I didn't regret my actions towards Cassius, in my opinion he deserved far worse but I couldn't have his father hanging me for his death. Once I left his room I wandered the halls, the early morning light had filtered through the windows and brightened my way. Every once in awhile I would catch a glimpse of bright blue eyes and I had to remind myself that it wasn't Savon, just my imagination

When I reached my room I did nothing but sit on my bed, I picked up the blue jacket from the day I left and tossed it across the room in anger. Scooting backwards on the bed, I pulled my knee's to my chest and leaned my head against my folded arms.

Ever since I arrived nothing has gone right, deep down I thought I could grow to love Cassius or at least tolerate him. Then secrets started to uncoil themselves and I found myself falling into a void, but when I thought all was lost I met my father and...Savon. I didn't understand what type of feelings I had for him, the first time Cassius came to my room that one night I felt flustered. When Savon looked at me I felt wanted, the way his bright blue eyes would cloud with worry made me feel safe. I wondered if I'd ever feel that way again.

Maybe this would be the end for me, I could become the monster my mother worried about. Part of me wanted to see Scalefire burn, I wanted to see Cassius suffer and I wanted it to be by my hands. Yet another part of me disagreed, it told me I needed to deal with things and just stay with the agreement my mother arranged.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I wished all of it would go away.

~~~~~~

A low knock on my door caused me to stir, I rubbed my eyes with with back of my hand as I climbed off my bed. During my time of self pity I must have fallen asleep, I swiped my hand through the air and my bedroom door slid open with ease.

Diane stood in the doorway, an orange flamed candle burned in it's holder and she looked at me with worried eyes. She beckoned me urgently with her hand."Mistress Emerald, Queen Numissa demanded I fetch you at once. A very important event is taking place in the throne room." She said, her tone quick and brief.

Confused by the sudden need for my presence, I glanced down at myself and grimaced in response. If an important event was being held then I surely was not dressed for it, my white flowing night gown had been crumpled during my nap. Scratching the side of my tangled head I frowned."Alright, give me a few minutes and I should be able to-"

She cut me off with a shake of her head, while grasping the candle in one hand she marched into my room and grabbed my wrist. With out warning she dragged me from my room and guided me down the hall."You don't understand!, The Queen told me to fetch you immediately and with out a delay." She said firmly.

I stumbled over my own feet as I tried to keep up with her, her already tight grip on my wrist became one of iron. She guided me through entry ways and doors that I was unfamiliar with, we came to a small wooden door and carefully climbed through. Placing a finger against her lips, she gave me a look as she led me over to a line of servants.

We all stood in a large room, two large chairs laid proudly along a high marble step. One was occupied by Lorik and the other by Numissa, two guards stood by each chair with their armored gloves resting against their chests.

A man resting on his knee's before them looked terrible, his shoulders hunched forward and his wrists bound by heavy metal chains. His frumpy clothes had tears and you could see his blood stained skin, my heart sank for the poor man.

Lorik sat in his large chair with his shoulders squared and a gold jeweled crown perched upon his head. He drummed his fingers along the arm of his throne, his gaze towards the man held nothing but anger and disgust."I am King of this land, in this throne room you are nothing but a slave. You have no worth, there's not even a strand of strength left in your pathetic body. I've been very patient with you but at my wits end, now what do you have to say about the charges against you?"

The mans body shuddered with deep laughter, his dark hair cover his face as he cocked his head to the side."You call yourself a king?, Sitting on your bountiful throne with your riches piling up behind you, that is no king. You can sit there all day and wave your royal hand at me, treat me as though i'm not, hell even beat me. But I will never bow down to you, never serve you, never respect you." He spat venomously.

Lorik ran his hand along his shadowed chin, his eyes turned into empty pits and his lips twisted to a cruel smile."Well you've said what you've wanted, I do love a man with a strong will. Truly, I enjoyed your little speech but I shall enjoy your death even more. Care to tell me what your name is before I have your head?" He questioned giddily.

Shifting my way through the small crowd of people, I tried to find the door I had previously entered through. I was certainly confused on why Numissa had requested my presence or why she would want me to see an execution. I was so close to leaving the throne room, I just needed to climb through the wooden door but a gruff voice stopped me. Whipping around, I stared at the man kneeling on the floor as I heard his answer.

"Savon"

One of the guards stepped forward, he banged his fist against his chest before unsheathing his sword and lifting it high in the air. A sickening smile stretched across his lips and he set his determined gaze on Savon.

Before he could swing his sword downwards, I ran towards them and placed myself in front of Savon. My eyes narrowed into icy slits as I glared at the man."Don't you dare, if you even think about hurting him I will-"

The man scoffed at me, his eyes twinkled with mischief and not the fun kind."What are you going to do little witch?, I think it's best you stand to the side before you end up breaking a pretty nail." He sneered.

I stared into his eyes and he shifted underneath my intense gaze, his face slowly turned red as he started coughing uncontrollably. The sword clattered to the ground as dark blood poured from his lips, his trembling body fell backwards onto the white tile and gurgling noises bubbled his still body.

My attention turned to Lorik, he sat on his throne shaking. His eyes glued to the guards still body, his pale and his lips parted in shock. I pointed an accusing finger at him and hissed."Your son told me he killed Savon, you've let believe he was dead yet you were keeping him prisoner?, Do you have a death wish King?" I questioned in a cold tone.

Lorik shot up from his chair, he clenched his hands at his sides and glowered down at me."You have no right to speak to me that way!, This is my home Emerald and I will not have you speaking to me that way. Besides, you are to marry Cassius."

I marched up to him and with each step I took, he slowly shrunk down onto his chair." I am not the same girl anymore and I no longer wish to marry your son, in fact if you force me to marry him I promise you his death. Now I suggest you summon Raphael to your kingdom, that way Savon and I can leave peacefully. Unless, you'd like for me to leave a blood trail?"

He shook his head quickly, his eyes wide as tea saucers. I gave a satisfied smile and turned my back to him."Good, for now I want you to have guards carry Savon to my room and sent servants with supplies for which I can treat his wounds." I said while walking away from his throne.

Stopping a few feet away, I glanced over my shoulder and looked him dead in the eye."Oh and Lorik, if I find out that your planning some kind of plot towards me then your son's lover dies tonight. I will make her death so painful that she'll beg Cassius to end her life, and your son will have blood on his hands. Mark my words."