I'm sure some of you were expecting a sweet wedding in this chapter. You should know me better than that.

When Mira entered the temple it was a mirage, as if Maka had never left until her eyes focused in the low light, seeing the age added. "Yaara." She knew she should sound surprised but could urge none of it forward.

"How is she?" Yaara asked gently as she took another step forward and exposed a tired face.

"Scared," Mira shook her head softly. "This is the time that a girl needs her mother, Yaara. You should go to Maka now, before-"

Yaara broke Mira's words with a huff, "Maka is grown. She has made this decision and while I can most certainly fault her in her choice…"

"I wouldn't," Mira laughed. "He is very much in love with her."

A bitter snort of a laugh left Yaara. "Young men don't know what they love. And that's not important anyway. Did she say she'd found proof of witchcraft in the castle? Did she tell you where her father is?"

"She's suspicious of the physician but I don't think she trusted me enough to be honest of whether or not she was a witch." Mira sighed, "Spirit's somewhere. Maka wouldn't divulge specifics. And, really, Yaara, if you wanted this information you know you asking her would work. You're her mother, she'd tell you every last secret. I don't know why you're insisting on being like this."

"I have my reasons," Yaara spat before settling her anger again. "Keep an eye on her. I'll leave tomorrow."

"You're not staying for the wedding?" Mira's eyebrows rose as she tried to read Yaara's stone face.

Yaara was already turning away, hiding any clue that would be there. "Why should I?"

Maka froze at the knock on the door. It's him. We're not supposed to see each other but after that stupid smile on his face today… It brought more fluttering to her chest, leaving her voice warbling, "Come in."

Black Star entered with a half-assed salute. "Princess. I've brought the girls as you instructed."

"Oh," Maka could breathe again as her mind calmingly turned to the mission. "You can bring them in."

"Let's go," Black Star barked back into the hallway.

Four women, who couldn't be much younger than she was, walked in. Two were obviously sisters, the same dirty blond hair and blue eyes, only to be differentiated by the length of their hair and height. The second was a beautiful black haired girl with indigo eyes and the third had the strangest pink hair Maka had ever seen. Together, they seemed like a motley crew, complete odds and ends, but this was all that was available thanks to Black Star's antics.

"And this," Black Star rolled his eyes as he took a letter out of his pocket. "I'd like to remind you I'm a badass warrior, not an errand boy."

Maka wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh at him or let a sigh drift from her lips as she clutched at the paper in her fingers. "You can leave now."

Black Star sucked his teeth before turning and stomping out of the room.

She flipped the paper in her hands before she did let the sigh leave her. "The prince has said that you're trustworthy, that he knows you, and has spent time with all of you in the kitchen."

The women exchanged nervous glances with each other.

"And since all of you have also had enough sense not to sleep with Black Star," this eased each woman into a laugh or two, "I'd like to ask you to help me, but it's a lot more complicated than just braiding my hair."

"Princess, excuse me, but…" The tall blond had stepped out of line. "What do you mean by more complicated?"

Maka offered a soft smile, "Could we start with your names first? And, for right now, please just call me Maka. I get that I'll be princess but… before all this started you and I were equal."

The group exchanged glances again and the tall blond continued. "I'm Liz. This is my sister, Patty. Tsubaki," she pointed towards the dark-haired woman, "and finally Kim. Excuse her hair, she's always playing with herbs and experimenting on herself."

"I just rubbed my hair with some ground yollow root!" Kim rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I like it."

"Let's not argue in front of the princess," Tsubaki murmured softly as she grabbed both of their elbows.

"Maka," Patty corrected, but all of them still seemed unsettled with the idea.

"Maka," Liz tested. "So the rumors that you were a common girl are true?"

"Yes," Maka let her mouth crinkle into a frown. "And if we continue I'd love to hear the rest of the rumors so that maybe I can get ahead of them but right now I need something even more important than that. I'm going to ask you all to be my team, my captains of the guard like Soul has Black Star."

"We're not soldiers," Kim laughed nervously.

"You are, just not the kind with swords." Maka flattened the note in her lap before she brought her smile back to them. "To last in a castle like this, you all have to be smart, strong, capable. That's what I need."

"Because…?" Liz offered.

"People are trying to get rid of me," Maka answered plainly. "And trying to control and keep Soul sick."

"I knew it!" Kim spat. "He was getting worse," she hissed at Liz who rolled her eyes.

"We couldn't be sure," Liz recovered, "but it's been noticeable. Especially when you compare it to… well, he has seemed better since you got here. Which makes me kind of want to side with you."

"I appreciate that," Maka smiled sweetly.

"But how can you be sure we're not going to turn?" Kim narrowed her eyes at Maka. "You said it yourself, we've had to work hard, be smart to survive so what if the other side pays more?"

There was silence for a moment and Kim waited for the explosion of anger, the punishment that would come her way for speaking so. Instead, Maka let a short laugh tumble from her lips. "I can't. In that regard, I'm completely powerless, but I have to trust my gut that I'm going to be rewarded for placing my trust in you, all of you."

Kim chewed this over before letting the wrinkles in her forehead relax. "What do you need us to do?"

"I'm sure you're all aware of the promise I made the day of the choosing…" Maka rubbed a hand against her cheek, trying to push away the idea again of that potion she'd have to take, the swiftly approaching wedding. "I think that will be the way they try to get rid of me first, so I'll need Patty and Tsubaki to be personally in charge of my food as well as Soul's."

"You mean someone is going to poison you?" Tsubaki gasped it out as she clutched her chest.

"Not to kill, but to keep me from having a child, definitely," Maka nodded. "Which brings me to you, Kim. You already know plenty about herbs, and while Soul thinks we should assign you, I'd rather have you wheedle your way in on your own."

"Wheedle my way where?" Kim finally let some of the tension tighten her words.

"I want you to be Medusa's assistant."

"The physician?" Kim balked. "You suspect her?"

"For many reasons," Maka tried to close that line quickly with solemnity. "And I need you to find a way to get under her tutelage and watch what she's making. If she prepares anything with-"

"Urdan root," Kim interrupted with a sigh. "Yeah, I know. But you really think, for sure, that she'd do something like that? I mean, she is a little creepy, but she's always been nice."

Maka shook her head firmly, "Nice enough that all the potions she's been giving Soul have been making him lose his memory and his mind."

"Shit," Kim muttered.

"Poor Soul," Patty mourned as she nudged into her sister. "We have to help him."

Liz wrapped an arm around her sister, "We will. I just need to know what you expect of me."

"You'll be my main lady-in-waiting. This will allow you to easily funnel information from your sister in the kitchen to me. It's not ever suspicious when sisters talk." Maka motioned towards them. "Especially with sisters who seem so close."

"That's smart," Liz nodded. "Fine. I'm in."

"Me, too!" Patty cried joyfully.

"I'll help," Tsubaki added.

Kim hesitated but she still locked eyes with Maka. "What do we get out of this?"

"Kim," Tsubaki seemed to scold as she grabbed Kim's arm.

Maka waved her hand dismissively. "No, it makes sense. Kim's right. What are any of you going to get out of helping me since there will be danger. If Medusa becomes suspicious of you your station puts you in greater peril than me. Who would care if a kitchen girl went missing when there's so many?" Maka stood, putting the letter to the side as she moved to stand right in front of them. "I can't even necessarily say that there would be an end to this and you could be in for the rest of your lives like Black Star. So it comes down to what you want. I'll promise you that I'll give you whatever you ask if it's within reason and within my power."

"Anything?" Kim raised her eyebrows.

"Again, within reason and within my reach as Queen," Maka shrugged. "I can't even say how much that will mean since his father has yet to step down and, well, Soul will be King first."

Kim snorted a laugh, "Except he made that cute little speech that you were equals."

Maka revisited that moment in her mind with a smile, "He did. We'll see if he's true to his word."

"He always is," Tsubaki urged, surprising Maka.

"Well, Kim?" Liz turned to her.

Kim crossed her arms over her chest, "Fine, but I'm going to ask for a lot of money."

Maka grinned, "That's probably very doable. The rest of you can ask when you're sure. For now, remember, Tsubaki, Patty, and Kim remain in the kitchen. Kim, you figure out how to get yourself in good with Medusa, and Liz, you report here every morning."

The group nodded their agreement and with just a few more soft mumbles and murmurs they slowly trailed out. Maka stood watching the door for a few slow breaths, examining the entirety of the conversation in her mind, trying to find the mistakes and holes. Just one, that I will have to trust them. I have no choice but there is so much chance there. She rubbed her hands over her face and let them drift into her hair, tugging lightly at the roots.

The worry abated momentarily until her eyes ran over the letter again, her heart jumping into her throat almost instantly at the words she could imagine were there. It's not a love letter, she lamely tried to convince her own mind as she took the slow steps toward it. She sat again and pressed her thumb in the seal.

Maka,

Why does it feel strange not to see you? A few weeks ago I couldn't even remember your face and now… I'm looking forward to this being over, mostly because it means that I'll have every opportunity I want to talk to you. I'm hoping you're looking forward to that, too.

I also wanted to ask if you'd come to the training ring tomorrow. It's another one of those things where it's not exactly against the rules, but it's not expected for the bride to be there. With how things are, it's not going to be a big show, just people I trust in case something doesn't go well. I've been feeling good though, so maybe it'll just be another day that I can get back some memories or just make new ones.

Soul

The absurdity of this was not lost on Soul. The idea that a woman was supposed to show purity while the man was to mindlessly beat other people senseless in a show of bravery and strength hadn't sat well with him. That was part of the reason why he invited Maka since he was betting on the fact that she wouldn't for a second refuse the chance to show off her clout. On top of that, the idea of going most of the day without seeing her wasn't something he wanted to do.

Other than Maka, it was just supposed to be Black Star and two of his lieutenants, Kilik and Ox. Even with the small party, Soul had spent much of the night before awake with worry, the idea that this would be the first real test of his control. While his memories had started to come back on their own and his nightmares weren't every night, the whispers were often still there and he feared their growth at his first taste of conflict. He hated to admit it, but that was his third reason for wanting Maka there: a safety net if he waded too far into the darkness.

That's why the thought came so easily to him when Maka hopped over the fence of the training ring. I need her. Maybe that's what brought the blush that he quickly tried to wipe away as he approached her. "Good morning, princess."

"Good morning," she echoed happily. "I'm glad you invited me."

"Easy decision," he grinned as he reached for her hand. His mind was threatening the idea of kissing the top of her knuckles, some grand gesture that felt completely out of his wheelhouse but something he was willing to try if it produced either that blush or her smile, but he was foiled by her gloves. "You're wearing them again?"

Maka pulled her hand away as she seemed to scold, "Who fights barehanded?"

"I guess that's a better answer than you can't touch your future husband's hand," he let grumble from his lips.

Even with the impropriety, Maka nudged him as she walked past, "Stop complaining and let's get to fighting."

"I'm not sure beating your prince is a good way to start off a marriage," Black Star chuckled.

"That's why you and I are fighting," Maka corrected with a grin. "I've been meaning to beat you senseless for that bath incident."

"Bath incident?" Soul narrowed his eyes at Black Star.

"Definitely have no idea what you're talking about," Black Star grimaced as he shook his head swiftly. "But, come on, princess, I'll let you get one or two free hits before I toss you in the dust."

"Black Star-" Soul started but was instantly cut off by Maka's glare.

"I don't need him to take it easy on me," she instantly corrected. "Let's go, captain."

"Now who's making their standing sound like an insult."

Kilik laughed as he fell in line next to Soul. "I do not want to miss this!"

Soul was unsure what to do since technically this was supposed to be a day for him to be showing off, but he was sure he'd rather watch Maka do it for him. Fortunately for him, Ox was already making the decision for him, handing off a spear as he motioned with his own to the other side of the ring. It definitely wasn't his weapon of choice and to make matters worse he could barely tear his attention away from Kilik's whooping cries of amusement. Soul kept with the diversion though, getting the distinct feeling that Ox was taking it easy on him. He wasn't even necessarily breaking a sweat, and the voices seemed to want to stay as that soft static.

Maka and Black Star were still going strong as Soul called it a quits with Ox. Soul let him join up with Kilik, the two of them murmuring jovially together as Soul chose to ease back and lean into the fence on his elbows.

"Water, my prince?"

Soul turned his head to the girl, thin with a narrow mouth that seemed pockmarked at the ends. "Thank you." He took the cup from her tray before watching her go to Kilik and Ox, offering them the remaining drinks before hurrying off out of the ring. While sipping at the cool drink he watched Maka and Black Star continue even though their antics were slowly coming to a close, both parties panting and dirty. "The two of you are making the rest of us look bad," Soul called.

"I always make you look bad," Black Star cackled back but took the hint, dropping his sword and motioning for Maka to do the same. "And what are you doing? Relaxing?"

"Can't miss the show," Soul shrugged as his eyes hopefully fell to Maka. He was relieved to see her walking his way and as she got close enough he offered the rest of his cup to her. "Here, you earned it more than me."

"Thank you," her voice purred at him and he felt that urge again, his hand lingering close to hers even after she took the cup and brought it towards her mouth. She took a long draft while her eyes watched him over the rim. As she lowered the cup she let out a short laugh, "What's that look for?"

"Nothing," he answered quickly as he let his hand find a home on her wrist to toy with the edge of her gloves.

"Soul…" he could hear the admonishment start and all it did was urge his fingers to wrap around their position rather than relinquish it.

"I doubt Kilik and Ox are going to start rumors," he muttered.

Maka slipped out of his grip. "That isn't the point."

"Maka," he murmured just for her, leaning his face closer to hers so that his words were only for her ears. "Just tell me that by the end of tomorrow I'll be allowed again because I-"

"Come on, lovebirds," Black Star shouted, making the pair jump and Soul settle back against the fence again. "Let's see you two spar. Unless Soul remembers now how all the other matches went."

Maka produced a short laugh as she threw her head over her shoulder to Black Star, "I thought I shouldn't beat my future husband."

"Who said you'll beat me?" Soul challenged as he grabbed the cup from her hand and finished the dredges before tossing it to the dirt. "Choose your weapon, princess."

"You'll only stand a chance with a sword," Maka shot back at him as she turned her smirk to shine in his face.

"Don't be so cocky," he laughed as he walked over to the weapon stand, pulling off a sword.

"You think you can win?" Maka teased.

"Maybe I do," Soul grinned as he closed the space between them, Maka sweeping her sword playfully at his feet to stop him from getting any closer. "And when I do, I expect one touch. Just one."

Maka's face flushed but she managed a sharp laugh. "Good luck, my prince."

"Not gonna need it." He twisted his wrist before bringing his sword between them, coaxing her into taking the first strike. Soul was half sure his determination would mean nothing, especially since he did remember their old sparring record and he was woefully on the bottom. Combine that with the fact that he had avoided fighting for as long as he had meant that he was most likely rusty which was the exact opposite of Maka. Instead, he felt an odd exhilaration start to course through his veins and while he was in no way smooth and perfect, he was at least keeping pace with her, though mostly holding the defensive.

It was his first real strike that started it. As their swords met, he attempted to close the gap and push her back but instead, she sidestepped him, letting his weight take him to the ground on his knees. "Are you alright?" was her instant reaction, sweet and comforting as a hand touched to his back. In the dizzying fall he realized it wasn't exhilaration and just as the dust billowed around him, the hum of the voices became a chorus, drowning out his thoughts and his will. He watched helplessly as his body turned without him, grasping at her wrist.

He wondered if her shoulder dislocated because the force with which he snapped her arm seemed impossible, tossing her into the dust next to him. Her eyes were panicked and white and Soul wished he could show the same. Instead, he knew the sick smirk was pressing across his lips. "That hurt," he heard scratch from his throat, barely his own voice.

Her lips moved but there was no way for the sound of her voice to filter through the screams in his head.

"It hurts," he heard himself groan again as his chest flared up in pain. If he had the ability to tear his attention from Maka he would realize that his white shirt was soaked with a slash of black, the oily blood oozing from the tip to the end of his scar. Unfortunately, it was his hand that occupied all his thoughts as it clutched around her neck. By that point, the other hands were on his shoulders, Black Star desperately trying to restrain the arm at Maka's throat.

Again, her lips were moving, her eyes not on Soul but on Black Star as she reached her only free hand to him rather than to fight back. "My glove," she was trying to squeeze out of her throat.

As Kilik and Ox took over Soul's arms, Black Star pulled the glove from Maka's hand and watched desperately as she clutched it to Soul's cheek. It was instantaneous, both Soul and Maka gasping for air as Soul's hand released while Maka's dug in. Black Star had gotten one arm around Soul's middle, pinning his arm to him but letting the connection stay as Maka continued to make up for her lost air.

Soul was groaning, his eyes barely open as the strain started to stretch across Maka's face.

"Keep it up, princess," Black Star muttered as he felt the muscles start to relax in Soul's arms.

"Soul, please," she coughed out as the tightness of her grip left crescent moons dug in his cheek.

"Maka," he finally croaked, and Maka dropped her hand, letting it come to her face to hide it. Soul's eyes were blinking open, his mind bringing together the puzzle pieces now in the complete absence of the voices. "Maka," he repeated desperately as he tried to shake free from Black Star.

"Soul," Black Star started but stopped, seeing the tears starting in the corner of his best friend's eyes. He let the arm slip away and sat back miserably on his haunches as he watched Soul come apart.

He was crying without restraint, his hands instantly wrenching away from all holds so he could touch the wrist of the hand she was using to hide her own. "Maka, please…" he murmured hoarsely.

"I'm OK," she squeaked as she let her hand fall from her face, the tears clearing lines in the dirt on her face.

"No," Soul groaned as another layer of horror hit him. As his hand touched her cheek his thumb brushed her lips, clearing the black blood from her lips. He lifted his shaking hand to display it to her, instantly negating the blush that had started with that tender touch.

Maka's hand came back to her face as she twisted away from him on her side. As she got up on her knees she spit into the dirt, watching the viscous black substance spray from her lips instead of saliva. It's just a small transfer, right? Not an infection but a residual from our connection, but how? And as she raised her head, her answer was right in front of her.

Medusa crouched in front of Maka, the fake panic coming off her in waves. "My princess, are you alright? Please, let me-"

"No," Maka croaked as she pushed up further, sitting back on her heels. "No, thank you, I'm fine."

"Then, my prince, perhaps we should get you back to your room. That was quite a fit." Medusa motioned towards Black Star, "Won't you help him up?"

Black Star stayed put, his eyes turning to Soul who sighed. "I… yes. I will go back to my room."

Maka turned her head sharply, "What?"

His eyes refused to leave the stain Maka had left in the dirt as the murmur barely left his mouth, "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."