Chapter 7

"You got what?!!"

The prince was furious. He paced my room like a mad man and turned to me "I leave you alone for just second and you already have a bounty on your head! Can you for once not be a thorn in my side! —" I countered back "I'm sorry! It's not like I'm wearing a sign on my head telling assassins kidnap me—" he cuts in "—No. What you're doing is much worse. You're taking your title too lightly. We are at war. They know my marriage is underway..." he thinks for a second and looks at me "They're trying to sabotage." I got up quickly from my bed "Wait—Before, you go making wild assumptions. We aren't made sure that these are your enemies."

"So, are they yours?" I look at him stunned and took a step forward "Of course not. Besides, it was only one man." he again gets angry "One is enough! Have you forgotten which floors you stand on?! This isn't your village! Now, unless there is something you have to say. I will kill that man and learn what he knows." as he moved towards the door, I yelled out to him "Let me talk to him!" this stopped him and made him turn to me "You want me to entrust you? THE LIAR, to talk to our prisoner?" I rolled my eyes "So far, you know what, I know. I'm not nobility. I'm not a fool. All the pawns are at your wake. Would I dare lie again knowing that? —Let me talk to him? Let me learn why he tried to kidnap me?" I gave him a quick up and down, saddening "Besides, he likely won't talk with a man with murder in his eyes. Give this, a women's touch—Let me woo him and find out his ploy?"

He began to calm down and consider the idea; of course, I had my own intentions for suggesting such a thing. For all I know, the man down there wanted me dead. But if I allowed Prince Zoran to speck with him first, who knows what would come out of his month. I was a fool, alright. I took the risk in lying to him again, knowing what that meant. I was taking a risk, but I'll tell one more lie. Just until, he helps my people.

He looks at me finally "Fine, I'll allow you to have your way. But I expect a full report. That if this really is our enemies taking a hit, their asking for a battle that they surely will not win." He wasted no time with leaving me with my thoughts. And for sure, they were dark...

A guard escorted me to the dungeon, where people were locked up. I saw some covered in bruises and other's screaming in agony, wanting to be free. Until we reached the cell that mattered. He looked up from the ground, and smirked "I'm sure you are being here isn't to benefit me." I didn't smile, I knew he was joking but for me this wasn't a funny matter. I walked up the cell "Leave us be." the guard objected "Your Highness, I was told to not leave you alone." sharply turning to him, I glared daggers "Is it in your position to refuse what I ask of you?" he looked at me startled at my question, looking to the ground "...No... It's not, Your Highness." I smiled "Good. Leave us." he nod and quickly went to his departure. Now, my attention was now focused on the goal. I look to the Witching, as he smiled, showing his cuffs "I've got to admit. You pulled a dirty trick." folding my arms, I curiously looked at him "You should be happy that it's me you're seeing and not the crowned Prince himself. After our marriage, he will soon be King, but even now, he wouldn't have showed you the mercy I think you deserve." he chuckled "Are you saying your here to give me mercy, when you're the reason I'm in here." sadly looking at him, I corrected him "I did not send for you. It was Mal. And be thankful that I got you in here-for if you had taken me away, chances of you ending up dead was already seen in your foretold future." he got up and kicked the cell bar, coming closer to where I stood; only the steel bar separated us "Don't act like you did this for me! You don't know me well enough to assume you did this for my grace." I stood there, blankly.

"Your right. I did have my own selfish reasons for coming here." he smiled again, backing away to look at me "Now we're getting somewhere. I assume my captivity is for that little village you care so much about." I nod "I can't leave."

"Staying here is suicide."

"If so, my death will count." I countered. I looked at him desperately "You may have the slightest of reasons to trust in me. But the Prince does not know of Mal's being. He already knows half the truth, but I took the liberty to lie in his grace for you. I took a risk, not even knowing your name. If you trust nothing else, trust in the fact, that I'm trying to keep you alive." he stares at me confused, emotions hardly crossing his face "Why seek so much trouble for one lowly village? What are you hoping to gain from this family of royals?" I snapped at him "I'll bare my skin when you bare yours." staring surprisingly at me, he said "Why must I bare my skin? You hide a truth you want no one to know, don't you? You are selfish, yes. But I will not bare my skin to someone not capable of keeping it together."

"I fear, your thoughts have run wild." he smiles at me "Yes, I suppose it has. But if you did come in hopes to not see my blood shed. How do you plan to not see it done?" I walked around his cell and stopped at its side "...I want you to be my guardian...I remember reading a book years' back, that Witchings and the Royal family wasn't always at war. That, they did once live in harmony. Became protectors to royal members of the family... I want you to be that to me." he shakes his head, leaning up against the bars "You want me to expose who I am to these people? Are you mad?" slightly smiling, I sadden "No, I'm as sane as they come-and I know this is a big ask-" he cuts me off "It's more than just. It's suicide for me. The royal family killed my people. I was only a kid when it happened. Some were lucky to escape and other's brunt. Do you know how that feels?" The event's that took place in my village played back like a nightmare. Trees burning along with the flesh of people, screams of agony, blood shed everywhere my eyes land on...and my father's death.

His death was my scar. It was ugly, big, and possibly would never heal for the years to come. I'm sure the Witching felt the same way; we were one and the same, with scars that maybe won't ever heal and I'm sure that pain made him who he is today.

Staring into his eyes, I said "I know more than you think...That village that you think is lowly, was attacked by Zuko soldiers. A place that was once so beautiful-that could touch the heart of many, was all burnt to the ground. People that once lived a simple life, is now struggling to live at all. I lost good people in that attack-my father IN that attack. Everything I knew, was gone... Just like you. So, deny me or don't, but the fact remains that no matter what, I need you and you need me."

He yells "I don't need you!" I glared at him "Keep this up and you'll be dead by sunrise." he stares at me, shocked, and took a moment to calm down, with his shoulders slumped "...I can't die...I haven't completed my mission..." I sighed "I told you-" he cuts me off once again, annoyed "This isn't about you!"

"Then what?" he stares at me, lost in thought "I don't fear death, Moonjira. But I can't die before I've found someone. She's important... Until then, I can't die." I grew confused "Why's she so important?"

"She just is!" as he snapped at me, I took a step back. This action made him think twice about what came out his mouth next "...My name is Vain." I was surprised at the change of pace. Was he accepting me or lying to me? Was it trust or was it temporary? And just like he was reading my mind, he smiled at me "It's neither."

"I didn't say anything."

"But you were thinking it." he shots back, while walking up to my side of the cell and stares at me seriously "Now you know my name. Now, I've got a question. Do you even know how to make a Witching your guardian?" I shook my head, and he smiles once away "Of course you don't. The bond between a Witching and his or her contractor is heavenly. To protect that bond, they made sure not everyone knew how to create one." I hurriedly asked, "How do we make one?" he stares at me, displeased "You just don't get it, do you? To create that bond takes a blood oath. Sharing both past, present, and future...Your life is my life, and my life is your life. It means sharing a fate that you and I only know." he stepped back, turning away from me "That's what it means to create a contract with a Witching. It's a vow, breaking that vow will only end in death." he turns around "Now, tell me Princess, do you want to make a deal now?" I stared into his eyes, I was sure he was just trying to scare me, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it wasn't working. My thoughts were limited.

One life, I thought...

One life and I already haven't lived it. I was probably already on Prince Zoran's chopping block. I've risked lying my way into the palace, at Elizabeth's own despair to get out of a marriage she never wanted. Though I was late to the knowledge at the time, I still took it. As far as I was concerned, I was already a dead woman. War was burning around us; my death would have come sooner or later. I wasn't sure about many things, but I wanted to help Ms.Fayta live...

It was clear what I needed to do "You think, I don't know what's at stake here. I'm aware, I'm not fool. I'm willing to sacrifice everything even my own life, are you willing to do the same?" He gets mad and points out "You'll be marrying the Crown Prince of Clover City!" He laughs almost hysterically, staring me died in my eyes "You asked if I'm willing to give my life? Well, what exactly I'm giving my life for? This kingdom? Your people? The same royal family that murdered my people?! Your king? —YOUR husband?!" he chuckled "You are mad, if you think I'll make a bond with you, with this much weight—Your cause differs from mines. You have people. Well as I, only have one. My need isn't you. It's out of this bloody cell!" yelling, as he kicks the bars; I grew impatient and lost all meaning of staying calm "There won't be an out, if you act like our enemy! You think the King will offer you a better deal than me?! You're a dead man walking, Vain—and I'm the only person who's willing to take a chance on you..." I put my hand around the bars and leaned in closer and stared at him, pleading him "All I'm asking, is for you to take one on me. We both don't belong here but...if you don't need me...I need you..." he lets the silence cover us, taking a breather in and sighed. Pressured to make a decision "...If I do this, you have to promise once I help you with your people, our contract will be void." I sighed in relief and quickly replied "Of course, after I get what I want, I'll void my bond with you, and you'll be free to go wherever you want after. I promise I won't keep you longer than I should." he nods his head, slowly returning to the same spot I saw him in when I first walked in and said "Fine. But I have one condition." listening closely to his demand, he looks at me with thought "I want to be free to move around however I like. I refuse to be treated like a slave." I quickly countered "I would never try to treat you like one. However, I must ask of you to respect the palace rules. You may move around however you please. But if your caught doing something you shouldn't, I can't safely say I'd be able to save you."

He chuckled "I don't need you to save me. But before, we cut our bond and have it written in stone. Get married first." My mouth dropped; my mind went blank, and I hurriedly respond, "What does me getting married to the Crown Prince has to do with you?" he shrugged "It's a matter of what he could do if you guys aren't married." He stares at me meaningful "I wish no harm to come to me. However, if you are married to the Crown Prince. I'm sure he won't kill me then." I shake my head "I have no influence over him. He wouldn't stop to kill you for my seek." He leaned against the wall, with a smug face "You're talking to me now, aren't you? You may have lied to him, but he lets you speak to me. Why do you think that is?" Giving him a blank stare, I said with a sure thought "He's baiting me. He's no fool." he laughs "Why don't you ask him yourself? I'm sure he'll be willing to serve you an answer." I almost grow angry, but I turned on my heels and said, "I'm assuming after my wedding, the bond between us will happen?" I could almost hear his smile "Yes. Just as you wish it." I didn't say anything else, as the guards opened the door for me to pass through.

I returned to my room, closing the door behind me; I turned around to catch a breath of the events that took place, but I heard a voice "You should be reporting me." jumping out of my skin, I looked at a Crown Prince Zoran at my wake. I took a step forward "I would have reported to you but I'm not a knight." I moved towards my bed, as he grabbed my arm pulling me closer to him "You're right. Your so much more. You are to be the Queen of Clover City. A knight would have minded his tongue in front of me. Yet you take pleasure in me hating you." I glared at him, taken a back "You think I enjoy any of this? I just want to help my people! I've sacrificed my beliefs and who I am as a person to just get here! I do not take the pleasure in being hated and I do not take the pleasure in being here! Just like how you wish me dead—I wish I was dead too!" I snatched my arm from him, turning away from him. I meant every word.

My village may have raised me. They may have loved me and made me one of their own...Even father welcomed me to his nest and built me a home... But yet, I still didn't know who I was? And the brooch, just made it more of a reason I should just help them and just disappear... All my life, I knew I didn't belong with them, but I pretended to be...But, a girl could only play pretend for so long. Just like right now... Price Zoran already knew who I was, was there even a point even keeping up this lie anymore?

He took a long breathe "Look, I'll help your people. I'll give them any rescue they need. But I need you to help me lock in my throne. I need you to be Queen. Do you understand? I don't care who you are anymore. My father believes who you are. So does everyone else." He looks at me seriously, like he was breathing into my new truth "I'm the only one who knows your truth within and outside these walls. My father isn't due long for this world. And as faith would have it, you're my only hope just like I'm yours...So, whatever your people need. I'll give to them." I took a step away from him, wary of this new proposal coming from him; I glared at him "What sick game are you playing? Is this some joke to you? To put my people as a bargaining tool for your own selfish gains if I don't play by your rules?" He grabbed me by my wrist out of anger "You think I'd use innocent lives to control you?! If anyone that's using a bargaining tool here, it's you! Do you dare, stand there and act innocent like you haven't had the mind to use the fact that if I don't help you, you won't marry me which in no doubt leaves me throneless!" He pushed me away and looks at me coldly "Don't act so righteous when you are no different. Just like how you'd do anything for your people; I'd do anything for mines. You act like I don't have a million things on my mind...Do I look carefree to you? Don't you think I have other things I'd rather be doing than becoming King?!" He shouted at me. I knew clearly, I had made a mistake by upsetting him, but it was too late to take that back "But just like how you had to sacrifice, so did I! I was trained to be the best! Any dreams or exhibitions I had was cut short at the age of six. I was told, that for Princes like myself...We don't have dreams...Just a mission. To protect. This. Kingdom..." as soon as his confession settled in; I began to see Prince Zoran's hurt and his will to make by any means, this happen. For the sake of his kingdom. We honestly in a lack of words, weren't that different.

To be groomed at such a young age to be the voice of the people when he was barely a voice for himself... I thought it was sad—Or more so, tragic. I judged him so coldly but yet he did the same to me but no matter how you looked at it...the prince was a human. Just like many of us. He just had more pressure to be something he was taught to be. Ruthless. Cold. And merciless all for the sake of his kingdom; and it didn't matter how peace was achieved...Just that it was...

That's when I made a decision. My people weren't the only one that needed me now; the crown Prince needed me too. But do I dare help him and hold his hand as his wife and his Queen?

I pulled my hands to my chest because I felt something similar. I didn't know whose child I was or if KiKan Valley was really my home. I felt myself closed in, warmly saying "I'm sorry..." rolling his eyes he calmly said "I don't need your pity. I made this decision." I sighed; he clearly knew how to cover up what he was feeling because I almost believed him. I looked around my room, taking notes I was only playing a role. I didn't belong here, and I didn't deserve to give him pity. I was still lying to him. I had no right to be sorry. It was best that I didn't try.

Before I could say anymore and clarify the situation, a guard hurriedly entered my quarters out of breath. Prince Zoran was taken aback by this rude entry, but he didn't have to say anything "My Prince! Zuko Soldiers as entered the palace. They are demanding to speck to the King." My skin boiled with anger. Zuko... Zoran quickly reacted and gave orders "Lead them into the throne room. Guard every exit. Tell them, they are to meet with me. Under any circumstances do not make my father aware of the tragedy that has befallen us. I'll take care of it." The guard bow and stand tall all together and asked, "What of the Princess?" He turned back to me and said without thinking "Add more guards to this room. She is not allowed to leave." As he turned to leave with the guard. I grabbed his arm and glared at him "You are not locking me up here! I'm coming with you!" The guard looked stunned at my attitude with the prince that he awkwardly looked between us. This angered him causing him to smack my hand away "Do you not understand your position?!"

"You don't get to lock me up like some Princess in distress. Zuko is a barbarian! I want to see his face!" Going to move passed him, he grabbed my hand and yelled "You don't get to decide that!" I slapped his hand away, yelling back. Showing the pain of everything I've lost because of that man "I'm going! You don't understand what that man has done to me! He took everything from me! I want to make him pay..." I said coldly. If I ever had a heart before. What was left of it was now gone.

Prince Zoran looked at me stunned. I knew he could feel the hatred in me—the hell I wanted to raise all because of one single man...Zuko...

Prince Zoran took my hand into his, warming it with just his touch "All things good comes to those who wait. My father once told me that." Feeling the anger in me slowly calming at his touch and voice; he continued "I don't know what hell he made you go through. But I promise, as you as the future Queen. I'll make him pay with his own life. But right now, I ask of you to bear with me and play along." I was conflicted with my own feelings to figure out if I wanted to play blind to the monster he was or have his head on a stick. But I knew better than anyone to go against a favor. I looked into his warm eyes "...I'll play along. Only because we are already in a situation." nodding subtly, he turns his back on me and walked out the door.

A few moments later, I meet with Vain at his cell. He was slowly picking at the bread he held so firmly, looking up to see me "So, I'm assuming your visit is business?" this time he isn't smiling. I think he could feel my anger boiling into the ground, if not the whole town. I stepped to his bars and said "I'll give you your freedom. I'll give you whatever you want." his brow lift in curiosity "I'm guessing there is more to this than what I want. Tell me, what I'll have to give to get it?" My heart was heavy. Weighing all the hell I can give versus the one where I can find peace with what the future is today. My father would have told me to let the past go. That'll only drag you into a bigger and deeper hole of darkness. But this I couldn't give up so easily. Zuko is responsible for what happened to my father and the war that's taking storm everywhere now. I refuse to let him get away with nothing but a scratch.

"I want you to help me kill Zuko." I could see him feeling me out until he said, "I can't help you do that." I yelled and slammed my fist against the bar "Why not?!" he looks up, angry "Some things are better left unsaid. Trust me, Monnjira. You'll be on the end of the rope if you go after him. But I'm sure you knew that." I glared at him in content. He said all the right things that could save my life, but my hurt. My pain was a stronger reason. Prince Zoran. Even Vain, they were both basically telling me to keep my head low. But at what cost was I going to have to wait? What cost will I have to keep being told what to do?

I needed someone to tell me...At what cost. Would all of this suffering would be enough?