The Queen & Her King (sequel to the princess & the lost boy) Completed

Chapter 16: The Tavern

A/N: Important!!! 

Hey guys, before reading this chapter, please go back and reread chapter 15 if you haven't already. The old version was deleted and replaced. It is key before reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoy.

(Ash's P.O.V.)

Don't develop feelings for him. That was no problem. I could do that. We wouldn't be around each other long enough to get to know one another again anyways. It's not like I could just fall for him in a few days anyway. No one just does that. I mean, it takes time to develop a relationship with someone. I have nothing to worry about. Pan is just an obstacle I have to get past before I can return back to my kingdom and restore magic.

If I were to allow Camelot to fall, I could never forgive myself. I'd be constantly reminded that I could have changed it by killing Pan. I would have let down my people.

No boy is worth that. It's not like he would ever want to stay here anyways. He's made it clear that he planned to go back to Neverland. And he will.

It would be nice to see the place I must have spent time at, even if it is to bury Pan. I'm sure he would like to be on Neverland. Not in the way he probably anticipated, but he would be returned home regardless. Even with magic, he would never be guaranteed a proper burial in Camelot, not with his reputation. Not even as Queen could I change that. Besides, I doubt Camelot could ever be considered a home in his mind.

As I came across the camp, I stopped just outside the small area. No doubt Pan would continue bugging me about my memories that apparently only I can access. Memories of the times we shared together. Memories that would tell me why I hated him so much to want him dead as my mother said. My memories are the key to everything, and yet, I can't help but wonder whether or not I'm better off without them. As long as I don't access those memories, it would be harder for me to feel guilty or remorse once Pan and I reach the Isle of the Blessed. As long as I feel nothing for him, I won't be burdened by my past feelings for him. Those feelings won't cloud my judgment when the time comes.

Then again, those memories are also a part of me. They are a part of my life that I no longer have with me. They could probably give me information that I could use to get Pan to trust me even easier, but they come with that risk of not wanting to kill him. The risk of finding out I still have feelings for him that I don't want to have anymore. The risk of knowing that once upon a time I loved him.

My mother was right. Love is weakness. It clouds your judgment. Enemies can use that against you. They'll try to find your weakest spot, which is usually those you love, and destroy you. Even then, those you love can hurt you. They'll just turn around and break your heart by betraying you. That's what I had in store if I allowed Pan in. I would be serving my heart up on a platter for him to do as he wished, which is something I can't afford. Especially now. I could never allow that.

Sighing, I walked into the camp and knelt down next to Pan, still sleeping. He looked at peace. That devilish smirk replaced with a small boyish smile that made him seem even younger than he was. He seemed more relax. At peace. Almost in sync with nature.

"Ic hæle þina þrowunga,"I chanted, placing my hand over Pan's leg as he twitched slightly as my magic flowed through the wound, ridding the wound of any infection, and stitching the skin back together.

I kept an eye on Pan as he kept twitching. I was surprised he was hardly reacting to the wound being held. It wasn't until I heard the sound of something, maybe bone, cracking that he cried out in pain. I had to place my other hand on his shoulder and hold him down as his eyes shot open. He groaned as he rolled his head back, his hand grabbing my arm closest to his shoulder.