Nixiesocean: I'm ba-ack! Who hooo! Okay… so… I'm pretty bored. I've been perfecting this darn chapter until it died from an overdose of pages. jk, jk.

I only got one response from the last chapter! I'm so disappointed with you all!

Responses:

Classy Lady Elegance: I'm not quite sure how you're confused? Is it the whole Aram – Ade – body switch-a-roo? In any case, it was a feat of magical proportions. Aram is in Aram's body, just like Ade is in Ade's body.

Got it?

Review, please!

Chapter 13: Thirteens and Crowns

Everyone says thirteen is an unlucky number. In inns, the doors skip from twelve to thirteen, for children turning thirteen is considered an unlucky year.

For me, the number thirteen was quite bad. In fact, I had been gone exactly thirteen days from the palace at Furde. On that day, I found Jade kissing Aram (who I thought at the time was Ade) and threatened my mother. On the thirteenth day after our escape, I took two Humans on a ride back to the palace and on the thirteenth day after Ade and I disappeared, Ade was found in Aram's bed.

Creepy.

The people at the palace must be in a tizzy about now. After all, how many times does a dead prince come back in his brother's place? I landed in the royal gardens and rapidly changed form.

On the thirteenth day after my escape, there was partying and I was shunned.

Happy people wondering what was going on soon engulfed Aram and Jade.

I was left out, since I was seen as the instigator of the escapade.

I went straight to my rooms after a word to Jade and pulled out a small book I read as a child. I didn't notice the tears until the words blurred under my eyes and dropped onto the aged book. I shut it with a thud and tried to pick another book. My sensitive ears heard noise. I turned.

Ade stood there with his arms covered in cuts, bruises and other assorted wounds.

I didn't know what to do. I left the room and headed out onto my balcony.

"You should leave. I'll be heading back to Dragonhold tomorrow anyways. Uncle is sick and I need to be there." I muttered to the wind. I felt him up next to me. My nose faintly caught his scent and I turned away from his hurt eyes. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

I felt him hug my shoulders and lay his chin on top of head. I felt his throat vibrate as he spoke. "They can't change what we have." His response was cryptic. "Not Mother, not Father… not Aram."

"Asnarinith isn't dead." I reminded him. "It isn't possible until then."

Gently he turned me, I never resisted. His bright jade enticed me and I felt him lower his lips gently onto mine and I nearly turned to a pool of water. I clung to him and felt the sweetness of the kiss. It felt like I lost control of the moment. My arms reached up and touched his temples to gently sever the connection. As my fingers brushed his temples, I caught a snippet of a message sent to Aram from Ade.

"- worry." I could only assume the first part was 'Don't' since the only response was a noncommittal mental sound.

Our lips released. My breath was taken away. Under my hands, the bruises were slowly fading. In slow pulses a soft blue light scoured away all traces of any sort of wound he might've had. He never noticed but I did.

"Ade…" I whispered. His eyes were bright and they held such a deep look of love even I was astounded. I felt his soft lips on mine again. If I hadn't been holding his arms, slowly spreading my healing-love over him I might've fallen over. When the pulsing light stopped and his lips allowed me to breath through my mouth again, I was light-headed and tired.

Slowly, like a dream, we moved in the rooms.

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I wrapped my arms around the small waist beside me, hugging it closer to my body and fell back into a light sleep.

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I felt his arm tighten around me and I nearly cried. I gently moved his arm and replaced it with a pillow. I pulled back on my clothes and went back over to his sleeping form. I tenderly replaced the connection. His eyes twitched and opened. I kissed his forehead.

"It wouldn't be possible anymore." I turned away and looked out the window. My eyes caught the sight of a new moon. How odd. A full moon on the thirteenth night after our escape. I rotated back around to him. I brushed a finger on his cheek. "It isn't possible anymore, now more than ever."

His eyes were questioning. "Why not? I'm a prince. It doesn't matter." He tried to sit up. He only succeeded in tangling himself further in the bedcovers.

I turned my face away, trying to not betray my look of hurt. "Because it would be a scandal. I'm at fault for our escape. Not that I care, but my reputation as a woman is ruined. That in turn, ruined yours." I felt him take a hand.

Using all my strength, I broke his grasp, ran and jumped off the balcony. It was high enough to give me enough time to turn into a Dragon and fly off.

Hurt deeply, I inserted one thought into his mind.

I love you, my dearest prince.

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I rolled over, completely confused. I'd been set free of my cage of darkness, but at what cost? My people were in a celebratory mood with Princess Jade of Calain, my brother and I all back safe and sound; there'd probably be a week of festivities.

I might try her father. He probably already knows. My mind came upon a dim memory.

"You two need to find a priestess."

"We will."

And another:

"Do you have any princesses?"

"I don't, myself. Though a princess is visiting my brother."

Things I had held dear came back, talks with Ceara about pretty much anything. Tricking Father into believing I was Aram; Averill getting grounded for a year; my first night away from the palace; my first kiss… the look in Ceara's eyes only a few hours ago.

I stood and dressed. I realized I could hear Aram's thoughts. Before anything was sent to Aram, I hid behind my walls. I went out on the balcony and looked out across the palace grounds. I saw the faint shape of Ceara in the light of the full moon. I turned away and looked at her writing desk. There was a letter translated into Common. It wasn't her handwriting, more fancy and weathered.

I knew it. It was the one Ceara had written in her language the day we had left.

Mother, Father,

I don't mean to worry you in any fashion. You will know by now that my duty called me away from the palace. But duty is not the only thing that calls me. You know I vowed, on Ade's tenth birthday, to protect him from harm. This vow calls me to go.

You two know of another thing that would call me to follow – nay, protect – Ade. Love. I have loved Ade since Goddess knows when. Each year, steadily, it grew and I became uneasy around him. I didn't let it show for fear of losing his friendship. You will find us, I'm sure. We will not be gone forever, be assured of that. Once the novelty of it wears off, he'll return, and I'll be there, guiding him home.

Maybe we'll visit Dragonhold. I don't know. He will dictate where we go.

I must leave.

Love,

Ceara Dragonborn.

She followed me to guide me home. She stayed with me to make sure I came home safe. She left home to help me and me alone.

I turned back to the balcony she leapt off of only a few minutes ago. I felt the vines of roses lovers climbed in secret to get into their beloved's rooms at night. I climbed down, earning myself more than one prick.

I realized my cuts and bruises that I had borne so long had vanished.

I heard voices in the garden.

"Did you find him?" – "No, last he was seen was on Ceara's balcony." – "Did he vanish? He has no magic!" – "I know!" – "Find him and keep him from running off again!"

It was my mother and my father.

Aram. I whispered. Cover me. He was wrapped up in a particularly romantic moment. ARAM! I yelled. I felt him jump. I'm leaving. Cover me.

Why? He muttered. Last time wasn't that fun, you know. I felt your death.

Just give me a damn break and cover me. Mother and Father would stop me. I need to leave and I need you to give me some damn cover!

I never cursed at Aram.

Don't get mad, Ade. It won't do any good. I'll cover you.

Thanks. I replied sheepishly.

This is for Ceara, isn't it? He asked. When I didn't respond, he added, I know it is.

You hate her. I accused. You blamed her for my death – a weird thought, really – And you hate her. I hid behind a bush as people came closer. You don't think I should leave.

That's not for me to dictate. He reminded me. Last time, you left anyways. What could I do to stop you? Now, leave. Mother will come looking for me to ask about you.

Thank you. I hope you propose soon. I teased. The thirteen days of leave had given me strength as well as hope. I found the exit and ran – no, sprinted – to the palace stables. I didn't have Ceara this time, so I needed my own guile.

I raised a clatter outside. The only stable hand on duty left to inspect it. I went inside and found a soldier's gelding. I took some simple tack and rapidly mounted the big horse. I kicked him into a gallop and left the half-drunken stable hand to stare at my escape.

I would ride south in about the same direction to see if I could find the town Everett and his daughters lived just outside of. I couldn't risk seeing Lord Gabon, although he'd know just where it was located.

I dubbed my horse Lightning. He was quite quick.

Once again, my unthinking self forgot any type of sustenance.

Stupid me.

End of The Hardest Journey

Part Three of The Younger Twin

Ceara Adele

"Forget I was here, Everett." I whispered. "I won't fiddle with your mind like I would a Human, but forget I was here." The girls were in bed. "Please."

"Did you stop by to tell me to forget you, my lady?" He asked.

I shook my head. "I'm not sure why I'm here. I need to get to Dragonhold." I kissed his cheek. "Thank you for your kindness. If Ade – Adam – shows up, be kind to him." I smiled weakly.

"I will, my lady." Everett said quietly.

I curtsied and left the house. I noticed a larger workshop being added to the house and smiled. Lord Gabon's commission must've been a work of expensive art. I found the garden still well into its blooming phase and smile. Syan and Sara had taken my advice and kept it well – but not over – watered. I bowed my head and took the shape of a Dragon. I flew off into the night, following my sense of direction. I landed in the courtyard of Dragonhold in about an hour.

I was tired. Uncle was sick, however, so I had to see him. I went to my rooms as Heir Apparent and dressed in my royal garb, purple silk with silver trim (my scale-color) and my initials, C. A. Ceara Adele, in nice, curly script. I stood tall and tried to ignore my own problems.

I went to the hospital wing. Everyone knew me as Her Highness, Heir Apparent Ceara Adele, daughter of Lady Cyrun the Graceful and Lord Bamien the Knowledgeable. Stupid long titles.

I hate them.

I smiled at the Dragon doctors and went to see my uncle. He's not really my uncle, but instead my uncle by a lot of different relations. My uncle was thin and not particularly handsome. Once, he had a mane of golden hair and his now dull eyes were once a stormy gray.

"Uncle." I greeted. "I'm here." His gray-haired head didn't move.

"He's deaf." The doctor said. "Just hold his hand."

I grasped the frail hand.

"Adele." He murmured. I nodded. He always called me by my second name. I dismissed the doctor with my free hand. "Adele, I had a visit from the Goddess." He insisted. "She said you-" he was wracked with a cough. "She said you'd make a good Dragon-Queen." I bit my lip, remembering the Goddess telling me that same thing. "After you left, only a day ago, the law was changed finally." He sucked in a deep breath. "You will be the first female to ascend the throne without a mate." His grip tightened, then went loose.

I bowed my head. I pulled the covers over his regal head and smoothed it. I opened the door and nodded to the doctor. The nurse with him let out a wail of grief. I left the infirmary. I needed to prepare my speech.

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Lightning carried me two days' travel in less than a day. I stayed at an inn the first night and the next bought supplies. My travel south would take a while. I took the roads and spent nights in inns, never speaking or drinking. Each night, I lay awake, thinking what could've been different. What did I do wrong?

I killed myself. That was what I did wrong. Against Ceara's better judgment, I killed myself and let loose this whole chain of events.

I sighed. The moonlight taunted me. If I were a Dragon, I could fly right to Dragonhold. I heard voices outside my door.

"The Youn'er Twin is missin' a'ain." – "What! A'ain?" – "Prince Aram tried to cover, but the 'ood queen could always tell the difference" – "What of the two youn'er princes?" – "They've been moved into the country." – "Any word of the runaway?" – "Not one. He's keepin' silent; if he knows where his twin is, he's not speakin' a word."

I noiselessly crept out of the bed. The men had drifted away and I began to pack my bags.

This town wasn't safe anymore.

Word traveled too fast. I needed to leave, and hastily. My bags were packed and my clothes donned. I left the room. The men were gone. In the common room, I heard some drunken laughter. I tried to leave unnoticed, but one of the men was unusually alert for a drunk.

" 'ey Adam!" He called with a hiccup. "Come dr-hiccup-ink wit' us!" His speech was slurred.

"No, thank you." I replied. I definitely didn't want to get drunk. I dashed out the door and into the stables. A silver piece roused the stable hand to tack up Lightning. I mounted and rode off into the night. My room was pre-paid so I didn't need to worry about it.

I cursed in my head. I had forgotten to ask Everett what the town was named! Curses! If only I'd thought of it!

At this rate, I could go to Lord Gabon. He'd probably have me held, though, so I couldn't see him. I'd have to follow the road and pray I recognized some of it.

I prayed Lady Luck was on my side this once.

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"It is in these times of grief that some may fall apart. But, brothers and sisters! We are Dragons!" My voice rang across the quiet chamber. "It is in these times that we must bond closer than ever and hold strong! We must gather our strengths and hold tight. My uncle was a wonderful relative and an ever better Dragon-King. We lay him to rest in the Goddess' arms this day and pray for his eternal peace in her arms." I bowed my head as the tears ran down. I covered his royal face for the second time.

I would be crowned in an hour. Dragon-Queen Ceara Adele. If only I had a king. I tried not to think of those last few minutes when I fled Ade, maybe for eternity. Inevitably, I found myself reliving all our moments together, never focusing on one part.

I left the altar and went into a back room where I would be dressed as Dragon-Queen-to-be. Two Dragons were there, one holding my silken dress robe and the other holding my small crown. It was four gold strings plaited together and twisted into a circle to fit my head. My first attendant pulled my hair down and brushed it with one hundred strokes.

The second put rouge on my cheeks and face paint on my eyes and lips. I breathed deeply the soft scent of wildflowers on a summer evening as my first attendant sprayed my hair with perfume. The second added the wildflowers to my curtain of silver hair with small clips of gold.

Somewhere deep, I wished Ade could see me now.

I never wore face-paint before.

The ceremony was brief and to the point. I walked out to the mass of weeping Dragons. As soon as I reached the throne, the Crowner came out. The young girl of, maybe, eight summers held a very heavy crown. She struggled with the mass of gold, silver, rubies, sapphires and jades. The jade jewels reminded me of a certain prince's eyes.

I shut out the thoughts and focused on becoming the Dragon-Queen. The poor child stumbled and fell; the crown went clattering across the raised platform. Unwilling to let this girl suffer such humiliation, I stood and gracefully made my way across the platform. I stooped to her level. The girl had deep brown eyes and a head of bright gold hair pulled into one big tress.

I smiled gently and put my hand out for her to grasp. She smiled and stood. I picked up the heavy crown and set it in her weak arms. I bowed my head and went back to my position. The crowd cheered. Even my uncle would've had her flayed for such an offense. I didn't want to start my rule with pain. The child came over. I bent down and she placed the crown upon my head.

I struggled to stand with the weight; but eventually I stood straight and tall with the Crowner at my side. The crowd burst out into applause. When I raised one hand, the room went silent.

The child fearfully started speaking. "I – In the name of the Goddess." She tried to remember her lines. I crown thee. I thought to her. "I crown thee." All Dragons are bound. "All Dragons are bound," she repeated with confidence, under your steady hand. "Under your steady hand."

I ended the ritual, learned since birth as Heir Apparent. "Thus begins the rule of Dragon-Queen Ceara Adele." The crowd left; ready to begin the feasting. When my Crowner tried to leave, I look her hand and she stayed by my side until the crowd left. I took off my crown. A servant appeared and they both vanished. I knelt. "What is your name, child?"

She bowed her head and spoke solemnly. "Mira Eyen, Your Majesty."

"Mira Eyen, I want you to know that I will not beat you or have you beaten for merely struggling to carry a very heavy crown." I touched the top of her head gently. The fact that I was approximately a decade older than her didn't matter anymore. I was the Dragon-Queen. "Understood?"

She curtsied. "Yes, Your Majesty." The title still felt odd, like I'd see my uncle over my shoulder.

My blue eyes peered into her brown ones. "You're a gold?" I asked her. She nodded. "I want you to study with me; nine bells to twelve bells. You're excused from any servant work you would have." I cocked my head sideways. "Do you want to study with me? I'm quite lonely here."

A face appeared in my head. I shoved it out. I needed to get him out of my head. I loved him, but I had left him. He would never find me in Dragonhold.

"I would love to study with you, Your Majesty." She replied quietly.

I smiled. I hoped this young girl would sate my desire for a friend. "Call me Ceara Adele while we're alone. We're comrades now!" She nodded. "Now, I'll see you tomorrow, nine bells."

"Yes… Ceara Adele…" She murmured and scurried off.

I was satisfied with myself. Such thoughts of self-glorification brought back the pain I had wreaked only a day ago.

I saw his face in my mind's eye. His pleading face, his confusion at my leaving…

And I saw his looks of pure love that were bestowed only toward me.

I shivered.

Love…

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Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Review, and I would be much obliged.

Thank you to the one and only Classy Lady Elegance for reviewing!