I would like to thank those who reviewed: The Immortal Priestess (the first), ScarletChakra, emberlies, and Kassandra Black (whom I secretly adore). Your kind words mean the world to me, and it is because of you that this chapter came so smoothly together. I never like anything I write, but this chapter I almost do. I wanted it to be longer, but three bottles of Lionshead down, and I just can't cohesively write more to this bit. Also- I'm glad to hear that, in your opinions at least, I have Ben's character down. Chalk that one up to twitter stalking him...

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Abigail liked Ben. He was charming, charismatic, funny, and handsome even. But, much to her chagrin, he was overly flirtatious with everyone and had a tongue that was quite possibly sharper than her own sword. He could only be taken seriously when their rag-tag bunch was surrounded by enemies that needed to be slain.

With a sigh, she cocked her rifle and adjusted her aim, firing off a single shot. The side of her mouth curled to a smile as it found the nasal cavity of a distant hobbe. Aiming slightly to the left, her second shot found the eye socket of the next hobbe. Her companion fired off his own twin shots, each falling perfectly between their designated targets' eyes.

"What's the matter, Princess? Hobbe's too easy?" Ben questioned lightly as he reloaded.

"Nothing is the matter, Captain Finn." Her response was full of the regal tone Logan had encouraged her to use, devoid of any real emotion or commitment. She swung her rifle over her shoulder and began summoning a ball of ice in her right palm. "Hobbes make terrific target practice."

Ben watched the woman from the corner of his eye, the swirling lines of color, the physical manifestation of her will glowing on her exposed hands and wrists. If he looked close enough, he could even see the faint glow beneath the turquoise, long sleeved blouse she wore, starting at her heart.

White-blue lines seemed to surge, no other warning given as the ice flew from the monarch's hand, hitting a large hobbe in the direct center of his chest, effectively freezing it solid. Pointing the first finger of her left hand delicately, a faint purple branch almost poured down her arm as a single bolt of lightning struck out, making contact and shattering the horrid creature. "I believe that was the last of them, Master Finn."

"Spoil sport." Turning to the princess, he smirked. "That's cheating, you know. One shot per beastie. Anyone could kill a hobbe in two."

Abigail chortled in response. "With ice and lightning? If you could summon any one will spell, I would humbly concede to your superiority."

The soldier's eyes held a wicked shine as he stepped closer to his companion. "Any will spell, eh?" His broad frame seemed to tower over her as she nodded in agreement, suddenly unable to find her voice. A calloused hand slipped beneath her cloak, gently grasping her own supple hand. Smirk softening, he slowly lifted her hand to his lips, their stares never breaking. Wind-chapped lips brushed over her knuckles in a feathery caress.

"Balls! You couldn't save one for us?"

Abigail broke from her reverie, glancing over the edge of their cliff to the clearing below, where Walter and Cerberus had just arrived. Thankful for the trees they were hiding amongst, she blushed a deep crimson. "I told you to be quick!"

Ben snickered, warm breath against her skin. "I'll take your concession any time now. No need to bother with a fancy dinner- such formalities would be excessive. A nice, private admission will do. At which time I will collect my prize."

Releasing a tiny shock into his hand, Abigail reclaimed her hand, her will lines shimmering with the exertion. "There will be no such acknowledgment, Captain. Pray tell, what was that to be a demonstration of?"

"My great will power!" he protested. "I can make a woman's perception of time slow, delaying their reaction time!"

The princess huffed. "Hardly. It was a valiant effort, but not a demonstration of will."

Reaching for her hand again, the captain pulled her close, fingers twined as her chest pressed tight to his. "I believe I deserve another try, Abigail."

Ignoring his informality, her eyes danced playfully. It wasn't often she found the opportunity to best him in a war of words. "By your own definition, that would be cheating. After all, anyone could kill a hobbe in two shots."

"Yes, yes. Two shots with your mighty will. The difference, this time, would be that I have no intention of attempting to use any powers. Will or otherwise."

Feeling her heart rebel against better judgment and reason, rapidly pounding, her breath hitched. Not even the chill of the wind was minded, no thoughts daring to cross the princess' mind. "Would that not defeat the purpose…?"

Those damnable chapped lips were upon her flesh again, this time flush to hers.