The men stare open mouthed at me. Frankly, I’m suprised at myself. Then the men do something else that is completely surprising. They jump off their horses, kneel, and bow their heads.

“Queen Cassiopeia.” Their leader says. “We are sorry.”

I stare coldly down at him, emboldened by his meekness.

“You killed my boyfriend.”

He stands and meets my gaze.

“With good reason.”

“Really? What good reason do you have to kill a fellow being?”

“To learn if you are the one we seek.”

“What?”

“Get her.”

Two men grab my arms and drag me to the captain. So, they were just playing me.

“Judging by your face, you had no idea who you were until two seconds ago. Eros knew who you were.”

This revelation is a blow to my face. I look up at him. He laughs coldly.

“Right, your precious boyfriend is not who he appears to be. Now. Let’s take you back to King Theron and it’ll be in your best interests to do whatever he says.”

I stand tall and meet the captains eyes. He smiles at my defiance.

“Right then, up you go.”

I hear one of the men say proudly.

“What day! Catching the sovereign and Queen Cassiopeia all at once! That should be worth a raise _and _a day off!”

Merry laughter resonates as I’m carted back to Odyssey Castle. I’m marched to the Throne Room and I swallow in disgust as I see the bodies of the kids who didn’t have enough sense to run. King Theron stands when he sees me.

“Is it her?”

The captain nods proudly.

“Played right into our hands.”

King Theron smiles coldly.

“Notify the royal scientists immediately.”

“King Theron, please. Have mercy.”

I turn and see Eros in the corner. I stare at him. His shirt is stained with blood and his eyes apologetic. I turn away and face the king.

“What is _he _doing here?”

“My apologies Queen Cassiopeia. I didn’t realize that you were in charge. Unfortunately I need young Eros here to complete the prophecy.”

“Prophecy?” Eros snorts. “You just want to marry her.”

“It would be wise of you to shut up.” King Theron snarls.

The captain stalks over to him and knees him right in his stab wound. He coughs and looks at me desperately.

“You can still fix this.”

I stiffen, the king looks at me with excited expectance.

“Your time is up Eros, sovereign of the Ancients. You’d better run while you still can!”

The king whistles.

“Impressive. It would seem that we are right about the Ancient Queen choosing her host. She can control her whenever she wants.”

I swallow and look at Eros, who is pale with fear.

“Cass.” His voice is low. “What have you done?”

I look at my hands. What have I done?

Part Three coming soon!