Black Crown

XXX

"If we try this and fail, we'll be killed," Nathan argues, staring at me like I'm crazy. Maybe I am, but this could be my one chance to get out of here.

"And if we don't try, we'll probably be killed anyways," Emery shoots back, taking the words right from me.

"I'm sorry, but who exactly are you?" I ask the blonde. I'm confused as to what his part in the family is, and why he even wants to help.

"I'm Emery Appleton. But I'm not technically an Appleton," he tells me. Well, that doesn't help at all.

"What do you mean? Why would an Appleton want to help me?" I question, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Because I'm a prisoner here, too. Maybe not in the same capacity as you are, but they've only ever wanted me for my power. My father... he was human," he admits. I can't help the gasp that escapes my mouth. Another crossbreed, living right under everyone noses. Suddenly it makes sense- the blonde hair and blue eyes, starkly different from the usual Appleton traits.

"You're a crossbreed..." I whisper, looking at him eyes wide.

"I was. When I turned eighteen two years ago, my step-father turned me. Now, all I am is a tool to bring them one step closer to power-"

"Just like me," I finish for him. Suddenly, my trust in the boy grows. He's trapped, just like I am. If we can get back to the palace, I'll argue for him to live. I can hardly be told no if he is the one who gets me back alive.

"We could win this," I state to no one in particular. With two crossbreeds turned purebloods, we'll be stronger than most of those opposing us. Add in Emery's ability, and I doubt anyone will be able to get close enough to scratch us. Even Nathan will be helpful- I've seen him fight before, and he's better than most.

"We could. But we have to be smart and fast," Emery adds. I nod and look at Nathan, who looks like he's about to pee his pants.

"And what if we do win? We all go back to the palace and live happily ever after?" He questions skeptically.

"Let's focus on winning first. There's no point on worrying about the after if we don't even make it there," I reply, harsher than I intended. If we do this, Nathan has to be willing to put his best foot forward.

"Okay. I guess this is our best chance," Nathan finally gives in. I give him the best smile I can. This will be twice he's saved me. The least I can do is make sure he gets out of this alive.

"Thank you, Nathan. If I had to choice to pick my big brother, I would've picked you. We don't know each other well, but I plan to change that after this. I want to get to know you, I want you to be family," I tell him. He stares at me in awe, eyes glossy. When I step forward and hug him, I think he might actually cry.

It's true. In the short time I've known him, Nathan has played the role of older brother well. I can only hope I get the chance to be his baby sister.

Pulling away, I turn to the boy next to us.

"You, too, Emery. I'll never forget what you're doing for me."

"I'll do my best to make sure we get out of here alive," he promises and I nod. The best we can do now is try.

The pair stay in the room with me, but we don't speak much. I assume they're doing the same I am- running through our plan and estimating our chances of success. Honestly, they're lower than I'd like them to be, but doing nothing would drop them even more. Not to mention, if I die in the fight, no one will be able to use me. That alone would be a success.

"Are you really going to be the queen?" Nathan finally speaks, breaking the long silence. I turn to him and smile softly.

"I guess so. If I survive, Alexander and I are getting married, so when he ascends to the throne I will, too," I reply. The whole thing is still hard for me to believe.