Judy found herself lost in thought as she made her way back to her room, her absent mind causing her to make a few wrong turns along the way. She still couldn't believe that her father had let her discuss the matter of tomorrow with him. She didn't want to think about how furious her mother would be at discovering she'd been assisting. Not to mention how much trouble the King would be with his wife for essentially respecting Judy's desires of helping on the frontlines. It wasn't very appropriate of them to keep this from the Queen, but it did ensure peace and quiet in the castle.

Reaching her room, Judy paused, her paw on the doorknob. She dreaded the coming morning, knowing full well it was almost sundown at the moment. So many people she cared about were about to put their lives on the line, all because a mammal felt threatened by others' happiness. Her mind fell on the fox at the thought. Of course there was no doubt he probably knew of the next day's events, but it kept her wondering as to why he hadn't mentioned anything about it to her. Come to think of it, she hadn't seen him all day. Had that meant there was more than what her father was telling her? Was it something more dangerous, that Nicholas couldn't breathe a word? All these unanswered questions were driving the bunny mad, it made her start wishing Nicholas would come and see her, tell her. The whole day she had spent conversing with her father, she'd secretly yearned for him to have been there also. There was no use anymore, to expel the less than decent desires that she thought up in her head about the fox, she'd simply come to terms with her forbidden feelings.

She shook her head, could only wonder what some mammal would think if they saw her now, debating whether to enter her own room or not. A small part of her begged to go to the Prince's quarters, in fear he wouldn't come to see her. With tomorrow in mind, Judy couldn't think about how she'd feel if she couldn't see him before departing. It would be wrong of her, not to visit him. Wouldn't it? Her emotions getting the better of the bunny, she pulled her paw off the doorknob and quietly sneaked her way to the Prince's quarters.

Nicholas sat at the edge of his large bed, head in paws. He had never had this big an urge to see Judith, though he knew looking into her dazzling amethyst eyes would cause him to spill everything. He wanted to tell her, no doubt, but he wasn't sure if that were the right thing to do. He had already defied his word to the King by telling her previously, but to do it once more he felt was pushing it a little.

Of course, his decision did not leave him content. He still wanted to see the bunny, to hold her, see her smile, anything before having to go into battle the following day. It was getting late and the sun had set, as far as he could tell by a quick glance out of his window, telling him this was his last chance before it became too late.

Before he could act upon his choice to finally go, a knock came at his door. Nick lifted his head, curious to who'd be visiting this late. Surely it wouldn't be Judith, but that would mean it was either the King or Queen, or it was Lilith. Had Danial let slip that he had paid him a visit? If so that'd mean he was in deep trouble.

A second knock came, and Nick gulped, standing up. Whoever it was, was clearly restless, or maybe it had been that he was standing in his position longer than he thought. Walking toward the door, he opened it to reveal a bashful grey bunny, standing with paws behind her back.

"Good Evening Nicholas." Judy greeted with a nod and a smile. Nick stood surprised, barely fathoming why she had come to him. Wasn't she aggravated by him? Had something happened again without his knowledge?

"Judith.. well this is a surprise." Nick managed, still gaping at her, not quite believing she was at his door.

"I understand it's rather late to be intruding, but I couldn't shake this feeling I had." She apologized looking down. Nick lifted an eyebrow curiously at her demeanour. Maybe something did happen since the previous night they shared.

"What is the matter Princess?" he asked, placing a paw on her arm in concern. Judy brought her gaze back up to meet his, and the sight of his emerald eyes looking back at her fondly, made her heart melt.

"I heard from father about what was happening.." she confessed quietly, composing herself. Nick's eyes grew wide, and he quickly ushered her into his room, shutting the door behind him.

"Did you eavesdrop again?" He teased, attempting to lighten the mood. He smiled when she let out a giggle.

"No I did not eavesdrop. I asked him and he let me help arrange tomorrow's plan of attack." She replied, puffing out her chest a little at the sight of his jaw dropping.

"How in the world did you convince him to let you be involved like that?"

Judy rubbed her arm, biting her lip in remembrance. "It wasn't easy, I admit, but I came clean about my studies." She admitted. Nick fell stunned, hardly believing she had been honest about what she'd been doing behind her parent's backs.

"And your father was okay with that?" he questioned curiously. Surely he couldn't have been very pleased and open to the idea, despite the fact the King was possibly the only one at times, to respect his daughter's lifestyle.

"Not at first," she began with a chuckle, "But in the end I don't think it got to him much."

Nick nodded, sitting back down onto his bed. Judy moved to stand in front of him, feeling very much content she had made the 'on the spot' decision to come and see the Prince. The strange feeling that she had in her stomach prior, was finally gone. Nick looked up at her, while the bunny was deep in thought, and smiled his cocky grin.

"And you came all the way to see little old me, just to tell me that?" he teased, cocking his head at the evident blush now on her cheeks. Judy suddenly felt flustered, caught off guard while thinking, and Nick chuckled at the now agitated bunny before him.

"N..no, well," she stuttered, trying to find her words. Why did Nick have this effect on her? Blushing, she lowered her head in embarrassment, ears falling forward on her face. "I wanted to see you.." she whispered.

Nick hummed in delight, with a soft smile on his muzzle. He was happy that she had finally accepted how she'd felt about him, knowing full well how guilty she really was about the whole ordeal. He opened his arms, wide enough for the bunny, and ushered her to accept. Judy complied, taking a couple of steps before thudding her head on his shoulder, nuzzling him.

"I wanted to see you too fluff." He whispered back, embracing her tightly. "I can't say what tomorrow's result will be, with so little information to go on. It worries me." Nick mumbled into the crane of her neck, burying his snout deeper, enjoying her warm scent. Slowly, the bunny in his embrace lifted her small arms and brought them around his stomach, encasing him in her own hug.

"Promise me you'll stay safe." She mumbled into his fur. He smiled affectionately.

"I promise. I'll be damned if this is the last time I'll get to see you." He jested. Judy pulled away, a frown on her face.

"Do not joke like that," she argued, in a low tone. "What if something were to happen? Don't make this a laughing matter." She choked, tears brimming her eyes.

Nick had always previously heard stories that bunnies were emotional, but he'd come to witness firsthand how true to their word they had been, in the time he'd spent living amongst them, especially with Judy. Though now was different. His bunny was getting emotional for him, because she was frightened for his safety, scared something would happen to him. In a way it warmed his heart, that she cared for him so, but at the same time it made him frown at how upset this was making her.

"Hey hey. Okay I admit that wasn't appropriate. I apologize fluff." He comforted softly, pulling her back into his arms. Judy squeezed him tighter, and the two stayed in the position for a while longer, until Nick spoke up.

"Would you like to stay with me tonight? If you're uncomfortable, you're free to decline." He offered in a whisper. Judy froze in his arms, and when Nick felt her suddenly tense up, he cursed himself for seeming too forward a second time. Judy broke out of her spell, and nuzzled him further, and Nick felt her nod slowly against his fur. He sighed in relief, and pulled her into the bed with him. Judy melted in satisfaction at being cuddled by her fox, and buried herself into his chest, slowly drifting off to sleep. Nick lay awake a while longer, listening to the bunny's calmed breathing, his mind too occupied with the coming events, but sleep soon took him over, and he joined his bunny into slumber.

Judy couldn't recall a time she'd ever felt this comfortable and safe, but right at that moment, tucked away in her fox's embrace, trumped any other. She stirred sleepily, not quite understanding why she had awoken in the first place. She was sure she had heard something faint, but chalked it up to her being half asleep. It didn't stop the strange feeling Judy had, the type where she knew something was off. Nick was still sound asleep, so maybe it was just her. After all, accepting her feelings and being with Nick like this, did make her feel different. Perhaps she was still on the high she felt earlier, submitting to him without a second thought, that made her lie awake.

Even still, she knew she had to get the much needed rest. It was soon dawn, and she had the inkling she'd need all her energy, despite not joining Nick and her father. Before she could doze off once more, she heard shuffling outside his quarters. Her ears perked at the sudden disturbance. Had she heard that right? Or had it been her imagination again? Feeling like it was not a coincidence that she had been awoken by something, Judy nudged the sleeping fox.

"Nick?" she whispered, nudging him again, when the first time went unnoticed. Nick stirred underneath her hold, and he gripped her tighter, pulling her back into his embrace.

"I don't believe it is morning yet Fluff." He mumbled, nuzzling his nose upon her head. Judy poked him, and couldn't help but smile, despite her slight worry.

"Nick I'm serious, I think I heard something." She attempted once more. Nick's ear twitched and he popped an eyelid open.

"I'm sure it was just one of the guards doing their rounds. Go back to sleep Carrots." He muttered quietly, getting comfy again. Judy was just about to retort when a loud explosion sounded outside the door, shaking the entire room. Both mammals sat up immediately and proceeded to look at each other, wide eyed and dazed.

"What the hell was that?" Nick managed, jumping out of bed, and throwing on his garments. Judy followed in a hurry, and slipped some pants on. "I have no idea." She replied, still shell shocked, as she grabbed the sword hanging from the wall. It had been a decoration but Judy was not leaving this room without some sort of weapon, and it was technically able to cut something in two if need be. Nick followed in her actions and grabbed a hold of the other one, still resting on the wall.

"You don't think-"

"I don't know what I think Nicholas!" she shouted, running toward the door, Nick following close behind. Judy reached for the door knob, but a paw rested on her arm before she could twist it open.

"No way, you're getting behind me." He insisted plainly, pushing in front of her. Judy stood, a frown on her face, crossing her arms. "I can take care of myself." She retorted angrily. How dare he imply she couldn't after everything?

Nick sighed, and turned to face the fuming bunny. "I do not doubt your capabilities at all, Judith, but please let me do this. I don't want anything happening to you when we don't even know what's going on out there." He replied, leaning down and holding onto her arms. Judy looked back at him, calming herself under his caring gaze.

Worry.

He was worried beyond compare, which under these circumstances, would not be a good thing. She nodded her head softly in understanding to ease his worries, to have him focus more on what they were up against, rather than her. Nick let out a relieved breath and pecked her twitching nose, but halted when his own twitched aswell.

"Do you smell that?" he asked, panic setting in. Judy stared confused, for she could not smell what her fox could. She may have had better hearing, but her nose was nowhere near as good as his. Before she could reply with an answer, he turned and swung the door open, shielding the bunny behind him, letting in a gust of heat, and revealing an inferno outside in the hall.

Judy gasped in horror and shock at her home up in flames. "Oh my.."
She looked up at Nick, feeling more frightened than she wanted to be. She was the one who wanted to go out on the battlefield, yet this was putting her on edge. What had she been thinking? She clearly needed more time before putting her life on the line.
Screams came from both ways of the hall in front of them, and the two weren't sure where to go first. Nick cursed under his breath, hoping Judy wouldn't suggest something insanely wreckless.

"We should split up."

Of course.

Nick turned to face her, and cupped her cheeks. "You're insane." He said to her, watching her grow slightly irritated, but still ultimately looking terrified. Judy looked down, fighting back tears.

"I know I am.. but Nick I heard my mother and one of my brothers. We need to go down each way, now." She urged, stepping forward. The heat of the flames felt hot on her cheeks, and took she a deep breath. A paw fell on her arm.

"Please be safe." He pleaded, not feeling okay with what she had come up with. Judy smiled softly, albeit still sick with worry, and leaned up to kiss him quickly. "It goes both ways, but I promise." She whispered.

"I promise too." He replied, before watching her run out and turn right. Gripping the sword's hilt in his paw, he followed her out, but turned left instead.

'Please for the love of everything, be careful Carrots.'

Judy didn't stop running, following the sounds of constant screaming, and clashing of weapons. The flames burned and singed her fur, the smell making her feel ill, as she pressed on down the hall, hoping to come across any of her family. She took another turn right as she reached the end of the hallway, and didn't break stride in her steps, despite growing fatigued. 'Why was this happening?' she thought helplessly as she ran. Surely this wasn't the attack that was supposed to be tomorrow? Why in the world was what they were doing wrong? Was this meant to be a surprise attack from the very beginning?

Judy's ears perked, as she heard another cry just to her left. It was her mother, she was sure. Quickly turning the corner, her amethyst eyes immediately fell upon a soldier that was not of their own, and her mother.

On the ground.

About to be struck down by his sword.

Her feet moved faster than her mind could, and Judy's sword connected with his incoming one, stopping it going any further, protecting the Queen. Judy could not find the words, as the hare stared back at her dumbfounded.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he shouted, growing irritated that this small bunny girl blocked his advance.

"Judith?" her mother cried weakly, looking up at her daughter.

"The Princess?" he whispered, his mouth turning into a devious smile. The Princess was the one who dared go against him? Judy threw a glare at him, pushing him off of her weapon with most of her strength, trying to hide how scared she felt deep down.

"Who do you think you are, invading our home?" she shouted, standing her ground in front of her mother. Well, now was the time to put her sword practice to good use. She could only hope Nick was actually a good fighter, and that he didn't go that easy on her, as he was the only one she had ever sparred with.

"I am the Duke, you ignorant little girl!" he shouted back, fuming that she dared not to know his title, and how important a mammal he was.

Judy laughed a loud, causing her mother to nudge her. "What are you doing?" she whispered, irritated by her daughter's foolish actions.

"You really think a coward like yourself can be considered someone of importance and significance?" Judy retorted, not caring whether she was infuriating the hare further. What he was doing, to her home and her family, made her angry. The Duke frowned and furrowed his eyebrows, seemingly appalled with the Princess' words. 'How dare she?'

"You shall perish for being so insolent, girl." He threatened, lifting up and slamming down his sword on her. Judy quickly dodged, and just missed his blade, as she frantically struggled to regain her composure. She stood in her defence stance, as the Duke huffed, bringing his sword down once more. Her sword connected with his with a loud 'twang', causing her mother to gasp in worry. No matter how strong Judy thought she was, that didn't take away from the fact that the Duke, was stronger.

Much stronger.

His sword lowered above her own, as she grunted, putting all her strength into keeping him from cutting her down. Her knees grew weak, as they began to give way under the force of the hare's attack. "You stupid girl, you'll die for being so foolish, for your family being so fool-"

The Duke stopped mid-sentence, as another weapon threw his off Judy's. Now standing before him, was the very thing he came to get rid of.

A fox.

"I wouldn't lay a hand on her if I were you." He warned in a deep threatening tone. Judy looked up in relief, now on the ground catching her breath beside her mother, who had now moved to embrace her daughter protectively.

"Nick.." Judy gasped softly, tears brimming her eyes. If it weren't for him..

"Protecting a species not your own? You disgust me further." The Duke spat at Nicholas, glaring at him.

"Leave now, and call off your army, or I will have to kill you." Nick threatened back, standing in front of the two bunnies, he himself protecting them. The Duke may have been strong against Judy, but Nick was bigger than him. He almost wished he hadn't gone easy on Judy that one time, and taught her properly instead. If he hadn't gotten there in time, Judy could have-

Nick shook his head, and readied his sword, realising the Duke was not relenting, but instead, was pacing toward him ready to attack. With a growl, Nick got ready to swing, only to have the hare, turn and flee at the last second, retreating to what looked to be the west wing.

The Prince paused for a second, gaping at where the hare last stood, and withdrew his sword at the sound of shuffling behind him. Turning around, he leant down to help Judy and the Queen up. Once standing, he threw the Princess into an embrace, seemingly forgetting her mother was standing idly by.

"You're crazy, you know that?" he whispered, gripping her tighter, as she fought against him.

"Nick my mother-"

"I don't care."

Judy stopped fidgeting, and succumbed to his comforting grip on her, trying to ignore how her mother was very obviously gaping at the pair, clearly not comprehending what she was witnessing.
'Wasn't Nicholas with..' the Queen thought, confused. She watched on as the Prince pulled away from her, yet still kept a gentle grip on her shoulders, looking over her daughter for any signs of injury.

"Please don't ever do that again" he whimpered, stroking her cheek, causing Judy to gaze down bashfully. Bonnie cleared her throat, and the two looked over at her wide eyed. Judy pulled away and raised her paws up. "Mother I can explain-"

"Aren't you both wondering where that maniac ran off to?" Bonnie interrupted, changing the subject. Her home was still up in flames and under attack, and whatever was going on between the two was the least of her problems. She'd talk to her daughter later, right now her priority was to find her other children and know they were safe in all this chaos. Nicholas nodded respectfully toward her, and gripped the hilt of his sword once more, growing serious.

"He has probably retreated to look for your husband," he replied, looking toward the way the hare had run off to.

"You're not going alone." Judy spoke up, staring at Nick with a frown. The fox turned to gape back at her, and let out a bark of laughter. "You can't expect me to let you come with me, after what just transpired." He replied, past the point of caring whether he hurt her feelings or not. As long as she was safe, he'd deal with the consequence later.

"You're going to have a hard time keeping me from following you my Prince." Judy retorted back with a smug, but irritated smile. Nick groaned, and looked to the Queen for help, but to his dismay, Bonnie merely shrugged. She had tried hard to keep her daughter from being anything but Princess like, but her efforts fell short every time she did. Staring between his bunny and her mother, he rolled his eyes, and smacked a paw to his muzzle.

"Fine," he groaned, while Judy smiled triumphantly. "BUT," he interrupted her gleeful victory. "You stay behind me."

Judy paused, but nodded when noticing the pleading look in his emerald eyes. Smiling softly at one another, they made sure Bonnie was okay getting to a safe location by herself, promising her that they'd look out for any of her children, and ran off to hopefully catch up with the lunatic of a Duke.

"Do you think my mother will be okay looking for my siblings?" Judy asked Nick, as the two ran down the winding corridors of the nearing west wing. Nick huffed in response.

"Funny, I specifically remember informing her to get to a safe zone immediately." He retorted, not breaking his stride, his sword bouncing against his side, as he ran. Judy pouted, and kept quiet, finally coming to her father's quarters. Nick went first, to Judy's displeasure, but upon entering, the two noticed the room to be empty. With the King nowhere to be seen, the Princess began to panic.

"Oh gods Nick, what if he got to my father before we could?" she cried, beginning to frantically search around the room. Nick didn't respond, as he tried to rack his brain as to where else the King could be at such a late hour.

"Father?" Judy shouted, still hoping her father was merely just hiding, even though deep down, she knew the King was far from being a coward. Nick's eyes lit up with a thought, and he ran up to Judy, grabbing a hold of the shaken bunny.

"Nick I can't.." she said meekly, tears threatening to spill.

"The armoury." He whispered, looking into her panicked eyes, hoping to calm his bunny down. She nodded in response, calming herself a little, and the pair ran back out of the room, and toward where they hoped this time, the King would be.