The next day I woke up in Chai's room with him snoring next to me. We were tangled in the bed sheets. Neither him nor myself was wearing anything. I got up, kissed him on the cheek and slipped on one of his shirts. I buttoned it up and walked around. There were various weapons mounted on the walls. The most beautiful weapon mounted on the wall was Chai's first weapon. Maeve the battle axe. It was a nice room, it was a shame it was so far away. "Maybe I could see if I could move my room closer to his, or maybe see if we could move into the same room." I said quietly.

Chai stirred. "What?" he said groggily. "Oh, hi Arimo What are you doing here?"

He has no recollection of last night? I thought.

"Oh wait, hehe, nevermind." He giggled.

"Yeah. Bumble and Ursa are going to be wondering if we can come with them to do something later."

"I think we should just have a honeymoon."

"ok, but you have the forge to look after. Who will do that for you?"

"I can find someone." Said Chai wholeheartedly.

I put on my pants and ran to my room to get fresh clothes.

when I got there, Astrid swung the door open with a worried look on her face.

"Where were you? You didn't come here last night and no one knew where you were!" She yelled.

"I don't think you should not have to know where I am every second of the night!" I retorted.

"THAT IS MY JOB!"

"DO YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW WHERE I WAS?" I yelled. "I WAS SLEEPING WITH MY HUSBAND!"

There was silence a I walked over to my armoire and grabbed a clean outfit, and changed into it. I walked out of the room and ran into Bashemath.

"Heard you got slammed last night." She said with a grin.

"Where'd you hear that?" I asked.

"I'd be worried about who didn't hear that. You just screamed at the top of your lungs, 'was was sleeping with my husband.'"

"oops. My bad." I said meekly. "I gotta go talk to mom about having a honeymoon with Chai."

"Ok. Go get em frisky pants." She replied with a laugh that clearly came from the belly.

I went back to the throne room and started to talk to my mother and father.

"If you want to have a proper honeymoon, you must have a proper wedding." My mother said calmly.

"Chai must ask for my blessing before you two do anything." my father added.

"Ok. I'll talk to him about that. Thanks!" I replied.

********

For the second time in my life I've had to be sentenced to the worst punishment ever. I had to help plan a wedding. Chai got my father's blessing-even though we are already married-which gave him a boost of confidence. My bridesmaids will be Bashemath, Bumble, and Astrid. The flower girl will be Milee, and the ring bearer will be, well I'm not sure who it will be yet. My uncle will be one who weds us, and my mother and father will be walking me down the aisle. I'm both excited and annoyed at the fact that I'm getting married. Excited because it's my wedding and annoyed, because, well, it's my wedding. I'm only doing this because my mother told me to.

"I think weddings are awful." Astrid said while the seamstress measured her. She turned into a bat which caused the poor woman to squeal.

"You know if you keep on, it will only take longer." Bashemath scolded.

"Fine." Astrid sighed in reply.

"I like weddings." Bumble said happily. "Oh and I need you to come down to the shop today and help me figure out what you want on your cake."

"I'll be there, but it will only be for a short while. Mother needs me to help her get the decorations ready." I said as I helped the seamstress place pins in fabric.

Through all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning I hardly got to see Chai since the night I was with him. He was either down in the forge or off doing "manly" things (That's what he calls it) with Ursa. Bumble constantly asked me questions about what Chai and I did that night, but I repeatedly told her that we did nothing even though she could guess what went on.

When the day before the wedding rolled around, everything was hectic. I had a mental break down, and Astrid wasn't helping. There was just too much going on. Over the course of three months, I hardly had time to myself. I couldn't even take a bath without my sister or my mother bursting in on me asking me a million questions. Obviously I am just ready to get this done with. I was constantly being asked if I would like the table cloths to be white or pastel yellow and where I wanted the flowers to go. I still hadn't seen Chai anywhere.

"Bumble, has you seen Chai?" I asked.

"Nope, nope. Haven't seen him. If I have I couldn't tell you!" She said shaking her head causing her bright pink curls to fly everywhere.

"You are a terrible liar Bumble. I hope you know that." I said and stormed off to the throne room. Surely, I mean surely he couldn't have just up and left! I thought.

As I continued my search for Chai for hours, but to no avail. I only wanted to see Chai. I was tired of talking to everyone about wedding planning.

Once the sun began to set, my nerves kicked into high gear. I was freaking out. I went into bride mode as though it was second nature. I ran about the castle making sure that everything was in its proper place.

By the end of the night I was exhausted. I crashed onto my bed, and fell asleep instantly.

I awoke to various loud noises and Bumble yelling in my ears.

"GET UP!!! IT'S WEDDING DAY!!" he yelled as she hit pans together.

"Get off." I groaned.

"C'mon. Get ready!" She added pulling me out of bed. I limply walked to my dresser and pulled out some clothes.

"Oh no, no, no. You have to put on your dress. Bashemath is getting your breakfast right now. C'mon your mom is in the bathroom waiting for you." Bumble whined.

I sighed and started for the bathroom. Apparently the noise was coming from my mother doing hair in the bathroom, for Milee was sitting in her lap tugging and pulling her hair into tight braids, which would then be pulled into a bun.

"Sometimes I wonder if Bashemath brushes your hair." She mutter under her breath. "Oh, hello bride-to-be. Nice to see you alive and shin- breathing."

"Whatever. Do you want any help?" I asked half asleep.

"No, but Astrid is about to get her hair done by Bumble. Please go and make sure she doesn't change into any animals whilst it is getting done."

There was a sound of breaking glass and a bear roaring.

"ASTRID! PLEASE LET ME GET YOUR HAIR DONE!!!" Bumble yelled.

Astrid gave nothing but roars as she flung her sister around on her back.

"Get down Bumble. Let me handle her. Go help my mom." I said. Bumble dropped her head and went to the bathroom.

"ASTRID!" I snapped. "SIT AND TURN BACK INTO A HUMAN!"

She obeyed, but reluctantly. She turned back into a human and sat down in a chair. "Hey, just tryin' to lighten the mood. I hate weddings." she said with a shrug.

"Sit down and shutup. I'm going to do your hair whether you like it or not."

"Fine. Whatever you say." She gave a snarl and turned around. I yanked her hair closer to me and she let out a cry. I continued to pull and twist her hair until it was the way it was supposed to be.

"Gah! Could you be a little less harsh?" Astrid said as she rubbed her head. "That really hurt."

"Not in the mood. Go get ready." I said plainly.

My mother had successfully gotten Bumble and Milee's hair done and told me to it down on the floor. Right as I sat down Bashemath burst into the room carrying a tray filled with breakfast foods. In doing so, she almost spilled juice out of the pitcher.

"Careful!" mother scolded. "You almost spilled that all over the floor!"

"Sorry. I was running a little late because there is a huge crowd of people in the throne room." she apologized.

"I didn't expect so many to show up." Bumble said looking out the window. "There are still people waiting outside the castle."

"Go ahead and eat everyone. the chef made sure that there was enough for everyone to eat." Bashemath said setting the tray on the table. She handed me a plate with eggs, bread, and grapes. Everyone said their thanks and ate.

Once my mother finished everyone's hair, she told us to go to her dayroom and get our dresses. The queen's dayroom was closer to the throne room, which was where the ceremony would take place.

********

When ceremony time came, the castle was busting with excitement. I had on my dress. It was a long flowing ivory dress that had a rhinestone encrusted bodice, and it flared at the waist. Bashemath, Bumble, and Astrid had short, teal dresses and black flats.

"It's time." My mother said. The bridesmaids walked out into the throne room as music started to play. When all of them had gone through the door, My mother wrapped her arm around mine and my father joined us at the door.

I saw Chai standing at the front of the room, dressed in fine clothes of emerald and sapphire. Artie was next to him, his hand on Chai's shoulder, doing what looked like an attempt to calm him down. Chai was shifting nervously from side to side, I walked down the aisle and everything was quiet. No one spoke and no one moved. I gripped my parents arms tightly causing them to stand up straighter.

"Calm down." my mother whispered.

"Sorry." I whispered back apologetically.

I walked for what was like an eternity. When I finally made it to the front of the room, Artie moved behind myself and Chai, and asked my parents if they were willing to let me go. After them agreeing, he told us to join hands, and repeat after him the vows. We slipped our rings back on when he was finished.

Once numerous "I do's" were said, Artie said "You may now kiss the bride." Chai pulled me in and gave me a long wonderful kiss on the lips.

"Congratulations to the newlyweds!" Artie yelled over the crowd. Everyone clapped and cheered. As we walked down the aisle together, people patted us on the backs and threw flower petals at us.

"You two will be staying at our villa on the other side of the town." my father said. "I hope you two will find it comfortable."

"Thanks Dad." I said and got on my tiptoes to give him a kiss.

"I will see you in a week's time." my mother said. "I love you and good bye!"

Chai and I set off to the villa in a carriage. The ride was long and monotonous. We rode past fields of wheat and corn. Though we held little conversation the trip was lovely. That is until we hit a bump in the rode, or so to speak.

"What's that up ahead?" I asked.

"Dunno, looks like a cloud of dust." Chai replied.

"Shall I stop milady?" the coach driver said.

"Just keep going." I said.

"As you wish."

The cloud of dust came closer and closer. Once it got into a better view, we realized that the cloud of dust was a group of men riding horses at break-neck speed.

They arrived at our carriage shortly after we could see their outline.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"None of your concern. Give us everything you got." the man said. He was dressed in all black and had red cloth around his mouth, so to not get dirt in it. "If ya don't we'll jus' snatch up this lovely girl righ' here and take her with us fer some entertainment."

"Oh sorry I'm afraid you can't do that." I said pulling Chandrakant out of thin air and transforming into my armor. Chai did the same. "You see. I just got married and I don't want to hit any bumps in the road."

I swung my sword and the bandit pulled out two daggers. He dodged the attack easily. Guess I'm a little out of practice. I thought.

Chai hit the bandit in the head with the handle of his axe, causing the bandit to get dazed for a brief time. Chai turned around just as the bandit was recovering and got cut by the daggers in his shoulder. Chai grunted but continued to fight. More of the lead bandit's goons jumped in the attack.

"Now we wouldn'ta had any problem now if you'd jus' give us some gold and 'spensive stuff." the bandit said.

"I don't believe I could have." I said swinging my sword to parry an incoming blow from a short muscular bandit. "I told you idiots already. We have nothing but clothes in this carriage."

"I don't believe yeh one bit'n ya here!" the lead bandit yelled angrily.

"Screw off me you stupid grunt!" I yelled as the short bandit jumped on me. I kicked him off and stabbed him with my sword. I don't believe you should be stabbing me into filth like that one there. Chandrakant said to me through telepathy.

Shutup. I replied.

My apologizes Arimo.

The bandit attack lasted for about an hour. The stagecoach was cowering in the main compartment of the carriage. Once finished with the bandit leader's grunts. Chai and I turned towards a bloody and bruised bandit leader.

"What's your name?" I said.

"Won' say." The bandit spat.

Chai grabbed his shoulder and the bandit gave him an evil grin.

"Stop laughing." I said and kicked the bandit in the stomach. "State your name. NOW!"

"O-Odris." The bandit coughed.

"Who do you work for?" I asked. Chai gripped his shoulder harder. His face turned pale. "Are you ok?"

"Fine." Chai grunted.

"Who do you work for Odris?" I asked kicking Odris even harder in the stomach. "Tell me now."

"T-Taj...Taj the Bandit lord." he coughed. Blood came out of his mouth when he did so.

Chai's knees wobbled and he fell to the ground.

"You might want to check on that boy over there." Odris laughed.

I ran over to Chai and grabbed him. He was burning hot and dripping sweat.

"What did you do!?" I cried.

"S'too late now. The poison is already flowing through his bloodstream." Odris said cooly. "He should die within ten minutes...oh make it five."

Tears were streaming down my face.

"Don't die Chai!" I cried.

"It's... o-ok. I-It doesn't hurt...too bad." Chai said coughing blood. He smiled. "I love you Arimo." Chai closed his eyes and went still.

"No, No. NO! Come back Chai! Please!" I screamed. "Quit playing around! It's not funny! Get up. You're not dead. Get up!"

I set Chai down and picked up my sword, and walked over to Odris.

"Wha' a shame. 'E died young." Odris said making clicking noises with his tongue.

"Go to hell." I said. Tears of fury were rolling down my face. I lifted my sword and Swung with so much force. I cut Odris's head clean off of his shoulders. Blood sprayed onto my tunic. It got in my hair, turning it from beautiful platinum to a speckled blood red. I screamed into the setting sun. Birds flew overhead. and thunder rolled in the distance.

"Go home." I told my stage coach. "I will walk."

"B-but that's a month long journey by foot!" he said scaredly.

"I will walk."

"As you wish. I will leave." the stage coach said and hopped back onto the driver's seat and rode away.

"Until death do we part, huh." I said walking back over to Chai's limp, cooling body.

I lifted Chai onto my shoulders and slowly started to walk into the surrounding woods.

Three weeks past, and I was still in the woods. I had built a small shack and killed what ever animal passed by my house. Chai was buried behind the shack. My hair was long and tangled. I still had blood on me. I didn't care anymore. I wanted to end shortly after Chai did, but I knew I had a life ahead of me. That was a trait I got from my father. Chai's axe lay in the corner of my shack, as did my sword.

"You two should go home. Don't bother waiting around for me to go back to Brentwood." I said quietly. Maeve and Chandrakant transformed into their human form.

"I am bound to you am I not?" Chandrakant stated.

"Yes. I'm your master am I not?" I rebutted.

"Naturally, but I have a choice of my own. I choose to not leave your side. I will stick with the order I was given by Vitali all those years ago."

"I cannot leave you either." Maeve said. "Chai ordered me to stay by you and make sure you were to live and go back home. I believe you have had time to cope with your loss."

"When did he tell you this?" I asked. Anger was growing inside me.

"During the battle. He knew he was poisoned the moment the blade penetrated his skin."

"You mean he knew he was poisoned! Why did he not tell me he was poisoned?" I yelled. The anger had come out, along with tears.

"I think you should go back. Artie has just told me everyone is worried." Chandrakant said calmly.

"Go away tell him I am dead."

"I cannot tell lies."

"Go away. Leave me alone. Go back to the castle!" I demanded.

"I will go. Only if you promise to come back in one month's time."

"Whatever."

Chandrakant and Maeve disappeared and left me alone.

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

"SHE IS WHERE!?" Grimm bellowed.

"Sorry, brother. I don't mean to worry you, but she refuses to come back home." Artie said.

"Send out a group they are to pick her up and bring her back."

"We don't know her location."

"Send a group and BRING HER BACK!"

"Of course, your majesty." Artie said and hurried off to the barracks.