Author's Note: didn't plan to turn out theis chapter so quickly. It was supposed to be much longer. But once I typed the last line, I knew it had to cut off here. So, Im sorry its short! I got a message from a reader that picked up the theme of the story, and I hope you guys picked it up to "Sacrifice." I try to make that as plain as I can, so I hope that's clear. :)

Remember that I don't own Panic! at the Disco or Fable or anything. DUH. Violet, out xx

4. Northern Downpour

"If all our life is but a dream fantastic posing greed, then we should feed our jewelry to the sea. For diamonds do appear to be just like broken glass to me.

After calming from the heated conversation in the War Room, Vanessa and Logan returned to the ball. Logan looked completely normal, his expression like stone. Vanessa had managed to cover up her current emotions and correct her physical features after her crying fit, although her cheeks were still pink. The siblings remained silent as Vanessa lead the way back to her party.

Once in the ornately decorated throne room, Vanessa halted, looking around. Logan nodded to her, and stalked off into the crowd. The drunken party guests were fumbling around their Queen, barely noticing who she truly was, which suited her quite fine. Vanessa searched the crowd, and finally found her brother speaking with Reaver. She was glad he was with him, for she could not bear to face the man alone. On her way toward the two, Vanessa stopped by the marvelous table of food and drink. She took a goblet of wine and raised it to her lips. At this point, she'd lost nearly everything, so why bother keeping a pure appearance any longer?

Before the liquid could even saturate her lips, she shuddered, quickly placing the goblet back down. She couldn't lose her own self over this matter. The young Queen was determined to remain as true to herself as possible; she would never let Reaver change her.

When Vanessa reached the two conversing men, she paused. They were mumbling lowly, her ears not able to comprehend their words. Reaver, over-enthused as always, was the first to speak to her.

"Ah, my dear! I was afraid you had disappeared for the night! How splendid to see you again."

Vanessa's skin became hot. She was still furious, though now her rage was directed toward the tycoon. "Reaver, please spare us the enthusiasm. My brother has spoken with me…on a most interesting subject."

Logan's eyes were directly on his sister's, paying close attention to her. If she were to lose her temper, she could cause a scene with her Hero abilities. But she was a conservative Queen, able to handle herself well in confrontation. Vanessa half-expected Reaver to become angered with her for cutting him off short, but instead, the corners of his mouth curved upwards into a devilish smile.

"So your dear brother has informed you of our deal,hmm?" Reaver's eyes glinted deviously as he stared at Vanessa. She felt sick just having the conversation with him. Logan's gloved hand took hold of hers, and he rubbed it gently. He always did that to comfort her. The gesture was loving and kind, and Vanessa deeply appreciated her brother for calming her in this time of need.

But she couldn't speak. Her heart was no longer racing and she had regained all her composure, but she lacked the nerve to confront Reaver. She couldn't do it, not now. She had to come to terms with it herself first. It made her feel like a coward, but she needed time to adjust.

"Reaver, I do think it is time you leave," Vanessa spoke, her soft voice collected and slightly stern. Her lips pursed as she returned Reaver's stare. It made her skin crawl, but she wanted to show her dominance.

"I beg your pardon?" Reaver looked surprised, his smile growing.

"You are no longer welcome at this ball."

Logan and Vanessa stared daggers into Reaver's eyes. There was no mistaking that they were siblings. They remained firm, like true royalty. Even Reaver could tell there would be no persuading them with his words. Still, he would try.

"But my dear, you say this after learning of what I've done for you? Why, you should be thanking me. What a way to treat your—"

"Reaver, you have heard my sister's request, and with her as your Queen, you will obey her. Now, go. Or would you rather be escorted out by the guards?" Logan stepped closer to the tycoon, defending his sister. Vanessa was thankful for her brother. She watched Reaver's smile fade quickly and he tapped his cane onto the ground twice.

"Well, it seems I shall be going. But I am sure I will be seeing you soon, hmm, my Queen?" The emphasis on the last two words frightened Vanessa. She suddenly trembled, and knew Reaver had said it for the sole purpose of causing her pain. It almost seemed as if he was warning her. His emerald eyes glared at Vanessa as he faked a last smile, though it seemed sadistic to her.

"Tatty-bye!"

And just like that, the devilish man had disappeared. Vanessa's eyes were wide. She had specifically avoided a conversation with Reaver to save her more emotional distress, but with just two words and an expression, he had said more than words could allow. She was struck with fear, realizing what he was truly capable of.

"My Queen."

When anyone else said that phrase, it pleased Vanessa. It made her feel regal and powerful. But Reaver had always refused to treat her as a superior. He always used phrases such as "my dear" to show a false intimacy with Vanessa, and she despised it. But when he finally used the proper term to speak to her…it caused a terror in her she never thought possible.

Logan turned to her, and noticed her expression. "Vanessa, I know that was difficult…"

"I had no idea just how devious he was. I dread actually speaking with him. I just…"

All Vanessa wanted to do was find Ben Finn and find comfort in him. She scanned the crowd of guests, hoping to find her soldier. Perhaps Logan knew what she was doing, for he began to look around as well. After a few moments of searching, Vanessa gave up. He had left, probably assuming she had abandoned him.

"Logan, I do believe it is time I retire," Vanessa turned to her brother.

"Leaving your own party prematurely?" Logan joked, attempting to cheer up his sister.

"I do believe they will get along fine without me," Vanessa laughed, indicating the drunken guests.

"In that case, I shall escort you out. I think it is about time I return to my quarters as well."

Logan let Vanessa hook her slender arm in his and he led her out into the hallway. As the strolled throughout the castle, toward their rooms, Vanessa put her arm back at her side.

"I'm going to miss this, Brother."

Logan stopped and looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm not your little sister anymore. I'm an adult. Soon, I will be married off, and I will no longer be yours. You're my guardian, Logan. You've always been there for me, more than even Mother and Father."

Vanessa began to walk on, Logan following her. It was true. The former Queen and her husband had not been as actively involved in the children's lives as they would have wished. Their father had passed away from a strange illness when Vanessa was only four, and Logan was ten. In his last two or three years, he could not leave his room because of his sickness. The children were forbidden to see him, for fear they might contract the disease. They hardly remembered him. Their mother had tried to be involved with them, but it was not feasible. She was too busy, and rarely even at the Castle. Logan practically raised Vanessa, and she counted on him for everything. But now, Vanessa feared she was going to lose Logan.

"That is not true, Vanessa, you know that."

"No, Logan, I am right. I am not a young girl anymore. I must lean on my own self for support, not you. I cannot keep acting like a child, as if you are my protector. I am a Hero, a Queen, Logan. Its time I learn to protect myself."

By now, they had reached the door to Vanessa's chamber. She stared at the mahogany door, feeling Logan's dark eyes watching her. He was probably hurt. Vanessa didn't want to hurt her brother, but the time had come for her to grow up. Sure, she had matured enough to take the throne, rule over Albion, and defeat the Darkness. But she relied too much on her sibling.

Logan waited a moment. Then he opened the door, taking his sister by the hand and leading her inside. Vanessa sat on the edge of her magnificent bed and Logan stood beside her. They were quiet, and Vanessa's eyes were filled with sorrow.

"Listen to me, Vanessa,"Logan began, his tone kind yet stern. "It does not matter to me how old either of us get, I will always be your brother. You will always be my little sister. It will always be my duty to protect you, and by Avo I will."

Vanessa smiled, looking up at her brother. She was tired, and he could tell. "Thank you, Logan."

The former King relaxed a little, smiling at his sister. "Here, lie down." Logan pulled back the layers of blankets for Vanessa as she climbed into bed, removing her crown. She was still in her fanciest attire, but she did not care. She was drained of all energy, and was liable to fall asleep at any moment. She was thankful Logan was far too stubborn to listen to her pleas for independence. Logan pulled the navy blue blankets up around his sister's face, noticing her dropping eyelids.

"I'm sorry, Logan. I didn't mean to—"

"Shh, no. No matter what you might believe, I will always been here to comfort you, to protect you. I won't let anyone harm you." Logan gently moved a stray hair from Vanessa's face. He bent down and kissed her forehead.

"I love you, Sister. Happy birthday."

Vanessa had fallen into sleep, her mouth still slightly smiling at her brother as her breathing became heavy. Logan smiled at his young sibling. She truly was a Hero. He knew he was never meant to rule Albion, the throne always belonged to Vanessa. She was benevolent, kind, and strong. It amazed him to watch her sleep. She had grown so quickly. She was now a beautiful young woman, and he couldn't be more proud of her. She was the one person he could truly be himself with.

And he had ruined her life.

Author's Note: See, nice line to end with, hmm? ;) What do you guys think so far? Without reviews and private messages telling me what you think, I get discouraged. Saaad. So let me know your opinions else I might get tired of writing. THREATS. Haha. :D I really appreciate that you guys like the realtionship between Vanessa and Logan. I really wanted that to be a huge part of the story, because I think they downplay it in the actualy game and i would have loved to see more of the royal siblings. Sooo, review. Please. Or the aliens will get me. xx