Chapter 53: The Palace

"Not much longer gramps, just hold out a bit longer." Darius whispered without any real conviction.

He hated to think it, but Darius knew that he was falling into a nervous wreck. After so many years, after so much hardship, he was minutes away from his ultimate goal. If Nightshade wasn't under him, Darius wasn't sure he'd have made it to the castle walls. The grand entrance following the announced retrieval of New Dawn's princess didn't make things any better.

"Feeling a bit jittery?" Krista asked free from Emily's hold. After her sixth escape attempt, she finally called down enough to only be under Emily's watchful glare.

"What gave it away?" Darius asked.

"You're being oddly quiet and you're talking to yourself. Also, you haven't asked me about something in over five minutes. Honestly, I'm a little worried."

"Don't be, I've done this kind of thing before, so I'm just prepping myself. I'm just meeting with your parents, right? If they're anything like you… maybe I shouldn't think too hard about that."

Krista could hardly believe what she was seeing, it was only a month ago that they faced a griffin together, but it was meeting her parents that left him in such a state. Though knowing what her parents could be like, she figured that he may not be overthinking things. Krista could feel that she wanted to say something, but she also didn't want anyone else to hear. She didn't need Amelia or her Cassandra teasing her again.

"Listen up, cause I'm only saying this once," she said pulling up shoulder to shoulder with Darius.

"What, about to give me some sagely advice? At this point, I'll take what I can get."

"No, not advice," Krista took a deep breath and looked directly into Darius's eyes. "You are a decent person."

Receiving the unexpected half compliment, Darius couldn't help but let out a small smirk, "What, just decent?"

"All my life, all I've ever had people do is assume things about me without ever really getting to know me. I'm untethered, as the Chief and Conmin reminded you, that's not exactly natural."

"Then you're saying, I'm decent just because I stayed with you, even though I knew you were untethered? I hate to say it, but from where I come from, not being able to use wattiez is the norm. If I grew up around here, I probably would've been the same as anyone else."

"But you didn't grow up here, so you aren't like everyone else, and it's not only that. Think back at Horizon, the Chief's place. Remember how you stood up for me?"

Darius let loose a squeamish yelp, "Y-You heard all that?"

"I was outside, not deaf. I never got to thank you for that, so much happened and well…" Krista took one last deep breath before speaking again. "You're a precious friend, and I don't have too many of those, so cheer up before I make you!"

"Then you really don't regret meeting me? I mean the only reason you're back here in home custody is because of my actions. None of that changes your opinion of me?"

"I don't regret any of it for even a second. My time with you and Amelia had been some of the most fun I've ever had. My only regret is that it might end now that I'm back here. Can't imagine my parents giving me much any freedom after running from home."

Darius had forgotten his feelings of anxiety after receiving Krista's words,. He was ready to face her parents and start this new chapter of his life. The doorway to that new chapter was just up ahead, but he just had one more bit of mischief to cause.

"I couldn't have gotten this far without you Krista, let me give my thanks." Darius said extending his hand to her.

At this point, Krista was more expecting a hug, thinking their relationship had gotten at least that far, but she gladly took his hand, "It has been fun, and at least now we're even. Goodbye Dar-" she started, but a strange action from Darius stopped her.

He pulled her in close and whispered into her ear, "Call it a bad habit, and you didn't hear it from me, but if a piece of paper that showed several likely escape routes appeared in your hand… I'll leave you to ponder the possibilities."

Krista was left breathless and didn't say anything as a hot tear stream down her face, instead she chose to display her affection with a firm hug.

"Well, that's nice," Darius replied.

"Yeah, well you're an idiot… and you're great. I'm sure my parents will love you. Go get 'em."

With his newfound resolve, Darius nodded his head, taking his place in front of the large wooden doors. Behind them both, Amelia snuck up on the elated Krista as she watched him walk in.

"You're crushing on him," Amelia smarmily whispered.

"I-" Krista started, but realized this would be a conversation she couldn't win, "am not going to say anything."