+2+

"Did they at least wait until I got out the drive way before plotting a mutiny ?"

Lysander sits up against the wall and shakes his head. We had been trapped for three hours. I couldn't even wrap my mind around how the Brothers I had trusted to be in my inner circle had just betrayed me.

"It happened this morning.They waited until I was asleep to come after me. I'm sorry Paris. I should have seen this coming."

"No you shouldn't have", I said, "Jona's my brother. He should have known better."

I walk along the edge of the basement storage room finding no way out. Then I go up the stairs to where the metal fencing is between me and the door.

"Damn", I whisper, "We have to stop them, Lysander."

"Do we ?", he says quietly, "Maybe it's for the best. It might solve our Angel problem."

"Violence is never the answer. If they fail we are shit out of luck. "

"That pacifism shit again, Paris ? You know Father only starting spouting that because he was getting old. He wanted to set things right in the world before he died--"

"Your cane", I said ignoring him, "Where is your cane. .  maybe I can--"

"They took it. Fucking bastards."

I sit back down next to him on the floor.

"Damn we're fucking screwed.", I bring my palms to my head trying to think harder.

I hear Lysander turn to me and I wait for him to speak. I can feel him staring at me then he leans in closer.

"What ?", I ask.

Lysander squints his eyes.

"Are you wearing perfume ?", he asks

I take off my coat realizing it still smells like Seraphina's perfume.

"What ? no--"

". . . did Isobel show up in Boston ?", he asks, "Is that why you didn't want anyone to go with you ?"

"No. It's nothing."

"Oh. Okay. . . . was it a hooker ? Fuck-"

"No, I wait--"

I stop and reach into my pocket and pull out the small knife Seraphina had given me at the hotel. It fit in the palm of my hand, it was made of white gold on the outside and fashioned to masquerade as a vintage barrette. A full smile tugs across my face.  I flip it open; the blade is dark black and opaque with a white gold tip.

"Whoa", Lysander peers down at it touching the smooth edge, "What is that made of ?"

"It's mojave obsidian", I tell him with a smile, "Rumor has it that it can cut through anything"

"That looks familiar", Lysander studies the engraving on the outside.

"This is our way out", I tell him before he can remember seeing Seraphina wearing it in her hair..

I jog back up the stairs and start sawing away at the wire fencing. Silver filings spark off and leave tiny indents in the metal. It could take hours to cut through and time was already against me.

It takes me 8 hours to cut through one wire. Lysander and I take turns, only stopping when Callum comes in to make sure we were still in place.

When I finally get a third wire cut I can stick my hand through and reach for the door.  It's locked and when I pull my hand out it's cut and scraped.

"How goes it ?", Lysander calls.

"I need to pick the lock", I grab two of the wires from the floor and straighten them out.

"Hurry", Lysander looks at his watch, "We're running out of time."

+++

It's dark when I finally get the door open, just past midnight the next day. The infirmary is empty and I quietly move through keeping a close eye our for Lysander's cane. I make it into the main hall when my escape is interrupted by the land line in the main hall ringing.

"Shit"

I grab the ringing phone off the hook and place it back down. It rings again, I consider disconnecting but answer instead.

“Who the hell--”, I whisper

"Paris ?"

"Sera ? It's late . Why are you calling the main line ?"

"I've been trying to reach you all day.", she's whispering too.

"I've been preoccupied.", I say begrudgingly.

“Helios is raiding Callum's warehouse.”

“Wait, Sera what ?”

Her tone doesn't change but she clarifies.

“Helios is raiding Callum's warehouse in Brooklyn in a few minutes. He knows about the bullets and that Callum is planning to attack in the morning.. Helios want to surprise him tonight, he wants those bullets for himself.”

“How did Helios even find out about the warehouse. . . did you tell him.”

Damn.

"You have maybe 10 minutes until we get there", she says, "I have to go."

"Sera you have to stall him--"

I hear the dial tone.

Damn.

I forget trying to be stealthy and rush upstairs to the dorms and drag Jona out of bed. I look for Ashe next and realize he isn't in his bed, over the past few weeks he'd  made a great show of spending several nights with whatever rich yuppie he picked up at a bar.

"How did you get ou--", Jona starts

"Shut up, Callum is in trouble. Where is he ?"

"He's at the warehouse with the others preparing for tomorrow. What's going on ?"

Fuck

I grab Jona's phone off the nightstand and dial Callum.

"What Jona", Callum answers his phone.

"You need to get out. Helios is on the way over there--"

"Paris ? How the fuck did you--"

"Destroy everything, Callum.  Helios' cannot get his hands on the ammunition--"

"Shit, who ratted us out ? Was it that woman ?"

"The complete opposite actually, she called and warned me. Destroy everything and get out."

I can hear Callum yelling at everyone. He's ignoring my orders. He's telling them to load up and prepare to fight.

"Callum", I shout, "What the fuck are you doing. Get out."

"It's time", he says, "This ends here."

"Callum--"

A few moments pass and there is a sudden silence followed by an  an uproar in the background, I hear Callum's phone hit the ground. Screams come from the other end before abruptly cutting out.

Jona is sitting up in bed now and so are a few others. I  grab Jona and pull him out the room.

“Jona, Helios is attacking Callum’s warehouse. Grab one of the unmarked vans and go down to the warehouse  in case anyone needs to make a quick getaway.  I'll send some others in the SUV."

There are maybe 30 men with Callum down there, we’ll be luck if we can get 10 in a car.Some could probably run for it, but there were no subway stations in the area. There wouldn't be a crowed to get lost in this time of night. There was no place to run.

“Aren’t you coming ?”, Jona asks

“I want to, but it's not my place. I can’t risk getting killed.”, By Helios or Callum I thought but didn't say.

"Paris you can't just hide out.", Jona snaps a me.

"I'm not. I'd be a target. It's best I stay here. Go."

He glowers at me and turnst o leave.

Murmurs start throughout St. Lilth's as everyone becomes aware of the situation. I'm careful with what I say. I need to make it seem as if I received a call from Callum during the attack, instead of like I knew about it before hand.

Some instantly go to help, decided not to let their Brothers feign for themselves. Others, myself included, go to the infirmary to help Damien prepare. Whether for injuries or bodies.

+++

They looked like toy soldiers. Or what I imagine toy soldiers would look like, Anne always said those weren’t an appropriate toy for girls. I later told Hippolyta that it was sexist. Hippolyta told me Anne didn’t say that because I was a girl, but because soldiers were instruments of war.

The SGI wore t-shirts or undershirts with heavy pants and combat boots. Their muscles looked tensed and defined as they broke off into an organized formation towards Helios’ new fleet of Hummers. Rumor had it the cars were either leased or stolen.

What were they doing ?

I hadn't been able to go to sleep earlier and now my eye lids were already dropping from the content of my well used water bottle. With Seraphina's bed empty no one was lose enough to smell the harsh smell of Vodka. I leaned further on the window.

Seraphina and Helios walk out last behind the formation.. The two of them pause by the inner gate once the others have gone through. They turn to each other, Helios is in a relaxed stance.

"I think I might need some luck from my lady", Helios says.

Because they think no one is watching, Helios dips Seraphina down into a kiss, she is instantly taken by surprise and gives a half smile when he sets her up right.  She takes the ribbon holding her braid together and loops it around his belt.

"Luck", she says and kisses him.

Jesus , I hated them.

I laugh causing the clear vodka to go right through my nose. That had been my best internal imitation of Caden. He "Jesus, I hate them" everyone. His parents, his rich classmates and even tourist

Mother said it was tradition for Angel Warriors to go into skirmishes with tokens from their women for luck. That way in case he died he'd have a part of her with him. I once asked what part of the man does the woman have with her when she dies.

Children. Had been Mother's answer

It sounded so silly and romantic but now. . . I don't know.

Sera turns back and raises her hand waving to someone in the distance. A few second later Leon runs out the mansion. He bows in apology to Helios, putting his ear piece in. The three of them head through the gate together. Helios at the center.

There is a call in the distance and they stop.

I squint to be sure and see Aria waddling out of Helio's mansion. I survey the dorm and realize her bed is empty, looks like I wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep.  Aria moved so slowly that the trio actually turn back to her so she doesn't have to go far.

Aria is waving a pink ribbon and Leon uncomfortably shifts as she finds someplace to tie it, then she gives Seraphina one of her rings. She kisses Leon and Seraphina on the lips , making a conscious gesture of not giving Helio's the same respect.

Helios and Leon don’t see what I see.

They don’t see Seraphina take the pistols from the holster on her back and empty the bullets on the ground.

+++

Paris

When the first car comes up the driveway, I prepare myself for the blood.  Although I'd rather not, I'd learned to handle my fair share of gore. I"m not surprised when Callum is the first one to hobble out one of the returning vans. He has a limp and his nose is spurting dark blood.

The others that are bought out are also limping, nursing bruises and blood spatters. No one looks too bad.

“We need to talk”, Callim says but he sounds like a mixture of happiness and regret, "Privately."

"I'm not talking to you, you bastard."

"We need to talk", he says sternly, "You are going to want to hear this. It's about our little informant."

Seraphina

I take Callum to the private examination room in the infirmary and lock the door. He talks while I find the best angle to stitch his nose.

“What happened.”, I said

He smiles through his injuries, he seems to have completely forgotten that I was his prisoner a few hours ago.

“It was so fucking good Paris. The second you called me I told everyone to load up. It felt like seconds later that the SGI  burst in. I mean they fucking swarmed with these big ass cases and even bigger guns. They started pulling us from the line and packing my bullets for themselves.

There was no fucking way I was letting them do that. We'd loaded our guns with the gold bullets and fired back at them. The SGI were using metal bullets, barley leaving scratches on us..

God, Paris my bullets tore right through them. They were falling left and right. They had no idea what to do, so they just kept coming and we took out as many as we could. They are destructible. We can get rid of them. We can avenge what they've done."

“Did we lose anyone ?”

“ I don't know Haxall was dead. . . for sure . . and um. . . Lucas from what I saw. But it was friendly fire that got them, I mean it was chaos, accidents happen.",

There was a tense moment of silence between us.

“How much damage did SGI do.”, I finally asked.

"I think we took a lot of them down, but we didn't have time to reload. They outnumbered us and were better prepared. . .They took everything. They have the ammunition and if they wanted . . . . they could probably make more."

"Dammit Callum. You just gave them weapons that could eradicate us. We are powerless"

"We can start again"

"We can't afford to start again", I reminded him, "Helios is taking forty percent of our profits too."

Callum's expression darkens.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this, but we can figure it out. I know we must have taken out quiet a few of his men. Helios was injured too."

“Seraphina”, I say , “You said you wanted to tell me something about her.”

Callum relaxes a bit. He looks down.

“Look”, he says, “A lot of the other guys don't know she’s our informant. I tried to take her on myself but it was chaos. We got separated and she caught a stray bullet.”

"What ? Is she okay.”, I tried to remain non-plussed  but I feel my pulse pounding, “I mean. . .um. . . we need her if we want those bullets back."

Business. keep it business.

"After she went down. . .Helios actually came in. He must of been monitoring off site or something because he went right to her. I think he was trying to save her. He made two of his men help carry her body out. Helios caught a stray bullet in the shoulder and that's when he retreated. It was over."

"Her body ? Are you sure ?"

“There was a lot of blood and she wasn't moving”, he says, “It wasn’t me, okay. I mean believe me I want to shoot that bitch, but--.”

“Callum.”

“I think she was trying to protect. . .what's his name. . . the other Alpha.”

“Of course, Leon. Tell me exactly what happened.”

“Why do you care, shit ton of good she did us. We don’t need her. I'm glad she's dead”

“Tell me what happened.”, I pulled tight on his stitches, his face twisted in pain for a second.

‘“We were. . . I don’t know pretend engaging each other or whatever.  Then I get thrown down by some hulk in a gray t-shirt. Del gets this perfect aim on . . . what’ s his name. .. Leon. She is on Del so fast I really thought she was going to twist his neck off, but he passes out. He's fine by the way.

Anyway someone must have seen her choking Del and shoots her."

 "Callum, are you sure she is dead.?’

“Why does it matter Paris."

I abandon Callum and hit redial on the phone number she'd called me from. On the twelfth  try a homeless man picks it up and confirms that it’s a payphone outside of Prospect Park.

I find Del in his bed, drinking off his injury. There is a red ring around his neck from being choked but he's otherwise unharmed. Others are gathered around listening to his tale. In Del's version he's the one who shoots her, in his hand is the spent bullet that tore right through her.

My eyes shoot open when a hand clamps over my mouth and holds tight. I think twice and close my eyes shut wishing away what I know is going to happen next.

Oh, God. Is this it ?

Helios is back victorious from his secret mission and he has decided tonight is the night.  When he looked at me, I knew he didn't care about the rules he'd imposed on his men. He was above the rules. He got what he wanted.

My eyes adjust to the dark and there is an immediate relief, I see Seraphina’s face hovering over me. Her hair is wet and tied back. I'd never seen her eyes look so glassy and wide.

Then her lips break into a silent grimace and she leans further over my bed. A quick glance at the clock confirms that she and the SGI had left barley an hour ago. What could have happened in that time ?

“Seraphina”, I whisper.

She brings her finger to her mouth an motions for me follow her to the door. I notice she is favoring her left side and once we are in the hall she slumps to the floor and slides on her black Doc Martins.

One hand is pressed firmly over her gray tank top and I can see a strange bulge against the fabric.  Her lips are parched, eyes bloodshot. She uses the wall to stand, wincing the entire time.She takes a step and doubles over.

“Seraphina are you okay. . . what happened."

She lifts her gray shirt and I see the wide spans of gauze, there is a red stain in the center. It looks like the bandage needs to be changed.

“Oh my God . . were you shot ?”, I squeak out. I feel a little dizzy an lean against the wall.

“Shhh. I. .I need you to do what I say, Ariel. No questions. Please."

“You need to be in medical. Let’s go.”, I say the words slowly to make sure she understands.

“No, please. Ariel. Please. I need you to do me a favor. No questions.”

“ You’ve been ignoring me for weeks. Why the fuck should I ?”

“Watch you mouth--I--Ariel, I’m sorry. I need this. Please.  Promise you'll do what I say. No questions.”

I looked at her. When had Seraphina ever asked me to do something for her. Begged me. Also I think the alcohol made me want to have an adventure.

"Okay.", I give in

She leans on me and points to the stairs.

“Shhhh”, she says as a reminder

We head down the stairs quietly. Seraphina winces the entire time, pulling hard on my arm when she almost loses balance.

“You need to go back to medical, are you sure ?", I ask again.

She nods and leads me out the back of the dorms and to the back street where Helio's rented (or stolen)  cars are parked. She finds the smallest SUV and opens the driver seat door.

It starts to rain and I look up, enjoying the feel of the fall shower. Caden and I had been out in the rain together, been inside avoiding the rain together. I laugh at the memory and Seraphina raps on the car to get my attention. She's sitting in the backseat.

“Drive”, she says. . . orders.

“I can’t drive.”, The road looks blurry and the rain is starting to pick up.

“You've done it before. It’s easy.”

"That was a long time ago and it was just up the street for fun. It's raining. I can't . . ."

"No questions remember ?"

Seraphina lays down in the back and I get in the driver's seat. I kind of remember the lesson she gave me a few years back, or was it decades ? Oh my did time blend together. With some prompting I start the car and careen on the street out the back entrance. No guards.

Seraphina gives me directions in a quick authoritative tone, and when she tells me to get on the expressway I pullover and hit a meter. She curses.

“What ? I can’t drive on the expressway.”, I say backing up and hitting a parked car behind me.

“Please”, she moans in pain, “I just don’t. . . I . . . fuck. Move."

I shift over the console and into the passenger seat. She gets up and climbs into the driver's seat, which takes some finagling with her height. She leans over as some of the pain passes and then her eyes open. Her eyes shift sharply to me.

“Are you drunk”, she asks.

I freeze. I'd just wanted to fall asleep easily that night. I had been a tangle of nerves and it was a cold night. . . I had  wanted to feel warm and carefree. How was I supposed to know I'd be driving ?

“. . .no”, Is all I can say to her.

“Ariel. What is wrong with you.”

“Wrong with me ? You just got shot and you want me to drive you in the rain to . . where are we going ?

"God, you smell like a bar--"

"Yeah, well. . .you smell like a hospital."

"You need to always be aware of what's going on around you. You can't be drunk, Ariel.", she snaps at me.

She reaches over and clips my seat belt in and starts to drive. Her expression holding back all her pain and anger at me. She pulls off at the Riverdale exit and I know exactly where she is going.

“No ! Turn around Seraphina. Turn around. Helios will kill us or me. I don't want to go back there. I can't loose you like Hippolyta. PLEASE ! I'm scared Seraphina. Seraphina please no. . .”

“Shut up”, she says cooly, “I’m---I'm doing this as a favor Helios. It's fine. Just shut up.”

When we pull up to that horrible not a church but kind of a church, Seraphina is in so much pain she can’t even get out the car. She leans hard on the horn. Several lights come on but only one person emerges.

“What the hell."

I try to keep everyone inside calm when I see the SGI car pull up. There is nothing stopping Helios from entering our territory so I urge the others to let me handle this. Maybe he wants to surrender. Maybe Helios had died from his injuries.

I grab my umbrella and cautiously approach the car. It wouldn't be Helios. . . would it ? My next thought is maybe some Brother's stole one of Helio's cars during the fight but when driver’s door burst open Sera practically falls out, propping herself against the side of the car. She curses clearly in pain. . . but she’s alive.

“Holy shit. . .Sera. . . I thought you were dead--”

“Stay”, she yells back into the car, “Stay in the car and close you eyes. Do it.”

“You need to come inside. You shouldn’t be out in this weather.--”

“I can’t. I just wanted you know I was alive. I-- I need to get back”, she doubles over again.

“You stupid girl”, I said, “What the hell were you thinking ? This could have waited until morning.”

She seems lost for a response. I say that but the truth was I hadn't been able sleep thinking she was dead.Knowing that I might be somewhat responsible. Thinking of how Helios would react. How perfect that last image of her was sitting by that window in Boston.

Sera pushes herself against the car, through the window I can see Ariel crouched down inside eyes closed and shaking her head. I put an arm around Seraphina's waist, hoping she doesn't fall in the slick ground.

"Stay here, Damien will  fix you up. "

"No... I can't. Helios will be looking for me and you know. . ."

I’m floored now realizing what is going to happen next. She’s going back to Queen Anne’s. She’ll go to their medical team and get stitched up, she’ll rest in her bed and Helios will be there for her. Treat her with the respect of a woman who took a bullet protecting his life long friend. How could he not fall in love with that woman ?

Even more so, I can’t be there to make sure she is healing, I can’t be there to make sure she takes her pain killers. I can’t be there to make sure she doesn’t go back to guarding Helios and running the very next day. I can't do anything but sit in silence and in secret.

“I’m not dead”, she says again, “ I just didn’t want you to think I was dead.”

“I know.”, I said, “You need to go back. I’ll sneak out later and come to see  you.”

“Paris. . . no . . . don't, we are on high alert down there. Callum and his men killed 13 SGI. It's to risky.”

“Try and stop me”, I said, “Go. You'll catch a cold on top of that bullet wound.”

I see Ariel isn’t looking away so I can’t kiss her good-bye.

Sera climbs back in  the car using two hands to open the door. The car starts and pulls away quickly. Behind the SUV is a sleek black town car and Ashe standing in the rain with his mouth open. Dressed for a night out with a slightly wrinkled shirt for his almost weekly walk of shame. How long had he been there ?

“Ashe, there was an attack on Callum's warehouse. We lost three and at least 5 have been taken as prisoners. Helios has all our ammunition and he is mad--”

“We need to talk”, Ashe said slowly.

“I know I will get Damien and Lysander together. You won't believe what Callum and Jona  did to me--"

“No you and I need to talk about how long you’ve been in love with Seraphina.”

“What ? I’m not--”

“Go, he says."

“What ?”

“Go. Go see her.I heard that whole thing.  I know you want to. I’ll cover for you.”

“Ashe-”

“Take the town car, it’s on my date’s tab.”

My stance stiffens and I let down my umbrella.

“No”, I said, “What the fuck is wrong with you, Ashe. Did you not hear me ? I’ve got injured people downstairs. My people. Now our enemy has. . . let’s just say a shit-ton of bullets that can kill us. They can attack us at any minute an their is nothing we can do about it. How can you even say that ?”

I turn and trudge through the mud and back inside, I have so much work to to do.

+++

Everyone is either asleep or sedated within an hour. A few of the injured are residing in my private room, so I wash upstairs and makes some quick rounds. When I turn to go back downstairs a voice stops me.

+3+

When I reach Queen Anne's I find the SGI is in more distress than Sera let on. There is no security at the inner gate and everyone is focused on the small medical building.  I'm able to sneak in in minutes. Seraphina‘s balcony door is wide open, the white curtains billowing and letting in the cold air.

She is lying in bed on her back, a spilled bottle of f Tylenol 3 on her dresser. A thick set of bandages peeks through the hem of her white lace camisole and top of her white shorts.

I go over to her bedside and kiss her cheek. Her long eyelashes brush against me and I realize she'd been asleep. Her fingers flex and her hand entwines with my gloved ones.

“How are you ?”

“I was shot. .  I’ll live.”

“I’ll be out of commission for a day or two. I won't be able to give you much information. . .”

“Forget that. I should be with you. I should be taking care of you not sneaking into your bedroom for a few hours a night. I hate this Seraphina.”

‘’Shhh”, she says, “Everyone is awake.”

“Sorry”

“Lay down with me”, she asks.

I unzip my sweatshirt and move behind her so my chest is to her back. I don’t know where to put my hands so I place them around her waist.

“Talk to me”, she says, “Make me forget about the pain.”

I go through numerous subjects, most of which I’m sure will lead to a fight.  I might as well make it interesting.

“I'm curious. . . How many ?”, I ask.

She looks over at me confused.

“How many lovers have you had ? I’m curious. . indulge me.”

She very slowly turns to face me, with a challenging expression.

"To many", she answers.

“Seriously. Let’s just start with the men ? I’d like to know my competition.”

She thinks about this and then turns to kiss the side of my face.

“One ?”, I say skeptically

She kisses me lower on my jaw. I guess I was supposed to do all the talking.

“Two ?”, I’m also skeptical.

She kisses me again.

Three.

Then again.

Four

“Four? male lovers I don’t believe it.”

"Four that were love, anyway. Four that matter", she says answers.

“Okay. . .How about the women ?”

She kisses my face multiple time leading down to my chest. I stop her realizing she might run out of places to kiss me

“Okay okay. A lot”, I give up, “Let's start with these men, tell me about these four. Were you married--”

“I killed two of them ”, she said with a dark seriousness,”One I will kill one."

I swallowed in the dark.

"Tell me about them."

“The first was an arranged marriage by Anne. 15 or 16th century. We were living as orphans in a small village. A respectable old farmer took a liking to my tall stature and fortitude. He felt I’d make strong children to help him on the farm.Anne and the others were glad to be rid of me. He wasn’t cruel, or handsome or young . He treated me well enough, and was gentle my first time. He just seemed to like to order me around.

Milk this

Carry that

Cook this

Make that

I didn’t like being ordered around and I burned everything I cooked. After two months he was angry we had yet to have a child and felt Anne had deceived him. He was so angry and ranted that he had been swindled, he pulled a warm skillet from the fire and hit me with it.

My anger got the best of me and I pushed him into the fire. I immediately pulled him out and doused the flames. I hadn't meant to do it. He was badly burned and died the next day.

The second was . . .  wild”

“The second ?”, I'd  been to busy watching her mouth move that I hadn't been following her story.

“Man. . . lover”, she said, “He was an adventurer. Tall and ruggedly handsome. He wanted to leave the city for the west. He was a carpenter and fixed odds and ends when Queen Anne’s first started.

Our conversations were nothing more than glances but there was something. Anne had sent a few other girls off west, though none of them were ever heard from again. She was as always glad to be rid of me and she allowed our engagement.We traveled a week from the city and through Ohio. It was such a long dull trip. He spoke so freely and openly and I was so enhanced by his features and stories that I told him everything.

I told him about Homeland and you nasty Demons. I told him about years as refugees. I told him about the white gold being our biggest weakness.

At first he thought I was mad and he laughed at my creativity. Then I showed him my back and he said a very silent prayer.  My heart felt so large from being so open and honest.  He called me his Angel and we spoke of adventures we’d have in the west, the books he’d buy me and the life we would have.

He had a wild dark side, a bit crass, a competitive drinker, gambler and he was always so . . . delightfully rough.In just two weeks on the road he had run through all of his money, after he sold the ring he had given me to buy a round at a tavern, he decided to sell the only other thing her had.

Me

He tried to sell me to a whorehouse in Columbus. He put a pistol loaded with a white gold bullet to my head and swore he’d comeback for me. He said if I didn’t go happily he would tell the world what I was. What we were. So, I disarmed him and shot him in the head."

Seraphina puts her arm around my neck, I'd moved to  hover over her, careful of  not to put to much of my weight over her.

“Then there was the Angel”, she said.

“The Angel ?”, I said feigning ignorance.

“Helios Thantos. He was beautiful. He appeared almost out of thin air. Strong and solid with a tiny army at his command. He was charming, ruthless and studied. He saw such great things in me, my admiration of him became my loyalty. He rewarded me by giving me the role of protecting his life.”

“Admirable”, I said kissing her neck, “Will you kill him too ?”

“If time allows. When time allows.”, she arches her neck to reach my lips.

“Hopefully it won’t”, Because as much as I hated Helios I didn't want his blood on her hands.

“Then finally there was the Prince.”

“The prince ?”, I said bringing my hand to her perfect lips. Her teeth grasp the tip of my gloves and I pull my hand away, letting the glove slip off.

“The fourth lover of lovers that really matter.. The Smiling Prince.”, She clarified, “A survivor of the massacre of his people and land. a refugees of a forgotten place. The only surviving monarch, with a ruined handsome face. A symbol of hope to all the survivors.”

“Really ? hope”, I was doubtful. That was who I should be. I want to be the way she sees me. I moved to settle between her parted legs, she'd started to whisper so I leaned in closer

“The heir to the monarchy surviving such horror is quite a feat."

"I beg to differ”, I whispered in her ear and she moved her hands down my back.

“Anyway. . .he wore a crown of compassion, tolerance and piety.”

“Poetic”

“He was kind. And sometimes he’d share his crown with me, for only a few brief moments. And sometimes at the end of the day small parts of that crown would be imbedded or tangled in my hair and I could never get them out.

His hands were made for delicate work and trades. His mind  and wit was quick. His features soft and pragmatic. His frame thin and unassuming but capable of seduction and pleasure. He was peaceful, altruistic. appalled by death vexed by murder."

"Do you have plans to deceive and kill this prince?"

"No"

"Can this prince trust you."

"Always"

"If his fate were to match the others. . .If he were to die what do your suppose your last words to this Prince might be ?"

I shivered as her hands wove into my hair forcing me to look her in the eyes. She stopped and started and her final answer came out like a harsh whisper. Like a deep secret.

“I love you”

The syllable was barley out of her mouth when I started kissing her. She leaned to meet me, her whole body arching towards me. My grip tightened on her hips and the kiss was so cold it burned my lips.

“Sera . .you've taken a lot of medication “

“No. I love you”, she said again, "I've loved you for a long time"

“I know", I said, " I love you too, Seraphina. I love the way you see me. I promise I will be that Prince one day for you."

I meant it more than I had anything else. She tightened her legs around me pulling me closer, her hands pulling at my pants. I tried to move away but she wouldn't let me.

"I want you", she said

"Seraphina", I warned, "We can't. . . you were shot like.  . . 4 hours ago."

"I don't care."

God help me I wanted her. Sera said my name again, practically begging me, she pushed me away long enough to slip off her shorts, then pulled me back over her. I felt like I was losing control and figured I could blame it on Ashe later.

I'm careful to keep my weight off her, and if she was in any pain she seemed to like it. Her teeth brush against my lip pulling slightly when we found that slow rhythm, her bottom lip slipped through her teeth, causing every moan and whisper out of her mouth to come through.

". . .so. ..close. . . , I said her hands holding on to my hips, "say it again, ."

"  l love you"

Her chest arches againt me at the same time I I feel the pressure building up on me. The silence that follows that is nothing short of a miracle.

When I catch my breath I see everything from her nightstand is on the floor. I'd forgotten the window was open and the cool air just barely reached her bed.

"Are you okay, Sera ? I shouldn't have--"

"Shut up", she orders looking towards the door.

I curse when I  hear a knock at the door. We had simply lost control for that night It was stupid. So stupid I. don't need prompting and head out to hide on the balcony. I stay close to the door as she closes the balcony door and opens her room door.

I let out a breath it’s not Helios, it’s just Leon.

“Leon”, she greets him.

"Are you okay ? I thought I heard--"

"It was a nightmare. I don't like pharmaceuticals."

+++

I know this seems a lot like a Shakespeare play with all the action happening off screen. However I always imagined this event playing out like this.

I know Ashe sort of takes on the roll of the Gay Best Friend which was not intentional. I sort of realized it in retrospect, but they are friends and Ashe happens to be gay.