Roswell Fanatics

Hello!

To those of you, who have been watching these boards as long as we have, I hope this story will seem familiar because we’ve posted it before a long time ago. Well 3 cheers to us cause my co-author and I have finally finished it!!! I know its really mean of us not to post the whole thing at once but we’d like some new readers to enjoy the suspence of the occasional cliff hanger and we solemnly promise an update once or twice a week.

Enjoy!!!!

Many Thanxs

Zansdivine


Title: Two Worlds Collide/Part One
Author: ZANSANGEL & Zansdivine
Rating: TEEN
Category: Roswell Fan Fiction
Couples: CC
Disclaimer: Max/Zan, Isabel/Valundra, Micheal/Rath, Tess/Ava, Liz, Maria and Alex etc. These characters belong to Jason Katims. I don’t claim to own any of them and I’m just borrowing them for the purpose of my story because I love the show and the characters have so much potential. So please don’t sue cause I have no money.
However I do claim to own Tia (Lizs Dupe) Lana, Bern.
Summary: Max and Tess are a couple now. Liz begins to experience nightmares she can’t remember but she’s sure they point to betrayal but from who? An unexpected visitor urges her to help Max remember his past life, when it’s revealed their connection goes deeper than they ever imagined.


When Two Worlds Collide
Part One - The Dreams

Liz couldn’t remember whether the dreams had always been with her, it certainly felt that way, or was just since Max had saved her life. Her mind wandered whilst trying to remember the details of the previous nights dream. She had awakened suddenly from what she knew to be a nightmare but could remember nothing of it. She had reached for the picture by her bed, not surprisingly it comforted her a great deal after all it was a picture of Liz’s one true love, the man she had to betray to save human kind but at what cost! Her love, her sanity? Her life was still in danger everyday because of what she knew yet she had no shoulder to be comforted on it was all gone now. All that was left were her friends “thank god for them” she thought.

“Liz LIZ!!”
Liz returned from her thoughts to the sound of her name, she turned as Maria spoke again.
“What’s wrong with you, you’ve been spaced out for about 10 minutes”
“Sorry I've not been sleeping very well” Liz replied rather sheepishly she’d wondered if she should tell Maria about her dreams but as she couldn’t remember anything, she though what’s the point.
Liz and Maria were hanging out at the Crashdown; Maria was working while Liz was seated at the counter close to the kitchen, trying to get some homework done. As Liz worked she suddenly sensed someone watching her, she new before she turned round who it was. Together or apart there was no denying that there was a connection between her and Max. She felt it in the very depths of her soul but Liz had glimpsed the future and knew the possibility that lay ahead so she closed her mind and turned to look!

Max opened the door to Crashdown; she was here sitting at the counter, as he knew she would be. He looked at her for a few moments while she was unaware of him, she was so beautiful it hurt to be near her. He knew he should hate her! Seeing Liz in bed with Kyle had crushed him he couldn’t deny that to himself it was like a light in his soul went out and there was sudden darkness. She was hiding something from him he knew it and had tried to get it from her and it hurt even more that she lied to him and would not trust him with the truth, for that he was not sure he could ever forgive her. Max became consciously aware of the presence besides him and the hand in his. He turned his head to look at Tess. She looked back at him he could see the love she had for him in her eyes, he knew she would never betray him, he trusted in that at least. She was his girlfriend now. He cared for her and was trying hard to love her she was his destiny after all as everyone was so fond of reminding him, given a choice he knew who he would choose in a heart beat but that wasn’t the issues anymore the question was if he choose would she have him. The answer right now was no, the pain was there but less so around Tess so he stuck with her, kind, trusting Tess his destiny his wife.

“Max its ok we don’t have to stay here” Tess looked at Max she could see the dilemma in his eyes as he looked at her. They sat down at one of the booths.
“Its ok she needs to know that we are together now” He leaned over and kissed her. It was cruel to flaunt his new relationship in front of Liz but part of him felt like he needed to get his own back for seeing her with Kyle. If Tess guessed his motives she didn’t say she just kissed him back.
“Er hem”
“Can I get you to lovebirds anything” They pulled apart to see Maria standing over them ready to take their order.
“Yeah sure I’ll have some French fries and a coke”
“Tabasco included of course and Max what about you”
“Just a soda for me thanks”
“Ok if you change your mind let me know”
Maria turned to go but turned back suddenly as if she’d had some inner conflict and decided to say something anyway.
“Look you two seem really happy and were all pleased for you ok I just though I’d let you know”
He subconsciously replayed that last comment in his head searching for any hint of distaste or disgust, Tess was not well liked he new that, she had barely been accepted by Isabel and Michael let alone the others, but then she hadn’t really tried she only ever been interested in Max. Finding none he wondered why? Maria was Liz's best friend and Maria had no worries about showing her dislike of another. Strangely she seemed fine, odd though if Liz was upset by his sudden involvement with Tess, Maria would definitely be spitting nails so why wasn’t she? It couldn’t be possible that Liz just didn’t care he could not and would not believe that. He eyed Maria suspiciously she knows something he though what ever Liz was hiding she must had confided in Maria.

Maria took their orders and headed back to Liz
“Are you ok”?
“Sure I'm fine why wouldn’t I be. He’s with Tess now that the way it’s supposed to be remember”
“Sure what ever you say although I’m not completely sold on that idea. I love Michael and if he turned round and said that he’s with Isabel now I’d be pissed!”
“I know but Michaels not the king if makes a mistake it doesn’t matter but every choice Max makes has some kind of cause and effect he needs to put himself last and humanity first I don’t think he quite gets that yet.”
“Yeah! Future max blah blah balh I get it! I really do, I just don’t see why it all has to be at the cost of your happiness, and I don’t trust Tess I think your giving her way to much power”
“Power! Maria don’t be so dramatic”
“You shouldn’t be so naive she’s been after Max ever since the day she arrive I can’t help thinking you’ve played right into her hands by giving her just what she’s always wanted”
“Maria you make her sound like an evil genius, she been raised in a life with no friends and the belief that some where out there is her king, her husband, her destiny! Besides she does love him I’m sure of that” Liz turned to look at the love birds they were nuzzling in the corner oblivious of their surroundings only aware of each other, she remembered a time when that had been hers, she felt robbed some how.
“Looked I’m wacked, I’m gonna go and try to sleep”

Maria finished preparing Max and Tess's food and took it to the table. Liz got up and headed toward the back, before she went through the door she risked a quick glance over her shoulder to see Max’s gaze follow her as she left the room. Their eyes met and something passed between them, the sudden flash she had was intense but fleeting she regained some kind of balance and focused. Max must have seen the look on her face because he’d started to rise, she shook her head and backed though the door and ran up the stairs to the safety of her room. When she was there she collapsed on the bed and trembled as she though of what it could mean! She knew now all to clearly what her nightmares had been pointing to. It was Tess!!

“What’s up with her?” Tess questioned, looking from Max to Maria
“Er not sure, she’s not be sleeping well just tired I guess” Maria walked away from the table having she hoped, satisfied their curiosity enough so that they left Liz alone. She took a moment to wonder about her friend but assumed she was probably right in the first place.

“Max are you ok, you’ve been really quite all afternoon? What ever is bothering you its ok you can tell me”
Max looked down at Tess they had returned from the Crashdown to Max’s because Tess had offered to continue helping him to remember his past. Tess so wanted him to remember her and in some ways he hoped the memories would help him forget about Liz. They had both become exhausted from the effort and where now relaxing on Max's bed, Tess was snuggled up close to him, he could feel the warmth of her body and wondered how it could be so comforting and strange at the same time.

“I’m fine just tired” Max said as he idly stroked his hand up and down Tess's back and stroked her hair. He felt her body tense as she looked up and kissed him. He knew she wanted him and consider how much longer he would be able to resist before doing what he knew would divide him and Liz forever, but then she’d done it to him, hadn’t she? His mind raced at the thought of Liz and Kyle and he kissed Tess back more passionately than he’d allowed himself to previously. Finding himself lost in the moment Max was startled by a knock at his bedroom door.

“Max” said a voice for outside
“Is it ok to come in”?
“Sure” said Max
The door opened and Isabel entered
“Hi I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt anything,” she said, as she took in the scene. Tess had taken her time moving away from Max, slowly buttoning her shirt showing Isabel that no matter what Max said yes she certainly had interrupted something.
“Its fine” said Max
“What do you want?” said Tess
“I just needed to talk to Max about something, but if you’re really busy I can come back”
“Well actually…”
“It is fine we can talk now, Tess do you mind”
Tess although startled my Max’s interruption regained her self quickly
“No its fine I should probably go anyway call me later”
Isabel watched Max and Tess as they said their good byes. She wanted to like Tess; she was one of them after all. It was what she had always wanted growing up, a girlfriend just like her. Someone she could share all her secrets with but now Tess was here she wasn’t so sure anymore. Tess had grown up differently from them. Isabel sometimes felt sorry for her because she lacked the family that her and Max had. She seemed way to eager to go home and even though that was something they all had dreamed of over the years, now that they had the granolith and it was someday possible. The idea of leaving her mother, father and her friends appalled her she hoped daily that she’d never have to make that choice.

She sat down on the bed
“Max are you sure you know what your doing” She got straight to the point and hoped Max would be honest with her. Ever since he’d found out about her being Valundra and how she’d betrayed Zan. Coupled with the knowledge that Michael was thought by some factions to be a better leader and that these factions were trying to reach Michael. With the intention of turning him against Max the same way they tried to reach Isabel. Max had become more distant. Liz had broken his heart she knew that, but then Liz loved Max it was openly on her face when he walked in the room. Liz had her reasons and Isabel wondered what would drive her to hurt him so badly. All this information had kind of sent Max over the edge to Tess he’d been relying on her more and more.
“Why does everyone keep asking me that I'm fine”?
“ Yes I’m with Tess now, I’m happy Izzy I really am, please be happy for me”
“Max are we ok? You’re my brother I love you, but I feel like you’ve been shutting me out, I cant do this alone I need you Max”
“Its ok” Max put his arm round Isabel feeling a pang of guilt. He had been avoiding her subconsciously. She was right they couldn’t do this alone he needed to bring the group back together. As a group they were strong, alone they were all dead. The truth of the statement hit him hard. He knew what he had to do.
“Can you get everyone to meet in the Crashdown later, and I mean all of us”
She looked surprised by his request but got up and left the room to carry out his instructions.

He lay back down on the bed and tried to concentrate on the exercises Tess had been teaching him. The memories so far had been kind of hazy he contemplated for a moment that Tess may be distracting him some how, trying to show him only what she wanted him to see but that was silly - why would she want to do that? He emptied his mind and concentrated on the past. The landscape changed around him, he must be improving it had never been so intense before. He took in the landscape and let memories the play out before him.

TBC..........................

Part Two - Zan

He had arrived earlier on that day. Interstellar travel was always tiring but it was worth it to visit his childhood friend. A grand arrival ceremony had been arranged for him, both men found formal functions tedious and so had made their excuses and decided to spend the afternoon hunting in the forest. The forest its self was situated well within the castle grounds and so therefore both men had been able to ditch their usually heavy security and were enjoying the time to catch up and speak privately.

“Just wait until you see Ava she’s grown up so much in the last couple of years you’ll hardly recognise her” The man that spoke was the ambassador to the planet. He had slightly shaggy hair with kind friendly features the dark circles around his eyes gave away that maybe two many people took advantage of his kindly demeanour and he was paying for it by spending to much time worrying about the problems of everyone else.
His friend looked away eager to change the subject. “I can only stay a few days.” His hair was dark to match his eyes and he carried himself with an air that indicated just how much of the world’s fate rested on his shoulders. Unbeknown to the dark haired youth his friend actually spent a great deal of time worrying about how it would all end. He was king but he was a young king he had ideals and wanted to change the world. He feared that this would unsettle far too many people, and it could only end in the death of his friend.

They raced each other through the forest. The dark haired man was the first to break though into the clearing containing a lake. They heard the roar of the bear at the same time. They looked at one another and mutually decide not waste the opportunity of some sport. Staying mounted they each cast an eye around the clearing hoping to have a clear shot.

Neither man saw the girl at first she sat, almost laying at the top of the rocky outcrop looking at the sky. The attraction of one man was caught at the sound of the bear as it roared, crashed through the bushes and started to bound towards the girl. His breath caught as he watched her. She was startled out of her daydream and leapt up to face the on coming bear. She looked around wildly and backed towards the cliff edge. The bear saw her and slowed its pace ready to attack. The girl risked a glance behind her as she considered jumping in to the water.

The fair-haired man sprang from his horse and ran to the waters edge.
“My god that’s Tia”
His friend watched in awe as the raven haired beauty lost her footing and tumbled from the rock face into the deeper end of the lake. He leapt off his horse and ran towards the lake. Not wanting to waste time he dove into the water. As he swam towards her, he risked a look and saw her surface for moment; she splashed around weakly momentarily and began to sink back into the murky depths. He swam harder and dove; he grabbed the girl by the back of her dress and pulled her towards the surface. She spluttered slightly then lolled her head as he swam back for the shore as hard as he could.
The fair-haired man took aim at the bear and shot, he looked on with concern, as his friend rose up from the water carrying Tia’s limp form in his arms and laid her down on the grass.
“Is she breathing? Dear god please let her be ok!”! The fair-haired man knelt by his friend, begging for reassurance the girl would be ok.
“I’m not sure” The dark haired youth checked for a pulse and found none he looked at her seemingly peaceful face and some how knew he could not let her die here like this. Something drove him on as he gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, each time willing the girl to breath to open her eyes and look at him. Finally she rolled over slightly and coughed up some water. She on turned back and opened her beautiful emerald eyes and gazed up at him. He opened his mouth to speak….

############################


Liz was dreaming, She felt herself in the presence of a mind and body which felt like hers but which she knew in her dreamlike state were not. She looked down to find she was wearing some kind of gown. In her mind she knew she was looking for someone but was now unaware of whom. She looked around to see if she was supposed to be with anyone. Finding herself alone she realised that she was in a meadow, which wound down towards a forest it was a beautiful day so she found the path and followed it until it opened out on to what after closer inspection turned out to be the top of a rock face jutting out above the most beautiful lake. She sat down and looked at the beautiful clear blue sky it was nothing like anything she’d ever seen. Her mind wondered on the point of this dream it seemed so real. Her thoughts were interrupted by the largest bear she had ever seen as it bounded through the bushes towards her she backed away and found her self teetering on the edge she looked down and knew the only way out! “Some dream!”
As she fell, she thought to her self “where’s my white knight to save me” She hit the water with enough force to wind her and struggled to find the surface. Slowly she began to lose consciousness “wonder if you really can die in a dream” she thought as the blackness over took her.

Someone was calling her back she must be at the Crashdown her mind had switched her to the familiar nightmare of being shot. She took comfort that Max was there with her saving her life. She listened to the familiar soothing voice begging her to stay with him and not to die. She choked up some water “no wait that’s not quite right” she thought. She turned her head and slowly raised her eyes to meet those of a handsome man leaning over her. Her eyes focused properly as she looked at him. She felt the chill as she recognised the loving gaze of the man looking back at her as he said
“Tia it’s Zan your gonna be just fine”

############################

“Liz” Max’s eyes snapped open. The eyes were a different colour but it was her. For the first time the memory had come clearly and so detailed he wondered if Tess really was a distraction, His mind drifted back to what he’d seen looking back at him from those beautiful emerald eyes as he’d mouthed those final words.

##############################

“Max” Liz awoke with the dream still clearly in her mind only one pair of eyes looked back at her like that, it hurt so, to think that even her dreams tormented her now. The phone rang
“Liz its Isabel, Max wants us to meet later, can we come to the Crashdown?”
“Sure come round at closing time”
“Can you ask Maria”?
“Don’t worry we’ll all be there”

############################

Tess was waiting, it felt like far to long but she knew it hadn’t been. She wanted to go home so bad, but the others were a hindrance. They all seemed to have lives here that they didn’t want to leave. She couldn’t help feeling bitter about that. Growing up she’d only had Nesado but that hadn’t been so bad he’d taught her a lot. It was obvious she was much better at using and controlling her powers than the others. They were weaklings hiding away, afraid of what they were but not her she knew who she was and what she wanted and best of all she had a plan! Now she had Max on her side things were falling into place so easily. Teaching him how to access his memories was risky. She of all people knew that better than anyone but at least she was around to guide him to remember what she needed him to! That damn girl though she was everywhere. At least when they returned home she knew that Liz would definitely not be there to distract Maxwell anymore, and he could be the king they all wanted him to be. She would not fail this time.

################################

Liz was sitting on her bed looking at her photo of her and Max, smiling shyly to herself, she didn’t hear the gentle tapping at first. When she did she glanced up to see Max at her window she hid the picture under her pillow and went to greet him.
“Hey” She said quietly as she let him in. He stood uncertainly in her room for a moment looking at the bed. She new what he was thinking and was sorry about how uncomfortable just being in her room made him.
“Max you’re early the others aren’t here yet”
“I know I wanted to talk to you first”
“Max” She sighed “I think we’ve said everything we needed to say its over,”
His expression told her she said too much. He looked angry for a moment.
“I’m not here to beg for you if that’s want you think! We agreed to move on I’m with Tess now and I know I can trust her!!”
He regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come here to fight with you but that’s all we seem to do lately I just wish you wouldn’t shut me out completely”
“Don’t be sorry Max you were right” Liz tried desperately to hide the hurt in her eyes Max was right all they did lately was fight it cut her up inside a little more every time they did. The more times they cut each other down the more she felt she’d lost him.
“I want us to be friends I know its hard but we don’t belong together, your words Max”
She was crying now she couldn’t help it. Max reached out and pulled her in to his arms, she laid her head on his chest as he stroked her hair. She felt her whole body relax in the moment.

In an instant she had another flash. Max looked down in horror as her whole body arched in his arms and she through her head back in pain. She gentle lowered her to the floor as she began to lose consciousness.
“Liz”
“Liz wake up” Max leaned over her and gently shook her. Liz came round slowly trying to focus on the here and now.
“Max”
“Are you ok? What the hell was that?” he thought for a moment
“This happened this afternoon didn’t it”
“Max please not so many questions I need to think for a minute” She sat up and took a deep breath
“I had some kind of flash”
“What of?”
“Hold on” Liz though for a moment and tried to focus her mind. The memory was strange it was of the dream she’d had that afternoon but she’d been watching herself fall.
“I saw a girl falling into a lake and being saved which is weird because…”
“You saw one of my memories you must have picked it up from me just now, I'm sorry I didn’t know I affected you like this.”
“Its ok and you don’t affect me, I’ve been having weird dreams I can’t quite remember and the flashes only started today. “Hang on you said you had a memory of saving a girl from drowning, how’d you mean memory?”
“I mean back when I was Zan, Tess has been helping me to remember things”
They both looked at each other slightly confused,
“Max I had dream this afternoon about being a girl who jumped into a lake and was saved by a guy who called himself Zan.”
“Its ok you were probably just dreaming the same time I was trying to remember. Ava did say that I changed you some how, maybe we have a stronger connection than we though. You were the only one who could reach me in the city remember.”
“I guess your right its just so weird and why the flashes”
“Don’t worry I’ll ask Tess about it she seems to know a lot! We’ll sort this out, until then I’ll try not to be around you to much” he leaned over and kissed her forehead.
“Lets go down stairs”
Liz regained some composure
“Max what did you want to say to me”
“I was just looking for my friend Liz,” he said with a smile.

“I guess what I’m trying to say is that we need to work together as a team all of us. We have to stick together. Liz and Maria they know about us so they will always be in danger because of what they know shutting them out could get them killed.”
The two of them looked surprised that Max seemed so adamant to include them.
Michael squeezed Maria’s hand under the table
“I agree with Max, we all need to no what’s going on”
“Well then are we agreed, no more secrets”
Max picked up his coat and glanced at Liz.
“Max” Tess stood by Max catching his line of sight and interrupting his train of thought, She squeezed his hand. Max glanced down at Tess and knew what he forgotten to say, as always he was unsure but he had to make his point to Liz
“Tess and I are together now and I want you all to be ok with it”
They all looked for one to the other and seemed to mumble agreement.

To Tess’s annoyance nobody was really jumping for joy about her and Max being together. So they would always hate her for splitting up Max and Liz. She had him now, what they thought didn’t matter anymore. It was after all only a matter of time; Alex was off deciphering the book for her. It did cause a constant worry that she would be found out but she had all the help she needed to conceal his activities. With the death of Nesado she had for a while considered changing her plans but then she had found new allies. People who seemed to know her plan, and were willing to aid her. Now everything was in motion Tess wasn’t sure she could go back on it now if she wanted to. Max didn’t love her; she held no illusions about that. He cared about her which was more than any one else did in this dingy town they called home. She loved him though and always had. He would grow to love her they had all the time in the world once they were home.


TBC………………………

Part Three - Larac

Larac sat back at his desk. Tired of the never ending paperwork. Swinging round slightly in his chair, he gazed out of the window. The view was breath-taking; it never ceased to surprise him. The sun was shining down on the grounds of his estate. A smiled played across his lips as he spied his grandson playing down in the fields with friends. His heart filled with love for the boy, but his happiness as always was out weighed by his sense of loss. The boy was all the family he had left. His heart yearned for more carefree days when his family and friends had surrounded him and there was nothing but joy. When Antar fell the light went out of his life. The news of the death of his beloved sister and dear friends had crushed his spirit.
Hope flourished again when the information reached him that servants loyal to the royal family had arranged for the essence of the royal four to be reborn in human bodies on a far off planet called earth. Only the Ambassador of each planet knew this information.
As long as Zan lived Kivar feared him. Precautions had been taken and the enemies of Zan were hunting him. Larac had made his own arrangements and had prepared himself for astralprojection so that he could also gather information on the where abouts of the royal four.
On his first few trips he quickly learned of the Alien crash site in Roswell New Mexico. If the pods had been hidden it would be some time before the occupants would gestate. Finally he had the control of a man named Brody. His fascination with the Roswell incident proved helpful to him. Carefully guiding him, Larac was pleased when Brody made the move to Roswell.

Information had been brought to him that morning. Larac knew now the time was coming. A summit meeting had been called, the King was said to have been located and talks could commence. At the summit he would know for sure what he had suspected for some time…

Max had shown a great deal of strength at the summit. The same burdens he’d felt in his previous life were evident in his eyes. The youth standing at the head of the table was only 17. Much younger than Zan had been when he had been crowned king. Was it wise to put so much faith in one so young? Looking round the table he saw the same resolutions in the eyes of his counterparts. Their slight annoyance quickly turned to anger when it was revealed that Max had been entrusted with the Granolith and would not give it up. It was a wise decision, but not one that would win him any friends.

The girl standing close behind him was Ava he was sure of that. He felt the loss of his sister and wanted so badly to hold her. She’d glanced at him a little confused as to why he was watching her. Max had moved slightly to block his vision.

His next encounter with them had been sometime later. They had tried to contact him for help. It was foolish of them to trust one so far away but he was always pleased to speak with his old friends. He was surprised to meet all four of them. They looked different but he knew them. The love and respect they held for each other was obvious, it raised his hopes that they just might succeed where they had failed before.

Back home his worries always lead him back to one of the few times he had encountered Max Evans. Larac had been exploring the UFO centre when he encountered Max and Liz hiding in the reference room. They were unaware of his presence, when he turned to leave a chill had run down his spine and he looked over his shoulder at the pair. Edging nearer he hid behind the bookshelves. It was wrong to spy on them but his curiosity got the better of him. He already had his suspicions about who Max was. Watching the two of them smiling lovingly, kissing and whispering gently to each other. Part of him had assumed or hoped that the girl was Ava.
Their conversation echoed in his ears.
“Its your destiny Max, I can’t stand in the way of that” Liz whispered
Max held her closer “I love you Liz, you are my destiny I chose you!”
Liz nibbled on her lower lip, “But what about the message Max, I was there, I know what it said. You are the King and Tess is your Queen. You have a war to fight and when you return Tess will be by your side. Its how it was supposed to be the four of you belong together”
Max kissed her desperately. “Liz your wrong, I’m not letting you go”
Larac turned and left as Liz relented and they’d held each other so closely, almost as if they were afraid one of them would disappear at any moment.

Larac shook his head and placed it in his hands as he rested his arms on the desk and slumped forward a little. The girl was not Ava he knew that now, in his soul he knew it had to be Tia. His heart cried out for them, it seems that fate had brought them together again for another chance and destiny had torn them apart as it did before. If Liz were like her counterpart she would do all she could to ensure Max followed his destiny and not his heart as she had begged him to do once before. Larac wondered if that had been their ultimate mistake. In not allowing Tia to be Zans queen with her bravery and strength guiding him the outcome may have been so very different, but that was the past he had to think of the future now. As a soul reincarnate he suspected that Liz had no idea of her connects to Max. She was doomed to relive her past errors. The royal four needed her; she deserved to know her past. Liz was the key to their success or downfall.

********************************************

Liz was working late at the crashdown preparing to close up for the night. She glanced up from cleaning tables in surprise as she heard the door jingle and Brody walked in.
“Brody what’s wrong?”
Moving closer to her he said nothing at first.
“Its Larac and I need to talk to you”
“Larac! Is Max ok?”
Lizs eyes widened and she looked around nervously. She couldn’t her help herself in her obvious surprise to see Larac her first thoughts had gone to Max.
“Please can we talk I don’t have much time”
“Sure” She motioned for him to sit down and then moved over and locked the door. Sitting nervously in front of him she wondered why he wanted to see her.
“You may not know this but I was a close friend of Zan. Ava was my sister we all grew up together. You all need to know the truth. I had another sister her name was Tiana. She was very much involved in the lives of the royal four. Tia was Zans first choice for a wife.” He paused for a moment
“I believe that you are Tia, Liz!”
Liz eyebrows shot up in surprise,
“Zan and Tia were not allowed to marry. I don’t know what became of her after Zans wedding but I do know that she was there the day Antar fell”
Liz clasped her hands together in front of her and rested them on the table. Larac could see that she was trembling. Gently taking her hands in his he said.
“I could be wrong, I so very sorry if I am but Max deserves to remember her, they all do. Tia may have failed to help save Antar but she was the reason the royal four made it off the planet to earth.
“Max is the only person who can help you connect with your past life to remember.”
Brodys head arched back slightly his eyes rolled for a moment. Liz sensed that Larac was gone. Brody looked at her in surprise.
“Brody are you ok? You fazed out for a moment there. Perhaps you should go home and get some sleep.”
Liz guided the confused Brody out of the door and locked it behind him before he could ask any questions.
In her bedroom Liz paced the floor unsure of what to do making her decision she grabbed a jacket and headed for the window.


TBC…………….

Hello!

Sorry i havent posted in a couple of weeks heres to parts to keep ya going.

Part 4 - Memories


Liz held her breath and knocked at Max’s window. She could see him sitting at his desk trying to do some homework. Max looked up, seeing Liz he crossed the room to open the window.
“Can I come in?”
“Sure” he watched as Liz climbed in the window and sat at the foot of his bed.
Liz glanced around the room thankful that Tess was absent. She noticed for the first time a picture of Tess on his nightstand. Standing she clasped her hands together, picking up the picture and placing it down again. She said.
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have come.”
Max moved to stand in front of Liz laying the picture face down. One picture had spooked her if only she knew how many pictures of Liz he had hidden around the room.
“What’s wrong?”
“Larac came to see me tonight.”
“Larac why?”
“He said there’s some things about your past that you need to remember.”
“Yes I know that’s why Tess has been helping me. But you already know that.”
He sat on the bed a little confused as to why Liz had appeared so late at night wanting to go over old ground. Sensing she had more to say he listened intently.
“Max what do you remember?”
“I remember a little of Michael, Isabel and…Tess” Max paused a moment before mentioning Tess. Talking of his past relationship always hurt Liz.
“What about Larac?”
“No not really” Liz sat down next to Max on the bed.
“He said…He said that there was someone else”
Max looked up at her in surprise
“Someone else who?”
“Larac said that Ava had a sister. Her name was Tiana.” Liz paused for a moment waiting to see if the name registered at all on Max’s face.
Max looked at her blankly, his mind still wondering the point of this conversation.
“Tiana was Zan’s first choice for a wife, Max don’t you see there was no betrothal Zan was given a choice, but some where along the line that choice was taken away from him. You deserve to remember her and why you couldn’t be together.”
Max stood and moved to the window. Someone else! before Ava. Was it possible? Max looked down and shook his head his life was full of enough heartache did he really want to fill it with more.
He turned on her angrily
“Is this because of Tess? Because you don’t like her!”
“Max I’m doing this for you”
“Why couldn’t Larac tell me himself? Why send you?”
Max had his doubts about the truth of the story but whatever Larac had said to Liz she believed him.
“Because there’s something else,” Liz had decided not to mention her possible connection to Tia it would be too painful for them both if it turned out Larac were wrong. Liz would feel like she’d lost Max all over again and she wasn’t sure she could handle that. Besides if she wasn’t Tia then somebody else out there was and that spooked her more than she’d cared to admit one rival for Max’s affections was enough.
“He also said it was possible that I was there as well”
Max was astonished it was more then he could hope for that he’d know Liz before.
“Max ever since you found out about your destiny. I’ve felt like I’d lost you to something bigger than us both. You have this whole past life with Tess and the others that I just couldn’t touch. Now I find out that maybe I had a small part to play as well. Maybe we never meet or became friends but I know in my heart that I was there and want to be able to see and remember. Then I can know what it was like for you and help you to understand,”
Max’s mind remembered the dream he’d had that afternoon. Was it possible that Liz was Tia? He looked at her, if she suspected she wasn’t telling him. Anger rose in him, just one more thing she was lying to him about.
“Are you Tia?”
Liz’s head jerked up, she could not lie to him anymore.
“Honestly! I don’t know but its possible. Larac said that you were the only one who could help me to remember.”
“Ok” He reached out for her hand and glanced at the bed. They would have to be close for this to work. Gently tugging her behind him he went over and sat on the bed and indicated for her to follow him. He propped the pillow up behind him and lay back as Liz carefully positioned herself next to him. Resting her head on his shoulder Liz watched as Max grasped her hand firmly in his.
Close your eyes and concentrate. Max closed his eyes and tried not think about how close Liz was. Relaxing his mind he was surprised how quickly the memories came to him. “Can you see?” He asked.
Liz watched Max’s hand glow beneath hers for a moment then closed her eyes. In an almost dream like state she saw Max trying to guide her to the window in his mind where they could look back. Suddenly the room changed around them. She was beside Max in an unknown place watching events unfold. Standing hand in hand they watched unable to change anything.

They found themselves back at the point where Zan had saved Tia's life. Max studied Zan's features knowing this man to be a part of himself. Trying to find something that made their connection more real. Liz looked on and paled at the hauntingly familiar scene, Zan was trying desperately to save Tia’s life and succeeded. Max made the connection; he knew Zan’s thoughts and feelings and some how he understood.

Zan scooped Tia up into his arms and made his way over to his horse. Turning slightly towards Larac he said “Ride on ahead tell them whats happened”
Riding back to the castle, Zan looked down at her peaceful face. Thankful that she had remained unconscious and he could really look at her. The soft features of childhood were gone and they had left behind the beautiful face of a young woman.
Tia had always been a close friend to him and he had grown to care for her a great deal. She opened her eyes and looked up at him, a loving smile spread across her face that was just for him. Looking back he knew that it was in that moment his love for Tia had really blossomed. Zan smiled gently but said nothing. Something had happened when he saved her life. He had connected with her in a way he never thought possible. She’d felt it too he was almost sure of that. Tia wrapped her arms around him to steady herself and rested her head on his shoulder for a moment before looking up at him again. All her emotion was clear in her eyes. She tilted her head up slightly. Zan drew in the horse reins so that they stopped moving for a moment. Stroking the side of her face he said.
“I nearly lost you today!” Tia trembled in his arms and nodded as she touched the side of his face. Zan kissed her then, he felt whole with her.
“Marry me?”
“You know I will”
He smiled at her then unable to contain his joy. Reaching up to his neck he gently tugged a chain into view. Tia watched in awe as Zan undid the chain and a ring slide in to his hand. He held it up between his thumb and forefinger.
“I’ve wanted to give this to you for so long” Tia touched the delicate gold band that seemed so plain and simple on the outside, closer inspection allowed her to see what was engraved inside. Lifting her hand softly he slid the ring on to her finger. Kissing her again, she wrapped her arms around his neck unable to contain her joy. Reluctantly pulling away from her he said.
“I’ll talk with Larac as soon as we get back.”
For the rest of their journey they talked briefly about their hopes and dreams for the future. Tia had her hand entwined with Zan’s, mesmerised by the ring she now wore. When they returned Tia was whisked away to be examined by the family physician. Seeing his chance Zan headed down to speak with Larac.

Larac looked up and smiled with pleasure as his old friend entered the room. He did not bother to rise in the presence of the King; they had decided long ago that such protocol in private was unnecessary. Zan hurried toward the desk eager to share the news.
“Good news my friend I am to be married”
Larac rose from his seat and moved round the table to shake Zan’s hand.
“Congratulations, It’s about time you asked Ava to marry you! You’ll both be so happy”
Zan’s face darkened in surprise and anger, so it was true they had been expecting him to propose to Ava. Zan was no fool he knew there was a reason Avas company had often been pushed on him. On some occasions thought through no fault of Avas.
“NO I’m to marry Tia”
His words were slow and carefully timed for them to have full impact on Larac. Realisation crossed his face and Laracs smile faded. Backing away from Zan he went to stand by the window. He had always suspected Tias affection for Zan but was unsure until today if the admiration was felt by on both sides. Over the last two years he had tried desperately guide Zan and Tia away from each other. Tia had been sent away to study. When Zan visited, which Larac insisted he do often. Larac would always try to insist he spent a great deal of time with Ava.
Zan had chosen badly, it had pleased him to see his friend so happy when he’d entered the room now it pained him to be the one that crushed him. Ava was the choice that had been made for him since birth. She was the one that had been brought up to be a queen. Ava knew of course and it helped that she loved him also and had been waiting patiently in the last two years for Zan to indicate some feelings for her or propose.
Zan had not been informed of his betrothal because it was supposed that with the belief that he could chose for himself he would come to love Ava anyway. Not come to resent her because she was he only choice.
“What’s wrong? You were happy when you thought I wanted to marry Ava what difference does Tia make”
Larac turned and indicated for his friend to sit. Pacing the room he explained to Zan the situation with Ava.
Zan listened carefully anger rising in him, he been lied to by his family for years while they tried to manipulate him into do doing what they wanted, even his trusted friend had known about it.
“None of that matters I love Tia”
“Ava has been raised to be your queen, she’s your destiny”
“No your wrong you choose you own destiny, it doesn’t choose you.”
Larac had hoped to convince Zan quickly and easily but he saw now that was futile.
“Tias not suitable”
“Why because she hasn’t been trained to be my wife”
“Because she my half sister her bloods not pure. Her mother was one of my father’s mistresses, she died in childbirth and my mother took pity on Tia. She agreed to take her into our family. Tias real mother is even unknown to her. She’s a bastard child if it wasn’t for my mother she wouldn’t even be here.”
Zan jumped up from the chair and punched his friend
“Never speak about her like that”
Larac rubbed the place on his chin where Zan had hit him.
“I’m sorry a bad choice of words but no less the truth”
“Zan you know as well as I do that as the king you can’t marry just anyone. Whether your in love or not, you have the welfare of a kingdom to consider. There are rules to follow. Your enemies would certainly use Tia and her shady background against you. It could cause anger and unrest amongst the people. The King and Queen are symbols of all that is good and pure you must have someone by your side that symbolises that with you and Tias not that person. I’m sorry my friend but to marry Tia is to abandon your people to the whim of fate. They need your guidance more than Tia needs a husband.”
Larac looked Zan square in the eye and said.
“Could you give all that up”?
Zan’s reply chilled him and he knew he would never forget those words
“For her in a heart beat”
“Zan please”
Zan backed away; clenching his fists together a few times he grabbed a chair and smashed it against the wall, all his shire anger and frustration bubbling on the service. Trying hard to control himself, with his back turned on Larac he headed towards the door.
“Bring Ava to Antar in 2 months” Growling the words he said.
“I’m leaving tomorrow. I won’t see anyone before I leave, not even….”
Zan shook his head and gritted his teeth, he couldn’t think about her now he had to get out of here. Slamming the door behind him he headed back to his own quarters.

Zan stood in the shadows on Tias balcony. The rain poured down on him but he hardly noticed. Larac was pacing up and down trying to explain things to her. She sat nodding occasionally her face getting paler by the second. Zan new he shouldn’t be there. He’d gone back to his quarters but the sudden loneliness he felt had drawn him here. He had to see her before he left to explain, apologise or something. He had to be sure he’d made the right choice. In his heart he knew she would never ask him to stay to give it all up for her. He wished so much they could forget everyone and live happily ever after but those thoughts were unrealistic. He had be born into a role that stole away his freedom of choice and he was only now realising how much being a good King for his people would cost him.
Zan watched helplessly as pain appeared on her face and her tears began to fall. Larac tried his best to comfort her but she jumped up angrily and ordered him out. Chasing him out of the door she locked it behind him. Turning her back on the door she sank down to the floor buried her head in her hands and sobbed helplessly.
Zan could bare it no longer he entered the room and softly approached her. Kneeling in front of her he placed his hand on her head in comfort. Her head jilted up in surprise. When she recognised him she threw herself into his arms and held him tight. Pulling out of his embrace she glanced nervously at the door.
“You shouldn’t be here, if they knew!”
Zan shivered a little; the rain had soaked him through. Tia looked at him with worry in her eyes.
“How long where you out there you’re soaking” She jumped up and went to get him a blanket to warm him. He let her fuss over him saying nothing at first, when it became too much for him he grabbed her hands and pulled her close.
“Tia I… I…” He let go of her hands and walked to the window clenching his fist he rested it on the window pain and looked out. He felt Tias hand on his back as she moved round to stand in front of him. He continued to look out of the window unable to meet her gaze.
“Its Ok, I understand I can’t stand in the way of your destiny, and you can’t give it up not for me”
Tears ran down his face, Tia kissed him softly trying to take away his pain.
“Now is all we have”
She kissed him more urgently. Kissing her back felt so right; sweeping her up into his arms he carried her to the bed. He stopped to look at her a moment as he leaned over her unsure if he should continue. Tia nodded gently and kissed him urging onwards. He made love to her that night for the first time; in Tias arms even the king could feel safe.
Before he left her room he kissed her hungrily, unwilling to leave her ever.
“I love you, I’ll never stop I promise”
Tia was crying pulling her forehead against his; she shut her eyes tight and said
“You have to! You won’t see me again after your wedding”
Zan pulled away and looked at her surprised, he hadn’t thought, maybe he had just assumed but to never see her again that was more than he could stand. But she had said after the wedding his hope flourished they still had time, maybe time for things to change. Tia slowly slipped the ring off her finger and tried to press it into his palm.
“I guess you should have this back” She said through her tears. Zan felt his heartbreak.
“No my love, it belongs to you always”
Giving the ring back to her, all Tia could do was nod and accept it.
“I’m not giving up on you, we can work this out!” Tia shook her head and kissed him tenderly.
“Goodbye my love” Tia backed away from him and turned her back so she wouldn’t have to watch him leave. Zan reached out his hand as she walked away frantic to pull her back to him. Clenching his fist he let his hand fall to his side and left her.

Part 5 - the wedding

Zan's anger and frustration hadn’t dispersed much on his journey home. His family were overjoyed with his news. Valundra had hugged him close and babbled for a while about how happy she was to be gaining a sister. Zan hid his true feelings allowing them to believe there plan had succeeded. His mother and sister bombarded him with meaningless questions. Finally he could stand it no more and made his apologises and left the room.
He was pleasantly surprised when Valundra followed him and suggested they take a walk in the garden.
They didn’t speak at first until, they were sure, they were alone.
“Loni would you like to help mother with the wedding arrangements. I have to go away again. I have things I wish to discuss with Rath. Ava will arrive in 2 months. I’ll be back by then.”
“Certainly” Loni started to walk away from him then, she hadn’t gone very far when she turned to face him again
“I know you Zan, I know your hiding something”
She looked at him questioningly, searching his eyes desperately for the truth.
“Do you love her”?
Zan stared at her for a moment. He so wanted to confide in Loni, shout and scream. Place blame for his current predicament, but he knew it was no use. It wouldn’t change anything
They couldn’t know about Tia, Ava had to be accepted by his mother and Valundra; they had to believe his was truly happy.
Tearing his gaze away from her he said
“She’s very dear to me”
Loni smiled at him and walked away. He was sure she didn’t believe him but she knew he was stubborn enough never to tell her the truth if he chose not to.

Zan spent the next two months going over army issues with Rath. Inspections of his troops were carried out. Rath informed him of some unrest amongst the skins. They were rumoured to have a new leader but he was as yet unnamed but had been linked to some attempted bombings and rioting. If Rath suspected any unrest in his friend he did not question it. Zan buried him self in the problems surrounding him and sometimes for a few moments he could even forget the wedding was happening.

The day of Ava's arrival soon came. Zan had arrived a week earlier at the insistence of his mother and sister. Everywhere he turned now there were reminders of his wedding. The realisation that Tia would be coming also had raised his sprits considerably and his family were glad to see him so happy about his forthcoming marriage.

Officially he wasn’t to meet with Ava until the evenings banquet. Leaving the reception of his guests to his mother and Valundra he made his way up to one of the side rooms he knew overlooked the entryway into the palace, where the guests would disembark to be greeted.
He watched with anticipation as Laracs transport arrived. The passengers disembarked and his heart leapt as Tia emerged.
Tonight he would see her again. He could almost feel her touch and taste her kiss.

Making his way back through the corridors to his private chambers he was astonished when Tia rounded the corner and ran into him. They looked at each other stunned for a moment to be so close once again. His smile turned to concern as he took in her obvious distress. Finding they were close to the roof conservatory he guided her inside. There was an enclosed area down the far end where he knew they could speak privately. He felt her sigh and lean all her weight into him as she let him guide her. Slumping down on the bench Tia bowed her head away from him. Sitting cautiously, he placed his arm around her drawing her as close as he dared. Sobbing she rested her head on his shoulder, His free hand brushed the hair away from her face looking down at her he asked
“What’s wrong?”
Her bottom lip trembled as she cried some more. Rubbing his hand softly on her back and rocking her tenderly he said
“Please don’t cry I can’t bare to see you cry.”
Moving his hands to cup her face he brushed away her tears with sweet kisses finding there way softly to her lips. He pulled her closer as they kissed.
“What’s wrong?” He asked again as gently as he could.
Her face changed as she regained her composure and pulled away from his embrace.
“I….I should go”
She rapidly left the bench; clasping her hands his eyes questioned her again.
“No really I..” She shook her hands free and fled.

The Banquet hall was huge. The Thrones stood dominating the room at the top of a small run of steps. The King and Queens stood top most and two slightly smaller thrones were placed lower down for the queen mother and Valundra. Zan sat in his throne watching and waiting his entire world turning into a dream he couldn’t wake from.

Shadows are chased away by candlelight. Silhouettes danced on the soft blue walls. The new queen, the king’s choice in wife would arrive and her pathway was paved in soft white rose petals. The man who has become a king over night, stands to greet the woman who will soon help to bare the burden of the war. She raises her small hand and he returns the gesture, by planting a small kiss - as is the custom- on the back of her hand.
His eyes briefly meet hers, but he quickly shifts his gaze, as if looking through her, until he can see Tia.
He smiles briefly, but straightens quickly as he remembers all eyes are on them.
Then he spoke.
He had said the words in his mind a hundred times or more, but saying them aloud made them permanent. Made the pain real.
Tia held her head high, her eyes revealing nothing of the pain she felt slowly killing her inside.
The magic of their romance had died as these words were spoken and now Tia's only strength was doing the right thing. Letting go.

Rainbows danced around the room, Tia would catch a glimpse of Zan or Ava as they made their way across the dance floor.
She stood to the side with Larac and Valundra, barely paying attention to what they were saying, but she was so lost inside that not much of it made any sense.
She was brought out of her daydream when she felt Valundra link arms with her.
Tia smiled, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oh! Tia they will be so happy together" Valundra sighed, trying to bring her out of the darkened mood that had seemed to have settled on her friend.
"Yes they will!" Larac chimed in.
He didn't want to cause Tia any pain, but he had to play along, so no one would notice, the hurt in Tia's aura.
Tia was aware of two people joining them, she looked up to see Zan hugging his sister, his eyes fixed on her. Tia spoke to him-don't say a word, just play along- her eyes said and he understood.
"Come Zan, dance with our dear Tia" Valundra said as the old group of friends gathered at the edge of the dance floor.
"Just think, soon she will be our sister"
Valundra watched as Zans usually expressionless eyes seemed to shift, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not discover the emotion she had seen pass.
"Zan dance with my sister" Ava chimed in trying to hide her discomfort and jealousy she felt inside.
Zan held his hand forward, he could she the battle of emotions raging in Tia’s heart, but slowly she stepped forward placing her delicate hand in his, before he lead her proudly onto the dance floor.
The music emanated around the room, Zan savoured the emotions that seemed to rush through his veins.
Her eyes sparkled and he could see his besotted smile mirrored in her perfect face.
The rest of the world seemed to dissolve, like ice as the familiar warmth leaked into the atmosphere, casting them into their own perfect world of make believe.
Rose petals fell around them, containing a rich magic that made every second even more perfect than the last.
"Zan" he heard her soft voice whisper.
He could feel everything she was feeling, it was like he was seeing through her eyes.
He knew that would be the way he would always remember her.
Bathed in an endless golden light, while soft rose petals tangled in her cascading dark hair and the music bringing delicate tears to her ethereal gaze.
In his eyes she would never age, she would always hold an eternal beauty that went against the laws of both man and god.
She was his angel, the portrait of his dreams, she held the world on her shoulders and she would bare that burden like a queen. His queen.

Valundra stood enthralled in the scene before her.
Her brother whose face had been taught to disguise every emotion, seemed helplessly lost as if he wished he were frozen in time.
He had only appeared jovial before, but now she could see every secret and every emotion that passed between the two.
Valundra felt a pang in her heart, for the doomed love that they shared.
She had always known her brother cared for Tia a great deal, but now she knew it went deeper.
So deep that even she -the princess whose heart had been compared to ice- could tell it was more than friendship, that it was more than love, so much more, because what they shared had no name.

Standing alone in the gardens later that evening Zan watched as Tia walked away from him. He turned as he became aware of a presence at his side and a soft hand placed in his. Ava smiled up at him lovingly hiding well all the emotion she felt. Guilt raged as he looked into Avas trusting eyes, smiling at her he guided her over a near by bench. Zan finally realised how important it was to let Tia walk out of his life forever if he was to remain true to his wife. Sitting Ava down he was touched when she shyly leaned over and whispered her love for him in his ear. Turning to face her, he knew he had to make it real. Gently touching her cheek, he closed his eyes and tenderly kissed her. Holding back so much of his true feelings he wondered if he would ever be able to bring himself to forget Tia be a real husband to Ava. All the love Ava had for him poured into that moment and she knew she’d never forget in this life or the next.

tbc.....

sorry if that seemed a bit, bitty, those event are told again soon from Tia's point of view and that will fill in the gaps.

Part Six – Bad Dreams

Tia stood defiantly in front of Zan’s desk, in his private study, and watched while he paced the room angrily. Larac had informed Zan of Tias intention to leave Antar before the wedding, and of the numerous proposals she’d received. Jealously had overcome his powers of reason and he had demanded she be summoned. Watching her now he knew the real reason she was here they had to say goodbye.
“You can’t leave before the wedding, how that will look if Ava’s own sister is absent. People will ask questions.” They were valid points but he knew he was grasping for reasons.
“Tell Ava I’ve been taken ill; tell her anything does it matter! You’re the king why would she disbelief you.” She held her head high. “I’m leaving this afternoon”
Zans anger soared almost shouting he said, “I command you to stay!”
Tia spun round to look at him disbelief and anger written on her face.
“You command me?”
Zan backed away, he’d over stepped the line, he had no right to demand anything from her. As king he could easily make her stay but she would never forgive him.
“What right do you have to ask anything of me? If I stay for the wedding? Then what? Would you have me stay here as your mistress? To keep me here as something you can use and disregard when you’re unsatisfied with your wife!!” Tia was shouting now her rage overflowing. “How dare you presume”?
Zan sat down defeated as Tia sped towards the door. “Wait” He said.
She turned curiously
“If you choose to offend Ava and I by not attending our wedding. You will be no longer welcome here, you are dead to us!”
Tia nodded slightly, they looked at each other for one long moment before she slammed out of the door all of his hope leaving with her. Zan held his head in his hands; Tia was gone, really gone.
“Goodbye my love” He whispered gently as he stared at the spot where she’d stood a moment before. He had so many regrets.

Almost a year had past, since Tia had walked out on Zan. He paced his office Larac would be arriving soon. It would be the first time he’d seen his friend since the wedding. Ava sat close by also eagerly awaiting her brother’s arrival. Larac himself had been married some months before and just become a father. Zan glanced at his wife, he tried so hard to be everything she needed in a husband but Tia filled his mind constantly. News of her whereabouts’ was foremost in his mind; Larac had always been evasive in his messages. In his heart of hearts Zan prayed that Tia would arrive with her brother. A knock at the door caused him to return his thoughts to the presence.
“Enter,” He commanded, Zan grinned happily as Larac entered the room, crossing the space between them he grasped his friend in a bear hug. Taking a moment to hide his face from Larac and Ava as he realised Larac was alone.
“Congratulations, my friend. A son!”
Larac beamed. Zan placed his arm around Ava as he felt her move to his side.
Larac looked at his friends.
“And what about you two, the patter of tiny feet it’s like nothing you can believe.” Larac knew he’d hit a sore point when he saw Ava’s face fall and Zan looked uncomfortable. They shared a room but intimacy was not something they shared often.
“How’s Tia?” Ava questioned. Zan let her go and indicated for them to sit while he stood by the window, grateful that Ava had asked.
Larac looked from Zan to Ava nervously. His eyes softened considerably when he looked at Ava.
“What’s wrong?” Ava asked
Fear began to mount in Zan as he turned to see his friend’s distraught look as he struggled with his words. “Tia’s dead”
Zan’s world went in to slow motion as Ava began to cry. Tia couldn’t be dead he would have felt it.
“You lying she’s not dead, I’d know” He shouted angrily forgetting everything he was trying to hide from Ava.
Larac took Avas hands in his.
“Ava, I need to tell Zan some things, I don’t want you to know the details”
Ava nodded quietly and silently left the room, throwing a knowing look at Zan that startled him.
When the door was closed Zan turned on his friend again.
“Your lying, she sent you didn’t she?” Zan raged, Larac looked puzzled and bewildered.
“I’m telling you the truth. I wish it wasn’t true but she died in my arms Zan. I was there with her” Zan slumped down on the sofa as Larac told him what had happened, tears evident on his friends face.
“There was some rioting on our planet, Tia and I got caught in it, there was some trouble and some how…” Larac paused and looked desperately at his hands turning them over as remembered it all. “Tia was shot. There was nothing I could do!”
“It’s not true it can’t be” Zan whispered in a small child like voice, pleading with Larac to tell him it was all a lie.
Larac placed a comforting hand on his friends shoulder only to have thrust away.
“This is all you fault, she should have been here with me, I love her and I couldn’t protect her.” Zans voice held a low calm quality like a man giving up. It chilled Larac
“I’m sorry Zan but I know she wouldn’t want you to give up on Ava and what you have.” Larac tried frantically to bring Zan back. The look in Zans eyes told him he’d used the wrong choice of words.
“Get out” Zan rasped.
Larac rose unsure what to do as he moved to leave he took Tias ring out of his pocket and placed it on the desk.
“Her last thoughts were of you! This is yours now.” With that he hurriedly left the room leaving Zan alone to his grief.
Zan held his head in his hands, tears streamed down his face as Laracs words sunk in. A small voice continued to cry in his mind that it was all a lie, that Tia wasn’t really gone. Lifting his head slowly he brushed away his tears and his eyes focused on the ring. Moving to the windows he pulled the shutters closed, and went to pour himself his first endless drink.

Zan sat in the chair behind his desk slumped forward slightly he rested his chin on his hand, with his other hand reached out in front of him gently turned the ring over in his fingers. His eyes barely shifted as Ava breezed into the room and opened the shutters. Zan blinked slightly in the bright light and registered Ava’s existence.
“You can’t keep this up.” Ava whipped the bottle of drink away from him. Zan focus his glazed drunken eyes on her and growled slightly as he begun to push himself up from the chair.
“Yes I can,” He said as he pushed past her to retrieve his salvation.
“Zan you’re the King, you can’t keep hiding away grieving for someone that was never yours”
Zan sucked in his breath as he struggled to calm his growing anger.
“You don’t understand”
“No Zan, I understand more than you think. Did you think that I was stupid, that I haven’t known all along? I’m your wife, your Queen. I deserve some god dammed respect.” Ava edged back slightly as Zan stepped closer to her a fury burning in eyes that terrified her.
“RESPECT! You’re here because I had no choice; it seems that a trained lap dog was more acceptable as Queen than the woman that I love.”
“Love...” Ava narrowed her eyes. “We had a chance to be happy, but that stupid bitch was always in the way.” Ava fell back as Zan slapped her.
“Don’t your ever talk about Tia like that again or I swear to god I’ll kill you myself.”
Ava backed away clutching her cheek where she’d been slapped. ”Face it Zan, your bitch is dead! Looks like you’re stuck with your legal wife for company.”
Tears escaped her looked at him defiantly. “It’s all about you isn’t it. Did you ever consider what it would be like for me to be married to a man that couldn’t bare to look at me, let alone touch me?” She moved to shove him back but he grabbed her wrist tightly as Ava continued. “I’m trapped here with you! The only time you’ve ever shone affection towards me is when you’re asleep, when you cuddle up to me and whisper your lovers name instead of mine.”
“How long has it been going on? How often have you been sneaking off to sleep with my sister?”
Zan looked at her blankly his anger dispersed enough to have registered her feelings. Guilt bothered him as he consider Ava’s point of view for the first time.
“Ava I never…”
“Don’t lie to me” Ava screamed “I know she wasn’t with Larac this past year. She’s been hiding here hasn’t she?”
“Tia was with Larac when she died, I haven’t seen her in over a year.” Zan almost begged Ava to believe him. Her tears stopped and she looked at him, the dilemma behind her eyes evident.
“Why couldn’t you ever feel that for me?” Zan looked at her intently as he wondered what to say. Ava misinterpreted his gaze and reached up her hand to softly caress his check.
“Zan my love! I’m hurting too Tia was my sister.” Ava stepped back in shock as Zan slapped her hand away from his face. “Don’t touch me”
“Zan please, with Tia gone, maybe we can make things work!” Ava pleaded urgently.
“NEVER! I don’t love you, I’m not pretending anymore.”
“But I’m your wife.”
Zan smiled cruelly. “And I’m the King, don’t push me Ava or have you banished from here so fast you won’t know what hit you.”
Ava lifted her head indignantly.
“Yes and I’m the Queen.”
Zan folded his arms and glared at her.
“Keep your position, it’s of no concern to me but I want you out of my bed permanently, find someplace else to sleep.”
She recovered quickly and turned a cold glare on her husband as she reached out and picked up the ring from the table, recognising it as Tia’s.
“Why is this here?” She looked up at Zan confused as he snatched the ring away from her.
Ava twisted her mouth into a cruel smile.
“Fine I’ll play the perfect Queen for the people, in private you can mourn for your whore all you like I really don’t care.”
Zan firmly placed his hand around her throat lifting her slightly. Ava struggled in his grasp but refused to show fear.
“Tia was twice the queen you’ll ever be!” dropping her to the floor he opened the door, “Now get out, in private I don’t even wanna no you exist”
Zan poured himself another drink and consider just how many lives had been ruined because of one decision. The drink was half way to his mouth when a hand firmly gripped his arm.
“Enough” Lonnie used her other hand to prize the drink away from him.

*************************************************************

Max and Liz stood close together.
“Max stop this please. I don’t want to see anymore”
“But these are just my memories what about Tia. Can you make a connection to her?”
“No” Liz lied, she felt something but even with Max’s help she hadn’t been able to connect.
Max told her to close her eyes. When she opened them she found herself back on the bed in Max’s arms.
Max felt the dampening of his shirt from Lizs tears, saying nothing he held her close. She soon fell asleep in his arms and he lay watching her sleep for sometime before falling into a fitful sleep him self.

Part Seven - Tia

Liz was dreaming again, she could feel the warmth of Max’s body close to hers as she drifted away. A grey mist enveloped her and Liz gazed in astonishment as Tia appeared in front of her.
“You have to know, you have to see”
Liz reached out for her as the apparition disappeared. Her surroundings changed this time she knew where she was. She watched as Tia moved around her bedroom. Liz opened her mind as curiosity over took her. The jolt she felt was enough to almost knock her down. When she opened her eyes again, she looked at Tia and knew the girls every thought, hope and dream. Panic over came as she realised she was alone this time and Max was no longer by her side. “How will I get out of here?” she thought.
A bodiless voice whispered close to her ear.
“Don’t fear. You’ll know”
Liz stood alone as she watched Tia’s memories, feeling strangely safe.

Tia danced around her room. She was so happy. The one thing she’d never dared hope for had happened. Zan loved her and they were to be married. Collapsing backwards on the bed she hugged her pillow to her and stared at the ceiling as she recalled the exact moment she knew she loved him.

Ava and she had been playing in the garden; when Larac had stolen Tia’s book, she was barely 10 and small for her age, Zan was 13. Larac threw the book to Zan, who turned and ran knowing Tia was chasing him. He was running up the hill, He turned when he heard Tia scream, just in time to see her fall backwards.
“Tia” He shouted running after her
“Tia are you all right” He fell to his knees at her side, frantically shaking her.
“My ankle, it hurts,” She said in a tiny voice, so delicate. Zan put her book aside and moved to cover the now red and swollen ankle with his cool hands.
“It’s just a sprain you’ll be ok. Can you walk”?
“I think so” He pulled her up to her feet but as she rested her weight on her foot she fell forward into his arms. In one swift move, he’d picked her up the discarded book forgotten. He had carried her back to the house. She remembered looking up into his eyes and seeing gentleness that overwhelmed her, and she knew she loved him.

Tia smiled knowingly to herself on the ride home this afternoon. She had looked up into his eyes and seen that same look but now it carried more with it. Worry and concern for her were etched on his face and in that moment she’d known that he loved her. Even if he’d never told her she would always have known. As he began to speak she’d known in her soul what he was going to say. She had so desperately wanted him to kiss her and when he did it was like the whole world around them stopped.
Tia jumped up as she heard a knock at the door.
“Who is it?”
“Larac”
Tia beamed he must know, he’d come to congratulate her, throwing the pillow to one side, checking her appearance she said enter.
Tia looked at him him guardedly, not wanting to give herself away if Zan had said nothing.
“What can I do for you brother?”
“I’ve spoken with Zan”
Tia squealed and threw her arms around Larac.
“I’m so happy”
Tia smiled at him as he carefully unwrapped himself from her arms.
“Tia please sit down we have to talk”
Tia did so and looked up at him in wonder.
“Tia, Zan is not going to marry you”
“What! Why? I don’t understand. Why not?”
Larac stared at her for a long moment.
“Do you love him? Or is your young mind in love with the idea of being the Queen.”
Tia glared at him angrily.
“It’s of no concern to me what Zan's title is. I love him not his crown.”
“Tia I don’t want to see you get hurt, you’re very dear to me. If you truly love Zan then give him up and walk away.”
“Zan asked me to marry him why should I walk away”
Larac sighed “Zan's wife has already been chosen for him by his elders.”
Tia felt that she was fighting a losing battle and Zan would never truly be hers, but she had to fight, she had to know she tried.
“Zan’s the king and he chooses me, I’m sure his family would not argue with that”
“You’re wrong Tia. I gave him the choice this afternoon and he chose.”
Tia looked up at him tears welling in her eyes afraid of what he was about to say.
“As king he his bound by the rules and responsibilities that come with a position of power. He must consider his kingdom. He chose Avandrea!”
Tia's head snapped up, shouting now she turned on Larac
“Ava? But we are sisters! How can you stand there and tell me that I can’t marry Zan, and in the next breath tell me that Ava can?”
Larac stepped away from her.
“Because Ava was raised to be his queen”
Tia tried to calm herself “You’d rather have lap dog by his side than someone he loves. How can any of you justify that to him?”
“Tia you are unsuitable I was hoping not to tell you but I see now its time you knew”
Tia sat down her face growing paler as Larac explained to her about her mother. She tuned out as he spoke, her heart breaking, as she knew she’d truly lost.
“Tia you must convince Zan that Ava is a better choice”
Larac spoke loudly bring her back to reality. She stared at him blankly her entire childhood crumbling around her. Zan belonged to some one else, she loved him but it was someone else that would call him husband. Chasing Larac out of the room the last of her childish hopes and dreams died. Resting her head in her arms she cried. Looking up again she saw Zan kneeling in front of her a look of heartache spread across his face as she threw herself into his arms hoping to sink into oblivion. Zan was with her and these few precious moments were all they had.

Tia sat in the transport across from Ava. Larac slept peacefully next to her. Turning her head she watched out the window as the countryside of Antar flew by. Ava had been so happy about her forthcoming marriage to Zan. Tia and Ava had never been close as sisters, but Ava was a chatterbox when she was nervous. Ava had tried to hide it from Tia but the circumstances of Zan’s sudden departure and the message she’d received about the marriage made her nervous.
Ava knew things weren’t right but couldn’t be sure what the problem was. She had tried on one occasion to question Tia but thankfully Larac had interrupted them.
Ava sat back with her eyes closed, slightly pale with nerves. One thing Tia had become sure of in the last 2 months was that Ava loved Zan very much; with her by his side he had a chance to be happy.
Turning her head back to look out of the window her mind raced, they would be there soon. As always her thoughts turned to Zan and that night in her room, the memory of his kiss played on lips and she could almost feel his gentle touch….
“Tia were here”
Ava sat forward and watched as the transport docked. Larac climbed out first and held out his hand to help down each of his sisters. Ava went first and glided over to meet the queen and her daughter. Tia climbed out last, glancing over she was relived to see Zan was missing. Approaching she saw them hug Ava and welcome her lovingly into there family. Tia felt jealous and robbed, her mind wandered for as a moment as she thought about what Zan might have confided in them. Glancing around the courtyard she could shake the feeling she was being watched. Valundra hugged and welcomed her, as children they had spend sometime together but the princess had always been quiet and reserved. Her mind hovered for a moment on a long forgotten memory of when the princess had gently teased her about having feelings for Zan. She made a mental note to avoid Valundra.

Tia sat at the dressing table, a picture of Zan clutched in her hand.
“What have I done?” She whispered to herself. Unaware that Ava had entered the room, she jumped up when she heard her speak.
“Done what? Who are you talking to”?
Tia dropped the picture as she spun round; Ava held her back as she went to grab it.
“What’s this”?
Scooping it up Ava glanced at her suspiciously as she recognised Zan’s image.
“Why do you have this”?
“I.. er” Tia stammered she’d be caught off guard and couldn’t think up an excuse quick enough.
Ava smirked
“You think you love him? Is that it?”
Tia looked stunned for a second but it was a second to long Ava knew.
Ava's face harden as she slapped Tia
“How dare you! You are the child of a concubine, you have to no right to love the King or suppose that you’d ever mean anything to him” Ava narrowed her eyes “I am his wife NEVER forget that”
Tia placed her hand on the spot where Ava had slapped her, backing out the room eager to be away from her. Tia cursed herself how could she have been so stupid. Coming here was a mistake she had to leave soon as possible. Hurrying down the corridor tears streaming down her face she was startled as she rounded the corner and landed in Zan’s arms. In his arms after that she had found little comfort, just more determination to leave.

The banquet was on its way, the music filling the empty halls.
The palace had come to life.
Tia had found little peace watching Zan with Ava and had wandered into the gardens in search of the peaceful night’s air, unaware that Zan had followed. Moving quietly behind her, he gently placed his hand firmly on the small of her back, afraid to get to close but desperately needing to touch her.
"Why do you cry my princess?"
"I'm not crying I was getting some air" she lied, willing her unshed tears to fade.
"Tia you can not lie to me. I should never had expected you to come, knowing it would only cause you pain. I am sorry"
"Don't be sorry my love, I could not bare to cause you sorrow".
Zan took her hands in his.
"You already have, but ask me now and I will cast my engagement to Ava aside and take you in my arms before you have a moment to protest. There would no longer be sorrow. My love, tell me to let this world go".
She no longer controlled her falling tears; she savoured them as she stared up into his caramel gaze.
"I cannot ask nor will I tell you to do such a thing. Zan you are born to privilege and with that comes specific obligations, by denying your love, you are giving the people a king. Your heart belongs to me, but your destiny is with Ava".
She knew her words stung, but the reality of them had sunk in.
His eyes, which had always held a warm glow, now became dull and lifeless like a man whose world had crumbled around him.
She gently stroked his cheek with her small hand, savouring the feel of the soft skin.
She knew nothing had changed, but they needed the moment.
She stepped closer, "I love you" she whispered, before softly kissing his cheek, then walked away.


The next morning she confronted Larac. The last few months he had become her confidante and best friend.
“What are you going to do?” Larac asked placing a supportive hand on her back. They were sitting on the same bench where Zan had tried so desperately to comfort her the day before.
“The only thing I can do disappear.”
“Zan has a right to know” Larac protested, now pacing the length of the path.
“He’d never willing let me go! He’d give up everything. I can’t do that to Ava or our Kingdom”
“When will you leave?”
“Tonight I’ll go home, is there somewhere you can arrange for me to move on to when I arrive.”
“Yes it will all have been taken care of by the time you arrive”
“Promise you’ll say nothing”
“Tia he has a right to know you’re leaving, a chance to say goodbye”
Tia turned away from him
“And if he can’t”
Larac held her shoulders firmly
“He will! You’re stubborn like him. You have to make him.”
Tia smiled at him and walked away knowing what was to come when she saw Larac again.

Tia hurried out of the palace away into the night. Her departure had been arranged and now as she left, Tia stole a glance of her shoulder. She gazed at the Palace the symbol of the kingdom Zan had chosen over his love for her. Placing her hand on her belly she thought of the future and life she had to protect.
Their last few words had been fuelled with hurt and pain. Anger meant they had not said goodbye, somehow that was easier.

Liz placed her hand on her belly in disbelief. Fear rose in her, unwilling to see anymore. She began to turn around wildly.
“MAX, MAX”
“Liz, Liz wake up”
Max was shaking her, worry written all over his face, as she opened her eyes to look at him.
“Liz are you ok, you were yelling my name”
Liz leapt of the bed and Max quickly followed and stood in front of her with his back to the window in an attempt to block her way out.
“Liz what is it.”
Liz glanced over his shoulder and was surprised to see the sun had come up.
Looking round confused she said
“What time is”?
“Bout 8ish, Liz what the hell were you dreaming”
“Zan and Tia they…”
Max watched with concern as Liz moved her hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. She was swooning in his arms as he held her firmly.
Liz’s head span as she had another flash. Closing her eyes she saw Tess standing a few feet away from her with a gun in her hand. The space around them was blurry. But Liz saw her face clearly; the look of shock as she pulled the trigger and the gun went off.
“Liz, come back to me” Max shook her.
Liz’s eyes snapped open trying desperately to focus. Max felt her body stiffen and saw her eyes widen in surprise, turning to look behind him he saw Tess standing a few feet away. A look of fury on her face.

TBC

Part Eight – Mind Games

“What the hells going on here!”
Max glanced at Liz her face was still pale. Sitting her down on the bed, he turned to confront Tess.
“Max as she been here all night?”
Tess looked away from him as max placed his hands on her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down.
“Its ok. It’s not what you think. Liz was just helping me to remember some things”
Max knew he’d said the wrong thing as he watched Tess’s face darken.
“That’s not possible.” Tess’s voice was laced with menace. “I don’t believe you” She’s pulled away from Max and crossed the room to where Liz sat.
“Why are you really here? What are you board with Kyle now! Decided you rather be with Max after all”
Liz looked up at her slowly, a glimmer of recognition in her eyes as she tried hard to focus on the here and now.
“Tess…I was trying to help Max” Liz placed her hand on her head as her headache worsened. Scrunching up her eyes she knew she was missing something, a piece of information. The thought slipped away as she tried to grasp it.
“Help Max!!!, your not one of us. How did you really think you could help” Tess grabbed Liz and shook her. “Huh tell me”
Max stepped in fast grabbing Tess and moving her away from Liz, being careful to place himself in between them.
“Tess what do you think your doing, can’t you see she’s not well”
Tess looked up at him in disbelief.
“That’s right Max defend your Ex-girlfriend. I can’t believe how quickly you take her side”
Tess stared up at him. “God Max I’m your girlfriend now”
Max kept his voice calm.
“I’m not taking her side, your being unreasonable. Nothing happened here. Liz had a dream about Antar and Zan. It’s was the same as one of my memories”
“I was going to tell you about it but I thought it was just a coincidence.”
Max paused for a moment.
“She came to me last night and said she knew other things about Zans life almost like she’d been there. I agreed to help her see if she could remember anymore”
Max tried his best to leave out as much detail as possible. Max had accepted Tess as a girlfriend but occasionally he would look into her eyes and realised there was still so much he didn’t know about her.
When he mentioned Liz’s suspicions Tess’s eyes had narrowed for a moment, a distinct lack of surprise on her face, a distant look of knowledge there. His instinct told him to be wary of her.
Liz stood
“Its true”
Passing Max she glanced up at him and said
“I should go”
Tess was raging in side.
“What kind of memories”
Tess didn’t need to be told. This was what she’d feared for so long. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw the look that Max and Liz gave each other. Something snapped. Lunging for Liz she screamed.
“YOU WANT TO KNOW IT ALL. WHAT YOU DID”
Tess grabbed the side of lizs head. Stumbling backward on to the floor Liz felt the wait of Tess on top of her. The burning sensation on either side of her, as Tess's palms grew hot.
Max stunned by surprise at Tess’s sudden lung, Paused momentarily as the two girls tumbled to the floor. Grabbing Tess by the shoulders he pulled her off and threw her to one side. Falling to his knees in watched in horror as blood streamed from lizs nose. He barely noticed Isabel burst into the room. Take in the scene and move to Tess side. Moving his hand over Liz he could find nothing physically wrong with her.
Tess sat looking at them from where max had thrown her. With her back leaning up against the bed she looked at Liz.
“See it all bitch”
Max felt began to panic as he tried to heal Liz and couldn’t, angrily he grabed Tess and pulled her to her feet “What the hell have you done to her…FIX IT NOW!!”
The way Tess looked at him made him draw back a little. A look of insanity in her eyes and a mad laugh spread across her lips.
“I can’t Max”
“Max what’s happened here?” Max turned to look at Isabel, registering her presence for the first time.
“She’s done something to Liz”
Max let go of Tess and moved to pick up Liz laying her carefully down on the bed. He moved his hand over nose to remove the blood on her face.
“Why can’t I heal her?”
Tess looked on indignantly
“Her minds gone….She wanted so badly to remember Zan well I helped her. I’ve sent her mind back.”
“Bring her back. You’ve done this you can undo it”
“No max I want her to see. To know how Tia single handily destroyed our Kingdom and killed us all.”
Max gazed at Liz. Tess was lying in knew it. From the memories he had seen he knew Tia wasn’t capable of that.
“Isabel call Michael. I know what to do”
He placed his hand on Lizs forehead and brushed the hair away form her. Kissing her lightly he whispered
“I’ll find you”
Holding Lizs hand he became dimly aware of Tess trying to leave the room. Moving his hand he used a blast of energy to knock her out.
“You’re staying”

Liz felt the burning in her mind as she slipped further and further away from Max. She found herself sinking to her knees, placing her hands over ears. She tried desperately to block out the voices as they bombarded her mind. Opening her eyes through the pain she saw the memories flooding around her. The thoughts and feelings of so many people tore at her sanity.
“Max!” She screamed over and over and till her voice was horse and all she could do was watch as she felt herself losing the battle to keep her mind.

##########################################


A year had passed since Tia had walked out of Zans life. The pain she felt never lessened and eventually a plan formed in her mind. Zan was the love of her life she had to find a way of watching over him without him ever realising. Tia felt a pang of guilt in her chest. Larac had gone to the palace that morning to inform Zan that she was dead. Her own heart died a little at the thought of causing Zan so much pain. Tia tried hard to take solace in the fact that she’d done what was needed to survive.
She glanced at the small photograph of herself, and then looked at the image reflecting in the mirror.
The long raven hair was now a collection of blonde curls that climbed the length of her back and her eyes no longer held their emerald sparkle, but seemed to mirror the lifeless feeling of her heart in the doe brown. She no longer looked like a heart broken little girl, she looked like a soldier.

Tia met Lana and Bern on her first day in the army.
They were the only ones who'd cared enough to show her the ropes and they'd gone out of their way to help her when she was in trouble.
After a while it felt like she'd known them her entire life.
In time she came to trust them with more then just her life but also with pieces of her story.
It was a hard life, but she'd give up much more if it meant that Zan was safe.
It was the only way she could protect him without him ever knowing.

Some months passed and Tia kept her head down and excelled in her training, determined to be the best. Her first real test came when the news arrived that Rath was to be married to Valundra.
All recruits were required to monitor security for the wedding.
Tia had her orders, to secure the perimeter and be on the look out for any thing out of the ordinary.
Standing by the far wall with a gun slung over one shoulder. Trees obscured her from view but she could see for miles around. The church chosen for the ceremony was situated on the hillside. The doors were only a few meters away and she turned with anticipation as they were opened and the wedding party emerged to escape the confines of the church. Tia caught her breath in her throat. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw.
Zan stepped from the church with Ava on his arm and an expression of pure happiness emanating on his dark features.
Tia - forgetting her place - sunk to her knees, feeling like her entire world just shattered.
Lana glanced over at her now pale friend and ran to her side, quickly pulling her to her feet, before someone saw her.
"Ty are you alright?" Lana asked franticly shaking her friend, hoping it would trigger some kind of response.
"F...Fine. I'm fine" Tia managed to say, obviously trying to hide her sudden slip up.
"Are you sure? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost?"
"I'm fine, really. You should get back to work before we both get in trouble"
Tia glanced back up at the crowd of people and for a few moments saw Laracs eyes watching her. Tia backed off and continued to patrol the perimeter before proceeding back to the barracks to carry out the rest of her duties.

Returning to the barracks Tia slumped down on her bed. Her thoughts were in whirl with the image of Zan and Ava imprinted on her mind. Pressing her face into her pillow she allowed a few tears to escape.

“Ti! you got a letter" Bern said placing the posh looking envelope on her bed then leaving her to finish packing.
"Thanks" she replied barely acknowledging his existence.
Tia glanced at the letter; she recognized the handwriting and immediately felt her spirits fall.
In honour of General Rath's wedding celebrations his price army had been given a weeks leave and Tia had arranged to stay with Lana and her family.
She knew she couldn't go back home because she'd never want to leave, staying with Lana was the next best thing.
She turned her attention to the letter, slowly turning it over and over in her hand, unsure about opening it.
Finally her curiosity won, she franticly ripped it open and began to read the words.
She seemed to fall to the floor, as if her legs could no longer hold her up.
Old tears began to trail down her face and Tia pushed the letter aside no longer caring.
"Ty!" Lana shouted, from what seemed like somewhere far away.
"Oh my god Ty what happened?"
Lana knelt down beside her, she saw the letter and went to retrieve it, but Tia didn't try to stop her.
"He still loves me" Tia said in what was barely a whisper.
Lana's eyes fell to the words and she read it out loud.

Dear Tia

When you said you would disappear,
I never thought it would be into Rath's army.
You are so close to him now and are risking a great deal,
but you are doing it in the name of love,
so it gives me no reason to complain.
You may not have noticed, but I did see you, at the wedding.
You look so different, that I was unsure it was really you,
but when you looked at him I knew it was
Because I could see the pain in your eyes.
I can only comfort you by saying that what you saw was a lie.
His smile no longer reaches his eyes and I know that is partly my fault,
He was trying to be happy for his sister’s sake,
but you and I both know he has always been a bad liar.

I should not tell you these things because they will
only cause you more pain.
But I lied to you before and that I can no longer do.
You need to know that he still loves you, he always has and he always will.
No matter what any one says, just always believe that.

Love your brother,
Larac


Lana stared at her, she understood it all now.
Why Tia had always been so distant, why she'd never really talked about her past and why she wanted to be the best of soldiers.
"I'm sorry I never knew" Lana threw her arms around Tia, for the first time Lana knew the real Ti and she wasn't the brave soldier that everyone expected her to be, she was still a scared girl who chose this life to defend her love.

Part Nine - Consequenses

"Attention!" Rath shouted the order for all his troops to fall into line, like they had been trained to do without a second thought.
"We have just gotten word that Kavar is hiding in the city with a few of his men. Your orders are to patrol the city until they are found, but do not, I repeat, do not kill then do I make myself clear"
"Sir, yes, sir!"
"Good! Now split into teams of three and I want civilian clothing. Move out!"

The teams scattered leaving Rath to himself, he preferred to work by himself and no one ever questioned him about it.

Tia stepped into the crowded market place with Lana and Bern close behind, but something was wrong. She felt from the moment they arrived, things were just too normal.
They could see Rath in the distance talking to one of the stall owners, but all Tia could think about was how wrong it all seemed.
Something glinted out the corner of her eye.
She turned her head to see the mid day sun shining on a gun that was pointed at Rath from the window.
"No!" Tia screamed.
She ran faster then she ever thought she could, she heard the bang but it sounded so far away as she threw herself at Rath, knocking him to the ground.
Lana and Bern ran after the shooter who had miraculously disappeared from the window and was trying to make a quick get away down the back streets, but he wasn't fast enough and Lana had grabbed him before he'd even gotten out of the garden.
"Private, are u alright?" Rath asked quickly going to Tia's side.
"Just a scratch sir, I'll be alright" Rath came forward ripping the sleeve off her now muddy shirt.
The bullet had just missed her shoulder and barely grazed her arm.
"I want you to go straight to the infirmary and get yourself patched up, then I want to see you in my office at 1500 hours, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir"
"Good carry on"

Rath left after helping her to her feet and waited until Lana and Bern had return before disappearing.
"Your welcome!" Lana said sarcastically after Raths retreating back.
"Come on T lets get u back to the base before you bleed to death"
"The way I'm feeling right now death would be a blessing"

Tia did what she was told, she got her wound taken care of by the nurse who was on duty and then at 1500 hours she went to see him.
She stood outside waiting for a reply to her knock.
"Enter" a muffled voice said from the other side.
She did as she was told, closed the door behind her then stood waiting for her orders.
"At ease soldier"
Tia let her guard down resting her feet farther apart and relaxed in the presence of her General.
"Please have a seat" he gestured towards the chair.
She did as she was told then waited for him to speak.
"I presume you know why I have called you here today"
She nodded but she didn't really know at all.
"How's the arm?" he asked sensitively, which threw her off balance slightly.
"Good, sir thank you for asking"
"Lets skip the usual things and get right down to business. Today you did a very brave thing and are to be rewarded with a medal which will be presented by the king himself and.."
"No!" Tia screamed surprising the General at her tone.
"You forget Private you are speaking to your commanding officer and should never use such a tone"
Rath shouted back still confused but even more angry because he did not know the root of her out burst.
"Now do you care to explain your sudden out burst"
He raised his eyebrows at her but she remained silent even under his enquiring gaze, which had caused so many to break and confess all.
"I do not wish to receive a medal"
"You saved your Generals life and a medal is what you will be rewarded"
"NO! I can't!" she jumped up from her seat and made it to the door before Rath had stood and ordered her to sit back down.
She didn't want to, but if she disobeyed a direct order she would be cautioned and maybe even sent to another division.
Swallowing hard she turned and took her seat again but she refused to meet Raths gaze.
"Would you care to tell me why you could not receive this medal of bravery?"
It was a question she didn't want to answer and she had no excuse to throw away such an opportunity, so she threw away all the secrets and lies she had made to cover up the past and turned to face Rath.
"Because I'm Tia"

Rath had expected her to say that, she was a criminal or that the king wanted her head, but he was not prepared for her answer.
His eyes faltered and he looked away, staring at his desk as if it provided his next question or even his next answer.
After waiting for some kind of response, which she realized wasn't coming she carried on.
"Three years ago, Zan saved my life and he asked me to marry him, but because of who my mother was, the match was disapproved and so it was arranged that he marry my sister Ava" Tia glanced up to see Rath listening with his entire soul, which made her feel a little more comfortable, so she continued.
"He didn't want to, he was willing to give up the crown to be with me, but I wouldn't let him do that. I couldn't. After his engagement was announced to Ava I tried to stay away from him, but he wouldn't except the reality of things"
"So you disappeared?" Rath finally said.
Tia nodded in response and turned away from his knowing eyes.
"There's more, isn't there?"
Tia took a deep breath before returning to her life story.
"After Zan returned to Antar things got complicated, I found out some things that would hurt my sister more then anything so with my brother, Larac's help I disappeared. I stayed with an aunt on the edge of the kingdom for roughly a year and when it was time I enrolled in the army because I knew if Zan ever found me, everything would fall apart"
She'd managed to hide a few of the facts, but she knew Rath had questions and she knew that he'd probably figured a lot of it out himself.
Rath slowly got up and poured a glass of water. He rounded his desk and kneeled at Tia's feet to hand her the glass.
She took it gratefully and for the first time since she'd started the story she realized she was crying.
It had always hurt to remember, but telling Rath had somehow lessened her pain.
"Tia, I need to ask you a question" he stated after finally deciding she was ready to answer it.
"Yes" she said in a no longer strong voice, but a small sad, voice that carried too much pain for some one so young.
"Why did you disappear for the year and not join then?"
It was a question he already knew the answer to, but he had asked, because if it affected the king then it was his right to know.
"Because I was pregnant and Z..."
"...Zan never knew" he finished for her.
He was still kneeling at her feet and so he did the one thing he knew she needed.
He pulled her into his arms and let her cry because he knew she had never been given the chance before.

After Tia had finally finished crying and let go of him he pulled a chair up next to her and took her trembling hand in his.
"Why didn't you tell me when you first joined?"
"Because like everyone else you belong to him and your suppose to do what ever he tells you.
Its not that I didn't trust you, its that I'm not suppose to trust any one"
Tia pleaded with her eyes, which had melted back to there original emerald green.
Rath trusted every word she had said, because he had always known there was more to the search for Tia then Zan would say.
Every day he would ask Rath to do the same thing and every day, Rath would say "no word as yet, but don't worry sir if anyone can find her it's us", but now Rath knew he'd been searching in all the wrong places and should have looked in his own home.
"Your not going to tell him where I am, are you?"
"He’s the king, it's my job" he said sternly, but then he turned his attention back to the truth.
To lie to the king in a matter such as this would be against his own rules, but to tell him the truth would break every rule in his soul.
His heart reached out for Tia he could never imagine what she went through every day, knowing that she could be caught or even killed and that Zan would never even know.
He was going to break every rule, but after all rules are made to be broken.
"I promise I will not say another word about you to any one other than yourself"
"Thank you, sir. Can I ask you a favour?"
"Anything Tia!"
It sounded strange After all this time to actually be called Tia to her face, but it made her smile to actually hear her name without being chased.
"I need to know that if anything should happen to me, I mean if I die before I get the chance to talk to him. That you'll make sure our son is safe, I know Zan will never know but I can move on knowing that someone out there cares about him as much as I do"


Part Ten – Masquerade

At the ball, Rath had ordered his troops to blend in. So civilian clothes and masks were ordered. Rath suggested that they each disguise their appearance so that any undercover solider would not be recognised in his regiment at a later date. The ball was a masquerade and Tia was thankful for the mask that concealed her face. She had opted for a look that was similar to her old appearance, allowing her eye colour to return to normal for a while. It was dangerous she knew, Tia realised sometime later that maybe she wanted to get caught; maybe she wanted to look up into his eyes and for him to know that it was her looking back. Tia had promised her self to avoid Zan but she knew even though he would never see her, he would feel her, like she always felt him. Zan was holding the event in honour of Rath and Valundra. It was rumoured that Ava would not be present due to illness but she had insisted that it not be cancelled because of her. Tia revealed in the chance to check on Zan close up, to look in his eyes and see if he was truly happy.
She stood at the door talking to Lana, her eyes nervously scanning the room, looking for Zan. When Larac approached and asked her to dance she nervously she accepted. She had informed him of her intention to attend and he had insisted on joining her. Even thought it meant travelling to Antar and leaving behind his own wife and child.
“How are you?” He asked, once the music started,
“Fine” she mumbled. “I miss him, I miss him a little more everyday. I die a little more every time I see Zan with his wife.” Tia caught Valundra watching them, worry hit her they should not be talking in such a public place but there was one more thing she had to know. “How is he?” She asked with as much courage as she could muster. Larac was quite for a moment, he had to know she was no longer referring to Zan.
He was about to speak when the music ended. Tia found herself being swept away from him as other dancers took up positions for a reel, before she knew it she was being swept round the room from partner to partner. Concentrating on getting this dance over with, a chill shook her as she looked up to see herself in Zan’s arms. The world slowed for a few seconds, Her mind raced she’d hadn’t even seen him arrive. He was gazing in to her eyes as she was unable to look away, she felt herself falter under his knowing gaze, A smile spread across his face lighting up his eyes as he opened his mouth to whisper what she knew to be her name, but it was to late time sped up again and she was swept out of his arms and into those of another.
When the dance was over she made her way discretely to the doors. Her heart froze as she saw Zan was moving to intercept. She thought she’d cry when she saw Rath greet him and guide him away. Tia knew he’d done it for her and slipped out of the door as quickly as she could.

Tia found her way to a small room, that sat abandoned on the other side of the castle.
There was nothing in there but a piano; she remembered it from when she was a child. She still held those few days she’d spent there in the palace as a perfect memory in the back of her mind.
Tia remember sitting at that very piano with Valundra and Ava, as they tried to feel safe from the storm outside.
Slowly she crossed the room and took a seat letting her fingers graze the soft cream keys, discarding her mask to one side glad to feel the cool breeze from the window on her face. The words from that night escaped her lips once again.

Even when the night is cold
And the thunders deep
There will be another light
Someone to help you sleep
And when the darkness is to fall
The rain will stand aside
For in the mirror that you keep
I’ll be right by your side
I’ll be right by your side

A single tear cascaded down her face as she realised how much she missed her childhood.
“Are you lost?” a familiar voice caused Tia to swivel in her seat and look guiltily at Valundra outline in the doorway.
“No Princess” She said standing and curtsying before Valundra
“Then what are you doing here? This part of the castle is off limits”
Valundras voice held a strange confidence of power that Tia remembered it had always lacked before. She was surprised how much the princess had changed in so little time.
“Forgive me your highness, but I began to feel faint on my way out of the castle and came in here to rest for a second” Tia said quickly trying hard to cover up. Valundra glided across the floor closer to Tia
“Your one of my husbands troops aren’t you” Valundra asked
Tia nodded as she shrank back under Valundras cold stare.
“I’m wondering why a woman would ever chose such a life. Is it because you want to serve your king and kingdom or do you want to protect your love from the shadows”?
Tia stared at her eyes wide
“Don’t bother to lie to me Tia. You’re looking very well for someone who has been dead for two years.”
Of all the time Tia had wished she could confide in someone, she never wanted it to be her. They had never been close, Tia wondered if she could trust her.
“Why Tia?” Valundra Pressed
“Because I love him”
“Is that enough to break his heart? I meant how could you lie to him like that. Don’t you know, don’t you realise that something in him died that day. You took the best of him with you!”
Tears escaped Tia’s eyes as she tore her gaze away from Valundra.
“I’m sorry I never wanted to hurt him, he means the world to mean.”
Valundras icy stare seemed to defrost and her smile softened, making Tia feel more at ease.
“I saw you, I wasn’t sure but then I saw you dancing with Zan. For a few seconds I saw the old Zan.
Valundra glanced at the piano. I remember that night. The worst storm I’ve ever known. You were barely five. Ava was frightened of the thunder, but not you. You stood defiantly in the window. I had to drag you away, that’s how we ended up playing the piano trying to drown out the noise. I admired you then, I wondered how one so young could have so much strength and courage
“Do you remember”?
“Every second” Tia whispered with slight melancholy
Valundra sat down at the piano and gestured for Tia to join her. She watched silently as Valundra ran her fingers over the keys, playing a beautiful melody. Tia wanted to close her eyes and never wake up.
“He’ll never stop loving you”
“I Know” Tia whispered before continuing eager to confide.
“The last time we spoke we fought, I’ve never quite forgiven myself for not given him the chance to say goodbye. I think that’s what draws me to him. The need for closure.”
Tia felt exhausted, physically and emotionally. She had been fighting for so long, living in a web of lies and deceit, and now she’d the chance to relive some of that burden. In Tias mind she knew her load would be heavier when she left the palace forever wondering if Valundra had revealed her secret.
Valundra stopped playing watching Tia contently.
Rath and I are leaving after the ball; Ava is being watched by her doctors on the opposite side of the palace. Zan will be alone you must go to him.
“Why are you doing this” Tia asked
Valundra stared into space for a moment
“Now is the only chance you may ever have to make things right with him. I fear for the future.”
Tia knew that there had been much unrest in the kingdom but like the other citizens she had come to rely on the power and wisdom of the leaders. In that second she saw fear in Valundras eyes, and it chilled her more than she’d ever admit.
Valundra took Tias hand and led her to a door that was hidden by a large painting of her father. Pushing it aside to reveal a passage. Follow the passage globes above your head will guide your way as you move. When the passage stops turn right and keep going until you reach the library. Wait behind the bookcase until the guards change. Zans private chambers are only three doors down on the right. Be careful if your found I can’t help you.
“I don’t understand why are you really doing this?”
“Tia you have his heart. Time is precious and so is love. Go to him say goodbye and leave the past behind you. Go now or you’ll never have another chance” There was an energy in her voice that Tia recognised well. It was compassion, but it was more than that it sounded like regret.
“I must go before I’m missed”
Hugging Valundra tight she said, “thank you I never forget this”
Valundra smiled at her with sorrow in her violet eyes. A sorrow that Tia saw everyday when she looked in the mirror, one of forbidden love. Valundra turned and left the room in hurry a before Tia could question her further.

TBC.............

Part 11 - Revelations

Tia soon found herself standing outside Zans chambers. Placing her hand on the door handle she gently turned it and pushed the door open a fraction. There were no lights on inside. Edging her way into the room she stood with her back to the now closed doors. Her gaze nervously swept the room taking in the surroundings. Zan had yet to return, a fire roared in the corner casting light across the room. Tia dragged her eyes away from their bed as guilt started to overcome her.
Frozen in place, she caught her breath as the door next to her flew open and Zan strode into the room letting the door swing shut behind him. Not seeing her he stalked across the room, pulling off the royal refinery he was required to wear. Tia watched his every move silently unable to speak. He rested his hands on the fireplace and leaned forward looking down, watching the flames dance. His shirt untucked hung loosely on his body.
“Zan” The word rasped in almost a whisper as she found her courage to speak.
Zans back stiffen, his head bowed and twitched to the side slightly registering the presence behind him, to Tias dismay he did not turn around.
“Zan” She said again with more confidence, as she stepped away from the door, making her way across the room towards him.
Slowly he turned to look at her. What Tia saw in his eyes made her stop dead. There was no love there, no joy to see her again. Just an icy cold glare, demanding to know why, she dared to be in his presence.
Zan stood with his arms folded in front of him as they stood and stared at each other for a moment that lasted an eternity.
So he hated her now, could she blame him? She’d let him believe she was dead to protect him. Finally she walked towards him and gazed up at him with tears in her eyes, as he refused to look down at her, just staring past her.
“Forgive Me,” She whispered “Goodbye” Turning to leave, she jerked suddenly as Zan grabbed her arm and spun her back round.
“You owe me explanation, you lied to me. Let me believe….”
His face was close to hers, his voice low and menacing.
“Well” He was holding both her arms in a vice like grip, shaking her slightly he said
“Answer me”
Tia cowered in his grip; She’d never seen him so angry
“I did it for you, I thought if I was dead then you’d be able to get on with your life with Ava.” Tia shouted at him, she didn’t care if anyone heard her.
“Please let me go” She wriggled trying to free herself.
“No” He said holding her tighter
“Why are you here now? I have enemies Tia your sudden need to come back from the dead is far too convenient. Are you about to betray your king.”?
Tia looked at him surprised in a low voice she whispered
“I love you”
He let her go then, thrusting her away from him as he turned back towards the fireplace.
“That’s your misfortune”

She turned away from him, she couldn't bare to see the pain and hate he held in his eyes a hate that was just for her. Walking away she reached to turn the door handle; she felt a hand cover hers.
She couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips; it felt so good to touch him.
Slowly, Zan turned her to face him, she could still see the pain and anger in his eyes but it seemed to burn brighter the closer they got.
"Why did you come?" Zan demanded throwing her off guard, causing her mind to spin.
It wasn't meant to be like this....a voice in her head kept saying
What did you expect him to do....kiss you and ditch Ava...of course he would...another voice mocked contradicting the other.
"I don't know, I ju..."
"Don't lie to me Tia, you know damn well why you came here. Your sister is ill, and you came here to try seduce her husband"
"How can you say that.... she’s my sister Zan" Tia shouted back with a voice fuelled by her uncontrollable anger.
She'd come here to say that she loved him and now all she wanted to do was kill him.
"I thought you were dead, next thing I know, your at my doorstep begging me to take you back"
"You arrogant pig, you’re not good enough for Ava and you’re sure as hell not good enough for me, I don't know what the hell I thought I saw in you in the first place"
"You can't speak to the king like that, I could have you killed for....”
"Shut up Zan!" Tia shouted pushing him hard in the chest, so he was as far away from her as possible.
He stumbled back and tripped over the rug, landing flat on his back.
He starred up to see the grin on her face, in one swift motion he was on his feet, grabbing her wrists and pinning her against the wall.
"How dare you?" he shouted, with rage.
Her smile grew wider and her eyes mocked him every second.
"Your not a king, your a puppet that never got the chance to play with the other kids." she laughed in his face.
His grip on her wrists became tighter and he pushed all his body weight against her until she could barely breath, he expected her to beg, but she just smiled. He grinned mockingly
"Oh I got to play, I played you Tia and I got what I wanted, do you really think I’d want to marry a tramp like you when I’ve got a queen waiting for me"
Now he was the one smiling, he hurt her, he wanted her to feel pain, the pain he felt the day he was told she was dead.
Her smile faded, but her eyes grew darker and distant.
Zan was wrong, he hadn't won he'd just pissed her off.
Zan felt a surge of energy build up as she threw him across the room with little effort.
"I should of known you'd turn out like your father" she crossed the room in barely a step, standing over him, shouting, with a power in her voice that wasn't hate or anger but something more.
"You know what you really are, Zan. Your just a scared little boy trying to be a man, who was more like a fumbling idiot then a king in bed"
The words were sharp and straight to the point.
Zan pulled himself to his full height; she didn't flinch or take a step back she starred him down.
He looked calm, stepping closer to her, prepared to do whatever it took to win the fight
They were both as stubborn as each other and Tia knew the only way she'd stand down is if he killed her.
After a while the silence and the intense stare from his eyes began to burn into her mind.
She did what she'd been taught to do.
Her fist collide with his face as he stumbled, he grabbed her dress, ripping it from the waist down.
He recovered quickly and had her pinned to the wall, before she had the chance to react. He gripped her wrists tightly causing shivers of pain to travel through her body. As his grip loosened she found herself grabbing his face, her entire body aching for him.
Their lips met, but it was no longer sweet and innocent like their first time, it was fuelled by an energy that neither one understood.
Tia found her entire body aching for him, her legs wrapped around his waist, as his kiss became rough and dangerous.
"God! Zan we...can't" she mumbled, but didn't stop.
His kisses travelled down her neck, her heart was pounding, but she couldn't break away.
They wrestled with each other as the clothes were striped away, finally giving themselves up to abandonment as they sunk down on the rug by the fire.

Tia lay in Zans arms, savouring the sound of his heartbeat, as she stared into the enticing flames of the fire.
"I love you" he whispered softly, letting his fingers tangle within her soft dark hair.
"I love you too, but I have to leave" Tia said quietly, secretly hoping he hadn't heard her and they could enjoy the few stolen moments they had together.
She knew the longer she stayed the less likely she would have the strength to leave him.
“I’ve missed you so.” Zan idly took her hand and entwined her fingers with his.
Slowly she lifted her head from his chest, looking deep into his caramel eyes, as she brought her lips to his.
He shivered under her gentle touch; he didn't want the night to end for the thought that she would vanish with the harsh light of day.
"I'm afraid Tia"
She looked up to meet his gaze.
His eyes, which were full of anger hours before, quivered like a lost child.
"You are the king my love, what is there to fear?" she asked
His answer stung, bringing fresh tears to her eyes and stillness to her heart.
"Everything”
Tia saw a deep sadness in his eyes, that wasn’t because of her alone. It was more than that. Tia looked at him intently.
“Zan tell me what’s wrong! Is there a problem with Ava and the….baby”
Tia felt his body stiffen beside her at the mention of Ava. Staring at the fire is said.
“There is no baby Tia. Ava and I are man and wife in name only. She hasn’t shared my bed in almost 2 years.”
Tia couldn’t help but look confused.
“But everyone seemed so sure, even Rath”
Zans eyes shot back to hers, raising his eyes with suspicion.
“Rath when did you speak with Rath”
Tia thought fast
“At the ball of course, I danced with him. I enquired the health of the Queen and the baby. If its not true why would he be confirming it.”
Zan looked away from her again his eyes glazing. Tia quietly held him to her as he told her about Ava.
“Its what Ava believes. She’s jealous of Lonnie. After you died, she went crazy and accused me of all kinds of betrayal. After that she started to have episodes that just seemed to get worse. Eventually I decided it just wasn’t worth pretending anymore. I didn’t love her and never could, even if you were dead, my heart went with you. In public we are the perfect image of a happy loving couple, behind closed doors. We don’t speak anymore. Ava understands that the people need to believe we are happy and contented.”
Zan paused for a moment
“I see to it that she gets the best care. I blame myself like some how I caused it.”
“Shh you can’t blame you self”
Zan gentle touched her hand as it caressed his face
Tia could feel his heart slowly hardening and she wanted more then anything to prevent that from happening.
"I'm sorry that I cannot change what has happened" she said softly, with unshed tears forming in her eyes. All she had ever wanted to do was protect him, not because he was the king but because he was the man she loved. Now all she could see was how much pain she had caused him in the process.
"Look at me" Zan slowly lifted her chin, so her lips were close to his
"You never need to be sorry"
He kissed her, his entire body willing her to feel all the love he felt and the relief when he saw her standing in the shadows of his room. His hands roamed her entire body and he moan softly as he nuzzled her ear, his kisses became eager for more. Relenting she felt herself slip away in to a hazy mist of desire as Zan proved his undying love for her again the only way he knew how.

Zan slipped a pair of leather trousers on and pulled a flimsy shirt over his muscular body.
Tia had to bite her lip, to prevent herself from running into his arms.
She slipped back into her torn dress.
"Sorry about that" Zan said embarrassed, that he had been so primitive, letting himself go until it was no longer the controlling Zan, but the lust and hunger of an animal.
"Here" he handed her a shirt, that would at least stop her from feeling embarrassed if she ran into anyone while sneaking back out of the palace.
"thank you"
Zan was losing control, he wanted to pull her back into his arms, never letting go because he knew the future was uncertain.
"I need to tell you something" Zan said pulling her down in to a chair that sat by the window.
"What is it?" she asked, when she saw the fear and worry that clouded his eyes.
Zan took a deep breath, he knew he could trust her, but he didn't want to lay such a burden on her shoulders.
"Tia, you realize that we could all die before this war is over, don't you?"
She nodded her agreement so he continued.
"We have a plan...Rath has be working secretly with our scientists. If we fail to win this there is a way for us to be reborn on another planet called Earth, until we can come back and defeat Kavar"
"What do I do?" she asked, realizing that he was asking her to carry the plan out, if they didn't make it.
She'd worked with Rath long enough to realize he always had a backup plan and a way out of any tricky situations.
So it was only natural that he had a plan to defy death.
"there are four pods, that’s Rath, Valundra, me and ..."
"Ava" she finished for him.
"I'm sorry, I want more than anything for it to be you"
"Its alright you’ll have Loni, Rath and Ava. It will be a chance to build better relationships with all of them, even make things right with Ava.” Zan Looked doubtful but she smiled reassuringly.
“You can live your life differently and be a better King because of it. On earth you’ll be normal, you’ll have the chance to live the life you were denied here. The chance to make your own choices.”
Zan shivered
“Its weird to know where and when I will be reborn. To know that we failed and I’ll be without you”
Tia got up and gently lowered herself on to Zans lap as he gladly wrapped his waiting arms around her, she held his face in her hands and looked at him solemnly
“I’ll always be with you. We’re soul mates, destiny owes us a favour.” She added smiling before she planted a gentle kiss on his lips.
Zan took her hand in his and softly kissed it. “No Tia I’ll be alone, just like I am here.”
“you can’t think like that” Tia pleaded
Zan shook his head “With out you I’m always alone.”
Tia kissed him again, Zan rested his head on her chest and she held him, she kissed his head and softly stroked his hair.
“We will win, don’t let your life be ruled by a possible future. You have to focus on the here and now don’t worry about what the what if’s, it will destroy us”
Zan’s glazed eyes focused as he looked up at her.
“That’s what I’m worried about. Ava retreats further into her own world, Loni gets more distant all the time. Rath is so distracted by his search for Kivar he doesn’t notice anything’s wrong. We are all pretending Tia. No one here is truly happy. I’m afraid Tia I can see my world crumbling around me and I’m powerless to do anything. I wasn’t lying before I have enemies and I know they’re closing in on me. Its only a matter of time.”
Tia stayed as long as she dared holding Zan close fearful that she was unable to protect him from himself. She looked back at him breaking away from her thoughts as she realised he’d lifted his head and was gently caressing her cheek. He tilted up his head and lightly brushed his lips against hers initiating a kiss, Tia pressed down and deepened the kiss eager never to let go!
"I must go,” she said slowly breaking the kiss.
She felt his heart fall as she did, but her heart was breaking, knowing that this was all they could ever have, Stolen moments in the darkness of which they find themselves falling into.

TBC…………….

Part Twelve - Ava's Sanity

Ava sat at her dressing table, surrounded by her destroyed belongings. Gazing into the mirror she watched her distorted reflection shimmer back at her from the broken glass. Avas mind was breaking, fits of rage grew worse but she herself refused to see what was around her. Often retreating into her own world, the carnage around her unnoticed. She shifted slightly in her chair as a figure appeared behind her.
“Zan my love” Her eyes lit up as she turned.
Nicholas moved forward cautiously. It pleased him to see that Ava was more unstable every time he saw her. The past few months he had slowly chipped away at her sanity. She was close to breaking point he could see it in her eyes. He smiled cruelly as he stared at the shell of a woman in front of him. Proud that he had driven her so close to the edge.
Her eyes glazed as she looked back at the mirror.
“Am I beautiful?”
Nicholas moved up behind her placing his hands on her shoulders, he gently kissed her neck.
“You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen”
Ava pulled away sharply. Standing she whirled to face him, a look of sanity in her eyes. It’s what Nicholas always hoped for when he saw her, a chance to punch more holes in her fragile world. Sometimes he would visit her and she would just babble, reliving memories of her childhood. He grinned, but not today.
“How dare you touch me? I am the queen. The king will have you killed for this”
“The king” Nicholas sneered. Moving closer to Ava he roughly pushed her up against the wall.
“Your magnificent king he cares nothing for you or what you do.”
Ava narrowed her eyes
“That’s not true. I am his wife.”
Grabbing her arms roughly he pinned her to the wall. Deliberately taking his time before speaking. He took a moment to soak up her scent and leer at her.
In low hushed tones he said.
“Even now your beloved husband lays in the arms of another woman. Confessing his undying love for her.
Avas eyes flared raking her nails across his face she stumbled past him, shouting now.
“YOU LIE! GET OUT”
Slumping to the floor, she stared into space. One word escaped her lips so silently Nicholas barely heard as he made his way out of the room. He turned as a name registered in his mind.
“Tia”

Nicholas made his way back into the maze of secret passages that threaded there way around the castle. Pleased with his days work he almost whistled as he congratulated himself on his luck. He’d been on his way to see Ava when he’d heard raised voices.
Glancing back down the passage towards the king’s chambers, his mind was drawn back to the woman he’d glimpsed in the arms of the king. A pull to see her face, touch her skin. Wetting his lips slightly his made his way back towards the room. Easing himself in to dark recess he waited. He watched intrigued as the door opened revealing a tussled looking king. Zan looked up and down the passage checking the coast was clear. Then slowly reached behind him pulling an exotic beauty into view. Zan pulled her in front of him, so her back was to his chest and wrapped his arms around her while nuzzling her neck. Nicholas was hypnotised as he watch the lovers haloed by the light from the room.
“When will I see you again my love” Zan asked trailing his lips along her neck and twisted her around slowly until their lips met. Her hair travelled wildly down her back. Nicholas couldn’t help think how much he wanted to run his fingers through her hair.
“Soon my love” Kissing Zan passionately she pulled away.
“I must go, I have to be back home before I’m missed”
Nicholas pulled himself tighter into the shadows as the beauty slowly trailed away from the king, releasing his hand at the last possible moment before turning to leave.
Nicholas watched her every move as she glided by him, he was so close he could have reached out and touched her. The scent of vanilla filled his senses as he turned to watch her retreating. The temptation to follow was too much for him. He slowly began to trail behind her.
Nicholas’s mind was ticking over fast. This indiscretion by the king was just the information he and his associates needed. Nicholas stopped following as he watched her make her way across the palace grounds and out into the city. The sound of her soft voice played in his mind as he considered what she’d said. Logic told him she must live nearby. His eyes gleamed at the challenge of trying to find her; someone that beautiful would be hard to miss. Nicholas was helping to fight the war against the king but he didn’t really care who won or lost. He was out for himself, the spying and chipping at Ava were mild amusements for him. Up until today he’d never really cared if Kivar won the war, but now Nicholas had a prize in mind and the death of the king was the only way to get it. A smiled caressed his lips as he breathed her name into the darkness.
“Tia”

Tbc………

hello!!!

i'm so sorry i've been away so long... i feeling really guilty so ive decided to pretty much post all of whats left......enjoy...

Part Thirteen - Plans

Rath leapt to attention as Zan strode into his office. Closing the door behind him Zan turned to confront his friend. “At ease my friend”
Rath watched as his friend confidently moved towards the desk and looked his general in the eye.
“We’ve wasted to much time waiting for our enemies to make a mistake. Its time we hit back at them.”
Rath stared at the king curiously. It had been some time since Zan had shown any interest in the battle they fought. Stuck in an unhappy marriage it had pained him to watch his friend slowly give up on everything he had once cared so much about.
“What do you propose?”
Zan looked at him with such fire and determination in his eyes, Rath found himself holding his breath in expectation.
“Kivar has spies all over my palace I’m sure of it! It’s time return the favour. I want someone to infiltrate his operation. We need to be ready when he makes his move.”
Rath began pacing the floor mulling over the kings plan in his mind. Something had changed; he glanced at the door with mild frustration as it dawned on him who could’ve given the king back so much hope for the future.
“It has to be your best Rath”
“Yes Sir” Rath saluted and made his way to the door
“I’ll fetch the soldiers right away Sir”

Tia sat on her bunk, her eyes nervously wandered to the door. Lana and Bern sat below her playing cards. Laying back and looking up at the ceiling her hand slowly reached up and felt under her pillow. The soft silky material of the shirt brushed her fingers. Everything here seemed so real, her mind questioned if it had all been a dream. The memory of Zan’s strong arms holding her close comforting her did little to dispel her fears. She had revealed herself to Zan. Would he hunt her down, did she have the strength not to visit him again, now that he knew and was so close?
“TY, LANA, BERN MY OFFICE NOW!!!”
Tia sprang up on her bunk. Raths sharp command bringing her back to her senses. Her mind buzzed as his words sunk in. Rath was angry and he wanted to see her. ‘Zan! he had to know about Zan and last night.’ Trying desperately she calmed her fears she realised Lana and Bern had been summoned also. Standing outside his door Tia watched as Lana knocked on the door and pushed it open as Rath’s gruff command of “Enter” was heard. Taking in a deep breath she stepped last into the office following Lana and Bern. Unaware of the presence in the corner of the room she trailed them across the office space.

Zan watched the soldiers enter the room and stand to attention in front of Raths desk. Surprised for a moment as he realised two of Raths choices were women. The last girl to walk through the door had caught his attention, a mass of blond curls trailed down her back and even from his point from across the room he could see that she was trembling. Zan smiled slightly and shook his head in awe of how Rath inspired so much fear in his troops. Pulling his gaze away from the girl, he nodded at Rath.

Rath sat back at his desk and took in the strange scene.
“At ease” he said, trying to put comfort into the harsh situation. All three were unaware of Zans presence. Raths gaze fell on Tia as she stood in front of his desk; she was trying hard to show no fear. He watched, as Zan looked at Tia then looked away, no recognition evident on his face.
Rath rose from his chair and placed his fists on the desk and leaned forward.
“I’m assigning you three to a new mission, one of you is to infiltrate the skins undercover operation. The other two will act as contacts and back up, also working undercover.”
Rath stared hard at the soldiers. “Infiltrating the skins is a dangerous mission, but we need the inside information.”
Tia opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted by Zan
”Can we trust them?” Zan glanced back at them.
Rath watched as Tia visibly stiffened when Zan spoke. They both confirmed his suspicions. Zan knew that Tia was alive but he didn’t know that she was in his army. Rath half smiled at the twist of fate that had inspired Zan to come here looking for his best solider only to find Tia instead. Tia’s fear of being discovered here was written all over her face as she looked at him. He held her gaze well aware of what she was going to say.
“Permission to speak freely Sir” Rath looked at Tia expectantly.
“Granted” Rath risked a glance at Zan, he sighed as he looked back at Tia. Zan’s head had snapped round as Tia spoke a knowing look in his eyes as they fixed on Tia’s back.
“I’d like to volunteer Sir”
“NO!” Zans voice was sharp and to the point. He strode across the room and stood besides Tia.
Lana and Bern bowed there heads in respect, Tia failed to follow suit and held her head high. Zans eyes challenged her to try and deify him. Tearing her eyes away from him she stared straight ahead.
“No offence Sir but the General, knows what he’s doing! Who goes is really no concern of yours as long as the mission is successful”
“Its my war, its my concern. You will not go.” Zan kept his voice calm. He glanced at Rath to signal that as King his decision was final.
“I am a solider Sir it’s my job” Tia continued pushing Zan further.
“Your just a women, you would jeopardise the operation” Lanas jaw gaped at the Kings obvious chauvinist attitude. Tia fixed her gaze on Zan determined that she would not lose.
“I may be a woman Sir! But I am the best solider Rath’s got. I am going on this mission”
Lana and Bern risked a glance at each other as Tia referred to their general by his name.
“I mean no disrespect Your Highness, but you are wrong” Tia’s obvious defiance to the kings wishes intriguing Lana and horrified her at the same time. Rath did, not miss the look of mutual confusion that passed between Lana and Bern. He glanced quickly at Zan and Tia,- who were standing so close that they were almost touching - He decided this was getting out of hand and moved to rectify the situation.
“STAND DOWN SOILDER,” Rath shouted angrily. “I will not tolerate insubordination to a superior officer.”
Zan gaped in amazement as Tia obediently stepped back. Jealousy stirred as her respect for Raths command was evident; Tia had never backed down for him. Zan had stood so close to Tia she could feel his hot breath on her cheek; the need to reach out and touch him was eating away at her. She cautioned herself not to look into his eyes, for fear that he was thinking the same and they would be unable to resist the temptation.
“Lana, Bern your dismissed” The two soldiers obediently left the room.
Tia didn’t move as Zan reluctantly stepped back and perched on the edge of the desk. He looked her up and down trying to satisfy his need to touch her as he kept his arms firmly crossed over his chest. Even though she was hidden by a mass of blonde curls, she was still incredibly beautiful. He also realised for the first time that her eyes were now a different colour.
Rath moved round the desk and placed his hands on Tia shoulders.
“Tia relax”
Zan jumped up
“You new about this” He shouted angrily “How long?”
Rath turned to him.
“I haven’t known long, Tia confided in me after the incident at the market place.”
“Zan don’t be angry with him, I begged him not to tell you” Tia moved towards Zan her eyes pleading with his not to lose faith now.
“Sir I want to go on this mission” Tia directed her comment at Rath.
He looked at her and nodded.
“I agree but I can’t defy my king. You have to convince him” Rath realised he had to let Tia try and convince Zan, the look that passed between them told him they needed fight it out alone.
“I have some business to attend to!”
Zan locked the door behind Rath as he left. Crossing quickly back across the room he stood in front of Tia careful to leave space between. His arms still firmly crossed in an attempt to resist the urge to pull her into his arms.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Tia sighed and leaned back onto the desk resting her hands either side of her.
“Because you would’ve stopped me. If I hadn’t disappeared you would’ve always found reasons to have me around. I knew I’d never be able to say no to you.” She held his gaze for a moment before looking away. “You couldn’t make that decision so I made it for us both”
“Damit Tia, you had no right.”
“But it was my life, telling you I was dead was the only way for me to live again.” She said plainly.
“Zan I can’t keep having this same argument with you. We both know that nothings changed.”
Zan stepped closer to her; reaching out his hand he gently placed it on hers.
“Tia I died when you did, don’t tell me I have to do that again now that I’ve found you.”
Tia looked up at him her eyes full of so much emotion.
“For two years, I’ve pushed myself training to be the best so that I can protect you and our…I’m the best. I’m good undercover and I know how to take care of myself.”
Zans thumb gently caressed her hand as he glanced round the room desperate not to let her go.
“I’m realising that” He fixed his eyes back on to hers.
“You could die!”
“I’m in danger everyday nothings changed here.”
“Well it stops now, I want you out of here!”
“No! It never stops. I love you but I’m going anyway.”
Zan wanted to kiss her for her silent bravery and slap her for her stubborn stupidity. His anger at everything he’d suffered because of her, disappeared as he realise Tia had suffered a great deal more. Sacrificing her entire life so she could protect him.
“Go! But you have to come back to me” He whispered gently.
Tia had become all too aware of Zans soft touch on her hand. Lifting her hand off the table he let his fingers intertwine with hers, moving closer he lifted his other hand to stroke the side of her face. Leaning down he pressed his forehead against hers and softly nuzzled her nose.
“I’m sorry I can’t not touch you”
Tia nodded in agreement and her free hand softly stroked the back of his neck.
“I know I can’t stop either” Zan gave in and kissed her hungrily pushing her back against the desk as she responded and her hands travelled wildly over his body. Tia slid back as Zan wrapped his arm around her, holding her firmly against him as he laid them both back. Knocking the contents of the desk to one side as Tia wrapped her legs tightly around him and their kisses became more desperate.

A loud knock at the door startled them both. Pulling back Zan looked at Tia guiltily. Standing he held her hand and pulled her up as Tia tried to straighten her clothes desperately. The knock rang out again, Zan grabbed Tias hands hurriedly.
“Meet me at the palace in an hour”
Tia just nodded the last of her resolve melting away, she knew she could never leave him again.
Zan opened the door to a frustrated general. Rath pushed past him into the room, he looked at the mess then glanced at Tia suspiciously.
Tia looked up at him trying to hide her guilt. “I’m going it’s agreed”
Rath nodded, looking at Zan he said
“Zan, I don’t think you should have anything more to do with this. You need to have deniability if she is captured or killed.”
Zan moved to stand next to Tia. “Understood General.”
Tuning to face her, Zan took her hand in his for a handshake. He grinned at mischievously and said in his most no committal voice.
“Good luck solider” Tia held her breath as Zan looked into her eyes for a moment before releasing her hand.
“Your dismissed solider.” Rath barked, Tia moved away from Zan and rapidly exited the room, grateful for Raths interruption. Zan watched her leave, never taking his eyes off the door he said.
“Well I really should go, I trust you can handle everything.”
Wait a sec, Rath glanced back at the dishevelled desk and Zans ruffled appearance.
“No prizes for guessing how she managed to convince you to give in” Rath raised an eyebrow and inhaled deeply; ready for the storm he saw brewing in Zan.
“You of all people know how desperately I’ve been searching for her. You had no right to keep that information from me. If anything happens to her I’m holding you personally responsible!” Zan stated regretting having to threaten his friend but the situation was fast slipping out of his control as it always did when Tia was involved.
“I want her to report to me as often as she can”
“Do you think that’s wise sir? She may be seen.
Zan laughed
“In my palace.. They’ll probably think she’s just spying on me like everyone else is”
Zan looked thoughtful for moment.
“Put her in contact with Nicolas. I think he’s the key.”

TBC…………………..


Part Fourteen - Nicholas

Tia slowly crept into the palace. Finding her way into the secret passage she wore a secret smile she couldn’t hide if she tried. Staying alert she was aware of every sound, even the silent breaths hidden nearby in the shadows. She passed by ready to attack when a hand reached out and gently brushed the delicate skin of her arm.
“Zan” she gasped with relief.
Zan stepped out of the shadows and pulled her close his eyes soaking up her beauty, disbelief written on his face that she was really here. He kissed her softly to reassure himself this wasn’t a dream.
“I have a surprise” He smiled at her knowingly. Gently he blindfolded her with a strip of black silk.
Tia couldn’t help smiling with anticipation. “What are you doing?”
“Trust me” She felt his warm breath on her ear as he whispered to her, taking her hand firmly in his he began to lead her through the passages. She trustingly followed as he guided her alone the twists and turns and finally up a narrow flight of steps. It felt like he was leading her home. She heard the creak of a door being closed behind her, as the material was removed, her eyes sucked in every feature of the small room.
Surrounded by fairytale like magic, Tia held her breath. The room was small; a narrow window dominated the space with a window seat just big enough for two, below it. Candlelight danced across the room as her eyes fell on the mattress in the far corner. Silk sheets were spread across it with pillows spread all around the edges that met the wall. If she’d let herself see past the magic of the room she would have know it was just a cold reminder of the real reason they were here. As long as Zan was here with her she knew she’d never see this place for what it was it would always be their place full of magic and dreams. The significance of the room slowly dawned on her as her mind was cast back.

<FLASH>

She was running through the passages her vision blinded by tears. She didn’t know where she was going, she just knew she wanted to be alone and that meant running. Her heart was pounding, she wanted it to break, and she wanted it to all be over. She wished she could swallow the day as if the news of her father’s death had never arrived.
Tia stumbled, her hands reaching to break her fall, she collapse onto what felt like a wall, a door open under her weight and she fell inside. She Landed on her knees, the palms of her hands aching as they slammed against the hard wooden floor. Part of her wanted to get up and keep running, but the strength that had been driving her seemed to dissolve into tears. She closed her eyes allowing the pain to consume her. Knowing she was alone her world began to spin. Tia felt the strange arms lifting her, holding her tightly, and softly whispering her name. She kept her eyes shut as she inhaled the all to familiar scent of sugar and spice.
“Please don’t cry” Zan whispered, gently stroking her hair.
Just his slight touch seemed to melt the hurt she felt inside.
Her desperate cries tore at his heart, he couldn’t bare the sound of so much pain coming from the girl he had come to love so much.
“I’m here! I’ll always be here”
His pleas fell on deaf ears. She wanted to do what he asked but her mind no longer understood words. She felt the tender touch of his fingers slowly lift her chin.
Tias eyes fluttered open as her last cries were silenced with his lips and nothing else mattered.

<END FLASH>

“Do you remember?” Zan whispered. He was standing behind her, his arms around her waist, his lips a mere inch from her ear.
“Every second…..how did you….” Tia turned to face him as he answered her.
“I’ve always known. I was just waiting for you to remember.
He linked his hand with hers and led her deeper into the room. Tia felt him softly lift her hand and looked down as he slipped her ring back on her finger.
“I had this for you even then!” Zan admitted shyly
Tia looked up in surprise, her hand softly touched the side of his face.
“I love you always..”
“and forever” he finished for her.
“I can’t keep…”
“It’s yours Tia, I gave it to you for a reason never forget”
Zan waved his hand and soft music filled the room.
“Dance with me my love”
A single tear rolled down her cheek as she nodded in agreement allowing him to take her hand and pull her close. Zan gazed down at her lovingly as they dance slowly around the room.
“This is the real world Tia, the one that should have been, out there is where we play make believe.” His arms held her tightly and they stopped dancing as he rained kissed down her neck.
“I love you” She whispered
“Good cause I’ve always loved you”
Their minds let go of the painful past as they kissed, the magic of what they had found consumed them.


##############################################

One year later…….

Nicholas spent less time pursuing Ava for vital information and more time gathering every detail he could about the mysterious beauty he had seen in the kings arms. He knew he was acting out of character and his staff would’ve questioned his actions had they not been so afraid of him. The memory of her echoed through the confines of his mind, her eyes, her lips, her hair, it haunted him in his waking hours as a shadow behind his eyes and when at last sleep would come, he would always find her in his arms where she belonged to him.

Unlike most of the people he investigated she was hidden. Carefully tucked away behind a mass of blonde curls and brown eyes, a member of the Royal army. Hiding there for reasons he was unsure of, she intrigued him.
Then at long last the day came when could be in her presence without his motives being questioned by wondering eyes. She had tried to make contact with the Kivars loyal followers. Trying to convince them that she was against the King and wanted to be a part of their operation.
Nicholas knew who she was the moment she stepped into the office and couldn’t help the playful smile that spread across his lips. It was wrong not to reveal her as a spy but it was the only way he could be close to her. When night would fall at the end of every long month for almost a year, Nicholas would follow Tia as she made her way to the palace to see the king. Nicholas's hate for Zan grew every time Tia spurned his advances and looked through him, every time he saw the look of love in her eyes when she would return from the king’s palace. Zan had everything Nicholas wanted and more. His hate was fuelled by more than just anger; he was jealous and greedy causing his heart to diminish and obsession to set in.

Tia sat staring out of the window, it had been raining for a week now and she had missed her chance to report to Zan, due to the flood warnings.
"Why so sad little Tia?" a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Sorry sir, I was just wishing it would stop raining,” she said quickly standing to her full height.
"Relax" Nicholas commanded, noticing her obvious discomfort, even though he was her commanding officer.
"Thank you sir" her shoulders drooped but Nicholas could still see the tension in her body and smiled as he thought of ways he could help her relieve it.
"You seem tense Tia, what could possibly be worrying you?" he asked, his voice slick, irritating her to her very core.
He knew she was worried because she had missed her monthly meeting with Zan and that made him even angrier.
"I just wish the war was over and Kivar was on the throne,” she said with as much compassion as she could muster, but Nicholas could see she lacked conviction.
"Just give it time"
She gritted her teeth at her words, feeling like she was betraying her love.
Nicholas was evil and often she would hear his unwanted voice in her mind, it made her feel sick to know that he had entered her dreams.
She came back to reality as she felt the softness of fingers brushing the loose strands of hair out of her eyes.
A smile formed on her lips, thinking it was Zan, but as she looked up her eyes fell on Nicholas who looked smug and greedy.
She flinched, taking a quick step back, but she noticed the anger flare in his golden eyes.
Nicholas knew she would never be his unless he had something to keep her by his side and he knew exactly where he could find that sort of information.
He looked straight into her eyes and began to sift through her memories, like he was taking a walk through the velvet folds of her mind.
She stood, helplessly drawn into his liquid gaze because she wasn't strong enough to fight him.
His hand cupped her chin and his mind began to fill with images.
...Tia in the garden playing games with her sister Ava...Tia in the army...Tia throwing herself in front of Rath when there was an attack on the market place nearly a year before...Tia crying in Zan's arms...then the images of Tia with her arms wrapped around a small child, she was smiling and even he could see that the child stared back through Zans caramel eyes...
A smug grin formed on his dark features, as he hesitantly took his hand from her soft face.
"No!" she gasped when the realization of what he had done began to set in.
He closed his eyes, using his mind to remove the memory from her.
"You seem tense Tia, what could possibly be worrying you?" he asked again, already knowing her answer would be another lie.
"I just wish the war was over and Kivar was on the throne,” she said in a small child like voice.
"Just give it time little Tia" he said before walking away with the small piece of information tucked away until it would be needed.
Tia turned and continued to look out of the window unable to shake the feeling that something more had happen here. Shaking her head her mind drifted back to Zan, smiling to herself she left her place by the window and continued with her duties.

TBC……………….


Part Fifteen - obsession

Tia smiled slightly in her sleep as a hand gently stoked her hair and caressed her face. Zans warmth always fresh in her mind, for a few moments she forgot that she’d hadn’t seen him for almost 2 months. She felt a soft kiss placed on her forehead. Her awareness returning, Tia’s hand tightened firmly around the knife she kept under pillow. Shifting in her sleep ever so slightly she opened her eyes just enough to get a good look at her intruder.

Nicholas smiled to himself as he watched her move slightly. He’d watched her sleep often enough to know that she was now awake. He should have left, but he wanted her to open those beautiful eyes and look up at him. Nicholas had become frustrated with just watching. Every time Tia visited the king he became more agitated. Information is power; he smirked as he considered how to use the information he’d gathered about her.
“Open your eyes Tia. I know your not sleeping”

Tias eyes shot open as the voice registered in her mind. Moving to sit up, Nicholas grabbed both her wrists, revealing the knife in her right hand. Twisting her round he pulled her close into his chest clamping her arms as he threw one arm across her chest. The other hand prized the knife out of her hand and held it at her throat. Bowing his head he nuzzled her ear as he spoke.
“Be mine Tia, I’ve watched you for so long”
Tia rolled her eyes in fear and confusion.
“What the hell”
She struggled still aware of the knife he held to her throat.
“I’ll never be yours Nicholas. You disgust me.”
Tia tilted her head back praying she could call his bluff. “This is pointless if your gonna kill me get it over with. I’m sure kavar will be very impressed”
Tia began to tremble as she felt his chest rumble with laughter.
“Tia you’re a spy if I reveal you Kavar will kill you himself.”
Tia chewed her lower lip
“A spy don’t be silly you know I support the rebellion.”
Nicholas lowered his voice
“Do you know what Kavar will do to the King and the royal family, when he takes his place on the throne. They will not die quickly, the king especially. He will be tortured and driven into submission until he’s a shell of the man he is today.”
Tia tried to block out his words, she was here after all to make sure that never happened.
“I’m not a spy, let me go”
“Tia, you can’t lie to me. I know you visit the king, and I know how often.”
“I’m just spying on him like everyone else, even you”
Nicolas pressed the blade firmly on her throat; Tia felt the sting as he drew a little blood.
“I know everything there is to know about you. I know you hide a way in the army and I know why.” Nicholas paused for a moment, dragging her to stand; he dropped the knife and spun her round to face him, gripping her shoulders tightly. He looked deep in to her eyes.
“I’ve been to the palace today, I’ve watched him play. It’s so easy for children to have accidents, while they sleep.” Nicholas savoured the look of horror in her eyes, as she comprehended what he was suggesting.
“I have spies every where you can’t hide from me”
“What do you want?” Tia looked up at him defeated.
“I want you! Give up the king be mine”
“Whats to stop me killing you!”
“I’m smarter than that Tia, I always have a back up plan”
Nicholas pulled her close and kissed her roughly.
The lights flicked on around her and Tia faintly heard a voice mutter “What the Hell” As she tried to push Nicholas away form her.
Nicholas thrust her away from him and turned to look at the interloper.
Blaine – Her room mate - stood in the doorway looking from Nicolas to Tia. Tia was sure for a moment she saw hurt in her eyes but it was gone as suddenly as it had arrived.
“Nothing, Nicholas was just leaving weren’t you”
Nicholas clenched his fists a few times and strode out of the room, before leaving he glared at Tia.
“This isn’t over”
When he was gone, Tia let out the breath she hadn’t realised she’d been holding.
Her mind whirled as Nicholas words sunk in “I’ve been there today, I’ve seen him play”
Tias mind cried out, it couldn’t be. Larac would’ve have brought him here. Rushing past the confused Blaine she headed for the palace desperate to hold her son close and protect him from the world she’d created for herself.


Zan had always been kept in the blind hold of ignorance. Shielded from every distraction or secret that would turn his mind away from the royal court.
A secret like his child.
So now the boy had been brought to the palace under the pretence of being Zan's nephew, meaning Larac's son.
It was necessary to hide the boy's parentage because it would give Kavar the power he needed to bring down the precious royal house and take the throne.

Delos cried in his crib. He was screaming for the comfort of his mother’s breast and the warmth of his uncle’s heart.
He was barely three, but he knew who he trusted.
"Don't cry little one,” his aunt Ava said, carefully gathering the child in her arms.
Zan watched from the doorway, as the child’s screams seemed to grow louder in her unstable arms.
"Take it,” she shouted holding the boy at arms length.
Zan quickly took the child, cradling him in his arms, like a father.
Delos’s cries grew silent as he snuggled his head into Zan's chest.
Ava looked on, despising the love the child held for Zan, that he in turn mirrored almost as if he was his own.
She wished more than anything that the child would love her like a mother.
She stayed a while longer, until she finally escaped into the brightly lit corridor with jealousy burning in her heart of hearts.

Zan savoured the feel of the sleeping child in his arms.
It made him wish that life had been different, that it was his and Tia's child he held in his arms and not just his nephew.
He knew Larac wouldn't return until the early hours of the morning and even though Delos had fallen asleep, Zan couldn't bare to put him down.
Carefully he wandered over to the sofa that seemed to travel the length of the wall and gently lay down, with Delos clasped to his chest.
"Daddy" he heard the child’s small voice say in his sleep.
He thinks I’m Larac Zan thought with a small smile touching his lips.
Slowly he drifted off to sleep savouring the thought of a world where he could be with Tia.

Tia ran, ignoring the burning in her chest.
The world seemed to fade, leaving only the path she was running.
She stumbled falling to the ground, but she just got back up, ignoring every scratch and every bruise that had found there way to her skin.
No longer caring about being exposed, fuelled with concern for only one life, the life of her son.

She burst into the well-lit halls, her heart pounding, her fear the only energy she had left.
Nothing else registered in her mind as she threw herself through the heavy doors.
Peering down at the crib, she felt unshed tears begin to choke her.
Tia's eyes wandered around the nursery in search of a sign of where her son could be.
Her gaze rested on the content figure that lay asleep on the sofa.
Her breath caught in her throat as she fell to her knees at his side.
"Zan!" she whispered at the sight of their son in his arms.
Gently she pushed the soft curl of dark hair out of Delos's eyes.
"Mama!" the little boy cried, automatically reaching until she gave in and cradled him in her arms.
She gently kissed his head, feeling the warmth of Zan's touch still imbedded in the child’s heart.
Slowly she walked around the room, rocking the child gently.

Zan watched, afraid to speak or look away because the dream would shatter and the bittersweet pang he felt in his heart would fade.
"Sleep baby sleep,” she cooed, softly stroking Delos's mop of dark hair.
Zan closed his eyes as he felt her lay the child on his chest, he expected her to leave again, but instead she climbed into the small space at his side.
A smile played on his features as he enfolded them in his arms.
Tia thought he was sleeping as she kissed his cheek, breathing him in before she let sleep take hold of her.

TBC………………



Part Sixteen - Exposure

Zan slowly opened his eyes, afraid to believe that it was real. Glancing down he saw Delos asleep, entangled in his and Tia's embrace. A content look graced Tia’s features and he couldn’t help smiling as he committed the image to memory. He'd never had the chance to wake up with her by his side; she'd always slipped away before daybreak, leaving a harsh emptiness where her warmth had been.
"Good morning" she whispered causing him to forget his thoughts and tilt his head until he met her lips.
Slowly they pulled away.
"I should go,” she said, gently removing herself from his strong embrace.
She crawled to her feet, taking the small boy in her arms and placing him back in the crib.
Zan watched before silently walking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Stay" he whispered, gently biting her ear lobe.
"You know I can't. Last night...I should never of come"
"I'm glad you did"
Tia tilted her head as Zan rained kisses along her neck, his lips slowly finding their way to hers.
“Stay” he whispered again, Tia knew she couldn’t pull away from him now, turning to face him she nodded in agreement and let him kiss her hungrily as she responded in kind.

“Why are you here?” Larac shouted pulling Tia out of Zans arms and shaking her slightly.
Zan saw the conversation that passed between their eyes. He stepped forward and pushed Larac away from Tia.
“You knew she was alive! Did you know when you came to see me that day? Were you lying to me even then”? “My friend!” Zan sneered
Larac glanced at Tia for support, she placed herself in front of Zan so that he was forced to take his angry gaze way from Larac and look down at her. Tia saw the hurt in his eyes all over again.
“Don’t hate him Zan he did it for me!” Zan calmed himself considerably; he was constantly amazed how many people were prepared to defy him in Tia’s name.

Larac focused and his mind returned to the real reason he’d gone to the nursery.
"What have you done with my son?" Larac shouted pushing past them to the crib.
"He’s sleeping" Zan said, trying to calm his friend down.
Larac didn't even glance at him; his eyes were fixed firmly on Tia.
"What have you done?" he hissed.
He knew Larac's words could have a thousand meanings, but only Tia understood them.
"Delos was crying, we sat with him until he fell asleep" Zan offered, trying his hardest not to test the strength of his friends anger.
Larac seemed to except this as he reached down and gently touched the sleeping child, a smile of fatherly love on his face that did not go unnoticed by Tia.
Zan watched as something odd passed over Tia's delicate features, it looked like regret or something deeper because it seemed to mirror his loss and pain.
"Come! Let the boy sleep" Larac said closing the distance between the desperate lovers.
“No wait!” Tias desperation returned as she remembered why she’d come here in the first place. Gripping Larac shoulders firmly she looked pleadingly into his eyes.
“You have to leave here it’s not safe for the children,”
Zan moved closer “What do you mean? What do you know?"
“The work I’ve been doing I’ve heard rumours, threats against the children.”
“That’s ridiculous, why would they harm Laracs son. Tia he’s perfectly safe here” Zan looked at her confused.
“No you don’t understand”
Larac interrupted before Tia had the chance to continue.
“Tia it’s OK the threats are against Lonnie’s son aren’t they and you think they might hurt Delos as well.”
Tia nodded grateful for the explanation, and eager to voice the idea that had formed in her mind.
“Zan you have to send them away” Tia could see in his eyes that he agreed
“No!” Lonnie appeared in the doorway clasping her own sleeping son firmly to her. A trail of tears slid down her face as she looked desperately at Zan. Knowing Delos was without his mother she had come down to see if there was anything she could do for him, while she cared for her own son. The conversation she’d over heard when she arrived chilled her as all her own fears were realised.
She glared at Zan angrily, “You’re not taking my son away from me”
Zan started to approach her but Tia moved towards her and gently guided her to sit in a nearby chair.
“Lonnie I know how much you love your son, but you have to send him away from here.” Tia paused for a moment knowing the point she had to make would cut Zan deeply.
“He is the only heir to the throne. If we lose this war, then you’re sentencing him to our fate.”
Zan placed his hand on Tias shoulder, as he fully understood what she meant. Touching Lonnie’s cheek she looked up at him expectantly.
“Lonnie, please don’t make me force you”
Lonnie stood “When?”
Zan looked at Tia, as she made her way back to the crib and gazed down at Delos. Turning back to Lonnie he said.
“Today” He was consciously aware of Tias sigh of relief.
Lonnie began to pace the room. “No! No! Its not enough time,” she cradled her son in her arms and cried desperately. “My Baby, my baby, you can’t send my baby away.”
Zan wrapped his arms around her as he tried to clam her tears. “Lonnie its for the best, he’ll be back before you know it.”
“Rath! What about him, he won’t let you do this!”
Tia watched Valundras outburst and she felt tears forming behind her own eyes as Lonnie’s pain matched her own and more.
“Rath will understand he’s a solider. His son’s survival is paramount to him.” Tia stated matter of factly. Glancing at Delos she remember the conversation she’d had with Rath so many months before, when he’d confided that he feared he may have to do the same for his own son someday.
Lonnie stopped crying and nodded as Tia’s words sunk in. Zan gently lifted the child out of her embrace. She stroked her son’s hair and looked at him lovingly.
“Where will you send him”? Zan looked at Tia, he hadn’t thought about that.
“I’m sorry Lonnie but I think it’s best that none of you know” Tia replied. Zan nodded expectantly and handed the child over to Tia.
“We’ll talk about this later” He whispered to Tia before he guided the now crying Lonnie out of the room.

Tia laid the boy down next to Delos. Turning to Larac she hid all her fears and remained calm trying to plan things as best she could.
“He can’t stay with you. Is there some where you can hide him” Larac nodded and spun Tia to face him.
“What’s going on her Tia, is Delos in real danger.”
“Yes” Tia rasped “One of my associates has discovered his identity, he was threatening him earlier. Its why I came!”
“You shouldn’t have come here, you almost told him everything! Didn’t you!” he shook her
“How long as Zan known you were alive”
“About a year” Larac looked at her shocked.
“Larac please don’t judge us! You don’t understand what’s going on here! Zan is losing this war. We continue to pretend but we both know it”
“And Ava…have you forgotten about her” He question as Tia looked down.
“No we haven’t, but I love him, we are making the most of the time we have left together. Zans suffered so much because of me I can’t deny him his happiness any more.”
Tia regained her composure and looked Larac squarely in the eye.
“Can I trust you to take care of this for me?”
“Yes of course” He stated
“I have to go” Tia turned and headed towards the door.
“Wait” She turned as she heard Larac’s voice.
“I’m sorry Tia,” He paused as he closed the space between them so he could take her hands in his.
“Why?” She whispered
“For not allowing you to marry Zan. I see now that your quiet strength and bravery keep Zan going. Your love gives him strength; you are the true queen here. You carry the burdens of your king without question and do what needs to be done when he can’t. No matter what happens you will always be my queen and I will see to it that Delos fully understands that.” Tia gazed at her brother as tears glisten in her eyes, grateful for his blessing.
“Thank you” She rasped “Never think that I blame you for any of this, we did what we thought was right, we couldn’t have known the consequences.” Tia kissed his hands. “I love you! My brother” with that Tia turned and left him, his eyes following her as she glided gracefully away down the corridor.

In later years Larac often relived that moment, going over everything he should have said, had he known that was the last time he would ever see her alive.


Tia made her way down the corridor, slipping into the passageway she headed for the secret room that she shared with Zan. Knowing that he would look for her there, they still had to talk and it had been weeks since her last visit. Entering the room she walked to the window and opened the shutters. Picking up a blanket from the mattress on the floor, she wrapped it tightly round her as a chill ran through her. Sitting in the window seat she gazed out across the city. Tia feel asleep as she let her mind drift away. When she awoke she found she was no longer sitting alone, Zan had gently lifted her and placed her in his lap like a lost child. Tilting her head up she met his eyes as they contently watched her sleep. A smile spread across his lips.
“Hey!” Zan held her tightly in his embrace as he saw the look of fear and worry in her eyes. The more she visited him the more they realised they were running out of time. The events earlier had only heightened their worries.
“Kivars planning something! Soon!” She whispered into his chest
Zan nodded
“Everything’s set! You know what to do if we..”
Tia kissed him lightly, her fear overcoming her in a desperate attempt to just pretend that none of this was really happening. “Shh…our world remember”
Zan kissed her back as she reminded him of the words he’d spoke the night he’d first brought her here.
“I have to get back, there is a meeting to night I can’t miss it!”
Zan reluctantly let her go as she moved to stand. “Come back as soon as you can!” he held her face in his hands as a cold fear fell over both of them.
“I love you always” Tia whispered before she hugged him close, unable shake the feeling that their stolen moments in the dark were ending fast. Zan held her close and breathed in the scent of her hair as his own feeling of foreboding clouded his mind.

Nicholas watched as Tia excited the palace. She looked happy; her eyes held a warm glow and her smile seemed permanent.
It made him sick, knowing that she'd never look at him the way she looked at Zan. Zan! Just the mention of that self-righteous fool, made him bitter and angry. "She will be mine!" he muttered, before turning and following her well-trodden path.

Rath stood sheltered from view by the trees. He'd been following Nicholas for a while and now he stood barely three feet from him. He'd stood by as his obsession with Tia had grown. Rath knew Tia was a big girl and could take care of herself, but she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and one more problem could push her over the edge. He promised himself he'd look out for her because he was like a big brother now and Zan would kill him if anything happened to her.

Tia made her way through the dark corridors, she could see a patch of light up ahead, knowing it was nothing more then a candle because the windows had been blacked out. Her heart was pounding as she walked into the large conference room, which had been set up so Kavar could address his loyal followers. She had been working undercover for a little over a year, and every day they would be called to that room and everyday she dreaded it. Deep inside her, where she kept her deepest secrets, she would pray for the words,” our war is over", but her life as a soldier had hardened her and she knew that the only way for the war to end was the fall of the king or the death of Kavar.
"Is there any news from Nicholas?" Kavar asked the tall red head standing at his side.
Tia knew her as Blaise, she had no heart and only stayed because it was her father’s wish, he had died defending Kavar and she would do the same.
"He returned late last night, it would appear that he has made contact with someone close to the king, who is willing to confess all. As it would appear the king has been playing around with one of the servant girls and as always Nicholas is only to happy to expose the king for what he is" Her voice was harsh, filled with hate that Tia put down to Kavars influence. She knew that Blaise was talking about her and the visit she paid him while he slept last night. She thought she had gone unnoticed, but Nicholas had seen her leave and she knew it was only time before Kavar knew she was a spy.
"He will return to night?"
"Yes sir, he will have the information we need and will be able to decipher the kings plan of attack"
"Good, we will begin tomorrow"
The room split into crowds on people discussing the news they had just received. Tia just left, not realising Blaise was behind her.
"Why so glum little Tia? are you not happy about our little conquest?"
"Forgive me Blaise, my head was some place else"
"Where?" she asked quickly not wanting to miss the opportunity to quiz Tia.
"I was imaging our lives after we defeat the king and take what’s rightfully ours. It will be a glorious life after that, especially with Kavar as our leader" she felt sick to her stomach as she betrayed her heart to lie about her king.
"Come lets celebrate, for after tomorrow it will be a new world and some of us may not be around to see it"

Blaise had drunk herself into oblivion; Tia lay her down in her tiny bunk and disappeared to await Nicholas's arrival. She hid in the shadows of the great conference room, tucking herself tightly away in the back behind a stack of crates that hid the other exit. Kavar paced the room watching both the door and the clock
A tall figure entered, Tia couldn't see who as their face was hidden by a long dark robe.
"My love" Kavar said, quickly embracing the figure
"Do not touch me" the voice was steady as Tia's heart fell.
She wished she were wrong that her ears had deceived her.
Slowly the figure let the hood of her thick black robe fall revealing the face of her friend.
"But princess, you are mine to touch"
"I was never yours Kavar, I cannot betray my brother"
"It is too late Nicholas has the information we need and when your brother falls you will be my queen."
Valundra turned her back on him, she didn't want to look at him, she felt she had betrayed her family just by being there.
"I am not your queen. My family is all that I have left and I will not let you destroy it"
"A family?" a shrill laugh escaped his lips as he thought about what she was actually saying.
"Ava is insane, your sleeping with the enemy and your brother is screwing one of the servants, that is some family you’ve got there"
"How dare you!" she shouted back, her eyes burned with hate, but her heart was fighting to hold him.
Tia could see her struggling with her own emotions as she tried to do the right thing.
For the first time Tia realized they were more alike then either would admit, both sacrificing their happiness for the sake of a greater cause that took priority over everyone’s lives.
"Forgive me my love, but I was thinking of you. You are the only reason I haven't killed your brother sooner or that idiot husband of yours"
"Don’t ever speak of him like that. He is ten times the man you'll ever be. I'm sorry that I made the mistake of trusting you, when I should have believed in my brother. At least he isn't a coward"
"A coward? Your brother is the biggest coward I know, hiding behind the army when he should be fight for his kingdom. Valundra my love tell me his plans and I promise that when the day comes you will be my queen"
"I'm sorry, the price is too high, I would rather die then betray him"
In one swift movement she flipped the hood back up, her face once again was hidden behind a veil of darkness.
"Goodbye Kavar" were her last words as she walked away from him.
Tia could of sworn she saw all the life pour out of him as he watch her walk away from him.
"Your mine and mine alone Valundra, you will be my queen"

Tia felt her heart break as her mind tried to process everything she had heard.
Valundra wouldn't betray her brother even for the sake of her love for Kavar, so who would?
The question repeated its self in her mind as she tried to shorten her list of suspects, but no matter who she thought of she kept drawing a blank.
She realized ten minutes must have passed before Nicholas arrived.
He took a seat, never mentioning Kavar's strange behaviour.
"The king has plans to attack our base in two days, he will have his army guarding the castle while Rath begins the attack."
"And what of your source will they be found out?"
"Never they are too close to the king, they will never be suspected. What is to be done my lord?"
"We will attack at noon, it will give us enough time to infiltrate the castle before the guards are fully aware of what is happening"
Tia carefully pushed herself out of her hiding place, blending herself with the shadows.
Slowly she opened the door, as she turned the handle an alarm sounded.
"Who's there?" Kavar shouted towards the door as Nicholas ran to see.
He saw Tias retreating back
"It is the kings whore,” he said quickly, wanting more than anything to chase her himself.
"My lord what is the trouble?" a soldier shouted above the alarm, as he entered the room.
"We have a spy on the lose, make sure she is caught before she reaches the palace"

Tia ran through the huge forest that surrounded Kavar's base, until she came to a small trap door that was hidden by a mass off dead bushes.
She quickly jumped down, recovering her escape root so no one would follow.
The tunnel came out near the army barracks where it would be easy for her to slip into the palace unnoticed.
When she emerged in to the refreshing nights air she found herself gasping for air.
"Ty" she heard Lana shout from across the ground.
She looked up to see her friend walking towards her, she wanted so much to stop and talk like they used to, but she'd wasted enough tome already.
She started off again in a sprint, she could still hear Lana calling after her, but there wasn't much time. She urged herself onwards as she headed back to Zan to warn him.

Part Seventeen - Goodbye

Max sat with his back against the headboard, cradling Liz in his arms. In a way that seemed oddly comforting, his eyes constantly darted down to her peaceful face, showing no sign of the torment that was going on in her mind. Tess lay unconscious on the floor, he wonder what they were going to do about her as he watched her still form. He couldn’t kill her but she and her powers were dangerous to all of them. His head snapped up as Isabel marched into the room followed by a concerned looking Michael.
“Its ok Max, Isabel’s filled me in on what’s happened.”
“Did you tell Maria,” Max looked round Michael expectantly.
“No she’ll freak you know it, we don’t need that right now.” Max nodded.
“I can’t heal her alone, you have to help me!”
Michael and Isabel sat either side of Max and placed their hands on his as Max placed his other hand on the side of Liz’s head. Closing their eyes Michael and Isabel concentrated on focusing their power through Max. Max fixed his gazed on Liz
“Come on Liz baby let me in!” Max’s hand glowed and he was jolted as he felt himself get pulled in. Blinking he opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by a soft mist, Glancing round he saw Liz nearby, relief flushed over him as he ran to her side and knelt down. Liz was curled up on the ground her head clasped in her hands. Max placed his hand on her shoulder and shook her.
“Liz, Liz it’s me! You have to look at me”
Liz registered Max’s voice on the edges of her subconscious forcing herself to try and resurface through the swimming memories; she knew it was important that she opened her eyes.
Max placed his hand on the side of her head as he had done back in the real world and grinned happily at her as she fluttered her eyes open and focused on him. His happiness turned to worry as he realise Liz was fighting hard to stay with him and he didn’t have much time. Concentrating his hand glowed; healing the tear that Tess had caused in her mind. Liz found herself getting stronger,
“Max” she managed to whisper as she focused on him completely and he pulled her gratefully into his embrace. Max caught something move in the corner of his eye, turning to look a jolt of energy hit him and he found himself back on his bed with Liz in his arms.
“Liz” he shook her gently, he knew he’d healed her but the other presence that had thrown him out worried him.
“Liz” he said again as she failed to wake up.
“Max what’s wrong” Isabel asked sensing her brothers concern.
“I healed her she should be waking up!” He looked at them both “You have to help me get back in” They nodded and the three of them concentrated again. Max opened his eyes in frustration; it was like a brick wall had been put up.
“Maybe she just needs some time,” Isabel suggested.
“No! When I was in her mind…She’s not alone. Something’s keeping me out” Max looked at Tess suspiciously
“Has she been unconscious the whole time”?
Michael shrugged.
“I guess so!”
Max knelt down besides Tess.
“I’m gonna wake her maybe with her help we can through to Liz again.”

####################

Liz screamed Max’s names as he was torn from her and disappeared. Turning she saw Tia standing clearly in front of her.
“I’m sorry, you have to see how it ends, I couldn’t help you before but I can guide you now, Please take my hand”
Liz was surprise at Tia’s commanding presence and reached out her hand before she could think not to.
Trustingly Liz opened her mind to Tia and found herself looking out from her eyes.

####################

Sitting on the cold concrete floor Tia sat with her back flat against the wall hugging her knees to her chest. Her clothes where ripped and torn from her ordeal, cuts and scratches cover almost all of her exposed flesh. Her hair hung wildly around her face as her eyes darted wildly around the dank cell searching for way out. Her eyes blinked a few times as she hugged her self tighter, digging her nails into the flesh of her arms. It had been an easy escape form Kivar, but now she could feel the pain of her failure. Nicholas had been close behind, while she ran for the palace. Stupidly she never believed he would follow her inside, how could she have know the ally he’d created. Her eyes stung from unshed tears.
How could she of done that to him? She thought as she recalled her meeting with Ava.
<FLASH>
"Tia!" a shocked Ava gasped as the figure that had knocked her over, stood up.
"We have to get to Zan" Tia gasped as she trying to hurry on down the corridor roughly tugging ava along behind her. Tia turned surprised as Ava halted behind and refused budge.
"So its true! My own sister has been having an affair with my husband” Ava had a slight edge of desperation to her voice.
“Ava we don’t have time for this!” Tia tried to remain calm, instinct told her to just leave Ava and continue with out her, but the love she held for her sister held her back.
“You’ve ruined my life” A tear ran down Avas face as she looked at Tia, a cold calm edge had entered her voice. Tia didn't have the chance to react. Avas eyes darted to something behind Tia and the last thing she saw was Ava’s twisted smile of satisfaction as something hard, hit her from behind.
"Ava..." she sighed.
<FLASH>
Now all Tia could do was recall what had killed them all.
She tried for hours once she had awoken to escape the confines of her concrete prison, but the only light came from a door, which stood high in the wall.
When the door was finally thrown open and a figure stood in the door way, Tia didn’t need to look up to know who was about to taunt her.
"Well if it isn't little Tia"
"Don't call me that!" she shouted, still rocking back and fourth like a mad man, as a ladder was thrown down and Nicholas made his way into her cell.
She could see the glint of victory in his eyes, but tried to ignore it.
"Who's going to save your king now. Ava's like a sad little child, Valundra is so bewitched by Kavar that she doesn't have the strength to say no, Rath...well his just a babbling idiot and then there’s you. Little Tia, who never got the chance to be a real queen and is locked away when the king doesn't want to play...your just a toy Tia...but now your my toy"
Nicholas put his hand on her cheek.
She lashed out at him, grabbing his throat and shoving him against the wall.
"Never!" she hissed.
"I could hang you for this!"
"Not if you are dead!"
She held him with one hand, while the other retrieved the gun that had been place so carelessly at his side and held it to his forehead.
"Kill me Tia! If you have the guts!"
She stared him down, her eyes burning with and anger.
"I have a heart!" she said harshly, bringing the gun down into the side of her head.
His body slumped to the floor, but she barely noticed.
Tia turned and ran, taking the ladder to buy her some time.
But she couldn't quite shake the feeling that she was too late.

#################################

Tia ran through the palace, tears streamed down her face as she ran through the passages to their secret room somehow she new Zan would be waiting for her there. She knew he would be there because that was where he belonged.
"Zan" she screamed, bursting through the door.
"Tia!" he yelled back as she ran into his open arms.
Unwillingly she pulled away, her eyes drawn to the smoke she saw beyond the window.
"The world is on fire"
His heart seemed to break as he felt the pain behind her words.
It was true, their world of make believe had become nothing more than shards of glass as the real world, outside those four walls, began to slowly seep in.
"Its over Tia, we cant' win this" he said, as his eyes clouded over with uncertainty and regret.
"But we could of, if only I could of gotten here sooner, its all my fault" she pleaded, making no mention of Ava's betrayal.
Zan didn't need to know, if he did, he'd take action and send Ava further into her fairytale world. Ava was weak and Zan could make it worse.
"Its not your fault, it was never your fault. This war can never be won.....I'm just sorry we wasted so much time"
"No!...No!" Tia begged, with fresh tears falling like rain from her emerald eyes.
"It was never wasted"
They collapsed forward, falling to the floor, clutching each other as if they would fade and be forgotten in the crowd.
"I can't believe this all we have left"
"No!" Tia said bravely, as she struggled to find the words to say what he needed to know.
"I..w..we..I've wanted to tell you something for so long, but it was wrong, it should never have happened and then I was just scared and and..."
Zan pushed her away slightly, looking deep into her eyes until he could see the richness of her soul.
"I already know baby"
Tia stared back unsure. She felt stupid.
How could Zan possibly know, she'd been so careful and had sacrificed everything to keep it a secret.
How could he know?
Her fears quietened and her panic began to cease when he kissed her trembling lips.
"How, I never.."
"I guess I’ve always known, but that night in the nursery, when you thought I was asleep, I watched you and our..our son, I heard him call you mama and I prayed to every god in the heavens that it was not just a trick played cruelly on my mind"
"Why didn't you say something?"
"Because I know you and you'd gone to so much trouble.."
Tia let a small laugh escape her lips and she felt Zan pull her close once again.
After all was said and done, he wasn't angry in fact he loved her more.
She'd given up so much just to keep their family safe and he owed her more than he'll ever know.
He pulled her even closer, feeling the need for nothing more than her.
Raining kisses along her neck until he reached her soft lips, his hands came to her face, gently wiping away her salty tears, then his hands reached for her hair, pulling the small clip out until a soft, dark river undulated down her back.
"Tia its you, its always been you. Your my queen not her"
"Zan please. Don't. I can't find the strength to let you go"
She silenced his reply with her lips that trembled with fear and pain.
In the distance, the faint sounds of an explosion echoed and Tia knew that Kavar would be close by.
This is all we have she thought as realisation dawned on her.
She wished more than anything that they could lock themselves away in that room, so they would never have to face the fight, that they both knew would come.
Tia looked straight into his warm caramel eyes, she was home, it had taken what felt like forever to get there but she was finally home and for the first time, she felt safe.
As if nothing could ever scar her heart again.
Tia glanced over his shoulder, what she saw sent a cold chill down her spine.
Her past thoughts of perfection and home, now lay broken on the floor, like so many things in her world.
"Ava, no!" she screamed, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
She heard the gun go off, but it didn't quite seem real, nothing did.
Zan fell forward, Tia barely caught him before he hit the floor.
"What have you done?" Tia screamed at her sister.
Tears rolled off her cheeks as she clutched the man she loved in her arms.
She pressed the wound trying to stop the bleeding, but nothing helped.
"No! No! you can't leave me here!"
"D..don't cry my love" Zan stuttered in a husky voice that no longer sounded like his.
She could feel him weakening in her arms as he began to fade taking her heart with him.
There was nothing she could do.
In the back of her mind she had always known it would end this way, but why did she have to watch, why had fate been so unkind, only giving them a chance at peace, when that peace would be stolen away by death.
"We belong together, T..Tia, I will see you again" he stuttered as blood began drip from the corner of his pale lips.
"No matter where, no matter when, I'll find you. I will find you" she vowed as she began to feel her oxygen being pulled away from her.
She clasped his hand tightly, as she kissed his blood stained lips.
His eyes were growing darker losing their caramel glow.
Tia stole a glance at Ava, who had fallen to the floor, rocking backwards and forwards, like a broken child.
Her eyes fell back to Zan, his eyes were fixed on her, never wavering, like their forbidden love that should never have been.
"I love you and our son. I'm just sorry we...we...." his final words were lost as he took one last fatal breath and fell back his deathly eyes still staring straight ahead, focusing on nothing but Tia.
"Zan...Zan...No!" Tia's scream echoed through the room, like a haunting melody.
Her entire world had come crashing down around her, but she didn't see it anymore.
All she saw was the blood that soaked her hands and his eyes as they held for eternity.
"Didn't mean to... not my fault...not my fault" came the childlike voice in a mantra.
Ava rocked herself backwards and forwards, covering her ears as if it would make things go away.
"We have to go!" Tia shouted at her, fighting the urge to just kill her right there.
Ava would pay, maybe not in this life, but maybe the next.
Besides there had been too much killing and Tia would not be the one to take her sisters life.
"Didn't mean to...not my fault.."
Tia reached for her, trying to make her stand, but she wouldn't move.
Ava had lost more then just her sanity, she had lost her will to live, the only problem was it was never hers to begin with.
Slowly, Tia leaned down, keeping her eyes from falling on the gun that lay beside her fragile sister.
With trembling lips Tia leaned down to kiss her fallen sisters forehead.
She realised, that Ava's insanity was partly her fault, but Tia could never forgive her for what she had just taken away from her.
She took one last glance at her fallen lover, he was nothing but a corpse now, his soul had been ripped from his body with his last breath and now sat in limbo waiting for the day when Tia's soul would join him once again.
As she left, she heard the click of the gun and a single shot, she hung her head as she walked away. Ava’s pain was over, she prayed she’d find peace in the next life. With that thought becoming her last shred of hope she ran from the room, escaping before Kavar had the chance to kill her.


TBC…………………..

Hey all! phew i'm getting near the end here and i'm nervous, the early parts where writen a long time ago,so i'm trying to tie things together as best i can but please forgive for any inconsistences.

This chaper is RATED R for violence. its probably not that bad but i wanted anyone who's easily worried to be aware.

enjoy

Part 18 - End Game

Tia rushed down the corridor as the harsh echo of a single gun blast resounded in her ears. Her mind was barely aware of her surroundings as she focused solely on her destination, a slight movement in the shadows caused her to holt suddenly, her mind instantly on the here and now.
Nakira, Zan's mother hid in the shadows,clutching a small gun to her chest.
Panic flooded her sences as the pain of not knowing held her heart still.
Valundra had left only hours before the war had reached the palace gates, she'd promised she'd return once she was certain Rath was alive and well.
But, now like so many others, her fate was unknown, leaving Nakira with hallow thoughts and a simmering fear that settled in her body.
A figure came into view, sprinting towards her,with only a look of pure determination fueling her.
Zan had that look once...Nakira thought wistfully, as she forced her mind to stay in the present and not to dwell on the past.
Nakira looked back at the women, who'd slowed her pace, there was something familiar about those piercing green eyes.
Something momentarily haunting.
Tia cursed her self herself for leaving the gun behind, she slowed her pace and approached the darkened corners of the corridor, cautiously shooting her hand out, she made a grab for the figure that clung to the shadows.
Her eyes widened with fear and respect, as her hand instantly fell away and she pulled the queen mother into the harsh lights of the corridor.

Glancing around nervously Tia focused her eyes on the queen, unwilling to make the same mistake she’d made with Ava. She knew without a doubt that she'd have to keep moving or she'd fail the task that was vital for their survival.
“Your highness you must follow me, time is not on our side”
The queen stood tall not obeying the commands of this familiar stranger who stood before her.
“Who are you girl? What grants you the right to issue ME commands?” Nakira questioned wisely.
With her palace being invaded by their enemies, she was not about to place her trust in anyones hands lightly.
“Why should I trust you when my own personal bodies guards made and attempt on my life only minutes ago.”
Tias eyes widened with pity, she understood the Queens wareiness all too well and wished she had more time to explain, but Tia had never been granted that luxury and resorted to her training.
Her eyes fell cold and dull, her breathing evened out and she raised her eyes to meet the Queens questioning stare.
“I’m sorry, but I do not have the time to explain, either you trust me now, or you will die here.” Tia replied cooly.
She waited a moment before she made the Queens discission for her.
Her hand lashed out once again, grabbing the Queens arm alittle bit rougher than needed and started back down the corridor, only stoopping when she felt the Queens feet give way behind her.
Tia reached out her hand to help the women up.
Nakira ignored it, slowly standing up straight her impressive face simmering with anger and a determination her heart recognised.
Nakira watched silently as the woman before her seemed to float into some unknown memory.
A small smile tugged at her face, but was gone quickly as she forced herself under control.
"You have 2 minutes, what do you want to know?"
The queen stood back slightly and raked her eye over the woman before her, taking in her tussled appearance.
The girl’s arm hung loosely at her side her hands were balled in to fist in obvious as if they were trying to hold back some great power or pain. Her gaze didn’t linger it shifted and met the girls haunted eyes. The faint glimmer of recognition the Queen had noticedonly moments before seemed to register in her mind.
Tia... the word echoed through her thoughts, but how?
"Death looks good on you Tia!" Nakira replied calmly as she assed Tia's reaction
Fear, relief, pain and love seemed to cloud Tias hypnotic eyes.
Nakira waited patiently, she not set eyes on this women since her son had married her sister Ava.
She’ always thought it odd that Tia had not attended the wedding, but had long ago accepted the excuses Larac and even Zan himself had given, but with Zan and Ava looking so happy she had barely given it a second thought.
It was also widely known that this girl, or ghost standing before her, had been dead for 3 years, so why was she here now, very much alive and in the middle of an attack on the royal house. She was jerked out of her thoughts when Tia finally spoke.
"Forgive me if you will, shout at me if you must, but right now the most important thing is to get you out of here before you fall just like...." Tia stopped suddenly her hand clasped over her mouth as she held back a violent sob.
“Zan…..” Nakira gasped.
She could see the pain in Tias eyes, a pain that could almost mirror her own.
Now she was certain, both her children were dead, the royal house had fallen, she was the last of the antarian leaders.
I must survive, I must avenge my fallen children Nakira decided.
She raised her eyes once again, her grief fueling her power as she spoke.
"Lead the way, I'll cover us from behind"

Tia lead the Queen through the masses of secret passages that Valundra had shown her many years before. They kept going until at last they came to what looked like a dead end.
Tia placed her hand over the wall, slowly a glow traveled across her small hand, printing her palm for admittance.
Slowly a panel in the wall slid open revealing what looked like a lab.
Nakira followed Tia inside gazing in wonder around the room as the panel closed silently behind them.
"Where are we?" Nakira asked as they made there way down a ramp to what looked like a sealed chamber.
"There's no time to explain" Tia turned her attention to the two figures that were approaching.
Nakira fell silent and just watched as the scene played out before her.
“Who are you?” a voice asked with a gun aimed at the uninvited visitors.
“Tia"
The pair nodded in acceptance, lowering there weapons and handed her a folder.
"Tell me your names soldiers?" Tia began, taking command of the situation as Rath had taught her.
“Cal and That’s Nasedo."
"Good. I take it everything is ready
“Yes the modules are prepared, we are just awaitng the final essence" Cal stated.
Tia nodded and walked over to the four pods that were situated a few feet away.
There was a symbol on each of them, but only one of them didn't glow.
“Why isn’t zans pod glowing?”
Cal rasied his eyebrows and hurried forward “er.. his highness left strict instruction.. that er” he hestitated at Tias aggravated glare as she wondered what zan had done without telling her.
“yes!” she said urging the him to continue
“you have to place the palm of your hand of the symbol, for the process to be activated”
Tia couldn’t help but be surprised, With trembling fingers she placed her hand over the last pod.
A soft blue glow, traveled down her arm, falling from her fingertips as it engulfed the last pod.
The small spirally symbol began to beat like that of a heart, then slowed to a shimmer.
Tia let her hand fall to her side, her body suddenly feeling lifeless.
“what happened? What was that blue glow?”
“The pods was desgined to react to you DNA, its just taken a piece of you to carry with zan”
“what!!” she suppressed a sob, despite all their plans for survival. Zan in a final act of love and defiance had arrange it so that there was possible way that he could go with out her.
“its taken my DNA? Won’t that mix with Zans?”
“No!! that cant happen! It’ll be more like a memory, a thought, an instinct for finding you again in the next life.”
“Oh!” was all Tia could managed
Cal managed a brief smile of sympathy “its very romantic”
"Then it’s done" she replied unfeeling.
"Anitiating final stage" she heard Nasedo say somewhere behind her..
"May the heavens be on our side" Tia whispered to the two men , as they loaded the four pods onto a small ship and then boarded, themselves.

Tia stood silently as she watched the ceiling of the room open out and the small ship begin to rise, gradually climbing higher and higher into the purple sky.
Her eyes never faltered, she felt someone put a comforting hand on her shoulder but she would not look away until she watched him disappear that one last time.
Slowly Tia turned to Nakira who gave her a slight nod
"I suppose I should explain" Tia shrugged defeatedly.
Now she'd completed her final task, she could die in peace, she didn't know how but she knew this war would claim her.
“Where would you like me to start?" she sighed.
"How bout you tell me what just happened?"
""Zan made plans, if he and the others died...."
"Others?"
"Valundra, Rath, Zan and A...Ava. If they died, I was to see to that the ship carrying their essences got away safely. Its taking them to a planet called Earth, where they have the chance to be reborn. It was the only way we could be sure their power wouldn't fall to Khivar" Tia summed up.
Nakira nodded in understanding, then continued with more of the questions her mind had formulated.
"Why the lies Tia? its obvious your not as dead as Zan and Larac insisted?"
Tears welled in Tias eyes but she wasn't ready to let them fall.
"Zan was in love with me, he said he'd give up everything for me including the throne. I couldn't let that happen. With Laracs help, I disappeared, they said I was dead, because we both knew Zan wouldn't give up searching for me. I joined the army, at least that way I could keep them all safe and they'd never know"
Tia roughly wiped away dry tears, spreading the blood from her hands along her cheeks.
"Your hurt?" Nakira said, for the first time noticing the blood on the child’s delicate hands.
"No! It’s not my blood..its..its Zans"
She found her strength give way at the words.
Her heart was gone and all that was left was a harsh reality that seemed like an empty void.
Fresh tears glistened in her eyes.
Nakira wrapped her arms around her , but Tia didn't notice as her body was racked with violent sobs. Her legs gave out and she was vagly aware of sinking to her knees, Nakira still holding her tighly. ‘Everyone she cared about had disappeared and she felt like she had no right to still be living.’ The queens distort sobs, filtered through, "No mother should out live her children" Nakira mumbled in her ear, “my babies, I’ve failed them. I’m their mother, and I couldn’t protect them.”
Tia realised that it was now she that was holding Nakira.
Nakira pulled away suddenly and grasped Tia even more franticly.
“my grandson! Where is he?”
“its ok he’s safe”
“but where..”
“his with Larac’s son,”
“at least one innocent live can be saved from this mess”
“he must survive! Besides me he the only surviving heir.”
Nikira looked at Tia as the womans eyes glazed and focused on nothing.
“No!.... Zan has a son, his name is Delos”
Nakira looked surprised for a moment as the name delso registered in her mind and she remembered that the boy was said to be Laracs son. “I don’t understand”
“it happened before he married Ava, we were young and nieve. When we realized we couldn’t be together we consoled each other the only way two people in love could. I never told Zan the truth until today when he was…” she looked down at her hands.
Nikira gasped and then pulled Tia tightly into her embrace.
“oh my dear child, no women should have suffer as you have." she finished.
"Did you really love my son?" Nakira asked suddenly.
Tia pulled away, looking deep into Nakira's eyes.
Soft golden eyes, that reminded her so much of Zan's.
The memory of her holding his cold, lifeless body was still fresh in her mind, bringing more then just pain into her lost gaze.
"I will love him until the end of time, but he belongs to Ava and she must be the one by his side"
"You've been strong long enough Tia, you don't have to be anymore" Nakira whispered softly, feeling the need to take control and try and lessen the girls pain.
"Yes I do!" Tia snapped through the haze of her hysterical tears.
"I promised him..I have to do these things because when I stop, then its real, his really gone and it hurts so much"

Nakira looked into Tias emeralds eyes that shone with so much pain, there was nothing left of the girl she once knew. There was a wisdom, an age-old pain from loving the one man and being denied that love for the sake of all others.
"Tia I know what it is like to lose the ones you love, more than anyone. But my child, you cannot afford to stay lost in your grief. Time is of the essence and your tears will not keep us alive. You must let me shoulder your burden and strive to live on for the sake of those poeple we have lost"
Tia blinked away her tears trying to control the fire that burned inside her.
"I will fight, to save your life my Queen, but once you are safe I cannot promise I'll have the strength to survive my own fate"
Tia turned away, once again gestering for the Queen to follow.
No more words were spoken, both women lost to their own sorrow.





Tia stared up at the nights sky, as silent tears ran down her solem face.
They'd escaped the confines of the fallen palace hours before and now Tia could feel a faint glimmer of hope begining to form in the slow beating of her aching heart.
Maybe she would survive her inevitable fate.
Maybe she'd die an old lady, warm in her bed instead of by the hand of her enemy, an enemy that had stolen everything from her.
looking back at the stormy green sky tinged by purple she sighed softly.
She knew Zan was safe now, on his way to a place where the war could not reach him.
Her promise was fulfilled, but she still couldn't shake the feeling of impeding doom, that seemed to of settled in the evenings dust.
Slowly she turned away from the acrid burning smell that now engulfed the once exquisite planet called Antar and froze.
"Miss me?" a condesending voice asked from the shadows of the room in front of her.
A cold shiver ran down the length of her spine as her mind put a face to the haunting voice.
Nicholas cautiously stepped into the light, an evil glist visable in his icey grey eyes.
"What? no words for an old friend?" he mocked causing Tia to grit her teeth.
Dread washed over her as she realized it was too much to hope that he'd died in battle somewhere, like so many other skins.
"I take it you walked through the front door!" Tia hissed.
"You know me so well Tia, besides sneaking around behind peoples backs is so pas'se" he smirked.
She could hear the mildly concealed contempt in his voice.
Her hand unconciously went to the gun that settled on her hip as her fingers fiddled with the trigger.
"Now, now Tia, no need to get nasty. I didn't come here to kill you"
"I know why you came here and you will not get it!" she said calmly, her control anger evident in her voice.
"What makes you so sure?" he grinned, raising one of his demeaning eyebrows to justify his point.
Tia glared back hatefully, her gun hand trembling silently.
"Honestly? I thought you'd put up more of a fight. You were such a fiesty one, I guess thats why Zan kept you around!"
Nicholas leaned a little to the left as Tia fired her lasgun at the side of his head.
"Little wide, don't ya think?"
"That was a warning!" she replied cooly, lowering her gun but not holstering it.
Nicholas smile malevolently as he edged himself closer, until barely a foot stood between them.
"Last chance Tia, say yes and I'll let you live!" Nicholas stated, his voice barely controled.
"I'll never be yours!"
"Pity. I would of enjoyed playing with you!"
Nicholas lunged forward in an attempt to catch her off guard.
His hand grabbed at her wrist as she stepped back bringing her knee up to meet his groin.
He hissed from the pain, but recovered quickly, slamming her wrist angrily against the wall until the gun slipped from her fingers.
Tia turned into his body, shifting her weight slightly as she grabbed his arm and threw him effortlessly over her shoulder.
Nicholas crashed through the glass planeled doors and landed in a heap of blood and shimmering glass on the balconies floor.
"Give up and I'll make it quick!" Tia commanded as she stood over him, her foot applying sharpe pressure to his throat, preventing his breath from passing.
"Not gonna happen" he croaked back, his voice strained as he grabbed her foot, twisting it slightly and pushing back.
Tia stumbled slightly, but not enough for her to lose the upper hand.
"Do you really think you can out smart me?" he screamed as he flipped himself into a standing position.
Tia watched him steadily, as they circled each other, neither willing to close the gap between them.
"I always said, you'd die screaming!"
"Sorry to disappoint you, but you will not be granted that pleasure!"
"Oh well, I'll just settle on making you bleed then!"
Once again Nicholas lunged at her, Tia threw her hand forward grabbing his wirst as the sudden knife curled in his hand sliced the exposed skin of her arm.
Blood softly trickled down her fingers causing her grib on his wrist to slip.
Nicholas felt the balance shift and used the moment to shift their position and hurl her through the door.
She landed with a hard thud, her back sliced and bleeding from the fall length mirror that now lay in shard on the floor underneath her.
"Not so tough now!" Nicholas chanted spitefully.
Tia's aching body, slowly raised itself up until she was faaceing him once again.
Nicholas raised his empty hand, she felt herself begin to raise her feet floating, as an invisable hand closed around her throat.
She gasped for air, but to no avail as Nicholas smiled joyfully.
Tia could feel herself weakening, as her heart and lungs fought for the little oxygen that circulated through her body.
Nicholas laugh as he let Tia's body fall to the groud violently, he smiled proudly, when he heard the snap of a broken bone hidden under her heavy gasps for breath.
"I said I'd make you bleed!" he whispered loadly enogh so she could here the insanity in his words.
Tia fought, everything was turning blurry, but she needed to survive.
She deflected his hand with her wrist, pushing him back so she could pull herself to her feet.
She stumbled, but steadied herself quickly and faced the man she dispised openly.
Nicholas smiled at her, his lips releasing a malevolent laugh
Tia clutched at her stomach, as she was racked with a sizzling plain that blurred her sences.
Blood began to seep through her fingers, staining the once marble floors as deep cuts appeared on her body.
"I don't have to touch you, to cause you pain!" Nicholas laughed again.
Tia felt a pull, something trying to draw her away, as the her blood flowed, seemingly neverrnding.
She was so caught up in controling her pain, that she didn't notice Nicholas circle around behind her until her tugged roughly at her her hair and exposed her neck.
She knew it was all over as her body exceptted her fate.
"Say goodnight!" he hissed in her ear, nibbling painfully on her ear lobe as he yanked her head to the side.
He smiled at the snap, kissing the top of Tias head, he let her lifeless body fall to the floor and walked away.

TBC………….