the hell would you do something like that?"

She turned back to her mirror and began braiding her hair for bed. "Why? Do I have to explain everything I do?" he nodded and she rolled her eyes. "Fine, let me enlighten you. Yuginn is kind, loving, romantic- and incredibly sexy!" she giggled and Duzell gave her an exasperated look. "But mostly, I said I'd marry him because he's part of the royal family. And since I can only pick someone from Phelios' bloodline, he's the best I can get."

The vampire's expression softened, and he leaned over to gently pat her back. "Ishtar, I..."

He was cut off by the door suddenly crashing open.

Darres strode into the room, to be greeted by a puff of smoke, a surprised-looking Ishtar and a kyawl that looked like he had seen a ghost. His eyes focused on the little cat. He didn't like the creature. "Scat!" he shouted irritably. Duzell took one look at his face before splitting right out the door.

The princess tut-tutted. "That was spiteful, Captain Darres."

He strode over to her. "Ishtar! What's going on? What is with the sudden formality?"

"Nothing is wrong. I merely respect our strictly professional relationship."

"See!" he sighed. "That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about! You normally would blow up at me!"

Her eyes flashed. "If you don't return to your post, I still will."

The swordsman was unfazed by her threat. "And what is this I'm hearing about you and Yuujel?? What's so great about the guy, anyways? He's a player, a liar, and a pretty boy!!!"

Finally, Ishtar snapped. "At least he's not," she exploded, "a heartless jerk who only cares about himself! At least he's not determined to give me a spanking! At least he doesn't treat me like dirt!"

Darres took a step backwards. He hadn't realized..."So that's what this is really about." he replied softly. "This is about me."

She jerked. "What?!?"

He laughed quietly. "You're getting back at me for 'scorning' you by choosing the one man I really can't stand. All those years... all those years, I refused to believe what everyone said, but they were all true- you still are a child." He sniffed disdainfully. "And I thought you were better than that." He bowed stiffly. "Good night, your highness."

And with that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.

Ishtar just sat there in a daze. What he had said really struck her. She looked down at her slender hands. They were unmarred by scars of any kind, the skin soft from much care. The nails were manicured and painted to perfection. Just like my soul, she thought bitterly. So sheltered and untouched by the difficulties of life. Am I really like that?.

She was so wrapped up in her own thoughts she didn't notice Duzell slip back into her room. He changed form. "Ishtar..." he said quietly.

The princess jerked like she had been stung. She looked around wildly until she spotted the vampire king. "Oh, it's you." She gave a half-hearted smile. "It's getting late, you know. We should go to bed." She went to her closet to choose out a nightgown.

He nodded, but didn't take his eyes off the princess. Something happened to her while I was gone, he thought. But then he shrugged and, changing back into cat form, climbed into the cushy queen-sized bed. Whatever it is, it can wait till morning.