Cries. Wails. These were the sounds that were escaping the young woman's lips as she was dragged across the god forsaken forest. The young princess was unaware of the noise she was making because her sole focus was on the dying individual that was miles away from her. She only realized what she was doing from the pains that were disturbing her throat. Her face was masked by tears in which she had no control of. The ability to control her body was shattered as her mind was far out of her reach. The body was only on automatic functions, doing what was necessary to keep the honey blonde alive. A drumming heartbeat, shallow, shaky breaths, as well as the basic necessities the body needed. Everything else was lost as her life before her began to turn to ruin. Eyes finally opened and revealing the terror and horrific massacre that was occurring along the terrain. She was unsure where she was going but that didn't matter. Everything and everyone that she loved were in peril and she could do absolutely nothing about it. She had failed and now her fate was rightfully sealed. She closed her fragmented eyes as she willing gave up her very will to live. None of this would have happened if I had just died like I was supposed to. The thought crossed her mind as she released a heavy sob. Make Jane understand and let her move on with her life. She said a silent pray as she was knowingly being let off to her doom. A sudden halt took her transporter and before she could realize she was hastily dropped to the ground. She felt a solid form collapse next to her and hands wrap around her biceps. As she opened her eyes she saw familiar wild, dark locks come in view with a strong, but frighten look take her features. The beauty's lips were moving at a fast paste but it was unheard by the distressed woman as she found herself in a state of shock. Again she was quickly lifted in the air and thrown over the shoulder of her savior. She could smell the familiar lavender scent fill her nostrils as her face was pressed into the brunette's back. She was slightly bouncing as her captor made their way from the fight and into the clearing. Finally the honey blonde could hear people speaking as she obtained her sense of hearing back.

"Korsak we are surrounded and we are quickly losing" Jane's gruff voice spoke.

"Jane we can't stay here the village is lost. We need to evacuate immediately. You must take Maura far away and hide until it is safe."

"Wha? Korsak I can't just abandon you guys….."

"Jane we don't have a choice! If they get Maura it's over. She is the key to taking down Constance and restoring the kingdom. Now go to the old cave hidden in the opposite side of town, you should be safe there."

"Vince…"

"Listen Rizzoli I don't have time to argue! I need to get who I can out of here and you need to keep the princess safe. Melanie has Colt, take him and some supplies and leave. I will find you when it's safe, but for now this is goodbye."

Jane had slight hesitation but finally she nodded her head in agreement and moved toward the horse. The brunette quickly lifted Maura upon the horse and jump on holding the distraught girl in front of her. She grabbed onto the reins and sudden Colt galloped onward making their way away from their home.

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The two travelers made off into the open area, far away from the dangers behind them. The archer pushed the stallion on determined to get as far as possible from the one place she had called her home. Where her relationship with Maura had started and blossomed into complete bliss. Until the events that had occurred today. The brunette tightened her hold on her dazed honey blonde. Maura's lack of response worried her partner but she could only focus on getting her away from harm. Everything else they would figure out together. They had been riding on Colt for about two hours in which the setting sun was an indication. They were about 20 minutes away from their destination and relief finally begun to set in into the anxious girl. She was thinking over everything that had happened.

She was there when she saw Barry Frost fall from the corner of her eye. The blood oozing from his body and she witnessed the horrid look on the princess' face as she was dragged away. Rage filled her body as she felt her heart throb and a searing pain from her lungs. She ran after them, but quickly stopped to look at her friend and confirmed his passing from his dark eyes staring back at her unmoving. Seeing there was no hope for Frost she swallowed back the tears as she left him in order to pursue her love and the man who had captured her. It did not take too long for Jane to track the guard as she swiftly drove her sword into him and he collapsed in front of Maura. She tried to get her attention but all she saw were empty eyes gazing out. This instilled fear into the older woman she had never seen Maura in such a state. Not even when Crowe attacked her or when she did in the mists of a nightmare. The empty shell is what her love had become and still seemed to be lost in and Jane fear that this might be permanent.

Finally they had made it to their desired destination as Jane finally was feeling an ounce of hope. Maura was alive, which was not only beneficial for Jane herself but for the people as a whole. Korsak is right without Maura they lose the chance of saving the kingdom of its corrupt ruler. Maura was the key of restoring everything and putting balance back into their lives. But for now Jane was only worried about bringing her Maura back from the mysterious hole she fell into. Colt was making his way to the hidden cave that Korsak instructed her to go. She had only been their once with the older man and it was unknown to most of the inhabitants, especially the castle. Suddenly Jane pulled on Colt's reins commanding him to stop. Jane gently shakes the honey blonde sitting in front of her.

"Maur honey, come on..."

Maura who had been unconscious for the majority of the ride quickly woke up in a confused state. "What? Jane?"

"Yeah it's time to go sweetie. Let's get off Colt and get inside."

Jane then jumps off the horse and quickly reaches out to Maura to do the same. Maura complies and slides into Jane's arms. She looked around and saw they were far away from the village. But where were they? She looked around for what Jane was talking about but did not see anything across the terrain. Jane starts to pull her and Colt alongside as they continued forward. Then a bolder came into side but nothing else which again confused the girl. What is Jane talking about? They got closer to the large rock and the brunette went around it and sudden Jane let go of her and moved toward it and moved another rock to reveal a hole. It was an entryway.

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Jane led them down the rocky steps of the underground cave. Hazel eyes observed the expanse of the dwelling. The walls were peppered to a grey color and owned stains revealing its age. The low whistle of wind echoing throughout the cavity. It was dark but luckily Jane had lit a torch prior to entering. The hollow space was wide, barely short an average room so there was plenty of space; it was tall as well so they could both be comfort. It was an empty space with the exception of a small fire pit in the corner and few bundles that Maura thought looked like cloth. The honey blonde's feet crumpled on some pebbles as she continued walking inside. The brunette quickly turned and handed the torch to her and went to the opposite side of the room, near the bundles, she unwrapped them to reveal that they were animal skins. Jane then started to lay down an assortment of colors of white, brown, and tan. Maura again moved toward the occupied brunette looking at her attentively. Jane felt Maura's presence and started to speak.

"I found this place a couple years ago and Korsak and I fixed it up. He said that just in case we needed to hide out somewhere this would be perfect."

Maura continued to stare at Jane without uttering any response. Jane looked up to see the Princess' face and gave her a sad smile. "Hey are you hungry? I can find you something since we haven't eaten since….earlier…" she said quickly regretting it.

Maura visibly cringed at this remembering the horrid events that occurred a few hours prior. Images came running through her head as her stomach knotted at this, losing her appetite quickly. She shook her head in response to Jane's question and lightly uttered, "No thank you, I would rather sleep if that's ok."

Jane had finished the makeshift bed looked at the timid girl and could not help but notice the desperation that was laced within her voice. The taller woman nodded her head and stood up, "Alright, we'll find something in the morning. I'll put Colt away and you get comfortable. I'll be right back." And with that Jane turned and left as Maura followed her fleeing form until it disappeared. Maura quickly sighed and decided to lie down in the layers of rugs which it was actually quite comfortable and warm. Her eyes were drooping when she heard Jane reenter the room with a handful of blankets. She placed a couple blankets on top of the honey blonde and then quickly joined her under the blankets. Both women took a minute to breathe in and reflect upon the day. Maura's heavy heart had begun to consume her as she was about to lose her bearings. A strong arms wrapped around the Princess' waist which was the breaking point for her as a strangled sobbed erupted from her throat. Jane tightened her hold on the woman before her and pressed her lips to the back of Maura's head as silent tears escaped the archer. All that could be heard was the cries of a broken woman and the shrill of the harsh wild wind echoing within the cavern.

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Thunk thunk.

"Mmmm….." a rough voice spoke

In response there was a small mutter, a plea. "No…..please….."

"Huh?"

"No don't! Barry look out!"

"Maur? Maura what is it?!" The brunette finally rose up and saw the blonde in the mists of a nightmare.

"Frost no! Wake up! DON'T YOU DARE DIE ON ME!" the distraught woman screamed into the darkness.

"Maura wake up it's only a nightmare!" she spoke trying to reassure her.

"PLEASE BARRY GET UP! Please…" she begged as she begun to heavily sob.

Jane reached across and pulled the frantic girl into her arms and gently caressed her. She cried for a while before she passed out from exhaustion. The strong-willed brunette continued to stay awake prepared to fight any demons the girls in her arms may possibly face.

This had been the same routine for the next few days. Waking up in the middle of the night from a traumatic night terror and Jane was there to console the young girl. But during the day they would not discuss what had happened the previous night. Jane understood how the young woman felt. Going through traumatic experiences that follow you even in your dreams was nothing new for the brunette but instead she was not on the receiving end. Jane did not press the other woman about her frightening dreams and especially had not brought up what had happened to Frost. Though Jane was not sure if it was the right thing to do; she had no other solutions that could possibly help her. Jane had just attempted to remain available for anything the girl needed. The past few days were quiet. Maura was not up for conversation, not that Jane blamed her but she noticed that she would find the honey blonde staring off into the distance at nothing in particular. Only few words were spoken daily but they remained in relative silence. Maura had seemed to lose her appetite as well, barely eating anything that Jane had provided her. She just mostly stayed inside the safety of the cave. Even touches with Jane were limited from the honey blonde. She would let the brunette hold her only at night but during the day would keep her distance and even shy away if Jane had attempted to make contact with her. The only one she seem to let in with is Colt whenever she would need fresh air. The horse must have known of Maura's predicament and would kneel down beside her and sometimes placing his head upon her lap as Maura ran her fingers through his mane. At first Jane did not push it with the other woman but after a couple days this began to concern the taller woman of Maura's lack of interaction and look of life itself. The archer felt that the Princess was drifting away from her into some other land and she was afraid she would not be able to find her again. She began to notice she physical changes as well. Her hair seemed to lack its normal bounce, she visibly thinned and it was apparent within her face. She had dark circles under her eyes exposing her loss of sleep and had sullen cheeks. Even her eyes seem to fade from its brilliant glow to a darker, almost hollow from emotion. This was bad and it was starting to worsen.

It had been an ordinary day. Jane, having lacked sleep decided to wake up early and go get food for both of them. She was out hunting and found some fresh berries and squirrels that would make a nice meal. Jane was praying that Maura would eat something but she was starting to lose hope. She was out for about an hour when she was returning from the forest. When she entered the cave she was not surprised to see Maura awake and looking at the empty walls. Jane sighed seeing that there was not much change in Maura and this began to worry her. She began to bring all she had found in the forest and started to prepare for their meal. Jane took a few minutes of preparation and walked over to the honey blonde with a handful of berries.

"Eat these. I'll have our meal ready soon."

Maura answered not even looking at Jane, "I'm not hungry."

Jane took in a deep breath trying to remain calm. She understood Maura was suffering but it had been a few days and Maura barely ate anything. Jane then placed the bowl down next to the dazed girl and returned to the other food. She quickly started a fire and cooked the meat to a suitable amount. After finishing this she placed the meat into a bowl and made her way to Maura. She attempted to do the same thing as before but was stuck with the same result. She placed it down, walked a few feet away and sat herself down. She looked up and saw no movement in Maura and anger had begun to surge in her.

"Maur eat." She said with in a commanding tone.

"I said I'm not hungry." She replied in a brash manner.

Jane's eyebrows shot up at this. She was not use to Maura like this and she was not liking how her attitude had changed but she slowly took a breath and responded. "Honey you really need to eat…."

"I said I wasn't hungry! Now goddammit Jane leave me alone!"

Jane became slack jawed at this. She looked upon the blonde who was staring at her with furious eyes that she had never witnessed before. She knew Maura was upset and was acting from her normal self but she had never expected for her to act this way toward her. She had been mad at Jane before but never had she yelled at her and was filled with so much hate. She did not recognize the blonde before her as her stomach dropped. What was she to do now? She continued to look at her as she tried to formulate any type of response but was failing.

Maura on the other hand looked at the stunned archer as anger riled within her. She felt slightly bad for the look the girl she loved had but her fury was the emotion that was in control. The past few days for Maura had been awful. She and Jane were God knows where and they had no idea what was going on in the world around them. She had abandoned her home, the people she grew to love in order to reach safety. She failed them. Just like I failed Frost. Oh Frost. Barry was constantly on her mind ever since that day. The final minutes of his life plaguing her mind and she was unable to escape it. Every night she would have these dreams that tortured her throughout the night. She could see the blade piercing his body that took the breath from his lungs. Seeing his body cascade onto the cold ground as blood left his body as he struggled to stay alive. And finally the black eyes that seared into her exposing his departing soul that left his lifeless corpse behind along with the rest of the living. These images that flooded into her mind day in and day out was maddening and was a constant reminder of his blood that was on her hands. Jane tried to help out and Maura knew that. Since they had arrived here she had been there and luckily given her the space she needed. She knew that she should talk to Jane about what happened but that didn't seem like an option. She encouraged Jane to tell her what had happened with her past but this was different. I knew she tried but I continue to push her away, she needs to be away from me. How could Jane truly understand when she was responsible for her best friend's death? This continued Maura's silence toward Jane as she was confused. This was punishment for what she had done.

Finally finding her bearings Jane spoke, "What the hell Maur! What are you trying to do starve yourself?!" she angrily questions.

Maura felt the accusation hit hard and she turned away unable to look at Jane.

The brunette observed her behavior and anger seem to seethe from her. She was not letting the honey blonde get away from it this time. "Maura I know you devastated by what happened with Frost…."

"DO NOT TALK ABOUT HIM!" the honey blonde roared at this.

Jane for the first time filched toward Maura. "He was my friend too Maura! I just want to help you!"

"I don't deserve anyone's help" she dejectedly muttered.

Jane's brows rose as she heard the honey blonde's response. "I know you are hurt but starving yourself isn't going to change anything."

"What do you know?! You have no idea how I feel!" she protested.

"Maura…."

"NO! Jane I know what you experienced with your family was horrible and I won't minimize that but it's not the same! You weren't there with Frost! You didn't see him get stabbed and bleed to death right before you! His dark eyes staring into you as you are the last thing on earth he is ever going to see; this pathetic woman who couldn't even protect herself which ended him dead!" She bawled out.

Jane stood there in shock seeing the woman before come apart from shame and guilt. She stepped forward, "Maura it's not your fault. If you are going to blame yourself then I should be blamed too! I told Frost to find you and protect you at all costs!"

Maura looked at her with bloodshot eyes, "You told him that?"

"Yes. I was being attacked by a number of soldiers and I was afraid that something may happen to you if I took too long. So I asked Frost to find you…."

"You didn't think I could protect myself" she finally stated.

Confusion filled her eyes, "What? No Maura but I was afraid….."

"That I couldn't handle myself right?! That I needed someone to defend me like you always do! Well guess what Jane I did! After all the training that I have gone through and everything I needed help! I failed myself and I failed Barry! He died protecting me and it's all my fault! I was that weak girl when I was attacked in the woods! The same girl who couldn't protect herself or her friend! Who was helpless and useless to save anyone like Barry or my mother!" she continued on with her rampage. "All I do is hurt the people I love! It should've been me to die out there today! Hell it should have been me to die instead of my mother! All I do is make people suffer and that's all I will ever give in this world!"

Jane looked at her with only sorrow in her eyes as she saw the woman before her crumble. But before Jane could act Maura rushed out of the room and into the wilderness above.

Jane was quick to act as she followed her lover with speed. When she was outdoors saw Maura quickly making her way from the site. Jane ran after her afraid of Maura's distraught state. The sun was low in the sky telling them that it was almost set. The rocks and grass was left in her wake as she continued to speed up to Maura. The run had consisted of sprints, jumps, and turns as she made her way. Maura was stagnantly running, uncoordinated. She could feel herself losing her footing but did not care. She needed to leave as quickly as possible. All she did was brought pain and hurt into people's lives. She was cursed and she refused to plague people anymore! She quickened her speed as she knew Jane's long legs would be gaining on her quickly. Sudden she felt an uneven lump under her foot and lost her balance falling to the ground. Tears blinded her as she look up. She tried to lift herself but the throbbing pain released throughout her body caused her to collapse to the ground in defeat. And suddenly she began to weep and wail her heart out. Her body was shaking as she was losing control of her emotions. It was like an avalanche of emotions was falling down on her and there was no way to stop it. She just curled her body in ball and continued to sob. She then felt a pair of familiar arms pull her into a sitting position and embraced her. Maura grabbed onto the white lapel of the shirt and shoved her face into the lavender scented neck. Hands rubbed her back lovingly which made her cry even more. Jane held on tight to her distraught love in her arms and silently cried with her. The Princess' sobs continued as both women cling onto each with heavy breaths and heavy hearts.

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Sniff sniff! Sorry guys this was so sad I had to hold the emotions back while writing this. Anyway so I apologize before with the cliff hanger as you all desperately wanted to know about Maura's fate! So they are off now in hiding from the Queen. This chapter is the effects of how both Maura and Jane cope with the death of Frost. I wanted to show the impact that Frost leaves behind on both girls and how they react to it. Anyway some important news guys! Now yesterday I had received a PM from a KaraWalker begging me to update today! You see it is her birthday and she wanted to read a chapter from this story for her special day. Now how awesome is that?! It touches me how much you enjoy my story so much as to read a chapter on your special day. It is such an honor to know that people truly enjoy my story and look forward to every update! I thank you so much Rachel for following my story and the journey that it takes. I wanted to dedicate this chapter to you as you have convinced me to finish this chapter early. I also want to thank my other readers for following this story and for the lovely feedback! I love you guys! Anyway Rachel I hope you a terrific 18th birthday and I hope you enjoy this update!

Happy birthday!

From: ~C.L. 3