S.U.R.V.I.V.E. by Shadowgirl416

Beta Reader: Avatarfan445 :D!

Chapter 8: What I've done

Erika closed her eyes; she shouldn't have ever tried this. This wasn't the Dominick she knew. There was no way for her to fix things her way. His hand squeezing her thin wrist; she was wrapped in his anger. Yet, as she opened her eyes and bit her lip, she felt how his own hand started to tremble.

For a moment there Erika saw fear in this Dominick.

But he wasn't thinking of letting her notice, "Well, did she?" He repeated his question, this time with a more strong tone.

The girl slowly shook her head, afraid of doing something that would trigger even more fury. "Don't lie to me!"

Erika looked up at him, "I'm not lying!" She yelled back with an unsteady voice. She gulped, "I don't even know why you got that idea in the first place!"

He relaxed a bit and dropped her hand, but his glare stayed the same. It was more than obvious that she would do this, deny everything so he would fall for it. "What do you want me to think? There's not any other explanation for you to be like this!" He ran a hand through his hair, and placed the other on his hip.
Erika frowned, "Be what?"
"So perfect!" He stated. And a quick, but uncomfortable silence gave Erika a little relief. But Nick rapidly cleared his throat, and his eyes roamed around the room. "I mean… you know, to… know me so perfectly."

Erika wanted to smile, but she couldn't ruin the progress she had made. So, maybe if she talked to him for a while he'd feel looser around her. "Dominick, I -"

But he stared pacing, and interrupted her with a loud remark. "See? How do you even know that's my real name? You know too much!" She felt little when he talked this loud; Dominick was smart, she knew it wouldn't be easy to convince him without telling him the truth. Or else, he'd poke all kinds of holes in the things she explained. "If Lily didn't make you or send you, then tell me how it is that you know so much about me?"

And that is why she was afraid. How was she going to tell him everything without him freaking out on her? The truth was something that would sound like a lie to him, and he would probably stop talking to her. Now that she had gotten this far, she needed to think about her next step before answering to all of his questions.

"Fine," He said with a sigh, he was clearly giving up on her. He'd stop insisting, but he wanted her to leave. He gestured her to walk out, "I'm sorry for yelling at you, Erina-"

"Erika."

"Erika – We'll talk about this later." With heavy feet, she started to walk. She started to feel mad at herself for not taking advantage of this moment, he was literary kicking her out of the room and she couldn't think of an excuse to stop it. "Maybe tomorrow we can go out and you can explain everything -"

And she abruptly stopped, not thinking before she spoke. "That's the thing, Dominick! There will be no tomorrow for me -"

He placed his hand on one of her shoulders, "Come on, we'll be fine; you won't die tonight."

Erika looked away, an annoyed expression upon her face as she muttered her response. "If I don't break this spell, I will."

"What spell?" Asked the man, strangely calm after hearing what she mumbled – she could have sworn he would freak as soon as he heard the word 'spell'.

But, he didn't and she was just going to take the risk "It's more of a contract, really."
He softly gasped, now everything made sense. "Lily…"

"Yes!" Erika grinned; Nick finally believed her words. And he didn't panicked. "I signed a contract because I wanted a day off so I could be free of all my responsibilities."

He dryly chuckled, as if he didn't know what it was like to wish for one of those. "Yes, that's Lily's specialty. She fools whoever comes to her for help and takes whatever she wants." It was simple, whatever was that the costumer wanted Lily just traded the thing for a similar one – she gave a day but took a day from your past – so she never lost anything. "What did she take from you?"

The woman sighed, this was going to be hard to explain and to put simple enough for Nick to digest. "Well, you see… I come from a place where you are King, where Lily and Frederick are outcasts, Preminger is in prison, Anneliese and Julian are about to have a baby, you and I are married and I just wanted a day off-"

"What?" He cut her off midsentence, by the confused look on his face Erika knew she had talked too much.

But there was no turning back now, "We even have children, Dominick." He raised an eyebrow, "Can't you remember anything? Our castle… When we first met I was dressed as Princess Anneliese!" Was she really saying those things? She felt like the sudden burst of confidence between the two was being destroyed by the rising of an uncertain truth. "You don't even remember… Not even Wolfie? My barking cat!"

He felt as if someone was trying to sell him a fairytale book, "Yeah that explains a lot."

"You have to believe me!" Erika pleaded, "If I don't kiss you before sunrise… I'll die."

Even when he couldn't bear to look into her eyes and convince himself so he could believe what she was saying, he met her stare and thought of a different option. "Yeah, I still insist on tomorrow's walk." He grabbed her shoulder, walking her to the door. "This conversation will take longer than I thought."

Erika dropped her head in defeat, "I'll be dead by then."

He had to admit he was intrigued to hear more of what she had to say, but there was no time left today. "You won't; now go prepare."

The King was almost burning the rubber from his shoes from all the pacing he was doing; he couldn't even stop looking at the clock on the wall. In less than an hour his guests would start arriving, well, his wife's guests he should say. Almost every visitor that was meant to come was related to her, the only people that would come because he requested it were Frederick and Lily. And thinking about that only made his headache worse, Anneliese wasn't there—which meant that pretty much everyone would go all crazy on him for losing her, for allowing such a thing to happen.

They were all there when they got married, they weren't informed about the scam their wedding had been, so they were expecting to see a happy couple – not a relaxed husband waiting for his guards to bring his wife from her lover's cave. This would ruin his image.

The sudden creak of a door broke him out of his thoughts. Frowning and marching towards him, a husk and dark man, his Captain of the guard.

"My lord," He greeted between clenched teeth as he bowed.

"Can I help you?" Preminger asked, annoyed by the sole presence of the tall man.

"If I may," The Captain started and he cleared his throat to avoid sounding too angry. "I would love to know: why on earth am I being replaced by a girl?!"

Ugh, now this. The short man placed a hand on his forehead, and then turned to the guard. He hated to explain his decisions and despised the time where he had to repeat himself.

"Do you know who that girl is?" He rolled his eyes and shook his head, his helmet dangling on his head. "Of course you don't, she's what you and I call an ace up the sleeve." Preminger sarcastically smiled, as if it was obvious. "She knows every corner of that rat-hole; she'll do what you and those chumps couldn't: she'll tell you the exact location of the Queen." The guard nodded, still looking annoyed—how did this dwarf dare to replace him? But the King ignored his attitude; he wasn't in the mood to discuss anything with anyone. "Nick and Nack will lead you to the hideout."

"Those two?" The armored man claimed, not believing what he had heard. First he kicks him out of his place to put an inexperienced girl in charge, and now the ones leading them would be the two dumbest people in the whole kingdom? "They know where the hideout is? And you never told us?"

"Did you know that questioning a King's authority is considered treason?" The tall man rapidly shut his mouth, it was then when he realized that his King's mood wasn't the best at the moment. "They haven't been hiding for so long for being obvious. It's hard to get in; Nick and Nack have only gone a couple of times."

"We can rescue the Queen if they show us where the place is-"

"Even if they did that you'd still need them, the girl too. Or do you know where Anneliese is?" The Captain had lost the count of how many times he had shaken his head during this conversation so he just looked away, Preminger felt like if this had been a total waste of time. "Leave!"

"Anneliese!" Called the girl from outside, as she repeatedly hit the door. "Anneliese are you here?"

Finally it opened, but no more than a few inches, enough for Erika to identify the blonde haired woman. "Oh, it's just you," muttered the girl before allowing the other one in.

"I thought it was someone else," she continued explaining as she closed the door again, "Julian said I shouldn't let anyone in."

"Anneliese, I need your help." Stated the brunette one, taking no notice of what the other one had just said. "I told him everything," Erika's tone made the other one gasp, "And he still doesn't believe me."

She could see the tears dripping from her friend's eyes, her arms crossed on her chest and her teeth biting her lower lip. This, she could tell, had been a major failure—the loss of perhaps the greatest opportunity to save everything.

Anneliese knew that Dominick wasn't the most soft and gullible man, at least not since what had happened during this last year; and Erika was treating him as if he was still that man. She knew how to manipulate; she had learned to do it since she was child. Maybe Erika didn't know the type of man Nick was had to be pursued and convinced.

She walked towards her, handed her a handkerchief and frowned. "I know this is going to sound crazy, but you really need to go with them tonight."

Erika sniffed, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "But I don't know how to fight! I'll get killed. "

"That's not an option; we can get you some weapons."

She shook her head; this was a mess, a total mess—a disaster of her creation and a much needed solution to save all. She had caused all of this, now what? She was left with no hope… or maybe she was just drowning in a glass of water?

Anneliese insisted, for her things weren't as easy as they looked either. Not a single day by the side of her love and she already had to let him go so he could fight against her own husband. In some way or another, Erika's victory was linked with her own. "Look, you want to make Dominick kiss you, right?" Erika agreed, "I don't know how he was in that other life where he was married to you, but this Dominick likes it rough." The red-faced woman felt a wave of relief run through her, Anneliese was right! This wasn't the old Dominick, if she wanted to win his heart she had to do it his way. "You'll have to fight to get to his heart."
"What if I die?" She hesitated, thinking about what would happen if she got killed that night, her kingdom, her children… all erased from existence. "What if I mess everything up?"

"What do you have left to lose?"

"Why, that smile can only mean one thing." Commented the dark haired man as the other entered the stable.

His grin widened, "I don't smile a lot, I know."

Nick chuckled; he knew his friend needed very strong reasons to smile. "I'm glad you're happy." He said as he continued to dress his horse.

"What about you," Julian started as he began to do the same. "You look less gloomy today." His joke wasn't of Nick's liking, but he still went on with his sentence. "And I saw the way you were looking at that Erika girl earlier."

"Yeah," he unconsciously replied, forgetting about what his mind was commanding him to reply. "I mean, you know, she's been pretty insisting. She's been following me, even came up with some crazy story where I was King and married to her."
"Really?"

"Yes, but honestly, I like her anyway." He sighed, Julian crossed his arms. Nick's eyes went blank from all his thinking; he could still see her as if she was there with him. "She played my piano earlier. You should have heard how she sings -"

"Why, that smile can only mean one thing." The blond one interrupted, repeating what the other had said to him some moments ago—trying to mess with him.

Nick rolled his eyes, annoyed, but he managed to smile. "You are the sentimental guy here."

Julian walked over some stands to grab some more equipment, "Where is she anyway?" Nick finished with his horse, slightly patted his back and seemed to be trying to think before answering the other's question. "I sent her to get prepared," He looked away, the evening sun hitting him on the eyes. "She has to help tonight."

"You're really making her go?"

"Yeah," He cleared his throat, "Only a few people will stay. Someone's got to stay here and watch the place. We agreed on that a long time ago, remember?"

He nodded in response. "Yeah, but Anneliese is staying. Maybe you can leave Erika to make her company."

And this is why Nick hated last minutes changes, they ruin everything else! Suddenly having Julian's sweetheart with them and accompanied by an identical girl made things a bit harder. All the same, she had to stay – unlike her dark-haired duplicate. "Anneliese is different; if you bring her she is considered your weakness."

Julian crossed his arms in front of his chest. "And Erika isn't yours?"

"No-" Rapidly answered the man, his cheeks burned for a moment. Julian raised an eyebrow, "Just because I think she's pretty doesn't mean I would die if she did."

Nick stormed out, slightly mad – Julian knew he was in a total denial, just making himself hard to get.

Erika felt her whole body shaking as she stood alone in the middle of the room, her hands cold and dry. Clutched in them, the hard metal handle connected to the sword she was to use that night.

"Are you sure they didn't have something smaller?" The brunette asked.

Her identical friend, who was in a corner watching her, shook her head as she held her hands close to her mouth.

Erika sighed, trying to recall what the man had taught her during the few minutes they were there.

'Just aim for the head,' he said, 'Give it a nice swing and grab the handle as hard as you can. You'll be good to go.'

She had expected a bit more of information, and she did realize they were all in a hurry, but if they really wanted her to go then they should have taught her how to fight.

Now, this was the only weapon she had to defend herself, and she could barely lift it without shaking.

She closed her eyes, and did just what the man said, without an actual victim in front of her, of course. But the silver colored blade was so heavy that once she had stroke it, the weight made her body swirl along.

She released her grip and waited for the ruckus of the sound to end.

Anneliese sighed. Erika looked desperate, but she smiled at her when she heard the door creaking open.

Confused but not disturbed, Julian raised one of his eyebrows and slightly laughed. "What are you girls doing?"

Anneliese picked the sword from the floor, "I'm helping Erika get prepared." She had to use both of her hands, but she managed to place it upon a table. Now she understood why Erika felt so hopelessly worthless with it at hand.

"For what?"

"The attack." Erika answered, her arms crossed on her chest.

Julian shook his head while he closed the door, "You're not coming with us."
Anneliese looked at him, a little disappointed. "What?"

"Why?" Erika added, letting her arms fall on her sides. After everything she was doing and had planned!

The blond man shrugged, walking towards his dressing table. "Anneliese has to stay here; we thought it would be better if she had some company."

Erika's eyes filled with desperation, now they were making her stay inside a room all night! Just waiting for her end to come? "But I have to go, Nick wants me to."

"We agreed that you are going to stay." He stated a bit too firmly.

They both understood why they had made this decision, but they also knew that if Erika didn't go with Dominick, things had less possibilities of going back to what Erika had said was normal.

Anneliese walked to where Julian was, placed her hand on his arm and looked at him.

"Julian, please, she needs to go."

"Anneliese,"

Erika came closer too, "If I don't… everything will stay this way Julian. Nothing will change."

The blue-eyed man didn't agree. "Everything will change tonight; we'll make sure of that."

"You don't understand,"

Feeling very much on edge, Erika glared at the man. "You can't change what will happen to me or to my children if you don't allow me to go to this attack tonight." Her voice stained with upcoming tears.

Julian's features changed with doubt and misunderstanding. "You have kids?"

"Dominick and I do." Her voice couldn't possibly sound more serious. And Julian noticed it, it didn't really matter if Erika was telling the truth – he could feel that she really wanted to assist.

"Don't let him recognize you at least until we get out of here, or he'll kill me."

Anneliese grinned, Erika sighed with relief.

"The ones at the right?" Asked Nick, as he made gestures with his hands to understand better. The guard on his side didn't seem to like the girl's advice so much, so he wasn't paying much attention; he was there because he wasn't going to fail his master.

A head of red screws nodded, "Yes, the third one." Said the girl.

"And are you sure she'll be there?" asked the Captain of the guards, almost with a mocking tone.

Cherry was about to reply when a "Hi," interrupted, she decided to ignore it for a moment and continue. "I am sure. And also remember that the windows are-"

"Yeah, yeah," Nick waved his hand in front of her face, "We know that."

The blonde one, Nack, added, "We've seen the windows; we have spied on you a couple of times."

His brother's eyes bulged and a smack in the head was followed by a hissed: "She isn't supposed to know that." made Cherry giggle. The guard rolled his eyes and shifted, making his armor plates clink.

"He, he." being used to the hits, Nack only laughed, "I knew that."

The girl, who was still dressed in her protestant outfit, kept explaining. "Just keep a sharp eye; it's very easy to escape from those huts."

"Alright, we will." Jeered Nick as he started walking to leave, "Come on, Nack. We don't have much time."

Obviously ignoring his brother, Nack stayed and offered his hand to the girl. "I'm Nack,"

He noticed the redness around her brown eyes, she'd been crying, and forcing a smile on her face she replied. "I'm Cherry."

Nack released her hand, and slightly bowed in front of her. "An honor to meet you, Cherry."

The girl felt her heat warming up when she chuckled, "Likewise, sir Nack."

The light-blond man scratched his neck, "Just call me Nack."

The girl nodded, almost about to say something else, but she was cut off by a scream from down the hall.

"Nack!"

Perhaps the only person that had been actually nice to her in a long time waved goodbye as he walked away, something about him made her feel as if she was a terrible human being. She knew what she'd done wasn't right, but she had her reasons, she was doing them a favor. The innocent in this Nack's eyes made her feel ashamed of who she had become today, felt sorrow when she saw it because she knew she had already lost much of hers.

Her head spun when her eyes found the metal suit, a symbol of how cold, hard and shallow she'd become.

Erika tried not to move as Anneliese helped her dress. The clothes were too big for her; she'd be able to fit more than twice in them. An old lady that was in charge of doing all the sewing and washing had allowed Julian to borrow the clothes; a shirt, a jacket, a pair of slacks and even some small boots that fitted Erika perfectly. The Queen was doing her best to hide some of the ginormous top under the belt. So she wouldn't look so ridiculous with a nightgown-looking shirt hanging around.

They hadn't even tried to borrow Julian's, it was suitable for the garments to be oversized, and the whole point was making everyone think that Erika wasn't Erika – make everything loose.

"Get the hat." said the blonde one, and as the brunette grabbed it the door opened again.

Tall and proud, wearing a steel-clad vest and a sword clinging from his belt, Julian entered the room once more. Once Anneliese finished hiding the brown strands of hair inside the hat Erika was wearing and turned to see him, she smiled and walked to him.

A stirring of feelings overwhelmed her, she didn't know if the tears threatening to drop from her eyes were from happiness of from sadness. For her, seeing her beloved dressed that way symbolized freedom – but it also signified that he'd be going out to risk his life. The only thing she was a hundred-percent sure of doing was to wrap her arms around him so he would do the same.

The bittersweet emotion made them tremble; this could be the last time they'd ever be together if something went wrong.

How she wanted to just lock that door and not allow him to leave! But she knew that even when she pleaded that, he would say 'no' and he would leave anyway.

Speaking on the top of her head, Julian assured, "You're going to be safe here."

She nodded, that was something she figured since she arrived – it hadn't been very effective though. "Take care." She managed to whisper, closing her eyes to squeeze the tears blurring her vision.

The man chuckled, and replied as if he was talking to an overprotective mother. "I will."

Anneliese glared at him, and took his face in her hands, the scar on his face being another painful reminder of what could happen. He was taking it all just like she supposed Dominick was, as a game. Her sapphire eyes digging into his icy ones, her mouth slightly parted and her breathing heavy. "Promise me."

Julian nodded, and understood that his attempt to make her think this wasn't so dangerous had been futile – Anneliese wasn't stupid. He placed a hand on her back and another behind her neck, leaned and forced her lips to meet with his. A warm memento that would feed his will to fight and that would help him survive no matter what. Her eyes closed but the warm tears still escaped and where now running down her cheeks; not even a day together and she had to let him go again. She pushed him closer by snaking her arms around his neck.

"I promise." Julian whispered, kissing her again. This time, Anneliese believed him.

Erika smiled when she saw them; a two-faced feeling came upon her. She felt happy because she had got them together again, but she also felt an immense grief because she knew that it was her fault they couldn't be together in the first place. Nevertheless, if the Resistance won the fight and she wasn't able to bring everything back to normal then at least they would be happy – even when she wouldn't be there to see it.

The sky was painted with a thousand tones of red, orange and yellow - the sun already hiding behind the faraway mountains. Soft and calming wind blew as the hundreds of men gathered at the entrance of the hideout. Not so far was the forest, where their plan would really start to take place. Slow footsteps filled the air as everyone waited; everything became stiller when their leader's brown horse walked into the scene.

Nick grinned, pulling on his horse's collar to stop it. He felt his chest being packed with honor and pride. "It hasn't been a good year," his powerful and determined voice rang all over the multitude. "We've been abused, wronged and fooled by a pair of clowns!" A wave of murmurs in agreement was heard, "We hid from them because alone we are nothing, but together we are more powerful than them. And tonight, we will take back what is ours!"

Now a flood of clapping hands raised everyone's spirit; a white horse soon walked closer to the front along with Nick's. The brown haired man smiled at the blond one, he wasn't even wearing his mask anymore! "I want to thank you all in advance." He continued, "Their hands might be stained with the blood of the late rulers, but tonight ours will be stained with justice!"

Nick raised his sword as high as his arm allowed him to cue everyone – it was time to go.

A total feeling of joy and emotion filled Dominick, he was determined to end the wrong Frederick had done. Nothing was going to stop him, and feeling all the people that supported his ideas and were putting their lives at risk to go and fight for what they believed was right were walking and riding along his side – it was simply a complete bliss—a relief, a mark of strength.

For once in his life he felt as if a ray of luck from the sun of fortune had shone upon him, had lighten his way and was bringing to him what he needed to be happy. Support like this he was sure he'd never find anywhere else.

His best friend, who had suffered as much as he did, rode by his side.

He truly admired him, having to live with the burden of knowing that the love of your life was taken into a forced marriage in front of your eyes was something Dominick couldn't really even think about. Sometimes he wondered how Julian made it through his whole year; he wouldn't have done it.

But he was strong, and he had run the double mile to give his friend benefits from this rebellion.

His deep trance of thought was cut off by a not so very pleasant sight behind him, a certain horse he had come to hate. Strong and half-witted, the beautiful two-colored creature belonged to Julian. They had found it wounded and almost dying a couple of months ago, the former teacher couldn't resist adopting it. An amazing looking thing, savage and unstable as well. They were almost reaching a very delicate part, once they were in the forest it was vital – essential – crucial, that no unnecessary sound was made. That's why most of the people had come walking, to eliminate the chance of a horse ruining the whole operation. And yet, the most mad and unpredictable of all had made its way in.

"Julian," He called, "Isn't that your horse?" Gesturing back with his head, Julian nodded.

"Uh, yeah." He cleared his throat; he had expected Nick to ask. "The poor lad riding it has a twisted ankle and he asked if he could borrow one of my horses because he didn't want to miss this."

"Ah, I see." That's why he loved his people! But still, now he felt nervous about having that insane horse around. "You could have asked; I could have given you another. That one is not very tamed."

Julian slightly shrugged; that was something he couldn't have done.

A couple of minutes flew by, and the group finally faced the forest, "Everyone," called Dominick, "We need to stay silent from now on." He warned.

And his people obeyed, not a soul was heard while they walked into the woods. The soft brown earth made their steps softer, while the grass made it easier to walk faster. Everything, until now, appeared to be working along their side. Fate was choosing a champion.

Excitement ran in Nick's veins when he saw the place they were going to hide in; the moment, it was here!
Looking up his shoulder to nod at his people, everyone hurried and took the previously planned places. Nick rushed his horse to run to the top of a near hill, his place to watch when Frederick was near.

His hand sweaty, his brow twitched, and a smirk frozen on his mouth – his gaze fixed upon the road. And when the man arrived to the top, he felt the colder and stronger air hit his face, he felt as if he was on the top of the world. The view underneath him was amazing, a blanket of every single tone of green in existence. Some thin, narrow browns and grays marking the roads. It was going to be so easy to spot Frederick's carriage; everything was going to go so well. It was fool-proof, nothing could go wrong.

Or at least that's what he had been thinking; some minor errors were starting to rise. He heard an animal-like moan, once he was aware of a horse nearing him, he turned his. Julian's mangy beast, along with its temporal rider.

His expression serious, "Go back to your place, boy." He said with a warning voice, returning his look to the lower place. Not so near from them yet, he spotted a white carriage coming. Still nothing to worry about, it was pretty far.

The small rider jumped off his horse, cleared his throat to take back Nick's attention and took off the brown hat he'd been wearing. Long chocolate curls fell onto his shoulders and the other man soon realized that the rider was a she.

Once he took in the information, and started to ask himself why this girl had to pose as a guy, his questions were answered by her face. The girl, Erika! She sneaked off to come with him – he meant, them! Julian had made him allow her to stay hidden with the Queen but she was there. The silly animal instantly wandered off when she released her grip on its collar.

"I believe the right expression is 'Go back to your place, girl'."

His face stood the same, shock froze his features. "What are you doing here?"

Erika smiled, playing with the saggy hat in her hands, "I needed to come; I couldn't stop myself from coming with you." Before he could respond, the horse neighed for no reason.

He frowned, "Shut that thing, they'll spot us." He knew that if someone from the enemy's side saw a dressed horse around, they'd know someone was close!

She ignored him, but walked closer. "I have to tell you something…"

"Speak up!" He demanded, now nervous for two things: the stupid horse and an enchantress determined to trap him.

Julian was hiding behind some tall bushes and trees, close to the dirt road but also near the end of the hill where Dominick was. In his hands was to receive Nick's hint to signal everyone else. He wasn't that nervous, but he was a bit uneasy. He never was that brave really, he only used his boldness when it was much needed. In cases of emergency. His stomach churned when he heard several horses and the sound of wooden wheels against the rough dirt coming near them. The action was about to start.

He looked up to where Dominick was to see if he motioned something, but he wasn't even standing where he said he'd be! Julian gulped and tightened his grip on the horse's lash, Frederick was nearer than he had thought. His first signal was to get everyone ready, not to attack, so maybe he could make this one without Nick.

"The only way to break my spell is if you kiss me." Erika blurted out, afraid of how he might react.

He shook his head and looked the other way, the senseless things this girl said made him angry – he hated to feel confused. "I don't know what you are talking about."

Erika walked even closer, daring to touch one of his knees. "If you kiss me everything will be back to normal," 'Normal?' he thought, 'The only way of getting things back to my version of 'normal' is to revive my father.' His eyes met hers - looking up like a puppy begging for food, almost watering. She looked so pret- he meant, silly. She was trying to fool him, to make him fall in her games. "You'll be King and we'll be married…"

"And we'll have the barking cat back?" He finished her sentence, guessing.

Her face lighted up, "Yes!"

Nick frowned again, no wonder why Julian had given her that horse; they complemented each other, rider and horse - both madcaps.

And speaking about the thing, it was weirder than ever, it neighed again and stared at something down the hill. Once it did it twice, he sighed in frustration.

"Erika, please," he pointed at it.

But she ignored his request, "You have to believe me," she pleaded, "You are my husband, I know you."

Nick raised an eyebrow, now this he had to listen to. He always loved stories, and hers felt to keep getting odder but interesting. Getting off from his horse, he placed his hands on his hips. "Prove it."

She sighed, "How do I know that you love music so much?" With that she began, her eyes glassy and her hands trembling. This wasn't so hard; she'd prove to him that she knew him more than anyone. "That you love disguises… I know that you hate to read bedtimes stories because you never had a mother to do that. That your favorite place in the whole world is your music room."

The air seemed to have been sucked out from his body, things he had never told anyone before in his life, details that were hidden in the darkest corners of his being. Yet, this woman seemed to know them all! He had begun to believe in magic when he met Lily, so he knew that there was a big chance of Erika using such ways to know those things. But if he really believed in that, then the happening and the person she was claiming to be could also be possible. What if, in fact, she had come from another place where they were married? Tears began to roll down her reddish cheeks as she continued, "How do I know you have a journal that you hide under your pillows, that if it's not with bread you can't stand soup, that you have a scar on your -"

His brute arm pulled her waist and eliminated the distance between the two. If magic was the one who had caused such thing to happen to her, if she wasn't a witch that was simply reading his mind and she truly was his wife, then there was only a way to find out. Without even asking, he roughly pressed their lips together.

For a minute, the earth stood still. Sparks began to float around them; Erika felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.

But as he broke away, with the same stern and serious face, she saw that nothing had changed.

Her world seemed to end for real at that moment, it couldn't be, this was supposed to work! Her true love kissed her! She felt so stupid and small, her lungs struggled to breathe and her heart ached.

He shook his head, he almost seemed disappointed too. "Looks like Lily fooled you too."

If it wasn't for him, she'd had fainted from this impression.

The sound of moans, yells and swords clinking broke them out from the current subject. The ruckus was coming from down the hill, where it was planned. Nick gasped, he had missed the carriage!

But as he took a glimpse he saw that they had everything under control.

On the other hand, he was stuck up here with two unreasonable creatures, one about to cry her eyes out because her senseless theory wasn't true and the other frantic about something it saw. Too frantic, perhaps… hysterical.

So, he walked over where it was, ran his hand through the horse's neck to calm it down. But it kept struggling, breathing heavily and jumping – never disconnecting its glare from a certain place down the hill.

With low spirits, broken soul and tired will, Erika got closer to help Nick – better make her last hours helpful for someone. She could help them fix what she had broken, innocent people from what was now her past would be lost for some time and maybe brought again with different faces but… that was just the way everything had turned out to be… But the adrenaline pumped within her when she saw the thing the horse had been neighing to.

One of the brown lines between all the green had turned white - nearly a thousand men, slowly walking towards them. How could he have missed that? ... Oh right, he was too busy trying to figure out Erika.

Erika gasped, she forgot about what had happened, all she knew now was that if they didn't move she was going to die even sooner than planned.

So she jumped on her horse as Nick did the same and they hurried down the hill.

She couldn't sit, she couldn't relax, she couldn't eat, she couldn't read, she couldn't even rest – her mind was just concentrated in knowing what was going on with the guys. Were they okay? Was Julian alright?

She rubbed her temples to ease the ache in her head; she'd be shattered if she lost him. She wouldn't be able to survive the pain, and even less the guilt.

But she knew it was better if she stayed there, all locked up until he came back. Either way, she would have felt the same. Even if she had gone with them she was going to feel as useless as she did now. So, to save them the worries, she stayed.

After all, a night of pure boredom and anguish was a low price to pay to live happily ever after, right?

Yeah, she should stay calm, maybe sleep the remaining hours away – a slow knock made her stand up from the bed almost automatically. It wasn't until she was about to turn the doorknob that she remembered she wasn't home, and that Julian had warned her about not allowing people to see her.

She retrieved her hand, and gulped. The person outside was persistent. Maybe they were being attacked! Or maybe an emergency had come up… she had to know why this person was insisting to come in.

"Who is it?" She asked once she found her voice, and nervously tucked some hair behind her ear.

"We need to talk with you about Julian." A husky and deep voice responded.

She frowned; a bit relieved to hear that the voice didn't belong to the one she feared or knew, but confused for what the man had said. She decided to open the door as she asked: "Talk about Julian?"

A smirk greeted her, along with a pair of angry caramel eyes. Anneliese gasped, felt a cold chill run down her body, as she strongly pushed the door closed again – but she failed.

The man had placed his white and expensive heel between the door and the doorframe, prohibiting her to leave him outside. With a force unknown to her, he pressed the door open, almost knocking her down.

Head held high, and hands hidden behind his back, Preminger walked into the room. Looking around with a judging eye.

Anneliese was panting, her thin hands curled into fists, and she walked to the door to try to run away – but only faced several guards standing outside. After shaking his head in disparagement he looked at her.

She gulped again, her lips dry and her mind spinning.

"My love," Preminger started, clearing his throat. Falseness splattered on every word. "I'm so glad to see you're okay." With that he held out his hands and walked closer to her, she frowned at him.

"Yes," She dryly answered, moving away to keep their distance. "I'm fine."

He grinned and seized his approach, "Good." His gaze ran from her head to her shoes, after remaining serious for some moments. The short man snickered, shaking his head once again. Anneliese, frozen where she stood and with no other decisions at hand, only waited to see what happened next. "That is a beautiful dress." And the silence was broken; the girl took some moments to digest what he had just said. And when she finally looked down at herself, she comprehended the true meaning and intention of his words. "All you need is to stop washing your face and you'll blend right in with these people."

Determined not to let him offend her anymore, she glared at him. "How did you find this place? What do you want?"

"A little bird told me," the man answered, and when the blonde woman cocked an eyebrow he saw that she suspected something, to clear all doubts and demolish the reputation of these people in her mind, "Yes, a red headed bird." He added. Her fists tightened, she knew who had done this. The King began to run his palms on each sleeve – as if trying to wipe something off them; she noticed he was already dressed for the occasion. "I'm here to rescue you." Was his dry next response, "You were kidnapped, and our anniversary celebration is about to begin."

Still unable to move, the Queen responded to him. "I'm not going back."

"But your family is already asking to see you." A phony concerned look took over his features; although to her they were still stained with mock almost like if he knew what she was going to say next. "They'll think that I'm a terrible husband."

Now she felt as if this was her time to mock him, feeling superior to him for the first time in a while. "You'll tell them that I'm with the man I love."

That seemed to enrage him, his eyebrow twisted and he crossed him arms on his chest.

Now that was the kind of sassiness he didn't expect. "The same man that created the group that wants us dead?" And with his horribly versatile attitude, in a moment he had a sarcastic response to his own question. "What a wonderful answer!" Her growing confidence shrank in an instant, she felt like a child again, she would never see him as a father but he was surely acting as if he owned some kind of right to tell her what to do. "Oh, and I should also make clear to them that you are a cheating-"

"Stop it, Preminger!" As the spoiled child Anneliese knew she was in his eyes, she was going to act as one. It was about time she stood up for herself, it was time for her to say and do what she wanted and felt like.

He figured she just needed a warning, perhaps a reminder of why she should follow his rules. Madness glimmered in his gaze as he walked closer. It wasn't jealousy, and even less fear or hurt – it was desperation the thing filling his eyes. After everything he'd done, his whole work would go down the drain thanks to one of her tantrums. "You are my wife, not his. I'm expected to take care of you; you won't make me look bad. If that schoolboy wants you, he'll come get you."

He was now so close that if she dared to move her nose would poke his; she took a deep breath and shoved him away. "I'm staying, Preminger. I don't care what people think about me."

He cleared his throat, fixing his wig. Trying to act calmly, so she wouldn't freak on him any more than she already has. "Fine… fine." He said in between sighs as she walked to the window of the room.

"You two love each other, and I honestly don't care." Anneliese took a glimpse to see if there was a chance for her to escape, Preminger continued. "But if you stay together, I'm the one who will pay the price." But what she found when she carefully tossed the thin and tattered curtain was the gleam of a man's armor. She paled, and her body congealed once again. But her mind cleared a bit when she saw the short man standing by the door, his ring-decorated fingers holding the handle.

Preminger looked calmed, "You've made a decision, and I can't make you change your mind." The door creaked open, the same calmed and serious expression on his face. "I can't force you to come with me," Suddenly, as he smirked at her, she heard a song of metal clanking coming closer. "But they can." Gigantic silver shadows entered without an invitation, and Anneliese couldn't do anything to get out of the mess.

Disbelief, anxiety and all kinds of dreadful sensations ran through the pair of brunettes as they went closer to the fighting crowd.

Nick's chest relaxed and his lungs were able to expand again when he saw that the white army was still nearing them – if they were fast, they could still get away.

Only grunts and struggling prisoners were left from the prior ruckus they had heard. Exactly six guards tied and held on the ground, their horses now had new riders. And Frederick's carriage was surrounded by his men, two of them pressing the doors so he wouldn't try to escape.

For a moment, he bought everything that was happening, but when he remembered what he had discovered he hurried to tell everyone.

"Nick!" The blond man on his horse ran to him, a smile on his face. "Nick, we did it!"

Running by his side was James, the dark skinned boy he had chosen to replace Cherry. And he was also smiling, barely shaken and not even sweaty. "We are so well trained that it was a piece of cake to take these guys down!"

It was pure joy and hope what came out of their mouths, which made it harder for Nick to reveal the truth and bring the spirits down.

Julian pointed at the carriage, "Frederick's inside." He said as he cued his friend to go there.

"This is a trap!" He declared; his voice went louder as he continued so everyone could hear.

"There are more than a thousand men coming!" The air was filled with uproars from their people, everyone was clearly alarmed.

Julian paled—a thousand men? More than four times the men they had! There were doomed!

"We must move!" Julian declared, "If they want a fight, they are going to have to look for us!"

Nick's attention was stolen when one of the doors of the black carriage started to open, he knew that there was a big possibility of this not being Frederick but nothing could have prepared him to face the person replacing him.

He took his sword out because he recognized the person was far more dangerous than his dear cousin. Everyone gasped and also took out their weapons. With a silver armor, her distinctive bow on her shoulder and wearing a smirk, Cherry walked out of the carriage.

Author's Note:

I know, not the best chapter to repay you guys for all the time I was out.

But at least I can tell you what has been up lately! Let's see… I got my first job experience; I was a bagger at a supermarket for a month!

My wonderful, amazing, and extraordinary laptop decided to take a vacation as well – thanks a lot – my keyboard just stopped working and one of my drivers is messed up. The keyboard is new, and I have to say that is a complete torture to get accustomed to it! It's mind-twisting to just make these ""! Ugh!

I don't even know what's wrong with the disk driver, I've tried everything and nothing works.

Anyways, I want to thank everyone who has review this story :D And 'cause I couldn't thank 'Guest' and 'Me', then here you go: Guest, I'm very happy you are enjoying this! And of course I will continue, I've gone too far to stop ;). Me, the ending is very near thanks for leaving a review!

I'm alreayd working with the next chapter so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think by leaving a review! :D