Disclaimer - I own nothing.

Twelve

I dream of the ocean that night. A storm brewing on the horizon as the water churns and pulls at me. I'm drowning, I realize. I turn and kick in the water and try to reach the surface before I see him. He's in his shining red armor sinking like a stone of ruby. Panic surges as I reach for him, but he's just too far, just out of my grasp and sinking fast. I wish dimly for Evangeline's ability so I could pull him to me with ease. I swim and push but he just sinks farther and farther away from me. Sunlight winks off his metal plating as he sinks into darkness, small as the earring he gave me months ago.

"No!" I scream under water, sitting straight up in a feather down bed. It takes me more than a moment to remember where I am. The plain white walls are bright with the reflective light of the sun outside. Someone came in to open the windows this morning, the sheer curtains blowing lazily in the cool ocean breeze. I look next to me remembering Farley fast asleep. She's already gone, the spot where she slept still warm. There's a note on her pillow in her hasty looping script.

Early meeting, see you at Luncheon. Breakfast in salon.

I lay back down staring at the ceiling, there are raised edges of the same material as the wall creating pictures and designs. I never noticed it before now. It shows a storm over Ocean Hill, lightening crashes in the middle of the city, and I can't tell from this distance but I think the bolt is tinged purple, but it could be a reflection from the bed. I hear a cough from the salon, turning my gaze to the open door of the salon. I can see a blue glow coming from the room. I sit up again, pulling a robe around me. My temples throb with every step and I keep my eyes squinted and turned toward the floor. The sun is much too bright.

"There she is!" Kilorn practically yells from his place on the salon sofa as I enter the room.

"Why are you talking so loud?"

He picks up a small cup from the tray of food on the small knee-high table between the couch and the chairs. "Here," He hands it to me, "This will help your head until we get you to Sara."

I swallow the contents without a second thought, easing myself into a gray chair across from Kilorn, folding my legs under me.

He gestures to the TV across the room issuing the strange blue glow I saw from the bedroom. "Did you know," He says with a wicked grin on his face, "that these things are not just for broadcasts?"

I nod, taking some bacon from the plate between us. It crunches and denigrates in my mouth. "Is this the breakfast?"

Kilorn nods absently watching a silver news anchor report on a riot outside of Archeon. "The riot was quickly dispersed by the NR Guard. Rioters have been detained for questioning pending an open investigation." The screen flips through video clips of the short riot and clips of officers putting shackled violators into armored transports. "With the Luncheon, they just brought trays of food to our rooms," He answers without taking his eyes from the screen.

I check the clock on the far wall, it's only a little past eight, I still have time to eat and get ready. I pick up the plate of eggs, bacon and toast, along with a fork and pull it into my lap, turning my attention to the screen.

The silver news anchor is one I've seen before what seems like a lifetime ago. "The Nortan Republic Academy is getting ready for their first annual Open House tomorrow." She smiles into the camera, "We go to Cliff who is with the Tiberias Calore for more information. Cliff?"

The scene changes to a man standing in Cesar square, a broad shoulder barely showing on screen next to him. "Thanks Diane." He responds to his fellow anchor. I almost don't believe it, this man is red. Three months and the whole world changes. "That's right, I'm standing here with none other than the last King of Norta. How are you Tiberias?"

The camera pans out showing more of the fire prince. My fire prince.

On screen, Cal smirks uncomfortably at the title, "Please call me Cal."

"See that ladies, not only is he good looking, he's humble too." Cliff says to the lens of the camera. Cal rubs the back of his neck and I can see the tips of his ears turn bone white. "Tell us," Cliff continues turning back to Cal. "What do we have in store tomorrow?"

Cal is much more comfortable with this line of conversation. His back straightens with pride as he speaks. "We currently only have 50 students and they are all progressing wonderfully. We will have demonstrations of their skills, a look at the curriculum, a presentation on the future of the Academy, as well as a lunch for the family of those enrolled. Anyone is welcome to join us tomorrow."

Cliff turns back to the camera, wiggling his eyebrows, "Sources say that a Miss Mare Barrow will also be in attendance tomorrow. Can you confirm this?

Cal's smile falters just a bit, barely noticeable. But I notice. "Yes she will." He says slowly. "I believe she will be there for the demonstrations and the presentation at least."

"We all know you and her have a bit of a history." Cliff angles, "Will there be a future?"

I want to vomit and not just because of the alcohol from last night still swilling in my stomach.

Cal looks directly into the camera, speaking to me. "That is up to Miss Barrow." Someone calls his attention off screen and he smiles, "Ah, Natasa," He waves the woman over and the camera pans out to allow her room on the screen. To my dismay, she looks beautiful. Cal claps a hand on her shoulder talking to Cliff but I can't hear him anymore, white noise rushing to my ears. He didn't say she was going with him.

"I need to shower," I say not bothering to look back at Kilorn or the television screen as I move to the bathroom. I can't listen to Cal sing her praises on national television. I can't watch him look at her. My chest tightens as I turn the heat up all the way in the bath. It's not nearly hot enough. I want to burn.

In an hours' time I am clean and dressed. The dress, one of Gisa's creations of course, is a deep plum color, high collared but low enough to breathe and high enough to cover the brand It's light and flowing, just barely grazing the floor and the sleeves are capped, a slit up to my shoulder on each, matching the ones on both of my legs up to my knee.

Sara meets me at the door of the grand dining hall giving me a gentle squeeze. She puts a hand to my cheek and my lingering headache fads. "Thank you." I murmur as he takes her hand away.

She shrugs, "I figured you'd need me today." She smiles and I grimace at the memory of my behavior the night before.

"I'm sorry about-" I start but she cuts me off.

"Trust me, I understand." She says and something in her eyes makes me believe her. Sara ushers me further into the dining hall before being pulled away giving me time to look around.

The grand dining hall is more spectacular than I've ever seen it. Its walls and beams are covered in all shades of green florals speckled with large blooming white roses. I spy Carmadon talking to a few envoys at the end of the large oak table toward the open terrace doors. This must be his work. The table must be set for forty at least, pale pink and rose gold plates set with silver forks and knives at their sides.

I find Farley easily enough as she is already sitting in her seat enjoying a pale white glass of wine.

"Hair of the dog?" She asked smirking, offering me a glass of my own as I sit next to her.

"Nope," I answer quickly waving off the drink easily, the thought making me nauseous all over again. "How was your meeting this morning?" I change the subject, pouring myself a glass of water.

"Interesting to say the least," She says scratching her chin. "It was just information on Tiraxes."

"And?" I prod eagerly.

"It's a lot like how Montfort was before. High houses and Lords all fighting over land and it's just as hot as Piedmont." Farley smirks at something I don't know. "It's a wild west town." She seems far away for a moment but catches herself quickly. "We're starting much the same way as we did Norta. Just gathering intelligence right now."

"So, when do we leave?" I meet her gaze head on. She knows my meaning, I'm seeing this through to the end. Whether it be the end of the war, or me, whichever comes first.

Her face becomes soft and she puts a gentle hand on my knee. "Mare we may not see the end of this. I have been working on this for a little over five years and there are others who have oathed more time than I have. Progress is not quick." She's saying I got lucky.

And she's right. I nod because there's nothing I can say. I've only been in this war, this fight for red equality for a year and a half. A horrific eighteen months but still others have endured more and worse than I have.

Farley takes her hand away as she takes a sip of her wine. "And besides that, your face is too damned recognizable. I couldn't use you now if I wanted to." She turns to me pointedly, "What I'm saying is, you have time. If you wanted to," She pauses, dropping her voice so only I can hear, "If you wanted to stay here, for a little while. See how it feels? I know you went to see him last night. I honestly don't think that anyone would blame you if you stayed."

"Farley," I groan leaning back in my chair, "It's not that simple."

Farley's eyes whip to mine with speed and force, "Listen to me Barrow, I've had about enough. I've read those damned letters, I've seen you waste away, I see it in your eyes now and I saw it in his face last night," She growls between clenched teeth, frustrated with me. "Your great love is right there begging for you to just be near him and you just keep denying him. Making you both miserable in the end."

I say nothing but stare at my hands in my lap like a scolded child.

She softens again leaning against my shoulder. "I just think that if you truly loved him, you would at least try to make it work. She holds up a hand before I can interrupt. "I know you are going to say it's not that simple, but it really is that simple. Talk to him, listen to him, compromise. Be there for him like he's always been there for you. Teach each other how to be again."

Again and like always, she's right. I was a mess last night. I have been a mess for the past year.

The rest of the luncheon blurs with polite conversation. Saying too much and nothing at all. I'm not very good at it and I keep to myself for the majority of the meal. As soon as the luncheon is over I'm the first one out of the door, the giant room suffocating and claustrophobic. My mind is racing and I can't seem to hold on to one thought. All I can think about is bronze eyes and fire.

Instead of thinking I concentrate on my actions. Walking back to my room. Changing into the black leather leggings and black tunic with dark purple bolts embroidered on the neck line you can barely see that Gisa made me bring. I pull my hair back into a tight bun. The look is severe and harsh, along with my Scarlett Guard issued boots, I look ready for battle. In a way, I suppose I am going into battle. To look powerful is to be powerful, floats through my memories and I almost vomit on the white marble floor of the entry way of Ocean Hill. I stand in the doorway waiting for the transport with my hands clasped behind me, my back ramrod straight.

"Hello Mare." A voice behind me calls. Carmadon stands next to me coping my stance. He's clad in his trademark white suit, contrasting beautifully with his midnight skin. He watches with me as the transports pull up and park in perfect unison.

"Hello Carmadon." I reply with a nod of my head. "How are you enjoying your trip?"

"Oh, very well," He responds with an easy smile, "I've always wanted to see Norta for myself. Dane's tales don't do it justice." He looks down at me, the corners of his eyes wrinkling as he smiles. "You have a beautiful country."

I look out across the courtyard. "I'm not sure it's my country anymore."

"Of course it is!" He replies incredulously, "You may call another home, but this," He gestures out across the land. "This is in your blood. You are Nortan made little one, don't you ever forget that."

Aren't we all made and unmade by someone else? I shake my head trying to rid myself of the memory. "I'm not sure where my home is." I mutter under my breath.

I hear him sigh low, "My home," He says simply, "Is where Dane is. I spent the better half of a year with my home somewhere else, not knowing if he'd return."

I watch him now, his dark face drawn, his brows furrowed at the memory. "H-how did you do it?" I stutter, asking the question I have thought about every day for three months.

Carmadon chuckles sardonically. "Lots of wine and distractions." He looks back down to me, the corners of his mouth lifting in a sad smile, "It wasn't easy and there are more nights than I care to admit that I worried myself sick. But how could I tell him no? How could I keep him from his dream? His goal? He is Nortan made too and one thing I've learned about you Nortan's is that you are strong and determined. And there is no telling you no." At my sigh of disappointment he leans down so that only I can hear. "It is possible, you know? Red and Silver to live and love together. Even miles apart."

I feel as if my words have been stolen from my throat and all I can do is bob my head in agreement. Cal wouldn't wait behind for me, not if my life was in danger. If the situations were reversed, I don't know if I would wait behind either. I can picture it now, pacing the floor waiting for word if he was alive or dead. It would eat me up. "Perhaps." Is all I can say in reply.

The last time I was in New Town, Kilorn almost died. The building that we had toppled from is long gone. Many of the buildings that were here then have been torn down and new buildings are being erected in their place. New, stable, safe buildings. The sound of nails being hammered, metal being formed surround us as we walk through a portion of the city.

I can tell Carmen is proud of the work she's done. It's so plainly written all over her face. And so is her father, he beams at her from the back of the group as she leads us through the small town.

"This building," She points to her right, "Will stand as the Union headquarters. We have the Tech Union on one floor and we are working on setting up similar unions for the lumber yards and the mines in the Rift. The Samos' have been extremely helpful in gathering all of the safety information we require."

I knew Ptolemus was running the mines now but I had no idea he was working with Cameron to make them safer.

Cameron continues, "This one," She points to a brick building, newly made, to her left, "This is the new orphanage for those that have lost their families. All children in orphanages around the country are offered a scholarship to the academy, abilities or not, to further their education. They have to maintain a certain grade average but most of the kids are excited to start school next season."

I glance up at the building. There must be fifteen children all hanging their heads out of various windows on the third floor. They whisper and watch us as we walk. I hear my name more than once and it doesn't take much force to turn the lights off and on in the room the children are in. I look up again and wink. I hear them squeal, their whispers turning to gasps and excitement as we pass.

"They ask me about you all the time. I'm going to have to hear about that for a week." Cameron calls to me as she walks backward in front of the group.

I shrug, "Better you than me."

Cameron rolls her eyes and turns back around to continue the tour. The rest of the town is mostly the same, people hanging out of doors and windows to get a glimpse at our ragtag group. Kilorn and Farley in their Scarlett Guard uniforms, Carmadon in his white suit, and me. I feel stares linger on the scars on my neck. Bolts of lightning twisting up my side in pink raised lines. I keep my eyes forward trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I don't want to see their faces, their thanks or their pity.

We meet with the Nortan Republic Guard stationed to the area, we meet merchants who have moved here, and greenwardens who are charged with cleaning the pollution in the air. We meet the people who have started to organize the elections for City Counsels, listened to a presentation on how they will decide who goes on the ballot, a preliminary election, as well as what they will be responsible for after the elections. It's all very drawl and a tad boring.

I'm more than happy to see the transports arrive to take us back to the palace. This day has been long and all I want to do is eat dinner and sleep. I climb into the first transport to open a door, the driver the same silver from the day before. He nods to me as I get in and Farley follows closely behind me.

"You ready for tomorrow?" She asks as the door closes.

"I'm not going to Archeon." I state.

"Mare," Farley starts but I cut her off, turning to face her.

"I told you before I wasn't going and you had Tahir put in on the itinerary anyway." I sit back in my chair crossing my arms over my chest as the driver, I should probably ask his name, pulls off onto the road.

"And I told you it was non-negotiable." Farley shoots back.

"Do you see me in a Scarlett Guard uniform?" I ask motioning to my outfit, "I'm not one of your soldiers Diana."

Farley rolls her eyes, "You know that's not true. You are as much a soldier as I am."

"I'm not going." I repeat.

"You are. If I have to drag you there myself, you will be on that jet next to me tomorrow morning." Farley says facing me, her finger jabbing every word at me.

"He's there." I say as if it's an explanation.

"Cal?" She asks, her brows furrowed. "Of course he's there."

"No," I growl, "not him. Him." I won't say his name, not out loud, but my fingers ghost over my collarbone automatically at the thought of his ice blue eyes.

Farley's mouth makes a perfect 'o' as she looks at me. "Oh, that."

"Yeah, that." I tsk.

Farley leans back in her chair, "Are you just going to avoid Archeon for the rest of your life?"

"If I can help it," I mutter as I turn to look out the window.

"I think it'll be good for you to go." Farley pushes. "If it gets to be too much, you can leave, but you have to try and get through it."

Get through it. Get through it, repeats in my head all the way back to the palace and through dinner. Farley doesn't come and stay with me and I have to try to sleep alone.

The next chapter may take a bit longer than the others have so I apologize in advance.

Please, please, please, please, leave me a review, you have no idea how happy they make me :)