Title: Kingdom of Treason
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon
Authors notes: Sorry for the delay in updating, but I've had a hectic week. Thank you guys so much for reviewing. This is my first story to reach 300 reviews!!!! That's awesome you guys. Thank you for sticking with me this whole time and letting me know what you think. It really helps me re-write the next chapters so that you're not disappointed. I hope you like this chapter too!!!!
Serenity gazed out over the desert, unmoving. She could feel Lita sitting beside her, but she didn't avert her gaze even for a moment. She didn't even know if she was looking the right way, but part of her could almost see the city. If she could just get out of here, she could reach it. She could reach him.
The two sat together on the wall surrounding Lita's city, watching for anything to approach.
"I once sat up here for three days when my father promised he would bring me my first mare from a distant city. I was so excited I could hardly sit still, and I would throw a tantrum every time someone tried to move me."
Serenity smiled. "Did he bring one?" She liked Lita. She had been here a only a short time and despite her absorbing desire to get out of here, she enjoyed talking with her. The tall girl was alive and adventurous, and she had a will stronger than most men could ever hope to boast. In some way, she wished she was more like Lita. In her situation, Lita would have found a way to escape.
"Oh yes, and she was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. She gave me three fine young colts before she died, and each one grew into the most beautifully strong horse I have ever seen. I believe Endymion rides one now. A great black stallion."
Serenity nodded. "He rode it in when he returned to the city after the last war. It was the first time I had ever seen him."
"And was it love at first sight?" Lita giggled happily.
She smiled. "No, in fact I cared nothing for him. Mina thought he was handsome and could hardly take her eyes off him, but I was more interested in the crowd then him. Did you know they dropped rose petals all the way through the city to the palace, just so the air would smell perfect for him? The soldiers dress in gold that glittered in the sun, and the people danced in the street."
Lita laughed. "And you didn't care about him at all?"
"No, I didn't know him. I knew he was the Kings brother, and I knew he lead the war, but what does any of that matter to me. I was destined to become a mistress to some rich noble and I would be hidden away in a richly furnished house. Endymion was never in my future let alone in my dreams."
"And now he is your future."
Serenity nodded.
They gazed over the desert again, but still nothing happened.
"It's been nearly a week," Lita said. "Father said the army has been settled into the city and welcomed by the new King, and everything has settled down to normal. Already the ruling parties from surrounding cities are flocking in to negotiate with him."
Serenity nodded. "Has the council contacted him?"
"We're leaving tomorrow. You will be presented to him as trade for his promise of peace."
Serenity just glared into the desert.
"Isn't it worth seeing him again?" Lita asked.
"Not at such a price," she answered. "I shouldn't cost him anything."
"But it's something that he would give anyway."
"It's still a cost. I refuse to be a bargaining chip."
Lita's shoulders seemed to sag sadly. "What are you going to do?"
Serenity sighed. What could she do? What could anyone do in her position? She knew what she wanted, but it seemed as if she couldn't get it no matter how hard she tried.
"Thank you for being with me through all this," she said.
Lita just smiled. "You're the most exciting thing to happen here in a long time. I've had nobody to relate to almost my whole life."
"Maybe you could come with me," Serenity said. "I'm sure the Queen will be glad of the company, and you could stay in the palace and meet Amy and spend time with me in the ladies courtyard."
Lita giggled. "And be mistaken for someone's mistress?"
"You would have one hell of a time punishing those who tried to convince you to bed them," Serenity laughed.
"Perhaps it might be fun," Lita said, and then sighed. "But unless there is the promise of peace, my father would never allow it."
"There will be," Serenity said in confidence. "Its all Endymion wanted."
She believed that with every fiber of her being. He wanted peace, and she was being used against him. Not for the first time she felt the pain of betrayal in her chest. This was not what she was supposed to be to him. It would be better know for her to simply disappear.
Endymion stood tiredly at the end of the long greeting room, which was currently being remodeled to be the new throne room. Behind him there was a heard of men, setting up the new throne. There would be three in all. One for the King, one for his queen and one for Queen Raye or the Queen mother. The room was noisy and hot, with sun streaming through the tall windows and lighting up the room with shades of gold and orange. Their colors were being hung everywhere, and the large room was being cleaned and readied.
"Endymion?"
He barely looked up at Kunzite as he came to stand beside him, looking out across the city. This room had a perfect view of the city, which would serve as a constant reminder to any King that the people milling around below were his only concern.
"Another party has arrived. I've made arrangements to put them in the guest hall."
Endymion nodded.
The workers constant talk echoed behind them, mixing with the pounding of tools.
"What are you going to do with the old throne room?" Kunzite asked hesitantly.
"It will be completely gutted," Endymion said softly. "Not one stone will remain the same. It will become an open courtyard to the sun, and we will plant trees that will bloom into an array of different colors. We will call it the memorial to the Kings of the past."
Kunzite nodded. "Do you have any other changes planned for the palace?"
"I am re-opening the left wing and issuing invites to those nobles who might like their young to learn from the palace tutors. My mother always took care of all who stayed and showed them everything there was about royal life. It is how I first met Raye."
Kunzite nodded.
"The ladies courtyard is to be opened. If a man wants a mistress, there is no one to stop him, but the palace will not hold women simply used by anyone for pleasure. I am also taking down the walls between the city and the gardens so that the public might enjoy its beauty."
"You're changing a lot," Kunzite said.
"I want nothing to remind me of what's happened."
They heard footsteps come up softly behind them, and turned to see Nephrite bow gently.
"You majesty, as you requested the palace guards are ready for their new positions."
Endymion nodded. "Thank you. Have we heard from the noble families who appose me?"
Nephrite shook his head. "None have returned."
"Keep me informed," Endymion said.
Nephrite bowed again and walked away.
"I wish he wouldn't do that," Endymion said. "We slept in a pit together and spoke as men, and now he treats me as his King."
"You are his King," Kunzite said. "And he respects you."
Endymion just nodded.
There was another pause between them before Endymion spoke again. When he did, his tone was very low and Kunzite knew what the question would be before it was even asked.
"Have you heard anything about Serenity?"
Kunzite looked away, almost ashamed. "No. There was someone fitting her description seen in a small town a few days away from here, but when I sent men to check it out, no one could tell me where she might have gone."
Endymion nodded.
"We contacted the council, as they are the closest kingdom to where she was last seen, but they have no news of her. I have asked them to search their city, and they agreed."
"That could mean she wondered out in the desert somewhere."
"I don't think she would have been that foolish," Kunzite said. "She had a head on her shoulders and she would have known how to survived."
"When you're desperate, you can be driven to do foolish things," Endymion said quietly.
Kunzite nodded, but his eyes were worried.
"Get ready for the party," Endymion said after a moment. "I'm going to announce tonight that you are to be our public adviser and Zoicite will stay on as my personal adviser. Jedeite will take over as commanding general of the army and I will give up that life."
Kunzite simply nodded.
For a moment they looked at each other.
"What am I missing?" Endymion asked.
Kunzite fidgeted for a moment. "Do you remember how long Diamond was King before he was pressured into marrying?"
Endymion's stormy blue eyes looked suddenly full of pain and his shoulders sank, shortening his long lean frame slightly. His black glossy hair hung down into his eyes, making him look at that moment like an innocent little boy.
"I'm not trying to push you, but you know it's going to happen soon. Even now, visiting kingdoms have brought their daughters for you to meet and the nobles are starting to flurry about. I'm just warning you that it will happen. The Kingdom needs an heir."
He didn't say anything.
"I hope that we find Serenity, I really do. But you have to face facts. Even if we find her and she's alive and well, you can't marry her. She's……well, she's a pleasure slave. She wouldn't even be eligible for you hand in marriage."
"I know," he said.
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Kunzite looking after him confused and concerned.
Endymion hardly looked at the people walking by him as he made his way through the long marble hallways of the palace. Already, only a week after the devastation of what had happened, everything seemed almost normal. The servants had worked day and night to clean up the mess made and all repairs needed were already being dealt with.
Those that noticed him bowed in respect, and others simply got out of the way. Some smiled and some cried.
A man he had never met stumbled in front of him and nearly fell. But he quickly righted himself and stepped out of the way as quickly as possible.
Were they afraid of him?
Endymion had never liked the idea of ruling with fear. He never wanted to give orders and have people listen without thought. Life was not about bullying and strength, it was about cooperation and stamina. That was what his father had believed, and that was what he believed.
He found his way into the ladies courtyard. No guards stood at the large double doors, and the doors stood open for all to enter and exit. The smell of cherry blossoms drifted towards him, and he smiled at the gentle reminder of her.
He leaned against a pillar, just inside the courtyard. Even though he could feel eyes on him, he didn't move. Children's laughter swirled up to him and it seemed to float majestically through the soft breeze. The scorching heat of the last couple of weeks seemed to have faded enough to make life bearable again.
Standing there, Endymion felt separated from the life he was now supposed to lead. He had to be King. He had to choose a wife. He had to have a child. All those things seemed so forced.
And yet the idea of doing all of those things with Serenity brought a smile to his face.
He sighed.
"Good afternoon your majesty."
Endymion smiled at the voice and turned around to face her. "Good afternoon my Queen," he said reaching down to take her hand, and then bring it gently to his lips and kiss it.
Raye giggled.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Well, I actually have some news."
Endymion looked at her with worry in his gaze, but she didn't look upset. "What kind of news?"
She smiled at him softly. "I'm with child."
Endymion stared at her, unmoving. It was like the air had sucked all the noise away from them.
And then he started laughing. He couldn't contain it. The timing was so wrong it was amusing. He laughed until his eyes started to tear and he had to hold his sides. The sound seemed to shoot out all around the courtyard, and everyone took notice in that moment.
"I'm glad you're so amused," Raye said smiling.
He quickly stood up straight and pulled her into a hug. "I promise you that I will take care of you. Your child will be loved."
Raye slowly wrapped her arms around him, tears coming to her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Now come," Endymion said suddenly full of energy. "The Kingdom will want to know of our Queens great news. Right now might be growing inside you the next heir to the throne."
Raye laughed. "And that would take the pressure off of your finding a wife so soon," she finished for him.
"Well, your good news can also be my good news."
"Yes it can," she said. "I'll announce it at the party tonight, after you assign those who will be working closely with you now that you're King. We will celebrate a new beginning for everyone."
He took her hand and pulled her quickly through the palace again. He was excited. The thought of becoming an uncle gave him more joy then he could have imagined possible.
"How will you react when they're your own children?" Raye giggled.
Endymion shrugged. "I suppose one day we might find out."
"Do you want children?" She asked cautiously.
He stopped and looked at her.
Raye's violet eyes were both excited and curious. She stared up at him, waiting for him to answer.
"Yes," he said softly. "I had never thought of it until I met Serenity, but she convinced me that I do want children."
"Only with her?" She asked.
He sighed.
"Endymion, don't show me your wall. What will you do if we don't find her?"
"I don't want to think about that."
"Yes you do, you just don't want to talk about it."
"What's the difference?"
"Endymion," Raye said breathlessly. "It's been days and you haven't really mentioned her at all, and yet I can tell that you're thinking of her. She could be dead."
He shook his head. "She's not."
"You might never see her again."
"I will," he said seriously. "And when I do, things will make sense to me again. I could see clearly with her. I could imagine my future and understand my present. She slowed things down so that I could relax. I love her," he said urgently. "I have to find her and see her again."
Raye looked up at him sympathetically. "Alright," she said. "Then we'll see her again."
But he could tell by the look in her eyes that she didn't believe it. He didn't want to see the pity in her eyes as she looked at him, just like everyone else. He had to believe he would see her again. It was the only thing that would get him through this.
Endymion stood tall and lean dressed in black silk with the gold rings of royalty perfectly position around him. The delicate looking belt glimmered in the fading light, and contrasted against the deep midnight black. In front of him, a line of guests drifted into the room. Some he acknowledge, but most he just waited for them to go into the room.
When he had done his duty, he was ushered into the great ballroom to start the party. He made his entrance, receiving low bows and a stunned silence, and then it was over. People were still coming in, but he could relax.
"I see you still insist on wearing black," Kunzite said rolling his eyes.
Endymion smiled. "You can't hide anything with black," he said.
"Sure you can," Kunzite said in his brightly color robes. "There's more shadow."
"And less flash."
They both smiled.
Endymion noticed Raye come in and head for Amy, who was quietly talking to Zoisite. His newly appointed adviser seem almost flustered with the sudden amount of womanly attention. He could see the amused look Raye shot him and couldn't help but laugh.
"Prince Endymion?"
He turned around to face a woman with brown hair and green eyes. She was almost startlingly tall for a woman.
She curtsied. "I'm sorry, but I have a message for you. I……"
"Lita!"
Endymion turned to face one of the council members from the Kingdom they had recently set up war with. He bowed respectfully.
"I am glad to see that you've come," Endymion said. "I look forward to continuing our negotiations, as promised."
The man looked at him cautiously. "Yes, so do I."
"I hope that you have planned to stay some time," Kunzite said. "We have arranged time to meet with you tomorrow, but we're hoping our relations will last longer than that."
"We will stay as long as necessary," he answered shortly before turning back to the woman who had so boldly approached him. "Come now Lita, I wish to introduce you to someone."
Lita looked at him in obvious frustration and Endymion couldn't help but wonder what she might have wanted to tell him. He had heard of her, but he had never met her during his time in their city. Besides, who else would be more important for her to meet in this moment than him?
"You must have made an impression on her," Kunzite said.
Endymion shook his head. "I've never met her."
"She's very pretty."
He nodded. "Yes she is."
"Listen, there's something I wanted to ask you," Kunzite said suddenly.
Endymion looked at him calmly, but Kunzite looked nervous.
"Alright, I know that I wasn't supposed to……what I mean is that when you asked me to do this, I fully had no intention of…….well I mean."
Endymion watched him blabber on incoherently for a moment before cutting in. "You know you're making absolutely no sense, right?"
Kunzite laughed, nervously, and then swallowed. "My sister and mother are to take over our home while I move into the palace to work along side you, and we have no problem with that new arrangement. When I have a son, he will inherit the house and it will stay in the family. We've made arrangements for that."
"Alright," he answered. It wasn't like Kunzite to be flustered, and it was making Endymion concerned.
"But the things is, there's someone that I was hoping might be able to come with me here, and stay in the ladies courtyard."
He looked at him strangely for a moment. As far as he knew, there was no one who would be in the position to have caught is attention. Through this whole thing, his usually social friend had spent most of his time keeping out of the spotlight. No woman had........"Mina?" Endymion asked startled.
Kunzite nodded with wide eyes, slightly afraid. "Yes, I would like her to accompany me here."
Endymion stared at him in shock for a moment. "You were supposed to protect her."
"I know," Kunzite said quickly. "I honestly didn't intend to use her in any way. When I bought her at your request, she was so sweet and kind that I thought she would be a great companion for my sister, and she was. The more I got to know her, the more I realized that I was attracted to her. I just…..I like her Endymion."
Endymion couldn't help but picture the beautiful girl as he had seen her last, standing so innocently in front of him and rambling on about how much she loved Serenity. They could have been sisters.
He wanted to say no. If Serenity was never found, her friend Mina would only be a constant reminder of her. Part of him wanted to throttle Kunzite for going against his orders. But that left only the implication that Kunzite wanted to keep a girl with him, for probably the first time. He had never been heartless before, but he had also flitted around like a butterfly, never staying for very long in one place. Apparently he wanted to change that.
"Alright," he answered. "She can stay here if you wish, but she is yours only."
Kunzite nodded. "I wouldn't dream of sharing her with anyone."
Endymion nodded. "Fine, do as you wish."
The only thing he could see in that moment was the reminder of Serenity.
He closed his eyes against the onslaught of emotions.
The party seemed to blur in front of him, swirling around in a maze of colors and shadows. The different Kingdoms all wore their own colors, creating a rainbow of light that glittered fuzzily all around him.
He couldn't focus on it anymore.
One after another, he danced with the ladies that were presented to him, and he always imagined they were her. But none of them danced like her, and none of them made him laugh or took his mind off of his new roles as King. None of them were her, and with each new partner he found himself in a new hole of despair.
He tried to keep his spirits up in pretense, but it took all his energy to keep smiling and greeting person after person.
Endymion knew then that his life would never be complete without her. It pained him to think of his empty future, but he would not trade her memory for the chance of happiness. The thought made his heart clench tightly in his chest, and he had to focus on breathing.
Finally, the even was coming to a close and it came time for the announcements.
Endymion stood up at the front of the room, stepping onto the wide steps leading to the double doors of the second level of the palace. The room quieted when they saw him, and turned to watch him. All eyes at that moment fixed on him, and he felt the responsibility of his actions weigh on him like an anvil.
"Good Evening," he said bowing softly. The whole room bowed in front of him, hardly making any noise. "I am delighted to see that so many people could join us from other Kingdoms during our fight for peace."
There was a general murmur of agreement.
"Today starts a new relationship between all of us. Hopefully, war will be a thing of the past, and we will all learn to live in perfect harmony with one another, both as separates and equals."
His audience applauded him. Applause to a promise, not to action.
"We have gathered today to honor our new office. For those who do not belong to our Kingdom, it is my intention that the role of the King will now be spread out between elected men chosen by the public. And by public, I do not mean simply the nobles. I mean the entire civilization living within the perimeters of the Kingdom. For those who don't know, a few weeks ago we held an election that resulted in my preceding my brother on the throne."
The crowd cheered.
Endymion couldn't help but feel pride at their love of him in this moment. In the future it might fade, but right now he was at least respected. "During that election, we also got your vote on certain positions now available to any man, no matter what his upbringing. Lord Kunzite was elected as the peoples official."
The crowed cheered when Kunzite came to stand beside him.
"Zoisite will stay on as my adviser and take over certain departments of necessity such as education and health."
Zoisite took his place beside him as the room applauded.
"General Jedeite will become commander of our Army, and will have complete say in where the army goes and who we defend ourselves against. As of this moment, his decision is to stop all offensive movements and focus only on keeping our kingdom safe."
Jedeite walked up the steps to a great cheer. Everybody was thrilled at the idea of the end of war.
"There is one more elected position that was voted upon. Nephrite, who is head of the palace guard, has been elected to act as foreign correspondent. He will be working directly with me to set up negotiations with everyone in hopes of creating peace throughout the whole land. With luck, we hope to never relive even the idea of war."
The five men stood together on the stairs as the new hope for the Kingdom, and the crowd seemed very well pleased as they applauded them.
After the crowed had quieted down, Endymion spoke again.
"We have another announcement that has brought great joy to those within the palace and I hope that you will join us in our celebrations to congratulate our Queen, who is with child."
For a moment there was a stunned silence, and then once again the room erupted into applause as Raye blushed and stood in front of them. Those close to her hugged and cried for her in happiness, and Endymion couldn't help but smile.
"Her child will be heir to the throne," Endymion said loudly. "And he or she will be loved by us all."
Raye looked at him happily, with her violet eyes brimming with tears.
For a moment the room seemed to hold nothing but happiness, and Endymion was almost ashamed to break it. But he called the room to order, and they looked up at him expectantly.
"There is only one thing that I wish to say before ending and allowing us to celebrate far into the night. I'm afraid that this decision was made only by me, and I do not intend to hold negotiations about it."
There was a stunned silence.
"For those who know me, you know that when it comes to my own personal happiness, I have very much kept to myself. I am not known for sharing my emotions, and have nearly never opened up completely to anyone around me. That is why I fear you might not understand my decision not to marry."
Gasps shot around the room and the murmur started.
"Endymion?" Raye came to stand in front of him.
"I have already given away my heart," he said just loud enough for people to hear him. "And therefore I could never give it to another."
They watched him, completely shocked.
Raye's eyes were filled with concern, and his friends around him looked at a loss. He saw Amy, sitting a few feet away, looking at him as if he was someone to be pitied. They all believed she was dead. Why would she be alive? He could see they hoped he was just trying to stay true to her, and the feelings would fade. The situation said differently.
The lady Lita, who stood taller than most of the crowd caught his eye.
She smiled.
He looked at her curiously, but her green eyes simply blazed in complete pleasure. While the rest of the room looked at him in pity, she looked at him as if he had just given her the greatest pleasure she could ever imagine.
"I can only hope you will respect my decision," he said softly before stepping down the steps and back into the crowd.
At first nobody said anything, but as he moved past them all, the talking started and grew to an almost frightening level. He signaled for the music to start and it did little to drown everything out.
Serenity felt tears brim her eyes as she watched him move through the crowd. She could hardly breath as his words seemed to echo around inside her. She pushed against the man holding her arm tightly and felt bruises form under his fingers. She tried to call out, but he held a hand over her mouth. They were well hidden, behind a pillar and away from the party.
"You wanted to see, now you've seen," the man snarled at her. "We're going back to our room."
She pushed against him, but he was to strong for her. He dragged her back down the cool marble hallways that were shadowed with night. All she could think about was getting to him again.
"What are you doing?"
Serenity felt the man beside her tense at the voice and she struggled to turn around. A man stood there, with long brown hair wearing the uniform of the palace guards. She stared at him urgently, willing him to help her. He looked at her curiously.
"The King has decreed that no woman in the palace should be passed from man to man as a common pleasure. Unless you hold claim to that woman, I'm going to have to ask you to unhand her."
Serenity stood as still as possible.
"She is mine to protect," the man said.
"You don't seem to be doing your job exceedingly well."
She held her gaze with the guard.
"I'm sorry, but she simply wanted to see the festivities. I saw no harm in it, but now we must return to our rooms."
"I'm afraid I cannot allow that unless you prove your claim over her."
The man gripped her so tightly she was sure the pain would completely overcome her. She gritted her teeth against it, waiting for something to happen. She knew that he couldn't prove anything and hopefully this man would stay firm to what he was saying.
"If you hand her over, I will place her with the ladies in the courtyard, and you may return for her when you have your proof," he said reaching out for her.
But the man held her tightly. "She came with us from our Kingdom, you have no claim over her."
"I do not pretend to, but while you are in the Kings palace, you will abide by his rules. Unless you wish to offend him of course."
Serenity felt every muscle the man had stiffen behind her.
"If you will excuse us, we have somewhere to be," she heard him growl out.
She wanted to cry when the guard pulled his sword out from its sheath. "I an Nephrite, captain of the Kings guard, and I warn you to head your next action. We are moving into a time of peace, and I will not let anyone try and thwart our efforts."
Nephrite? Serenity knew that name. Endymion had said it a few times before this had all happened. He was a friend. She tried to do something, signal who she was with her eyes, but he just stood ready to pounce a few feet away. He wouldn't know her. They had never met.
"If you insist on this captain, I will have no choice but to fight you."
At his words Serenity heard the feet of a few men come into the area and knew by the look that Nephrite shot around that they were not his guards.
"You are causing a commotion at a party of peace?"
"You are the one who will not back down."
Serenity didn't know what to do. She didn't want them to fight, but she needed to get away from this man. She had managed to trick him into letting her see the party by using her innocence to manipulate him, but that would not work now. She had to do something.
The tension filled the room.
She could see the muscles in Nephrites forearm flex through his clothes as he gripped his sword tightly.
"Now I have to ask myself," Nephrite said calmly. "What woman could possible be worth this." He looked directly at her, his eyes blazing. "What woman would you bring into the palace, only to hold as your captive despite the present ban on the mistreatment of women?"
"If you don't let us pass, we will be forced to act," the man said again.
To Serenity's horror, Nephrite nodded. "This is far from over," he said softly.
Serenity yelped as pain shot through her when the man holding her moved. He forced her to walk away, and she could only glance at Nephrite in fear as he watched them walk away. But she could see the soft smile of triumph in his eyes, as if he had just one.
She felt dread fill her. Had she just caused far more trouble that she already was? Endymion had worked so hard for piece, and in an instant they were willing to fight again. She had almost shattered the hope of the whole Kingdom, just by trying to see him for even the briefest moment.
She let tears drip from her eyes.
No, she couldn't give in to this. She had to be strong.
She bit into his hand and he yelped in surprise, releasing her.
She threw herself out of his way and tried to run. For a moment the startled look on Nephrites face made her think she had one.
But then strong arms were around her again, and despite her best efforts and kicks and screams, she couldn't get away. The music from the party drowned out her cries, and she simply wasn't strong enough to fight them all off.
"I wouldn't try that again," he snarled at her.
She was dragged through the palace, feeling her body go limp as she gave up.
Why hadn't he done anything? Nephrite had just stood there. Endymion had talked about his as if he were a man to be trusted, and he had so easily let his knew rules fade away. He was outnumbered, but he hadn't tried to call for his guards. Perhaps he just didn't want a fight while the celebration was going on. But now he didn't follow them.
She was afraid for Endymion. Someone close to him wasn't what he seemed. She needed to warn him.
Her fear vanished and once again she was consumed with only thoughts of helping him.
End of Chapter Thirteen!
Please review!
I know some of you will be upset that it was a little shorter, but the next chapter is already in the works. Stay tuned and it'll come out by the end of the week!