"You look like hell."

Logan stared at Walter, waiting for something more but nothing followed. The hatred that had been in the man's eyes when he pushed him into the cell was no longer there. This was the Walter he knew. "I suppose I do," Logan replied.

"Your trial will be starting soon, Logan. Is there anything you would like to request?"

"A bath and something clean to wear. I may be the most hated man in Albion but I have the right to be presentable."

Walter couldn't deny him that and motioned for the guards. For the first time in years Logan found himself being watched as he bathed. He knew the reasons but it was no less embarrassing. Fresh clothes were brought to him and much to his surprise Walter saw to it that it was one of the finer suits he wore to court. Logan smiled to himself; even though he was technically a prisoner, he was still seen as the son of the Hero Queen.

"It sounds like a lot of people have come to hear my sister's judgment," Logan said.

"Many people want to see you put to death and I can understand their feelings." Walter replied, leading him down the empty hallway.

"Will you promise me something, Walter?"

"And what might that be?"

"If my sister decides the best course of action is my death, I want you guide her through what is to come. Help her become the ruler our mother had been." Walter gave no reply but Logan knew he would do so.

Much to Logan surprise and horror the throne was filled to capacity. The moment they noticed he was being brought in the soft murmurs became angry cries. Logan ignored them and pushed as much of the sound out of his mind as Walter pulled him forward. He turned his eyes towards the throne only to see the angry faces of the other rebellion leaders. He recognized each face and remembered every wrong he had committed. In the pit of his stomach Logan knew that if Tara listened to these people his death was almost certainly assured.

The angry shouts turned to cheers, causing Logan to glance over his shoulder. His sister stood at the entrance with wide eyes. It was obvious she was stunned by the amount of people before as well as her reception. Logan watched as she moved down the aisle, her head held high and her eyes set on the throne. She was dressed in men's clothing but looked no less regal as she turned and took her place. Her eyes fell on him and Logan watched her jaw tense before she looked away.

"Logan, former King of Albion, you stand accused today of crimes against the kingdom and its people." Walter's words echoed above the noise of the people, his voice demanding silence as he trained his eyes on Logan. "Those who brought you to justice will now speak."

Sabine stepped forward, his bent body shaking with anger. "There's not a soul alive in the kingdom who hasn't suffered for his glory. And plenty who've died for it," the man spat. "I say let him have some death of his own."

Tara lowered her head, glancing up as Ben Finn stepped forward. "Look, I'm not one for lopping people's head off, but we saw Major Swift executed like it was a bloody circus act. He deserves nothing less as far as I'm concerned."

Logan swallowed his fear as he listened to those words echo in the suddenly silent room. He eyed Paige as she slowly moved to Tara's side, knowing that she was a vocal opponent of his amongst the common folk. "But aren't we better than that?" Paige looked at Tara who was watching her, obviously putting trust in her words. "Isn't that why we fought to be here now? I've seen what Logan has done to this city. People starving to death, children forced to work….but killing him now won't solve anything."

"It's not my place to decide his fate but his betrayal condemned many of my people to death." This time it was Kalin who spoke, the leader of the Auroran people and a strong woman. She looked at Logan with disgust, "He promised us salvation and then left us to face the darkness alone."

"I had good reason to break that promise. And I have good reason for the crimes you claim I committed," Logan said, breaking his silence and causing all eyes to turn to him. He took a step forward, shrugging off Walter's hand as he looked at the people who spoke against. "The day I returned to Albion I received a visit from a blind seer; Theresa, our mother's guide."

Tara's eyes widened at the utterance of the woman's name. "What?"

"She showed me the future of this kingdom. The darkness of Aurora is coming here, bringing death, destruction, the end of our way of life." Logan balled his hands into fists as his pleading eyes suddenly turned hard as he stared down those around him. "The sacrifices I had to make, I did them to protect Albion. If a few had to suffer, it was to build an army. If a few had to die, it was to save the country."

Logan locked eyes with Tara for a moment before lowering them once more, "I have spent years preparing for this attack. Let me stand by your side now and all my soldiers will be yours to command. Let us face the coming darkness together."

Walter was suddenly at his side, causing Logan to look up with a start. "If this is true, it it's really coming here," he said. "We're all in grave danger."

The crowd murmured in response. They had never known what was lurking outside of their realm and now they heard talk of an attack. Uneasiness was not theirs alone, those who stood at Tara's side mirrored the feelings of the crowd.

Logan chose his words carefully, knowing full well what memories would be roused as he spoke. "You have the power over life and death, sister. Now choose."

Tara stood and stared at Logan, the emotions on her face were, for the first time, indecipherable. In that moment he knew that Tara saw the fear in his own eyes before he shut them tightly. "This is not the time for revenge. We need your help, Logan."

Cries of anger were quickly raised in the crowd. Walter wheeled around, "The Queen has made her decision. Logan's life will be spared."

Logan felt the weight on his body, the years of struggling and inner turmoil, melt away. The relieved smile on his face last for an instant, disappearing when he noticed Tara approaching him. "I know you will never forgive me for what I've done," he said, once she was beside him. "You told me so once, remember?"

"Of course I do," Tara replied.

"But what matters now is that we defend our land. The castle is yours, and so is the throne." Logan heaved a sigh, "I'm glad to be rid of them."

Tara took Logan's arm, waving off Walter and the guards as she led him out of the room. "Where will you go?"

"We have a home near Mistpeak Valley, if you remember." Logan replied. "I will be there until I'm needed."

"I remember it," Tara said with a soft smile. She continued to lead him farther away from the throne room, stopping finally when they were secluded. "You should have told me, Logan. I would have understood. I could have helped you."

Logan faced his sister, "I didn't wish to burden you with such knowledge. I wanted to protect you more than anything else." He watched as tears trailed down Tara's cheeks. Like he had done years before, Logan wiped them away with gloved fingers. She looked at him and forced a smile, which caused him to smile in return. "You've become a beautiful woman, Tara."

Tara leaned forward and pressed her lips against her brother's. He was surprised that the kiss wasn't the familial peck they had given each other as children. There was more behind this show of gratitude. She loved him more than he had realized, that much Logan knew now. He returned the gesture, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.

"I'll miss you, Logan." Tara whispered.

"I'll miss you too."

A/N: This was all I had planned for the prompt, though it could continue on here if it's requested. If not, it stands alone. :d