The Misplaced Prince[COMPLETE]

Doomsday

Remember not to be afraid.

Fight for him.

Kasey stared down at the list she was quickly scribbling as the last vestiges of her memory faded away. Already it felt like a long distant dream. The idea that she had been a girl who'd followed Joshua around annoying him mercilessly seemed completely within the realm of possibility, but remarkably frivolous when she thought of her reality today. Everything seemed darker after how close the Queen had come in tearing them apart.

One thing was clear, however : pushing him away for the sake of duty had been an utter mistake.

Dick and Tony, and who were blessed--and cursed--with remembrance of Joshua as he had been yesterday had left to pound away their frustration on the field, ignoring her suggestion to make a list with her. She knew they had held hope that he would remember enough to regard them differently...but one look at his cold face had had been answer enough.

As for Shrader...he had left once he was sure Joshua was alright, not involving anyone in his torment.

Kasey took a determined breath.

Remind Joshua that he has people who love him.

She sighed hugely, wondering if, once she forgot everything she had known yesterday, these vague words would even make sense to her. She wasn't one for overt sentiment. Or lists. Knowing herself, she would just tear the note the next time she read it and scoff in disbelief at herself.

Eyes widening, she set her quill to paper.

Don't tear the note! Trust yourself.

She frowned, thinking hard, trying to remember. Somehow, for some reason it had been important to the Queen to make sure Kasey stayed away from Joshua. Kasey frowned, looking down at the paper.

Tell him you love him.

She nodded, but something was missing.

Tell him you love him and then seduce him.

She smiled. Even a Kasey without her memories wouldn't argue with that.

She folded the note, tucking in under the burn salve on her vanity, taking the time to apply another layer. Her cheek was fast healing. She didn't yet know if she would carry a scar, but it already appeared vastly improved. No matter their difference, Nymra was a good healer and Kasey owed her an uncomfortable debt. Speaking of--

"Kasey?"

Kasey whipped around, shocked. "Nymra." she breathed, shocked, "I was just thinking of you..."

She trailed off, staring into the violet, deadened eyes that quickly returned to brown. Nymra stepped towards her, sobbing. "She came to me, Kasey. I couldn't help but agree. You have to agree, you know that? You have to agree to let her in."

Kasey stiffened, her hands rising in front of her defensively. She kept her voice calm. "Stay back, Nymra. Do not come any closer."

"I was outside when he killed her vessel. My Faery blood called to her and she latched to me."

The Fae stepped closer. Kasey whipped her hand out, the salve shooting like a projectile and hitting the Fae on the cheek, who stumbled. Kasey shot towards the door, her hands desperately grasping the knob before her foot was caught by a strong hand, dragging her back inside.

Joshua rifled through the contents in the ancient chest beside his bed, shifting aside centuries old treasures, a dusty book lying open beside his knee. Dick and Tony hung behind him, looking wearily questioning. Joshua had apparently caught them at a bad time, judging by their bloodied knuckles, but one arch look from him had only elicited a mumbled explanation that he couldn't quite make out.