As Tachia crossed the border into the Draconian territory she was assaulted by the familiar scent of Ariana. She snorted softly and leaned against a tree, waiting for the girl to make her appearance. "I know you're here, parasite. Might as well come out and say what you want....I'm on a timeline here."
Ariana stepped into view, standing a few feet up the path. Both girls looked at one another. It was easy to see the emotions seething on Ariana's face, though Tachia looked cool as always. "No Regime to have your back this time?" Ariana asked, raising a brow. "Not a smart move if you're planning an attack on Dacie."
Tachia laughed softly. "If only that were my plan, right?" She pushed herself off the tree, stalking past the other girl. What do you want, Ariana?"
"To try and talk some sense into you. And to see you for myself. Rumor has it you were locked up in seclusion for a few weeks. People say you wouldn't even accept the dog as a visitor. Now why's that?" The Princess asked, tagging a few feet behind the other.
"None of your damn business," she growled over her shoulder. She continued on her path, only one thing on her mind.
"So your plan is what? To talk to Dacie? Come to a compromise?"
Tachia laughed harshly. "There's no compromise as far as I'm concerned. The woman wants my kingdom on it's knees. And myself as well from what I hear." She shuddered slightly, the rumors running through her mind.
"Where's your good for nothing cousin?"
Tachia sighed softly, her control slipping as Ariana pushed. "Once again, none of your business, Princess."
Ariana grabbed the Queen's arm, forcing her to face her. "This won't work," she insisted.
"You think you're so much better than me," Tachia hissed, turning to face Ariana, her eyes glowing icily. "You think you're superior because I can't control certain instincts and needs. But the truth Ariana, is that you're a coward. You're afraid of going after what you want because you don't want to cause waves with anyone. How horrible it would be if you had to actually stand up for what you believe in," she sneered.
"You don't know me, Tachia. Don't pretend you do," Ariana retorted.
"Don't I? I know that you're still hiding the fact that you're madly in love with Kaylee because you don't want her parents, or yours, to be upset. You live your life based on what everyone else wants for you."
Ariana growled softly, taking a step towards the blond. "Tachia....don't."
"Or what, Ariana? Do you think I'm afraid of you? Do you think there's anything you can do to hurt me? Everything that I hold dear, my people, my men, even my daughter, are aboard a ship right now destined for a new land. What do you think you could possibly do to me?" She read the shock on the other girl's face and smirked with delight. "Yes, my daughter. I've already given everything up, Ana. So go ahead, take your best shot. There's nothing you can do...." She laughed softly as the other just stood there in shock. "I have bigger fish to fry, Princess. Go back to your Kaylee, go enjoy what little time you have left with her. And let me do what it is that I need to in order to save my people."
She stalked off, leaving the other in silence.
Tachia made her way towards the safe-hold of Dacie, for a moment letting herself be assaulted by the memories of Ana. She couldn't see how it would hurt in the end, when everything would be done in just a few short moments anyway. She'd hoped there would have been a way to at least end things civilly with the Carpithian Princess. But wasn't that the way it usually went? The rest of them thought the Felicians were nothing more than a band of wanton harlots and war hungry mongrels. She shrugged as she entered the clearing before the walls.
"Dacie!" She called, waiting patiently as the message was passed. It was only a few moments before the girl stood on the battlement before her.
"Come to surrender to me, I hope," Dacie called.
"Hardly, you crazy bitch," Tachia laughed. "Felicia is yours, though you'll be disappointed to find it as we've left it. But with a years worth of work you can probably restore it to it's former self I've no doubt. However, the Felicians themselves are long gone. Word is getting around to the other kingdoms, Dacie. They know that you're nothing more than a power hungry bitch. And though they wouldn't stand with Felicia, someone will stop you. So if you want to come down here I'm willing to submit myself to you and your kingdom."
Dacie furrowed her brows, searching the surrounding wood with her keen sight. It appeared the Queen was not bluffing. There were no reinforcements in the woods. She was here alone. That was unexpected. She smiled viciously as she made her way to the ground, the gates opening to allow her out. She stood a few feet away from the Queen, watching her. She was still somewhat skeptical. Felicians were never known to surrender. "You are now a prisoner of Draconia. You will submit to the King and Queen and do as you are told. You belong to me now." Dacie smirked as she took a few steps towards Tachia.
"The only thing of mine you'll ever own," Tachia growled, pulling a dagger from her corset in a flash and plunging it into her heart. "Is my dead body," she whispered.
As Tachia lay there, taking her last look at the beautiful blue sky, she was a bit sad to realize it was over. So much wasted. She was a little surprised that it hurt so much, but she knew in just seconds even that would be over. As Dacie and the guards made their way to her form, her thoughts and soul raced onward, into whatever awaited her next. No matter what, it had to be better than this. It had to mean more than this.
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