Surprisingly enough, we did go back to get Jack and soon we were all on our merry way once more back to the palace in Ev on horseback. When we finally arrived, Pompous Queen was tired so Jack and I headed back to our old room we'd shared before. As we strode into the room, I sat down on the large bed in the middle. My thoughts dwelled on my twin and how we'd parted. I hated it. I hated that the last words that were said were ones of hatred.

"When I was younger, I used to pretend I was an only child. Far away from Dorothy and her patronizing authority she thought she had over me... It's not what I wanted..." I admitted softly, hot tears falling from my brown eyes.

Jack turned to leave then, to give me some space.

"No! Please, stay," I called him back and slowly, he turned around to face me.

Walking over to the bed, he sat down gingerly beside me.

"My sister was the only one who knew the secrets I keep...who saw me for who I truly am..." I said softly, swallowing a lump that had formed in my throat as my eyes met his.

"I need someone to know them now-" I started but Jack cut me off.

"Wait!" he told me.

"You don't have to do that," he went on, his voice warm and gentle, "I do see you..."

Jack leaned in then and pressed his soft lips to mine, the taste intoxicating me. I immediately kissed him back. His gloved flesh hand cupped my face and my fingers curled around his arm as he deepened the kiss. I broke away from him then and leaned my forehead against his. His misty-gray eyes met mine and I knew in that moment that I'd made the right choice by staying.