When we get to Burgan Town and beginwalking to the castle, Branch comes over to me.

"Hey Floyd, what's going on? you've been acting a little different with that Emerald guy." He said.

I sigh. "I dunno. I thought I might like Veneer but now... I don't know what the heck I'm supposed to be feeling. Is that weird?"

He shakes his head. "No. It's not weird. Maybe you thinking you not being able to stop thinking about Veneer was just you worrying about someone's safety. That's just how you are Floyd."

"But then why wasn't I thinking about Velvet?" I ask.

"Maybe it's because you bonded more with Veneer. And also the fact that he was the first to apologize. And I mean, Velvet was also the one who made the deal with the burgan who gave you to the two. Based on what you said, Velvet brought you home where Veneer was. And that he didn't even know that Velvet had made the deal." Branch pointed out.

"I guess that's true." I say.

"Mhm. Now tell me, do you like Emerald." He asks slyly.

I laugh. "I'm not sure. But he's nice."

Branch smiles. "Well you tell me if you do, got it?"

"Got it." I laugh. We follow the others in, and to the thrown room. Where Gristle and Bridget sat looking bored as hell.

Bridget looks up and smiles. "Poppy!"

Poppy uses her hair to jump and hug her friend's cheek. "Hi Bridget!"

"Full disclosier, their NOT gonna eat us, right?" Emerald asks.

"Why, are you scared?" I tease.

He opens his mouth but doesn't say anything as he glares at me.

"Don't worry, they won't eat you." I elbow him playfully and he rolls his eye with a slight smile on his green lips.

"How have you guys been? And who are your friends? Wait, is that those Velvet and Veneer people? Why are they here?" Bridget asks.

"Better question, how are they here? Do I need to get the guards?" Gristle asks.

"No, no. Don't worry, we're fine." Poppy says. "We need your help. Do you know where Richard Elkson lives?"

"Yes. He's a warlock who lives nearby. I think he also hunts for sport and sells the things he catches. Why?" Gristle asks.

Because he's the reason Velvet and Veneer had gotten their hands on Floyd." Branch steps in.

"What?" Bridget exclaims.

"GUARDS!!!" Gristle yells. "I want as many of you to suit up and escort me and Bridget to the cattoge in the forest!"

Soon, the guards gather up fully suited and are ready to escort their rulers to where they wanted to go. Poppy and Branch hop onto Brodget's shoulder, and so do me and my brothers, although Emerald was a bit hesitant.

"Come on!" I call to him. "You'll be fine!"

"Are you sure?" He asks nervously.

"Yes!" Poppy calls. "You'll be okay! We've been at peice with the burgans for a long time now, you can trust them!"

He bites his lip before hopping up and onto the shoulder me, Branch, Poppy, and Viva were on. He grabs my arm as he slips a little, but I help him regain balance. "You good?" I ask.

He nods. "Yes. I think so." He walks over to stand with his sisters as we head out to the forest.

Hi! I know this is really short but don't worry! Chapter thirteen should be out by at least four thirty Minosota time at the latest. Thanks SO much for reading! And I can't wait to get out the next chapter! <3