"You know we will actually have to train sooner or later."

"No we don't, you proved you're more than capable of fighting."

"You say that now but when the next dragon comes by you'll be the first one telling me to run."

Training had come to a standstill since fighting the Dragon. Three days had passed and training time was now spent doing things which were certainly more...enjoyable.

We lay somewhere in forest, near the border of Kheelan's territory. I was half draped over Drake, our legs tangled together and my head rested on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. His hand was tracing patterns on my back.

We seemed to have developed a pattern of our own; one of us would start arguing about something and then we would make up for it, for hours at a time. The first day it had been the question of my virginity. Drake was by no means my first, sadly that had gone to some jock whose name I can't remember. In my defence I was at a party and crazy drunk, trying to drown out all the creatures I was pretending not to see.

Drake made a huge deal out of it which led to both of us being late for dinner. I'm not sure if the others knew what was happening but I tried not to be too obvious. Drake of course had his faery like aloofness which he could turn on and off at the drop of a hat.

I, on the other hand had the ability to lie so I went with that. I was actually improving though it's not something I was really proud of.

Drake moved his hand up my spine and into my hair, which felt fantastic. "We should get back. You have to help with dinner."

"I hate cooking," I muttered.

Drake turned my head up and kissed me gently. "So do I. Should we go hungry instead?"

I grinned, pushing him away and stood up before he could grab me. "As tempting as that sounds, I think we need to make an appearance."

Drake grumbled and stood up, dusting off his pants. I couldn't help but giggle as he sulked.

He caught me grinning. "What?"

I shook my head. "Nothing, you're cute when you sulk."

"I do not sulk!"

"Agree to disagree."

We walked back, hands entwined. "So, you're enjoying your time in Faery?" Drake asked.

The question surprised me. "Of course. I have to admit I hated it at first but it's really started to grow on me. For many different reasons."

Drake squeezed my hand. "So you aren't tempted to go back?"

I saw where he was going now. He was worried I didn't want to stay. "I have nothing back home. My mother died a few years ago and I have no other family and no friends. It's hard to make friends when people think you're weird telling invisible beings to bugger off."

"How did your mother die?"

Thinking of my mother, I smiled sadly. "She had early onset Alzheimer's. It's a disease which makes you slowly forget everything and everyone you know."

"That sounds terrible. Did she forget you?"

"Sometimes. It was hard, seeing her on those days and how she treated me like a complete stranger. But she remembered some things too. She was starting to remember dad."

"She was glamoured then, after your father was...taken?"

Drake was breaching dangerous waters but I let him, wanting to get everything off my chest. "That's right. It was so hard growing up, remembering my dad and who he was. She didn't remember him at all though, she used to think I was delusional. I used to try and make her remember but in the end, I gave up. It was too hard on her and even harder for me."

"I'm sorry, Laila."

"Were you involved in my dad's capture?"

Drake shook his head. "Your father was returned before I was made Captain, I think it was a year before. I was stationed elsewhere and only heard of it when I returned to court."

We walked in silence for sometime before I asked him about his own family. He used to live in the Wyldwood, a small forest near the base of the Crystal Mountains. His parents were simple fae who grew fruit orchids. They were killed one day by a troll who slipped past their defences.

Drake had been able to grab Eva and escape before the troll could get them too. He told me he walked for days before he was found by the Seelie Guard. They took him to court and the Queen took them in, giving them a home.

I wanted to ask him about his friendship with Kheelan but Kheelan had become a taboo subject between us. We never mentioned his name, both afraid for different reasons.

Finally telling Drake how I felt, released a huge weight off my chest I hadn't known was there. I still felt a weight sitting there though, but I knew what that was. I wanted to tell Drake the truth so bad. I struggled to sleep, wondering how to tell him and how he would react. It was eating away at my soul and I was nearing my limit.

The house came into view and we moved away from each other, hands lingering at the final moment before releasing as we slipped back into our false personas.

I was so tired of lying.

* * * *

"So, what have you and Drake been up to?" Kalen asked as he dropped down beside me.

Dinner had been a blur and wanting to escape, I fled outside as soon as I was finished. Kalen found me sitting under the blossom tree behind the house. The white blossoms were beginning to fall and it looked like snow.

"Nothing."

"Oh you can't lie to me, Laila. I know you and Drake have been going at it. Anyone can tell -"

"Kalen!"

"What?"

"Fine," I sighed. "We have been. Happy?"

Kalen frowned. "Well I was but you don't look too happy about it."

"It's not that. It's all the lies. I'm so sick of lying Kalen. I just want to tell him the truth."

Kalen wrapped an arm around my shoulder. "Don't cry."

"I'm not!"

I rubbed my eyes furiously as they began to sting. "I'm just tired."

"I know, it's alright. If it was my deal, Laila I would let you tell him and I mean that."

"Thanks, Kalen."

I watched the blossoms fall. "Do you think he'll hate me?"

"Who? Drake?"

I nodded and Kalen hesitated. "I wish I could say he wouldn't Laila but I can't be too sure. This is a big thing we've been keeping secret. If he truly loves you though, he'll find a way to get past his anger and he'll forgive you."

"I hope so." We watched the blossoms fall in silence for a few moments. "It feels as though this vow is finally reaching an end."

"True," Kalen patted my shoulder. "All we're waiting on is word from Sal. As soon as he finds your father we'll be ready."

"Can I ask a favour? With no consequences?"

Kalen chuckled. "Sure, you can ask."

"Will you look after Alpin and Drake for me when I'm gone?"

"I'll certainly try. I don't know about Alpin though, he seems to be spending more time in the forest."

"Maybe he knows I'm getting ready to leave?" I spoke softly.

"Maybe." We fell into silence again, watching the last rays of the sun fade behind the trees. I heard a twig snap behind me but thought nothing of it, too consumed by my worries.

Would it really be so bad to tell Drake the truth?

* * * *

After another sleepless night, I'd come to a decision. I was going to tell Drake. If Kheelan decided not to help me because of it, then I would try and find my dad myself. I thought dad would understand. He had never liked when I lied as a child. I hoped he would be happy I was going to tell the truth. I knew he was somewhere in the Crystal mountains. If Drake was still talking to me after today, I hoped he would help me.

Drake had taken me out for our morning training and we stopped in the azalea field. I kept running through scenarios in my mind. No matter how many times I ran through it though, it never ended well.

"Are you alright, Laila? You look tired." Drake took my swords and placed them on the ground.

Alpin had reappeared this morning and hadn't left my side. I didn't know why but it felt like a bad omen of things to come, like he was getting ready to protect me.

"I didn't get much sleep." I admitted. "Lot of things on my mind."

Drake grabbed my hand and pulled me close and I stepped into his embrace. "Laila, what's wrong?"

I clung to him tighter, fear clogging my throat. He gently pulled me away and tipped my chin up. "It's alright, Laila. You can tell me."

"Drake," my tongue felt thick and I struggled to get the words out. "I have something to tell you..."

In a rush the words burst from my mouth and I told him everything . I told him about Kheelan finding me, about our deal and how we were just waiting on word from Sal about my father. As I spoke, his face grew darker and my hope of a happy ending faded away.

"So it's all been a lie?" He muttered as I finished.

I'm pretty sure my heart started to splinter as he stepped away from me. "No! Not all of it, my feelings for you are real, Drake. I had to tell you the truth because I hate lying to you! Kheelan didn't want to tell you and I'm pretty sure I've broken my deal with him but I'll find my dad myself if I have to! Please Drake you have to believe me."

"How do I believe you when you just admitted to lying to me all this time!" His voice was dangerous and I took a step back.

Tears started falling and I saw something flash in Drake's eyes before the wall went up. He stepped toward me but then Alpin was in front of me, growling.

"It's alright, Alpin." I sniffed and tried to shove him away but he wouldn't move. Giving up, I looked back at Drake. "I understand if you don't want to see me anymore. I just wanted to be truthful. I know this will also be hard to believe but I do love you Drake."

He shook his head. "I don't want to hear it, Laila."

If possible, my heart felt like it was now being shredded. Everything hurt. Drake ran a hand through his hair. "I just need some time to think about this. Do you even know how much trouble you'll be in if the Queen discovers this?"

"I know," I whispered. Drake turned to leave and I began to panic. "Where are you going?"

"I need to take a walk, think about if I still trust you or not."

I watched him leave, the pain in my chest making it difficult to breathe. I let my legs fold beneath me and curled into Alpin, sobbing into his fur.

I don't know how long I sat there, the tears soon dried up and I stared at the ground, feeling numb. Alpin didn't move once and I was glad he'd decided to stick with me today.

Alpin looked around, a low growl sounding deep in his chest and my head shot up. "Drake?"

My heart stopped beating. It wasn't Drake.

"My dear, that was a powerful performance. I must say I was disappointed my Captain didn't arrest you but then you have toyed with his emotions. I must forgive him for not being in a right state of mind."

The Queen stood regally in the field, watching me with a look of triumph. An extremely pissed off looking Sal stood next to her. I didn't know how to answer, my body felt like it was shutting down and going into shock.

The Queen smiled at my fear. "I did tell you my dear, I would find out what you were up to. It would seem my son has been playing me for the fool. Well that all ends today."

Sal walked towards me, a silver rope in his hands.

She was right. It was over.