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Chapter 11 -
The Disagreeable Agreement
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You wince and hiss in pain as Varian gently cleans your cut. “Sorry.” He says softly. Varian had told his dad what had happened and for awhile, Quirin had been quiet.

It was nightfall already and Varian helped you make dinner, which it was silent while eating. Soon you're in bed and you kept glancing around like something was going to take you. There was no moon-light since it was a New Moon from what you can see. You usually like the dark, but tonight it felt more ominous.

“Varian?” You called, trying to swallow the lump on your throat.

“Varian?” This time you tried to hold back tears and pull the blanket close to you. You felt ashamed that you're calling Varian like a baby, but you couldn't help it. It didn't help that he didn't answer.

You didn't know what was happening now because you didn't remember everything being pitch black and you felt trapped.

Everything began to hurt, a phantom pain. Your body remembered being scared, hurt, and alone. You didn't know who they were, but you felt like you never want to go back wherever they had you.

You were so tired now and tears ran down your face. “Varian.” This time a dim lantern was lite on Varian’s side of the room, he rubs his eyes and looks over.

“(____)? What's wrong?”

You didn't say anything and just hid under the blankets, feeling bad that you woke him up. The lantern light is beside your bed and the blanket is pulled down. “(____).” Varian is looking at you in concern then sits down beside you, “Why are you crying?”

You cling to him, “Don't let them get me, Varian. It all hurts.”

His arms wrap around and he lays down, “No one is going to get you. You're okay.” You shake your head, “I don't know…...I'm so confused and the incident that happened earlier isn't helping.” You shiver, feeling the phantom pain again.

Varian wipes your tears and rubs your back softly, not really knowing what to say. “You're safe now, okay? I don't know why they shot at you, but I do know, that you are not a bad person. Whoever they are, they don't see who I see here.” He smiles softly at you.

You smile, then yawn while still staying close to him. You felt safe with Varian and it's like he took away that phantom pain away. That's when you noticed his gloves are off. You two were vulnerable now and looking after each other. Soon you both fall asleep, not knowing Quirin had been listening after he noticed the light in the room.

The next morning was a lazy day. You and Varian were just eating apples when Quirin comes in from outside work. “You two are coming with me to pick up and drop off something.” You two glanced at each other confused, but followed Quirin.

On the road, you and Varian were bored and started kicking a rock back and forth. Quirin is watching you two the while time and looks guilty. Along the way, you pass the Snuggly Duckling and see a very giant and buff guy looking for something. In his hand is a tiny glass horse and when you happen to look at the ground, you see a similar horse in the dirt. You pick it up and dust it off.

Varian glances to you and you're gone, plus his dad. He look back to see Quirin watching you as you tap the thug looking guy who turns to you, seeming really grumpy. You just smiled and hold up the tiny horse, which the thug takes calmly. He looks at the horse then at you before smiling. You wave happily and go back over to Quirin.

You're back in the town of Corona, but this time you three are at the Blacksmith's. “Xavier.” Quirin said and a dark skinned man looked over from taking out a metal rod from a fire. He grins, “Hello again Quirin! What brings you here?”

“Just dropping off a package. You don't mind watching my son for me?”

Xavier laughs softly, “Not at all.”

Varian is confused when his dad kneels down, “I'll be back in a bit, (____) is going to help me with something, then we can go home.” Varian pouts, but nods and Xavier leads him to sit on a chest. You look back at Varian when Quirin gently pushes you by your back. “Come on, (____).”

You started to feel anxious once you two were going toward the castle. Inside, this time you were lead into the throne room and you slightly jump when the doors to the throne room were closed tight. King Frederick and Queen Arianna sat in the throne seats.

“I got your message, Quirin, and I have full understanding with your request. A Noble Status will be granted by Arianna and I.” Frederick looked to you, “(____), you will now be staying in the castle as a young Noblewoman.”

You stand there in complete shock, not one where you'll get excited after, it was one you dread. You look up at Quirin, tearing up, “Quirin, what about Varian? I can still see you two, right?”

Frederick walks over, “Unfortunately, you will not have contact with either of them. We can't have whoever is after you know your location.”

You wanted to scream at them, but it wouldn't do a thing. You wipe your eyes, feeling your chest tighten so you take a deep breath. “You can do this, but you can't make me.” Your expression wavered a bit, but you still stared with ambition. “One year. One year will be enough. From the days I've been with Quirin and Varian, they cared for me and I'm not losing the people that made me feel safe.”

Arianna was smiling to herself, liking how strong you were especially for a little girl. Frederick blinked in disbelief and Quirin turned away to secretly smile softly. The King shakes his head, “Uh….well, we will see. Quirin, are you okay with this?”

He nods and kneels to your level, “(____), I do care for you. You were there for my son as a friend to care for him.” You smile a bit then hug him.

You watch Quirin leave and hope Varian can hold on until you get back. Turning back around, you see Frederick wasn't there and the Queen stood patiently. She smiles, “Let's go, Sweetie. I would like you to meet someone.” You follow her and right outside the door, a young woman who looked 19 years old stood there. She was wearing a light blue dress and big hazel eyes. Why was she so familiar?

“(____) this is Cassandra. She will be your handmaiden for awhile though a more of a bodyguard.”

In town, Quirin had picked up Varian and they were heading back home. He looks up at his dad while stopping half way across the bricked bridge, “Dad, where's (____)?”

Quirin didn't know what to say and kept walking, “She's staying with someone for awhile.” Varian ran and pulled on his dad's hand, “Why?” Quirin doesn't answer. “Will she come back home?”

Quirin stops, glancing at Varian from the familiar question his son asked when his mom disappeared. “Not for awhile, son.”

Varian watches his dad continue walking and he began to tear up. That was the same reply his dad gave him and his mom didn't come back. Slowly, Varian trudged behind Quirin.