Sebastian and I haven't spoken a word since we left Captain Hellman in Adelaide. I hope he is all right. I am just glad he was able to help us... To have to fight another of Seb's family, it would have been hard on him. Vernon and the rest of the traitors must know that we have fled with the griffin being gone. We have to succeed in making contact with the Fae and hopefully get their help in taking back Adelaide. What will happen between that, I am unsure of. It will be a battle though. For some reason I know that Vernon won't give up easily.

I turn around to a rising sun and the city is gone from my view. Forward to the west is where our destiny awaits. How much longer do we have? Where is Silver Stone Vale? It must be far from Adelaide if we are still flying, the top of the sun is touching the horizon and I don't see the water yet. It's all lush evergreen forest.

We should land soon to rest, being up all night and using my magic has caught up with me. I feel it now, my lack of energy as I grip Sebastian's waist tighter. He must be tired as well. I ask him when are we going to land and he replies with a flat. "When we get to the coast. We will rest there so Neo will be able to fly come nightfall, it's still a long journey from there."

Right. I remember him showing me the map now. How far away Silver Stone Vale was from Adelaide, with all the land and ocean in between. How far Seb's Kingdom was from the mainland even. All I can hope is that Neo will make it across the vast expanse of water then for us to make contact with the Fae. As we fly on I fight the urge to sleep, I'm staying up as long as Sebastian is. After him almost dying on me, it's hard not to keep a watchful eye on him.

Neo lands us softly in a thicket of trees, there's no sign of humans anywhere so I let my natural form out. It's still odd having white hair and pointed ears, my skin still pale as before. Now I look like an Azure. For all these years Drakon had me hide that part of me somehow. With the contract lifted it gave me the strength to reveal my true self.

Sebastian waits for me to get off first then he hops off and pats Neo's head after taking the bags off the animal's back. "Good boy. Find a place to rest and I'll call for you later."

The griffin bows its head and stalks off into the trees.

"Quite an amazing bond you two have." I say sitting on a rock. My body has grown sore, especially my feet. Wearing these heels all night then running up those stairs. What a night... what a day, these past couple of nights and days actually. What an ordeal.

Sebastian nods as he works on undoing his belt that holds his sword. "Well I've had him since he was a cub." He hangs his coat and belt on a low hanging tree branch. "In ancient times the Fae used them in battle, now there are only a few of them left."

"Hmm." I mumble, rubbing the stiffness out at the back of my neck and my eyes drift to Seb's side where a blotch of red is showing. "Wait! What is that?!" I yell striding over to him and lift his shirt up without asking first.

He winces at my touch but doesn't push me away. Instead he sighs when I gasp at the sight. There, I find a small shallow wound seeping blood. "Why didn't you tell me you were still hurt!" I yell, backing away so I can stare into his eyes.

"You've done enough for me! You used too much magic and I can see how tired you are. I barely feel it anyway." He towers over me with an anger in his eyes but his face softens. "Go rest. I'll take the first watch. When you wake, you can heal me then."

No. My head shakes side to side. "No way. I'm not going to be able to sleep. Not until I heal you completely." I couldn't rest knowing that he is still hurt. Still bleeding.

"Cam, I am fine,"

"No, you are not arguing with me." I say cutting him off. "You are going to sit down while I heal you. End of discussion." I say pointing a finger at him. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or my new-found confidence but I don't care if I'm being rude or disrespectful to him. And maybe it's from his lack of sleep or how much we have been through tonight but all he does is sigh and takes my orders with a small smile spreading across his face. Even when he sits down we are just about the same height. I shake my head slightly and kneel down beside him.

I ask him to hold his shirt up. He obliges with a wince and I lift my hands to the swollen red spot. It looks like the wound was bigger but from my healing before, it almost closed it up. With a quiet sigh I rub my forehead, I don't approve of his recklessness. Seb should have told me about this. He said I wouldn't have to worry. My hands start to glow as the healing magic flows through my fingertips to Seb's skin. The colour begins to fade and the opening gradually closes up. I close my eyes because my head is spinning again but it feels easier now. I breathe slowly to steady myself and when I open my eyes the wound has fully healed.

"Done." I tell him as I lower my hands onto my lap. They're covered in dirt and blood. The dirt has built up under my nails with splotches of blood on the tops of my hands. Sebastian's blood, when he was laying in the grass grasping for life. I thought I would lose another friend at that moment. That was only a couple hours ago but it feels like a lifetime ago now. I don't know what I would do if he did die. No. I can't think about that. He's here, he's alive and breathing.

With a sigh I stand up. "I'll need to wash off before I can get any sleep."

"Wait." Seb says gripping my wrist before I'm too far from him.

I turn around and he pulls me into his chest. Next he wraps his arms around me and rests his chin on the top of my head then I hear it, his heartbeat. Strong and steady as it has been.

"Are you okay?"

My body stills under his arms. "I haven't had much time to think about it..." I tell him. But now that I do... I guess I am all right. What a turn of events in these last few hours. My head sinks into his chest and his heartbeat thumps strong under my ear. "I'm good now, knowing that you are not hurt. How are you?"

He lets out a shuddering breath and he holds me tighter. "When you did not come back after a while I began to panic. I started asking the guests if they had seen you. One of them did, they told me you were walking with two men down a dead end hall. They told me what one looked like and it matched the description of Drakon."

"I knew something was wrong if Drakon was able to slip through my guard without being reported. Running as fast as I could, I went down those stairs without a thought, no plan in mind. All I knew was that I had to save you because if Drakon was there then Hearthgrim was most likely as well. I had to stop them from hurting you..."

Tears start to build in my eyes as I feel the tenseness under his fingers, they dig into me while he continues on. "I didn't care if I died killing all of them as long as I knew you were okay. Vernon was holding you, calling you lovely and sweetheart. I saw red as he said that but I noticed how calm you were when you saw me... You were so strong and fierce, you wanted to fight."

"And then when he fucking touched you like that, I couldn't stop from thinking how he might have touched you that same way before. The pain reflected in your eyes... I could feel it yet I couldn't even stop him from doing that to you. I couldn't protect you Cam. I never want to be in that position again. Vernon is going to pay for what he did to you. I don't care what it takes."

It's not about what Vernon did to his family or him, it's what Vernon did to me... That's what is fuelling his anger. I let out a shaky breath not knowing what to say or do. If it wasn't for his help I wouldn't be here. I am just glad he came when he did. My tears feebly fall onto his shirt as my throat closes up.

"I didn't get the chance to say thank you either, for saving me. Since I've met you, you've continuously saved my life in many ways." One of his hands lifts up and he places it on the back of my head and starts stroking it softly as he holds me tight. Seb's hugs are the best in the world even if I have only hugged three times in my lifetime. My arms lift up around his waist and I sink further into his chest. Oh Seb... The hint of lavender and cedar wood reaches my nose but now it's mixed with something that I can't put my finger on. "Thank you for being in my life and making it a thousand times better. Also I am sorry for not letting you know how bad it was. I knew you were too tired to heal me fully and I did not want to push you further since you did so much already." He says more softly.

It's okay Sebastian. I forgive you. I hold him tighter not wanting to let go and we just stand like this for I don't know how long. It seems like he doesn't want to let go either...

We eventually lean away and he's looking down at me with a small smile but I see his tears gleaming in the corners of his eyes.

"You think I made your life better?" I chuckle trying to stop my own tears from forming. "You made my life better. If it wasn't for you I don't where I would be right now."

A corner of his lips twitches up and he moves a couple strands of hair behind my ear. I lean into his hand taking in his gentle touch closing my eyes. I know Seb means it, because he has done the same for me. We have helped each other out. I feel like I've said it too many times but I'm glad he is still here, I'm glad he is with me.

My hands move to the middle of his chest and I can feel his fast heartbeat. My gaze raises to his and he's staring back. His hands slide up over mine and he smiles. We've almost kissed two times now but there was always my fear. I thought I was undeserving of it. Of him. And I don't know if I want to count the kiss on the cheek I gave him after we woke or when I healed him. Maybe that's a good thing because I have never kissed anyone except for Bren. I've had chances when I was younger. Some of the boys that performed or worked in the circus wanted to. I know Sebastian wants to but he will wait until I kiss him. Neither of us move. We just stare.

"You should probably wash up so you can get some sleep." Sebastian says taking a step back. He holds onto one of my hands and kisses the top of it then let's go. "I don't know if you noticed the pond nearby as we came in but it's just off behind those bulrushes there." He tells me and points with his chin to the plants behind me. "Don't wander too far please."

With a nod I look down at my now ragged clothes and soiled hands. "I did see it and I won't." I smile at him then start walking towards the pond.

A quiet breath of relief escapes his lips as he walks towards a tree. "I will start a fire for us and keep watch while you do your business."

"Okay, thanks Seb." I say and step through the wall of plants. It's a lot more open on this side. The trees are taller with grass stretching up past my head and there's the pond under a tree with low hanging branches. A nice hidden spot to wash up. At this time of day the shadows seem to stretch farther creating an eerie feeling. It must be 4 or 5 in the morning, I have been up for an entire day...

The water is calm and clear, it reminds me of the pond in Sebastian's castle. A smile takes over my face. It's going to feel so nice to finally wash off all the events that happened last night. Finding out the revelation that Hearthgrim wasn't a real person but was played by Sebastian's Uncle, Sebastian trusted him. Vernon wants the throne and gain the power from the Heart, he almost had it too. To find out that your family member betrayed you and has been plotting your demise since before your birth...

I stand over the waters edge staring at my reflection, my white hair shines in the moonlight. That is going to take some getting used to... I begin to undress but realize I can't untie the lace on the back myself. After a moment of trying to reach the string, I give up and sit down a few steps away from the edge of the water and take my shoes off as well as my stockings. Then I work on my hair, pulling out the delicate gold clips and pins that held my hair securely in place and let it fall down my back.

It was an enchanting night while it lasted... How I looked and felt in the dress, the way Sebastian saw me. It was like watching a wolf about to pounce its prey. Oh how it had stirred something deep within me. It is a shame that the dress got ruined in the fighting, Claudia did a wonderful job... I could just jump in with it on but it might get too heavy once I'm soaked. I dip my toes in, the water is cold at first but then starts to feel nice. I'm almost relaxed until I hear rustling of some leaves. I look up to see him stepping through the grass.

"I just realized that you might need some help getting out of your layers of clothes." Sebastian says scratching the back of his neck as he walks towards me.

I chuckle standing up to meet his eyes watching me. "Yes you are right. Thank you for coming to my rescue." I agree then turn my back to him.

"Anytime." He says softly. He doesn't hesitate, starting at the top between my shoulders, pushing my long hair out of the way. I hold my breath, readying myself for his contact. Then he starts untying the lace of the dress, quickly pulling on the long strings holding the piece of clothing together. His fingertips lightly graze my shoulders as he helps push off the dress. The gentle touch sends a shiver down my spine. Once the lace is loose enough the dress slides down my body. I catch it and step out of it then wait for Sebastian to undo the corset. Please just hurry so I can wash up then go to sleep.

"Damn, I knew you ladies had to wear a lot but not this much." He comments with a grunt as he works on the tightly woven lace.

I giggle moving some strands of hair out of the way. "Yes, it's a pain. The things we do for grand parties." I give him a side glance and he grins at me. "Men have it easy."

He's quiet as he slides the string through the holes. The tips of his fingers graze my skin briefly. "In dressing for events, I agree." He says softly.

The corset finally loosens around my chest and I sigh deeply. That feels much better. I pull that off and toss it to the side with my dress. All that's left is my shift, underskirt and the hoop skirt. "Thank you." I say turning to face Sebastian. His face is solemn but he gives me a small smile.

"You are welcome." He bites his lower lip then talks again. "Well I think you can manage the rest on your own right?"

I should say yes but a part of me wants to tell him something for him to stay. There's a sudden feeling of not wanting to be alone out here. What could possibly keep him here? And if he did then what? My eyes fall to his attire. Torn, covered in blood and mud like mine. "You should bathe too, you're just as filthy as I am." I comment without thinking.

When I look up at him it's like his face lights up. "You are right... Um." He chuckles looking away, probably at the fact that I've started to remove my hoop skirt. "You are okay with this?"

I'm just in my shift now, which is only a strapless silk shirt and little shorts, and he hasn't taken anything off yet. Sebastian seems hesitant and I know why he is, he knows what I've been through. But I trust him. More than anyone in this world, I trust Sebastian because he is the only one that hasn't forced himself on me. He probably knows the most about me more than anyone, including Elyse. He is the only person I trust and want to do this with... I know I have feelings for him but I'm not sure what that means. All I know is that I trust him to not do anything to hurt me. Right now all I want is to let go and forget about the world for a bit.

"Yes, this is okay." I tell him even though my heart is racing.

He blinks at me with his mouth parted but he starts to unbutton his vest dropping it as well as the sash. They fall to the ground at his side then he pulls his shirt over his head showing his bare chest. Is he going to strip naked? I start to laugh at the thought because before, he was wary about me being nude in front of others. It wasn't just him that was like that though. A lot of people in the city seemed offended by nudity.

"What?" He says with a grin as he hops on one leg to take off his boots.

"Feeling brave now?"

"Well." He sighs placing his hands on his hips. "Since my life has been in danger since my birth and I have almost died..." He starts counting on his fingers. "Divine knows how many times. Found out my uncle lived a double life, lost my parents, my kingdom. Pretty much everything. I have learned to just say 'what the hell' when our lives could end in a snap. I'm taking life by the reins now because I have no idea what the future holds anymore."

That's a little morbid but freeing at the same time. With his lifestyle Sebastian can't take anything for granted now. I thought I had it bad... Different circumstances cause the same pain.

We stand facing each other and he holds his hands at the waist of his pants. "Before we do this I just want to make something clear..."

I tilt my head to the side wondering where he is going with this.

"I want you to be fully comfortable in anything we do, to fully want me and the actions we do. I don't want to force you into anything and once we get to Silver Stone Vale, you are going to take the lead in how we come into contact with the Fae." He pauses licking his lips and gazes at me. "Before I met you, I was supposed to be married to a Lord's daughter from a neighbouring territory. Her and my parents wanted it but we didn't. I knew Jules didn't and neither did I. I wasn't attracted to her but I stayed with her because of my oath as a prince and to strengthen Adelaide's army once I was King. I was going to marry and then live out the rest of my days as King. I was content with the idea until I met you." He rubs his fingers over his lips.

"I decided to back out of it because I was developing feelings for you. With the assassination looming over me, well I wanted that sorted out before I had a wife anyway... Again I'm sorry for not telling you about it. I felt horrible for not telling you and I had hoped to call it off before anything happened between us or you found out. It was disrespectful of me to lead you on like that but I couldn't help myself... I was scared of what you would think of me and it ended up as I had feared."

"I was saving myself for marriage and I still want that. I also want to be married to someone I love... Nothing is definite now but I know you are the person I want in my future."

My goodness... That was a lot. First, he was engaged and called that off not only because he wanted to but he is developing feelings. Second, he finally confessed that he has feelings for me. Third I had no idea that he is still innocent... Pure? Whatever you want to call it. I just assumed with his social stature and his ease with women that he wasn't... My brows knit together as I try to form a sentence or maybe I should ask him a question.

"I..." I scratch my head still unsure of what to say. "Thank you..." I have feelings for him too but what does that mean for us? Are we going to get married now?

He shifts his head to the side with a frown but he is smiling. "Not quite the response I was expecting."

"Sorry. I'm just..." I cough trying to think of something meaningful. "It's a lot to take in. I'm glad you called off your marriage with Julia because I think I have feelings for you too.. Strong feelings I should say which is frightening to admit because I've never experienced this before. I owe my life to you. When I found out that you were intended for another I was angry because... because it wasn't me and I was jealous." I say looking down admitting my true feelings. When we look at each other, he's smiling at me. As I take a step towards him, he does the same until we are a breath apart.

"I want to kiss you." He says staring down at my lips, a hand moves hair out of my face. Then he gently drags a finger down behind my ear along my jawline. I close my eyes as I revel in his touch.

My head tilts up, my breath short. "Kiss me then." I say so lightly that I almost didn't hear myself.

"You give me your permission?"

I giggle opening my eyes. "Yes I give you my permission to kiss me."

He grins then places a hand on my cheek and leans forward. This is it. I close my eyes puckering my lips, ready to kiss the man that I wanted to, I admit, for a while now.

Why is my heart beating so fast? I must be nervous. I lean into him to close the gap and our lips connect. It's like everything in me awakens. His lips are soft against mine. For some unknown reason my hands slide up from his chest to around his neck and he starts moving his lips like he's about to talk but no words come out. Our lips stay together but his are open slightly and his tongue enters my mouth.

I pull back quickly staring at him. "What are you doing? That's not how people kiss is it?"

Sebastian looks away laughing. "Sorry, you haven't kissed like this before let alone make-out." He runs a hand through his unkempt hair smiling to himself.

"I'll go slow next time." Red blooms over his cheeks as he looks away again.

Next time? I hold a hand up to my mouth holding back a laugh. "I'm sorry. I do want to kiss you. I didn't mean to pull away like that."

"Are you sure? Because you have started laughing."

I try to stop but it keeps bubbling up until it turns into a fit of laughter. Tears are even forming in the corners of my eyes from laughing so hard. He frowns but beings to smile then he starts to laugh too. This must be from the lack of sleep because now we are hunched over still laughing.

Eventually we stop and end up sitting on the ground. We take a deep breath at the same time. Oh my. My stomach hurts but I feel light now. Like some invisible weight has lifted.

Sebastian wipes his face. "By the Divine I'm exhausted. We have only had about eight hours of sleep between us in the last two days..."

"What was that though?"

"People become delirious from lack of sleep. Most someone has survived without sleep is 10 days."

"Oh." Never knew sleep was that important... I guess it makes sense.

Sebastian breathes out heavily then looks to me. "Let's get clean so we can sleep."

"Good idea."

As we finish undressing our eyes don't go lower than our necks. Although, I admit, it was hard not to. When we are done, Sebastian offers his hand and leads me to the pool of water.

I go first slowly dropping down into the cool water. The level reaches my chin when my tiptoes hit the bottom so I let my feet float and use them as well as my hands to push me through the water. This is fun. I like this. At the other edge I can see the bottom and I let my feet drift down. Now that I can stand without treading water, I splash some of it in my face then go back to the centre.

"Watch out!" Sebastian yells then runs to the edge and jumps into the pond creating a huge splash. I yelp in delight, closing my eyes when the water hits me.

When I open them Sebastian is nowhere to be seen. Where did he go? I spin around to find nothing but a hand tugs at my foot and I jump with a scream and try to move away back to the edge.

Sebastian comes up through the water in front of me but only the top of his head as well as his eyes show.

"You scared me half to death!" I say pushing water at his face.

He flinches then lifts his chin up to show his mouth and he spits water at me!

"Ah! What are you a child?" I say rubbing my face.

He smiles at me and laughs. "Where did you learn to swim?"

"Um.. I didn't.." Now that I think of it, I never have been in water this deep. Except for the river I had to cross to get to Adelaide but I was on the horse.

"Must be instinct then." He says matter of factly.

"Instinct?"

He nods. "Having a natural ability to do something. You don't think you just do."

"Oh..." I frown thinking. "So like how my magic works. I seemed to know how to shift since I was young and no one taught me how to do it."

"Exactly." He says with a smile then he drifts to the edge where the large weeping willow looms. It's long skinny branches droop down low enough for the leaves to touch the water and they create a veil between me and Sebastian.

I follow him through the branches, the leaves brushing softly against my face. Sebastian waits in another shallow pool, watching me as I approach him. "Come here, I'll help clean the dirt out of your hair." He says quietly.

I stop when I am in front of him then spin around between his legs. Strong hands find my waist and they pull me closer to his body. The thought of his naked body so close to mine sends a shiver up my spine but I take a breath to calm myself. Water splashes behind me as he scoops up a handful and pours it over my head.

Next thing he does is massage my scalp, deep and gentle as he digs his fingers in. I can't help but groan in the feel of his touch. By the Divine this feels wonderful. Then he runs his fingers slowly through my hair, washing out the clumps and trying his best to untangle the knots.

"Mmm..." I mumble again with my eyes closed this time as he runs his fingers through one last time, not catching on any tangles or dirt.

"There, clean." He says.

I turn around to him half smiling. A lazy, sleepy smile. "Thank you."

"My pleasure."

Next I tell him to close his eyes as I cup my hands together and lift my arms up so I can pour the water over his head. The water runs down over his face making his chocolate hair stretch below, covering his forehead. With his short hair it is easier to clean but his face has the most dirt and blood. "I wish we had soap." I comment as I push the hair out of his face and he lifts his head straight up.

He chuckles softly. "Me too."

"Keep your eyes closed. I want to wash your face. I didn't wipe it well enough before."

He keeps them closed as I pour more water then use my finger and thumb to rub off the dirt and blood. His beautiful face was beaten to a pulp. Thank the Divine they gave me healing magic, it did a good job reconstructing to its original glory. I use both my thumbs to wipe the red from his dark brows then hold my hands at his cheeks. He could have died, actually died in my hands tonight. Just like Elyse did. It would have broken me if that happened. I couldn't bear to be alone in this world, not without him. That's what scares me most; is living in a world without Seb.

Still holding my hands at his cheeks Sebastian opens his eyes to watch me. "What's wrong?"

Without thought, I pull his head towards mine and I kiss him. He kisses me back tenderly leaning into me. His hands wrap around me pulling my body onto his lap. I sit with my legs on either side of him and push back. What started out as tender, it quickly turns into something heated. His breath hot against my lips as he digs his fingertips into my back.

I want to be closer, there's too much distance between us. My hands slide from his cheeks to his neck and I push him into me, deepening the kiss. This time when his tongue enters my mouth, mine reaches out to toy with his. He lets out a low groan. His teeth nip into my bottom lip causing me to gasp softly. I lean back a bit to get some cool air. But I shudder when Seb leaves a trail of kisses down my neck to my chest and ends at the peak of my breast. My back arches in pleasure and he covers the tip with his mouth, his hot wet tongue caresses the tight, sensitive skin. My whole body vibrates in pleasure now, starting from the bottom of my stomach to the tips of my fingers.

I grab a fist full of his hair as he teases the other breast with his tongue. He comes back up running his nose up stopping at my collarbone. I open my eyes to him watching me. He flashes a dazzling smile and kisses me once more, soft and slow. "Gods I wanted you for so long but I knew you were worth the wait." He mumbles with each kiss.

A giggle escapes between each kiss. "You had better control than I ever did." I say remembering how I had touched him first.

Seb laughs with a low hum. "Believe me when I say it was the hardest thing to stop myself from not touching you. The most I could do was hold your hand or hug you." His hands are still on my back but they slide up my spine making me twitch. All my senses are focused on his touch and I almost don't hear when he says. "I don't know how many times I had to stop myself from wondering if your lips are as soft as they look or what your hands would feel like on me. And when you touched me here this morning." His hand is now between my breasts, over my heart. "I felt myself come alive and I craved your touch after that."

My heart burns at his words, I felt the same way yesterday. When he shifts something hard grazes me between my legs and I gasp moving off of him. His eyes widen as he apologizes.

I shake my head to rid myself of the vile thoughts of that man took my innocence. My breathing becomes shallow, I don't want to ruin this moment. "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, I understand, Cam." Seb says in a calming voice. He shifts closer. "Let's go back. I'll carry you out."

"Okay." He won't hurt me, he won't do anything...

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling us closer together. He flashes a kind smile at me as he slides  an arm under my legs and the other is on my back.

He carries me into the camp he had set up. A small fire is going and there's a bedroll spread on the ground near it. He steps over to it and lowers us to the ground.