Author's Note: Hey guys, hope you don't mind that I took a week's break! This chapter was intended to be only the very end of what it turned out to be, as well as the whole next chapter. Buuuttt, I felt that way, it shifted too quickly. I thought adding in the seemingly small stuff at the beginning would make the time frame seem more appropriate. So, I apologize for the boring-ness of the beginning. I promise the next chapter will be different.

5. Camisado

"You can take the kid out of the fight. You're a regular decorated emergency. The bruises and contusions will remind me what you did when you wake."

It was well into the morning when Vanessa awoke the following day. Her exhaustion from the previous evening had pulled her into a deep sleep, and surprisingly she had been allowed to indulge in her rest. As she opened her eyes, she noticed the bright sunlight shining in through the massive windows throughout the room. It slightly plagued her mind. Due to her busy schedule, she was almost always awoken at daybreak to carry on with her royal duties. The young Queen tried not to question her extra rest. She wanted to enjoy any miniscule thing she could.

Vanessa rose from her bed, noticing she was still in her magnificent navy blue ball gown from the night before. She had been far too tired to bother changing her clothing before bed, and it slightly embarrassed her. The monarch took a few moments to change into a more practical, yet no less beautiful, crimson dress. After combing her long chestnut hair, she prepared herself to face the day.

Last night had caused her deeper emotional pain than she'd ever felt, next to the death of her parents. She knew she had to face Reaver sooner or later, but today would not be that day. She had to find Ben and speak to him. Was he angry with her for leaving him at the party? How would he react at the tragic news?

But it was already so late, probably near midday already, and the Queen had missed the appointments in the throne room that were supposed to take place this morning. Before anything, she had to sort out her royal duties. Who would allow her to simply sleep through such important matters?

Vanessa wandered through the halls of the castle, being greeted by every servant in the vicinity. The throne room was abandoned other than a few maids who were cleaning the large portraits of past monarchs. Vanessa was slightly confused. Where were the massive amounts of villagers who normally awaited her rulings in the throne room?

Hobson would know what was going on. But as Vanessa began to head to the Treasury, she changed her mind. Hobson was no replacement for Jasper, and she despised him. But now that Jasper worked in The Sanctuary and not in the Castle, Hobson was in charge of her daily activities. The young Queen would much rather find her brother and ask him about the morning.

She headed straight to the War Room. Logan always sat in there to read rather than in the library. Vanessa speculated he felt more comfortable in the War Room since most of his rule was spent in the room. She never questioned it; whatever pleased him was fine by her. Sure enough, when she opened the grand doors, Logan was seated on a bench reading a tiny book.

"Ah, good morning, Sister," Logan looked up from his book, a small smile on his face. He had dark circles under his eyes. He had not slept well.

"Good morning Logan. What is the time?"Vanessa walked to her brother.

"Hmm, nearly noon I do believe. Did you enjoy your sleep?"

"Noon? Already? Ah, Logan, I've missed all of the appointments for the morning hours! Who would let me do such a thing? Shouldn't my ladies in waiting, or Hobson, or someone—"

"Relax, Sister. I told Hobson and the others not to wake you. I also cancelled all of your appointments for the day, to allow you to sleep in. I know how last night was for you, and I figured it was the least I could do," Logan put his book down and gave Vanessa a reassuring pat on her arm.

"Logan…I…thank you," Part of Vanessa felt as if she had let down her citizens by failing to meet with them, but Logan had done her a great favour. He knew she needed a day to herself to recover from the shock of the news, as well as to speak with Ben. She was truly grateful that he understood.

"It is no problem, Vanessa. Now don't waste your day standing in here speaking with me. I'm sure you've got other matters you would like to tend to," He smiled and his eyes showed that he knew Vanessa wanted to find Ben. Who would he be to keep her from such an important conversation?

Vanessa gave a slight curtsy to her brother, and he returned the gesture with a bow. She turned and exited the War Room. Before finding Ben Finn, Vanessa took some time to be alone and reflect on her thoughts, her memories.

Hours went by as the young Queen walked slowly throughout the gardens. The few times she had been alone with her mother, the two of them had walked together in the gardens, looking at the many types of flowers. Her mother had told her stories of her adventures, of her Heroic duties, and Vanessa had always yearned to one day have the same experiences. And she had. There were times she missed her mother, and this was one of them. She wished she was here to comfort her in her time of distress.

Before Vanessa knew it, the afternoon had turned into early evening. It was time to find Ben. She was slightly nervous, but she yearned to be near him. She wanted him to hold her, to kiss her, one last time. She loved him.

Vanessa knew Ben and a few of his soldier comrades practiced sword-fighting in the dueling room in the evenings. Most of the soldiers were skilled with firearms, so they were encouraged to practice dueling with melee weapons.

When she arrived at the practice room, Vanessa could hear the blades meeting each other. She loved to hear that sound, and she even more loved to be fighting herself. As she peered through the cracked door, she saw Ben fighting another soldier. The duel did not last long. Ben's sword was quickly knocked from his hand, his opponent's blade stopping close to Ben's chest.

"A perfect example of why I prefer guns!" Ben laughed as he backed away. His opponent laughed, placing his sword at his side. The two picked at each other as a few other soldiers joined in, teasing Ben about his lack of skill with a sword. Vanessa chuckled lightly, stepping into the room. Instantly her presence was known. It could not be overlooked when she entered a room. Her beauty and demeanor commanded attention.

"If you all will pardon me, I would like to see Lieutenant Ben Finn. I am afraid I have some important matters to discuss with him," The soldiers stared at the Queen in awe then they averted their looks to Ben. They knew Vanessa was a close comrade of Ben's, but to see the beautiful Queen they all dreamed about request Ben's presence was quite incredible for the soldiers. Ben looked surprised as he was caught off-guard, but he gave Vanessa his classic crooked smile. She smiled softly back to Ben. She loved to see him smile.

"Of course, Your Majesty," one of Ben's superiors said, motioning to Ben. After the signal, Ben placed his sword on the rack and followed the Queen out into the hallway. The two shared a moment of simple intimacy, silently looking into each other's eyes. They were used to this form of admiration, since the relationship was kept secret. There were times when the Queen could be alone with Ben, but it was rare, and the couple had learned to communicate through simple gestures such as eye contact.

Vanessa turned, walking down the corridor, while Ben followed. Once the two were a few yards away from the training room, she spoke.

"Ben, I do hope you aren't terribly angry with me about last night. I promise you I did not intend to leave you that way," Vanessa watched Ben carefully, hoping he would forgive her.

Ben laughed, his blue eyes glittering at the Queen. "Your Majesty, there is no need for you to apologize! You went to speak with your brother, and I assume it was something important. I completely understand. I just left after a while. I figured you had retired for the night."

"I came to find you, after you had already gone. I needed to speak with you about something…important. That is why I came to you today, Ben. Please, come with me,"

The two had reached the grand doors to Vanessa's chamber. The young monarch knew that her room would be the only place the two could possibly discuss such matters privately, without the risk of being caught. Plus, if it was the last meeting the two would ever have, Vanessa wanted it to be absolutely special.

Her ivory hand reached out and opened the door, and she led Ben inside. As soon as she shut the door behind them, she noticed Ben's expression.

"What the bloody hell is going on?" Ben was both amused and quizzical. He looked around, admiring the fine furnishings of the Queen's bedchamber. He had never been permitted inside before, so why did she bring him here now? Part of him began to desire his lover, being alone in her own bedroom, but there was an uneasy tension in the air. He knew there was more to this meeting than he knew.

"Ben, there's…there's something I need to talk to you about. Please, sit," Vanessa motioned to a cushioned loveseat, and the two sat down. She wished with everything inside of her that she could spend her time with Ben in a different manner. Oh how she would enjoy a blissful evening walk with him, talking about their adventures and sharing experiences. But instead, the conversation would be much darker, potentially ruining not only their love, but their friendship.

Ben remained quiet for the moment, trying to figure out what was so serious. Vanessa looked at her hands as she sat beside him, attempting to muster the courage to tell him. He took her hand.

"Whatever is troubling you, you can tell me, My Queen," Ben's tone was softer as he spoke gently into her ear. It pained her. He treated her so well, with so much dignity—the complete opposite of Reaver. When he referred to her as "My Queen," he meant it as a term of endearment, a truly loving way for him to show her respect and honour. When Reaver used those words, he mocked her. Vanessa felt a knot in her throat as she compared the two.

"Ben, please, today, call me by my name. We are to that level, you need not be so formal with me any longer," Vanessa had never heard him speak her name, and for this night, their last night, she wanted to hear him say it.

"Then tell me what is worrying you, Vanessa," The mention of her name sent a shiver up Vanessa's spine, in the best way possible. She had never loved him more, and she was glad he finally allowed his guard down. But now she would have to tell him about her arrangement.

"Last night, Ben, Logan told me something…something important. It is hard for me to talk about, but I need to tell you, so please pay close attention," Vanessa took a deep breath, and looked up into Ben's eyes. His face was puzzled and innocent. His scruffy blonde hair was out of place and his eyes sparkled as he looked at his Queen. She continued to speak as he attentively listened. "When Logan assumed the throne, he was young and not ready to be King. He felt as if he didn't belong in the position. Before he even had time to adjust, Theresa, the same blind prophet that visited both me and my mother, came to him. She told him many things, one being that The Crawler was on its way to Albion."

Before Ben could voice his concerns about the supposed first attack from The Crawler, Vanessa continued.

"Sure enough, The Darkness was already taking Aurora, and soon would take all of Albion. Logan admits he was young and inexperienced. He told me he needed to raise a massive amount of gold to raise an Auroran army to fight it off. So…Logan did what he had to do to get that money," Vanessa felt her throat tighten. She was not ready to tell Ben about her arranged relationship, and likely marriage, to Reaver. But she probably would never be ready. She knew it had to be said now, so she swallowed hard, and stared deep into Ben's eyes.

"Ben, Logan consulted Reaver. He was the only one with enough money to fund the army. Reaver was willing to part with his gold…but on only one condition. He made Logan pay a price he…he never could've imagined," She took a final deep breath and held Ben's hand tightly. "Reaver wanted me. He made Logan promise my hand to him."

Ben's eyes widened and his mouth gaped. A few sounds came from his mouth, but he couldn't muster any words. Vanessa bit her lip and closed her eyes tightly to keep herself from tearing up. She couldn't lose it, not again. The two sat quietly for a few seconds as their hands held tightly to one another.

She opened her eyes to look at her soldier. That was it, he wasn't just a soldier. He was her soldier. And no matter what happened, he always would be.

Vanessa prayed silently that he would say something. His silence was agonizing as he sat there, eyes wide. But he still did not speak. Instead, a tear dripped from his bright blue eyes. He tried to stifle it, not wanting to show weakness. But there was no use. As soon as the tear fell onto his clothing, he pulled Vanessa into a deep embrace, holding her tightly as he began to shake. More tears began to seep from his face into Vanessa's hair as he held her close. She had never seen him like this. To see him cry…it tore her heart apart.

She leaned her head into the crook of his neck and allowed herself to weep alongside him.

Author's Note: As you can see, its a kind of boring chapter. But it ties into the next one, which will be very eventful. Oh i might as well spill, the next chapter will get pretty steamy. Ooooooh. Also, I thought it'd be a cool idea to see what you guys want to see in this story if I start a Chapter-ly Poll. Because I have most of the plotline figured out, but small details bug me, and I wonder what YOU guys want to see! SO, just send me a message or review giving me feedback anyway, then answer the poll question. And I'll love you forever. I need your help to write stuff you guys will like. Promise me you'll do this? 33

Question: Which male character would you rather see interact with The Queen more,why, and in what way? 1. Logan 2. Reaver 3. Ben Finn

(Basically, do you want formal conversation, steamy romance, or what? Help me.) Violet, out. xx