"Where is everyone?" I asked as we came to the crest of the hill along the road, with me looking out towards the kingdom before us.

"You know this kingdom?" Heart inquired while pausing beside me.

"Quite well, actually," I admitted while gazing up at the city's skyline, "Anaheim is where I grew up. For the most part anyway. Before I wandered back to Waterdeep."

"Ya see, I'm a bit more of a drifter, spreadin' my name an' fame throughout the lands," I said with some pride, before I winced a little, "Hopefully I've been able to start doin' that in a new light?"

"I'm certain they've gotten news of Gremanna. If it weren't for you, they would still be plagued by the walking undead," she attempted to assure me.

"Still, we should tread carefully until we're sure," I warned, "I don't want ya in trouble 'cause of somethin' I did. Nor do I want to rely on your title."

"Where to then?" she asked.

After a thoughtful few moments, my hand at my chin in my pondering, I snapped my fingers and said, "I know where to go."

With that, and after tying our horses in a nearby hidden patch of woods, I lead Heart through a narrow passage within the city walls. It was much like the one I'd lead her through in the late baron's city wall, but long forgotten about.

"It's been a good while since I've used this," I mentioned as I brushed some thick cobwebs aside for her to walk under my arm, "Go ahead, sweetheart. It's clear."

She would give a nod, and then venture forward.

Once on the other side, we began weaving through the busy city streets. I kept the hood of my cloak up when passing by guards, though I was careful not to walk in front of them either. My stride was a casual one, rather than that of someone trying to not get caught. Heart's was the same, while she used her hood and cloak to cover her scales, and protect her from the damp elements of the streets.

"It must have rained recently," Heart noted while brushing a hand over the wet stones of the shop we were walking by.

"Seems we rolled in as it rolled out," I said while looking up at the clear sky above our heads.

For a while we walked along, taking in the sights around us. Street performers filled the night with their music, juggling, and dancing. To which, I would toss a few coins each to, the clinking of soft metal adding to the gold, silver, and copper already in their piles.

Other people listening in would find themselves dancing to the tunes being played. This was not lost on me as I at first swayed my head to the notes in the air. Before a charming grin crossed my scarred lips, and I looked to Heart.

"Duke?" she asked when she caught the light of energy in my remaining eye, "What is it?"

With this, I stretched out my arm, and offered a hand to the draconic woman beside me, "May I?"

Her blue eyes widened, and her face turned a fetching shade of soft pink from her blushing, "Duke...I...?"

I wasn't sure if she even realized she was placing her hand in mine, but as soon as they touched, I pulled her into me and lead her into that dance. A delighted chuckle escaped my throat as I noticed her trying to gather herself, forcing me to slow down a moment and let her get better footing. As she did this, I rested my hands on her shoulders. She was looking at her feet, and I was watching over her.

In a moment or two, she gathered her composure and adjusted her footing. With this, she followed my lead as the music continued on. Her cloak would spin with her at points, and her hood fall back off. When she tried to fix it, I quickly grabbed her hand to stop her.

The words I wanted to say to her burned my scarred lips, nearly slipping their way out. Instead, I settled for leaning forward and whispering, "You're beautiful...ya know that?"

She looked up at me, just as startled, and tried to shake her head. I bit my lip to stifle a light laugh. Then I gently brushed her cheek with a quick kiss, and watched that pink on her cheeks turn to red, with delight making my heart skip in my chest.

I then stepped back to continue that dance before I said anything else to her. This would draw out a soft, shy laugh of her own from Heart's lips. As the music picked up it's pace, so did we. The lantern light would find her sapphire scales, causing them to shimmer among the crowd. Some would give looks of bewilderment, others would back away a little, but for the most part, they just continued with their own dancing. Either way, I smiled nearly ear to ear when I caught her hand in mine again, pulling her into me as the music and dance came to a sudden stop. Catching our breath in unison from the dance, and the racing heart I was afraid she could hear. we both stepped back slightly from the other.

"Duke...?"

Not just yet, I told myself. It seems I just don't learn.

"It's getting rather late, even for us, should we seek shelter?" Heart asked.

"Follow me," I said while taking her by the hand to lead the way.

As we made our way through the darkened streets, I would be mindful of the deeper puddles along the way. Guiding her along, I would be sure to guide her around them.

Not long after, we would arrive at a tucked away inn deep in the city of Anaheim. It was a rather sleepy tavern, overlooked by those at the heart of town and near the market. Opening the door, I would find a new face behind the counter than the one I remembered. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not. Yet our options weren't very open at the moment, so I lead Heart inside. The gnome sitting behind the counter with his feet propped up on it looked over it's surface with a raised brow, "Can I help you?"

His voice was a bit nasally, and filled with slight interest as he looked up at both of us.

"We'd like a room please?" Heart ventured.

He perked up, "Will that be with or without a meal?"

"With?" I replied with a raised brow as I paid upfront, "In the morning?"

"Fair enough, you both probably want your rest," he insisted while getting the key to toss over to us.

I caught them and then followed him as he brought us to our room.

"I'll see you both in the morning then?" he double checked.

"Yes, thank you," Heart replied before he turned and left us closing the door.

Once inside and slightly settled, Heart looked to me, "Did he seem a little off to you?"

"Probably just eager to make a sale," I shrugged, "I think business may be slow with the newer taverns in town."

"I guess that makes sense?" Heart said while looking over the room.

It looked like it had barely been touched in quite a while. I patted the beds to knock the dust off of them, and checked them for anything that may be living in them. Once they were clear, I changed into a pair of loose slacks, with a finely made night shirt pulled on as well. Heart had been gifted a night gown by one of the wives from the last town we'd helped save. It was of soft blue silk and white lace. She looked unsure wearing it, but again my heart skipped when I caught her in it beneath the moonlight. Then it sank when I noticed the markings along her arms, and guilt pulled me back once again.

I wondered if I would ever break this cycle?

For the moment, we decided to turn in and get some well earned rest. It had been quite a trek from Solarton to Anaheim, with a week's worth of traveling. We were in need of supplies and a warm meal. Yet before any of that, sleeping in a soft bed seemed to be the priority. Even Heart fell asleep rather quickly, and without the covers pulled up. With a silent chuckle, I got up briefly to remedy this for her. As I did, I couldn't resist brushing the burgundy strands of hair out of her face. Then I stepped back, and returned to my own bed for the night.

Morning found us a little late that day. After being on the road for a long while, we'd needed the rest.

"Will you be staying another night?" the gnome inquired eagerly.

"I believe so. We need to spend the day gatherin' supplies before pressin' on," I replied.

"We need to figure out what our plan is at this point too," Heart mentioned, "We can just wander aimlessly. We have to return to Waterdeep and see how we can help soon."

"Do ya think you're ready for that?" I asked.

"I...I don't really know," Heart admitted while looking at the scales covering the backs of her hands, "but they can't hold out forever."

"I know, but we can't go in unprepared either," I pushed back gently, "An' we need to make sure you have a good handle on your magic."

"Can I see some form of payment?" the gnome budded in quickly.

"Oh! Of course," Heart said while handing him the amount needed.

"Enjoy your day in Anaheim!" he then insisted before going to the back, quite likely to check on his stock.

Leaving the two of us to head out together. Carefully traveling the busy roads, we found our way to the market to begin gathering food and supplies for the next part of our journey. While doing so, we were extra cautious so not to be seen too closely. Though Heart would find she'd have to keep her hood up so the scales that had begun to show on her face wouldn't be noticed.

"Duke," Heart then caught my attention, tugging at my hand as she did.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

She quietly pointed out the post nearby. Several pieces of parchment were stuck to it, most of them with general news to look over. However, a wanted sign bearing my name, and my face did cause some alarm. As did the bounty they'd placed on my head.

"We need to go," she urged while trying to pull me along.

Yet, something else had caught my attention. Or rather, someone in the crowd. My blood began to boil when I saw him bragging to some shopkeeper of his supposed adventures. Even the woman listening as well seemed to know it was quite the lie. Falcone had never been subtle, nor could he read people well at all.

Luckily he hadn't seen us yet, and we were able to slip away before he could. However, something told me to be extra careful now that I knew he was around.

We spent the rest of the day not getting much information at all, no matter who we asked. Heart tried to bring up the recent good news from Gremmanna's broken curse. Yet everyone seemed simply too busy to give a listen to her. Nor did they give her any news of their own for us to work with. They just pushed her aside and went on their way, in fact. Sometimes they seemed to be quite hasty over this process.

"Maybe we should move on tomorrow?" I suggested, "Before anyone recognizes me."

"Something feels really off about this town," Heart noted while taking another look around.

"Ya think so?" I asked.

"You there!" a hushed voice suddenly called out from a shop.

When we hesitated, he then waved us over with more of a smile to greet us with, "Don't be shy. Come have a look!"

Walking over, we would find all sorts of trinkets and treasures that a young woman may fancy. There were also several mirrors, all finely crafted from silver with jewels decorating their backs and handles.

"What an intriguing, lovely creature," the older gentleman elf commented while looking over Heart.

Heart stepped back slightly, unsure of how to respond to this. I stood behind her as she did this, as she would back up into me.

"Perhaps such a glistening flower might like a treasure to take with her?" he prompted while seeming to study Heart's face before I could try and pull her away.

He then added, "Don't be afraid. I simply want to admire those scales I noticed."

"You could see them from that far away?" I raised a brow.

"My eyes might be old, but they can pick up on the finest of details. Then again, if one looks close enough, they'd be surprised what wonders they would find," he chuckled.

Heart had begun shying away still. However, I was curiously looking over the elf's wares, "It's very nice work."

"I'm pleased to hear that. I make everything with my very own hands. Mirrors say a lot about one's soul," he grinned.

The woman beside me began to look them over, but still kept a cautious distance. The older elf watched as she did this, smiling as he said, "You're welcome to take a closer look, my dear. Don't be so shy."

Heart allowed herself to take a step nearer while looking over the trinkets and mirrors.

"Has somethin' caught your eye?" I asked her with growing curiosity of my own own.

She shook her head, "No. I'm just impressed in general. It's a lot of work."

"We have some extra, if you would like somethin'," I insisted.

"Duke, this is more than enough," Heart assured while brushing her fingertips against the deep blue surface of the sapphire she wore.

"That is quite a beautiful piece," the elf remarked in surprise to see the prized jewel hanging from Heart's neck, "You gave her that? It seems rather important?"

"I'd say it was meant to be hers," I replied with a sly grin as I admired her adoring the necklace as shyly as she was.

The elf, getting to his feet, held a mirror out to Heart so she could see how it looked on her a moment. She stepped back when he did this.

"You're still not used to this sorta attention," I realized.

"Have you been together only a short while?" the elf asked.

"Oh, no!" I jumped a little, as did Heart, at the comment, "Heart an' I aren't a couple."

"Really now?" his aged eyes widened in surprise, "So this fair creature is free then?"

"Not exactly," Heart replied with a hint of frustration surfacing in her tone.

I looked to her, a bit bewildered by this response. The shopkeeper looked between the both of us, seeming to be quite amused. He then handed Heart a small round mirror with garden vines decorating the back of it, with jewels making a rose at the center, "Here, dear. A gift for a pretty maiden as a thank you for admiring my work."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Oh, yes. I insist!" he laughed cheerfully when she tried to resist.

"Thank you," she said politely while slipping the hand mirror into her satchel.

"It's my pleasure!" he insisted as we then turned to leave.

We'd made it back to the inn for the evening. It was just as quiet as it had been the night before when we stepped in. Too quiet, I should have realized.

"Anyone here?" I called out too late.

Before I could try and run with Heart, several guards jumped out from their hiding places. Several plades were suddenly drawn and surrounding me. Two soldiers grabbed an arm each, holding me from running. In the commotion, Heart pleaded, "Let him go!"

"Secure the prisoner!" their commander shouted over her, "We won't let him slip away this time!"

"This time?" I questioned in growing alarm.

"Release him, at once!" Heart attempted with some authority in her voice.

"Sorry, Miss, but we can't do that! We've been after this rogue for a long while now! We're not letting him slip away again!" he said firmly as my wrists were now bound by a heavy set of manicles that bit into my wrists.

"Prisoner is secured, Captain Kleghorn!" the man beside me assured while making sure that I certainly didn't get away.

"Officer, you must let him go! He is my companion, and I need his aid to save our home!" Heart pushed.

The red headed dwarf shook his head, "I don't know what lies he's told you, but this man has been wanted for years. Now go home, miss!"

Heart dug her heels in, "He's not lied to me! We're from Waterdeep! Our city has been taken over, and we're on a journey to find a way to save it!"

"Wait, Waterdeep?" one of the men questioned in surprise, "That ghost town?"

"Ghost town?" Heart stammered.

"It's been quiet since the castle was attacked. Every time we send someone to do any trade there they don't come back. There's been reports of a strange fog that's settled over the coastal city," he replied.

"What?" I asked in alarm.

"At any rate, we have to take care of Anaheim, and this criminal is a very wanted man!" the captain snapped in rising irritation, "Now let's cart him off before anything happens!"

"Captain, please!" Heart begged, grabbing his shoulder, "You have to let him go!"

"Heart, stop!" I said quickly as he shrugged her off.

Shaking my head, I was reminded of just why I'd held back from her. Faced with that very fear, I said all I could think to her, "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

I could have tried to escape, but it wouldn't have helped things any. No matter my work to change my reputation, the one I'd had seemed to hold stronger. I had been a thief for most of my life, and now I was paying for it.

Yet, as I looked into those sapphires, I didn't regret it. For if I hadn't been the outlaw I was, she may not even be here, and I may have never met her. So, I forced a confident smirk before I was lead away.

Heart:

As I watched Duke be taken away, I turned my furious attention to the inn keeper. Not giving him a chance to run, I snapped, "You little rat! You take our business and then go running to the authorities?!"

"I had to! A few nights payment isn't anything compared to the bounty on his head!" he retorted with his knees shaking in his boots.

"You've sent a good man to prison!" I insisted.

"A good man that's a thief and a kidnapper, that's a good one!"

"Wait, kidnapper?" I questioned when I caught what he'd said.

"He was last seen spiriting the crowned prince from the palace a few nights ago! They've been looking for him ever since! I can't let that sort of scoundrel just walk away!" the gnome informed boldly.

"Duke wasn't here a few nights ago? He was on the road with me?" I replied in confusion.

"And just who are you?" he questioned with a raised brow.

With a frustrated sigh escaping my throat, I realized, "I'm not much of anyone anymore...especially when I can't even help get him out of this."

Refocusing, I ordered quickly, "I need you to tell me everything you can about this!"

"A few nights ago, several folks saw him leaving the palace with the prince dragged away with him. He even declared that he, Duke L'Orange, would never be caught, and the prince would never be found!" he answered quickly, "Who knows, I possibly saved you from being captured too!"

"You didn't save me from anything!" I snapped, "You got my friend taken away for something he didn't do!"

Stepping back, I tried to think fast on what to do.

"Maybe I can find this prince and clear Duke's name?" I attempted, "That might take too long."

"I'd cut my losses!" the gnome scoffed, "Even if you say he didn't take the prince, you're not denying he's a thief, are you?"

I was beyond sick of being told these things, even from Duke himself.

So much, that I walked out and went after them. I kept my hood up and eyes open as I followed after the iron wagon that was being carted off. As they rode off, I quickly went after them. Eventually we would come to a jail, and I would hear them stating, "Welcome home, L'Orange. You'll be here for a bit until they decide what to do with you. Considering what you're facing, I wouldn't hope for much."

Duke didn't reply to this. Somehow knowing it was useless.

"Where did you take the prince?" one of the younger guards demanded as they locked Duke in his prison cell.

"The prince?" Duke asked.

I had slipped around the back and was listening from outside his window.

"We saw you take him away a few nights ago, and now you're acting dumb because you've been caught! Now where is Prince Borg?!" he questioned sharply.

"I wasn't even here?" Duke replied just as I had.

"Funny thing to say when several accounts reported seeing you! I don't know if you realize this or not, but you have the sort of face people don't forget!" the young officer said with a scowl, "Your life of crime has made sure of that!"

"Are ya done?" Duke asked dryly.

"Where is Prince Borg?!" he snapped in rising anger, "Keep in mind, your sentence hasn't been decided yet! It can be a lot worse if the prince isn't returned to us safely!"

"How can I return him when I didn't take him, an' I'm here?" Duke questioned.

"Enough!" Kleghorn snapped, silencing his hot tempered guard.

Then he turned to Duke, "L'Orange, I'm going to see if being locked up over night might help your memory a bit. After that, the judge can decide if you're going to the gallows or otherwise. So I'd put some thought into things if I were you."

"I didn't take any prince," Duke insisted calmly, "I've been travelin' with Heart all this time. If ya to arrest me for the crimes I have commited, I get it; but kidnappin' is not one of 'em."

"And just who is that girl? This Heart?" the guard asked, "Some one night stand you-"

"Don't talk about her like that," Duke warned.

The guard scoffed, "In any case, she would be better off forgetting scum like you!"

Duke didn't reply to this.

As much as I wanted to go in and try to use my name to clear his, somehow I knew this wouldn't help him. Not with their prince missing to put them on edge. I would have to find him first. Yet where to start?

Before leaving though, I did slip a message to him, hoping he could hear it, "I'm not giving up on you."

It was already into the evening hours, and it would be difficult to look around at night when the city was still rather unfamiliar to me. Nonetheless, I had to try.

My search brought me back to the marketplace to start with as I asked for any information that might prove useful. As the innkeeper and guard had mentioned, many people confirmed seeing Duke carry the prince away. A few even pointed right at his wanted poster to confirm the features they'd seen on him.

"It couldn't have been him," I stated while trying to think.

Now I turned my sights to the palace, and found my way to it. I knew better than to waltz through the front door. So I used Duke's and my way of getting in places to investigate. Once the coast was clear, I began looking around for anything out of place. In doing so, I would avoid the guards and staff. Until I found the prince's bedchamber.

There I would overhear one of the hand maids fretting over the young prince while fixing up his bed, "I do hope he's okay."

"I heard they caught the thief that stole the prince away," the guard behind her informed, "Still no sign of the prince though."

"They'll find him! We just have to stay brave!" she insisted.

When the guard stepped back out, I approached the elderly woman.

"Excuse me," I attempted a little boldy, "but I might be able to help?"

"Who are you?!" she questioned in alarm, stepping back from me.

"Don't be afraid. I really am here to help," I insisted.

"Then why are you appearing out of nowhere and frighening an old woman?" she retorted while waving her broom at me.

"Fair enough, but I am here to help still," I pushed carefully, "were you here the night the prince was taken?"

"Of course I was!" she snapped, "that scoundrel slipped in and ran out the main hall with the prince thrown over his shoulder! He'd knocked the poor boy unconscious!"

Already this didn't add up, besides the obvious of Duke having been on the road with me. Why would a known wanted thief go out to main hall where there would be several guards, as opposed to a window as he had with me?

"You're certain you saw Duke?" I asked.

"Yes! He came in out of nowhere, knocked out the prince at his desk, and then left with him! When he reached the gates, he announced that he wouldn't ever be caught!" she informed me while gesturing to the desk in the corner of the room.

Walking over to it, I would notice a journal that had been left open. Beside it were reports of recent news, including confirmation of the strange mists that had swept over Waterdeep, and the dragon sightings outside of Anaheim. Gremanna had also sent word of it's recent salvation. In the jounral were notes of magic and how to use his.

"Are you some manner of magic user or something?" the maid then asked.

"Something like that," I nodded.

"I should be calling the guards," she warned while looking over me.

"It wouldn't get you very far, and it wouldn't help bring the prince home any faster," I stated.

"Is there anything else you remember from the other night?" I inquired while looking around the room, "Was anyone with the prince?"

"A guard of course, but that thief snuck in under his nose, and then ran before he could catch him," she replied.

I took a quick breath to cool my temper from these remarks against my friend. Then I said, "And the guard is still around here at the palace?"

She nodded, "He's been doing his regular shifts, and then some to try and find the prince when he's not on duty here."

This peeked my interest, "Is that so?"

"May I speak to this guard?" I asked.

"Talon is out right now looking for the prince, and will be back in the morning. If you're around, you can ask your questions then. Now I have work to do, and so do you if you wish to prove you're indeed a friend!" she snapped before turning to the bed to finish making it.

I was gone before she turned around.

"Talon?" I wondered aloud.

I was slipping out onto a catwalk while thinking over what I'd learned thus far. This guard seemed to be my next target to seek out. Though waiting until morning wasn't an option. If he was out in the city looking for the prince, as he claimed to be, I would find him. If not, I had a feeling I would find the prince with him.

Just as I was making my way back to the busier streets of Anaheim, I would turn the corner and jump in alarm at who I found standing before me, "Duke?!"

"I've been lookin' for ya everywhere, sweetheart!" he said while opening his arms for me.

Unable to hold back much, I jumped into his comforting embrace, "Encouraging this or not, I'm happy to see you!"

"I had to slip away, or I might not see ya again," he sighed, "They were talkin' about me havin' a one way ticket to the gallows with the bounty on my head."

"If we find the prince, maybe we can clear your name?" I mentioned, "I know it wasn't you. You were with me! Even if you weren't, taking a person and a rock are two very different things."

"Heart, I think it would be better to jus' leave this place. The prince will be hard to find, an' I don't want to risk ya gettin' caught with me," he said shaking his head, "It's a shame about the prince of course, but we have to think about Waterdeep too."

He stepped back to look over me as he said this, "An' after bein' in that cold cell for a few hours, I'd rather spend some time with ya."

I was a bit taken aback by this remark, and I guess it showed as I mentioned, "Duke, what about the reputation you said you wanted to change? If you helped to find this prince, it would help with that?"

"I don't want to get arrested an' taken away from ya again, alright?" Duke retorted, "I have to consider your safety too, Heart. From what we heard, you're the hope of Waterdeep, as well as my own."

"What?" I stammered, caught off guard by the last part of his comment.

"Come on, Heart. Let's jus' get out of here, okay?" he pushed while taking me by the hand and starting to lead me away from the palace.

After we were a bit away fro the castle, I began looking over the streets. It seemed I was still trying to spot that guard, "According to the head maid, there was a guard in charge of keeping Prince Borg safe that night."

"Heart, jus' let it go. I want to get ya somewhere safe while we figure out where to go next," he insisted while trying to get through the busy crowd.

After a bit, we found our way up into what seemed to be an abandoned apartment above a shop. It seemed it had gone untouched for some time, and would serve as a means to get some rest at least. There was a single bed in the corner of the darkly lit room. While Duke made sure the door was locked and the windows closed, I tried to think over the information still rattling around in my head.

"Kinda cozy isn't it?" Duke commented while noting the bed.

"Duke, I really think we can help this city?" I pushed again.

"Heart," he sighed while turning to me and leading me over to the bed.

Sitting me beside him, Duke then said, "Short time or not, I missed ya."

"I missed you too," I told him, "I can imagine it's frustrating being arrested like that, especially for the wrong thing."

"That's not what I was gettin' at, but I suppose you're right about that," he chuckled while slipping an arm around my waist.

"Duke?"

"Somethin' wrong?" he asked in a smooth tone, a sly smile on his scarred lip.

"Not exactly," I said as he held me against him.

With one hand set at my back, he slid the other to my cheek. Caressing it and sliding the hair out of my face.

"After such an ordeal, I jus' want the chance to be with ya," he told me, "An' I have a feelin' you want this too?"

I could feel the warmth of my face betraying me as I looked up at him. However, something told me to push back in spite of this. With a hand against his firm chest, I began to pull away.

"Heart, what's wrong? After all this time together, isn't it a bit much to keep actin' like we don't want the other?" he pushed gently.

He slid his hand over mine to stop me from pushing against him. Lifting it up to his lips, he brushed a kiss over the back of it. Then still holding it, he looked to me, "Why fight it still?"

"Duke..." I attempted still.

"Ya can't tell me ya don't want this?" he teased, alerting me all the more as he pulled me against him, "I've seen how ya look at me. It's quite flatterin' to have caught a princess's attention."

"It is?" I asked.

He leaned closer to me, his warm breath tracing my shoulder to my neck. Yet somehow I felt an icy chill run up my spine as he whispered, "It seems I've stolen that heart of yours?"

"No!" I pushed back quickly, shoving him off of me.

He looked to me in shock as I jumped to my feet, keeping my distance from him.

"Heart?! What's wrong?" he asked.

"You tell me?" I demanded while glaring at him.

"Heart, I can see ya want to be with me? Why are ya fightin' it?" he questioned, masking his hur pride.

"You aren't him!" I said with certainty in my tone and eyes.

"Of course I am," he insisted while standing to step closer towards me.

I stepped back, "Duke has never considered my crown as the reason to be with me, if anything it's pushed him away! Now who are you?!"

"Heart, it's me!" he said, "I'm jus' sick of holdin' back from ya. Is that wrong?"

"Even if he were, he wouldn't push it like this!" I assured while summoning up some energy as a warning if he were to touch me.

He kept his distance now, but attempted to speak still, "Heart, I want ya. I can see ya want me too. Don't ya trust me?"

"I trust Duke," I stated firmly.

His one eye narrowed at me, "I'm giving you the chance to have what you want, an' you're throwin' it away?"

I was done listening, and was heading to the window to slip away. I didn't know who this imposter was, but I wasn't staying to find out. He'd wasted enough of my time.

He was moving quickly too to cut me off. In fact, he got to the window first. Grabbing me by the arm, he pulled me against himself.

"Now, jus' relax, an' give in," he smirked while looking into my eyes, "I can ya want to."

Before his lips could meet with my own, I managed to pull my hand away and struck him quickly, commanding the energy through me as I did. A burst of electricity caught him in the face, causing him to cry out in alarming pain. Releasing me in the process, I didn't wait for him to recover.

This time I made it to the door and slipped out of the apartment. Behind me I could hear him giving chase, but I took to the roof rather than the streets. Casting expedious retreat on myself, I was able to get away from him. Then I watched from the neighboring roof as he emerged, growling in pain as he did. He looked over the busy streets of the night market below, not knowing I was above him.

"Where did she go?!" I heard him hiss, "I thought she wanted this thief?!"

I stepped back from the roof, just as he decided to look up, catching a glimpse of me. I would hear him giving chase as I tried to get to the other side of the roof. He'd inticipated that, and had gone around to begin making his way up. I briefly wondered if he'd cast a spell of some sort to catch up to me so quickly. He leaped up over the edge of the roof, and quickly grabbed for my wrist.

"Now then, where were we, darlin'?" he asked while pulling me against him.

"Let go!" I snapped while trying to strike him again.

He caught my other hand this time, and quickly went to lean closer to me. I tried to summon up some electricity again. His grip tightened as I attempted this, "Not this time. Now jus' give in, an' I'll give ya what ya want-!"

His twisted up promise was cut short when someone swept in, kicking him square in the ribs. As he was struck, he released my hands and stumbled back while crying out in pain again. Before I could react, I would find someone standing between us as he snapped, "Stay away from her, ya sorry imitation!"

His saber drawn, the rogue before me focused on the one still masquerading as him. His eyes set into a glare as he stared us down, "I'd get away from that clone if I was you!"

"Give it up!" I shouted from behind my companion, "I knew you weren't him!"

"Of course I am! You just can't decided what it is you want, can you?" he taunted with a smug smile, "It's tempting for a shut away princess, isn't it?"

"Shut up!" the thief before me snapped, "Ya don't know anythin' about her!"

"I know more than she's willing to admit," he jabbed still, "Poor girl keeps trying to tread the line between what's expected of her, and what she really desires. Why go back when she can stay with her thief?"

"That's not true!" I attempted with a rising frustration starting to show, before I faltered when Duke looked over his shoulder at me, "I mean...that's not exactly it...I..."

"And you're no better!" the fake taunted Duke now, "You want to keep her, don't you? Such a prize, all to yourself! A princess, and one holding magic at that, right?"

"Heart's worth far more than her crown!" Duke snapped, startling me a little.

"And yet you're not worth much at all, are you?" he sneered, "Maybe if I'd turned myself into a prince I'd have had better luck?"

Duke laughed, "Ya wouldn't have gotten near her as a prince!"

"Wait...prince...?" I remembered, looking to the masquerading figure, "What did you do with the prince?"

"I wouldn't worry about that," he snickered as he flexed out his hands to reveal dagger like claws emerging from his fingertips, "Now get out of my way!"

"Not happenin'," Duke said calmly as the clawed version of him lunged forth to attack him.

Duke blocked one set of claws, and avoided a swipe from the other that swiped near his lean stomach. Then he turned and slashed at the attacking rogue, cutting right into his shoulder! With this the mocking image of himself yelled out in growling pain. He narrowed his one eye at Duke, before giving a dark chuckle as he began to shift into his true self. Pulling away the false patch, he revealed two empty, alien white eyes, His skin transitioned from a dark hazelnut to a sleek blue. His short ears were pointed and set close to his bald head. He had a quick, gangly frame.

"What are ya?" Duke asked while keeping me behind him.

"I can be whatever and whoever I want to be, while you're stuck being the wanted criminal they're looking to take away!" he scoffed.

I searched my memory for anything that would help. Madame Lucille hadn't warned me of such beings.

Duke, however, stated, "I've heard of monsters like you. Ya take the faces of victims to pass as them to push your own agendas."

"I had her convinced for a while, so I must have been pretty close?" he taunted.

"Ya must have choked, an' pretty badly, considerin' the jolt I saw her givin' ya!" Duke didn't seem phased by his cruel words in the least.

I looked to him, surprised by this, "How much did you see?"

"Enough," he said.

I froze at first, before he gave a smile from over his shoulder, "It was nice to see that I can't be so easily replaced."

"We'll see about that!" the alien being snarled while lunging forth again.

Duke turned quickly and blocked the attack again. This time he was able to push the doppleganger back a bit, nearly slicing into his chest. However the blue skinned figure ducked down and slid under the whistling blade. He then dashed towards me, dodging my attempts at casting my spells. Bolts flew passed him as he leapt onto me, knocking me down on the roof.

"Get off!" I shouted as he pinned me down, electricity kicking on to try and shake him off of me.

He only smirked, "Let's kick up the heat-!"

He would stop short of his threat as a bolt of dark energy struck him in the back, digging into his core and knocking him off of me. Then he was silent, choking out a strangled cry of pain, until he toppled over to his side, I quickly sat up. Catching my breath, I looked to see Duke doing the same with a hand cast out towards me.

"What did you do?" I asked in surprise.

"I...I don't know..." he admitted before hurrying over to me, "it worked though."

Duke offered a hand to me, quickly helping me to my feet, "All I know is I wanted him to get away from ya, an' I didn't want to risk hittin' ya. Then I felt somethin' kickin' up in me. It's not quite like yours, but it's still there...?"

"You had an awakening?" I asked in surprise.

"I guess so?" he replied, just as startled by this.

I looked to the ground to see the doppelganger very still. He'd hit him hard. A shudder then ran up my spine, as the fear of the situation now hit me. Seeing this, Duke quickly pulled me into an embrace, "I've got ya, sweetheart. You're okay now."

"The things he said...I...it's not..." I attempted, trying to gather myself a bit.

"Don't worry about what he said," he assured, "Jus' forget about that cretin."

"How did you know I was in trouble?" I then asked while pulling away just enough to look up at him.

"How did you know?" I asked of the dark lord, pulling away from the pages a bit.

He gave a wistful smile, "Somethin' told me I needed to get to her. So I did. I'd heard of the missin' prince, an' figured somethin' was a miss to deal with."

"It was just intuition?" I wondered aloud.

"I wish I could say it was entirely that. It was a part of it, but someone paid me a visit while I was in that prison to tip me off."

"So, you finally got careless," I knew his voice before I even saw his smug face.

I looked up from the bench of my cell, "What are ya doin' here, Falcone?"

"It's Officer Talon, as far as anyone's concerned. I'm here to make sure you know who got you caught," he snickered boldly.

"Ya set me up?" I questioned in a soured tone.

"Not exactly, you are a wanted man after all," he reminded me.

"Maybe, but I didn't kidnap anyone," I stated firmly, realizing it was just the two of us.

Falcone was dressed as the guard he claimed to be, a cruel smirk on his face, and a greedy gleam in his dark eyes.

"First the crowned prince, and then a missing princess," he snickered, "Both last seen with you."

My remaining eye widened in alarm, before narrowing into a glare, "Stay away from her, ya gloatin' rat!"

"Trust me, dear boy, I have no interest in that monster you call royalty," he insisted, before a twisted smirk crossed his face, "However, that doesn't mean she's not a part of the plan for my partner."

"What partner?" I questioned.

"The one that is quite interested in your strange companion. He needs someone to carry his progeny, and I needed you out of the way. With you gone, I will be the gratest thief of all time, and he will get the needed mother for his spawn," he boasted.

He'd come close to the bars to tell me his plan, making sure others couldn't hear him. What he failed to think about, was that I could hear him just fine. So when my hands lunged through the bars to grab him, he didn't have enough time to get away.

"Tell your buddy to stay the heck away from her!" I growled.

"Guards!" Falcone called out, but he'd sent the squad outside.

Holding him by the collar of his shirt, I glared at my former partner, "If he touches her-"

"He's already on his way to pick her up, and it will be quite easy for him," he assured roughly while wrenching my hands away from his throat.

"Heart has more fight in her than ya know!" I assured.

"Why would she need to fight, when she's with the one person she wants to be with most?" he taunted.

"What?" I questioned

"Let's just say that my partner has one of those faces," he snickered, "And right now he's wearing yours. So I think your little princess will play right into his hands."

I'd heard of such figures while in our former gang. However, I'd never had to deal with one. Trent had warned me of dopplegangers while on a job once.

"Granted, I don't know why he'd want her to. I guess that magic heritage makes her worth something to catch his eye?" Falcone shrugged, "Not that I care."

I was done wasting breath and words. I needed to focus on getting out and reaching Heart.

"I'll see you at your execution," he assured while strolling away, "Maybe I'll even be the one to do the honors?"

Once he was gone, I wasted no time on trying to get out. While the guards were being given their new false orders, I focused on the wall to have the keys brought to me with mage hand. Carefully taking them, I unlatched my cuffs and the door. Only vaguely did I feel a surge of energy rush through me as I told myself to hurry. Afterwards, my movements felt much more swift in nature, as were my steps as I ran down the street after grabbing my saber. There wasn't much time for anything else.

I didn't stop until I saw her, or rather the burst of electricity springing forth from her. I then looked to see her trying to escape the fake version of myself. Keeping my pace, I hurried up the side of the building to reach the roof, where I found him trying to grab her.

Now I was standing with her, both of us catching our breath a bit. Feeling her shaking, I pulled her close to me, relieved, "I've got ya, Heart."

As I held her, I would feel Heart wrapping her arms around me in return. Then I couldn't help but ask, "What was the first sign?"

"What's that?"

"He looked pretty darn close, an' had my speech down. I'm jus' curious what was the first sign that it wasn't me?" I inquired.

"He didn't want to help this town, and kept telling me to forget about it. At first I thought you might just be frustrated from having to break out of prison, and didn't want to push it...but then..."

"What happened?" I pushed carefully, "It's okay, Heart."

I could see the unease in her eyes as she tried to answer, "It's how he referred to me. All of the sudden, you were interested in my status...my crown. He kept telling me to give in and...I just knew..."

The anger that began washing through me was quite hot. Yet as she looked up at me, I tried to force it down. Though she'd already seen, "Duke?"

"I wouldn't treat ya like that, Heart. I know I should be happy that ya saw through him, an' I'm glad you're safe...but I'd be lyin' if I tried to say I wasn't angry that he used my image to hurt ya like that, or that he tried to touch ya like that at all. You're far more than a princess to me. A crown can't compare to what you're worth to me," I began to slip more and more.

"Duke?" she breathed, her cheeks touched with a soft pink.

"Heart, I l-" I caught myself when I saw the doppleganger lying dead on the roof, still beside us. Not here, not with this whole thing so close still.

"We need to find the prince," I then said to her, gathering my composure.

"If we can do that, maybe we can clear your name?" Heart mentioned.

"Even if it doesn't, it's what we need to do," I said.

"There's the rogue I know!" she finally smiled while giving me a quick, but tight, hug.

I couldn't help but give a soft chuckle as I hugged her back, echoing, "I'm glad to see I'm not so easily replaced, darlin'."

"So, where do we start?" Heart asked.

"We find Falcone, I'm pretty sure we'll find the prince," I said.

"So how do we lure out this rat then?" Heart inquired.

With a hand to my chin I pondered over this a bit. Then an idea began to emerge, "Well, if I go after somethin' big, it'll draw his attention."

"Go after what exactly?"

I looked towards the castle, "Maybe there's somethin' in there? Or...?" I trailed off as I noticed her in the same view, "Or a visitin' princess?"

"What?"

"I have an idea!" I said, snapping my fingers, "I need your trust to pull it off though."

With an excited smile emerging at first, Heart's expression softened as she assured me, "That's one thing you'll never have to worry about, Duke."

I smiled, holding onto these words. I continued to do this as I lead her to the room she'd been lead to. We dragged the doppleganger into the alley, dropping him to the street to be found by a guard on patrol.

"He'll come lookin' for his supposed partner," I mentioned.

Sure enough, a few hours later, Falcone came to the door and opened it to find me sitting on the edge of the bed. My arms were folded over my chest, and my feet hooked at the ankles in a casual fashion. Heart was in the chair beside the bed, her wrists bound behind her as she was tied in place. A piece of cloth served as a gag to keep her from talking. She was well within reach of me as she glared at me.

"Changed your mind?" he raised a brow.

"So it's not just glass ya can't tell the difference when it comes to the real thing?" I scoffed lightly.

"Duke?!"

"Easy, there," I stated calmly, not even getting up yet, "I have a proposal for ya."

"Is that so?"

"You've got the prince, an' I've got a princess," I stated with a prideful smirk on my face, "Poor girl, thought I was her friend all this time. Why do ya think I held onto her for so long?"

"So what is it your after? Waterdeep?" he asked.

"Somethin' like that," I replied, "An' ya need a partner that knows what he's doing."

"What happened to the one I had?" he raised a brow.

"Did ya think I'd let some imposter take credit for my hard work?" I laughed.

"So you wish to team up, and do what exactly?"

"You tell me?" I prompted, "You've gotta have a goal to have taken the prince? I jus' want in on the fun, like always."

"You need a better hideout then?" he asked.

"Somethin' better than this dark little room your so-called partner brought her too. She sets off her magic an' she's a beacon to everyone outside," I mentioned.

"I have a place," he assured, "Just follow me. Do you need help carrying the little wench?"

"Nah, I got her," I laughed while picking up Heart, cutting her free from the chair, and hoisting her over my shoulder a bit roughly.

With that, I began following Falcone, keeping to the side streets so neither of us would be caught with the princess. All the while Heart pulled and kicked, even tried to cry out once or twice. Yet the gag held tight, keeping her from drawing any attention to us.

Soon we were brought to an abandoned guard post outside the city a bit. It was on the outskirts, leading to the mountains we'd passed the trail of earlier that week. Falcone waved me inside, and I walked on in with Heart still hoisted over my shoulder. Once inside, I would hear him close the door and bolt it shut.

The one room was quite dark, with no light offered from the outside at this point. There was a table to eat at, and a couple of chairs. There was a living space with a bed in the corner. Then there was a set of stairs leading up to the watch post itself.

"Upstairs, old chum," Falcone instructed as I went up ahead.

I paused at the top of the creaking steps. Before me I would see the bound prince, gagged as Heart was. The young blonde haired gnome kneeling before me was wrapped in strong white bindings. He looked up at me with alarmed blue eyes. However, that wasn't why I had stopped.

In my head, I had heard the clear warning with Heart looking over my shoulder, "Duke!"

I looked over my shoulder myself now, "Didn't take ya long to turn on me this time?"

"Did you really think I'd fall for it, dear boy?" he scoffed with his saber already drawn and pointed at my back.

"Nah, but I knew you'd want to gloat," I replied with a bitter smirk curving my scarred lip.

"I'll be taking the princess, so I can take back the holding I had in Waterdeep before you ruined things for me!" he snickered his way into a growl.

"You're not goin' near Heart," I promised as I turned quickly, setting her down as I drew my saber to face him.

"Last time we fought I took your eye," he reminded me with a prideful smirk, "This time I'll take far more than that!"

"Get to the prince!" I said to Heart while blocking his way to her.

"En guarde!" he shouted, before lunging at me.

I quickly blocked the attack, stepping slightly to the side so he couldn't get by me easily. With another slash, I caught his blade with mine. He attempted to advance, but I managed to parry against the next few strikes, pushing him back more and more. Until I realized that my stride was being slowed quite a bit. Then I heard as Heart suddenly gave out a gasp, calling out to me as she did, "Duke, look out!"

"Heart?" I called back to her, faltering in my strike as I was forced to stop in my steps altogether.

Looking down, I found I was standing in the silk threads set there. It were as though we were standing on a large knitted blanket that spanded the whole floor. It was now hindering my steps as I tried to attack the snickering rogue in front of me.

"No!" Heart suddenly exclaimed, and I would feel the heat of a bolt of electricity flying forward through the air, and striking something above me, "Get away from him!"

I would look up now, just in time to see the large mandibles of a giant spider looming over head, dripping down it's saliva as it tried to ensnare me. Before her burst of energy caught it in it's head. The giant spider hanging over me let out a horrible blend of a cry and hissing as it was hit. It's legs twitching and spasming as the electricity tried to trap it there. It then began to move along the ceiling, heading towards Heart. I would notice then that she was stuck where she stood as well.

"Heart! Try another spell!" I called to her.

"Duke, look out!" Heart alerted me just in time.

Not having much of a chance to avoid it, I turned to block Falcone's blade as he attempted to strike me. Though I still I found that I was unable to move my feet as the webbing stuck to them!

"Ya never could win in a fair fight, could ya?" I stated in a soured tone.

"Why be fair when all I have to do to be the best, is get rid of you?" he scoffed.

"It'll take a lot more than that!" I assured.

"Well, it'll be a start," he snickered, "And I'll be sure to take good care of this little princess for you! If my new pet doesn't find her first!"

I looked to see that Heart was trying to pull away at the webbing, but it held strong around her ankles.

"Heart!" I exclaimed as the spider began creeping down the wall closest to her, "Hang on! Try and use your magic!"

Heart gave a nod of her head, trying to summon up some energy to warn the spider with. Yet it was proving to be quite fast, and Heart had used a good bit of magic through the evening as it was. It reared up, it's legs sprawled out as it was about to drop on her.

Instinct kicked in hard as I moved without decision. Taking my saber, I yelled out, "Heart, get down!" as I then sent the blade flying towards the creature. With tremendous luck, my saber struck into it's center, bringing it back against the wall and sticking it there! Again it let out a horrible screech as it writhed and wriggled there, unable to pull the blade from it's center.

"That was quite brave," Falcone scoffed, "Though now you don't have a weapon to save yourself with."

Heart had ducked down as I'd told her to, but was now stuck further in the webbing at our feet. Making it even harder for her to cast any more magic as she tried to pull herself free.

"If I use any lightning, it'll hit you," she realized while looking to me in alarm.

"It seems you're out of options," Falcone snickered as he watched us.

I glared back at him, "You're nothin' but a coward, an' a poor excuse for a thief!"

"Am I now?" he raised a brow while strolling over to Heart with ease, his own saber firmly in hand.

"Leave her alone, Falcone!" I warned as I started pulling at the threads trying to hold me in place.

"What if I stole something quite prescious to you? Would I still be a poor excuse for a thief?" he taunted while letting his blade catch the full moonlight in it's metal, gleaming with his threat.

"You'd be far worse than a thief!" I stated in a growling tone, before risking a look into Heart's eyes.

"Let her go," I attempted, "She has to go back to Waterdeep an' help save it. Ya think Xanathar will keep ya in good graces forever? If he decides you're a threat, you'll be worse than dead!"

"Do you think I'm afraid of him?" Falcone scoffed, "Why let her go, when I could kill her and gain his good favor?"

"Falcone, ya don't know what you're doin'!" I insisted, "If ya want to get rid of me, do it; but let her go!"

"No!" Heart snapped in alarm.

"Is this little princess worth that much to you?" Falcone laughed, ignoring Heart.

I looked to Heart, her eyes seemed to look right into my soul, even as we remained there in the dark. The words tried to force their way out. I gritted my teeth as I admitted to her, "You're worth everythin' to me, sweetheart."

"Does she feel the same, I wonder?" Falcone looked over her in disgust, "I'm just curious."

Looking back at me still, the words that she said would collide with my very core, "I love you, Duke."

With them at last in the air, finding me there in shock, and not in shock at the same time. Of course I knew. We both knew. We'd been saying it in every other way possible. For a while now. At this point, I'd been wondering when it had started, for it seemed to be something I knew quite well now. Perhaps I had loved her well before any of this had started, when I knew her as the elusive Black Viper?

"What a shame, wasting such affection on a hazbin thief like him!" Falcone sneered at her, "Especially one that can't even save you!"

Something in me began to kick up, a surge of energy that was similar to Heart's in function, but a far different nature. While she harnessed the rawness of electricity and magic in that vein, my own seemed to be a bit different for the most part. For as Falcone moved closer to Heart, I felt myself reaching out for a blade that I didn't have. And yet I felt myself grasping the hilt of one at that very moment, as a blade formed of shadows manifested, allowing me to cut myself free the rest of the way. Hurrying over, I would slide between them just in time to block his blade as it fell towards her neck.

With this blade of shadow, I shoved him back and began my advance. I was much more careful in where I placed my feet, calling out to Heart, "Get the prince free an' destroy the web!"

"Okay!" she confirmed as I heard her hurrying to the royal prisoner and cutting him free with a dagger.

The gnome prince gasped for air as he then exclaimed, "Thank you, friend!"

Being sure to stand on a safe space of floor, I called to Heart, "Now, Heart!"

With that, I heard Heart take a deep breath and then release it upon the threads of webbing along the floor, quickly catching it ablaze. As it raced along it's thin tracks of silk, they rapidly burned away, reaching all the way to the spider that was just now getting itself free. It let out another screech as the flames engulfed it, and Heart would quickly push the prince safely away from it as it flailed, crashing into the wall to try in vain to stop the fire. Until it crashed through the window nearby, falling to the ground below. As it did, I'd managed to reach out and catch Heart's hand, pulling her close to me as a bit of the roof tried to cave in over her. With me distracted, Falcone made his escape, knowing he'd been beat for the moment. While I hated to let him go free, protecting the one with me as the roof continued to fall away was far more important!

The building was breaking away and crumbling fast! Looking around, we would notice another window to try and get out from. Looking from it, we would see a bit of a drop to worry about. However, going back down the stairs wasn't an option at this point.

"What about Feather Fall?" Heart asked, "We'ren't you reading over some of the spells Latha jotted down for me to try?"

"I'll give it a shot," I said as I focused through the rising pressure.

Tapping the prince's shoulder first, there would be a quick rush of lighter than air sensations hopping from my hand to him as I said, "Jump, now!"

The prince would then take his leap of faith, finding his fall to be slowed as we'd hoped it to be.

"Alright, Heart!" I called to her.

"Duke, you only have so many spells!" she reminded me.

"We don't have time to argue, Heart!" I insisted while grabbing her by the arm and feeling the same sensation rush over her.

"I'm sorry!" I told her quickly before shoving her out the window after the prince, who'd landed safely below.

"Duke, no!" Heart cried as she looked up while falling.

My spells spent by now, at least the ones familiar at this point, I tried to find another way out. The building was coming down much faster. Smoke was choking me, and causing my remaining eye to well with tears as I tried to cough it out. Flames climbed higher around me, engulfing the window now. Still I tried to find a way out.

Heart:

"Duke!" I screamed when I landed, being pulled back by the prince now as the building started crumbling more and more with him still inside.

The guard post was a fair bit up a few stories, making it a horrible fall for him to just try and jump to. Yet if he stayed, he would fall into the flames that now engulfed the bottom floor. Trying to mend any of the structure did nothing, as it was breaking faster than I could repair it in any way.

"Duke!" I called to him in vain.

"Look out!" the prince exclaimed as he grabbed me and quickly pulled me back again as a beam tried to fall over me.

One of the main support beams!

I would look up to see Duke attempting to get out the window, climbing as carefully as he could to try and get to a point where he could jump. However, the heat and flames would make this difficult, as the wall started to cave in. Forcing him to take a leap that was disrupted as the structure broke away, dropping him as the smoke overwhelmed him as well, knocking him out. He fell hard, colliding harshly with the ground below. Seeing this, I ripped myself away from the gnome and hurried over to the fallen rogue. I had little time to check his injuries, noting quickly that his neck hadn't been broken, and then pulling him from the building before it finished collapsing.

"Duke!" I called to him now, trying to wake him, "Duke, please!"

Panic nearly gripped my chest when he remained unresponsive. Checking for a pulse, I found it to be missing! Thinking quickly, I tried all I could think to! Quickly slipping one hand under his back below his heart, and the other over his chest in a matching position, I summoned shocking grasp, trying to give his heart a jump start.

"Duke, don't you dare give up now!" I begged him as he remained still, pushing on his chest in compressions, before tilting his head back and trying to breath air into him.

Once more I summoned the energy he needed, hoping against hope I could reach him before he slipped away, "Duke, don't leave me!"

This time his remaining eye shot wide open, and he immediately began coughing out the lingering smoke and toxins left in his lungs. He looked up at me through a blurred vision as he did this, "H-Heart?!"

"Duke!" I cried as he sat up, unable to hold back from throwing my arms around him, nearly sobbing, "You're okay!"

"Thanks to you, sweetheart," he said while hugging me back.

Duke:

No longer caring who was there to witness this or not, now that we were both relatively safe, I found I couldn't hold back anymore. Not when I'd nearly lost my chance once again.

"I love ya, Heart," I promised her while brushing her hair out of her eyes so I could look into them.

Caressing her cheek, I found I was quite close to her. Leaning forward, and closing the distance between us, I would hear her answer, "I love you too."

We sealed this with a kiss, not daring to let the other go in that desperate moment to be close to one another.

Then, with both of us catching our breath and gathering ourselves, we helped each other up to our feet. Once standing steady, we turned to see the prince patiently waiting. Heart protectively wrapped her arms around my lean waist, daring him to try and take me away from her.

"It's okay, my friend. I've seen first hand the sort of man that he is," he assured her with a friendly smile on his youthful face, "Just as I've seen the sort of woman you are, princess?"

She nodded her head with clear caution still in her stance and eyes.

"You've saved my life," he stated with gratitude filling his tone, "And you have protected my kingdom from their wicked plans!"

I rested a firm hand over Heart's shoulder as I replied for us both, "Of course, your majesty."

"Do not worry, Lady, Heart is it? Your beloved will not be taken away from you," he assured while walking over to us, "I don't throw allies behind bars."

"Allies?" she asked in surprise.

He gave a nod, "Of course! I've heard of the troubles that have befallen your kingdom. I was researching how to offer my assistance to Waterdeep when all of this started. That mimic of your friend kidnapped me about a week ago, and was going to take my place. He'd mentioned having an heir for someone else to raise soon enough that would take his place here eventually."

My firm grasp on Heart's shoulder seemed to keep her from shuddering at this, as she knew she was safe with me.

"I will see to it that your companion is given a full pardon for his good deeds, and I will spread the word well before you leave Anaheim!" he promised.

I couldn't believe my ears, and neither could Heart it seemed, as we both looked to him with dropped jaws and widened eyes.

"A full...?" Heart stammered.

"Of course!" the prince chuckled, "And you are a welcomed guest, Lady Heart! Both of you! I insist you both get some well needed rest while you're here!"

"Th-Thank you!" Heart exclaimed, a brearth of relief escaping her throat as she gave a heartfelt bow.

I followed in this gesture, "Thank you, Your Highness! You've no idea the honor you've given me!"

"I have a strong idea," he smiled while looking over both of us.

Reading his face, both of us felt how genuine this gnome prince was. Of all the nobility we'd had to meet thus far, Prince Borg was for once what you imagined when you thought of the right sort of royalty. He was a positive being to just know, and quite proactive. He offered his trust and aid to those he knew he could, and stood to fight against those he couldn't. The doppelganger had almost tipped him off when he came into the room that night in the guise of his most trusted guards. However, it had been too late to alert anyone. Luckily we'd gotten to him before he could be done away with. For he'd used his own magic to protect himself as much as he could, but had just run out of it when we'd shown up.

"We shall celebrate your victory with a banquet, and then we will see what we can do about Waterdeep," Borg insisted while leading us back to the castle.

"You're very kind, Prince Borg," Heart told him, "Thank you."

That night we were treated to the elaborate meal that was promised. The prince's people were overjoyed to have him back, and were relieved to hear that the threat that had taken him away had been dealt with. The guards, who did indeed try to arrest me upon sight, with Heart standing in their way, were swiftly stopped by their prince. Borg made good on his word to have me fully pardoned, and was able to support Heart in her own as well. For the first time in a long while, my name was clean.

Kneeling before them both, now dressed in much more royal attire for the occassion, I could hardly believe this to be true. My remaining eye misted as I took it in, trying to look up at them and utter some form of thank you. It was a bit overwhelming to be before all these people, at the center as I was in this moment. Especially after spending a long time avoiding such a situation.

Seeing Heart dressed as she was before me didn't help my knees any as I attempted to stand before her. Wearing a gown that graced the floor with it's burgundy crushed velvet and lace, showing the hint of dress boots she wore. I smirked a bit at this, knowing she had refused dress shoes out of habit to be ready to run or fight if ever needed. This did not deter me any as I looked over her. Around her waist was a bodice of black, laced together with silk burgundy ribbon up along her lower back. The upper part of her back was left bare, as the scales that showed in set patches along her arms, hands, legs, shouldes, and neck were showing with some pride the blood in her veins. Her hair was free from any sort of ribbon, allowing the waved strands of burgundy and ruby pink to fall over her shoulders and down her back. Hanging from her neck was the sapphire I'd given her, right where it belonged.

Only hours since I'd confessed everything to her, and now I had to face what that would mean going forward with her.

"You've earned this," she told me with a sincere smile upon her face.

Then I knew she'd seen the look in my eye, as she smiled and no longer held back from running over to me. Allowing me to sweep her up in my arms, embracing her as we spun to a stop. While she in turn clung to me, a relieved and delighted sigh escaping her lips as my hold on her tightened even more so.

"I love ya, Heart," was all I could think to say.

It seemed that after holding back those now rather simple words for so long, I just wanted to tell her as much as possible.

"I love you too," she answered in words and feeling as she looked up at me now.

"Are you okay?" I asked the dark lord standing before me, as he placed a hand over his chest, his scarred lip twisting into a grimace.

"It's hard to say," he forced a chuckle to emerge from his throat.

"You still do, don't you?" I pushed gently.

"It's hard to love when ya don't have a heart," he pointed out.

"Hard doesn't mean impossible," I replied, encouraging him to try and continue, "That's the heart you're looking for, isn't it? Hers?"

"I'm not even sure anymore," he replied, his tone souring a bit, "Even if it was, there's slim chance of findin' it now. Nor do I think I could take it, even now."

"You two were so happy. How did you end up torn apart from her like this?" I asked.

"Ya meant it about wantin' the whole story," he nearly hissed, "I guess a deal's a deal."

"Wait," I caught the sign of hurt as he gripped his chest, "Just listen a bit first, okay? Perhaps being reminded of how she felt will help ease the pain?"

He looked to me with a raised brow, catching his breath a bit as he managed the aching in his hollowed chest.

"Why show such compassion to a heart stealin' rogue like me?" he questioned.

"I...I'm not exactly sure," I managed to say while fending off the sting of his tone, "I just feel that you need it? Perhaps it will help you to feel again?"

He gave a dark chuckle, "Wouldn't that be nice? In either case, go ahead an' remind me...what did she see when she looked at me that night...?"

The banquet had commenced, and we found ourselves sitting at the Prince's right hand side. However, at the moment, I realized that I was far too excited to eat. For I kept looking over at the rogue beside me. He quickly noticed and offered a smile as he asked, "Somethin' wrong?"

I shook my head, "No."

He looked over the crowd before us, and I noticed him eyeing where the guards were out of habit. The people had accepted our pardon for him, but the officers and guards were not as keen on this just yet. He shifted slightly in his seat out of unease well trained into him. Until I reached over and closed my hand over his, "Are you okay?"

"I know I should be, it jus' takes time to get used to this," he admitted.

Then he glanced over at a balcony leading out from the ballroom, asking as he did, "Would ya like to adventure with me outside for a bit?"

I gave an automatic nod as he got to his feet and helped me up. As we went to slip away, Prince Borg looked up and asked, "Before you go, may I ask for an audience with you both in the morning? There's something I would like to ask your help with, if I may?"

"Of course," we both replied with a polite bow.

Then Duke took me by the hand, and we escaped to that balcony. Outside those doors was a lovely garden below the balcony we stood upon, now kissed by the moonlight cast over us.

"It's not goin' to convince everyone," Duke said as he leaned forward with his arms propped up against the stone railing.

He was dressed in a finely made tunic of burgundy, with dark slacks, and well made boots. The soles of the boots were soft as Duke preferred them to be. His saber remained at his side in case he was in need of it.

"Duke," I said as I approached him, resting a hand against his shoulder, "You convinced me a long time ago that you were someone to be trusted."

"How? We met right after I'd been on a job, an' that wasn't that long ago all things considered," he pointed out, "You were doin' what ya were 'cause ya didn't have another option available."

"And do you remember what else happened that night of your job?" I pushed a little, "I seem to recall a chance meeting with a noble soul that risked his neck for a complete stranger. Your skills and you being there to use them saved my life."

He looked to me, an unusually shy smile was showing on his face, "How could I turn the other way?"

"A lot of others, nobility included, would have," I reminded him.

"Not you," he said.

I knew I was blushing. Then I said while trying to calm my pounding heart, "Duke, I've trusted you with so much, please don't doubt yourself now. You've earned this well before this night."

"I have?" he asked.

I knew what he really wanted the answer. For it seemed to be on both our minds, now having opened up with no way or turning back.

"I kept trying to tell myself to keep my distance. I've told myself that you wouldn't want to be tied to me, as it would mean a change for everything for you...I didn't want to ask that of you," I at last admitted.

"When did it start?" he inquired.

"I'm not exactly sure...? I know how happy I was to see you more and more, well before the night of the attack. Then at the party, I think I wanted you to see me, even though I told myself it would be better if you didn't. When you came to find me afterwards, I was too hurt to register anything, and scared. Yet bit by bit, I've felt those feelings resurfacing. Each time I've nearly lost you, I've felt as though my heart might shatter. Now..."

When did he turn to fully face me? When had he taken me by the hand to draw me closer to him, slipping his other up along my back.

"I remember how excited I was to see you, no matter how brief it was, when you were the Black Viper. Then when I recognized those sapphires of yours at the dance, I knew it was you...That night, when everythin' came crashin' down, I remember how scared I was that I'd never see ya again. When a shred of hope came my way that you were alive, I vowed to take care of ya...I've messed up a lot since makin' that promise..." he faltered as he brushed his thumb along the scar under my eye.

"You never gave up on me," I reminded him.

"An' I'm lucky ya never gave up on me, my sweetheart," he replied sweetly as he brushed the hair out of my eyes.

"We'll continue to be there for the other? No more holding back?" I begged softly, still a little afraid.

"I couldn't hold back anymore if I tried," he assured me, "An' from what I saw tonight, I don't think you could either?"

I shook my head, trying to mask the tears trying to fall from my eyes, "I love you, my..." I faltered, unsure of how he'd feel if I finished what I wanted to say.

He gave a soft chuckle as he assured, "I'm honored to be your devoted thief, my sapphire?"

A breath of a giggle escaped my lips, that he took in as he leaned in and kissed me. As he did, I would feel myself holding onto him as tightly as I could. His hand once caressing my cheek ran to the back of my hair, gently gripping it along the back of my neck. My own hands clutched at the fabric worn over his heart, and the other at his back. When he pulled away, I repeated the words once more to be certain, "I love you, Duke."

"I love ya too, Heart," he promised.