(n) a moment of sudden revelation

Days were becoming longer for Zane as he lay in bed, refusing to give in to death. He knew Raneem would need him. She was strong, but she was not stupid to refuse help if she needed it. What frightened him was not her stupidity, but the likelihood of her pride refusing help. She had gotten to the point of storming out on him that coming back to him for help would be wounding to her pride. It was probably why she had yet to call on him no matter how bad things have become at her captial.

He felt fingers touch his wrist but he did not open his eyes. It was not as if their constant checks on him would change his state. He did not even bother to listen to their murmurings. Let them speculate that his peerless political standing was the root of it all. At least, Raneem would be safe from them.

"Prince Zane? Please open your eyes."

He sighed and forced his eyes open. Lucas looked down on him looking so concerned. The elf was more loyal than a hound taken care of since it was a pup. Zane did not know whether to be thankful for his zeal or to curse it – especially when he had almost robbed Raneem of her purity.

"My lord, I know exactly why you are like this. Do not do this to yourself. Forget her. She is not worth it."

He just smiled at his liege in pity. "I am afraid, you will never understand, Lucas. I have tried, but it is not that I cannot. It is that I will not. It is easy to convince oneself to forget another, but would it really be worth the exchange?"

Lucas shook his head. "Exchange of life for being rid of one woman, who could even be counted as your weakness, forever? I believe it is a fair exchange. More than fair. Treliron and its inhabitants need you. And the council, though they despise you, knows how valuable you are. As we speak, they have instituted a regent in your place, afraid that elfinkind might question your sudden deposition. You have so much power – you can change so many things! – why waste it on a human?"

Zane closed his eyes and held the elf's hand. He looked into his liege's eyes to give him the truth that his words would not be able to convey. "It is difficult to explain, Lucas. But have you ever wondered what the point is in living so long? In going through the battles of everyday life? To what end do we keep ourselves alive? Our long lives have cursed us. It is because of this we have become so bitter and numb with every gift this world has given us. Tell me, Lucas. Have you come to love anything in this world and live for the sake of it? Not just live for the sake of living, but to live for a goal."

Lucas bit his lip thoughtfully and shook his head after a while. "All I live for is for your safety."

"And if I die, will you?"

The younger elf shook his head. "I will continue living. Perhaps because I am afraid of death."

"As we all are." Zane nodded. "But what if you have been given to see the world in a new light? What if you have been given the chance to remove the pains of living for life's sake and live because you find joy in it? Would you take it, Lucas?" His liege nodded and he continued, "I have found that joy being with Raneem. It was not just the game of wills that had made life more exciting. It is seeing her with a smile on her face and the gift of hope that lies in her. Humans have a short life and there is much to learn from them in the matter of loving and enjoying life. I fear I will never learn it, but I do know that she is the reason I have found a purpose in life."

"And what purpose is that?"

"To make her short life well worth living." Zane smiled seeing incomprehension etch Lucas face. He knew the younger elf understood his reasons and emotions, but he had yet to experience it himself so he could not understand what madness had taken over him. "You would never understand unless you have experienced it, Lucas. You cannot talk me out of this. I know she is still alive and unhurt. The gem tells me so. And until she is well and—someone else is taking care of her, I will continue to live. I love her, Lucas. I love her more than my own life."

He forced a weak smile. "My lord, you have gone insane."

Zane could not help but chuckle in response. "I know." He closed his eyes as Lucas stepped back and bowed to leave. He wished he knew more about where Raneem was or how she was, but he would not know. Not without her express wishes.

He did not understand how one woman could change him so, but he did not care. He understood why love was the deadliest trap. It was not because it was impossible to run from, it was because no one wanted to run away from it once tasted. And it did not matter if she loved him in return. In truth, he did not expect anything back. All he wanted was to give her his love.

His bed moved and he reined in his annoyance. Whoever was crawling up to his bed hoping to coax him out to mate with him, hoping to distract him from his loneliness in politics, can wait all their lives and nothing would come. Perhaps after this third attempt, they would stop. The movement stopped and he felt nothing. Perhaps this she-elf was playing a game. Or observing him. He did not care. He did not even bother to bring to normal his dimmed senses. Anything short of news of Raneem would not stir him.

A finger traced his cheek and he resigned to thinking of her touching him that way. He would not grant, whoever the intruder was, the pleasure of rousing him. Teeth grazed at the tip of his ear and he grunted, his eyes opening. It was a very personal spot. One that we would deign for anyone to touch.

"That got your attention."

Zane's thoughts on the curses he would have given died before they even reached his lips. She was there, lying beside him in her usual place. He extended his senses and searched for any magic around her. All he got was her scent and her soft smile. Somehow, those little things gave him strength, but it still failed to give him the power to speak.

"I used to lie here awake at dawn watching you sleep. And I always thought to myself how perfect you are." She shrugged and sat up. "But I see you are not truly perfect after all."

Zane grabbed her wrist before she could move away further. "Why are you here?"

"I see you do not want me here."

"No! No—I just–I am pleasantly surprised." He smiled at her.

She smiled back and he felt at the peak of his prime. He did not know whether to kiss or explain to her first. Thinking a kiss might prove offensive, he opened his mouth to speak.

"Do not mistake my visit for anything else, Zane." She spoke before he could say anything. "I am here because I need your help."

"Of course." He said, sitting up. "What is it you need?"

"I need to steal my throne back."

He blinked at her, not knowing what she had in mind. "Anything under my power are in your disposition. But you have to tell me what you are planning."

She nodded. "A fair enough exchange. I have talked to Lucas and he is willing to help if you order him to. And I need him because he knows where Adam is. I know the secret passages that will enable his freedom. And the freedom of a chiseler and a house breaker."

"Thieves?" He asked. "What need have you of thieves? You have our magic."

"And so does she." She eased herself from the bed and walked to the chair near his bed. "She knows I am with you and she will be expecting magic. She is a beguiler, herself, but more a seductress than anything else. The bitch witch thinks herself untouchable by anything less than other witches and elves and so we strike at her arrogance. Besides," she gave a coy smile, "—she had offended my two little thieves far enough that I would not be surprised if they are desperate enough to jump at any opportunity to take her down."

Zane nodded. "How many would you need to take the throne back once we free them?"

"Three."

"Three legions, then."

Her laugh surprised him. It was more melodious and comforting than any other sound he knew of, including an elfin singer's voice.

"Three elves, my dear Zane. Not three legions," she said after laughing, "I told you, I will only steal my throne. There is no need for a war. Lucas and two others besides you."

"I do not know what you are thinking of now, and truth to be told, it frightens me," he admitted. He at least knew how much power Raneem's step mother was wielding and if they were correct, nothing short of a war would tear the throne off her fingers.

"Worried, are you? Not to worry. Your team of elves will be safe. I promise you."

He shook his head. "It is not them I am worried about. It is you. Raneem, if this proves to be too dangerous—"

"It is either this or an eternity of blood feud." Raneem stood and faced the window, the sunlight highlighting her gentle features. "My father always said that a ruler must exhaust all his options first. I do not wish another war between our races. If I do not succeed, then there would be no more bond or possibility of truce left. And if she succeeds in taking the Elixir..." She looked at him, her eyes pleading. "I ask you to trust me, Zane."

What else could he say? He trusted her with his whole life else, there would be nothing left for him. "I do."

"Thank you."

For a while, neither of them spoke, but he did not mind. He was relieved she was with him and that she did not hate him. He did not know what tomorrow would hold for them or if he would continue to be a part of her life. He did not even know how his political opponents would move with the knowledge of his sudden strength at her arrival, but he was certain of one thing. He had the opportunity to be with her now and he would take it.

"I have one request."

She bent her head to one side. "And that is?"

"Before we leave, I would like to ask you to be my guest once again. For old times' sake," he added the last part hastily fearing she would recoil at his advance.

A grin touched the corner of Raneem's mouth. "If it is not much of a bother, my prince."

"Not at all, my queen. I assure you, you would be safe," he took a deep breath, "-even from me." Zane noted her smile and something in it was slightly disturbing. He knew something was in her head, but she would not share it with him. At least, not now.

That was a long wait. So sorry, for hanging you up. Well, this week I had the least number of reads and votes. My story was in the hotlist for the first week only. It's not in it anymore. It was very saddening for me. And my exams went really shitty except for the subjects, English and Computers. I have chemistry on Wednesday, but I managed to publish another chapter a little earlier. Sorry, for the irregular updates. I hope you liked it.

So, yeah, how was the update?

Do you think Raneem came to him only for seeking help or there was some other reason too? (-;

Please don't forget to comment, follow and vote. Please, tag your friends to share this story as much as you can. You make my day with your comments. I love to read them. And I was so happy when I got so many best wishes for my exams. I love you guys! You're the best. ♥