000

Lance-

The morning after my mysterious illness, I awoke in a better mood than I had been on this whole expedition. I couldn't tell you what it was that caused this mood, but I felt as if there was a new start a foot.

I washed up quickly with the basin and strapped on my armor to meet my men outside. Our enemies men were weakened and we had the power of surprise. As long as everything went to plan, this would be it. This would be our final battle and I could at last go home.

Right as I opened the flap of my tent I was met with a royal messenger. Right behind him were soldiers that had accompinied him from back home. Every one of them had the look of sorrow painted over their faces.

I looked at the messenger, "What is it? What news have you brought me?"

The messenger inhaled slowly as if to prepare himself, "Milord…I think it maybe best if you sit down." At this point I noticed soldiers started to turn our way in curiousity and out of the corner of my eye I noticed Zeke had appeared by my side.

"I think you should just tell me the news." He looked desperately back at the soldiers that had escorted this man then back to me.

"Her Majesty the Queen Bethany...she…" he inhaled again, "She passed a fortnight ago."

What? No…not possible. I tried to lean back to find something to stable me, but all I was met with was a tent canvas. Thankfully Zeke had quick reactions and caught me before I fell. "How? How did….it…happen?" the words had to be pushed out of my mouth.

"A heart attack Milord. It was very sudden." A heart attack? My mother? But she had seemed healthy when I had left… "The funeral has already been held. His Majesty requests that you stay to finish this here since you're so close." The messenger paused, "He says there is no need for you to come abandon mission for this reason." The words stung, but did not shock me. My father wasn't a man of emotion. He was a man of practicality.

"Tell him his wishes will be met." I responded, then looked at Zeke, "Would you mind showing them to a place of rest? I think…I think I need a moment alone before we head off for the day."

"Lance…you do not need to go out on the field today. Take some time…" I broke him off before he could finish.

"No, I will not abandon my men. I go out on the field today like every other day." He nodded, but seemed concerned.

000

Jayne-

"I know all mothers say so, but I truly believe you are the most beautiful baby who has ever graced this world." I cooed at Lily, as we lay on a blanket outside of the cottage.

"I think in this case the mother may very well be right." I heard from behind me and turned to smile at the person I knew the voice belonged to.

"That was a quick trip the market." I said to Drake, sitting up.

"I only needed a few things." He said taking a seat next to me, and holding his finger out for Lily to grasp. She was three weeks now and had already grown quite a bit. It's true what they say that it goes by fast. "Helen is inside right now baking cakes for the Midsummer celebration tonight."

I smiled looking up at the bright sky, "I'm excited for it. This will be the first festival I've ever gone to."

He looked at my shocked, "Ever?"

I nodded, "Well…that's not entirely true. I've served at them before, but it's not quite the same."

He shock his head, "No it is not." He responded, "Well tonight I shall make sure to escort you and lovely Lily here all around and make sure you both get the most out of the festivities."

I laughed lightly, "I'm not so sure Lily will get much out of them, but we will still happily take your offer."

He smiled at me, a sweet boyish smile that he often gave when he got something he wanted. It was no wonder all the local girls swooned over him.

I thought then of Lance, before we had fallen in love. The way he was with women and how easily he could sway a girl to fall for him even if she could only have him for one night. I remember being jealous when I saw him with the girls of court. I wasn't even sure why. Lance had been a good friend from childhood, but in no way was the possibility of us being together ever an option, yet even before we came together I still had an urgent feeling that he belong with me. God I missed him.

I must have stared off, because Drake put his hand on my shoulder and asked me if I was alright. "Hm?" I replied, shaking off the day dream, "Sorry, I dazed off for a second there."

"What were you thinking about?" He sure asked that a lot.

"Nothing interesting." I sighed. Lily had fallen asleep and I marveled at the way the sun shone on her blonde hair.

"I highly doubt anything about you could not be interesting." He said.

"You sure do flatter a lot, don't you?" I said laughing, hoping to steer the conversation away from my thoughts. It had been made clear by Drake on several occasions that he thought I had just been used by Lance.

"What can I say? You make it so easy for me to."

A/N: I'm back! Yes it's been over a year. I'm the worst writer ever. But I'll always come back to my stories until they are finished. Don't you worry about that.