Thank you all for the support on this story! I can't say enough how much I love all you for supporting me! Thank you all so much!
Also, a big thanks to the people participating in the cover contest! I'm very excited to see what everyone has, even though only two people signed up so far, but still, I can't wait to see your beautiful work!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three years ago-

Grayson's point of view-

We sat down at the bar near the center of the city. My men had decided to throw a little celebration in honor of my new title as captain of the team. I was reluctant to go to a bar, but they all kept insisting and whining, so I finally gave in, and decided to head along with them. It is in my honor, after all.
I wore my new captains uniform, just for the heck of it. A hat with a big red feather, and a long green and gold coat, with tassels on the shoulders. I wore dark brown pants and a plain buttoned up white shirt and black vest, with brown leather gloves.
I sat at the table, with Henry to my left and Alex to my right, resting my chin on my hand as we waited for the waitress to come around to take our order. Most of the entire bar were just companions of mine from the palace.
It was very loud, with cheering and laughter, and mugs colliding echoing off of the walls. I hated the smell of booze, but I had to learn to deal with it, especially since a majority of my men always have that smell coming off of them. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, lighting up the room. I watched as the bartender brewed drinks as order after order came rolling in, and as people walked around stumbling on their feet as they dealt with being impaired. I felt a finger tap on my left shoulder. Gaining my attention, I turned to Henry.

"Hmm? What's up man?" I asked.

He looked down at me with his hazel eyes, sitting with his back straight. "Lighten up, dude. This is your party. Be happy, geez!"

"You know I don't like drinking, man!" I growled.

He waved his hand. "C'mon. Don't be a stick in my mud. I'll order you a drink. On the house!"

I sighed. "Fine, but if we all wake up with hangovers, I'm not letting any of you slide with a day off, or whatever."

I looked back down at the table, tapping my fingers on the wood. I didn't want to be there. I was ashamed that I gave in to ordering a drink so quickly.

"Waitress!" Henry called out, holding his hand in the air to get her attention. "We need a round for the captain over here!"

I growled again, looking up to see the table next to us. Luke sat there, with his glass raised, and a wide smile on his face and laughing. At least he seemed happy.

"Here you go, gentlemen." A light, and delicate female voice said. It made my heart race.

I turned to face the source of the voice in front of the table. My eyes widen, and my heart seemed to skip a beat. The waitress stood there, standing in divine beauty. She had gorgeous sky blue eyes, and curly dirty blonde hair. Her skin was pale with flush cheeks, and dark lips, and she wore a white dress with a bonnet over her head. Traditional to these lands for a woman to work in such clothing. To me, she was like the definition of beauty and elegance. She looked at me as she handed us our drinks.

"Is this the new captain that I've been hearing about?" She asked.

I was too brought up in the sight, that I had barely noticed that she had asked anything.

"Yep!" Henry's arm hit my back. I was snapped out of my trance from the impact.

"This our new captain, Sir Grayson! Trying to show him a good time."

She chuckled. It made me melt inside. She lifted up her dress and bent her knees in a bowing gesture. "Congratulations, captain. If you need anything, just call me over, okay?"

I stared at her, feeling disappointed as she walked away. "She was nice, huh?" Alex asked.

"Y-yeah. She was very polite." I felt a blush go across my cheeks.

I shook my head, and looked down at the substance before me. I held the handle of the mug firmly in my grasp, hesitant to take a sip. Slowly, I lifted it up and took a sip. Immediately, I gagged at the bitter taste.

"How can you guys drink this sh**t?!"

I heard a laugh. I looked, seeing the beautiful waitress looking at me, with her hand over her smile, and a light blush on her cheeks. I smiled back at her, and seeing this, she looked away, but quickly exchanged a glance at me before continuing to serve the other men.

"You get used to the taste." Henry said. "Now don't make me waste my money."

I rolled my eyes, and took another sip, getting more used to the bitter taste. It felt weird getting your first taste of alcohol. Shot after shot that Alex and Henry went through, and I was still drinking my first one. Although they were starting to get drunk, I enjoyed the waitress coming over, and being able to have a few short conversations with her. When I was at the bottom of my mug, I could feel myself starting to get stoned. I felt dizzy, and a bit sick.

"One more round for me!" Henry called for her again.

"Dude, how much have you had already? I'm still on my first one!" I put my head down on the table.

He answered. "This will be my fourth one."

I sat up and looked down at Alex, who had already passed out from his sixth drink. It was disgusting seeing him drooling on the table. I hoped that the waitress didn't have to clean it up. She's too good to have to deal with things like that, or men like us. I saw a few drunk b*****ds hitting on her, and being seductive.

I stood up, yelled "Leave the lady alone! She has to deal with sh*t from men like you all day! Give it a rest!"

To my delight, he shut his mouth and turned away. The waitress just looked at me with a smile. My spirits were raised when I saw her coming over with another mug for Henry.

"Here you go. Personally, I'd advise that you don't have anymore after this." She said as she took his other mug, and handed him the new one.

"That's what I think." I said.

"Thank you so much for standing up for me. Not many people do that."

I closed my eyes. "It was no problem. Nobody should treat such a pretty lady such as yourself like that." I could see a blush on her face.

"Are you sure that you don't want me to get you another drink?" She asked, with an adorable tilt of her head.

I shook my head. "N-no! I'm fine. I'll just finish this one and be done."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and warm, repulsive breathe hit my face. I jumped as Henry's slurred voice spoke.

"You like her! Don't you, cap'in?" He hiccuped.

I pushed him away, the blush on my face getting hotter. "Shut up! You're f*****g drunk!"

The waitress laughed into the back of her hand. I smiled, taking the last sip from my mug. I held out my arm as I stood up.

"Here you go, madam. Don't let anyone give you problems, okay?"

She brushed her hair out from in front of her face, as she took the mug and smiled. I could feel myself sweating from my nerves when I was around her. I forced my eyes to look away from her, and I hit Henry on the shoulder.

"Let me out, man. I'm want to sit somewhere else until you sober up."

He took another drink, the liquor going down his chin. He wiped it away, and stood up. He stumbled, and grabbed onto the chair to keep himself standing.

"Fine *hic*. Be a...buzz kill *hic*."

I rolled my eyes and got passed him. I grabbed onto the table for support, until the waitress put one arm on my back, and the other on my chest to keep me standing straight. Henry sat back down, taking another drink and mumbling some slurred words.

"Can you, um, help me to that table over there?" I pointed to a table ahead of us.

She nodded. "Sure. Just be careful."

We walked over to the round table with a large cushioned seat. She helped me sit down, then went and sat down across from me.

"Don't you have to serve other customers?" I asked.

She shook her head. "Not anymore. Emily's taking my shift now."

She held out her hand. "So, commander Grayson, allow me to introduce myself, I'm Clara."

I took her hands, that were soft and warm on my palm and fingers. For a second, my fingers locked, not wanting to let her go. After a warm handshake, I made myself let go.

"H-hi! It's very nice to meet a nice lady like you. You're very helpful."

"Thank you. It's just my job, but I do enjoy helping."

I rested my chin on my hand as I rested my elbow on the table. "How can someone like you work at a place filled with such disrespectful people?"

She chuckled. "Well, it was the only job available at the time. Most of the people I deal with here all come off as rude, or perverts."

"There are a lot of sick people out there, especially in big cities like this. You know, I didn't want to come here, but meeting you here, I'm glad that I did."

"Aww, that's sweet. Thank you, mister flirtatious. Anyways, is this your first time to a bar?"

I nodded. "Yeah, actually. Drinking doesn't really appeal to me, but Henry spent money on me, so I might as well just drink what he got me and not let his money go to waste, right?"

She gave me a concerned look, that shifted to disappointment. "You shouldn't give in so easily. Especially if you're a commander. You're men depend on you. You wouldn't just give in on the battlefield, now would you?"

"No, I wouldn't. I guess you're right..."

Our attention was drawn away from each other from an increase of commotion at the table that Luke sat at. Luke sat up, pushing the table, and holding his mug up high. He swayed on his feet, and was obviously intoxicated.

"Hey, Grayson! *hic* Congrats!"

Suddenly, he just collapsed on the table, with everyone else around him moving away.

"Uhg! Luke, not you too!" I stood up, and sluggishly made my way over to him.

Some of the other men that were once sitting around him, grabbed him and lifted him up. They moved him, putting his arm over my shoulder so I could hold him up. I buckled down as I felt his weight being put on me, but I quickly got used to it.

"Alright, c'mon, buddy. Let's get ya' home."

I turned around, and took a step back. I was met with Clara's concerned eyes. "I don't think you're sober enough to take him home by yourself, and I don't think any of your other men are up to the task, either."

"So are you suggesting that you want to come with me?" I said, in a flirtatious manner.

A blush rose in her cheeks. I chuckled. "It'd be nice if you tagged along, besides, you wouldn't want me to fall over and hurt both of us, now would you?"

"No! Of course I'll come with you! I'd like to get away from all of these people and hang out with someone nice, for a change."

She put Luke's other arm over her shoulder, and helped me walk him out of the bar. She was beautiful and obliging. What an amazing combination!

"So, where does he live?" She asked.

I replied, "We have our own rooms at the palace."

"Really? That must be so grand! What's it like?"

I shrugged. "It's fine. It's just that the emperor isn't that swell of a guy."

She sighed. "Yeah. He's always so quick to execute people. Not only that, but he can be cruel. I hate how he's always "worship me or I'm kill you", you know?"

"Yeah, I understand completely. Honestly, I think the empire could have done better when picking a ruler, but what can you do?"

I stumbled on my feet, still dizzy from the drink, but even with Luke between us, she was still there to help me when I lost my footing. After a moment of silence, she changed the subject, which was possibly for the better with the possibility of imperial spies being around.

"So is he in your squad?"

I looked down at Luke, then back at her. "Luke? Oh, no. He's an assassin. He's been working for the emperor a lot longer than me, and despite our differences, he's my best friend."

We had a few more shot conversations, until we finally arrived at the steps of the palace. I took Luke's other arm, and moved it off of her.

"I'll take it from here. Again, thank you so much."

Clara nodded. "My pleasure. Take care, Grayson."

She turned around, and began to walk away. My heart raced faster seeing here beginning to disappear into the darkness. I didn't want to see her go.

"Wait!" I called out, not fully on purpose.

She turned back to face me, with wide curious eyes. Her beauty was even more elegant in the gorgeous moonlight. My cheeks burned more, and I began to sweat again. I had to look down in order to get the words properly out of my mouth.

"U-um... W-would you like to see each other again, tomorrow perhaps?" I was so nervous. My thoughts raced around my head so fast that I could barely grasp any thoughts.

That warm smile came on her face again. "Sure. I would love that."

My legs became like twigs. She quickly came running up to me as I was about to fall over. She placed her hands on my chest, pushing up slightly.

"Th-thanks! Uh.. I-I'll see you tomorrow then? In the evening?"

She laughed. "Yes, absolutely!" She turned around and began to walk away once again. "I'll see you tomorrow after my shift at six o'clock."

"Y-yeah! Okay. See you tomorrow!"

With that, she turned around and walked until she was no longer in my sight. Already, I yearned to see her exquisite features again. I felt Luke begin to stir. He slowly lifted up his head, with a grunt and a hiss escaping his lips.

"Ow, my head." He looked up at me with his tired orange and blue eyes. "Grayson? How did we get here?"

I smiled down at him. Not even seeing him in his impaired state was to enough to ruin the joy I felt inside of me. I laughed.

"Guess what, man?" I said.

He flinched a bit, me raising my voice giving him a headache. "Uhg, what?"

"I got a cute date!"

He smiled. "Great, man. I'm proud of you!"

He started gagging. I shook him a bit, waiting to see if I had to push him off of my shoulder.

"Dude, I swear, if you throw up on me..!"

"It's fine! It's fine. I won't throw up on you, promise!" He gagged again. "Maybe."

I sighed, turning around to face the steps. I began slowly walking up, making sure that I matched his walking pace.

"I warned you about drinking, especially at night. Do you realize how much you're going to regret it in the morning?"

He shook his head. "I'll be fine."

I chuckled again. "You're lucky you have a day off tomorrow. My men don't, and boy, are the going to get what's coming to them."

Two years, six months ago-

Clara and I had been dating for almost six months now. I learned so much about her. Her father was a mercenary, like me, and died in battle. Her mother died of heart disease, and her brother died on the job as a spy for the emperor. Every time she told me that I was all she had, I always became more and more determined to be there for her.
I was at a market in the great city that was closest to the palace, buying an important artifact for her. I took the mark out of my pocket, and handed it to the clerk. Unlike with most of his other customers, whose money he closely examined, he was quick to just put mine away in his stash of currency that buyers give him in exchange for goods. He handed me two golden rings, with large shining diamonds on the top.

"So you're finally going to drop the big question, huh? About time." He said, jokingly.

I nodded. "Yeah. Think she'll like 'em?"

He threw his arms up in the air. "Of course!" His large, beefy hand fell on my right shoulder. I regained my footing.

"She's going to love it! And there's no way that she's going to say no. You two have something special."

"Thanks." I put the two rings in my pocket. "She's waiting for me at the foot of the palace. Don't want to be late."

We waved goodbye to each other, as I walked away from the market. I could hear him shouting 'good luck'. Many people waved at me as I passed by, and tried to speak to me, but I had to blow them off and continue on. Clara is going to be mad if I'm late yet again. I tugged at the collar of my shirt, feeling my nerves rising. What if she says that she's not ready? What if she never wants to get married.
I put my hand on my face and sighed, before bringing it down and looking up at the sky. If there is any God up there, may he be in my favor. After awhile, I finally made it to the foot of the steps. There, she sat, looking down at the flowers in the small garden next to the steps. Her hair flowed in the wind, and her eyes shined bright. She was majestic in her white dress that only went down to her knees. No matter how many times I saw her, I was always taken away from her beauty.
I swallowed the lump in my throat as my body burned up. For a second I stood there, trying to grasp my composure. I took in a deep breath, and walked forwards towards her. Clara looked up at me as she heard my footsteps on the stone. Her eyes lit up, accompanied by a bright smile.

"Am I late again?" I asked, kneeling down in front of her.

She shook her head. "No, not really." She tapped her hand on the stone next to her.

"Come on! Sit down with me!"

I chuckled, taking her hands in my own, and pulling her up into a standing position. "Na. I have a better idea."

I walked onto the steps, with her smooth hands still in my grasp. "I want to show you a sight that is almost as beautiful as you."

She looked down as I led her up the steps of the temple. Her mouth and eyes became wider with the more and more we were able see the cities below.

"Grayson, what are you..?" I interrupted her.

"Shh. I want this to be the perfect moment."

After a long walk up, we finally made it to the top. The light breeze messed with my jacket and our hair, getting the strands of blonde in our faces. The sunset put everything into the perfect mood.

"Alright. Turn around."

She turned around, and gasped. The light and sheer joy in her eyes seemed to make all this time waiting worthwhile. I reached my hand into my pocket, and slowly pulled out her ring while she was distracted. The diamond glimmering in the light of the setting sun.

"Grayson... This is absolutely beautiful!"

"Like I said, not as beautiful as you."

I held out the ring as I got down on one knee. She looked down at me, cupping her mouth with her hands in astonishment. Her cheeks blushed more than I had ever seen, and her eyes became filled with tears that I could only hope were tears of joy. The sunlight on her face and reflecting in her teary eyes somehow made her even more graceful.

"I can't stand not being around you. You're all that holds me and my sanity together. You're my lifeline; my everything..."

Her tears streamed down her face. "Grayson..."

"Will you spend the rest my life with me?"

She nodded, and choked out. "Y-yes!"

Her body shot down at me, wrapping her arms around my neck. Her arms compressed around me, almost not allowing me to breathe. I was finally able to pry her hands off and get her to sit still. Taking her hand, I slipped the shining ring on her finger, then looked up into her blue eyes, wiping away her tears. I brushed her hair away from her eyes, as she looked up at me.

"I love you." I said, as I leaned in, and kissed her passionately on her lush lips.

Her arms found their way around me again, as her lips broke away from mine. Her chin rested on my shoulder and her light voice whispered in my ear.

"I love you too."

Two years, four months ago-

We had finally gotten married two months ago. I had moved out of the palace to live with Clara in the city, near the edge of the main city wall. My job was getting stressful, for both me and her. The thought of war always terrified her, and tomorrow, I was going to be sent out of the country to fight in one.
Another massive empire had threatened to take ours down, so the emperor has had to sent out his soldiers to stop this threat. Of course, I knew the loss that that came with war. I've been through it before, but that was before I had a wife. Before I had someone who now absolutely counted on me to be there for her. I had confidence that I would survive the bloodshed, but I had learned a long time ago that confidence isn't enough to change anything.
My old friend, Drake taught me that. He had confidence that we would all survive that night, and one of us perished anyways. Well, I guess he sort of survived, but now he's suffering a fate worse than death. I sure hope that Drake is still alive. I wonder if he knows, that is, if he hasn't died yet.
I looked down at my left hand, messing with my wedding ring. What if I don't come home? What will happen to Clara if I never return? I looked up, looking down the dark hallway. The light was from a candle flame in our bedroom. The sound of the creaking floorboards under my feet were drowned out but another disturbing sound. Weeping.

"Clara?" I called out. Getting no response, I ran into our room.

"Clara! Are you okay?"

I stopped in my tracks, seeing her sitting on the bed, with his face in her hands. The candle light showed the glimmering marks of tears that had stained her face. I dreaded hearing her sob and choke as she was filled with despair. Slowly, I made my way closer to her, sitting down by her side on the soft bed. I understood every amount of sorrow that she felt. No one should be willing to lose someone that they hold dear. She sniffed, as she slowly took her hands away from her face. Her eyes were bloodshot, and her face was a deep red. I hated seeing my love in such a state.

"Don't leave me!" She said, as she wrapped her arms tightly around me.

I was shocked by the sudden movement. Wrapping my mind around it, my arms slowly lifted up, making their way around her shaking form. I closed my eyes and tucked my head in between her neck and shoulder.

"Shhh. It's okay. It's okay." I lightly patted her back to comfort her. "I'll be fine. I'll be back before you know it."

She pushed herself away from me. Her eyes looked into mine, no longer filled with the bright happiness that I cherished.

"How could you be so sure?!" She screamed, letting out her emotions.

"You're going to leave me, and you'll die on the lines! Just like my father!"

I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back into an embrace. I continued to pat her back as she sobbed into my shoulder.

"I know that this is hard for you to deal with all over again, but I can't step down. If it was up to me, I would stay here with you, but life...it's not always fair. Once the emperor makes up his mind, there's no changing it."

"Make him keep you here! Please don't go!" Her arms made their way around me again. Her fingers digging into my skin, even though I was still wearing my gray jacket.

We sat there, holding each other tightly for what seemed like forever. I waited until she sounded like she could no longer get any tears to escape her precious eyes.

She sniffed, then whispered, "How long will it be? When will you come home?"

"The emperor said that it will be a maximum of two months. We're going to try to keep this war going for as shot as we can. But, hey..."

I pushed her gently, so her body was a few inches away from me. I placed my fingers under her chin, and had her look me in the eyes.

"...My love for you will keep me going. As long as you are in my heart, I won't let anything take me down. I'll be back for you. I promise."

I pulled her in gently for a kiss. She put her hand on my chest, as the kiss grew more passionate. As the night went on, things became more...intimate. It pained me knowing that this would be the last night I was to see her for so long. I refused to fall in battle. Not while the very being that gives me meaning to live is still around. I'll be there for her, as she is there for me. For better or for worse.

Two years, two months ago-

"Now, Grayson..." The emperor's voice boomed out, spreading to the crowd.

Every commander, general, and my second in command that fought in the war, stood up with our backs straight on the large stage. People from all around the badlands gathered, praising that the war had been won in our favor.

"The great commander of our armies! In honor of you assisting in bringing us to victory!"

While I felt lots of resentment towards the emperor, I guess some part of me had some respect for him. He pinned the red and blue suspended on my coat, with a shining medallion of gold hanging from it. I bowed, getting down on one knee, and putting my arm over my chest. I put my head down, not looking him in the eyes.

"Thank you, your highness. It's an honor to serve you."

The crowds cheered, and they tossed rose petals into the air. I kept looking everywhere throughout the crowd, searching for my beloved. Does she know that I'm alive? I stood back up, as the emperor turned back to the crowd of citizens.

"Today, we officially declare victory!" He announced.

The crowd cheered once more, as we were all dismissed to find our families. I remained up there, searching, until I heard a distinct voice call out my name. Even with the ringing in my ears from all of the shouting and cheers, I was still able to hear it and make it out. I followed the voice, until I saw Clara, at the edge of the stage, being crushed by the people as she waited for me.

"Clara!" I called, over joyed to see my beloved wife again after so long.

I ran to the far end of the stage, barely even making sure if anyone was in my way as I jumped off. I turned around, seeing her pushing her way through the horde to get to me. Once she made it through, she bolted towards me, and grabbed me in a death hug.

"Ow! Ow! I can't breathe!"

Her grip loosened slightly, but she didn't let go. She wore a red bliaut and a white cloth over her head, being held down by a head rail. It was traditional for married women to wear these when out in public. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and tear tracks were stained on her cheeks.

"I-I was so worried... I d-didn't..I was worried that you wouldn't come home. I don't know what I would do without you."

"I yearned to be by your side the whole time I was away. In stressful times, you were always on my mind."

She looked up at me, quivering in joy, with that bright smile that I loved. "Welcome home, honey."

She let me go, when another voice shouted out my name, raising higher as it closed in. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, with arms wrapped tightly around me. I grunted, and opened my eyes, seeing my friend in the penguin hat on top of me.

"Dude, I'm so glad you're back! I was scared that you got killed, man!"

He got off of me, allowing me to sit up."Ow. You worry too much. You know that I'm always fine."

"That doesn't mean that you're immortal, Grayson." He said, grabbing my hand and pulling me back to my feet.

"I didn't say that. I'm just saying that you should have more faith in me."

Clara grabbed my hand and pulled me lightly. "Grayson, I have a surprise for you! I'll show it at home!"

"Um..." I exchanged a glance at Luke.

He spoke up. "Can I come?!"

Clara blushed. "I'd prefer not. This is just for Grayson, for now."

I was absolutely clueless, but I knew that if it was from Clara, then it would be amazing.

"Um, alright, then. Say, Grayson, when you're all done with, whatever, just head to the palace."

He wrapped his arm around my neck, and pulled me in to give me a noogie.

"Ow! Stop! Let go!" I tried to pry his hands off.

"I just want to spend time with my best bud, after so long!"

He finally let me go. I rubbed my head, before Clara took my hand again, and began to drag me away. I called out to say goodbye to Luke, and told him that I would see him later. Eventually, we made it out of the crowd, and made our way home. It took a long time, but we finally made it. I opened the door, allowing her to walk in first, then I closed the door behind us.

"What is it? Cookies?! A lifetime supply of cookies?!" I said, at a fast pace. I was just really hungry.

She laughed, grabbing my right hand. "No, silly! Haven't you noticed anything different about me?"

I looked over her. Nothing about her beautiful form seemed different to me. "Uh... Not really."

She laughed again. "Come on. It's been two months, that should be long enough, right?"

"Uhh..." Did I say something wrong?

She placed my hand on top of her stomach. A blush on my cheeks grew hotter. Was this going where I thought it was going? A blush grew darker on her face, as well.

"I-I.." She was hesitant. "I think I'm pregnant!" She finally got out, smiling with her bright teeth showing. She jumped in joy.

For a second, I just stood there in shock, wrapping my head around the information. It was a big blow, coming home from war and being told that your wife was pregnant with your child. Even if it was sudden, I was filled with so much joy, that I could as far as to call it indescribable.
I wrapped her skinny body in my arms, and spun around in circles as I laughed and cheered at the amazing news. She laughed along with me. I spun around, getting dizzy, until I fell over, pulling Clara down with me. She pushed herself up, and put her hands on my chest.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

I continued to laugh, too ecstatic to care about the pain in my back and my head. "I'm fine! I'm better than fine! How about you?"

She answered by wrapping her arms around my neck, and pulling me in for a warm hug. She pulled me in close; my chin touching her cleavage.

"I feel wonderful. I'm just overjoyed to have my snuggle muffin back."

"Snuggle muffin? Is that my new name?"

She let me go, her hands now cupping my cheeks, and making me look her in the eyes.

"I won't call you that in public, but you're behind that closed door, you will always be my handsome snuggle muffin."

Her face came closer to mine, until our lips locked in a kiss. I broke the kiss, placing my forehead against hers. Our eyes locked. I had missed looking into her majestic sky blue eyes. Everything about her I had desired to see again.

"I am going to do everything in my power to protect you and our child. I promise."

I knew that this was going to be a rough nine months. Mood swings, strange food addictions, morning sickness, it was probably going to be stressful to deal with, but for Clara, anything was worth it. I always wondered what it was like to have a family. I don't even remember my parents, and I want to give my child the love of a parent, that I don't remember receiving. Through sickness and in health.

One year ago-

Clara sat in her rocking chair in the living room. Our son, R.J was cradled in her arms, fast asleep with his tiny thumb in his mouth. I stood at the other end of the room, and watched, with a smile on my face. It was a sight that I would never get sick of. I was snapped out of the moment, when a knock came to the door. Clara and I both looked at it, then back to each other.

"I'll get it." I said, walking to the door.

I placed my hand on the doorknob, and pulled it open. I squinted my eyes, despite that the sky was filled with gray clouds. Luke stood there, with his assassin uniform on, and of course, his penguin hat.

"Hey, Luke. What's going on?" I asked.

"The emperor has caused a mandatory meeting. He said that it's extremely important."

I wondered what it was. I just hoped that it wasn't another war breaking out, or some rebellious idiots going against the emperor. No. I know what it's about.

"Alright. Hold on a second."

I turned around, and went to Clara. "What's wrong?" She asked.

I placed my fingers below her chin, and leaned down to give her a kiss. I broke away, and crouched down so I was at the same level as R.J. I kissed him on the forehead, then stood up.

"The emperor has called another meeting. I'll be back as soon as I can."

I grabbed my coat from the hanger by the door, and my gloves from the drawer in the desk.

"I love you." I said as I put them on, walking out of the door.

"Love you too."

I closed the door, and turned to Luke. "Are we going to walk all the way there? I really don't feel up to it today."

He waved his hand, as we began walking away from my home. "No. We have an airship parked over here. It's been going around and picking everyone up, and I convinced the driver to come pick you up even if, you know, you're not too far from the palace."

"It's far enough." I replied.

We walked past a few blocks, until a large airship came into view after turning another corner.

"Alright, let's get this over with."

The two of us boarded the airship, and it lifted us into the sky. We just sat there quietly for a majority of the ride, with an occasional short conversation. My heart was beating rapidly and I could feel myself sweating a lot. A comrade asked why I was like that, but I played it off by saying that it was just the heat. Thank God he believed me.
It didn't take long at all to get to the palace. The large doors opened, and in came the big man himself, draped in his red and white robes, with his usual crown on his head.

"Everyone, get out and line up! I don't intend for this to take long!"

With those commands, everyone stood, and walked out of the airship in an orderly fashion, bowing to the emperor as we passed him. I could see a wave of fury being contained in the back of his eyes. I need to act as casual as possible, over wise, I'm a dead man. We all stood in line, with our backs straight, and our hands behind us. His voice boomed loudly throughout the open area.

"Our most valuable possession. The dragon egg... The last dragon egg...has been stolen." He shouted in outrage.

"I want whoever has done this, to watch as their family is killed, and I want them to die in the most painful way possible! I want that dragon egg back!"

I felt more sweat going down my forehead at the mention of killing their family. My family. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Luke quickly glance at me, then look straight ahead again.

"Every house must be searched! Anyone who opposes to having their homes searched, must, and will be punished!"

No. I can't let them find it. The cost are too high. I prayed to whatever God there is, that they wouldn't search my house, or at least wouldn't find it. I tried to keep my body still as I shook from fear.

"Aaron!" He called out the captain of his search team. "I want you to set your men to search the closest northern and western cities."

"Yes, your highness!"

I let out a breath of relief. It's a good thing I live in a southern city. I will have enough time to prepare for when they come. I'll be able to make sure that no one will find it.

"One hundred marks will be given to whoever turns the traitor in!" He shouted.

I could see Luke's back get a little straighter, as if he was intrigued.

"Now,..." He gestured to everyone. "Keep your eyes peeled. I want that egg found, at all costs. Get back into the airship. You will be taken back to your homes now."

We all turned in line, and one by one, we got back onto the ship. The emperor called Aaron to stay, so they could discuss plans about the house searches. I looked behind me, seeing Luke following me.

"Why are you coming along? You live here."

He shrugged. "I just feel like going with you. Spend more time with my buddy, I guess." He winked.

I rolled my eyes, as we once again got onto the ship. The whole time I sat there, with a pain in my chest. I looked over to Luke, who gave me a look that seemed like concern. He knew that I was scared. He knew that I was the culprit. Only him and Clara knew about what I had done against the emperor.
I couldn't just let such a wicked man have such power. I knew that if he found a way to hatch it, then all h**l would break loose across the badlands and beyond.
Finally, we made it back to my city, where my home was just a few blocks down. We got out, and waited for the ship to lift off and head back to the palace once again. I turned around and let out a deep breath of relief as we began to walk.

"That was close. I'm going to have to fix and check out a lot of things in the house to make sure it's alright before the house searches." I sugar coated it, just incase any spies were listening.

"Yeah." He said simply.

He looked down at the ground, his smile no longer there, in fact, it wasn't there the whole ride back. I was sure that he was just scared that I would be caught. I elbowed him in his arm.

"Lighten up, buddy. They're not going to catch me. I'll be fine."

He gave a half hearted chuckle. "Yeah. I guess."

I laughed and joked, until we arrived at my home. I opened the door, seeing Clara standing there, holding R.J in her arms. She came up to me, with worry in her expression. I let in Luke, and closed the door before she spoke.

"How was everything? Are they close to finding out?" She asked.

I answered with a question. "Is the egg hidden from sight well enough?"

She nodded. "I think so. The rug is still covering the door to the basement quite well."

I nodded. "Good, because in the next few days, they're most likely going to be here to search the house. We can't let them find that egg. Not only am I at state, but so are you."

"I know. I understand, but what if they do find it?" She asked, obviously scared.

"Then we have to deal with them, and make a run for it." I wasn't going to sugar coat it. That would be the only option we'd have.
...

We should have just left the city. We should have just left the empire territory entirely, but we didn't. I was such a fool believing that we could get away with it. I'll never forgive myself. It was later that night, when I was asleep in my bed, with Clara by my side, as she was every night. We slept soundly, until we both shot up from bed at the sound of a loud crash, and R.J's cries.
There were loud noises outside, like screaming and shouting. Clara and I ran to the door of our room, practically kicked it down. There was bright light shining in from the windows, lighting up the entire room. I could hear the unmistakable voice of the emperor shouting demands from outside. There was a repeating bashing at our door, and I could see the splinters flying as the door slowly broke in half. Clara ran upstairs to get R.J, as the doors finally busted open.
The light came pouring in, as about nine men came storming in. I attempted to run upstairs, but before I knew it, I was pulled forcefully to the ground, as some of the other men ran upstairs to get my family.

"No! Stop! Please, leave them alone!" I yelled out.

I could hear Clara scream and R.J's cries growing louder as they were dragged down stairs. I could feel the cold metal of chains wrapping around my wrist, and my ankles. They grabbed the chains on my wrist and then grabbed the back of my neck, roughly pulling me back onto my feet. I looked over my shoulder, as they pushed me out of the door.
The men ripped R.J from Clara's protective, motherly grasp, then forced her arms behind her back, tying them together. I was tossed onto the ground, and a foot came down on my head, slamming my forehead onto the rocky dirt. They grabbed the back of my shirt collar, pulling me back up onto my knees, to look at the emperor straight in the eyes.

"To think that the commander of my armies, the one that has lead me to victory so many times, would be the one to betray me..." He hissed as he glared down at me.

I spat on his feet, receiving a displeased growl from him. "No matter... Now you will feel what it is like to be betrayed."

What was he talking about? I heard shouting of pain, and a familiar voice begging to be let go. Emerging from the raging crowd, two guards came out, with somebody in their grasp between them. The guards released him, and he calmed down, but avoided eye contact with me. Of course, his hat and lavender hair gave him away immediately.

"Luke...? You-you turned me in?"

He looked up at me, but quickly looked away again. I didn't want to believe it; to believe that the one person besides my wife that I trusted would betray me. But the evidence was right in front of me, and he made it obvious that he had broken my trust, when he refused to look up at me again. I felt a burning rage rising inside of me.

"You...you filthy son of a b***h!" My voice grew louder, as I shouted at my former friend, filled with nothing but fury and rage.

My attention was pulled away from him, when I looked over, seeing Clara, now once again hold R.J in her arms, being tossed into a prisoner carriage. The door was slammed shut, and locked to keep them inside.

"They had nothing to do with this! Let them go!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, as the carriage was pulled away by horses.

Other guards came from the crowd, at the snap of the emperors fingers. They grabbed me, and pulled me to my feet. I struggled against my restraints, the chains pinching and blistering my wrist. The emperor leaned in, with a wide cynical grin on his face.

"Now why would I want to do that? Well, if you give me back the dragon egg, we could arrange something."

I thought about, hesitant to give him an answer. The look in his eyes had lies written all over them. He doesn't plan on letting them go. He just wants to see me suffer no matter what. Seeing my delay in an answer, he waved his hand and looked at the guards holding me.

"Get him to the carriage already. I can't wait for what's in store for you next." He directed the last part to me.

Did he think that I was stupid? Well, I guess I am, but he should know that I've already heard his plans. No matter if I give him the eggs location, he's still going to kill them because I committed treason. What have I done?
The guards pushed me to an old carriage, opening door with a barred window, and shoved me inside. I fell onto my knees,but was able to push myself up as the doors were slammed, and locked for the outside. I stumbled as the carriage began to move. I leaned my body on the wall, with bars acting as windows. I made my way to the door, and looked out through the bars. Tears went down my face, as I saw people throwing torches at our house, and our home going up in flames. Luke stood there, watching as I was taken away by the authorities.
As he disappeared from sight, I stood there, deep in thought. I never thought that the empire would be what took me down. I always hoped that it would be Herobrine that took my life. At least I would still have my dignity if that were the case, but unfortunately, it isn't.
My own comrades, condemning me to death. It hurt thinking that, knowing that. Even though I knew I was going to die, my own death wasn't what I cared about. I cared about Clara and R.J. Why did I do this, knowing that they would have to face the consequences too? I'm a terrible father, a terrible husband, a terrible human being!
It was strange seeing your life flash before your eyes. All of your regrets crashing down on you at once. The only legacy I left was my son, and now he was going to be taken from the world.
Why couldn't I have been the one that jumped into the lava that night? I'd rather be a vessel then deal with the fact that I'm the one that will lead to my wife and son's death. I was crying at the thoughts, struggling to breathe.
My body lunged forward as the carriage came to a halt, but I put my foot out, stopping myself from falling. I cringed at the sound of cheering crowds, and people begging to see a bloodbath. The carriage just sat there, as if they were waiting for something. Suddenly, the door swung open, and two men in heavy armor came in, grabbing my bound arms and picking me up forcefully. I felt them let go, as I was tossed into the air, flying out of the carriage. I landed harshly onto the cold mud on the ground. I couldn't tell if the liquid running down my forehead was water or blood, as I was once again forced up to my feet.
I looked around, seeing that we were in the center of the town. All of the market booths were gone, and in the center, was a large pile of wood, with a wooden pole sticking straight up from the center. I knew that sight all too well.
My eyes widened, and I lost my breath, seeing my beloved wife binded to the wooden pole. She was barefoot, and I could see blood covering her feet from being forced to walk on the splintered wood. I was then grabbed by my shoulders, and forced to get down on my knees. A metal clasp was placed around my neck, and more chains were wrapped to my arms, and locked onto a metal pole on the ground. That was never there in my entire time in this city, and I knew that for sure. It must have been placed there earlier today, just for me so I could suffer this punishment.
People were all around in a large circle, holding their touches up high. They all began to cheer even louder, as the emperor arrived in his custom red, blue, and gold carriage. He stepped out, and slowly approached my vulnerable figure. I glared into his hazel eyes, feeling nothing but seething outrage.

"It's time you learned that there are consequences to your actions, Grayson." He said, calmly.

He turned around, outstretching has arms. The crowd grew quiet, waiting for his words.

"Take this as a lesson! No matter who you are, if you ever, ever, rebell or defile me, you will face those consequences! Not only will you suffer them,..."

He turned back to me. "...but the one's you care about the most will also have to suffer them as well. No one... No one, get's in my way!"

After a moment of almost complete silence, he spoke in calm tone again. "Now that you see your lovely wife about to perish, perhaps you've rethought your decision to hide that dragon from us. Now then, tell me where it is!"

My eyes looked over to Clara. She was breathing heavily, knowing that this was her fate. She looked over to me, with pain in her eyes, slowly shaking her head.

"Grayson.. Don't. You know what he'll do. My life isn't worth the thousands, perhaps millions of people that he could kill with that thing!"

"Silence!" The emperor shouted at her.

I wanted to shout at him, and tell him never to talk to her like that, but where would that get me.

"Never. I'll never tell you!" I yelled letting just a bit of my rage unravel.

His glare became more harsh. "Fine. If you will not comply, then I have no other choice."

He once again whipped around to face the citizens. "Ready!" He commanded.

I knew what was coming. I pulled at my chains and screamed as loud as I could. Tears made my vision blurry, but I could still see as they tossed their torches onto the wood, and the sticks began to quickly become engulfed in flames.

"Clara!" My voice cracked.

As my tears fell down my cheeks, allowing me to see more clearly, I could see her facing me, as flames grew closer and closer to her. Her eyes were filled with tears, yet they still seemed as loving as the day we met. When she laughed at me at the bar. The memories once so dear, now tainted in a feeling of regret and remorse. Her mouth moved, and somehow, I could read her lips, seeing what she was trying to say.

"...Grayson, I love you..!"

With that, the flames began to lick at her feet. As the flames rose across her body, and her screams of anguish broke out, I couldn't bare to look up anymore. I screamed in my emotional agony, my body trembling and my eyes and face burning. My face was covered in mud, tears and mucus. A stinging pain rose throughout my chest, as if my heart was completely shattered. I kept pulling at the chains, slowly tugging my bones out of the sockets.
Her screaming stopped, leaving nothing but the sound of flames burning the wood, and small cheers. Even with my nose stuffed up with mucus, I could smell the putrid stink of burned flesh. As I sat there, sobbing, something grabbed onto my hair, and pulled it forcefully to make me look up. I saw the flames slowly dying out, but it hurt like h**l, seeing the limp charted bones with burnt flesh, lying there on the burnt wood and ashes. I shut my eyes tight, both from the pain, and because I didn't want to see the mangled corpse of my wife any longer.

The voice of the emperor whispered in my ear. "See what you've done? She's dead, because of you, and your selfishness. You're the reason she no longer lives."

My eyes snapped open when I heard the cries of an infant. A guard now stood before me, with R.J, crying in his arms. He bent down, and gently laid him down on the tile on the ground. The look in his eyes seemed like remorse, regret, and guilt for what was about to happen.
He stood up, and walked around me, disappearing somewhere beyond my broken form. The emperor's hand disappeared from on top of my head, and moved to my eyes, forcing them to stay open, not allowing me to move my head to look away from the scene.

"Now, how about you tell me where the egg is? You wouldn't want to kill your precious son as well, would you?"

I should just tell him. I should just give up. "I..I.." I could barely speak.

Before I could collect the words from my dry mouth, I heard the sound of bow strings being released. Arrow after arrow pierced my sons body; his blood spraying everywhere. I screamed out, as his cries silenced, never to be heard again. Kill me now... Just let me die!

"See you at the gallows tomorrow, Grayson." The emperor said, stepping away from me, as the chains were released from the ground, and I was pulled back into the carriage.
...

I sat in my prison cell, giving up on trying to escape. What's the use? They're gone... There's no reason for me to keep going. I had run out of tears long ago. How could I have been so selfish? My family is dead because of me! I hated myself. I was chained to the wall, my arms over my head, and my legs still shackled together. Two guards were outside of my cell, waiting for if I ever tried to escape before morning. I knew that another set of guards would be waiting outside as well. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters.
I slowly looked up with my puffy eyes, as I heard one of the guards yell, and clinging metal. The body of the first guard fell, with his throat slit. The other guard ran, as the person that killed the other guard came into view. My eyes widened, seeing Luke stab the other guard in the neck, with his blade going straight through, and out the back.
He pulled his sword out, grabbing the keys to the cell off of his belt as the body fell backwards. He put his sword away, and tried each key on the door, trying to open it. I hung my head down again. I don't want to see him. All I want to see of him, is his lifeless corpse.
The cell door opened, and the assassin came in, searching through the keys again as he got down beside me. Get away from me...get away from me! I pulled at the chains as he tried to unlock me, but they were weak attempts. I'd rather die. The shackles on my legs fell to the ground, but I didn't kick and squirm.
He reached up, unlocking my two arms one after another. My body fell onto the ground, my sorrows being covered in anger. My fist balled up, my knuckles became white, and my fingernails dug into my palms, cutting my skin. I let out shallow breaths, feeling my body burning in anger, and the tear streaks that were stained on my cheeks.

"Grayson, I'm sor.."

Before he even got to finish, I stood up, and swung my fist at him. I hit him on the side of his face, making his head collide with the stone wall, with blood beginning to drip from his nostrils. He fell onto his knees, looking up at me, with terror in his eyes.
I wanted to run and grab one of the guards swords, and kill the traitor in the most brutal way possible. Though, I felt frozen in place, filled with my seething anger. It was like something inside of me, still clung to the fact that he was once my friend. No longer will I ever consider him that.
Everyone is against me. Everyone is my enemy. Looking down at him, I realized something. While my compassion and care for the world was now shattered, and my reason to live was gone, he filled me with my new reason to live. Vengeance.

"Burn in h**l, you mother f****r." I hissed at him. "If you ever see me again, you better run, because I won't show any mercy next time."

I turned around and ran out of the cell, leaving the b*****d behind. I grabbed a sword from one of the dead guards, and ran down the stone hall. I turned the corner, facing the large wooden door that would lead me out of this dungeon, and make me face the gallows. I kicked the door open, holding the sword out, ready to fight.
Quickly, I lowered my sword, and looked in awe. Blood pooled down the steps like a river. I walked up, seeing two dead bodies of the other guards. Luke must have done that. Why would he free me, knowing that I would be out to get him, to shed his blood? I shook my head. Screw him. He's nothing.
I took a backpack off of one of the corpses, emptying it out before I put it on. I ran in the cover of darkness, hidden from the guards that walked in the streets. I was growing exhausted after a while, but after what felt like an eternity, I arrived at the remains of my home. It hurt seeing the place reduced to ashes. I knew that I had to get the dragon egg. I just hoped that they didn't find when they searched the rubble, if they even did yet.
I ran into the burnt wood and ashes, seeing some pieces still glowing a bright orange and red from the flames. From the looks of it, the flames all died out not too long ago, and nothing looked like it had been searched yet. Good. Where my armor stand once stood, with the armor I had gotten back at Iron mere, was now a pile of melted metal, filled with ash and wood. A sound of metal clung as I took my first step, where my bedroom once stood.
I lifted up my foot, seeing my black sword sheath, with the handle of my sword sticking out. I grabbed it, feeling that it was a bit cooler than I had expected, and grabbed the handle. At first, I had anticipated the blade to be melted like the armor, but when I pulled it, it came out like nothing had happened to it. I nodded, dropping the iron sword, and putting it on my belt, so I could draw it whenever I needed it.
I got to where the hatch was, covered in the ashes of the rug burned to dust, and wood covering it from what once was the upper floor. I kicked the wood out of the way, easily breaking it. Most of the pieces I had to move by hand, as the wood was incredibly fragile. Finally, the hatch became visible, so I opened it, and jumped down.
The dark stone room was completely empty, or so it seemed to the simple eye. I knew where a secret door was. I went to the north wall, and kicked it, opening a secret door. Hay covered the floor, like a nest, and in the center, was the egg, with a black scale-like shell, that reflected purple in the light. I got down on my knees, taking the backpack off and opening it. I grabbed the egg with my gloved hands, and placed it into the backpack.
Quickly, I closed it, and ran to the ladder, then pulled myself up to the surface. I could hear the galloping of horses making their way towards my location. I closed the hatch, and ran for it. I was able to make it out of this city, and out of empire territory after a few days of watching my back closely. I went north, and settled down in a new home.
I discovered about the magic library, which I believed would help me find a way to hatch the dragon egg. I knew that if I harnessed the power of a dragon, then I could bring the entire empire to it's knees. I could get my revenge.
I made a promise to Clara that would protect her and our son. I failed miserably. I was becoming emotionally numb. I had no one to help me. Only when I met up with Drake, was I finally able to feel something that wasn't negative. Only then was I able to feel anything at all. Almost every night for an entire year, I had nothing but dreams and nightmares about Clara and R.J. We had promised to always be together... 'Till death do us part.