Author's Note: OMG guys I cannot believe it's been 2 years since I last updated! Time sure flies when you're in university… it's like oh… school started. OMG MIDTERMS MIDTERMS. And before you can breathe… WTF FINALS ARE HERE? And after that it's WTF A YEAR HAS PASSED? I think my last writing marathon of what, 6/7 chapters kinda drained me… but I had an uber long recuperation and I'm hoping this time the writing juices will flow long enough for me to finish the story. Not sure how many people still REMEMBER / INTERESTED in this story… but for those who are, I promise you, I will not rest until I finish it…
EDIT: Got rid of the "Recap", as it was a waste of words, and anyone reading it now will be… well, reading it sequentially anyways.
Also, please check my profile for update dates for future chapters!
)BiskElle( - Sorry, sweetie for making you wait 3 years! You're still a live right? Right? I just can't do anything if I'm not feeling up it / not inspired. Which might be good… (See 'Burnout affect' in terms of Psych… I'm learning fun things in psychology!) Yea, so much drama… and King Syaoran is oblivious to it all… but eventually, he'll find out… and it won't be pretty… :(
)-ur-hearts-desire-( - Oh, I've had this entire story planned out for years now. It's just a matter of writing it down… And I'm originally from Mainland China!
)cherrysakurawolf( - Srry! Email didn't show up, ff has this fun tendency to block it. If you have an account I would encourage you subscribe to the story instead, or leave your email in a 'name "at" host "dot" com' format!
)AngelEmCuti( - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Why are you crying though? O.o I didn't think it was sad…?
)Berry Happy( - Whooaaa… lol I totally forgot about KSS… is that site still around? Gonna go check it out some times soon…
)supa-glue( - Fear not! Things will happen! A lot has to happen soon, and it'll all happen within 10 chapter. Slowly but surely it will come to an end! Slowly being the key word… -.-
)inuhanyoukags92( - I know, I know, but I won't leave it unfinished… I take a while to get going but I'm determined to see things to the end… all in all I think my reviewers will all disappear and lose interest in the story before I do XD
Thank you everyone for the R n' R! :) And sorry for my lack of consistency in updating…
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Chapter Twenty-Four
Farewell, Kaho
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Wow. Meiling placed the book down slowly, her eyes wide. That's some story. She had only read a small portion of the full book, and from what she read, it was just intense.
Placing the bookmark back in place, Meiling set the book down where she originally found it as she walked to the window, slightly dazed.
A story like that was definitely not like anything she's ever read in her time. After all, in the time and era she lived in, censorship was everywhere around them. People were supposed to follow etiquette rules, anything that might be contradictory to what they believed in would be rejected from society. Briefly she wondered who dared to even write such a story.
"Well, it's not like anything like this would happen in real life… I mean, a story is just a story right? Truly, people would be much more sensible in real life…"
Outside, two stars twinkled against the inky night sky. Meiling sighed as she sat on her own bed. "Perhaps I shall look for her tomorrow, it is already much too late into the night…"
—
Ilonka giggled uncontrollably as she downed another glass of wine.
She was surprised at Jelensta's secret stash in her room. Women weren't supposed to drink. But Ilonka came from a rather carefree family and was allowed to have a little treat once in a while. She's always had a high alcohol tolerance, even when compared to men. But who would've thought, she's met her match.
Jelensta smiled slickly as she set her empty glass down. "Shall we keep going?" She asked smoothly, refilling both their wine glasses.
"Dannngggg girrrrl, I thought I was gud… but damn, you're something else…" she laughed reaching forth for her glass. "Ya know, I'm for real surprised where you get all this stuff…"
Jelensta smirked downing another glass swiftly. A hint of red hue was beginning to creep up her cheeks. She was surprised to feel her cheeks warm. Alcohol has practically no affect on her… "King Syao, 'course. Where else? He supplies everything in this castle."
Ilonka sputtered. "For real? You guys must be some childhood friends for him to spoil you so…" A tiny frown flickered across Jelensta's face, but Ilonka failed to notice. "Then again, with some bastard like him he's prolly done some unspeakable crime and owe you a lifetime of luxury if not more…"
Jelensta's hand shook. The wine bottle she had been holding unexpectedly fell out of her grasp as her lips quivered.
Ilonka blinked, looking up in surprise. "Lenta?" Ilonka had said this name without thinking, but it appeared to have a dramatic affect on Jelensta as she squeezed her eyes shut tightly. But the tears couldn't be stopped—they simply gushed out of her eyes and down her cheeks.
"T-That's what King Syaoran used to call me…" She whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Oh dear God…" Ilonka suddenly felt alert as she rushed over to her new friend. "What's he done to you…?" she whispered darkly. "Whatever he's done to you… I promise you, he'll pay dearly…" The anger flickering her eyes at that moment seemed almost inhuman.
—
Sakura yawned as she stretched in the most comfortable bed she's ever slept in. As she tried pushing herself up, a splitting headache forced her back down. "Oh God…" she mumbled. "Where am I?" Briefly she tried to recall the events of previous night, but everything was fuzzy and she couldn't remember a thing. She tried to open her eyes but the sunlight at noon was blinding and Sakura found herself unable to. "W-What is this place?"
"Good morning sunshine…" a gentle voice greeted.
Sakura squinted her eyes. "K-King Syaoran?" She gasped. "What are you doing here?" Quickly, she pulled the blankets up to her chest in surprise.
The King had woken up much earlier than she had and was already fully dressed by this point. To ensure she would not catch a cold, he also put her into her nightgown. He frowned. "What do you mean?" When she tilted her head to one side after a slight pause, his frown deepened. Carefully, he asked. "Do you… remember anything?"
Sakura shook her head slowly. "No…" then she gasped, her eyes accusing. "D-Did you do anything inappropriate to me while I was asleep?"
The King shook his head slowly, though deep inside, his heart broke just a little. Last night had been tender and passionate… he learnt the true meaning of making love as opposed to simply sleeping with a woman. But… it appears she did not feel the same way. "No… I wouldn't do anything without your permission, Sakura. And certainly not take advantage of you while you are asleep." He answered carefully. Technically everything he said was true…
Sakura sighed in relief as a smile blossomed over her face. King Syaoran was slightly taken aback at how easily she took his words, and began to question the validity of his response. "I'm hungry…" she mumbled.
He smiled and held out his hand. "Then up we get, my sweet Sakura, and we shall have lunch."
"LUNCH?" She gasped. "Oh no… how long have I slept?"
The King laughed at her expression. "Let's just say… if it were up to me, I would never let you near alcohol ever again…"
Sakura smiled shyly, grasping onto his hand.
Her expression was oblivious, her mind a blank.
She trusted the King, and took his words.
To Sakura, she simply had a little too much to drink and passed out at his room, and there was nothing more to it. No point trying to think about it… After all, it's not like something important happened, right?
—
When they arrived at the dining room, Sakura was surprised to find Meiling, Jelensta, Tomoyo, Eriol, and Captain Ramsa already seated and waiting.
Captain Ramsa looked at her in distaste, and jeered silently at how she had ran out the previous day at the trial.
Tomoyo and Eriol's eyes widened, wondering just what kind of trouble Sakura was getting herself into, especially having seen her husband just previously in jail.
Meiling closed her eyes at the scene. So she was with the King last night. She breathed in and held her breath. So much for me worrying about her… Piece by piece, she felt her heart breaking. How much it hurt to see the scene before her. To think all that she's done with the King… to think how foolish she was to think she would be different than the rest and win his heart simply because she was a princess… and to think what an utter traitor and backstabber her seemingly innocent roommate turned out to be.
Sakura looked down in shame at the sight. She couldn't bear to look any of them in the eyes. But the King took no heed as he sat down at the center of the table, and seated his woman next to him.
"There is a reason I have invited all of you especially to this lunch." The King announced with a smile, as the servants brought them their soup. "As many of you know, yesterday's trial ended without a verdict. Originally I wanted to have a retrial today, and give Sakura another chance to make the decision." Sakura looked down intently at her soup, as she felt disproving stares all around. "But I decided that it would be wiser if I were to make the final verdict as opposed to her. After all, I am much more experienced, and I do not wish for her to go through yet another round of mental torture." He turned and smiled gently at her. "There are more chances for practice in the future, after all."
Meiling felt her breathing quickening. It took all her will power to stay in her seat and not walk out from the unbearable scene taking place before her.
"But," The King continued. "Even more absurdly, I had a visit from Kaho last night," he nodded at Tomoyo. "As you should know."
Tomoyo nodded slowly. She had been running everywhere in the castle looking for her dear friend. Imagine her surprise as she came back to her room at the witching hour due to exhaust, only to find Kaho there, resting across what used to be her bed. "Yes your Majesty." She replied. "Kaho and I thank you for your generous hospitality."
The King nodded in approval. "She proposed an idea that is suitable for me. And so, I would like you all to know of this final verdict. I do not wish to hold another formal court meeting for this, as I do not wish to make too big a deal out of it. For those present, I hope you will spread the word for me. Mizuki Kaho is pardoned from all her crime, and will regain her freedom today. From this point forth, she is a free woman. She will be allowed to leave the castle at any point so long as it is before sunset. I will have no soldier question her, and where she is headed from here will be known only to her.
"Her accomplice, on the other hand, the certain 'Touya', is sentenced to one month in jail. Upon release he will not be tailed and will regain absolute freedom."
"Your highness, that is simply absurd! Why should Mizuki be pardoned for all her crimes? And simply one month in jail is too easy for her accomplice!" Captain Ramsa objected. "Your people will hear of this and they will laugh! And will take advantage of your hospitality and commit crimes, because they will believe our system is weak!"
But the King was not daunted. "I have made my final decision. If, knowing why Kaho was captured in the first place, I am sure they will agree that my decision is a much fairer one. My dear Captain, I would've agreed with you a few months ago, but fortunately I have matured in the time that has passed. I understand what fairness is, and that sometimes one's pride is not the most important element in life… There are much greater things, such as love, and happiness…"
Captain Ramsa raised an eyebrow at the last part, but said no more. The King he once admired was turning in a lovesick fool. He bowed and sat back down, taking a spoonful of his soup.
"Let us speak of this no further, and instead, enjoy our lunch."
—
There was a consistent and rapid knocking sound. She was also experiencing tremendous discomfort in her shoulder and waist. "Go away…" she mumbled.
Briefly, the sound stopped, before continuing louder and more quickly though just as consistent as it had been previously.
Ilonka rubbed her eyes sleepily as she stood up from the seat, wobbling. No wonder my back hurts… she thought, realizing she had fallen asleep across the table where Jelensta and she had their drinking contest last night. Ilonka walked towards the door, only to trip over something.
She gasped in surprise and amusement, realizing what she tripped over was Jelensta—the girl had fallen asleep sprawled on the floor.
She shook her head slowly with a slight smile as she made her way towards the door.
"Yes?" she asked the young man standing at the door.
"Ah…" he peered around her into the room. "I have a message for Lady Kalira Jelensta from his Majesty."
"She's asleep. I'll deliver the message to her."
The messenger peered uncertainly at what appeared to be a female form suspiciously resembling Lady Kalira lying on the ground. "I-Is everything all right…?"
Ilonka was irritated. "Of course everything is. It's none of your concerns, regardless. Deliver the message and I'll let Lady Jelensta know once she awakens."
The young guard was intimidated by her attitude, and bowed his head slightly. "His Royal Majesty requests Lady Kalira Jelensta to have lunch with him at the Grand Dining room."
"Oh? And when will this take place?"
"Well…" he paused. "Ten minutes ago…"
"Hm." Ilonka paused and absorbed this. "That is to say, it's already much too late."
"Err yes… but… his Majesty is accustomed to Lady Kalira's tardiness, and very forgiving. He simply wishes for her presence, at whatever time is to her convenience… provided, that is, before the meal is over and all guests scatter."
Ilonka frowned slightly. It was unnerving how forgiving and lenient the King is towards her new friend… but… why? Then she remembered last night when she had mentioned this, and the way Jelensta's tears poured down her cheeks uncontrollably. Of course… she thought with rage. He owes her. That's why… he must've done something truly despicable to her… maybe… maybe that's why she's so… loose now… it's all because of him… The thought of it made her clench her fist. At least you are attempting to make it up to her… but you'll see one day, Li… women are not just your play things, and if you cross the line time after time, you will pay the price… "I will let her know." She replied coolly, before closing the door at the surprised guard, who wondered at her sudden change of attitude.
—
The seconds ticked by awkwardly.
It's been an hour since everyone finished their lunch, yet Lady Jelensta still hasn't shown up.
Captain Ramsa cleared his throat awkwardly. "Your Majesty, if you would approve, I have other matters to attend to, more towns to patrol and more criminals to catch. I would like to be excused from this dining hall."
King Syaoran sighed in resignation. "Well, I suppose the matter is not too important. Ramsa, Eriol, Tomoyo, Meiling, you may all take your leave."
The four each stood up politely, bowed, before walking out of the dining hall.
Sakura frowned slightly. "Who is this Jelensta figure…? She seems so… careless, and unladylike."
But the King simply chuckled as he took her hand into his. Now that the others were gone he felt much more relaxed. There truly was nothing he would enjoy more than to spend some alone time with his Sakura… but the timing and situation would not permit. There were things that simply needed to be done. "My dear, once you become more experienced, and get better at seeing people beyond their exterior, you will understand that a traitor who acts polite and proper, is much more dangerous than a friend who does not."
Sakura sighed, as another wave of dizziness and nausea hit her. She moaned lightly. But that tiny, barely noticeable sound was something King Syaoran heard last night, and he had to quickly swallow and force down the blush that was threatening to tint his cheeks. "I just don't understand why we have to be here." She complained. "I feel absolutely terrible, and would like nothing more than to lie down somewhere…"
"And believe me, I would like nothing more than to grant you that wish, and lie down with you." His eyes searched her face. Could she be faking? Most times women are intimidated after something so important happens in their lives. They need time to cope with it, and so they would some times lie about it happening, until they're mentally prepared. "You sure… you don't remember anything that happened last night?" He asked slowly.
Sakura shook her head slowly. "No, nothing at all…" Everything was so fuzzy. Sakura strained to remember. She closed her eyes tightly and tried to remember. There was a bed… a bath… crying… sadness… sadness? From what? Kaho… Anger… Promises… something dramatic happened… what was it…?
Suddenly her head snapped up, her eyes open. King Syaoran observed everything carefully. "Did you remember something…?"
Touya. He… he said he'd rather damn his soul to an eternity of hell than to stay with me… At the thought, tears fell down her face uncontrollably as her hand came over her mouth.
"Oh, no… Sakura, shhh…" Quickly King Syaoran tried wrapping his arms around her, but she shrugged him off violently as if he had just sprouted spikes. "Sakura, listen I'm so sorry, what happened—"
But Sakura shook her head violently. "No, no… it's, it's not your fault." Forcefully, she bit her tongue to stop the tears, and recomposed herself. "I-I'm so sorry about my outburst." She wiped away the tears quickly. "It's just that, remembering what happened last night…"
"I understand," the King said sympathetically. "I really thought… you were ready…"
"Ready? How could I have been ready? No amount of preparation would prepare me for seeing the way T—Kaho was in that jail cell… she looked a mess."
"I know, there was no way to prepare for it but—" King Syaoran paused. "WHAT? That's what you're remembered?"
Sakura turned her head slowly, looking into his eyes fearfully. Did he know? Does he know about… Touya…? "Is… there something else I'm… suppose to remember?" She asked carefully.
The King stared at her for the longest time. His eyes sincere, trying to put love and gentleness into them, to remind her of last night. But her eyes remained wide and fearful, and so he shook his head and sighed. "No, nothing else. Please just, keep away from the alcohol next time."
Sakura frowned. He was hiding something. How foolish do I take him for? He is the King after all! His sources must be unlimited! Even if he does not know of Touya and me fully, he must've heard some rumours! Oh, what am I to do?
But her flustered thoughts were distracted by a guard entering the dining hall. "Your Majesty, Lady Kalira is here."
The emotions faded from the King's eyes as he turned towards the soldier. "Let her in."
With that the door to the room was fully open, and in walked Lady Kalira.
Except… 'walk' isn't exactly the right word to use. More like she was dragged in by two soldiers in ironclad armour, one on each side of her. Her feet barely touched the ground at the level they lifted her and they certainly weren't moving. Her hair was a tangle of mess in all directions, and she was growling like an injured animal.
The King raised an eyebrow at the scene before him as the two guards set her on the ground in front of him, as they went down on their knees instantly. "Your majesty we are truly sorry! We had no right to treat her Ladyship this way but she insisted—"
But the King simply waved his hand. "No need to explain, you're all excused…" The King sighed wearily looking at the wobbling Jelensta as he got up out of his seat and sat on the other side of Sakura, allowing Jelensta to topple into the seat his originally occupied. "All right Jelensta, what happened this time…"
He didn't question why the guards dragged her in as he knew Jelensta to always be rather… peculiar. More likely than not, she had forced the guards to do so, and had probably given them more troubled than they deserved in a lifetime.
"Too… much… wine…" she hiccupped and attempted to run her hand through her hair. But her fingers kept getting caught so she settled for just brushing them out of her eyes.
King Syaorna raised an eyebrow. "Alcohol…? He looked back and forth between the two miserable ladies, and shook his head with a disproving sigh. "I really gotta put a ban on that stuff in this castle…"
"Well what d'ya want this early in the morning, huh, huh?" She growled angrily, shaking her head from side to side. "Ooooh, hey Sakura!"
Sakura bowed her head politely. "Good afternoon, Lady Kalira."
"Ladies, if you would please sober up just for a few quick minutes, I have something important to discuss with you both." He laid his hands onto the table, and stood up. "I have allowed Kaho to leave the castle, under strong belief she is not the assassin who has attempted to murder me multiple times now. But this means the killer is still out there. And if I'm correct, he resides within this castle. So, what I need from you two ladies, is a plan. Now Jelensta I believe you're good at coming up with plans, and if I remember properly, you had one last time, that requires Sakura's aid."
Jelensta's head snapped upwards as her eyes were suddenly wide and awake, Sakura unconsciously shifted away from her. "You need a schemer, eh? Well, nothing would excite me more!" She rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "And it so happens, I do have a plan. A plan that is guaranteed to succeed. The question is, Sakura… how far are you willing to go for the King's life?"
Sakura looked into those impish eyes, and gulped.
—
Ilonka walked around the giant bedroom, examining Jelensta's possessions. "One of these days she's gonna get robbed…" she mumbled under her breath.
Earlier today after Jelensta woke up briefly, Ilonka explained to her that the King was looking for her. Without another word, she drifted, half tripping out the door, leaving Ilonka alone in her room, without guards nor servants.
"I coulda robbed her…" Ilonka mumbled under her breath. She thought about heading back to her room, but decided Jelensta had much more interesting things here.
Curiously, Ilonka examined the bedroom. Truly, it was fit for a Queen. No, from what Ilonka had seen from the rare times King Syaoran had dared summon her to his room, this room is fit for a King. It was as gorgeous as King Syaoran's personal room.
The King size bed was covered with satin and silk embroideries, and a white sash hung over the entire bed, shielding the sleeper from everyone else outside. The bed frame appears to be made from ivory. Not only that, the room was connected with an archway to five different rooms. A huge library, a dining room, a bathroom, a guest bedroom, and a throne room.
Briefly Ilonka pondered why there would be a throne room… It was huge, and empty, with nothing more than a red carpet stretching from the entrance to the other end of the room, where there was a breathtakingly beautiful crystal throne. "What could this mean…?" Ilonka whispered quietly under her breath, as she carefully sat upon the throne, at first timidly, then with more confidence.
Hung crooked on a corner of the throne was a thin diamond crown. Ilonka placed it atop her head and smiled staring ahead, imagining herself to be a ruler. "Well, this is pretty fun. Maybe Jelensta's just really into this playing stuff. See, being the King isn't so hard." She smiled. But suddenly, on the red carpet, she saw a flash of a woman kneeling, bawling her eyes out as a few guards came by and dragged her away by her long, bright red hair. The smiled faded off Ilonka's face instantly, as she stood up shaking. "I dare not have such thoughts. Father, I apologize…" she muttered frantically, as she threw the crown aside, and ran out the room.
Her bright red hair fluttered behind her.
—
The King frowned. It seemed to be a good plan… but… what was asked of him. It was not the way he wanted it to happen. But it really did seem like the absolute perfect plan. "I… I don't know."
Jelensta sighed, as she put her hands on her hips. "And why, the hell not? Give me a good reason. I personally think my plan is splendid. There are no flaws, it is realistic, and if our hypothesis about our killer is correct, your actions will surely draw him out."
"That, I agree. Your plan is flawless. It's just…" he glanced at Sakura.
Though she looked indifferent, her heart was pounding. This is for the best… this is for the best… this is for the best… she told herself over and over again. But deep inside she felt she wanted to hear him say those words under a different setting. It was as if Jelensta had turned her dream into a joke. But she dared not voice it. This is for the best… perhaps only after having it turned into a joke will I finally realize that my dream is a joke… Sakura took a deep breath. For Touya. For my husband. I have sworn I will return to him. And I will. Not only my body, but my mind, and soul. "I have no objections to the plan." She made herself say.
The King frowned just the slightest. Well, I suppose there will be other chances. And truly, there are no reasons as to why to dismiss the plan. "Well, in that case, we'll give it a try. It's just my reputation at stake, yet again. I may just lose all respect and become the laughing stock of the world, but that matters not, I suppose."
Sakura frowned. "I would think your life more important, your Majesty! What good is pride and vanity if you're buried and forgotten?"
King Syaoran smiled wanly. "I suppose you're right." And what do I need pride for when all I want is to be alive, and with my Sakura? "In that case, I consent to the plan. Do limit the number of people who know about this. In fact I want no one else to know besides Eriol, who will need to make appropriate arrangements for the guards."
Jelensta clasped her hands together happily as she suddenly sat upright, a smirk tugging on the corner of her lips. "Then, my dears, we have a Ball to plan."
—
"I'm looking for Kinomoto Touya."
The guard yawned and stared at her up and down. "Aren't you… gone yet? You were given permission to leave the castle forever and you're coming back to the jail cells? What are you mad, woman?"
Kaho pulled her cloak tighter around her body. "I'm looking for Touya. Please, could you have a look and see if he is asleep still?"
The guard stretched. "Probably, I mean he was pretty aggravated all last night, punching walls and all, took a few soldiers to hold him down and get him to quiet down."
"Could you… check?"
"What am I, your slave?" He snapped. "Don't forget your place, commoner. You should be overjoyed I'm even letting you stay here. Look you want to see your man, go see him. You got five minutes. If you don't, get, out."
Kaho bowed quickly as she scuttled down the stairs. Slowly, she turned a corner and peaked at the jail cell she resided within only yesterday.
There appeared to be a body lying across the floor.
Cautiously, she took a few more steps.
Bit by bit, his face came into view. First, his lips, then nose, and finally, his closed eyes. He had fallen asleep on the concrete, cold ground. His hands were clenched into fists, and his knuckles were red and stained with dried blood.
Seeing all his features, Kaho felt as if she might overflow. She clutched at the fabric of the cloak in front of her heart and was barely able to stifle a sob. Goodbye, my love… despite everything… despite everything… I love you. More than anything in this world. I always will love you. All I can hope for now, is for your happiness. And in order for that to be achieved, I wish Sakura would return to you, and I pray you and Chiika would forget me.
She stretched her fingers between the bars, and was barely able to caress the tip of his hair. "Despite everything… I do not regret the last few months. If only you weren't married… if only we had met earlier…" Kaho took a deep breath. But I of all people know the uselessness of all the 'if's. "Goodbye Touya. May fate be so kind as to give us another chance, in our next life."
With that, Kaho stood up abruptly. She dared not look back, for fear of not having the strength to leave him if she lingered too long.
Unbeknownst to her, Touya stirred just the slightly, shifting his hand to fall on the part of his hair where she had just caressed for the briefest moment. "My love…" he mumbled inaudibly.
Kaho ran out of the dungeon, out of the castle, and out of those gates. As the soldiers closed those heavy iron gates behind her, she knew she would never return. She knew she would never see any of them again. Her episode here, everyone she had met, everything she had experienced, it would be as if they never were. It would be forgotten. She would be forgotten. It would be as if it had never happened.
She knew in her heart, as she left this time, it wasn't just leaving Touya. She was leaving everything. She was trying to erase a period of her life.
"They say if a person is not needed by anyone in the world, then she ceases to exist. After all, if they have no affect on anyone else's life, what is the significance of their existence?"
Then maybe, I'll just disappear…
—
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Author's Note: Sorry guys! That was such a FILLER CHAPTER! :shot: It'll get better. No more filler chapters. Thing'll happen fast and I gotta bring it to an end! One more chapter and we'll be at the Ball… maybe 2 chapters for the Trial of the Assassin, and probably one or two more chapters to wrap everything up. So we're looking at around 6-10 more chapters and I'll be FINALLY done! This is like the story of my life… LITERALLY… considering how many years it's taken me to finish… -.-
Anyhow, SO sorry for the crappy chap, trying to get back into my writing mode…
Random complaint: Ahh, I'm so mad ff dot net took away the 'hyphen hyphen' symbols or just a lone hyphen by itself… those dividers to me look so much prettier than that thick thing all the way across the page. Not to mention I have to edit all my previous 23 chapters as all my dividers have now disappeared! Annoyed, annoyed…
5492 words.