Chapter 11- The Triplets of Laquaria

Wow! I totally forgot to upload this chapter! It was just sitting on my computer… Sorry! That's not like me at all...not...Thanks to everyone who reviewed, your enthusiasm makes me happy!

A special shout out to Dalikins, EarthAngel and mistyqueen for their interest in my story! And to my new reviewer Candy Quackenbush! Love the name! Abarat right? It's a good book!

On to chapter 11! OMG I can't believe it…

Arya's POV

I was in shock. Completely, utterly, totally in shock. What did Varien expect me to think? What did I think? First, I didn't want to marry a lizard, and now I don't want to marry him because he's not really a lizard. My brain was swimming and I began to get a massive headache.

"Arya, we really need to leave. We don't have time to…" Varien began, but the door to the room, swinging open violently, interrupted him.

"Where are they!" Zane raged as he stormed into my room. Realizing in shock that I was untied, and Varien was with me, I motioned for him to close the portrait. He nodded, and managed to avoid Zane's hateful glance long enough to conceal the passageway.

"Ahhh, brother, how delightful of you to grace us with your vile presence." The arrogant lord smirked.

"Funny, I was just going to say the same thing." Varien replied, narrowing his blue eyes.

"How did you escape, and how did you free the other princesses." Zane demanded.

"I have you to thank for it brother, without these," he flashed his clawed hands, "I never would have been able to cut through to rope you tied me with."

Zane fumed.

"Blast it Varien! Where are they? What have you done with them?"

"What does it matter? You've accomplished your goal Zane, and planted the seed of doubt! Arya hates me even more now than when I walked into the palace for the first time!"

Ouch. That stung. I felt awful. I had treated Varien horribly when he'd only been trying to help. I couldn't blame him for not telling me the truth, since he knew I'd probably blow up on him. Mustering all of the courage I could afford, I whispered.

"That's not true…"

Both of the lords whipped their heads around to look at me. It seemed as though they'd been too busy arguing to pay me any attention, so I spoke again, more assuredly this time.

"I said that…what you said before Varien…It's not true…"

"What?" They both answered in unison.

"I SAID THAT IT'S NOT TRUE! I DON'T HATE YOU VARIEN!" I said exasperatedly.

Varien looked astounded. Zane looked sick.

"Really?" he muttered, hopeful.

"Yes really. But I'll explain later, I'd rather not have to marry your awful brother. No offence." I replied.

"Absolutely none taken my dear." He grinned. "Now if you don't mind Zane, I'd like my property back."

Zane paused.

"Well brother, it seems that you've outdone me again. First when you were claimed heir, and now, when you've claimed the heart of my princess. You've taken everything I've ever wanted, and you will not get away with it so easily!"

Zane sprung on Varien with a dagger he must have hidden in his tunic

But before Zane could do any serious damage, Narie, Devon, Dellaryanna and Mathias stormed out of the portrait, and to my astonishment, they were armed with shining swords. The arrogant lord's face contorted with rage, and he stopped in his tracks.

Narie smiled. "We thought you could use some help."

Kind of another cliffie… sorry… O well, I've earned Glaze's permission…:D Please R&R! Sorry for the late update, but I will again soon!