Sephi: OK, before I start this chapter, I have to announce that I made a mistake about Neru's age. She is supposed to be in the 14 range, not the 16 range. So anyway, since I've finally finished this chapter, I'm gonna post it!!

Rune: Which she was doing instead of finishing her geometry homework.

Sephi: Hey! I only have another question to go!

Rune: Yeah. Plus a paper for Japanese.

Sephi: I only have to write a paragraph for that!

Chapter 3- The Commander Caught

Neru's POV

I quickly entered my room to change into a dress that was more suitable to be in audience with the queen. I decided to wear the dress that I had put away before. With a content smile, I proceeded to the audience chamber.

"That was very fast, Neru-san."

"Thanks Gakupo-san! But this time, it was only because these people are just so stupid."

"Why don't I announce your arrival to the Queen. I'm sure she'll be glad."

Not feeling nervous at all I followed slowly behind Gakupo. Surely enough, behind the large doors that led into the audience chamber, the Queen was seated on her throne, waiting. In Queen Rin's presence, I gave her my report, trying to leave out how stupid I thought they were. Key word: trying.

Nevertheless, the Queen dismissed me, and I was back to look forward to another period of boredom.

Rin's POV

So, according to Neru's report, the leader of the demonstrations was Leon. How annoying. No wonder the demonstrations were so large, Leon was a popular was hero. I remembered when Mother and Father had introduced him to me and Len when we were younger, before Mother and Father…

Don't think about it. Don't think about it.

I buried my face into my hands and sighed. It was one of those rare, short moments when I didn't like being the Queen.

"Rin…" Len started to say. He looked worried. I hate it when he looks worried. It just… doesn't look right on him. So I interrupted him.

"I want him captured and brought back as a prisoner. Then, he can be executed in the public, where everyone can see. They way, any more demonstrations will be discouraged." I stole a quick glance at Luka, my chief advisor since when she trained me to become the queen when I was young. She nodded. Then, I looked around for someone to actually do the task.

"I'll do it. I'll bring some soldiers to his house and bring him back tonight, Queen."

"Thanks, Len."

Then, I left the audience hall to go back to my chambers. It had been another long day. But I can rest now. I know that I can trust Len. I can trust him no matter what.

Len's POV

I volunteered to go and capture Commander Leon for Rin. I didn't want to do it though, not to Commander Leon.

Rin and I met Commander Leon when we were younger, when mother and father were still alive. He was very nice and funny. I remember him well. Has Rin forgotten the man that saved out country just a little less than a decade ago?

But I am going to do it. A long time ago, I made a promise to Rin. I have broken that promise once, but that was five years ago. I'm older now. Older, stronger, and smarter. I won't let anything make me break that promise again. Even if it means I have to become evil, I will not break that promise again. Ever.

"Are you prepared, Len-san? A few soldiers are waiting for you outside." A young maidservant named Prima informed me. I checked for my daggers under my cloak.

"Yes. Please tell my sister that I will be back soon, Prima-san." And with that, I turned to leave the castle.

It wasn't too hard to walk to Commander Leon's house, even in the dark. I already knew the path from the times I had visited when I was younger as well. Although during those times, I had visited him under very different circumstances.

I sighed inwardly as I approached his front door. It didn't look any different from the other village houses. In silence, the five soldiers and I snuck into his house. I was surprised that his front door was unbolted, but then again, Neru-san said that she had left him waiting during her report.

I won't give you the details, but the soldiers had bounded and gagged the Commander very efficiently, and in only a few minutes too. Of coarse, the Commander had put up some struggle as well.

When he stopped, I took one of my daggers and pressed it against his throat. He couldn't see me in the darkness, but he probably knew better than to struggle any further.

"If you shout for help, anyone who comes to your aid will die." I whispered. Commander Leon recognized my voice.

"Prince Len…" He whispered back.

I laughed silently. "I'm no longer a Prince, Commander."

"As I am no longer a Commander." Then, he looked at me straight in the eye. Without meaning to, I lowered my gaze. "Len-kun, why?"

I closed my eyes, wishing for the trillionth time that mother and father had never passed away, and that I hadn't hit Luka-san the day Rin was taken away to become Queen.

"You know why I have to, Sir." Commander Leon was one of the only people had I told what my promise was about to. "I'm sorry." I added in the undertone. I do not know if he heard me or not, but I'd like to think that he did.

Sephi: Looking back at this chapter, I think that I should try to make my chapters a bit longer.

Rune: And you need to do your homework too.

Sephi: Curses. Please R&R and tell Rune that he shouldn't be so strict!!^^

Rune: What?!?