K*H*W* (go to my profile :)

Chapter Ninety Ridley's Point of View

"Welcome back!" Everyone crooned when Ridley walked in last. Ridley smiled and bowed, his mind flashing back to the lovely Marlene Hart.

Her eyes were the color of warm almonds and her glowing face was heart-shaped. She had been standing in a line for the vendors and if it weren't for her stained dress, Ridley would have thought her to be the queen of Ladron.

But he knew better.

"How was it?" Olivia asked, taking Ridley's coat. The ride back had been cold. They had barely made it to Corona before sunset.

"Cold," Leonardo answered for Ridley. Adam nodded distantly, his brown eyes flickering to Michael's face from Leonardo's. The two of them had barely uttered a word to each other the way back.

Jocelyn chirped. "But fun!"

"Great!" Candace said earnestly. Her eyes went to Adam's tense posture and confusion darkened her face. She gestured down the hall. "Dinner waits."

Ridley walked past Nathan and halted. The handsome lad was standing rather still, his forest green eyes blank with thoughts. Ridley smiled casually, disturbed.

"Nat?"

Nathan blinked and focused on Ridley's face. He smiled warmly, white teeth flashing. "Hey, Rid."

"Hey yourself," Ridley said. He glanced at Azalea conspicuously. She was standing a few feet away by Riley and Rosemary. Her hands were by her sides. She was so close to Rosemary, he hadn't seen her when he first walked in.

From his position, he couldn't see the ring on her finger.

"Oh," Ridley mumbled, looking at Nathan in sympathy. "I'm sorry."

Nathan looked confused. "For what?"

"Azalea."

A strange emotion crossed Nathan's face. "What about her?"

"She's not wearing your ring."

Nathan's eyes glowed with something strange. "Avalyn didn't want to wear it. I guess Azalea doesn't want to either."

Angst made Ridley scowl. "Don't say that."

Nathan shrugged and patted Ridley on the shoulder. "Don't worry yourself about it."

You're obviously not worrying about it.

Ridley looked at Nathan in a new light. "Are you alright?"

Nathan looked at Ridley and murmured words Ridley couldn't hear. Ridley put his hand to his ear and Nathan bent down to whisper in his ear.

"It's like she's still dead."

Ridley pulled away, horrified into confusion. "What do you mean?" he hissed.

Nathan gestured to Azalea with a nod of his head. "She's not the same since she's been back."

"Obviously. She's been through a lot."

Nathan shook his head. "It's more than that." At Ridley's confusion, Nathan seemed to give up. He sighed.

"What is it?" Ridley asked, glancing back at the crowd. Candace and Olivia were riling everyone up to go to the Dining Hall.

Nathan looked at Ridley and Ridley felt a wave of confusion roll over him. Nathan looked too eager to talk about this. Have you said this to anyone else? Ridley wondered.

Nathan turned to lead the way down the hall. Ridley walked beside him step-by-step.

Ridley leaned in to hear Nathan's voice. Azalea wasn't the only one who changed. Nathan was paler than he used to be. Quieter too. Nathan was distant, somewhat lost, and walked around with a thoughtful air around him.

"What is it?" Ridley prompted when Nathan didn't speak.

Nathan glanced at him and his voice was husky when he said, "She's not the same, I can tell, and seeing her different makes nothing make sense."

That statement makes no sense.

Ridley struggled to understand.

"You and her aren't talking because she's different?"

Nathan nodded and Ridley glared at him.

"What the hell is the matter with you? You're the same, talk to her!"

Nathan said a little too calmly, "I can't think of anything to say."

Ridley looked Nathan up and down. He looked too thoughtful to be so unsteady. He walked casually, but his eyes darted around, almost as if he thought someone was listening. Have you been drinking or are you paranoid? Nathan had changed drastically, maybe just as much as Azalea had.

"I love you works." Ridley pointed out.

Nathan smiled. "I do love her, but Avalyn's in there."

Ridley hadn't forgotten about her. "Nathan, you're poetic. Make something up."

"You want me to lie?"

Ridley shook his head at Nathan's denseness. He was hardly the same man he had been six months earlier.

Ridley chose his words carefully. "I, just like everyone here, want you and Azalea back together."

Seeing Azalea and Nathan not speak to each other at any of the meals everyone shared was painful. Nathan and Azalea hardly knew it, but everyone talked about them when they were gone.

Liam had even joked about "splitting Azalea in half and sending her and Nathan into a room with candles."

David had thought about making his maca-laced bread again, and Candace had been talking to the head musician about playing romantic songs for ball the entire night.

Nathan joked, but the joke fell flat. "You're hardly a matchmaker."

"And you're hardly Nathan Keen," Ridley mumbled under his breath.

Rosemary's Point of View

"I missed you all," Jocelyn said cheerfully when she sat down.

Liam smiled cheekily. "You missed me the most, right?"

As cheerful as everyone tried to be, the atmosphere in the Dining Hall was dark with anxiety. Everyone kept glancing at Azalea every few seconds, waiting for something to send her over the edge.

Knowing this made Rosemary furious.

"Azalea," she finally said. Everyone turned to look at Azalea, momentarily hushing their conversations. Blushing, Azalea leaned her head across the table to look at Rosemary.

"Yes?"

Rosemary stood up and beckoned for Azalea to follow her. They walked silently side by side to the washroom. Rosemary went in first and waited for Azalea to step inside.

"You know everyone is waiting for you to fall apart, right?" Rosemary asked bluntly.

Dismay crossed Azalea's face. "They are?"

Rosemary nodded silently.

Azalea was still for a moment, her eyebrows lowering in thought. Her eyes went to Rosemary's face.

"Are you?"

Rosemary shrugged, irritated. "I'm waiting for you to come talk to me about it."

"We have a few times," Azalea immediately grasped for the straws.

Rosemary shook her head. "I mean really talk about it." Azalea shook her head impulsively and Rosemary put her hands on her hips. "I know it'd be hard-"

"Extremely hard." Azalea muttered.

"But you need to get it out."

Azalea's greenish gray eyes looked away. "I can't."

"Can't or won't?" Rosemary asked. She knew how hard it be, probably underestimated how truly hard it would be, but she hated seeing Azalea this way. Avalyn was naturally shy, but this wasn't Azalea at all. Azalea spoke her mind all the time and nowadays she went around barely speaking. Avalyn had talked more when she was in control than Azalea did now.

"Both." Azalea said shakily. She leaned against the closed door. "I noticed it, you know. Everyone's looking at me, wondering what happened."

Rosemary listened silently.

"But no one understands that I can't remember most of it."

"We do," Rosemary said, but Azalea gave her a sharp look.

"No one acts like it." She said crossly. "Rosemary, I've been gone for six months. I missed birthdays and anniversaries and-"

"We want you to talk about what you do remember." Rosemary said.

Azalea crossed her arms. "Like I said, I can't do it. I won't."

"Why not?" Rosemary's voice filled with irritation. She and Azalea used to talk all the time, especially about the hard, icky stuff. "What's different now?"

"Me!" Azalea exclaimed. She blushed and put a hand to her mouth. "Sorry, Azalea, this is your conversation."

The blush disappeared and the irritation returned to Azalea's face. Rosemary was momentarily silent. Azalea had just relapsed and relapsed back. She had gone from herself to Avalyn speaking to having control of her body again.

Azalea spoke in a low voice. "Rosemary, I wasn't here the whole time."

"I know that." Rosemary said, trying to calm herself down. She wasn't irritated with Azalea. She was irritated with the whole bunch in the Dining Hall. Just this morning, Will and Liam had been speaking rather strongly about Avalyn's existence.

Liam couldn't decide if Azalea was faking it and Will had protested against the idea. This heated discussion had split the Dining Hall in half and everyone tried to get over their hurt feelings when Ridley and Adam had returned from Ladron.

"Avalyn has." Azalea said, giving Rosemary a hard look. "Some of her memories come to me because she's slipping. Talking about them when they're not mine is unfair to her."

"Talk about your memories then." Rosemary said pointedly.

Azalea scowled. "It's not that easy."

"What will make it easier?" Rosemary could hear the annoyance creeping up in her voice.

"Not talking about it." Azalea snapped.

"Being silent isn't helping!"

"Talking about it won't help!"

"How would you know if you don't try?"

Azalea put a hand to her face and hissed. "I tried, okay? Every time I talk to you, I start reliving them in my sleep. I have nightmares already and talking about what happened makes them worse!"

Rosemary's control on her abilities slipped. Since she had made Rapunzel produce flowers two weeks ago, she was suddenly aware of how easy it was to use her powers. All she had to do was imagine the sensation of feeling light-headed and she could feel everyone's emotions.

Arguing with Azalea made her head hurt which made her control slip.

Azalea's frustration leaked into Rosemary. It was strong and tasted sour in her mouth. She could taste a faint trace of despair and she realized that it was coming from Avalyn. Beneath the despair was wistfulness and the sensation tasted bittersweet.

"Stop that!" Azalea snapped. The frustration became aggravation. "Stop trying to read me!"

"I'm not!" Rosemary hissed. The aggravation coming from Azalea dulled into hurt and Rosemary swallowed, pushing the feelings into the back of her mind. The white lights that shone on Azalea's face disappeared.

Azalea huffed and said, "I know you're trying to help-"

"I am," Rosemary said firmly. I want my best friend back!

"But I'm fine."

Rosemary hid her frown. "No, you're not."

Anger made Azalea's face pink. "I'll be fine."

"How?" Rosemary crossed her arms, annoyed all over again. "You're not talking about it."

Azalea turned away. "Rosemary Fennel, I'm done having this conversation with you."

"Fine." Rosemary huffed.

Azalea stalked to the door and closed it behind her. Rosemary peeked through Azalea's mind, through the link that connected her to Azalea, and saw that Azalea was walking to her room.

Lost your appetite? Rosemary asked sharply.

Azalea snapped. Good night, Rosemary!

The remorse didn't enter Rosemary's system until she sat back down at her spot at the table.

Riley whispered in Rosemary's ear, "Where's Azalea?"

"She went to sleep," Rosemary mumbled. Guilt made her stomach churn.

I just wanted to help you.

Nathan's Point of View

Nathan had no idea what was wrong.

Ridley thinks I'm mad now, Nathan saw how Ridley glanced over at him every few minutes. I tried to tell him what the problem was, but I think I just made more problems for myself.

Life wasn't the same with Azalea back. She wasn't herself anymore and frankly, Nathan wasn't either. Just knowing Avalyn was still here, not that he disliked her, seemed to change everything.

He and Avalyn had gotten off on the wrong foot, that was certain, but he was almost positive that they could be acquaintances somehow.

He had no idea what Azalea and Avalyn were going through since neither of them spoke to him. He only knew that loud noises were no good and that Dwayne and men in general, was intimidating.

So how were Nathan and Azalea going to dance tomorrow night?

Nathan took a sip of his whiskey, wincing at the taste. He hardly drank, but since Azalea came back, he found himself guzzling the whiskey.

It numbed his mind to the confusion that pained it, but it hardly offered any solutions.

Nathan had no idea how to get to Azalea. He had brought her back with Avalyn's help, but now she seemed farther away than ever.

Caroline's Point of View

"Rosemary, you're supposed to be gentle!" Caroline cried. "Talking to her like that didn't help!"

Rosemary held her hands up, her hazel-honey eyes boiling. "You talk to her, Miss Gentle and Noble!"

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Why didn't you-"

"Why didn't I what?" Rosemary demanded. "I'm the only one talking to her! Forget Candace and Liam and Nathan and everyone else! No one goes out of their way to talk to her!"

"That's because they know not to push her!"

"Push her?" Rosemary echoed in disbelief. "Caroline, Azalea doesn't speak at all."

"Let her talk when she wants to." Caroline persisted. "Crowding her won't help."

Rosemary looked ready to say more, but she sank down onto the bed and put her face in her hands. Caroline was horrified when Rosemary started sobbing.

"I'm sorry!" Caroline rushed over, pulling Rosemary into her arms. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Rosemary shook her head roughly. "Caroline, she's so different! She's not the same person anymore!" Her words made her sob harder.

Caroline stroked Rosemary's back soothingly. "She'll come back, Rosie."

Rosemary sniffled. "I miss her, Carol. I miss her so much." She started to bawl. "We might as well be at her funeral right now!"

Caroline was filled with angst. "Don't say that!"

Rosemary sobbed. "What else can I say?"

Azalea's Point of View

Azalea peeked at Avalyn. "What are we doing?"

"Making-" Avalyn was interrupted when the door crashed open.

They rushed into the room, holding bottles of whiskey. They set them on the tabletop and reclined in chairs, their eyes on Azalea and Avalyn.

"Here you are," Fernando said. His black hair threw off the sunshine with a gleam. His dark eyes pierced Azalea and Avalyn.

"What is this?" Avalyn asked in a shaky voice.

"It's whiskey, Ava," Jacob said matter-of-factly. His shy gray eyes went to Azalea's face. "It's for both of you."

"No, wait," Nathan said thoughtfully. His sweet forest green eyes appraised the two maidens. "They shouldn't drink. They're both with-child."

Fernando slapped his forehead in exasperation. "How could I have forgotten?" He patted Nathan on the back. "Thanks, Nat."

Nathan smiled humorously and glanced back at Azalea. "Continue," he purred.

Avalyn turned to Azalea, shock on her face. "What were we doing?" She whispered, daunted.

"I don't know," Azalea murmured, her eyes closing. Lips kissed her forehead and Nathan's sweet-spicy cologne washed over her nose. A hand went to her head and tilted her head to the side. Lips went to the crook in her neck.

Azalea's eyes drifted open and she saw that Avalyn was getting the same treatment from Jacob. Instead of feeling warm and fuzzy, Azalea felt cold and uncomfortable.

"Nathan," she tried to pull away.

Fernando spoke, "Let me help." He grabbed her by the arm and tugged her away from Nathan. Azalea glimpsed Nathan turn to follow, his eyes fogged over. Avalyn was pushed against the wall, her scared gray eyes going to Azalea's face before she closed them. Jacob put his lips to hers and Avalyn sighed.

Fernando pushed Azalea against a wall and metal clamped on her wrists. Her hands were pinned to her sides and Azalea looked up, frightened, at the smile on Fernando's face.

"There you go," Fernando said cheerfully, patting Nathan on the back.

Nathan gazed at Azalea on the wall, thoughtful. "That's a good idea." He smiled at Fernando. "Thanks."

Fernando nodded and left the room. Azalea's eyes went to Nathan's face and she flinched when he brushed hair from her eyes.

He leaned in to kiss her on the lips and paused to whisper, "You're beautiful when you're scared."

Michael's Point of View

He hated keeping secrets even though he knew keeping the ones he kept would help all eight of them. Eight meaning Azalea, Rosemary, Rapunzel, Nathan, Eugene, Riley, Caroline, and himself.

He had a particular secret that would help Azalea only, but he knew the results weren't going to be immediate. She would be full of rage when he'd tell her. It was a recent secret too, Adam had just told him last night and Michael had added it to the rest.

Azalea's mother is still alive.

Rosemary's Point of View

Azalea exploded into the Dining Hall, throwing everyone off guard. She began to hop around the room, delighted. Everyone looked up at Azalea, varying expressions of happiness and confusion on their faces.

"There's a ball!" She squeaked, skidding to a halt.

Rapunzel spoke, her voice calm. "You've been listening?"

"How couldn't I?" Azalea asked, sounding excited. "Can I have one dance?"

Rapunzel's lips twitched into a smile. "You can have as many dances as you want."

Azalea squealed and rushed over to the kitchen. She passed by the door. "What color dress will we wear?"

Rapunzel shrugged, thought brightening her face. "I don't know. Probably red since Olivia insists."

Azalea's smile disappeared. "Will we dress ourselves?" She frowned. "Azalea, the flashbacks would make it hard to be-"

Rapunzel cut her off and Rosemary suddenly knew what was going on. "I know that and maybe."

You two have conversations and they leak out. Avalyn gets Azalea's body and Azalea gets Punz's.

Azalea murmured, excitement creeping up on her face. "What will we eat?"

Rapunzel suddenly beamed. "Chicken and rice."

Azalea burst into a heartfelt grin and Rosemary's heart ached. "That sounds great." She moaned.

Rapunzel looked around for the first time and she blushed. "Um, Avalyn?"

Azalea looked over at Rapunzel and suddenly realized what was happening. She frowned. "Sorry, Punzie."

Rapunzel's face changed and Azalea remained by the kitchen door, blushing. She looked directly at Rapunzel.

"Sorry."

Rapunzel looked curious. "It's fine."

Guilt made Azalea hum. "If you say so, Punz. I know you're trying to keep. . ." Her voice trailed off as her eyes drifted over to the Kilters. Liam's face was stoic when he met Azalea's eyes.

Azalea glanced back at Rapunzel, guilt on her face. "We try to talk at the same time and this happens." She gestured to Rapunzel and herself with a flick of her hand.

Rapunzel waved it off. "Go get some break feast."

Azalea squirmed. "Right." She disappeared into the kitchen.

Will called from the end of the table. "Rapunzel, what's that like?"

"What's what like?" Rapunzel turned her eyes to Will.

"When Azalea takes over like that."

Rapunzel blushed when everyone turned back to her. Rosemary was curious too. Rapunzel fumbled for words. "It's awkward."

"I bet," David said in sympathy. He made a funny face at Cardell and the baby started hiccupping.

Everyone tried not to look up when Azalea walked back into the room. Her serving was rather small, as they usually were, but Rosemary knew how hard Azalea was trying to round out.

Sorry about last night, Rosemary whispered to Azalea.

Azalea glanced at Rosemary and smiled timidly. It's fine.

No, it's not, Rosemary sighed to herself.

Rapunzel's Point of View

"What are you wearing, Sarah?" I asked the excited woman. She was all but dancing around the dressing room. She turned to me, her blue-gray eyes glittering. She had missed the last ball because of Jacob, well, Fernando really-

"I'm thinking gray." She held up the dress. I gawked at the pretty gray and smiled.

"Put it on, he'll love it."

Sarah squeaked. "Thank you!" She rushed into one of the smaller rooms to change.

Rosemary and Caroline were sifting through dresses despite Olivia's help. Rosemary complained.

"I want my hair for tonight," she moaned.

"Your red hair?" I asked for clarity. Rosemary nodded and I suggested. "Want me to think of something sad?"

"No," Rosemary shook her head. "Everyone will be emotional later tonight anyways. I just need to find a dress that will go with my hair when it changes."

Fernidia gave Rosemary a happy smile and fumbled for words. "Why not get close to the edge and pull up fabric to compare?" She meant: Try to overload, but don't, and then compare the fabric to your hair.

I wasn't sure if there was an easier way to say that.

"Try it," I said, giving Fernidia an appreciated glance. Of everyone at the table, not that many people seemed to understand having abilities from the sun flowers. I couldn't blame them. I hardly understood what Michael said sometimes.

Understanding dawned on Rosemary's face and she pecked Fernidia on the cheek. "Thanks!" She ran out of the dressing room, three dresses in her arms.

Olivia looked at Caroline, looking disheartened. Olivia usually nailed dresses, but she was struggling with Caroline. "What are you looking at?"

"This one," Caroline held up a dress. Her blue-green eyes were darkening with frustration. "And this one." She held up another one.

"Have you tried them on yet?" Olivia asked, walking over.

"I like this one," Caroline said unsurely. "But the silvery white one looks nicer."

"Try them on," Olivia said with certainty. "And I'll come look."

"Okay," Caroline said, looking relieved at Olivia's words. She walked to one of the smaller rooms and Olivia followed, holding jars of the mixture that would go with Caroline's dresses.

Candace had watched the exchange and turned to me. She posed. "How do I look?"

"Gorgeous as always," I smiled, thinking back to two days ago. That day had been wonderful. Eugene and I had to do that more often. Mother and I still weren't speaking, but. . .

Anna-Beth glanced at the door. Sadness darkened her green eyes. "Azalea's not dressing with us?"

Olivia called from the back. "She picked dresses after break feast!"

Anna-Beth frowned. "Oh right." Pain made her sigh.

"I miss her too," Candace said sorrowfully. Her brown eyes went to me in hope. "Is there anything that you can do to help her? Anything with your powers?"

"I healed her hands." I said, feeling useless. Besides making some of the scars go away and allowing Azalea to use her powers again, I hadn't done much. "She won't talk to me."

"She won't talk to me either." Rosemary sighed. We turned to see her walking into the room. The door shifted shut behind her. Her hair was streaked with its natural dark apple red. She held up the dresses to her hair, inspecting the colors with honey-white eyes.

Anna-Beth groaned in frustration. "I can only imagine how hard it is for her to be back. No one can say she's feeling good every day. She's so pale now and scared." Her eyes shone with sadness. "But I wish she would just-"

"Talk?" Azalea suddenly spoke.

Chagrin made me blush. We turned to see her standing in the doorway. Her eyes were blank, but her teeth went to her lip. She placed a gray dress on the counter.

"I can't." She said, her voice empty.

"Aza-" Rosemary started, but Azalea held up a hand.

"I want to, believe me." Azalea murmured, her greenish gray eyes going to our faces. "It's too hard."

"I understand that-" Rosemary was cut off again.

Azalea's eyes darkened. "No, you don't. You can't." With that, she left the room and the door closed behind her.

We turned to each other, remorse on our faces. Sarah walked out in the dress and we made an effort to clap and smile, but Sarah saw through the façade.

"She was just here, wasn't she?"

I nodded and put a hand to my face, pained.

"Punz?" Rosemary poked me, worried.

"She's going to be in front of hundreds of people tonight." My eyes went to the sunset outside. "And she can barely speak at dinner."

Anxiety filled the room.

"And I've got to introduce her in front of said people who are going to clap really loud and just hearing a fork scrape a plate makes her jump."

Along with anxiety, despair soured the atmosphere.

I inhaled a calming breath.

"And she and Nathan aren't speaking and they're having the first dance of the night."

Candace moaned, Anna-Beth hid her face and shook her head, Fernidia sighed, and Sarah winced. Caroline remained emotionless and Rosemary's honey-white eyes went blank with thought.

"I have an idea." Rosemary said in a calm voice. Her eyes changed back and blond chased away the red in her hair. "It's a bad idea by Dwayne's book, but this might make things easier for Azalea and Avalyn."

"What is it?" Candace looked at Rosemary, hope in her eyes. We all wanted this to go smoothly. I knew Corona would have a good time. I wanted Azalea to have a good time, Avalyn too.

Rosemary shrugged and said briskly. "Let's get her drunk."

Nathan's Point of View

"How will you guys dance today?" Will asked, straightening his tie.

Jonathan and Adam glanced at Nathan, waiting for his answer. Michael pretended to look absorbed in combing his hair while Liam busied himself with tying the laces on his dress shoes.

Nathan lied with confidence. "Like we usually do."

Nathan had no idea how they would dance. He had no idea how to treat Azalea. She was a woman, so being gentle was a must. But he didn't know how to touch her.

He knew grabbing her by the wrist was wrong, but just the thought of touching her when she was already so jumpy made him nervous for her.

Nathan took a sip from his glass of water. He was sick of whiskey.

"How do you usually dance?" Ridley asked, curious.

Michael glanced at Ridley. "You've never seen them dance?"

Ridley shook his head, onyx eyes aglow. "I've heard you guys were quite the team."

"Yes, they are." David met Nathan's eyes, raising his eyebrows.

Nathan turned away to tend to his tie and thought about the circular object in his pocket.

Azalea's Point of View

This is a nightmare, Avalyn moaned.

Azalea fumbled with the eye powder. Every time she dapped her eyelid with her powdery finger, a memory made her flinch and get it in her eye, which made more memories surface.

The eye powder case fell onto the floor and Azalea cursed. "Damn it!" She shouted.

Calm down, Azalea, Avalyn said quickly.

"How the hell can I do that when I can't apply whatever the hell this powder is?" Azalea demanded.

Let me do it. Avalyn took control of Azalea's body. Azalea watched Avalyn pick the powder up. Avalyn closed one eye and delicately placed the pretty powder on Azalea's eyelids.

Azalea watched Avalyn set the powder case down. Impressed and pleased, Azalea said aloud, "Good job, Ava-" Then Avalyn started screaming.

Azalea put her hands to her ears, wincing as the memory started.

She backs away from him, her ears ringing with the sound of glass shattering.

He hurls another vase and she shuts her eyes tight, turning her back to him.

"Jacob, stop!" She wails, flinching as glass digs into her skin through her dress.

Azalea shook her head hard and reached for Avalyn through the glass. She was sobbing now, lying on her side. We're okay, Avalyn.

Avalyn sobbed, I know, I know. I'm sorry. I just-

Azalea was panting. Her veins were tingling with the adrenaline the memory caused. It's okay, Ava. Stop apologizing.

Azalea eased the gray gown off of her body and took a moment to look at the scars that lingered. "Hopefully some of these will lighten up." She inspected the ones on her legs. The scars that decorated her body were from small nicks. The bad ones were on her hands and back.

She pulled on the dress she and Avalyn had reached an agreement on. It had short sleeves made of lace. The bodice didn't reveal too much cleavage. She placed powder on the scars on her neck and chest. She left the scar by her left eye alone.

Finally, she turned to the full-length mirror.

How do we look? She smiled when she used we.

Avalyn gazed at their reflection. I like it.

Would you want to kiss me if you were Nathan? Azalea asked timidly.

Avalyn smiled in empathy. You should kiss him anyway. I dream about him enough for the both of us.

You dream about Nathan? Azalea gasped, appalled.

Avalyn smiled wryly. Not the way you think. I dream about you, him, and six children. She crossed her arms. Azalea, why have six children?

Why not? Azalea smiled at the topic. She walked out of the bedroom toward the dressing room.

Six children is four too many. Avalyn said, making Azalea laugh in her head.

If you had a body and Jacob was himself, how many children would you two have? It was no secret that Avalyn loved Jacob and not Fernando. She made love to Fernando, yes, but Azalea was sure Avalyn believed Jacob was still in there. Azalea believed it too.

Avalyn answered immediately, Two.

"Two?" Azalea gasped in disbelief. She covered her mouth with her hand. Why two? She demanded.

Two means one him and one me.

You don't want three Jacobs?

Avalyn's gray eyes sparkled. And deal with all the maidens that will chase after them?

Azalea laughed out loud, blushing when guards looked at her strangely.

You're silly, Ava.

I could say the same thing about you, Azal. Avalyn smiled fondly at Azalea across the glass.

Rapunzel's Point of View

We all looked up when someone knocked on the door.

"Are you all dressed?" Azalea asked, her voice muffled.

"Yes," Anna-Beth called. She looked beautiful in peach. "Come in, you two."

Azalea eased the door open and Olivia gasped when she saw her appearance. Azalea stepped timidly into the room and Rosemary burst into applause.

"That's beautiful on you!" Rosemary beamed.

Azalea curtseyed mockingly and the sight made me smile. "Thanks, Rosie."

I turned to my friends, checking them. Caroline had chosen the silvery white dress, Rosemary had picked a dress, and Fernidia had finally squeezed into hers. Everyone had their makeup and accessories on. Stephanie gestured to the door and a rush of nervousness ran over me.

"Ready?" Stephanie asked. Her honey blond hair was pulled up in a bun. She was wearing dark gray and looked stunning. The color brought out the pale blue in her eyes.

"Ready," Candace smiled encouragingly.

The Dining Hall was dust-free and everything was polished. The silverware threw off silver beams and the wooden chairs reflected my face.

The candlelight gave the room a mysteriously warm atmosphere. The lavender patterns on the walls looked freshly painted and the pale lavender tablecloths looked like they had been washed and steamed.

The Dining Hall spread reminded me of the one from last year. The only difference was that there was a huge cake sitting next to the pig. The cake had gray icing, but there were words written on it in peach icing.

"Welcome back, Azalea!" Right under Azalea's name was Avalyn's. The name was small but there like I requested. I had to kiss Luke on the cheek when I saw him.

Azalea paused by the cake and gazed at it. "How thoughtful," she murmured.

"Like it?" I smiled with pride. "Avalyn's name was my idea." I turned to Rosemary. "Peach and gray icing was hers."

Azalea looked at us and smiled gratefully. "Thank you guys."

Rosemary and I exchanged happy glances and followed Stephanie into the ballroom. I repeated my words to myself in my head, trying to calm myself down. Azalea didn't look nervous at all.

Immediately, the guards swarmed around Azalea and me, blocking us from view. I was ushered to my spot and Azalea to hers. The guards wore black suits and bowed to me when we reached our destination.

The men stood beside me, waiting for Father Peter to announce my arrival.

Eugene's Point of View

"Who is watching everyone's children again?" Ridley joked when he drifted to Eugene's side.

Eugene smiled at him and joked, "Someone is supposed to be watching my children?"

Shock crossed Ridley's face. "What?"

Eugene nudged him with his elbow. "I'm kidding," he said with a straight face.

Ridley gazed at Eugene until he lost it and smiled. Ridley sighed in relief and punched him in the arm. "That was a bad joke."

"It was and I apologize." Eugene patted Ridley on the back.

"You guys look nice," the king said beside Eugene.

Adam smirked, "Thank you." He was dressed in black. His tie was a dark shade of peach.

Nathan wore a black suit. His tie was silver and his straight hair curled at the ends. He had gotten a cut a few weeks ago, but the curls had grown back quickly.

Eugene's suit was black with a matching tie. The tie had gold vines reaching for the top. Eugene had tried to bring order to the flops of dark brown hair by his eyes, but he gave up. He had combed his hair and that was all that could be done.

Liam and David wore suits that were similar to Eugene's. Liam was already loosening his ink-black tie. David's tie was a cozy shade of brown.

Guy turned his green eyes to Eugene's. "Where's your wife?"

"She's coming." Eugene smiled.

Jonathan's and Will's ties were a flattering shade of dark gray. It brought out the blue in their eyes and darkened their hair. The knights were all dancing tonight. There were only two guards in their armor for tonight. They guarded the entrances of the palace. They were Guy's finest.

Michael wiped sweat from his forehead with his hanker chief. All the maidens who came to the ball had to have on either peach or gray, Rapunzel's orders. The men carried peach and gray hanker chiefs.

Eugene turned his attention to Father Peter as his voice rang out. "I welcome you all to the first ball of Queen Leah Amelia Duname Mendel and King Phillip Sabio Mendel."

The crowd lapsed into heartfelt applause. Eugene was standing on the edge of the crowd. He was the first one to see Rapunzel.

Father Peter boomed. "Welcome Princess Rapunzel Hermoso Duname Mendel!"

Thunderous applause greeted Rapunzel. Eugene gazed at his wife in adoration. She was wearing a beautiful pale gray dress, the dress stopped just above her ankles. The bodice was outlined with dark gray and the laces were white as snow.

Her lips were a dark, alluring red. The eye powder she wore was a delicate pink. Her emerald eyes smiled at Eugene when she made eye-contact. The gold flecks popped and sizzled in her eyes.

Father Peter let the applause die down before he turned to bow to Rapunzel. She curtseyed and turned to where Azalea would be. There was a small crowd of men surrounding Azalea, hiding her from view.

The ballroom was quiet. Rapunzel stared around to make sure she had everyone's attention.

"Tonight," her voice rang out through the room, "one of our beloved citizens dances with us again."

Small applause broke through the crowd. Rapunzel waited for silence and continued.

"She's been gone for a while," her voice was sad for a brief moment. "But she has returned to Corona as a changed woman."

Someone shouted. "Who is she?"

Rapunzel glanced at their general direction and answered in a voice heavy with emotion. "She is one of my best friends."

Eugene glanced at Nathan to see him gazing past Rapunzel and at the guards who hid Azalea from sight.

Rapunzel glanced back at the guards herself and turned back to the eager crowd.

"I am so happy to say her name tonight." Rapunzel beamed. "I welcome Azalea Salta Gothel Ruffins!"

Keen, Eugene wanted to add.

The crowd burst into a deafening applause. The guards parted and everyone stopped clapping, stunned into stillness.

Azalea stood in a beautiful gold gown. The bodice was lined with darker gold and the laces were pale yellow. The gown had darker gold patterns twisting like vines up and down the skirt of the dress.

The sleeves were made of sheer white lace and stopped at the crease in her arm. A silver necklace on her neck stopped right above where the gown revealed decent cleavage.

Her lips were a flattering shade of pinkish red. Her cheeks were stained with a delicate baby pink. The eye powder on her eyelids was gold and Eugene could barely see the scar by her eye. Azalea's greenish gray eyes flared with something he couldn't read.

At the sound of silence, Azalea blushed and curtseyed. Fond laughter rippled through the crowd, but no one started clapping. Everyone gazed at Azalea in awe and affection.

Rapunzel smiled at everyone's reaction and gestured to Eugene's direction.

"Nathan," she called. "It's your dance."

Everyone began to clap when Nathan stepped hesitantly from the crowd. Nathan glided to Azalea slowly and stopped in front of her. Nathan opened his mouth to speak and the applause stopped abruptly. Everyone leaned in to hear what he had to say.

He held his hand out and bowed. "May I have this dance?"

The smile that brightened Azalea's face was angelic. She took his hand and her eyes glowed with wistfulness when Nathan looked up at her.

"You may." She said softly.

Azalea's Point of View

Avalyn was shaking.

It's rain. Azalea told her, trying to calm her down. Avalyn was making Azalea's hands shake. Avalyn, it was rain.

Who knew clapping could sound like slapping. Avalyn sat up. Her shaking hands went to her eyes, wiping away tears.

Everyone knew that. Azalea was working hard on hiding the silver glow in her eyes. She could feel the strain begin to settle in her head.

Nathan gazed at her with cautious eyes. She was overjoyed to have his hands in hers and he danced as fluidly as he used to.

You guys okay? His voice faded in.

Yes, Avalyn said quickly. Focus on dancing.

Azalea found herself gazing into Nathan's forest green eyes. His hands were warm, almost too warm. His eyes were gazing at her gently and he twirled her around in a circle easily.

Avalyn suddenly sighed and Azalea glanced at her through the glass. Avalyn was dancing now, twirling around in the gloom.

Azalea turned her attention back to Nathan when he pulled her to him. He glided across the floor with her, his dress shoes making no sound against the floor.

I missed you, Azalea sighed as her eyes found his.

Nathan's eyes softened. Azalea?

Yes? She smiled wistfully. This was the first real contact they had had in days.

I'm sorry I haven't been there for you. His voice was husky. I just don't know how to-

It's okay. Azalea said before he finished. This conversation was making her eyes begin to swell with tears. I understand.

Nathan's eyes tightened around the edges. I mean, I've been drinking more and sleeping less, so I feel bad, but right now I'm-

Happy. Azalea finished.

Nathan smiled. Is Avalyn happy too?

Oh yes, Azalea said, glancing at Avalyn past the glass. Avalyn was still dancing and she twirled in a circle, giggling at words Azalea couldn't hear.

Nathan's eyes dimmed at a thought only he knew. I want to be here for you.

You are here. Azalea said, confused. The ballroom was very quiet. The strain in Azalea's head faded into the background.

No, I mean-

I know what you mean. Azalea said firmly.

Nathan gave her a look. Let me finish, Doll.

Doll. Azalea felt warm to the tips of her toes. Sorry.

I wasn't here for you because I didn't know how to approach you. I want to be there for you, even when you start reenacting the memories you and Avalyn have. I'll be there when you come out of them. Nathan started talking fast. I apologize that I wasn't there for you before, but I will be now.

Something in his voice made Azalea stop mid-twirl. Gasps echoed around the room when they saw the tears roll down her face. Sad murmurs erupted through the crowd. Nathan froze and for a moment, they were both statues.

Azalea? Nathan's eyes filled with worry.

Azalea's hand drifted to her side and she sniffled.

Nathan took a step toward her and something changed in his eyes when he saw her remain where she was. His eyes suddenly glowed and the room grew brighter.

"Doll?" Nathan mouthed, inching closer to her.

One of her hands went to her eyes and she wiped the tears away. Nathan was suddenly right in front of her and his hands clamped around hers.

"Are you okay?" he murmured very quietly.

Azalea looked up into his sweet forest green eyes and nodded shakily. His hand went to her face and he gently wiped the tears away with his fingertips.

Her eyes went to his lips and a rush of wistfulness and affection made her smile. Nathan looked at her very gently and they both leaned in.

His lips tasted as sweet as she remembered. They were soft and warm against hers. The kiss made her head begin to spin in a gentle, swaying way. His cologne made her heart swell with love and the applause slowly, slowly drifted into her ears.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Father Peter said loudly, grabbing Azalea's and Nathan's attention. They both turned to look at him in content.

Father Peter gestured to them with a warm smile.

"This was the first dance!"

He beckoned for everyone to start dancing when he bowed to the happy couple.

Oh my God, Avalyn gasped when Azalea turned to her. She let Nathan grab her hand and lead the way into the crowd.

What? Azalea's stomach was full of tingling, warm butterflies.

Avalyn was smiling. Finally.

Riley's Point of View

"Yes!" Riley punched the air before he grabbed Rosemary's hand. He grinned at Liam. "Pay up at dinner."

Liam smiled cheekily and turned away to his wife. Sarah looked gorgeous in the gray. The gray in her irises fought furiously with the blue.

Rosemary looked stunning in the gray dress she had picked. It had white vines creeping up to the silvery gray bodice. Her lips were a bold red and her eyelids were covered with the silver powder. Her hair had changed during Azalea's dance and Riley and Caroline had barely hid her from view before anyone saw her.

"You bet on Nathan kissing Azalea?" Rosemary asked, her hazel eyes wide.

Riley smiled. "I bet on them kissing tonight."

"Why?" Rosemary started laughing.

A year ago, Riley would have never thought that he'd be dancing with Rosemary. He had thought he would never see her again.

And here they were, brought together by destiny. They were bound by magic and inseparable because of their affection for each other.

No one would believe how lucky I am. Riley smiled and pecked Rosemary on the cheek.

"I love you," he murmured when he pulled away.

Rosemary's eyes flooded with love and she smiled. I love you too.

Michael's Point of View

As awkward as it was, he loved dancing with Caroline.

"You're staring at me." Caroline blushed. Her dress was more white than silver. The bodice was lined with dark silver and the laces matched the lining. Her eyelids were covered with white powder and her lips were a pretty dark pink.

"You're beautiful." Michael smiled. "Why wouldn't I?"

Pain darkened Caroline's blue-green eyes. Michael quickly changed the subject.

"We're having pig for dinner."

Caroline smiled in delight. "I love pig."

"Good to know," Michael twirled her in a circle.

Adam and Fernidia floated past each other, dancing with other people. Michael hadn't danced with Fernidia either. He had felt sorry for her until he saw her dancing and laughing with Jonathan. He prayed silently, Please let him keep her.

Michael had stayed away from her to protect her from him. Then she ran into Adam, who also lost contact with her. Not affection, however. Michael saw Adam glance at Fernidia when they passed each other, pain in his eyes.

Adam had told Michael about Heather and Michael had felt empathy for Adam. It was like Nathan finding Azalea all over again.

Michael held Caroline now, but she'd be gone soon, back with her husband. Michael twirled Caroline in another circle, wishing that she wore a ring he would have given her.

I wish you had stayed so I could have married you, Michael sighed.

Caroline froze and Michael cringed. She looked at Michael strangely and abruptly curtseyed. Her blue-green eyes gleamed.

"Caroline-" Michael started.

Caroline held up a hand and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Me too," she turned to disappear into the crowd.

Nathan's Point of View

"You dance beautifully," a maiden said behind Nathan. Nathan turned from bowing to Sarah and did a double take.

"Thank you," Nathan stared at Holly in amazement.

She looked beautiful as always. Her hair was wild and loose. It hung to her shoulders in wild, dark curls. A red rose was tucked behind her ear. Her gray eyes shone on her pale face. Her dress was silver and the bodice was lined with black.

She smiled wryly. "Aren't you going to ask for a dance?"

Nathan scrambled into motion and bowed, only for her to put a hand on his shoulder and pull him up.

"You don't have to ask me to dance, Nathan," she purred. Holly plucked the rose from her ear and placed it between her teeth.

Nathan took her hands and gazed into her eyes. "Sorry for the man I was back then." Now seemed like a good time to apologize.

Holly smiled in a naughty I'm ready to make some love way. She leaned forward and murmured. "You didn't do me any harm, Nathan." Her eyes were sincere. "Just treat Azalea right, you understand me?"

Nathan nodded. "Of course." He couldn't forget the history he and Holly had together. She had been his first maiden he had courted and they had courted pretty hard. He had met her right after his mother died. He had been angry at the entire world and Holly made him realize that the world wasn't so bad.

Hell, she even made him feel good about being alive when his mother wasn't.

"Swear," Holly said through the stem in her teeth.

Nathan said solemnly. "I swear it, Holly."

Holly nodded and pain filled her gray eyes. It softened quickly and changed into something warm: Content.

"Bye, Nathan," she dropped his hands and darted into the crowd.

Azalea's Point of View

"Why are you drinking so early?" Alex asked as she gulped down the shot.

"I can barely stand it in there," Avalyn moaned for Azalea. "I've only danced with five people and I want to hurl."

Alex smiled, understanding who he was talking to. "Avalyn, drinkin' won't help. You need some water in you."

Avalyn made Azalea's eyes roam the table. "Where's the water?"

Laughing, Alex left her to grab a glass of water. Azalea took control at that moment and put the napkin back to her nose.

I'm not trying to get drunk. Azalea cried.

Do you feel the pain coursing through you right now? Avalyn demanded. This calls for whiskey and alcohol and margaritas and damn-

"Okay!" Azalea winced. Her head was pounding, the bridge of her nose ached, and she felt sick to her stomach.

Alex reappeared with the water and Azalea took it gratefully. She gulped it down quickly and thanked Alex with a hug.

"Steady?"

Azalea grabbed her shot glass and refilled it. She gulped down the vodka and shivered.

"Yes," she led the way back to the ballroom.

Rosemary's Point of View

"How the hell are you still dancing?" Riley asked Azalea. She was swaying on her feet.

"By sheer determination." Azalea slurred.

"You've been drinking, haven't you?" Caroline asked.

Azalea nodded and gestured to the dancing crowd. They were standing by the windows, watching dawn approach. Rosemary's hair had changed back to blond.

"We made it 'til now." Azalea smiled. "Nathan's off dancing and now I can barely move."

Rapunzel looked tired in Eugene's arms. "Did you let Avalyn dance?" She gave Azalea a stern look.

Azalea smiled charmingly. "She dances just as good as I do."

"Really?" Eugene sounded interested. "She hasn't dance since you've been back."

Azalea's smile faded a bit. "She's danced with Jacob."

"Ah." Eugene nodded in understanding. Something darkened on their faces and Azalea saw this. She wiped sweat from her forehead.

"I'm going to go find Michael and squeeze a dance out of him." Caroline waved.

Rosemary turned her gaze back to the rosy sky. "This was great," She smiled at Rapunzel.

Rapunzel smiled tiredly back and her emerald gold-flecked eyes went to Azalea. "Going off again?" Azalea was edging away from them.

Azalea blushed and slurred. "I got to go to the washroom."

"Have fun," Eugene said unsurely. Azalea smiled dryly and disappeared.

They all turned to each other and Riley said what they all were thinking.

"She's drunk as hell."

Azalea's Point of View

Dwayne dances nicely. Avalyn said.

Azalea heaved into the basin. I'm glad we danced with him too.

Azalea glanced at the closed washroom door when someone knocked. "One moment!" She was in one of the ballroom's washrooms.

"You okay?" It was Alex.

"Yes! It's all coming back up!" Azalea moaned.

I hate throwing up. Avalyn complained when Azalea heaved again.

Azalea paused. You can feel this?

Of course I can. Avalyn smiled goofily. I feel just as drunk too.

This meant something, but Azalea couldn't think right now.

Rapunzel's Point of View

"We'll return at noon today!" Father Peter declared. "Go home and sleep."

Everyone lapsed into applause and I followed the crowd out of the Dining Hall. Everyone went to their separate rooms and I collapsed on the bed with Eugene.

"What time are we getting Anora and Flynn?" Eugene asked as I sleepily tugged off my dress. Eugene sat on the bed and unlaced his shoes.

"Two hours before noon," I yawned.

Eugene pecked me on the forehead when I sank onto the bed in my undergarments. I was more than ready to pass out.

Eugene's kisses became insistent. Warmth surfaced in my blood and tiny gold lights landed on his cheeks when I turned to kiss him. His hands went through my hair and he sighed.

"I'm tired." He huffed. "But I want this."

I smiled and imagined waking up after sleeping in after a busy night. Energy warmed my sore muscles and Eugene's eyes lit up with amazement.

"Did you just-"

"Yes," I interrupted him with a kiss.

I started giggling when he shrugged off his jacket and tossed it on the floor.