Alianna's birthday had finally arrived. It was hard to believe that she was eighteen now.

For a short period of time she would be the same age as Murtagh. However, Murtagh would be turning nineteen in just a few weeks.

Servants were busy decorating the large banquet hall where the party was to take place. All over the tables were vases filled with some of Alianna's favorite flowers- white roses and orchids.

"It's nice." Murtagh said as he and Alianna looked around.

Alianna nodded in agreement. "It should be an interesting night."

In more ways than one.

Everything was all set for their escape that night. Alianna and Murtagh had gone over every detail a thousand times. They decided it would be best if they left the party separately. Murtagh would go first, followed by Alianna awhile later. They knew exactly where they would meet up and, incase something went wrong, had a backup location.

So far nobody seemed to suspect anything. It was hard for Alianna to act like nothing was wrong though. Especially in front of Argus. During the last couple of days Alianna had spent as much time as she possibly could with him. If Argus suspected anything, he certainly didn't show it.

Alianna felt horrible not being able to tell him. She felt even worse for leaving him behind. It took every ounce of strength she had not to too emotional around Argus. As much as Alianna hated lying to him, she knew that it was for the best.

The next few hours Alianna spent getting ready for the evening. It felt a little silly to her to go through with this party when there were more important things to do.

"It's your birthday." Murtagh told her. "You should have a little fun."

Alianna simply nodded. She then went over to her closet looking for a dress to wear. She was having trouble finding one.

Murtagh smiled. "I think I can help you with that."

Alianna looked at Murtagh, very confused as he reached underneath their bed, pulled out a large package and handed it to her.

"What is it?" Alianna asked.

"For you."

Alianna thanked him and then slowly opened it. She gasps as she sees that it's a dark blue dress.

The dress was absolutely stunning. It had a velvet bodice with trim along the top and bottom edges. There were padded shoulder rolls and long sleeves with lace trim at the cuffs. The skirt was also velvet at the front and back with crimson satin at the sides.

"Do you like it?" Murtagh asked her.

"I love it." Alianna replied with a smile. "But how did you manage to get a dress so quickly?"

"I actually planned this weeks ago. I had to guess at your size though. I hope it fits. When I ordered it I didn't know that you were pregnant."

"It looks perfect." Alianna said as she kissed him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Alianna went behind her screen to change. She took off the dress she was wearing and slipped into a new dress.

The dress was a little tight around the stomach, but other than that it was perfect.

Alianna came out from behind her screen and asked Murtagh what he thought.

"You look beautiful." he told her.

Alianna looked down at her stomach and then back at Murtagh. "But…"

As if Murtagh could read her mind, he said. "You can't even tell that you're pregnant."

"Really?"

Murtagh nodded and assured Alianna that everything would be fine. "Don't worry."

"You're right." Alianna said as she continued to get ready for the party.

Alianna styled her hair into waves. She then put on her sapphire bracelet and silver locket. After checking herself in a mirror, she turned towards Murtagh.

"Like I said… beautiful." He watched as Alianna stared down at her dress. "But you know we won't be able to bring it with us."

"I know."

They weren't going to be able to bring much with them. And the clothes Alianna did pack were the most casual ones she owned. They were going to be on the run. People would become very suspicious if Alianna wore expensive gowns. The only things that Alianna was bringing that were of any value were her locket and bracelet. She couldn't bear to leave those behind.

A minute later there was a knock on their door. Alianna went over and opened it. She smiled when she saw that it was Argus.

"Hello Argus."

Argus smiled back. "Happy birthday Alianna." He saw that she was dressed up and looked her up and down. "You look…"

Argus stopped when both he and Alianna saw that Murtagh was glaring at him.

Alianna decided to change the subject. "Is something going on?"

"Not at all. I've come to escort you to the party."

Murtagh stepped closer. "I can do that myself."

"The king gave me orders." Argus said.

"Fine." Murtagh replied. Clearly he wasn't happy.

"Could you give us a moment please?" Alianna asked Argus.

"Of course." Argus said as he walked out into the hall.

Once the door was shut, Alianna turned to Murtagh. "Don't. Not tonight…"

"What are you talking about?" Murtagh asked her.

"You know very well what I'm talking about! Can't you get along with Argus? I know you don't like him, but he means a lot to me. Please? Just for a couple of hours."

Murtagh sighed. "I'll try."

"That's all I'm asking for."

The two of them then walked out the door.

When Alianna saw Argus waiting for them, it looked like he wanted to say something to her, but he didn't. Instead they began walking to the banquet hall.

It took awhile for them to get there. Alianna and Argus spent most of that time talking. She was very careful what she said though. Occasionally Murtagh would join in on their conversation. He didn't look thrilled about talking to Argus, but Alianna appreciated that he was making an effort for her sake.

Finally, they arrived at the banquet hall. Alianna could hear the crowd of people talking from behind the doors. She suddenly felt very nervous. There were so many people inside. Could she really go in there, pretend to be happy and act like nothing was going on?

"It's alright." Murtagh whispered to her.

Alianna nodded and then took a deep breath.

"You can do this." she said to herself as she linked her arm with Murtagh's.

The doors were opened and Alianna, Murtagh, and Argus stepped inside.

Everyone in the hall stood up and clapped as Alianna's name was announced. Alianna smiled at them all as she and Murtagh stepped forward. Argus stayed behind, but smiled slightly as Alianna looked back at him.

When Alianna turned back around, she saw Galbatorix approaching her. He just said a few words to her, making it sound like he actually cared that it was her birthday and then returned to his seat at a table in the far corner of the room. Alianna and Murtagh took a seat at their table.

Dinner was served shortly after. It included some of Alianna's favorite foods. Alianna ate until she thought she was going to burst. She was glad that her appetite had finally come back. Luckily nobody seemed to notice how much she was eating, except for Murtagh. Once dinner was over music began to play and some people stepped onto the floor to dance while others stood together and had conversations among themselves.

Alianna started to feel nervous. Murtagh had told her earlier that he would leave about an hour after the music began. Alianna took another deep breath as she and Murtagh got up from their table and began to walk around. Several people approached Alianna to wish her well.

"Time moves by so fast." one man said. "I remember when I first saw you. You were four years old…"

Stories like this continued on for awhile. Alianna didn't think they would ever stop. Still, she listened to them all and thanked them for their kind words.

It occurred to Alianna that nobody seemed to have any stories about her before the age of two. She thought this was very odd, but before she could dwell on it much, Murtagh asked her if she would like to dance. Alianna said yes, but she was surprised that Murtagh had asked her. While she had always enjoyed dancing, she knew that Murtagh hated it.

While they were dancing, Alianna glanced over at Galbatorix, who was in the far corner of the room talking to someone. He was paying no attention to Alianna at all.

"This might actually work." Alianna said to herself. She then turned her attention back to Murtagh.

Murtagh looked all around before saying quietly. "After this dance."

Alianna knew he meant that was when he would leave. She nodded and they finished dancing.

Afterward, Murtagh kissed Alianna and told her to wait about four more dances before she left.

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Murtagh hesitated, but ultimately made his way through the crowd and left. Alianna tried not to react as she watched this.

Once Murtagh was gone, Alianna went around and talked to some more people. She did this until four dances had passed. She glanced again at Galbatorix, who still wasn't paying any attention to her.

Alianna then walked toward the main entrance of the hall, only to stop when she saw that Argus was still standing there.

Argus was looking all around, no doubt making sure that Alianna was alright and that there weren't any threats to her. Their eyes met for a second before Alianna quickly turned away.

"I can't leave from there now. Argus will see me and know something is going on. There has to be another way out."

Sure enough, Alianna found a side door that did not appear to be guarded.

"This is it."

Alianna walked passed the many people who were still dancing and quickly walked out the door and back up to her chambers.

***************************

After Alianna grabbed the rest of her belongings, she realized that there was one more thing that she needed to do. If she was able to succeed with this it would put her father at a huge disadvantage.

Quickly, Alianna made her way down to the room where the last remaining dragon egg was being held. She didn't dare use the main entrance of the room, which was always heavily guarded. Instead she used the secret entrance into the room that only she, Galbatorix, and Murtagh knew about. When Alianna got inside, there on a small table was the green egg.

To anyone else it might look easy to take the egg and just run, but Alianna knew better. She knew that her father had long ago cast many spells to protect the egg incase someone were to try and take it. Luckily for Alianna, Galbatorix had taught her how to break these spells. Of course, this was back when Galbatorix thought Alianna would follow in his footsteps and maybe be of some use to him.

Alianna hesitated for a moment since they were pretty complicated spells to break. She had been trying to avoid using magic lately. But then she realized that she had to do this. She said the words that needed to be said, breaking the spell.

Alianna then walked up to the table and gently took the egg in her hands. Before she could really look at it, Alianna thought she heard a noise. She began to walk away quickly.

***************************

Alianna stepped out of the room; the egg was in a small pouch at her side. She started running, which was difficult with her swollen stomach, to meet up with Murtagh. Far in the distance she could here a group of guards yelling. She knew that they were probably looking for her.

Alianna tried to pick up the pace and continue on. Suddenly, as she was turning a corner, she ran straight and hard into someone. Alianna jumped back and gasped. She calmed down though when she realized that it was just Argus.

"What are you doing?" Alianna asked as she was trying to steady her breathing.

"I was looking for you." Argus answered. "You were really going to leave without saying goodbye?"

Alianna was shocked. She couldn't believe that Argus knew. She'd tried so hard not to give anything away. "How did you find out?"

Argus, with a slight smile, replied. "Were you ever able to keep a secret from me?"

Alianna apologized. "I'm sorry Argus. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't." She remembered the last time she and Murtagh had tried to leave. Alianna had told Emma and then Emma ended up dead. She didn't want that to happen to Argus.

"I can't bear the thought of losing another person that I love."

Alianna could hear the sound of the guards again and looked in that direction.

Argus looked too and then said. "You should go."

"Argus, come with us." Alianna begged. "Please…"

Argus hesitated for a moment before saying. "You know I usually can't say no to you, but I'll make an exception this time."

Alianna couldn't believe it. Argus couldn't stay here now. If he did…

"Argus please! You have to come. If you-"

Argus interrupted Alianna and moved closer to her until they were only inches apart.

"Listen to me Alianna, the guards are getting closer. I can go and distract them for a few minutes, but probably not much more than that. That should give you enough time to get out of here."

Alianna's eyes widened. "Argus no! I can't let you do this."

"It's the only way." Argus insisted. "Otherwise the guards will catch up to you. I don't want to see you get hurt."

Alianna could feel her heart tightening up in her chest. Her eyes flooded with tears and a few began trickling down her face.

"But my father will kill you if you stay here."

"Maybe he will, maybe he won't" Argus told her. "It doesn't matter. All I care about is you getting out of her. I made a promise to you when we first met that I would never let anything bad happen to you."

"I'm sorry Argus."

"Why are you sorry?" Argus asked, confused.

"For being such a burden." Alianna explained. "You've spent so many years protecting me when you could have been doing something else. Something that wouldn't put your life in danger all the time."

Argus shook his head. "You have never been a burden! For the past sixteen years you've been the most important person in my life. I don't regret any of this. Alianna, you've given my life meaning again."

Alianna was a little taken back. It was then that she happened to glance down and saw that Argus was holding a small package wrapped in brown paper.

Argus noticed this and handed it to Alianna. "I was going to give this to you later, for your birthday. It's not much, but I thought you would like it. Don't open it now though. Wait until you've gotten safely out of here."

Alianna touched the paper gently before placing the package in her pouch.

"Argus…"

She was so overcome with emotions that she didn't know how to respond.

Before Alianna knew what was happening, Argus stepped even closer. He tucked a few stray strands of Alianna's hair behind her ear and rested his hand on her cheek.

Argus didn't say a word. He just leaned in until his lips were inches from hers.

Alianna knew she should stop this. She was married to Murtagh and carrying his child. She shouldn't be in this position with another man. But the again, this wasn't just any man… this was Argus.

Without another hesitation, Alianna closed the distance between them and gently kissed Argus.

The kiss was short but sweet, only lasting a few seconds. Afterward, Alianna rested her forehead against Argus'.

Argus looked at her and said. "I love you Alianna."

"I love you too." Alianna replied. She meant it too. Perhaps not in the same way that she felt about Murtagh, but she still loved him.

Alianna, and no doubt Argus, could hear the guards getting even closer.

"You have to go." Argus said softly.

Alianna knew he was right, but she still stood there. She hated the thought of leaving Argus behind. It felt wrong.

Alianna could tell just by looking at Argus that he was just moments away from breaking down.

"Go!" Argus said more forcefully.

Alianna kissed him quickly before she turned her back and began to run. When she got to the end of the hallway she looked back at Argus, knowing that this might be the last time she ever saw him.

Alianna took a deep breath before she continued to run, trying to get to Murtagh as fast as she could.

***************************

Alianna and Murtagh had agreed to meet by the stables. She ran all the way there without stopping.

When she arrived, she didn't see Murtagh right away. This caused her to panic as she feared the guards might've captured him.

Finally, Murtagh emerged from around the corner, holding onto the reins of Tornac and Bella.

Murtagh saw Alianna and breathed a sigh of relief. "I was about to go back into the castle and look for you." He noticed how upset she looked and asked. "Are you alright?"

Alianna nodded her head, even though she wasn't alright. She was still trying to deal with what happened with Argus just moments ago.

Alianna then looked at Tornac and Bella. "Are we going to be riding on them through the city gates?"

"Not exactly." Murtagh told her.

Alianna asked Murtagh what he meant, but before he could answer her, she heard a sound coming from the sky. She looked up and saw that it was Thorn, who was about to descend. A few seconds later, he landed near them. The noise from this was loud enough to startle Tornac and Bella. Murtagh tried to calm them down.

In the meantime, Alianna looked at Thorn. It had been awhile since she has seen him. Although Thorn was only a few months old, he appeared to be almost as big as a full grown dragon. This was no doubt due to some sort of dark magic used by Galbatorix. Despite this, Thorn was a beautiful dragon. His eyes sparkled like rubies. He had very strong muscles and a sturdy build. Alianna knew he would do very well in battle.

Suddenly, Alianna could feel a slight pressure against her mind. She quickly guarded it, but once she realized it was Thorn trying to speak to her she relaxed.

"Hello young one."

Alianna was a little surprised. While Thorn had spoken to her before, he usually only spoke to Murtagh.

"Hello Thorn."

"I'm glad you made it out. Murtagh was very worried. So was I."

"Thank you. I'm fine now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Thorn seemed to be very concerned about Alianna. This didn't surprise her since Murtagh and Thorn had a very strong connection, just as Alianna did with Murtagh. And through him, Thorn felt connected to Alianna was well.

Murtagh interrupted their thoughts. "We have to get going."

Alianna noticed the saddle strapped on Thorn. "Are you going to be riding on him?" She was more than willing to take Tornac and Bella, but she was also worried about the guards at the gate. Since she was pregnant, there was no way she would be able to fight them.

"No." Murtagh told her. "You are."

"I don't understand."

Murtagh turned to Thorn and spoke out loud. "Remember what I told you. I need you to take Alianna and her as far away from here as you possibly can. I'm going to take the horses and go through the city gates. I'll meet up with the two of you later."

Alianna's eyes widened. "No!"

Thorn let out a low growl, indicating that he wasn't too thrilled with Murtagh's plan either.

"I don't have a choice." Murtagh explained. "I'm not going to lose you again."

"I understand." Alianna replied. "But there has to be another way."

"There isn't!"

"But all those guards at the city gates…"

"You don't think I can handle them?" Murtagh asked.

"Of course you can." Alianna assured him. "Especially now that you're a Rider. I'm just worried you might get hurt."

"I'll be fine." Murtagh said. "But if something does happen…well… at least you'll get out of here. I told you, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and our son."

Before Alianna could respond, Thorn spoke to both of them.

"We must get going! I can hear the soldiers."

Both Alianna and Murtagh nodded. As much as Alianna hated this plan, she realized she didn't have time to argue further.

Murtagh helped Alianna onto Thorn and made sure she was securely on the saddle. He then looked up at Thorn.

"No matter what happens, get her out of here."

Alianna could feel tears forming in her eyes again. Possible losing Argus was bad enough. But Alianna couldn't bear it if she never saw Murtagh again. She thought about the time when they were separated and how it felt like a part of herself was missing. She knew she couldn't be able to go through that again.

Murtagh approached Alianna. "Everything will be alright." He kissed her gently. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Murtagh looked down at Alianna's stomach and placed his hand on it for a moment before finally walking away. He nodded at Thorn.

Before Alianna knew what was happening, Thorn spread his large wings and the two of them quickly flew up into the dark sky.

AN: This was an extremly difficult chapter for me to write, which is why it took so long. I hope it was worth the wait. Thank you all for sticking with this story. I'll try and not have it be so long in between chapters from now on. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you think :)