Chapter 84: Back to... not normal normal

The empire was different, or rather, I was different. Everything else was the same, down to the grubby old doctor at the church who looked me over. 

He grumbled softly to himself like he didn't have the pleasure of treating the Pope, muttering about damn kids running off. It made me want to spit on him—rude bastard. I guess I was a kid in his eyes. Fourteen. 

Honestly, when did that happen? I could have sworn I was just eight meeting Lillian for the first time. Falling over at tea time and confessing that I wasn't into girls. 

Speaking of Lillian-- she was here. Visiting. Which was a huge deal, as she's my ex-fiancee and best friend. In accordance with her role in my life, the first thing she did when she saw me was punch me.

"Ouch!" I winced, rubbing at my arm. "Lils, c'mon, I'm fragile."

She did something, then, that I never expected her to do, ever. 

She cried. Huge, earth-shattering sobs that shook her whole body. 

"Lillian--" I stopped. 

She hugged me, her thin arms wrapping around my shoulders.

"Y-you JERK!" She yelled in my ear. "I thought you were- were never coming back! I thought you were dead. Do you get that? Dead! Like Drake-- Dayan was so- so worried too, and--"

"I'm sorry."

"You won't do it again?"

"I'll try not to," I said, thinking about my plans to bring Drake back. "No promises, though."

"Dick."

I couldn't help it-- I laughed. 

"Shut up, berk."

"So much name-calling. It's unbecoming of the next empress."

"Oh, shove it where the sun doesn't shine!" She said, finally letting go. She sat back, and wiped the tears off her face. She looked beautiful. "I'm not forgiving you."

"Got it."

"But I'm glad you're alright," she sniffed.

"Thanks," I said sincerely, grinning. @so how's that skank and your ex-fiancée?"

"Oh, you would not believe what she has done now—"

"What did she do?"

"She's pregnant! Out of wedlock! With my brother's child!"

Oh, D named Heroine… what have you done now?