I didnt know what to expect when we got back to court but I definitely didn't expect Nixin to jump into Rones arms. "I'm so glad you're alright," Nixins pale skin against Rones, her hands cupping his cheek almost drew me mad but more curious then anything. Its strange how things could change,how quick feelings can develop and a part of me blamed myself for the two getting close. If I couldn't have Rone then of course I wanted him to find his happiness but everything about this girl was wrong.

"They've gotten close," Gregory noticed his voice laced with a bit of annoyance. "How are you feeling?" I wish everyone could stop asking me that.

"Angry," I gritted my teeth as Scarlett emerged from a carriage that just pulled up infront of the palace, "What is she doing here? I thought she was in the mountains."

"Ash requested her to come back here to accompany him around town, I think he actually wants to spend time with her. He doesnt seem like the type."

"He isnt," I frowned as I watch Ash and Scarlett great each other. For some odd reason Ash and the idea of him with anyone was just odd and a bit revolting, he didnt seem like the courting type and he most certainly was no gentleman.

   Scarlett is too pampered for him, she would grow tired of him and his duties though she was a sweet girl.... shaking the thought away I found myself wondering why I cared? Why was I always so concerned with everyone else?

"Why are you so shocked?" Marcus asked coming beside me as if we were old time friends and I guess to him we were, "She's probably the second most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"Who's the first?" Gregory asked curiously as he rested his hand on his sword, I was curious too.

"Berella of course though it looks like she's already smitten over someone."

"She is," I sucked in my breath. I didn't trust Josephine and I guess I'm still a bit shocked they even found comfort in each other but I guess it could be worse. The moment I seen the two together I was enraged but now I knew what they had, what they were falling into. I didn't need my empathy to tell what blossomed between the two and I guess that was the hardest part. Sure she was with James for some time and they did cherish each other but she was never all in, with Josephine Berella seemed whole. I couldn't blame her for finding love but did that mean I was no longer important? I almost felt disgusted with myself for thinking so but I couldn't help it.

From the edge of my vision I watched Rone head straight to us from his horse, Nixin trailing behind him. "Be up at sunrise and in the throne room in the morning, I want this trial done as soon as possible. Make sure Ash and Orion attend as well, no one else," he said cutting his eyes towards Gregory. Which made no sense I told Gregory everything and that would never change I trusted him. "I would have your father here if I could but he's going to be busy for a while in Delphia."

"Of course." Does this mean I have to bow now? Marcus and Gregory didnt, I sure as hell wasnt going to I'd rather slit my own throat. "Will Nixin be joining us?" I tilted my head barring a smile.

"She has to, she's the spokesperson for her people," Rone sighed.

"Her and her people are hardly any importance to Court matters," I scuffed, maybe thats a little childish but I hated her. I hated the way his eyes churned when he even heard her name. In a way I wasn't entirely wrong we have a truce with Dragons Mountain, the elves but we don't have a truce with these people. Human or not I didn't trust them entirely, you cant trust women. Men are more simple and easy to see through but a women with a mission was nearly impossible to stop. Nearly.

"It's been a long day she'll be there in the morning," Gregory said politely but there was a loathing edge in his voice. "Now if you'll excuse us I'm walking Nadia over to her families home, Marcus your coming too."

"You don't trust me?"

"No," Gregory and I said at the same time.

Marcus just stared at us blankly, I didnt even look back up at Rone as we turned around and headed away from the castle and into town. Marcus was already going on about Orion and how close they used to be but I found my mind drifting. Marcus didn't seem to be any threat at all, I mean I would be more scared of a snake then him.

While Marcus was busy chatting up the lady at the jewelry botique on our way through town, I took this as an opportunity to talk Gregory. "I know these past months have been crazy," I started thoughtfully. "Even though I wasnt always the kindest to you, you always had my back and let's face it I always have yours." I wouldn't have gone through days in the dark woods for nobody. "You could have let me go to dragons mountain alone, you could have stopped helping me at any minute and yet you are here. I guess what I'm trying to say is I want you to be my second hand."

"You mean like how Ash has Blade?" I knew it was wrong but I had to know what he was feeling, was he dishonored by the position? He was taken back by the proposition, which was understandable being my second hand meant living every day in threat.

"I want to be equals, I want you to be my eyes and my ears for as long as you and I both live. Its not a promise or decision I expect you to make right away of course but if I've realized anything while living in court and at Dragons tower its that you need someone you can trust with your life. I'm afraid theres not many people I can trust anymore."

"What of Berella?"

"She is my equal, my best friend. I would sacrifice my life for hers any day but she has her own calling," I said. "You and I have always been a team have we not?" The town was quiet as usual for sun setting, court was still in the habit of shutting all stores around sun down and safetly returning home. People were still scared of the night and I didnt blame them.

"You know you could command me," his jaw twitched slightly as the wind wiped through his dark hair.

"You know I would never do that."

"Because you know I'd say yes either way."

"I was hoping," I straightened my back and held his burning gaze the tinge of his dark aura mingling with mine.

Gregory clasped his hand with mine, this was forever. "Til the day we die."

"May it be long lived," I smiled. My right hand, who would have thought? A couple months ago I hated him and even though our friendship still had its downs going to Dragons Mountain showed me the bond between Gregory and I never left. We protected each other and although we might not listen to each other all the time, we always made sure we were safe. I think what really changed things for me was thinking he was dead, then realizing I could save him and at the end getting him back once and for all. It was a feeling I carried with me, a reminder that at any moment you could lose anyone.

After I saved him from the woods and brought him back to court he was still possessed by a demon a demons we later found out was just a cursed elf. With my luck Gregory happened to be possessed by Lorelei and Veros son Orion. He was what really started everything, he opened up all of our eyes in the beginning of it all.

When we meet Orion it was most definitely a rough altercation, he really had it in for me but when he finally realized I wasnt his "mother" he loosened up. Although I liked Orion I refused to let myself get close to him, to complicate any of the past with the future and Orion agreed it was too painful for him as well.

"So do we do a blood ritual or what?"

I frowned, "You want a badge?"

"I think that would suffice," he pursed his lips and rubbed his jaw as if he was debating. "What makes you certain I wouldn't cross you?"

"You know you cant keep secrets from me."

"Are private thoughts no longer private?"

"I'm not reading your thoughts," I rolled my eyes. "I'm reading your emotions and even without my abilities I happen to know you are a terrible liar."

"I'm honored," he said wearily, the gold flecks in his honey eyes swirling.

"I know," I grinned.

"You know everything," he frowned.

I shook my head, "Not everything," I paused. "I cant read Ash well, neither can I read Nixin or Orion as well either. I thoughts it was because they weren't fae or humans but Nixin is supposed to be human."

Something in Gregory shifted in him, the warrior shining bright as ever, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we need to keep an eye on Nixin and as we I mean you," I hated that I hated to ask but... "Do whatever you can to catch her attention, I dont trust her and the fact that Rone does doesn't sit well with me."

"I cant say I haven't had my own suspicions of her and her ladies are rather disruptive to court but what reason would she have to lie?"

"What reason do you think?" Come on you're not stupid. "The first person she sank her claws on is the King, the girl acts innocent and a bit dull but her mind is far too complex. A human shouldn't have barriers she and her women have placed."

"I see," Gregory frowned. "I was going to see your mother with you but seeing as we only have a few days in court I better get working."

"Be careful, she is young and only a girl but there's something wrong about her, all of them."

"The lack of faith you have in me is a bit concerning," he curled his lip, his wings stiffening down his back.

"I just want you safe you know that."

He gave me a playful smile flicking the bottom of my chin with his finger like we did when we were kids, "I'll see you tonight before midnight, where are you staying?"

"I need to be away from that place," I glanced above Gregory's head and to the palace, my wings felt like they would cripple any moment now. "Make sure you fit in time to see your mom," I smiled lightly.

The thought seemed like it never crossed him, "Of course," he turned to Marcus. "You won't try to kill her if I leave will you?"

"Of course not," he folded his arms over his chest, he was all too similar to Orion. I wondered how much time they actually spent together? "If I was fated to rule over this miserable land I'd hang myself."

Gregory only gave me a fleeting glance before disappearing down an ally.