Key to the Kingdom

by ChloeBlack101

CHAPTER 12 IS FINALLY POSTED! Is Chloe really going to go through with leaving Nero, and Brady, forever? Will Philip win out? Have to read to find out! I know this is a dark fic, but please read and review. Enjoy!

8. Chapter 6 Part I

Chapter Six Part I

Quick A/N. Again, I decided that this chapter was too long so it had to be split into two separate part. I must warn you, the following scenes get a bit intimate. Nothing NC-17ish, mind you. This is pretty much nothing you wouldn't see on Days itself. But still, if this kind of thing bothers you, I advice you to skip the first scene. Although it is important to the plot, you won't be left in the dark without reading it all the way through.

Chloe paced nervously around her bedroom, involuntarily chewing on her nails. Occasionally, she'd glance at her vanity where she'd delicately laid her glass statuette and teddy bear to display, thinking that within moments her beloved gifts would no longer mean anything to Brady. Chloe had been a nervous wreck all day, praying for the strength she'd need to confront Brady. She'd tried going about as normal, despite all the conflicting circumstances. But she couldn't go long before she'd break out into tears again. She just couldn't get over how earth-shattering the morning had been. Fate had finally been kind to her, given her the chance she'd always longed for to find happiness, only to rip her dreams from her again in the blink of an eye. She'd thought nothing could devastate her more then everything else she'd been through, but this...

So, unable to handle the possibility of breaking down with so many strange people around, Chloe made a quick retreat to her solitude of her room. Harold had stopped by a few times, when he could manage, each time trying desperately to get her to come out and eat something. But he failed miserably each attempt. She couldn't possibly eat, not when her stomach had been doing constant flip flops ever since her confrontation with Cynthia. Chloe had practiced what she was going to say to Brady a million times in the past few hours, each time scratching her speech entirely. Nothing came out right. She only managed to sound like a complete fool each time. It was now growing close to time to meet Brady in the gardens, and soon she'd have to confront him. Chloe had just seen him finally pull away from his council's constant complaints and bickering to retreat to his chambers, no doubt to prepare for their dinner date. She'd already decided to confront Brady in his room, rather then meeting him later in the gardens as planned. Part of her reasoning had been the fact that fewer people could interrupt them. The gardens might not necessarily be filled with people, but there were many soldiers and council members still milling about. No one would approach the royal chambers, unless there was an emergency, in which case Chloe would rather Brady be easy to locate.

Secondly, the garden was a sacred place for Brady and his departed sister Isabella. Chloe didn't want to taint those memories any more then she already had. Chloe halted her pacing in front of her vanity to inspect her appearance in the mirror. She'd changed into a light blue evening gown, at Harold's insistence, even though she believed it was pointless to change. Chances were, she'd be thrown out of the castle before night fall anyway. The gown was a simple off the shoulder dress with a matching blue corset underneath, with no major decorations of any kind. She'd left her hair down. Checking her reflection, Chloe suddenly wished she had something to conceal the slight redness and puffiness around her eyes which had resulted from hours of crying. She could only hope Brady didn't notice, although she highly doubted he'd care soon. Chloe sighed heavily, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress. Dread filled her more with each passing moment, but if she waited any longer, she wouldn't catch Brady before he left for the gardens.

"It's now or never, Chloe..." Chloe said aloud to her reflection. She paused a moment longer, shocked she had spoken her true name aloud, the first time in what seemed ages. It was one thing to hear it from the lips of another. Hearing herself utter the cursed name seemed utterly unreal. Chloe shook her head sadly, glancing once more at her reflection before heading for the door. No matter how she denied it, the truth had finally slapped her in the face. She was Chloe Kiriakis, as Cynthia had proved, and there wasn't a damn thing she could do to change that. All she could do now was confess. Chloe approached the door to Brady's chambers slowly, looking at the dreaded door as if it were a snake about to strike. Hesitantly, she drew her fist up to knock, but quickly pulled back. Could she really do this? Maybe if she just left... it might hurt Brady less. She couldn't just let Philip attack Nero, however. But, maybe if she left now and went straight to Philip, she could convince him to leave Brady alone. It would destroy her freedom from the Kiriakis name, but if it would spare Brady more pain...

Chloe shook off the thought. For one thing, Philip might not believe her; after all, he probably wouldn't recognize her after all this time. The only reason he would probably believe Cynthia would be just to have another excuse to hate the Black family. And even if Philip did believe her, there was no way he'd let her leave. He'd keep her there with him, and then news would spread of her return. Either way, Brady would find out who she was. Better he find out from her then idle gossip. With new resolve, Chloe reached up, tapping firmly on the door.

"Come in," Brady called from inside as he buttoned his white dress shirt. He assumed it would be Harold, there to voice more of his many concerns and ramble about how much was still left to arrange. But Brady didn't mind. Harold was just looking out for him, as he always had. Not because of loyalty to the kingdom, but loyalty to friendship. Harold had still been thrilled to hear that Brady was having dinner with Arciana. He'd even joked that perhaps he could take over so Brady could get a nap in before 'the big date' and how maybe he wouldn't have to keep trying to set him up with stuck up or otherwise claimed Princesses from other countries. Chloe pushed the door open, slowly peeking her head inside. "Arciana! What a surprise. I was just about to meet you in the garden," Brady smiled widely to see her standing in the doorway. She looked breath-taking in the simple gown, her beautiful, soft hair left down on her shoulders. He couldn't help but notice, however, that her eyes seemed to be somewhat red. Chloe immediately blanched upon seeing him, regret and guilt over-taking her. He looked so happy to see her! Though it was not yet sunset, candles were lit around the room, and the vibe they set was just so jovial, so cheery. Could she really be about to destroy that happiness? Brady's smile faded when he saw how upset she appeared. Had she been crying? "Arciana..."

"Brady, we need to talk," Chloe interrupted firmly, stepping in and closing the door behind her. Brady frowned, dread filling him as he turned away, hoping to hid his disappointment. Had he pushed too far? Had she finally come to tell him she would be leaving? Brady was floored at the thought. After their kiss that morning, Brady had thought maybe... but, truth was, he still had to live in constant fear of her up and leaving. That thought was just more then he could take right now. Brady pushed his regrets aside, his handsome face twisting into the cold, emotionless glare he'd become accustomed to hiding behind for so many years.

"Well, whatever it is, I'm afraid it will have to wait. I've decided that I simply cannot retire from my royal duties just to take you to dinner. There is a war to prepare for, and I've been treating it as if it were nothing at all. I have begun to forget that I have immense responsibilities that I can never ignore," Brady stated, refusing to turn around and face her. He was doing what was best. Though it pained him to do so, he had to shut her out, before she could shatter what was left of him. Perhaps it would hurt less, for both of them, if he simply avoided her until morning, when he would leave. Perhaps it wouldn't pain him so much if he returned to find her gone, assuming he ever did return home at all. "I'm sorry if it causes you any inconvenience, but I'm afraid I have to cancel our..."

"Brady, why are you doing this?" Chloe asked quietly, hesitantly stepping forward. She had never seen him turn so cold so fast; it frightened her to see him turn away from her, even before she could tell him the truth that would force him to hate her.

"I'm not doing anything, Arciana. Like I said, I'm very sorry that I didn't make it clear that I am a very responsible man, and it's my responsibility to..."

"Stop giving me this responsibility crap, Brady. I realize you have certain duties. As King, you have more then anyone else could ever dream of. But that's not the real issue here. Responsibility doesn't mean you have to push me away," Chloe stated. " I know all these preparations going on are not the reason why you're canceling our dinner date. I'm not that stupid, Brady. You were happy to see me. You hadn't made any kind of decision to cancel until I said we needed to talk, seriously. So, why? Why are you pushing me away now?" Chloe repeated.

"Why else?" Brady replied coldly, finally turning around, though he almost wished he hadn't. To see her devastation, confusion, would make him crumble. But he couldn't back down. There was still a part of him left that had not been destroyed by a life-time of cruel heart aches. He couldn't possibly let some simple girl he'd only just met days before ruin all he had worked to hold onto. But, somehow, he still knew that this girl was far from simple. "You're leaving, aren't you? That is what you came to tell me, that you would be leaving the castle... leaving me." Chloe searched his face, trying to read his words through his eyes. But, she found nothing. At least not right away. He'd learned to hide his true self well.

"You speak as if that has already been decided, as if you want me to leave," Chloe said, more to get his attention then anything. Even if he was trying to turn away from her, she wouldn't truly believe that of him. Brady's eyes widened in disbelief. Did she know him so little?

"What! Of course I don't want you to go! That is the last thing on this earth that I would want," Brady proclaimed. He softened slightly, involuntarily stepping forward to close the gap between them. They now stood within touching distance of each other. "How could you possibly think that I would want you to leave?"

"You tell me, Brady. I just get this feeling like you expect me to just up and leave," Chloe replied. Her resolve to confess all was waning with each passing moment; the closeness to him was becoming over-whelming.

"Can you blame me, Arciana? I have only just met you after all. I'm... I'm not used to feeling this way about anyone, least of all someone I've only just met," Brady stated softly. Chloe shivered inwardly with excitement as Brady brought his hand up, brushing his fingers lightly along her jaw bone.

"How do you feel about me, Brady?" Chloe asked, barely above a whisper. Her gaze drifted from Brady's hand, until their eyes locked. Gone was the cold, emotionless front Brady had tried to uphold since her upsetting announcement this evening. What was there now, was pure passion. A passion Brady had long since believed to be dead within him, a passion which mirrored that in Chloe's eyes.

"I'm not sure there is a word to describe what you make me feel," Brady replied, the pad of his thumb making seductive trails over Chloe's luscious bottom lip, teasingly close, but yet not quite touching. He leaned in ever so slightly, causing her to subconsciously wet her lips. "And, how about you, Arciana? What exactly do you feel for me?" Brady asked. Slowly, he reached his other hand up to cradle Chloe's face, gently tipping her lips up to met his in perhaps the most sensuous kiss of their lives. The kiss was soft and timid at first, each adjusting to the new sensations. Brady's right hand remained on Chloe's neck. But as the kiss deepened, his left hand began to slowly trail down her bare arm, his fingers grazing seductively over her flesh, before making it's way to Chloe's semi-bare back, where he entwined his finger in her luscious long dark hair. Brady's lips left Chloe's as he began to lay a trail of slow, passionate kisses down her jawbone, creeping ever closer to the sensitive skin of her neck. Chloe's legs were like jelly, her arms limp as wet straw; she felt she was flying. She couldn't possibly utter a word, or even a sound, except for a soft, barely audible moan as Brady's hot breathe blew on her ear. Slowly, Chloe brought a hand up to place behind Brady's head, running her fingers through his hair. She leaned her head back in ecstasy as Brady moved downward, planting hot kisses along her collarbone while his left hand made seductive trails up and down Chloe's spine. He'd never thought he could be so bold, but this girl, no, this woman, made him feel things he never believed imaginable. Chloe's head rolled to one side, giving Brady full access to her sensitive flesh.

"Mmmmm... Brady..." Chloe breathed, closing her eyes.

"Arciana..." Brady whispered between kisses. Hearing that name, suddenly caused a mental image of the events of the morning to pop into Chloe's mind. The kiss they had shared, followed by Cynthia's bomb shell suddenly flashed before her. Chloe's eyes snapped open in panic. No! Her name was Chloe Kiriakis, not Arciana... he had to know that.

"Brady stop. Please, stop," Chloe asked as firmly as she could manage, but not frantically. She knew he'd never do anything she asked him not to. God help her, how she wished they didn't have to stop. Brady halted immediately, fearing he'd gone too far too fast. After all, only God knew what she had been put through during her years of slavery. No telling what painful memories arose because of his sudden assertiveness. He would sooner die then push her into doing anything she felt she had to, out of fear or obligation or any other emotion save for love. Brady straightened, pulling back both hands, so he was no longer touching her. He met her gaze, immediately cursing his actions the moment he saw the panic in her eyes that she could not hide.

"What is it, Arciana? What's wrong? Did I... did I go too far...?"

"No, no, Brady, it's not that. It's not... we can't do this. I can't do this. You don't know even the first thing about who I am," Chloe replied. Brady let out a silent sigh of relief. Perhaps she only meant to tell him what he'd suspected from the beginning, that she had lied about her true name?

"If you mean to tell me that your name isn't even Arciana, you needn't bother. I've always known that. It makes no difference to me what your birth name is," Brady stated.

"You... you knew I was lying?" Chloe asked in disbelief. He couldn't know her name wasn't Arciana, without knowing her true name. But, then, he couldn't know that, or he wouldn't have kissed her in such an imitate manner.

"I've known that from the beginning. There was just something about the way you say your name. I knew it was a lie, but I thought nothing of it. It's not uncommon for... ahem... freed slaves to take a new name. It's not really a big deal. I, of all people, know what it's like to be judged solely on a name," Brady stated.

"Brady, it's not just a name to me. It's who I..." Chloe was shushed before she could continue by Brady, who placed a finger gently to her lips, asking for her silence.

"Shhh. Listen to me, Arciana. Will you please just listen for a moment, and not say anything?" Brady asked. Chloe nodded slowly, unable to will herself to answer verbally least her voice shake. Brady lowered his hand, to reclaim her hand in his, an action which was becoming as natural to him as breathing. "This seems to upset you greatly, for whatever reason you feel cause for alarm. But I want to tell you it shouldn't. A name doesn't make you who you are. I don't have to hear endless stories about your childhood and adolescence to know who you are. I don't need to know what name your parents gave to you when you were born to know that you are a wonderful, caring, beautiful person. A name is little more then a word, merely used to identify one person in a crowd from another. I'm not sure exactly what you feel you must tell me about yourself, or your past. But I do know, whatever it is, it's not going to change anything. You could tell me you're really some kind of spy from another country who's married to some classy royal named Jeeves and it wouldn't change my opinion of you. Now, granted I'd be a bit disappointed on that married part..." Brady smiled slightly, causing Chloe to grin was well. "But, it wouldn't make me feel any differently about you. I don't need to know even the smallest detail about your past. All I need to know is the here and the now. The past doesn't matter, it doesn't make you who you are. The only thing that matters is that you're here, now... with me. And hopefully, you'll want to stay for quite some time. Whatever you chose to tell me, or not tell me, I'm alright with it, as long as you feel comfortable with your decision. Whatever you do or don't say to me, I want it to be because you want to say it, not because you feel you must, for whatever reasons. But, there is nothing, not a thing on this earth, that you could tell me that would change what I feel for you. It couldn't change the fact that I... that I'm falling in love with you," Brady said hesitantly. But he wouldn't regret speaking the truth out loud; he wanted to always be open with her, to make her want to trust him and believe in him. And the truth was, he'd fallen head over heels. Chloe's jaw dropped in surprise, before she managed to awkwardly cover, placing her hand over her lips.

"You... you're... falling in..."

"Already fallen would be the more accurate term really. Fallen completely, madly, in love with you," Brady stated. He smiled brightly, taking her hand from her lips and bringing it to his to kiss her fingers lightly. "Is that so hard to believe?"

"Well... I... uh... yes. I... I mean... you don't even really know..."

"Now, what exactly did I just spend the last 5 minutes babbling on and on about? I do know you, Arciana, or whatever you wish to call yourself. I know all I need to. I know what I see, and I love what I know," Brady stated, turning her hand over to kiss her palm. Chloe shivered with delight as his kiss moved up to her wrist, though he paused to speak again. "Whatever it is you wanted to tell me, I'll understand. Love means understanding. But, you don't need to ever tell me anything that you don't want to. I know enough to know that I can and will trust you."

"Do you really mean all that, Brady?" Chloe choked out, trying not to allow her voice to quiver, her desire for more of his touch staring to take her over completely. So many lies and false promises had life dished out to her... She wanted so desperately to believe in the words Brady spoke, and to believe in the feelings that he caused within. But the pessimist in her wouldn't allow her to believe that he truly would understand, that he really would love her if he knew who her family was. Brady smiled, finally letting her arm drop back down to her side and looking up to meet her eyes once again.

"Have I ever deceived you in any way, my love?" Brady asked with a charming half grin. "I am a man of my word. I have never said anything to you that I didn't truly mean. And I do not have the intention of starting now." It was a promise, she knew. It was her reassurance. He had said he loved her, even after only just meeting her, which perhaps made his love more true. And in doing so, he swore to love her unconditionally. Chloe melted into his embrace as he took her in his arms once more, melted into the safety and security his strong yet gentle embrace provided. In his arms alone, she felt safe, loved... whole, for the first time in her entire existence. She had never felt any such feeling, not even in her naive childhood years. Chloe knew then and there, if she ever let this slip away from her, if she let Brady slip away, she would never feel this safe, this complete, with anyone else ever again. As Brady leaned his head down to reclaim his sensuous kissing on her neck, Chloe spoke her heart freely, unwilling to have a care of the consequences.

"Brady?"

"Mmmm?" Brady replied through kisses. Chloe leaned her head down, her lips centimeters from his ear.

"I love you too," Chloe whispered. Brady's head shot up, his wide flaming blue eyes meeting her calm, cool blue eyes. It was his turn to be too shocked for words.

"You... what did you.. did you just say...?" Chloe smiled, this time putting her finger to his lips to quiet his babbling, though he was just so adorable at that moment.

"Brady... shut up, and kiss me," Chloe said with a sultry smile. She put her hands on each side of his face, pulling him to her in a steamy kiss. She buried her fingers into Brady's blonde hair, while Brady wrapped his arms around her, pulling her as close as he could. He almost couldn't believe what was happening. After his precious sister Isabella was murdered, Brady believed he was cursed, destined to live a miserable life of solitude. Many had come along and tried to get close to him. Most of which however were princesses or royal maidens seeking only to become a King's wife. None of them had ever mattered, since, no matter how sincere some of them were, they all either saw him only as the ultimate prize, or befriended him only because of his status in life. Only Harold, Jason, and Shawn had ever been allowed to really know him, but even those friendships had been pushed aside to an extent after Isabella's death.

For the longest time, Brady had looked upon any and all relationships as a plague, as if they were heartaches just waiting to happen. Now, so many years after giving up all hope of finding happiness, here he was in the arms of the love of his life, and he'd only known her a few short days. It all seemed so surreal, too good to be true. And yet, it was. Brady's thoughts drifted back to the present, concentrating solely on the woman before him. He slid his tongue slowly along Chloe's bottom lip, teasingly seeking entrance. Chloe gratefully complied, their tongues mingling together in passionate fury, each desperate to please the other to the fullest. They melted into one another, the entire world dissolving around them until only they remained in existence. They only parted when they each become aware of a need for air, reluctantly parting to breathe, but still allowing their foreheads to touch. Panting for breath, Brady leaned his head down to rest upon her shoulder, revealing in the feeling of her touch.

"Stay with me tonight," Brady whispered. He felt her tense slightly, though had he known it was merely an instinctual reaction after her countless years with Lord Paul, he would not have been so alarmed. He raised his head quickly, Chloe's arms now at her side again, and released his grip on her waist. "I do not ask anything of you, except to hold you in my arms tonight, as I did the night before," Brady assured, feeling perhaps he'd made a mistake in speaking without thinking. "I... I will be leaving for Mucche in the morning. I have no idea when I will possibly return. If I must spend so much time away from my home... then I would wish for my last night to be spent with you at my side. I would be content to hold you beside me, for even a few short hours, if you would allow it."

Chloe searched his eyes as he spoke, seeking the truth from the window to his soul which he could not hide. Chloe understood now what he was asking. He would be content with whatever she would allow, even if it only meant he could hold her... but he longed for so much more. Now, through the eyes of love, she could see all the pain and sorrow he'd spent years trying to hide. Through the eyes of love, she could see his heart slowly breaking with each passing moment. What's more, she could hear his silent plea, a plea for salvation. His flaming blue eyes cried out to her to save him from himself, save him from his wretched lonely, empty life. It was a cry she knew all to well; she herself had longed for that for as long as she could remember. Consequences be damned, she knew what they both wanted, both needed. So what if all this sudden emotion was over-whelming, to the both of them. So what if they knew so little about each other's history's, specially hers. For the first time in her life, Chloe believed in something again, and that something she believed in was Brady's divine love for her, despite the circumstances. With a slight smile, Chloe inched her hand behind her back, skillfully loosening the ties of her dress.

"I will allow you that... and more," Chloe added, loosening the last tie on her dress. She shrugged the thin garment off her shoulders, allowing the material to pool at her feet and leaving her in nothing but her corset undergarments. Brady's jaw dropped in pure astonishment, only somehow causing Chloe's smile to widen.

"Oh... my... I... Arciana... I didn't mean... I don't expect..." but whatever else he would have said was quickly silenced by her lips on his. Chloe stepped her feet out of the offending garment and her leather dress shoes, kicking them both aside. Taking Brady with her, Chloe began to back up, inching towards the lavish, canopy bed, which seemed so inviting, placed in the center of the back wall of Brady's bedchambers, surrounded by candles forming a very intimate, though previously unintended, lighting, with it's silky black drapes cascading around all sides except the end of the bed where if flared down to leave an opening.

"I know you don't expect anything of me, Brady. That is why I want this. You do want this, don't you Brady?" Chloe asked. Aside from the now rather obvious physical arousal, which in itself was making her body temperature rise, she could see in his eyes that he wanted her. What made her completely unafraid of that was that she knew he didn't just want her body. She knew in her heart that he wanted her mind, body, and soul, and that he wanted to make love to her, make her his completely. That didn't scare her, although she felt it should. He might not want that once he learned the truth about her. And, although Chloe had tried to convince herself this would be wrong, she knew it wasn't. She knew it was right, and now, she knew he felt it as well. Brady slowly nodded, wishing to God leather pants weren't so damn tight to begin with. Having this beautiful woman standing before him, asking if he wanted to make love to her was having extreme effects on him, both physically and emotionally. But, he'd be damned if he let his physical attraction for her get the better of him, or inevitably scare her love away. Surely, she would think him to be a terrible fake, only interested in her gorgeous body if he allowed such attractions to take over so suddenly.

"Yes... I do want you... but that's not the only thing I care about. I want so much more then just..." Again Chloe silenced him, but with a simple nod of her head.

"Brady, I know that. I know you're not just after my body. I wouldn't see it before, but I believe in your love for me, I really do. And, I believe in my love for you."

"As thrilled as I am to hear you say that..." Brady started, although he was beginning to get rather uncomfortable, what with all this talking going on while she was standing half naked before him. "We don't need to rush anything. I never dreamed I would find someone to fall in love with the way I have you. I want to just hold onto that feeling, without there being any pressure. Not to mention I... the timing... I don't want you to think you have to do anything before I..." Brady trailed off, but Chloe understood his fears. Though he wanted her, he feared she only felt obligated to be with him before he left for war, a war in which he might not return. With no nevermind of her current state of near-undress, Chloe wrapped her arms around Brady's neck, standing on her tip toes to face him eye to eye.

"Brady... you said that to love me, you had to know me. And if you know me enough to love me, then you would know that I would never do anything I didn't want to. So you see Brady... I do feel grateful to you for all you've done for me. But I don't feel that I must sleep with you just because I feel the need to give back for all your kindness, or because you'll be leaving in the morning, with a chance, God forbid, that you won't be coming back. What I'm feeling right now, comes from the heart. And right now... my heart is, for the first time in my life, over-flowing with joy and love. I want to hold onto that feeling Brady. I want to hold onto that for all the days of the rest of my life," Chloe said whole heartedly. Brady, unable to find any words that could possibly describe the wondrous emotions he was experiencing, brought his hand up to her cheek, caressing her soft skin with the back of his knuckles, and ignoring the discomfort his confining leather pants were causing.

For just one night, they could forget about all their troubles, and just be together. No senseless battles or long lost siblings or spiteful jealous twits could torment them, even if only for one night. Even if it meant her world would be shattered come daylight, when she confessed her dark secret to Brady, Chloe knew if they could share just one night together, expressing their unconditional love for one another, that she could make it through her life alone should fate so chose to require her. If they were not meant to be, not meant to overcome their hardships together, then at least she would have this one moment to cherish, forever.

"Make love to me, Brady. Please... make love to me," Chloe pleaded, planting soft, sensuous kisses on the sensitive skin of his neck, kisses that nearly drove him over the edge. Brady's eyes glazed over with desire, a desire he could no longer attempt to quell. Pushing aside all his doubts, all his fears, he swept her effortlessly into his arms. No matter what the consequences, he needed her, needed her to make him feel whole again. And she needed him too. Perhaps, finally, they could heal, together. Brady carried her over to his bed, placing her gently down on the end of it. Chloe smiled lovingly up at him as he towered over her, bringing her hands up to his well muscled chest to begin removing his white dress shirt. Before she even managed to undo the first set of buttons, however, he gently removed her hands from their work, holding them firmly but gently in his.

"Arciana… I want you to know… I need you to know… that if this doesn't end up happening tonight… I'm ok with that. We don't have to do anything tonight. I have waited my whole life for someone like you, and I would wait forever still," Brady stated honestly. Truth be told, he knew that if he joined her on that bed, he might not be able to stop. There might be no going back. But then, Chloe understood his real reason for hesitation. "I don't want you to have any regrets, now, or ever."

"Brady… the only thing I would regret, is not making love with you tonight. I trust you will wait… but I don't want to make you have to wait. I want this, Brady. NO regrets, no disappointments, no expectations… just us," Chloe said. She loosened her hands from his grasp, so she could continue her work of removing Brady's shirt. She mad quick work of the ivory buttons, slipping the silky material off his broad shoulders and onto the floor. Chloe let out a silent gasp of breath, his perfectly sculptured chest and tight lean stomach a glorious sight to behold. Somehow, this time seeing him like this was different from the night before. Besides the many candles, the room was now dark, but the candlelight was more then sufficient. Both of them had already begun to sweat; the candle lighting caused Brady's upper body to glisten amazingly, exciting Chloe even more. She trailed her finger tips lightly over his arm, outlining the contours of his impressive biceps, making her way up his arm and over his chest.

She withdrew her hand then, scooting herself back further towards the head of the bed, beckoning Brady to join her. Brady put his knees against the edge of the bed, quickly kicking off his still laced-up boots, before crawling up on the bed to join her, settling on his knees in front of her, her legs parted so that one was on each side of him. He tilted her head up with both hands, bringing his head down to devour her mouth, invading her spicy depths with his tongue. Chloe welcomed the evasion, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer to her. Brady slowly moved his hands down her neck and bare shoulders, taking his time to memorize every curve, every contour. He hesitated however before his hands reached the top of her ample breasts, where the leather ties to her corset began. Chloe smiled into his kiss, finding what she believed to be a gentlemanly shyness to be completely enticing. Chloe took hold of his hand, bringing it up to her lips, kissing each one of his knuckles, before placing his hand firmly down onto her breast. Reassured, Brady began to slowly loosen the ties of her corset, while his mouth found it's way to Chloe's neck and jawbone.

"I have a confession to make," Brady murmured through his sensuous attack on her neck, taking his time with each leather binding that separated her from him. Chloe sighed with content, again intertwining her fingers in his rugged blonde hair, the feel of his strong loving hands on her awakening sensations within her she'd believed long dead, or ones she never dreamed she would ever experience. "I've never done this before," Brady admitted. Chloe's head shot up, and she tilted Brady's chin up to meet her eyes. This was his first time? Guild suddenly over-came her. A person as good and kind hearted as Brady deserved to have a special first time. God only knew how much she wished she could look back on her first and smile at a happy memory instead of cringe.

"Brady… I…."

"I was waiting. Waiting… for you," Brady interrupted. Chloe gave him a confused look as his hand abandoned the last remaining tie on her corset, placing it instead just above her heart, the feverent pounding just under his fingers. "The woman in my dream… the dream I told you I had as a child… it was you. I know that now. I think I knew it the moment that I first saw you. It's you… it's always been you." Chloe felt her eyes begin to tear up, her heart over-flowing with emotion. What had she possibly done to deserve the love of this man?

"Oh, Brady…" was all she could manage, before reclaiming his lips with hers in a passionate kiss. Coaxing her to sit up on her knees, Brady loosened the last tie of her corset. With steady hands, he helped her out of the offending material, leaving her free of all restraints. Brady inhaled sharply, taking in every inch of her now exposed frontal body. She was, if possible, more beautiful then he ever could have imagined. But, one thing in particular stood out… and it was not a very pleasing sight.

"Oh, God…" Brady breathed, mentally tracing the deep angry scar which ran between her breasts down to just above her stomach. A few smaller, less visible scars were randomly placed about her pale flesh, and now that he looked closer, a few slightly prominent scars ran along her inner thigh of which had been previously hidden from his view. Chloe sighed sadly, somewhat disappointed that their passion would be delayed for another moment because of the scars left by Lord Paul.

"Now that you see these scars, you must see them all, so that nothing will surprise you," Chloe stated. Still on her knees, Chloe turned her completely bare back to him, moving her long hair aside to reveal yet more scars. One, which ran horizontally across her entire upper back, from shoulder to shoulder, was even worse then the first scar. She was completely exposed to him, in every way, yet she felt no embarrassment. She felt only fear, and resentment; fear that he would think her repulsive, and resentment that, even after his death, Lord Paul was still controlling her life. Brady silently gasped, guilt consuming him as he lightly ran the palm of his hand over one of the many clusters of scars.

"Oh Arciana… I'm so sorry…" Brady breathed. Only part of him, the lower part that was, was still very much aware that she was completely without attire. Brady felt a tear slid down his cheek; a tear of resent, a tear of anger, a tear of self-loathing… angered that she had been put through so much, and pained that it was his own father who had caused her to be in a position where she could be hurt.

"Do you think me repulsive?" Chloe asked.

"No. God, no. It's just… you've suffered so much…" Brady shook his head, grazing his hands lightly down her arms, bending his head to lay a soft kiss on the back of her neck, mindful of a small scar as if he feared they still pained her. "You're still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on."

"Then you mustn't have seen many women," Chloe said.

"Why do you say such things? Here you are before me, the most breathtaking sight a man can behold, and yet you refuse to believe. Why?" Brady asked.

"Because I'm hurting Brady," Chloe answered sadly. She released her hair, allowing it to cascade down her bare back, turning her head to face him. "And so are you," Chloe stated, falling deeply into the sad blue pools which formed his eyes. "But, that can stop, tonight. No more talking, no more questions… just us, putting a stop to all our pain. Make the pain go away, Brady. If only for tonight… please, make the pain go away," Chloe pleaded in whisper. She lifted her chin, their lips meeting again for but a moment of pure emotion, before Brady placed his hands on her bare hips, turning her to fully face him again. Yes, they were both hurting, each with a different, painful past. But now, they could sooth each other's wounds, put an end to their suffering, at least for one night. Gently, he eased her back down, onto the many pillows, the silky smooth material of his black comforter tickling her back with cool sensations, in contrast to how hot her skin now felt to the touch. Brady lowered down on top of her, propping himself up with his arm so he could gaze upon her entire form. He smiled down at her, loving and with a passion and hunger that made her burn with desire, before leaning down to capture her lips, sparking the beginning of an electrifying night of earth-shattering love-making……

The early morning sun poured in from the balcony windows, bathing the room in an almost ethereal blue glow. But the light did not disturb the peaceful occupants of the large canopy bed, wrapped soundly in each other's embrace. Chloe had been awake long before sunrise. Truth was, she hadn't really slept much at all. She'd been content to lay in Brady's arms, study his handsome face as he slept, listen to the beating of his heart, or watch the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. Now in the soft light of dawn, she was memorized by how young he truly looked. So at peace, he didn't look like a battle hardened King. He appeared as he truly was, a simple man, who, through events out of his hands, had been forced to grow up too quickly, but had still managed to remain pure and kind deep down. He possessed both the skills and knowledge of a man, and the loyalties and affections of a child, making him more perfect then Chloe could have ever imagined. She brushed a lock of hair out of his eyes, careful not to disturb his peaceful slumber.

Her body still tingled delightfully from their night together, her mind ablaze with memories. But all the good feelings, all the wonderful memories, were still plagued with doubt and guilt. As she lay blissfully in Brady's arms, it had occurred to her how selfish she had been. Not only last night, but since she arrived in the castle only 3 days before. During their whirl-wind relationship, Brady had done nothing but give. He gave her so much, out of love, and never expected a thing in return, while she had done nothing but take. And last night… no matter how wonderful and amazing, she had acted no different. When she'd ask Brady to make lover to her, she hadn't thought of his needs, only hers. She needed his love, needed him to desire her… But he needed truth, honesty… someone he could trust with his fragile heart. Chloe needed Brady to love her unconditionally, but Brady needed Chloe to open herself up to him without fear. But, no… she would never regret what had passed between them. She would never, ever even think of wishing her night with Brady had never happened. Truth be told, lightning could strike her dead that very moment and she would die perhaps the happiest woman on earth. But there was no storm, and there would be consequences she would have to deal with.

Chloe was shaken from her thoughts when she felt Brady stir. She looked up, her head still lain upon his chest, just as his eyes fluttered open. Brady blinked a few times, his eyes adjusting to the light which, thanks to the canopy, did not shine directly in his eyes, before his vision focused on Chloe's angelic, now smiling face. Brady returned the smile, thanking God for her presence. The previous night had been so breathtaking, so superbly perfect, he had been half afraid that he would wake to find it had all been a blissful dream. That fate would be so cruel as to not allow her to be beside him when he woke. And yet, here she was, entwined in his embrace, smiling up at him.

"Good morning," Brady greeted sleepily. He leaned his head down, pulling her up slightly to meet her lips in a good morning kiss.

"Mmmm… morning," Chloe returned, laying her head back down on his chest and snuggling close. Brady held his arm around her waist, fearful that perhaps if he were to let go, she would fade away and leave him.

"I was afraid I was dreaming," Brady stated, running a hand down her arm slowly.

"I'm no dream," Chloe sighed, now somehow sad. Brady's smile faded, sensing the 'we need to talk' mood that had enveloped them. "Brady… we need to…"

"You have regrets, don't you?" Brady interrupted. Chloe looked up, her eyes filled with sadness to see the worry in his eyes where there had just been blissful joy. She should have waited, given him at least some time before turning so serious. But, hadn't waiting to express the truth been the reason she was in this situation in the first place?

"That's not what I'm saying, Brady," Chloe replied, sitting up slightly, holding the blanket up to cover herself. "I just… it can't wait any longer, we need to talk. Last night… was… I don't even have the words. I meant it when I said I could never, ever regret what happened last night." Brady held his breath, waiting for the inevitable '…but…' "But…"

"You do have some regret," Brady finished for her. Chloe sighed, nodding sadly.

"Yes… Yes, I have one regret," Chloe admitted. "I regret that I didn't tell you the truth last night."

"What truth is there to tell?" Brady asked.

"The truth, about me," Chloe stated. She pulled the covers off, picking a sheet up off the floor that had been discarded previously that night, wrapping it around her naked form as she stood.

"I told you, I know all about you that I need to know," Brady stated, propping himself up on one elbow, watching every move her body made as she walked to a bedside window, memorized by her motions, but immediately missing the feel of her beside him. This was not quite how he'd envisioned waking.

"That's not good enough now," Chloe replied. "You deserve much better then that. I know so much about you. You deserve to know all about who I am."

"Well, if you feel so strongly about it, why don't you tell me now," Brady suggested, he too standing from his bed, securing a sheet around his waist. He joined Chloe in front of the window, wrapping his arms around her from behind and pulling her close, resting his chin on her shoulder, breathing in her wondrous scent. "I promise I'll listen to all you have to say with an open mind. Lets start simple. What is your real name?" Simple… yes, simply the most difficult bit of information she had to tell him. Chloe inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly to mentally prepare herself for what was to come.

"Chloe," Chloe answered softly, almost shamefully. "Chloe Kiriakis." She felt his grasp on her tighten, perhaps in his shock. Brady grasped onto her upper arms, firmly twirling her around to face him. And she thought that was it. She thought surely he would strike her, spit on her in disgust or push her away. But she did not discover rage in his eyes as they searched hers. She found astonishment, wonder… It appeared as if he was deep in thought, as if he were studying every inch of her face and her eyes, perhaps searching his memory for the answers he desired.

"It is you," Brady whispered, more to himself then to her. Chloe shook her head in total disbelief. He should be yelling, telling her how much she disgusted him for deceiving him all this time when he knew what her family meant to him, or at least be angry with her. But the way he was looking at her… it almost frightened her. Anger and hatred, she could handle. But this… looking upon her as if he'd always known her, and as if he'd always known who she was deep inside, this scared her.

"Brady, I… I don't think you understand. I'm trying to tell you who I…"

"I know who you are," Brady stated. He released his grasp on her arms, but not as if he were repulsed like would have expected. "I can't believe I didn't see… it's really you? You're really Chloe Kiriakis? I mean… it's been so long… and now, you're really here?"

"Yes, Brady, I'm really Chloe Kiriakis… you know, the daughter of your greatest enemy, the man who killed your father and your sister? This isn't a good thing, Brady. It's not a good thing that I'm the…."

"..long lost heiress to the Mucchean throne?" Brady finished. Surprisingly, he smiled. "Now I understand. I understand why you've been so afraid to tell me anything about yourself and your past. Chloe," Brady started, placing his hands gently on her shoulders, "you don't have to be afraid anymore. I would never, ever judge someone based on a name. I could never hate you for being a Kiriakis. I never did. I never hated Philip from the beginning, for that matter. It's his actions that I judged, not those of his father. I thought you would know that."

"How could I have known? I mean… Brady, I don't understand…" Chloe shook her head, all concepts of reality just completely blown from her mind. Brady silenced her, placing a finger to her lips, smiling understandingly.

"You don't remember me, do you?" Brady asked knowingly. It didn't surprise him. It had been so many long years… And the kind of life she had been forced to live had no doubt prepared her to expect only the worse. She no doubt believe he would instantly hate her for who her family was, because she didn't remember that he had always thought of her as pure and innocent, so unlike her other relatives.

"Remember you…?" Chloe asked, confused.

"Come, sit with me. I'll explain," Brady stated, turning towards the large black couch alongside the eastern wall. Securing the sheet a bit tighter around his waist, Brady sat down, reaching out an arm to beckon Chloe to his side. Chloe hesitated, before joining him, settling down on the couch beside him, one hand holding up her sheet, the other on Brady's knee. Brady rested his hand on top of hers before speaking. "You remember the day you were kidnaped?" Brady asked. Chloe nodded solemnly; how could she forget? Well, some things were a bit fuzzy… it had been 13 years after all.

"Yes, I remember. It's not something one easily forgets."

"Well, you apparently don't remember everything. Like, oh, say, a certain little boy with dirty blonde hair and a short rugrat of a 7 year old girl," Brady replied.

"No, I…" Chloe closed her eyes, envisioning that day in her mind. She'd never forgotten a single detail of the actual kidnaping. Being ripped from the safety of her home, being roughly thrown into a small, dirty slavers cart, crying in a dark corner as she and her brother held onto each other for dear life… The memory of John's guards ripping them apart and dragging them both kicking and screaming into the castle to be taken in front of John… and then it hit her. Chloe's eyes snapped open in surprise, finally seeing in her minds eye what she had forgotten. "I remember…" Chloe breathed. The memory, perhaps intentionally repressed, was that of her last chance of freedom-- her brother's savior, who had been unable to rescue her from her torturous fate. A memory of a young boy, with amazingly piercing blue eyes; the memory of Brady as a child…..

FLASHBACK

Little Isabella squealed with utter rage, demanding for the millionth time for her pig-headed older brother to stop that instant and give her favorite dolly, a dark-haired porcelain doll in a white lacy dress which Belle fondly named Miss Edith, back to her. Brady had taken the doll, claiming Belle spent far too much time "fawning over that stupid piece of badly clothed plaster" and ran off at full speed. Although Isabella surprisingly was the faster of the two children, today she had put on her favorite dress, and heeled shoes, for a party that was to be held that evening in the ball room. Belle wouldn't dream of ripping her dress or getting it even the slightest bit dirty. So, she was tottering along after her brother, trying desperately to catch him while still keeping her clothing clean and untarnished as they scampered down the Palace halls, which were surprisingly near empty. Usually, the halls of the Black family castle were a bustle with activity, but today, barely a soul was to be seen.

"Brady, you give me back Miss Edith right this minute!" Belle yelled, getting only laughter in reply. Oh, how Brady loved tormenting his little sister. Brady, usually a little more serious -- after all, he was heir to the entire kingdom -- was not feeling like a future King today. The last few months had been hard, and had been spent in a state of mourning for the dearly departed Queen Marlena, who had perished in a horrid fire while visiting a commoner friend from her peasant days. Brady and Isabella, who were now very much old enough to understand death and lose, had been in a state of devastation for the longest time, but were now beginning to cope, coming to terms with her death. John had been in a state of denial, up until a few days ago, when he up and called for a huge celebration, to honor his late second wife's treasured memory. Losing Marlena hadn't quite been like losing his beloved Isabella. Yes, he loved Marlena, but his sweet, sweet Izzy had been his one true soul-mate.

But Marlena's death had brought back painful memories of Isabella, ones that John had hoped to forever repress. He had spent the first few weeks locked away in his room, or out attending to whatever business needed his attention. He barely saw the children for the first month after the funeral, and even more rarely spoke to them. They were perhaps too painful of a reminder of what he had lost. But John's mood had suddenly changed, so of course the entire kingdom rejoiced with him. It was almost as if he'd found some way to instantly take away his pain. Or at least had just woken up and accepted fate's cruelty. Rounding a corner, Brady neared the Throne Room. Well, the stairs to the Throne Room anyway, as they were a floor above it. Brady and Belle often snuck out of their rooms, hiding behind the railings of the Grand Staircase, so they could watch the meetings and trials which went on well past their bedtime. Brady had every intention of holding Miss Edith over the railing and threatening to drop her, but his playful antics were put to an abrupt halt when their nanny, Caprice, emerged from the staircase. She immediately hurried forward to divert the children away.

"Your Royal Highness, you shouldn't tease your sister so. Come now, children, you two have studies you must attend to. If you wish to attend the party tonight, you mustn't neglected your schooling," Caprice scolded. Isabella caught up finally, immediately snatching Miss Edith from Brady's arms and holding her tight. Brady didn't notice, his mind was on the faint, but definite sounds coming from downstairs in the Throne Room. Isabella immediately heard as well, and shared a look with her brother that said "time to ditch the nanny." You see, both children were born with a natural curiosity and a desire for knowledge beyond their understanding. If something big was going on in the Palace, they always yearned to know about it. Seeing that Miss Edith's left shoe was now mission, probably fallen off in their delightful plight, Brady saw his opportunity.

"Miss Caprice, Miss Edith has lost her shoe. It must have fallen off while we were playing. Can you help us find it?" Brady fake pleaded. Caprice sighed disdainfully; the last thing she needed was to search the entire castle for one tiny missing doll shoe.

"Now now, Your Royal Highness, don't you think that since you are responsible for it's being lost, that you should find Miss Edith's shoe by yourself? After all, if you hadn't taken her from your sister, she wouldn't have lost her precious shoe," Caprice pointed out. Isabella giggled despite herself, Brady elbowing her sharply in reply.

"Please, Miss Caprice. It's such a big castle, and we've been all over it. We just have to find it before the party tonight! I can't study with Miss Edith missing her favorite shoe!" Isabella proclaimed, in her usual "I'm so sweet and innocent" tone that noone with half a heart could ever resist, especially when mixed with her truly angelic face. Caprice shook her head in defeat. Anything to keep the children from the disturbing display below.

"Alright, children, you win. Come now, lets start in your rooms," Caprice ordered, taking Belle by the hand. They obediently followed Caprice to the end of the hall, before Brady spoke up.

"Miss Caprice, Isabella and I played in all these rooms today," Brady lied. "We can look in these while you look in our rooms."

"I think you two are just looking for someone to clean your rooms for you," Caprice pointed out, not even considering that the children were smart enough to know something was up and wanted to stay near the Grand Staircase. Such an obvious thought could not pass her mind even though she'd known the children since they were born. Although, she did remember how big a fit both Brady and Isabella had thrown the last time they were actually asked to clean their own rooms.

"No we're not! We cleaned our rooms this morning," Brady protested. This part was true. Though they had servants who could clean their rooms, truth be told, they were fairly neat children and liked everything to be a certain way. It was the being made to clean by their parents or their nanny that they protested; both children were too free spirited to take orders from anyone, though they also had a respect for their elders.

"We shall just see," Caprice stated. "Alright, children, have it your way. But you two stay right here in this wing. I don't want to have to go searching for the two of you as well."

"Yes Miss Caprice," Brady and Isabella promised in unison. They each turned to open two doors which lead to two of the castles many empty conference rooms, fully playing up their part and pretending to search for Miss Edith's lost shoe. They continued to scour the floor for evidence of the missing clothing until Caprice was well out of sight. When the coast was clear, brother and sister shared a look, before sprinting off at full speed down the hallway for the Grand Staircase, racing one another to their destination. Brady won of course, as Belle was still very conscious of her long skirt, and now had Miss Edith to worry about. They slowed once they reached the stairs. Brady and Belle, who was still protectively clutching Miss Edith, quietly began to descend the stairs. Halfway down the stairway, lay a large platform so the stairs could curve to the left, so that they ended in the dead center of the Throne Room. It was that platform where Isabella and Brady always hid, because it overlooked the Throne Room, giving them full view of the entire room, but was completely out of sight, invisible to those below. Brady and Belle crouched down on their knees, peering through the bared railing at the scene unfolding below them. Isabella gasped at what she saw, Brady quickly covering her mouth, least they would be heard. He, however, was as shocked as his sister. Down in the Throne Room, two children, who couldn't have been older then Isabella, were being dragged inside by four guards, to be presented in front of King John, who was perched on his throne, looking very pleased with the display.

"We have done as you required, Your Majesty," stated John's head guard, a heartless beast by the name of Anthony. "Shall we take them to the dungeon now?" There seemed to be a fleeting moment of quilt pass John's face, a moment of regret that perhaps only Brady noticed.

"Brady, they're my age," Isabella whispered, seemingly utterly baffled that mere children were being brought to trial. Children couldn't do wrong, at least not so wrong that the King would give punishment instead of their parents.

"There will be no need. They are to be taken to the court square immediately. Mendez has my orders, he will be waiting to take them into his custody," John replied, now slightly grim.

"They're being taken to the auction," Brady whispered in disbelief. There was to be an auction that afternoon before the celebration in the Palace. It had been rumored that the King himself, though supposedly against slavery, had set the auction to take place. Brady had witnessed an auction once, one day when he and Belle had snuck out of the castle again. It had been absolutely appalling; men, women and children alike had been treated like dogs as they were wrongfully sold off to the highest bidder. Even one so young as Brady knew it was wrong. And yet still, he had not seen a child as young as these two in captivity.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Anthony said, bowing respectfully.

"Brady, we have to help them," Isabella whispered, determined. She lovingly laid Miss Edith down on the floor, quickly and quietly removing her heeled shoes, because they were just no good for running.

"Izzy, no," Brady whispered urgently. He loved and adored his father. There was no one Brady respected more. Brady had been merely 11 years old, but he knew that even though his father was very tormented by his years of hardship, he was a good man with a good soul. Surely his judgment could be trusted completely? But, as the guards roughly turned the kicking and screaming children around, giving Brady and Isabella a full view of their terror-struck, tear-streaked faces, Brady knew there was nothing right or lawful about what was happening before them. He nodded in agreement to her unasked questioned, turning to his sister. Since both of them were rather small in comparison to the large surely guards, they only had 1 option. Grab the kids, and run like hell's fury was on there heels

"We'll take them down through the dungeons and out the tunnels," Brady stated. Isabella nodded, falling into place behind him as he slowly began to slink down the remaining steps, keeping hidden from sight. There was no way they could take the obvious rout, out the front. No matter what was going on in the Palace, the main entrance was of course always very heavily guarded. They'd never make it so much as two feet if they went that way. They often snuck out of the Palace to play without supervision, taking the only surefire way of not getting caught by using a system of usually empty hallways and unused corridors to make their way down to the dungeons, where the entrance to the tunnels which ran under most of the city lay. Brady slowed neared the bottom of the staircase, watching and waiting for the perfect time to strike. The guards seemed to be having a great deal of trouble with the boy, who was trying desperately to break free and get to the girl. The girl was strangely placid, like she had decided it was useless to struggle, or perhaps she was just in too much shock or despair to put up a fight. One guard could handle her, while three had to control the boy. "You take her, I'll get him," Brady instructed as Isabella came up beside him. Still he waited, searching for the perfect moment of attack. Just as the guards lined up with the thankfully open door to their chosen exit, the door to the left of the throne, which lead to the main halls, the boy lashed out with his foot, catching one of the guards hard in the abdomen. At that exact moment, Brady and Isabella barreled down the reaming steps, screaming like banshees as they raced to the aid of the two struggling children.

"Children, stop!" John boomed in vain, jumping up from his seat. Neither listened, literally attacking the guards. Isabella, being must smaller, had to jump on the guard holding the girl, pounding him with her dainty fits and kicking with her small, but still effective, bare feet. Brady, having more of an advantage as he was taller and stronger, slammed head first into the first guard's rather pudgy stomach, as none of them were wearing any sort of armor. Brady kneed another, and simply pushed the one that had already been distracted by the captive boys swift kick, the guards all reeling from the surprise, and dragged the rather surprised, but certainly not arguing young boy towards the door. Isabella gave another swift kick, before grabbing hold of the girl and coaxing her to follow along behind her brother. The guards quickly picked themselves up, ready to pursue the meddlesome renegade children, but John halted them.

"Do not bother. You fools are far to incompetent to catch them in the Palace," John stated angrily. To think, these were the men he thought were the best in his royal guard! It was no wonder the war continued on as it did. All of Black's men were so stupid they could easily be overturned by children, and all of Kiriakis' men couldn't spot an ambush if arrows were hitting them in the ass. John shook his head sadly, saddened by what his proud country had become. He knew his son's mind well. He knew where they would head. He had to commend his children's efforts. It almost made him reconsider… almost. He could only pray that his children remained so virtuous, and that they would be too young to remember this day when they grew older. Eliminating the evil Kiriakis line was the only way to ensure that his children could be safe and prosperous, and remained the pure innocent sprites they were now.

"Summon the others, quickly, and follow me. I know exactly where they'll head," John instructed. Elsewhere, Brady and Isabella were racing along, darting through the near empty corridors, making their way downward into the heart of the castle, and further towards the dungeons, their renegade cargo in tow. They ran, not stopping, for fear that the devil's fury would be there behind them should they turn around. They pushed past startled councilmen, rounded corners like there was no tomorrow, and avoided guards like the plague. Finally, they reached a large wooden door, which Brady opened, ushering the others inside a rather baron, dreary room and bolting the door behind them. Brady quickly rushed over to the other side of the room, where there was a stone platform built into the wall, something like a monument grave-stone. He pulled back a large gray slab, revealing a pitch black hole in the ground. Brady took a lit torch from the wall, handing it to the boy before ushering him into the dark opening. He then helped his sister down into the tunnel. He turned to help the girl in, but was startled to find her missing. Brady turned full around, facing the doorway, to find the girl huddled on the floor by the door, her knees bent up to chest, her arms wrapped protectively around herself

She was crying now, her auburn hair hiding most of her face from view. Brady approached her slowly, cautiously reaching out a hand to her shoulder. But the girl jerked away, drawing further into a little ball. She'd always been the strong one… but now, it had all begun to catch up to her. She was falling to pieces, and it was Brady who would have to pick them up. Brady, who, like his sister, had been born with an ability to calm and help those in need, not to mention he had been the only one Isabella had let near her after her mother's death, so he had experience with comforting those in pain, eased down on the floor beside her, careful to keep his distance at first.

"Hey, it's ok," Brady soothed. "Everything's going to be alright." The girl immediately crumbled into Brady's waiting arms, now sobbing, and unaware of Isabella and the boy watching from the tunnel entrance. "Shhh… don't cry. You're safe now," Brady comforted, wrapping his arms around her tiny form, allowing her to bury her face in his chest. "What's your name?"

"Ch… Chloe," the girl chocked out finally through her tears.

"And the boy?"

"Ma… My brother… Philip," Chloe answered. Brady nodded, somewhat understanding now why they were there. They were the children of Victor Kiriakis, the man responsible for the lose of his not one, but two mothers. Yet he was not repulsed by this. For they were just that, children, barely younger then he and Isabella. They were innocent, just like all children, despite the family they'd been born into, and so they must be protected.

"Well, Chloe… we have to go now. There's not much time. They'll surely find us if we stay here. My sister and I can get you to safety, but you have to trust us. Do you trust us?" Chloe nodded slowly, reluctantly lifting her head. She felt safe here, and didn't want to leave, but she somehow instantly knew she could trust this child. "Good. Then come with me. We'll lead you to safety," Brady stated, unwrapping his arms from around her, somehow feeling almost… saddened that her touch was gone. But such a thought wasn't pondered long by an 11 year old boy. He held out his hand to help her up, leading her over to the tunnels, where Isabella and Philip were no longer visible, but the light from the torch was. Brady helped Chloe down into the tunnel, before grabbing the second torch and going into the tunnel himself, stepping down the few stone steps to join Chloe down at the bottom. He handed her the torch, turning to push the stone slab back into place over the opening to the tunnels, leaving them with only the torches for lighting. Brady turned to Chloe, waving to Belle to come over. "The tunnel's really wide right here, but it gets pretty narrow along the middle. You can go with Belle, she'll guide you. Your brother and I will walked in front. Is that OK?" Chloe nodded, though she would have felt much safer walking besides Brady or her brother. Isabella came up to Chloe, taking the torch from her and smiling reassuringly. She was actually very relieved to be walking besides Chloe. For starters, she was a girl, and young girls are naturally more inclined to want to be around other young girls rather then little boys.

Also, she was a bit unsettled by Philip, which was very strange indeed. Isabella loved everyone, even her annoying older brother, and everyone loved her. She thought everyone as equal, and that everyone, until shown otherwise, was a good and honest person. But… although he seemed kind enough if not a bit quiet most likely from fright, there was just something about him that worried her. It was as if she sensed something would happen to him one day, as if something important would happen to him, or perhaps be caused by him. She shook it off as Brady moved past her to take the other torch from Philip. It didn't matter. All that mattered was that she and Brady helped Philip and Chloe to safety. Brady took the torch from Philip, nodding his head forward.

"Follow me." Brady instructed, beginning to walk forward into the dark tunnel. Philip fell into step beside him, Chloe and Isabella following along a step behind. They walked along in silence, Brady setting a steady pace, as a part of him feared they would need the energy to run again. But soon, as they continued to wind through the dark twisty tunnels, the only sound being the soft tap of their feet on the surprisingly stone ground, Chloe broke the silence.

"You never told us your names," Chloe stated softly. She'd heard the girl referred to as Belle, but she hadn't heard the boy's name.

"I'm Brady. And that's my sister, Isabella," Brady answered.

"Who was that horrid man? The one who forced us here?" Philip asked.

"He's not a horrid man!" Isabella protested. She adored her father, even if she disagreed with many of his actions. She trusted in her father, like any daughter would, and didn't like to hear people talk badly of him, no matter the situation.

"He's our father, John Black," Brady replied solemnly. He too idolized his father; he hoped he would grow to be as good a king as John. But, right now, he didn't feel so proud to be a Black. Selling children into slavery simply because they were fathered by an evil man, was completely unacceptable, and so unlike his father.

"You're a Prince?" Chloe asked, taken a bit aback. She wouldn't have imagined to defy their father, especially for the sake of strangers. But then again she and Philip defied their parents on a daily basis, just on such a high magnitude as this.

"And you're a Princess," Brady replied as they rounded yet another turn in the maze of tunnels. "I don't understand why my father took you from your home and brought you here, but I do know it's wrong of him to keep you here. And I intend to make sure you both get home, safe, regardless of my father's opinion of your family." So wise beyond his years, he spoke not as an 11 year old child, but with the intelligence and wisdom of an aged, experienced King. He and Isabella both had always had a way with words, even when they were much younger.

"Then we should thank you for that Brady, and you Isabella. I assure you my father will know who it is that saved us," Philip boasted. Isabella shook her head sadly, picturing her mother's golden hair and sparkling eyes. But that was not Chloe or Philip's doing…

"How much further?" Chloe asked suddenly, trying not to sound whinny. She was tired, and frightened in the dimly lit confined tunnels. All she wanted to do was go home and crawl into the safety of her warm bed where she could pretend this was all a wretched nightmare.

"It won't be long," Brady promised. "The tunnels travel under the entire city. There's a few branches which connected this one to the other important buildings. They're used in emergency's to escape the city. This one will exit on the hillside on the outskirts of the woods. We can take you up into the mountains bordering Mucche, but you'll have to find your way from there."

"You can't take us home?" Chloe asked, sounding rather like a horrified lost puppy who'd been kicked aside.

"No, we can't. We've never gone past the mountain pass leading into Mucche. We wouldn't know how to get into the city. Besides… I don't think it would be wise for us to go anywhere near the city. Surely, you'll encounter some kind of search party on the look out for you," Brady said.

"You don't know our father very well," Chloe muttered disdainfully. More then likely, Victor wasn't even aware that they were missing. Chloe, letting her mind wonder from her troubled family life, now noticed Isabella's bare feet. Here own shoes had been lost in the struggle. She'd been walking barefoot ever since and her feet were killing her. "Your feet aren't sore?" Chloe asked quietly.

"Belle could walk on nails and not feel anything. Some Princess… she's a total tomboy," Brady joked.

"You're just jealous because I'm more of a boy then you are," Isabella returned, causing Chloe to smile for the first time in what seemed ages. Both Brady and Isabella liked to always be doing something. They loved being outside or helping others in any way. So, Isabella wasn't just a pretty face-- or rather, wasn't going to grow up to be just a pretty face, as she was still a girl child after all. She wanted to be an even better Queen then her mother had been… She wanted to be far more active in society, so she wouldn't feel as if Brady was the only one doing anything, and, so that Brady wouldn't be her only true friend. Brady held up his hand suddenly, stopping them all in their tracks.

"Brady, what is…"

"Shhh!" Brady quickly hushed his sister's question before she could ask it. They had neared the end of the tunnels, and a faint light could be seen up ahead. "It's father," Brady stated. Not a sound could be heard other then their breathing, but still, Brady knew that his father was waiting behind the light-weight stone slab at the end of the tunnels that separated them from freedom. Brady could always sense his father's presence. Some nights when he was suffering terrible nightmares, or had fallen ill, he would suddenly feel instantly calmed, because he sensed his father's presence, and felt completely safe. Actually, Brady had a way of sensing everyone in his family. He'd never felt it with Marlena, though he loved her as a mother, because she was not his birth mother. But whenever John or Isabella were nearby, Brady knew it. And sometimes… though all but John thought him delusional and mad, Brady swore he felt his mother, maybe merely watching over him as he slept or brushing a strand of hair gently from his forehead.

"How do you…"

"Don't ask. He just knows," Belle answered Chloe's question. "Brady, what are we going to do?" Belle whispered.

"Well, we could go back," Brady answered quietly, now afraid even the tiniest sound would alert those above them of their presence. "But then we'd have to take the chance of getting caught in the Palace, or in the woods. We can't take the other tunnels… they lead to the town square, jail house, and the marketplace."

"We can take them," Philip stated, careful to keep his tone low. "Chloe and I can run fast. With you and Isabella to help distract them, we can get past them." Brady nodded in approval, although he felt… a sense of doom somehow. It was there best chance. They had managed to get Chloe and Philip free in the first place with a surprise attack. That was perhaps the only chance they had of getting out now. Brady signaled them all to start walking slowly towards the end of the tunnel again.

"Alright, when we get out of here, you and Chloe turn to the right and just run. No matter what happens, no matter what you hear, don't stop running. Go straight up the hill and head for the mountains. You'll find a pass up and through the mountain chain about a mile up. Take that, it should lead you straight into the city," Brady explained quietly. Once they reached the few stairs at the end of the tunnel, he placed the torch on a holder which was built into the left wall. Isabella stepped forward, depositing her torch into the one on the right. "Do you two think you can handle it?"

"We don't have a choice," Chloe replied. She too felt iffy about the plan. Every inch of her told her that they should turn tail and run the other way. But… then there would be the risk of getting caught in the Palace, and they would have much further to go. At least this way, they had a chance.

"We can handle it. I stared out the window of the cart the whole way here. I think I can find the way," Philip answered. Brady nodded, preparing to move the rock slab, when a thought hit him.

"Oh, wait!" Brady exclaimed very quietly, turning to face the girls. Both Chloe and Belle were in long dresses, not suitable for running, though Chloe's was now a bit ragged and torn. Brady pulled out a tiny blade, which was really just a stone sharpened into a semi-dagger which one of the male servants had given him, but would still cut fabric, and got down on one knee in front of Chloe. "Do you mind?" Chloe shook her head in reply, not knowing of any words she could say to reply. Using the blade, Brady cut a slit in the dress at the knee, then swiftly ripped off the material at the seam, leaving Chloe in a fairly clean cut skirt. Brady tossed the left over material aside, moving over to Belle. Belle shook her head, backing away from her brother.

"No," Belle stated firmly. She shouldn't have to cut her favorite dress. She'd run fine before. Marlena had hand made the dress. It had been the last thing she gave to Isabella before her death.

"Come on Izzy. What's more important, you dress, or their lives?" Brady asked. Isabella sighed knowing there was only one right thing to do.

"Alright, do it," Isabella said. She closed her eyes, refusing to watch as her mother's last gift was torn to pieces, leaving her too in a short, clean cut skirt. Brady tossed the material aside, standing. Isabella opened her eyes, taking in the sight of her ruined dress with utter horror. But… all for the greater good….

"Remember… head right. Isabella and I will go left and try to draw them off from you two. Don't worry about the guards, just run like you've never run before for the hilltop. We'll handle them if they go after you," Brady explained.

"Thank you," Chloe said. Brady just nodded, moving up the few stairs. He nodded for Philip to join him, as they both placed their hands on the stone slab.

"Ready?" Brady asked, looking over his shoulder at the two girls, now standing a stair below them. The girls nodded in unison, silently preparing themselves for the escape. "On three," Brady whispered. "One… Two… THREE!" Brady yelled as he and Philip shoved the stone slab out of their way. They came out of the tunnels screaming like banshees yet again. Philip and Chloe quickly darted to the right, while Brady and Isabella darted left. There were twelve or so guards waiting for them, each immediately on guard and coming forth to apprehend the four renegade children. But John was not within sight. Brady expertly darted through the crowd, weaving in an out while still keeping Chloe and Philip in his sight. Philip and Chloe, being equally fast runners and had the advantage of being much smaller and easier to maneuver, had averted the guards, but unfortunately three of them were hot on their trail. Chloe was a bit ahead of Philip, so it was Philip that Brady made a break to help. Making a wide turn to the right, which caused one guard who had been lunging for Brady to fall comically flat on his face, Brady approached the guards in pursuit of the twins.

"Belle, come on!" Brady yelled to his sister, who was having the most trouble with the many guards, though there attention was obviously on the twins and not them. Actually, to an outside observer, the scene was quite humorous. So-called trained and battle hardened soldiers, being completely eluded by four rambunctious children. If only King Victor could have seen the sight, then he would have to wonder just how Nero had managed to always fight back Mucche's attacks. Brady quickly caught up to Philip, easily avoiding the guards because it was evident that now, after the initial sighting, they were after only the Kiriakis children. Brady made it a point to stick his foot out, tripping the largest guard as he raced past them towards Philip. Amazing, that such simple childish acts could be so effective. Philip, now aware that the guards were right on his tail, willed himself to pick up the pace, though his young little legs burned with pain. Soon he and Brady were at a match pace, Brady directly behind him so that the guards would have to go through him to get to Philip. By now, though completely unaware to the other three children, Isabella had been apprehended, leaving Brady as the only one to protect the twins.

Brady looked up to see that Chloe had already reached the top of the hillside, and since he and Philip where close behind, Brady believed them all to be in the clear. But, as Chloe began the straight sprint for the mountain pass, disaster struck. Because she had been concentrating solely on the view in front of her which meant her freedom, she had neglected to see the view under her, and hadn't noticed a small rock jutting out of the ground in her path. Her bare feet left her venerable, and as her foot hit the rock, her running speed went against her. She fell forward because of the direction she was heading, but the slant of the ground caused her to begin to roll backwards and to the left. Philip seemed to veer to the left, wanting to help his sister, but Brady stopped him

"No, go! I'll get her!" Brady demanded. Philip seemed not to want to obey, not wanting to leave his sister's life in Brady's hands. So Brady made him listen, quite literally pushing him back on track which his shoulder. "Go!" Brady ordered. He then turned, circling back to help Chloe. She'd rolled quite a distance, until she'd slammed into a tree. As Brady approached, not noticing the many guards coming towards them from the far right, Chloe lay unmoving at the base of the tree. But as he got close, Chloe reached out her tiny hand, reaching out to him for help. Brady reached out to help her up, but just as their fingers were nearly touching, Brady felt strong arms wrap around him and pull him back. The arms pulled him up, and it took Brady only a moment to realize that it was his father pulling him away from Chloe. Brady protested, reaching out both arms towards Chloe in vain.

"Still, son," John demanded, anger evident in his steel voice.

"Belle!" Brady yelled out to his sister to help Chloe as two guard hoisted her frail form off the ground. But Belle could not come to Chloe's rescue.

"Take her to the court square. You, get the boy," John commanded. The remaining guards nodded, continuing after Philip who was now almost out of sight. Brady struggled against his father's strong, sure grasp as he lifted him up over his shoulder like a common child who'd been caught doing wrong. "You've been very disrespectful, son. I am very disappointed in your behavior," John scolded as he carried his protesting son away, although a part of him was very proud of his son for having the boldness and caring to stand up for someone in need. "I only pray that you can forgive me one day," John added in near whisper.

"Let go!" Chloe screamed in vain as the guard seized her, hoisting her up by the arms. "Brady! Brady help me!" Chloe cried, trying desperately to reach out to her would -be savior. But Brady just watched in despair as she was carried away from him, horrified at what he knew awaited her….

END FLASHBACK

"… I found out later that Philip got away. Word was, he'd been found hours later wondering around aimlessly in the mountains," Brady explained. He'd kept his head down, his eyes on his hands resting on his knees, almost as if he was too ashamed to look her in the eye. "Philip got away… but I wasn't able to save you."

"I had forgotten," Chloe murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. She truly hadn't remembered Brady and Isabella coming to their rescue. Over time, memories of that day had started to become fuzzy. She still remembered the actual kidnaping and the slave auction in full detail as if it were yesterday. But, over time, memories of the Palace escape had faded. By now, she'd completely forgotten how her brother had escaped. She'd only known that he had while she had not. It was easier to live from day to day without having to remember her failed escape attempt, that last chance at freedom that had just slipped through her fingers.

"I searched everywhere for you," Brady continued, not really having heard her speak. He was too lost in the memories that had tortured his very existence for 13 long years. "Father didn't know, nor did he care to know, where you'd been sold. And I was only a boy of 11, so Paul Mendez Senior didn't feel obligated to share any kind of information with me. Even though I was a Prince, Mendez only answered to my father, and even then he was not to be trusted," Brady stated. It was now that he finally looked up, turning his saddened, deep blue eyes to her and gently taking her hand into his. "But, I couldn't give up. I felt too drawn to you to give in so easily. Be it guilt, or maybe something more, whatever it was, I had to find you. Isabella and I snuck out of the castle often after father let his guard down a bit. You see, for awhile after the kidnaping, father kept us pretty much under lock and key as punishment, never allowing us out and only letting servants and himself in. But when he let up, we started sneaking out to search for you ourselves. Izzy thought I was crazy… maybe I was. Many who attend the auctions don't even live in the city. But she agreed to help me none the less. We searched everywhere, the local market place, the docks, anywhere we could get access to, hoping to find even the smallest sign that you were still alive. As the years went by, I started to lose hope. Pointless searching for one child in a heavily populated, vast city was getting us no where."

So when I was 15, I broke into Mendez's store room, where he keeps all his records. Unfortunately, I got caught before I found anything of use. I covered, saying I was on official business… Mendez bought it, mostly out of fear of John's actions, but father did not. And he was not pleased. Even though he told me to give up the ridiculous notion of ever finding you, I started campaigning him, pleading with him to allow me to right his wrong. He wouldn't listen, of course. He was growing old and tired by this time… his sorrows taking full toll on him. He was so tired of fighting, and dealing with his own inner demons… I just couldn't get through to him. And then, when he was killed, and I had to assume the throne, my search for you got buried underneath all the mayhem that followed John's death. When I could, I'd go down to the Court Square and speak with Mendez. He stood by his agreement with my father to refuse any requests for information on you… more out of spite then actual loyalty to my father. The man was lower then dirt, but he was crafty -- he knew, legally, I couldn't seize his records without probable cause and he knew that I would never break any laws, for any reason. Besides, there was no guarantee that he even kept the records anyway. Knowing that I might discover the truth, he may have destroyed them, assuming such an unlawful transaction was even recorded in the first place," Brady explained. Chloe said not a word, allowing him to speak without interruption and allowing herself quiet time to absorb all he was saying.

"When Isabella died… I just gave up. Nothing mattered anymore. It was obvious to me that… I was just destined to lose everyone I cared about. So, I just gave up, believing that I was never meant to find you. I could be no one's savior. But then, one day, I was on my way to a council meeting when I received a telegram. Paul Mendez Sr. was summoning me to his home on the riverside. I was skeptical, but I went none the less. When I arrived, I found him in the darkened back room of his house, lying on his death bed. He was coughing violently, and it was evident from his babbling that he was out of his mind. But he had refused to cross over until his family summoned for me. I approached him, and he sat straight up and grabbed me by the shirt. I still remember that day. I thought the man was mad, and perhaps thought me to be someone who'd welched on a deal in the past. I was about to push him off me, when he uttered your name. He told me that he admired my life long search. He babbled on and on about what a horrid man he was, and how that now, before his death, he wished to right all the wrongs he'd committed. It's sad really, how it takes looking death in the eye to turn evil men good. Mendez told me that he'd confessed all his sins but one. He said he owed me an explanation. It was then he told me that you'd been sold to his son, Paul."

"I rushed out of the house, thanking him and his family without ever looking back. Mendez died that very afternoon, but I was busy elsewhere. I'd been given new hope. I rushed to the house which Faye shared with her two children, but when I nearly got there, I approached slowly, coming up with some story to explain why I was there. When I knocked on the door… a part of me prayed that you would answer. But, you were not to be found. Faye, seeing right though the excuse I had made up, politely explained that you and the other few slaves that Lord Paul had owned had been freed after his death during battle. She told me that the other slaves remained in touch, but that she had not heard a word from you since she gave you your freedom. I thanked her for her, and quickly left… I was devastated. God had finally been gracious enough to lead me to you, only for me to find out I was too late. You were gone, and my last hope of ever finding you was gone. I would never be able to make up for the sin I had committed in not being able to save you," Brady finished miserably. He released her hands again, shaking his head sadly and looking away. He couldn't look at her. It pained him too much. Chloe, seeing his despair, wouldn't allow him to go on one more moment feeling the way he did. She cupped her hand under his chin, gently forcing him to look back her way. Caressing his cheek with one hand, she took his right hand in her free hand, smiling at him reassuringly.

"Brady, it wasn't your fault. Even when I still remembered what happened, I never, ever blamed you. As I grew older, I think a part of me even stopped blaming your father. But I would have never thought less of you, even if I had remembered what happened. You were just a child. It wasn't your responsibility…"

"But I saved Philip," Brady interrupted, shying away from her gentle touch and standing abruptly from the couch. Holding his sheet around his waist, he made his way back to the window Chloe had been staring out earlier. "It was up to me to save you both, and I only saved Philip. He got to safety. I should have been able to get you to safety too. You deserved it more then he did, but he was the one who was spared that miserable life. And all because of me," Brady stated, self-loathing evident in his voice. Not a day went by that he didn't wish he could have done something different, wished he would have aided Chloe and not Philip in the first place. It should have been Philip that fell down the hill, sealing his doom and not Chloe's. John may have been the one that kidnaped Philip and Chloe, but Brady truly believed that it was he who'd damned Chloe to a life of slavery. She'd been faster, and Brady had foolishly let himself believe that she was safe. What a fool he'd been. As Brady saw it, it was probably his foolish over-confident thought that had caused disaster to strike. Chloe stood up, making her way over to Brady. She wrapped his arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder as he had done earlier for her.

"Brady… you can't blame yourself for what happened. If you hadn't done what you did, both Philip and I would have been taken."

"Philip should have been. Look at what he's become… no better then his father," Brady seethed. It pained him most to know that he had failed Chloe so that the spoiled brat Philip could grow up to be as miserable and heartless as Victor was.

"And what do you think would have happened to me if you had saved me instead?" Chloe asked. "Wouldn't I be just as cruel as the rest of the Kiriakis family?" Brady shook his head, turning to face her, her arms falling from around him to let him turn fully.

"No. No. You're different. No matter where you grew up, you would still be the beautiful, kind woman that I've fallen in love with. I know it," Brady stated. Chloe shook her head.

"I really don't think so Brady. If it had been me who'd escaped instead of Philip, then I would now be the ruler of Mucche, and Philip would be the one to grow up in slavery. I would be the one who became just like my family. As much as I'd like to deny it… if I had grown up with those people… it would have changed me. Growing up the way I did… it did change my view on life. But it did not make me cruel or heartless. Growing up Kiriakis royalty, that would have damned me," Chloe stated. "Brady… it's taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened, but I've realized that, as cruel as fate has been… destiny has molded all our lives the way it was meant to. If I hadn't been taken into slavery, if I had been saved… then I would never get to be here now, with you." Chloe smiled, and Brady returned that smile. She wrapped her arms around him, and he pulled her close, caressing her cheek gently with the back of his hand.

"Oh Chloe… I love you so much," Brady whispered, all his fears and regrets being washed away the moment he laid eyes on that breath-taking smile.

"I love you too, Brady," Chloe returned, tilting her head up to allow his lips to capture hers. Their lips broke apart, his arms wrapping around her, and Chloe rested her head on his magnificent chest as they stayed in that embrace for a moment longer. But after a moment, Brady dropped his arms from around her and stepped back from her embrace.

"I have to go."

"Brady…"

"I have to go quickly. I have a war to stop," Brady stated, heading for the door.

"Brady, wait!" Chloe called before he could reach the door. "Don't you think you should at least put some pants on before you go stop a war?" Chloe said with a smirk. Brady looked down, surveying the sheet which served as clothing for him. He'd forgotten about that…

"Oh, uh, yeah… right." Brady stuttered, moving over to grab the clothing he'd discarded the night before in their passion. "Wait here for me, I have something that needs to be done. I'll come back for you shortly. While I'm gone, get dressed… there's somewhere I'd like to take you," Brady stated as he dropped the sheet and began to dress. Chloe almost didn't hear him, as she was far too lost in sight of him naked before he began to dress to concentrate on anything but the sight in front of her. "Chloe?"

"Huh? Oh! Yes. I'll be waiting for you," Chloe said, snapping back to her senses. Brady nodded, quickly buttoning up his shirt, not noticing he'd left a few unbuttoned and had put one or two buttons in the wrong hole. He stepped towards her to give her a quick but loving kiss, and then he was gone. Chloe stood their for a moment, thanking God in heaven for giving her this wonderful new life, before she too walked out the door, quickly darting into her room before she could be seen so she could dress in fresh clothing. Wherever Brady would be taking her would be special, because she would be with him, and she wanted to look nice for him when he returned. Brady rushed through the now eerily empty Palace hallways, greeting not a sole as he made his way towards the Throne Room and pausing only for a moment at Harold's room to grab three scrolls, quickly scrawling out a detailed but short message on each one of them. He pushed open the doors to find a bustle of people milling about, mostly all councilmen getting ready to leave the Palace to meet the troops which Brady was to lead out this morning.

"By God, look at you," Harold exclaimed as he caught sight of Brady. "What a mess! You look… oh… oh… does this mean…" Harold smiled, very pleased with the thought that had finally crossed his mind. Last Harold had seen of Brady, he was on his way, in the very clothing he wore now in fact, to meet "Arciana." Brady's disheveled "I'm wearing the same clothes I wore yesterday" and "I'm so happy I'm glowing" look could only mean one thing.

"Not now, Harold. Not enough time for that. Are the troops assembled?" Brady asked.

"Yes, of course Your Majesty. Every man of age is suited and ready, waiting for your orders. They're gathered in the field, Your Majesty." Harold answered.

"Good. Come with me then," Brady instructed, turning to head out of the Palace. He signaled for the other council members to follow him quickly, exiting the Palace without another word to anyone. He made his way towards the fields which lay behind the Palace where the many men assembled to depart for battle were waiting. The noisy mess came to an ear-shattering silence as their King approached them. Brady's Head General, a tall handsome man by the name of Rex, stepped forward, bowing his respect for his king.

"Your Majesty, we readily await your orders," Rex announced with his utmost respect.

"Thank you General," Brady replied. "Gentlemen, a word. Who among you considers themselves to be the fastest riders in the land?" Brady called out to the many soldiers who all stood at arms. They all looked at each other questioningly, wondering what their king could be getting at. They'd fought with him in many battles before, at least the most of them. Never before had their King opened a march with such a strange question.

"Your Majesty, there is not a man here who would not be the fastest rider if you so asked them to be. But if I may say, there are three among us who are honored greatly for their riding abilities," Rex stated respectfully, waving his hand at the three men which stood directly behind him. They all stepped forward, bowing their heads in respect to their king.

"Excellent," Brady stated, withdrawing the three scrolls and handing each rider a scroll. "Hold these for a moment, gentlemen. I have an announcement to make before I give you your orders." The men nodded respectfully. Brady stepped up to Rex's horse, mounting it so that all the many men would have better view of him as he made his announcement. He coaxed the horse in front of the large group of men, beginning to make a trek back and forth in front of them as he spoke in the loudest voice he could manage. "My people, there has been a change in plans. I wish to thank you for your willingness to serve me. You all are brave men, and should be commended not as mere soldiers, but as heroes for your dedication to your country," Brady spoke loud and clear. "Today, I was to lead you into battle. A battle that may have very well been our last. But that battle will not be taking place." Protests and hushed questions rang out amongst the men. Had their King gone mad? It had been he who had so passionately campaigned for war! "I can give no explanation to you right now. I haven't the time. The only thing I can offer you know is my promise that all will be revealed to you in time. Go now, back to your homes, back to your posts, or wherever it is you wish to go. But there will be no battle. Go home, my citizens, back to your families, and tell them that your King wishes this so. Tell them not to question my judgment, and tell them that my heart is with them always. Let the people know that I, your King, will explain all in good time, and that there will be peace at last in Nero, without any more bloodshed," Brady finished. He stopped his pacing, dismounting Rex's horse in front of the three men which had been chosen to deliver his messages.

"You heard your King. Depart!" Rex yelled his command. The men, confused, some angered, picked up their weapons, mounted their horses, and began to clear out. Though none of them understood what was going on, they all trusted their beloved King. Harold breathed a sigh of relief; he just knew Brady could find some way to avoid a war!

"I must ask a huge responsibility of you men. You, with the black scroll. You must ride as fast as you can to King Shawn's camp in the southern mountains. Find them, and deliver this message personally to King Shawn. You, with the red scroll. You must take that scroll as fast as you can into King Jason's camp. You should find them on the riverside. You must be most careful. Do not allow yourself to be spotted by the guards rumored to be watching the river. Find them and deliver this message personally to King Jason. And you, with the yellow scroll, you ride north and find King David's camp. Deliver that message to no one else but the King. They must receive these messages as quickly as possible. It is very urgent. I can not stress the importance of your mission. You are all to inform our allies that they must withdraw their forces. Inform them that the battle has been called off. Tell them to do whatever they wish with their troops, send them home or send them here, whatever they decide. But they are to withdraw immediately. These messages give them instruction to meet me here as soon as possible. Tell them that, and tell them to trust in my judgment. Make sure they know that all will be explained when they arrive in Nero."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the three messengers said in unison. Rex offered his horse, which was known to be one of the fastest horses in the land to the man who had to go the farthest, the one who had to find King Jason, while the other men mounted their own horses, their precious message cargo in tow. They each nodded to their King, promising to not let him down, before spurring their horses, and they were off.

"Thank you for your cooperation Rex. I have much to ask of you in a moment, if you are up to it."

"Anything you wish, Your Majesty. I will be pleased to oblige," Rex stated.

"Your Majesty…" one of the councilmen, who was utterly confused and demanding of answers approached Brady, but Brady brushed him aside, making his way over to Harold.

"Harold, I have something very important which I need you to handle……."