The Dark [2]

a damn dr. phil episode

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SOLDIER KEEP ON MARCHIN' ON

HEAD DOWN 'TIL THE WORK IS DONE

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CAREFUL SON, YOU GOT DREAMER'S PLAN

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SOPHIE wrung her hands as she walked down the long hallways. She she hadn't really felt like dealing with any guards at the front (they probably wouldn't have let her in) so she had scaled the side of the castle and dropped into the window of the bedroom she had stayed in. No biggie.

She had to admit it was nice to know she still had it.

Sophie was tempted to turn around, leave this place and never come back. To not have to deal with The Royal Court and The Neverseen. To not have to lead. 

But then she thought about her migraines, and her family, Dex, Tam and Linh, Fitz.

So she kept walking, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls. 

She'd asked a guard stationed in the hallway where The Royal Family was, and it took a moment for the woman to recognize her as Fitz's Cognate but eventually she had pointed her in this direction.

Towards the end of the hall, two grand doors stood in excellence. They had gold trim and were as tall at the ceiling.  The wooden oak doors were strong, giving off an aura of power, just as the king who commanded this castle did.

Two guards stood on either side, stoic, and waiting for her to give them a sign to open the doors. Sophie listened, hoping she was in the right place.

The doors were thick, so she could only really hear muffled voices. A shout came and Sophie made out the words, "I bet they're in here! You're precious Moonlark. Cowering like always! Who is that insufferable felon?"

Sophie grinned. Boy, did she like a dramatic entrance.

She nodded and the guards threw the doors open.

She took a step forward.

"Looking for me?" Sophie challenged.

FITZ couldn't breathe. He couldn't speak. 

His lips parted and he stared at her like he's seen a ghost.

He swallowed.

He was dreaming, right?

There's no way she's actually here.

But there she was, a defiant grin on her face, staring down those who dared to oppose her.