Ro and That Goblin

Prologue
'''The world is messed up. The elves were too glittery and the ogres were too bland and dreary. She glared at Bo from across the room. Never. She would never love him, and her father knew that. But there was a lot her father didn't know. She was already in love, but not with that sorry excuse of an ogre. She could kill him and pick her teeth with his bones.'''

'''She needed someone who was a real fighter. Someone who understood her. Not that her father cared.'''

'''She looked over at the Council. Of course, they showed up to the wedding. Which may not have been the worst thing.'''

She looked over at Councillor Clarette's bodyguard.

Maybe it wasn't the worst.

'''But Bo was the worst. And she hated him.'''

'''She would say those stupid vows for the stupid ceremony, but there was NO WAY she was kissing him. She gagged at the thought.'''

Not in her wildest dreams.

And she had pretty wild dreams.

Part One
'''Ro scowled. She couldn't believe it. This wasn't happening. The goblin stepped closer. "Hey, Ro. You're... married."'''

"Against my will, yes."

'''The goblin was a tallish girl with dark black eyes, and a toothy smile. "Are you sure you don't like him?"'''

'''Ro snorted. "I'm pretty sure."'''

"So, who DO you like?"

"Gea, I can't do this right now."

"Sure you can. There's no one around."

"Well, I'm married--"

"To an ogre you don't love! That's so not fair!"

"I could seriously get executed for this."

"I know. That's why this is so fun."

'''Ro tried to bite back a smile. "I hate you."'''

"No, you don't."

"You're right... I don't. But still. I'm an ogre, and you're a goblin. I just... if people see an ogre and a goblin hanging out--"

"You're my best friend. And nothing can change that."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing."

'''Ro winced. The word should've been reassuring, but it was the exact opposite.'''

Ro wrung her hands together.

'''Love was a funny thing. Personally, Ro hated it. If it was going to cause this many problems for her, it wasn't worth it. She replayed Gea's words in her head.'''

"You're my best friend. Nothing can change that."

'Nothing? Not even me? Can I change that?'

'''She winced at herself again. No, of course not. Gea would think she was crazy. It was illegal on so many levels, she couldn't even explain it...'''

Ro couldn't stop thinking about her, no matter how hard she tried.

She could start a war just by being around her.

She sighed heavily.

'''Keefe looked up at her. "You seem a little lost in thought."'''

'''She glared at him. "Slam it, Lord Hunkyhair."'''

'''"Whatcha thinkin' about?" he pressed.'''

"None of your business."

"Are you thinking about... Bo?"

"No! Quite the opposite, actually."

'''"What do you mean?" He suddenly gasped. "Are you in love with someone else?" He made loud obnoxious kissing sounds.'''

"That is none of your business," she growled.

'''"Wait." He stared at her. "You are? Is it some bigger and better looking ogre? Named... Lo?"'''

'''She growled again. "No!"'''

'''"Tell me!" he begged.'''

"No."

"Come on. Please?"

"No."

"But--"

'''She pulled out her sword and aimed it at his chest. "I. Said. No. Now stop pestering me."'''

"Fiiiiiine. Can you take me to see Foster?"

"I can. But only if you promise not to ask about my love life EVER again."

"Fine! I'll ask BO about your love life."

"You're on thin ice. VERY thin ice."

"Hmph."

'''Keefe burst into Sophie's room. Sandor grumbled something under his breath about privacy. "Hey, Foster!"'''

'''"Keefe? What are you doing here? Did Grady let you in?" asked Sophie.'''

"No. Edaline did. I just wanted to hang out," he said casually.

'''"Hang out," snorted Ro. More like, ask her out.'''

'''"Also, Ro is in love," Keefe said loudly. "But she won't tell me anything about this Mystery Man. Do you wanna help me figure it out?"'''

"Um... I actually have a meeting with Team Valiant today. Stina has more info about the alicorns, and Biana and Dex are researching something for the Black Swan..."

"Oh."

'''Ro suddenly heard music coming from a small metal rectangle on Sophie's bed. She snatched it up. "What is this?"'''

"That's my iPod. Dex charged it for me. And I've been really stressed lately. Music helps."

'''Ro carefully listened to the notes. "It's no half bad. What is it?"'''

"Well, it's a playlist. These are all songs that help me relax, and the singer that's on right now is... girl in red."

'''"Cool." Human technology.'''

"You... can borrow it while I'm at my meeting. I showed Keefe how it works, so he can help you."

'''"Great," she growled. More time with Lord Hunkyhair.'''

'''She listened to the words. She couldn't understand it... "Hello? Blondie, this is in English."'''

"Oh. Dex put a translator I think. I got to go! Ask Keefe."

She rushed away with Sandor.

'''Keefe smiled. "So... do you need help?"'''

"Maybe," she grumbled.

Part Two
'''Ro listened to the music. She closed her eyes, sighing contently. This music was very relaxing. Blondie had good taste in music. She listened to the song girls about five times. She started to hum along. Hm. Humans sure knew how to make a mess of their emotions. Ro felt the same way, though. She didn't know exactly which emotions to feel. Guilty? Happy? Proud? Or just let herself fall in love?'''

No. Love never led to anywhere good.

She squeezed her eyes shut as the lyrics filled her head.

Hm.

There was a rustle from the corner, and Ro's eyes snapped open.

Keefe was asleep, drooling on his pillow.

And there was a figure in the room.

She unsheathed her sword.

"Ro, wait," the figure whispered.

'What? No! What is she doing here?'

"Wh-what are you doing here, Gea?"

'''The goblin moved closer. "Well, I have the day off. I'm switching shifts tonight. And I figured... it's been a few years... and I've been thinking about you."'''

"You have?"

"Well, duh. You're my friend."

'''She winced at the word again. Friend. Indeed it has been a long time.'''

'''"You know, there's something that I've always been meaning to tell you," she whispered. ''Just say it. Just tell her.'

Before the words could come out of her mouth, Keefe yelped.

"Wh-what is happening? Who is that?"

'''"Relax, Lord Hunkyhair. This is my friend." Ro winced at her own word choice. Oh boy...'''

'''"Y-You're friends with a goblin?" He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't still dreaming.'''

'''Ro nodded. "This is Gea--"'''

'''"I can introduce myself!" said Gea. "I am Gea. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Sencen."'''

"Call me Lord Hunkyhair."

"Don't call him that," Ro told her, rolling her eyes.

"Well, why do you call him that?"

"I... lost a bet."

'''Gea smiled, nudging her. "You and you're bets."'''

Ro smiled at her.

'''Keefe looked back and forth between them, his eyes suddenly going wide. "Wha... wait... oh my god. Ro, do you...?"'''

'''Ro's face went red. "Don't. Finish. That. Sentence."'''

'''Gea looked confused. "What is going on--"'''

'''"Nothing!" Ro said too quickly.'''

'''Keefe stared at her. "Oh."'''

'''Gea gave an uncertain smile. "Ro...?"'''

"I-it's nothing."

'''She sighed. "Can I do your hair? It's always in pigtails. You'd look nice in braids."'''

"I would?"

'''"Yeah." She started to move behind Ro, taking her hair out of the pigtails. "Hm."'''

"What?"

"You actually look better with your hair down."

'''Ro looked down. "Thanks."'''

"Also, before your charge woke up, you were about to tell me something. It seemed important."

"Oh. It's nothing."

"How are you and Bo?"

"Terrible."

'''Gea snorted. "I assumed." Suddenly her impartner beeped. She sighed. "Break's over. I gotta go."'''

'''"Oh." Ro tried not to show her disappointment. "When will we be able to talk again?"'''

"Do you have an impartner?"

'''"She can use mine!" Keefe blurted.'''

"You can call me, then," said Gea.

'''Ro nodded. "I will."'''

"But only at night."

"Okay."

Gea smiled and leapt away.

Ro looked at Keefe.

'''Keefe looked back at her. "You like her."'''

Ro didn't say anything.

"She's... a goblin... and... a girl..."

"I am aware."

"That's... wow. Well, you can call her whenever. I don't mind."

'''Ro stared at him. "What?"'''

"What?"

'''"Why are you being so weirdly supportive?" demanded Ro.'''

"Because this isn't something I can joke about. And I wouldn't joke about it. Unless I have to see you kiss, then there will probably be some teasing. But... you should tell her."

"Only if you tell Blondie first."

'''Keefe blushed. "Fair enough."'''

'''Ro gave a shaky smile. "Don't tell anyone, or you're dead."'''

Keefe nodded.

Part Three
"I'm gonna tell Sophie I like her."

'''"You are?" Ro stared at him.'''

"Yep. Then you have to tell Gea you like her."

'''Ro clenched her teeth. Ugh. "Yeah, I did say I'd tell her if you did, didn't I?"'''

'''"Yup, you did." He smirked. "So. Take me to Havenfield?"'''

'''"I guess so." She couldn't help but feel dread. She would have to tell Gea she liked her. That... was going to be interesting. ''What if she doesn't feel the same way? What if it ruins our friendship? What if I die of embarrassment? What if she hates me? What if she laughs or makes fun of me?'

She sighed heavily, looking down.

'''Keefe frowned. "I thought you'd be excited that I was telling Foster I like her."'''

"I am..."

"Then why do you look like you're about to puke?"

'''"I..." Ro trailed off.'''

"You don't have to tell her."

"Yes, I do, Keefe. If I don't tell her today, I'll never tell her."

'''"Are you sure?" Keefe asked, concerned.'''

"No. But I still have to," she said with a sigh.

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do!"

'''Keefe sighed. He looked over, and his face paled when he saw her getting teary-eyed. "Are you okay?"'''

'''"Do I look okay?" she growled.'''

Keefe quickly hugged her.

'''She stiffened. "Wh-what are you doing?"'''

"I'm hugging you."

"I don't really... do... hugs."

"I know."

She slowly hugged back, sighing.

'''Cassius came into the room. "Keefe--"'''

'''Ro pulled away from Keefe to glare at Cassius. "Go away!" Ro demanded. "We were having a bonding moment, and you ruined it!"'''

Cassius rolled his eyes, but walked out.

'''Ro sighed, sitting on the bed. She looked at the iPod. "I should give this back to Blondie."'''

"Yeah..."

"Foster, I gotta tell you something."

"What is it, Keefe? I have another meeting."

'''"You do?" He drooped a little. "Oh."'''

'''"I gotta hurry." She ran to snatch her circlet off the dresser, setting on her head and fixing her hair, then scrambling to pull on her boots while also reaching for her cape laying by her pillow.'''

'''Watching her race back and forth looking for things and getting ready was making him anxious. He wrung his hands, looking down. "Um... do you have just a minute?"'''

"Not really," she mumbled, reaching for her brush and running it through her hair a few times, then to her bathroom to brush her teeth.

"Oh."

'''Ro sighed heavily. "Blondie, he wants to talk to you."'''

"Well I don't! I don't want to... I... I don't feel the same way about you, Keefe. I can't handle this right now."

'''Keefe had turned five shades paler. "Y... you knew..."'''

'''"Yes." She hurried past him, dragging Sandor away.'''

Sandor even threw him a sympathetic look as they rushed down the stairs.

'''Keefe was silent. He teared up, staring at the flowery carpet. "I knew she'd never like someone like me," he whispered.'''

'''Ro sat by him. "Hey. It's okay..."'''

'''"No it isn't. Nothing is okay," he whispered. "I thought... I thought this would make me feel better to know whether she liked me back, but... it feels worse." He looked down, not able to meet Ro's eyes.'''

Ro set the iPod in Sophie's bed and hugged Keefe.

'''Keefe sniffled, leaning against her. "Well, it can't get any worse," she told him.'''

"Sure it can. She could tell Fitz about it and get him mad at me."

'''"Hmph. Well, let's hope that doesn't happen." She gave a half-hearted smile, showing her sharp teeth.'''

'''He sighed heavily and handed her his impartner. "Your turn."'''

'''Ro stared at it. Oh god.'''

'''They had gone back to the Shores of Solace. It was midnight.'''

Ro stared as Gea's face appeared on the tiny screen of Keefe's impartner.

'''She took a deep breath. "Hi, Gea."'''

"Hi, Ro!"

'''"I gotta tell you something." Ro was already fidgeting. She looked away. "It's... I just gotta get it off my chest, you know?"'''

"Well, tell me. I'm sure it's not that bad. Just blurt it all out!"

'''"Okay." She looked at her. "I like you."'''

'''Gea smiled. "Um, I like you, too."'''

"No. I mean... I mean I like you... more than I should."

"Wh-... Oh, Ro..."

'''Ro teared up. "I hate it. I hate feeling this way. You... you're one of the only friends I've ever had... and that's probably gonna change now... I ruined it--"'''

'''"Oh, no! Ro, that's not true! Don't say that!" Gea looked at her. "Look at me, Ro." She waited until their eyes met. "Ro, I... I'll be right there."'''

"Wh-what?"

"I'm coming over!"

"G-Gea, you don't have to--"

'''"Yes, I do." Gea hung up.'''

'''Ro covered her face with her hands. Nonononono... She was trembling, and an emotional mess. She felt more dead than alive... She didn't want Gea to see her this unstable.'''

'''She saw a glittery flash outside Keefe's window. Gea stepped up to the window and knocked softly. "Ro?"'''

'''Ro opened the window, sniffing. "Hey."'''

'''Gea hugged her. "I like you, too."'''

"Wh-what?"

"What's not to like? You're amazing, Ro."

"Gea... this is... this isn't good..."

"No one has to find out."

"What do you mean?"

"I want to be with you," Gea told her, pulling back from the hug so she could look her in the eyes.

'''Ro gulped. "You do?" she asked quietly.'''

Gea smiled, her eyes brightening.

'''There was a long silence as Gea hugged her again. They stood there holding each other until they heard a yawn.'''

'''Keefe sat up in bed. Then he smiled. "I'm... gonna go get a drink of water."'''

"Okay."

Gea looked at Ro and smiled.

Then Gea leaned forward and pressed her lips against Ro's. Her eyes went wide as she stiffened up against the wall.

When Gea pulled away, Ro stared at her.

"Wh... you... you just..."

'''Gea blushed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that," she mumbled. Her impartner beeped. "I gotta go."'''

"Wait! No--"

'''But it was too late. Gea leapt away. Ro blinked hard, fighting back emotions.'''

'''Keefe came back with a glass of water. "Hey! Where is she? Are you okay?"'''

Ro shook her head, tearing up.

'''Keefe set his water down. "What did she say?"'''

'''"I-I don't... I..." She took a deep breath and replaced all of her confusion and sadness with anger. "You know what? It doesn't matter. And it's none of your business. And I'm fine."'''

"You... don't look fine--"

'''"I'M FINE!" She stormed away, her head swimming with thoughts. So many thoughts, she thought she'd drown, every thought worse than the last.'''

'''A part of her was screaming for her to be strong and not let a single tear escape either of her eyes, but another part of her wasn't ashamed to cry and wanted to curl up and let the thoughts take over, sobbing. She did neither. She froze halfway across the hallway, realizing she couldn't just leave. She stood there, frozen.'''

Part Four
'''Keefe looked up at Ro. "Hey--"'''

"Don't..."

'''"Okay..." He blinked hard as his eyes dropped back to his notebook.'''

'''Ro glanced at him. "You want to know what happened."'''

"Kinda. Also, I wanted to know what you thought about... um..."

"Blondie rejecting you?"

'''Keefe sighed. "Yeah."'''

"Well, she has no idea what she's missing out on."

"Why would she want to be with me, anyways? I knew she likes Fitz, but... I never thought she'd be so harsh about it, you know?"

'''"Yeah," whispered Ro. "I know."'''

"So. She doesn't like you the same way? Or..."

"She does," Ro said slowly.

"Then what's wrong?"

"Be smart, Lord Hunkyhair. She's a goblin. Us being together would defy so many laws it's not even funny."

"Hm. I guess."

'''"The reason I was so... unstable... last night... was because she..." Ro closed her eyes. "She kissed me."'''

'''His eyes widened. "And...?"'''

"And then she left."

"That's it?"

"Yeah," she said quietly.

"That sucks," Keefe murmured.

"I does," she agreed.

"If Foster kissed me, I'd probably die."

'''Ro smirked. "I almost died. It was so unexpected..."'''

"I can imagine. Are you gonna call her again tonight?"

"Nope."

"What? Why not?"

"I'm going to sneak into Eternalia and visit her myself. She's Councillor Clarette's bodyguard. She'll be standing right outside Clarette's tower, and no one will be around..."

"What if one of the Councillors see you?"

"They'll be in bed."

"What if one of them is up in the middle of the night, though? You can't go to Eternalia without permission."

"No one will see me," she promised.

'''Keefe shrugged. "Fair enough."'''

'''Gea whirled around when she heard footsteps. She gasped when she saw Ro there. "Ro?"'''

"Hey, Gea. I wanted to talk to you. In person."

'''"Oh." Gea shuffled her feet awkwardly. "Is it about the kiss...?"'''

"A little."

'''Gea started to tear up. "I like you... and I'm scared..."'''

"I'm scared, too," Ro admitted.

'''Gea looked at her, her eyes welling with tears. "If someone finds out... it... I don't know what will happen, but it can't be good."'''

"I know. Gea..."

"What?"

"I... I care about you. A lot."

"I do, too," Gea sniffled.

'''Ro held stepped closer, and Gea buried herself in her arms. Ro held her tightly. Gea looked up at her.'''

'''"I've never done anything like this before..." mumbled Ro. "I'm not very good at... relationships... or... love."'''

'''"Are you saying you love me?" Gea asked softly.'''

'''She blushed. "I-I..."'''

"Well... I love you, too," Gea whispered before she could think of a non-awkward response.

"You do?"

"Of course! Ro, I don't care that you're an ogre, and I'm a goblin. And I don't even care if people are against it. Everyone in the world could hate me, and still the only thing that would matter is you."

'''Ro teared up. "Oh, Gea... this is why I care about you so much. I wish I could be as... happy."'''

'''"You can be happy. We can be happy." Gea moved closer. She whispered, "You kept your hair down."'''

"You were right. It looks better this way," Ro told her.

"You look amazing no matter what."

'''Ro blushed again. "Thank you."'''

'''Gea leaned up and kissed her. Ro's face went red as she kissed back.'''

The next morning, Keefe woke up and saw Ro staring at nothing, and smiling.

"Um, are you okay?"

"Hm? Oh. Yeah. I'm more than okay, actually... I feel great."

"So, I'm guessing you had a nice night?"

"I did."

"I'm glad you're happy," he said, though he didn't look glad at all.

'''Ro scowled. "You know what? We're goin' to Blondie's house. Right now. And I'm gonna make her apologize to you."'''

"What? No, Ro, you don't have to do that--"

'''"Yes! I do! Let's go!" She dragged him to his feet.'''

"B-but--"

"No 'but's!"

'''He groaned. "Why are you so frustrating!?"'''

"Because you need me to be."

'''"Would you stop trying to be my mom!" he shouted.'''

'''Ro released his arm. "What did you just say?"'''

'''Keefe winced. "I didn't mean--"'''

"I'm nothing like your mom Keefe."

"I know. That came out wrong."

"Your mom is horrible. And so is your dad. I'm more like your aunt, anyways."

'''Keefe looked at her. "Yeah... I guess so. But only if you want to be related to one of my parents."'''

'''Ro gagged. "Ugh. Yeah, well, I'm your bodyguard, and right now I'm guarding your body from emotional turmoil."'''

Keefe snorted.

"I'm serious, Lord Hunkyhair, we're going."

'''He sighed. "Fine."'''

Part Five
'''Keefe looked at Sandor, who was leaned up against Sophie's door. Sandor looked at Ro and sighed. "Don't make her cry this time."'''

'''"What?" exclaimed Keefe.'''

"She cried right after we leapt her to Eternalia for the Team Valiant meeting. Actually, I think she's crying right now."

'''"Oh, god," mumbled Keefe, knocking on the door. "Foster?"'''

'''He heard someone sniffle softly, then sigh. "Come in," she mumbled.'''

'''He slowly opened the door. She was sitting on her bed, rubbing her eyes. "Keefe?" She started to cry again. "Keefe, I'm sorry... I just... I read your mind, and I saw what you were going to say, and I panicked, because I feel the same way, and I just... Fitz... wouldn't be happy... a-and I--"'''

'''"Hey, Foster, it's okay," Keefe said softly. He sat by her, and she hugged him. "Foster, it's okay. Please, don't cry..." He gently wiped a tear off her face with his thumb.'''

'''She sniffled. "I really like you, Keefe."'''

'''Keefe started to tear up. "Really?"'''

'''She nodded, leaning her head on his chest. He pulled her closer, holding her. "I... I do, too, Sophie."'''

'''She looked up at him. "You called me by my first name," she said softly.'''

'''Keefe smiles. Not a smirk. A smile. "I did."'''

'''Ro smiled as Keefe leaned closer. Sandor rolled his eyes.'''

'''Their lips met, and Keefe had could only stare into her brown eyes when they finally pulled away. He smiled bashfully. "I've always wanted to do that."'''

She blushed.

'''They held each other's gaze for a while longer until Ro started cheering and clapping, completely shattering the moment. "Finally!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in the air victoriously.'''

'''Sandor sighed. "Grady isn't going to like this."'''

'''Sophie blushed harder. "Oh, yeah... Grady."'''

'''Keefe smirked. "I'm fine with that. As long as I get to be with you, I don't care if the Councillors themselves think it's wrong. And I don't care if we're a bad match, because you're the best match I could ever have."'''

'''Sophie looked surprised. "Really?"'''

"Hey, it's not like my family has some great reputation for me to uphold, and even if we did, I would've still fallen in love with you."

'''Sophie blushed. "Keefe, that's... really sweet of you... and it means a lot to me..."'''

'''Keefe brightened. "I try, Foster, I try."'''

~Back at the Shores of Solace~

'''Ro smiled. "See? Her obliviousness was defeated! All is well! And you even got to smooch her!"'''

'''Keefe blushed. "Yeah. I... still can't believe that happened. I thought I was gonna have a heart-attack."'''

'''Ro batted her eyelashes. "It was super romantic."'''

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! I'm totally telling Gea about this."

'''Keefe smirked. "Now we both have girlfriends, Is Sophie my girlfriend now? Is that how it works? Since we kissed and admitted to liking each other...?"'''

'''Ro snorted. "Yes, Lord Hunkyhair. You're officially her boyfriend."'''

'''Keefe sighed contently and fell on his bed. "Wow. Greatest. Day. Ever."'''

'''Ro continued to visit Gea every night, right outside Clarette's tower. Clarette's tower was right between Zarina's and Bronte's. One night, Ro went to visit her again. They were talking and laughing, and the night seemed to be going pretty smoothly, until they heard a door open. They both spun and saw Councillor Bronte coming out of his tower. Ro was about to leap back to the Shores of Solace, giving Gea a quick kiss, when they both saw another person come out of Bronte's tower. A woman.'''

'''They both watched, eyes wide, as Bronte smiled, actually smiled, at the woman. It was a small smile, but it was still smile.'''

'''Their shock increased when the woman leaned up and kissed him. Bronte quickly pulled away, then whispered something to her. His smile had disappeared, and he obviously hadn't approved of the kiss. The woman just smiles, and says something that causes him to blush. He says something else, and hands her a light-leaping crystal. She tries to hand it back to him, and starts to cry. Bronte steps back, but the woman hugs him. He hesitates, but carefully wraps his arms around her. She leans up and kisses him again. This time, the kiss lasts for a little longer, until she suddenly tears away and holds the crystal up to the moonlight. Bronte grabs her arm to stop her. Ro reads his lips, as he tells the woman, "I'm sorry."'''

'''The woman gives a sad smile and steps into the beam of light, glittering away. Bronte stands there for a few more moments, until going back into his tower.'''

Ro and Gea look at each other, eyes wide.

'''"What the heck just happened?" whispered Gea.'''

'''Ro stared at the door of Bronte's tower. "I... don't know."'''

"We should go in there and talk to him," Gea suggested.

"Yeah, right," she snorted.

Gea looked at her.

"Oh. you're serious. What if he asks why you're hanging out with an ogre?"

"I'll tell him you're my best friend."

'''Ro smiled. "You're crazy."'''

'''She tossed her hair. "I know." She looked up at Ro, smiling.'''

'''Bronte opened the door, surprised to see an ogre and a goblin. "What do you want?" he demanded.'''

'''Gea sighed. "We saw the woman."'''

'''His face got very pale. He cursed.'''

'''Ro smiled. "This glittery world is just full of secrets, isn't it?"'''

'''Bronte didn't say anything. He just continued to be very pale. His lips parted after a long silence, and he mumbled, "The rest of the Council can never know about this."'''

'''"Oh, we won't tell anyone," Gea promised. "We just wanna know who she is."'''

'''"Th-that's none of your business!" he stammers, then tries to close the door.'''

'''Ro holds the door open. "If you don't tell us, we will tell the Council."'''

'''Bronte gets even paler. His jaw clenches. "Her name is Emily."'''

'''Gea smiles. "Are you in love with her?"'''

'''Bronte's face reddens and he shakes his head. "I... she's just..."'''

"She's what?"

"I can't... I'm not..."

'''"You're scared of falling in love?" asks Gea softly.'''

'''Bronte stiffened. "This conversation is officially over." He slammed the door.'''

Part Six
"So, Councillor Bronte has some juicy secrets," remarked Gea.

'''Ro snorted. "Something like that. I can't decide whether it's better or worse than our secret."'''

"Better. Definitely. I mean, at least the woman's an elf."

"True."

"We're breaking way more laws than he is."

'''Ro sighed. "It shouldn't be against the law. I should be able to fall in love with you without getting murdered, and you know that's what'll happen if Bo or my dad finds out."'''

"They won't."

"How do you know?"

"I don't. I just hope they won't. I really, really hope..."

'''Bo stood at the doorway of Keefe's room. "I need to see Romhilda."'''

'''Keefe's face paled. "Um. She's not here right now."'''

"What do you mean? She should be here protecting her charge!"

"Um. She's busy."

"Doing what?"

'''"Why... why are you here in the middle of the night?" asks Keefe.'''

'''Bo scowls. "None of your business. Where has Ro gone? In the middle of the night."'''

'''Keefe makes a face. "I... don't know."'''

"You don't know," he repeats flatly.

"I mean, I..."

'''"Where is she!?" he demands.'''

'''Keefe looked down. "I'm not telling you."'''

"Why not?"

"Why would I tell you, anyways?"

'''"Because she's in danger!!" Bo exploded.'''

'''"She is!?" shouts Keefe. "Wait. You're just saying that to make me tell you."'''

"No! She is in serious danger! Now tell me where she is!"

"She's... she's at Eternalia."

'''"What is she doing there!?" He bellowed in outrage. "Nevermind that," he grumbles, pulling out a Leapmaster.'''

'''"Where did you get that?" asks Keefe as he holds it up to the light.'''

'''Bo grabs his arm. "I stole it from Grady and Edaline."'''

"What--"

"No more questions! We have to go! Now!"

'''Ro gasped. "Bo?"'''

'''"Ro, get away from her!" Bo shouts.'''

'''Gea's eyes went wide. "What's going on?"'''

"First of all, I don't know what the heck you're doing being friends with a goblin," he started.

'''"Friends," Ro repeated. "Y-yes... she's my friend. I don't see anything wrong with that."'''

"She's a GOBLIN!"

'''Gea flipped her hair. "So?"'''

'''Bo growled and shook his head. "You need to come with me. Now."'''

'''"Why?" demanded Ro.'''

"You're in danger."

"From what? I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

'''Keefe was shivering, standing there in his pajamas. "Ro, he sounds serious."'''

'''She hesitated, glancing at Gea. Gea smiled. "It's okay. Go."'''

'''Ro nods slowly. She wanted so badly to kiss her goodbye, but she couldn't... not in front of Bo. "Bye, Gea," she says quietly, trying to avoid eye contact with both of them as she grabs Keefe's arm. Right before they leap away, she sees Gea blow her a kiss.'''

She smiles.

'''"Okay, Ro, what did you do?" demanded Bo.'''

"What are you talking about?"

"You're father is mad at you. Very mad. He said you were going to start a war or something."

'''Ro's face went pale. How did her father find out?'''

'''Bo looked at her pale face. "Are you... okay?"'''

"No!"

"What did you do!?"

"Nothing!"

"Then why is King Dimitar mad at you!?"

'''"I don't know!" She was trying not to get emotional. She kept her face stone, glaring at him.'''

'''He glared back. "Well, you've obviously done something really bad! He won't even tell me what it is!"'''

"So, he wants to keep it a secret?"

"Keep what a secret!? RO! WHAT THE HECK DID YOU DO!?"

'''Ro flinched. "It's none of your business. If my father wants it to be kept secret, then it'll stay that way."'''

"He told me to tell you that you need to stop. Or else he'll..."

"Or else he'll what?"

"He said he'd kill you, Ro!"

'''Ro looked away. "Oh god..."'''

"Why won't you tell me what it is!?"

"I can't! You're the last person I want to tell!"

"You told Keefe!"

"Keefe is different!"

'''Bo rolled his eyes. "You shouldn't be getting so close to your charge."'''

"I can do whatever I want! Tell my father he can't stop me!"

'''Bo grabbed her arm. "Just tell me what it is!"'''

'''She tore her arm away. "Don't touch me! No! Why do you want to know so badly!?"'''

"Maybe I can help you."

"Help me?"

"Help you get out of whatever situation you're in, or convince your father not to kill you..."

"Why would you want to help me!?"

"Because I'm in love with you!"

'''She stared at him. "Th-this is a joke, right? A sick joke..."'''

"I'm your husband--"

"No! The last thing I want is for you to be in love with me!"

"Why!?"

"I don't want your help! I want you to get out!"

"But--"

"GET OUT, BO! GET! OUT! NOW!"

'''Bo stepped back, glaring at her. "FINE!" He stormed out, slamming the door loudly.'''

'''Keefe looked up at her. "Ro?"'''

Ro started to pace, ignoring him.

'''"Ro?" Keefe tried again. "Ro!"'''

'''"What!?" she whirled around to look at him.'''

He hugged her.

'''She struggled back tears. "H-how did he find out? Keefe, I..."'''

'''Keefe hugged her tighter. "It's okay to cry, you know."'''

'''She clenched her teeth. "I don't want to cry."'''

He waited until she hugged back.

'''She suddenly broke down. "Th-this isn't happening... this c-can't be happening to me... K-Keefe, this is i-insane..."'''

'''He tears up at the sound of her crying. He'd never known her to be so emotional.'''

She hugged him tighter, nearly crushing his spine.

"Ow."

'''"Oh, s-sorry." She pulled away and quickly wiped her eyes.'''

'''Bo was standing outside the door, listening to her cry. His eyes widened. He slowly opened the door again. "Ro?"'''

'''Ro looked away. "I thought you left."'''

"Ro, please tell me what's wrong. Maybe I can help."

"No."

'''He growled. "Fine then. Just know that you can tell me if you need to in the future."'''

'''She looks at him. "I won't. But thanks, anyways."'''

He walked away.

Part Seven
'''Ro stared at the floor. "I... don't know what to do..." she whispered.'''

'''Keefe shrugged. "Maybe you should try talking to King Dimitar."'''

'''She snorted. "My father would kill me on the spot. He knows, Keefe. He knows... he'll come after me soon... or worse, Bo will find out, then I'll have to face him and my father..."'''

"Tell Gea. I'm sure she'll figure something out."

"I'm not dragging her into this."

"What? Why not?"

"What if they hurt her instead!? I would never forgive myself if anything bad happened to her."

"Nothing bad is going to happen," said a voice from behind them.

'''They whirled around. "G-Gea, what are you doing here?" Ro demanded in a shaky voice.'''

"Well, I came to ask why the heck Bo had to steal you away from me. And... apparently your dad knows about us... but you were planning on not telling me? I'm not sure how I feel about that. Because I love you, and we should figure this out together."

"I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Ro, you know good and well that I can take care of myself."

"My father could easily kill both of us if he wanted to."

"No. No he couldn't. You're the strongest warrior I know. He would never be able to bring you down. Especially if we're working together."

"Are you suggesting we just go face him? Right now?"

"Um, no. Not without a plan."

"So... you are suggesting that we should face him."

"If you don't want to, then we don't have to. But he's going to come after you eventually, so I'm just saying, we should have a plan for when he does."

'''"So... what would we even do!? It's not like we can kill him!" Ro shouted'''

Gea went silent.

'''"No," Ro mumbled. "We can kill him. Gea..."'''

"What?"

"I'm going to kill my father."

"What!?"

"I'm going to kill him."

"Well, I'm helping," Gea said quickly.

"No. You could die."

"I won't die!"

"But you might! I'm not losing you! Especially not to my father!"

"Well at least let me help you come up with a plan."

"I'm going to kill him. That's the plan."

"Ro, please, this is serious. He's your father--"

"I know he's my father! Do you think it isn't going to be hard for me, because it is! I don't... he's my dad... and I know I hate him and he totally deserves to die, but do you know who's next in line for the throne when I kill him? Bo and I. Bo and I will be the rulers of Ravagog, and I... I don't think I can do that... At least not by his side."

'''"What are you saying?" Gea whispered.'''

"I'm saying... I... I have to leave Bo."

'''"L-leave Bo?" Gea stammered. "That's crazy... then you'll have to face both him and your father!"'''

"I know."

"Then I'll fight by your side."

"No, you won't--"

'''"Yes, I will!" Gea let out a frustrated sigh. "You can't face both of them on your own, that's just crazy!"'''

'''"I have to!" argued Ro.'''

'''Gea snorted. "No, you don't. You just won't let me fight."'''

"Because I don't want you to die!"

"I won't die!"

"I'm NOT taking any chances!"

'''Bo suddenly came into the room. "Ro, can I talk to you--?"'''

'''"GET OUT!" shouted Ro.'''

'''Bo looked about ready to unsheathe his sword. "Is this goblin bothering you? What's going on?" he demanded.'''

'''Ro's nostrils flared. She clenched her teeth. "Do you really want to know what's going on?" she said quietly.'''

'''Bo looked at her. "Yes. I do."'''

"Fine! I'm leaving you! That is what's going on! Right now. I have just now made the decision to leave you. And I don't care if you kill me. Stab me, strike me down, tear my throat out. Go ahead! I know you want to!"

'''Bo froze. He looked at her with disbelief.'''

Keefe and Gea watched, both of them waiting for Bo to strike.

'''But he didn't move. Not even a little bit. He stared at her. "Ro," he finally said. "I..." He trailed off. Then he shook his head. "I'm not going to kill you."'''

'''"What? Why not?" she snapped. "Just hit me or something! Why aren't you getting mad!? You should be furious! I'm furious! Why am I the one getting furious!?"'''

"I love you."

"No! No, darn it, I don't want you to love me! I want you to be screaming and throwing things at me, and--"

'''He grabbed her arms. "Ro."'''

"What!?"

'''He hesitated. "I..."'''

"Let GO of me! I swear--"

He kissed her.

Everyone froze.

The kiss continued until Gea grabbed Ro from behind and yanked her back, then stood between Bo and Ro.

Ro burst into tears.

'''Gea glared up at him. "Would you leave her alone!? She doesn't love you!"'''

'''"She kissed me back!" Bo shouted. He looked at Ro. "Y-you kissed me back!"'''

'''"Why are you making this harder than it has to be!?" Ro yelled through tears. "I hate you! I hate you..."'''

Bo growled, "I don't even know why you're leaving me! And you won't tell me why your father is so angry with you, and you're... confusing and infuriating!"

'''"Then leave!" Ro shouted, rubbing her eyes roughly.'''

"WHY!? WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO LEAVE YOU!?"

"BECAUSE I'M IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE ELSE!"

'''Bo froze up. "What!? Who!?"'''

"None of your business."

'''"It is ENTIRELY my business!" he fired back. "You can tell him that if I ever find him, I WILL kill him."'''

'''She snorted. "I'm afraid I won't be able to do that."'''

'''"Why not?" he hissed.'''

"I can't tell 'him' anything. But I can tell 'her'."

'''"Her," Bo repeated slowly. His eyes widened with realization. "Oh my god. You don't even like guys! I never had a chance, did I?"'''

'''Ro looked surprised. "You're s-still not mad...?"'''

'''"I AM mad! I want to punch a hole in the wall! I'm mad at myself!" He sighed heavily. "Who is she?"'''

"I can't tell you."

"Ro, please, just tell me. I won't tell King Dimitar. I won't get mad. Just tell me."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because... it's not who you think it is."

"Well, who do you think I think it is?"

"An ogre."

"And... that's... wrong...? What the heck is THAT supposed to mean!? If she's not an ogre, then what the heck IS she!? A troll!?"

"No..."

'''"What..." He looked at Gea. Gea was still glaring at him. "Wait."'''

'''Ro covered her face with her hands, already in tears. "Bo--"'''

'''"SHE'S A GOBLIN!" he suddenly screamed. He grabbed Ro's arm roughly. "How could you fall in love with a GOBLIN!?"'''

"You don't understand--"

'''"You're right! I DON'T understand! Tell me! Tell me why you thought it was okay to fall in love with a GOBLIN!" He shoved her to the floor and stormed out.'''

Gea caught his sleeve before he could leave, shouting insults at him.

Keefe watched, his eyes wide, as Bo whirled around and struck Gea hard across the face.

Part Eight
'''Bo glared at Gea for a moment before storming out. Ro screamed, “No! No! Get back here, darn it! How do you have the nerve to hit my girlfriend!?”'''

'''He whirled around. “You’re girlfriend is a goblin. She’s disgusting, and so are you. Both of you. Are. Disgusting.”'''

'''Ro whipped out her sword and slashed him across the face. He screamed, stumbling back and covering his face with his hands. Ro shoved him out of the room and slammed the door.'''

There was nothing but dead silence, and the sound of Gea sniffling.

'''Ro helped her to her feet and wrapped her arms around her. “Gea,” she whispered, “I’m so sorry...”'''

'''Gea took a shaky breath and kissed her cheek. “It’s okay. I’m okay... I promise.”'''

'''Ro shook her head. “It’s not okay. None of this is okay.”'''

'''Keefe sat up. “Um, does it worry you that Bo has gone completely silent?”'''

'''Ro gulped and took a shaky step toward the door. She slowly cracked it open. Bo was gone. “He’s gone. Probably back to Havenfield.”'''

Bo light-leapt in front of Sandor, cursing in pain.

'''Sandor’s eyes went wide. He quickly knelt by him. “Bo, what happened?” he demanded.'''

“My wife...” was all he could utter before going unconscious.

Sandor rushed inside, grabbing a shocked Sophie’s arm and pulling her with him.

'''“Lord Ruewen! Bo is outside, and he’s injured! You have to call a physician immediately!”'''

'''Grady and Edaline stood. Edaline hurried outside as Grady fumbled with his impartner. “Hail Elwin.”'''

Bo woke up in the Healing Center.

'''Sandor stood. He didn't look happy. Ro and Gea were standing behind him. "Ro told me everything," Sandor said gravely.'''

'''"Did she?" Bo spat, looking away.'''

"This... has never happened before. There are technically no laws against it..."

'''"You're taking her side!?" Bo sat up. "Look at what she did to my face!"'''

'''"Only because you hit her!" Ro shouted.'''

'''"I'm not taking sides," Sandor interrupted. "The only law she broke was disloyalty, and you didn't even love her!"'''

"I did!"

"Well, you did a terrible job of showing it."

'''"I-!" He cut himself off and sighed heavily. "Whatever. Just kill me. I know that was your plan, Romhilda."'''

"I'm not going to kill you," she said firmly.

'''"You've gone soft," Bo hissed. "Because of her. "He narrowed his eyes at Gea."'''

'''Gea grabbed Ro's hand, glaring at him. "She could kill you if she wanted to."'''

"Well, do it, then."

"No," Ro said again, "I'm not going to kill you. But I am going to kill my father. And you're going to help me."

'''Bo snorted. "Why would I do that?"'''

"Because I'm not giving you a choice. You're the only warrior strong enough to help me. Gea will fight alongside us."

"She'll die."

"No, she won't. She's as strong and as smart as I am. Actually, smarter than I am."

'''Gea's lips twitched with a small smile. "True."'''

"She can help us," Ro continued, locking eyes with her.

'''Bo scowled. "I'm not helping you."'''

"I thought you hated my father."

"I do."

"Then if you really love me, help me defeat him, and I'll spare you. If you don't help me, Gea and I will kill you right now, and you know we will. Especially Gea. She hates you."

'''Bo looked away. "Fine. But I'm doing for me, not for you."'''

"Good. We're leaving for Ravagog tomorrow."

"Do you even have a plan?"

"Of course I do."

"This is a terrible plan."

"Do you have a better one? Because if you do, I'd love to hear it," Ro snapped.

Bo looked away.

'''Sandor cleared his throat. "Ro, you realize that if you kill him, you'll be the new queen."'''

"Yes. I know. There will be quite a few changes to Ravagog, trust me."

Part Nine
Gea looked at King Dimitar, her teeth clenched.

'''King Dimitar glared down at all three of them. "So, you've some to spar for the throne. I hope you know that you're not ready for that kind of responsibility yet."'''

"I'll decide when I'm ready," Ro spat.

'''He only laughed. "You'll regret this later, trust me. Only one of you can spar and win the throne, though."'''

Ro sneered, "That would be me."

Bo grumbled something under his breath.

'''Ro looked at him. "If you spar, you're ruling alone. If I do, me and Gea are ruling together."'''

'''Dimitar snorted. "A goblin. Ruling alongside an ogre. Ridiculous." Dimitar stood from his throne. "Prove it can be done."'''

'''"I will." She drew her sword.'''

'''He smirked, drawing his own sword, which was twice as big and a lot... scarier.'''

Gea and Bo stepped back.

Ro charged at her father, who moved just slightly out of her way and nearly caught her side with his sword, but she swerved out of the way, just narrowly avoiding being sliced in half.

'''Gea covered her eyes. "Omigodshealmostdied."'''

'''Bo rolled his eyes. "She's fine."'''

'''Ro charged at him again, but her father managed to block her from behind, and shove her to the ground. Ro was back on her feet in a fraction of a second, not letting herself get pinned down, and rolling out of the way as his sword hit the ground she'd been down on only moments ago. She tried not to think about what would have happened if she hadn't moved, and managed to kick her father's feet from under him. She wasn't able to hold him there for long, because his sword caught on her arm, and would've torn it off if not for her moving back slightly so she could press her own sword to his throat.'''

'''Blood was pouring from the side of her arm, but she barely noticed it. She managed to make a cut on her father's shoulder before he shoved her off and sent her flying into a wall.'''

'''Gea yelped. "Ro!" She started to go over, but Bo grabbed her and held her back.'''

"You can't just interfere with a spar!"

'''"I'm a goblin, I don't have to abide by your rules." She tore out of Bo's grip and rushed over to Ro.'''

'''Ro winced and scrambled to her feet as quickly as she could. "Gea, stay out of this."'''

"But... you're bleeding a lot..."

"I know."

"And you barely made a scratch on your father!"

"I'm aware! Just, please, move, before he hurts you!"

'''Dimitar was on his feet again and coming towards them. Ro stepped closer to him, holding her injured arm. She picked her sword up off the ground, growling, "You'll regret that."'''

'''She charged at him again, and he ran back at her. For a moment, he looked like he was about to stab her, but rather than charging right at Ro, he slid past her, right at Gea.'''

'''Ro screamed, "NO!" right at the same time that Dimitar stuck his sword into Gea's side. She collapsed, screaming in pain.'''

Ro screamed, charging at her father again.

'''Bo had to look away as Ro's rage took over. After a while, Bo pulled her back. "Ro, stop."'''

'''Ro shook her head, threw her sword down, and ran over to where Gea was laying. Gea's teeth were clenched, and red was seeping through her armor.'''

'''Ro tried tried to pick her up. Gea yelped in pain, so she froze, stopping. "Bo, you have to pick her up. Now. We have to take her to a physician."'''

Bo picked Gea up, flinching when she screamed.

'''Ro fumbled with a leaping crystal. "How long do you think she'll last? This goes to the Shores of Solace."'''

"I don't know, Ro, hurry up."

Ro held up the crystal with shaky hands, pulling them into the light.

'''Keefe's jaw fell. "What happened!?"'''

"Call the doctor guy, Keefe. Do it, now."

"Wha... E-Elwin?"

"Yes! Elwin! Call him!"

'''Keefe fumbled with his impartner. "Show me Elwin," he told it quickly.'''

'''Elwin's face was on the screen in only a moment. "Keefe?"'''

"Elwin! You gotta hurry! Ro's goblin friend got hurt. Like, a lot. Like, she's dying."

'''"She's not dying," Ro grumbled. She looked at Gea. "You won't die."'''

"Whoa. I'll be there in a second."

"Gea, wake up."

'''There was darkness everywhere. For a moment, she felt trapped. Something was trying to pull her out of it, but it was like being stuck in quicksand. And she was sinking. Fast.'''

"Wake up."

'''She wasn't aware she was sleeping. This felt so real. She was fading into darkness. Fading fading fading.'''

The voice was fading, too.

"Please, you have to wake up."

'''It was too dark to wake up now. Too dark...'''

'''"She's not waking up. Why isn't she waking up?" Ro demanded, grabbing Gea's hand.'''

"I'm... not sure," Elwin mumbled, thoroughly confuzed.

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"Her cells are healing just fine. She's just... not waking up."

'''Ro's teeth clenched. "How long will she be asleep?"'''

"I'm not sure. Hopefully only a few days."

"Hopefully... what do you think is happening if she doesn't wake up?"

"Then... she's in a coma."

"A... coma. Like, how Prentice was sleeping for thirteen years. That kind of coma?"

"Prentice's mind was broken. This could just be her body recharging. I'm sure she'll be fine."

"Of course she's fine! She's asleep! But I don't want her to be fine, I want her to be awake!"

"Ro--"

"No! Can't you do anything to wake her up!? You have, like, a thousand elixirs that put people to sleep, but you don't have ONE that wakes people up!?"

'''Elwin winced. "No, I'm sorry... and even if I did, she can't drink it while she's sleeping."'''

'''Ro growled and stormed out. Keefe looked at Elwin and followed her.'''

"Ro?"

'''"I'm fine." She was pacing back and forth in the hall.'''

"You always say you're fine."

"So do you!"

"Okay, then, neither of us are fine. But... Gea's going to be okay."

'''"I know she's okay, Keefe. She's just in a coma." Ro cursed loudly. "A coma!"'''

"We don't know that yet! We have to give it a few days," Keefe tried to assure her.

"I... I'm just... scared. I'm never scared, Keefe. I'm not supposed to be scared. Fear is for the weak. I'm not weak. I can't be scared. But... I... if anything bad happened to Gea..."

"She'll probably wake up tomorrow."

'''Ro stopped pacing. "Maybe..."'''

'''"And then you'll be together again, and everything will be okay." Keefe smiled.'''

'''Ro started to pace again. "Oh my god..."'''

"What?"

"I killed my father..."

"Yeah... well, wasn't that the plan?"

"Yes, but... that means... I'm the Queen of Ravagog."

Part Ten
'''Ro looked at all of the ogres standing in front of her. Some of them were even glaring at her. Gea had been asleep for 2 weeks now, and seemed to still not be waking up. Ro was expected to have her queenly orientation, though, and she couldn't turn down her people.'''

She stood as tall as she could, trying and failing to push Gea from her mind.

It struck her that she had no idea how to be a queen.

She imagined that if Gea were awake, she'd laugh, and help her through it, or if Bo had cared enough to come, he'd grumble something under his breath and try to explain a few things about leadership.

As if on cue, Bo hurried up to the stage where she was seated.

'''She looked at him, startled. "Bo?"'''

"Apparently, I'm your bodyguard."

'''"Oh. I don't need a body gu--" She cut herself off, looking at the crowd of ogres wearily. Maybe she did need a bodyguard. "Bo, I need help. Maybe you could... be my advisor or something."'''

'''He snorted, then realized she wasn't kidding. "Oh. Well. I suggest you say stand up and say something before someone decides to come up here and try to murder you."'''

"What do I say? 'Sorry for killing my dad and falling in love with a goblin. She's in a coma right now, so you only have me and I have no idea what I'm doing'."

'''"I... advise that you say something... else." The scar on his face crinkled when he spoke, a constant reminder of the stupid way they'd both acted when he found out she was in love with Gea.'''

'''She threw her hands into the air, rising to her feet. He was officially fired from being her advisor. She took a deep breath. "I know this is all happening under... unusual circumstances..."'''

The crowd grumbled.

'''She felt her face getting hot. She may be a deadly warrior, but public speaking was not her forte. "I... the queen--I mean, the other queen--I mean, my girlfriend--is in a coma right now. She was injured during the battle with my father, but I assure you, she'll be... awake soon, and... you'll have a queen and a king--I mean a queen and a queen--I mean two queens--I-I mean--"'''

Bo covered his face with his hands.

'''Ro took a deep breath. "I know right now I might not seem like the best ruler. And, to be honest, I'm not. But as queen, I will be making changes. And I'm hoping to start with the goblin-ogre treaty. It needs to be... re-made. We need a more stable relationship with the other species. They can help us, and for generations we've been rejecting their help."'''

'''Bo uncovered his face. Wow, not a total wreck of a speech...'''

"I... may be the first queen to have a goblin ruling by her side, and I know things are going to change. And... you may not like all those changes. But there are always going to be things that seem bad at first. Every choice I make from here on out will not only be for our kind, but hopefully to the benefit of all of the intelligent species."

The grumbles lessened a little, but everyone seemed to be glaring at her.

'''Ro managed to sit back in her seat without her legs giving out. Her legs felt like Jell-O, and she didn't want to stand back up, but Bo pulled her to her feet to escort her to her new residence in her father's castle.'''

'''Keefe was sitting in the throne. "This throne is uncomfortable."'''

"Then, don't sit in it."

'''He smiled. "Of course, your majesty."'''

"Don't call me that. I'm still your bodyguard."

"But a royal one. And I guess I'm royal, too, since my dad is letting me stay here with you. I'm Prince Sencen--"

'''She snorted. "You wish."'''

'''He smirked. "How did orientation go?"'''

"Fine. I was publicly humiliated, stuttered over my words, and everyone hates my girlfriend."

"It could've been worse."

"They could've thrown rocks at you," remarked Bo.

'''Ro rolled her eyes. "Any updates on Gea?"'''

"She's still asleep."

'''"Oh..." Ro hid her disappointment well, forcing a smile. "Well. I should probably let you explore other rooms beside the throne room before you get too restless, huh?"'''

'''Keefe sprang to his feet. "You read my mind."'''

'''Ro sat by Gea's bed, watching her sleep. She bit her lip as Gea smiled softly, and began to wonder what she was dreaming about. Elwin came into the room. "Oh, hey, Ro."'''

"Hey," she said quietly, not taking her eyes off of Gea.

'''"Checking on Gea." He said it more like a statement than a question, but Ro nodded anyways.'''

"I... miss her," she said quietly.

'''Gea's eyelids fluttered for a moment, and Ro jolted to her feet. "Gea!?"'''

There was no response.

'''Ro slowly sat back down, sighing heavily. "Ugh... I thought she was about to... I just..." She trailed off. "I... should probably leave. I'm kinda the queen of Ravagog." She kisses Gea's forehead and hurries away.'''

'''Bo, who is standing in the corner, sighs and follows. He wasn't used to seeing Ro so... emotional. And honestly, it kinda freaked him out.'''

'''Ro hurried out of the Healing Center. Then she sat down in the grass.'''

Bo froze up for a moment before sitting next to her.

'''There was a long silence. "Hey. I'm, uh, sorry about... Gea," he said.'''

'''Ro shrugged, biting her lip so hard it starts to bleed a little. "It's... not your fault."'''

There was a long awkward silence.

'''Keefe looked over at Ro. She was sitting on the bed of her new room, staring off at nothing.'''

'''Keefe waved his hand in front of her face. "Um, hello?"'''

'''Ro looked over. "What?"'''

"Are you okay?"

"I... don't know."

"Hey, you're gonna be a great queen, I know it. And I'll be a prince."

'''She snorted. "You wish, Lord Hunkyhair. How are you and Blondie doing?"'''

"I'm taking her on a date tonight."

"Really? Well... I hope you have fun."

"Grady has threatened to kill me if I don't bring her home before dark. But God knows I'll bring her home a little late just to annoy him."

'''Ro smirked. "Someday, Grady's gonna strangle you."'''

"Nah. He'll learn to love me."

"Sure he will."

~Meanwhile~

'''Grady scowled. "I can't believe my daughter is dating That Boy..."'''

'''Edaline was smiling uncontrollably. "Tell us how it goes, okay?"'''

'''Sophie was standing in front of them, wearing a red dress. She tugged on an eyelash nervously. "Okay, Mom."'''

'''Edaline smiled. "Oh, Grady, they're gonna be so cute!"'''

'''He gave her a look. "Cute?"'''

'''She nodded, still smiling. "So cute. Remember our first date, Grady? You were so nervous. It was adorable."'''

'''His face reddened a little. "Hmph."'''

'''Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Sophie quickly ran to answer it. "Keefe!"'''

'''"Hey there, Foster..." He trailed off and stared at her. "Wow. You. You look." He blushed.'''

Sophie blushed back, staring at the floor.

Grady rolled his eyes.

Edaline was giving them that goofy smile.

~Meanwhile Meanwhile~

'''Ro was sitting on her new throne. "Wow, this is uncomfortable," she mumbles.'''

'''Bo half-smiles. "It's not supposed to be comfortable."'''

"Will you go get me some pillows?"

'''"Pillows?" he snorts.'''

"Yes. There's like, twenty on my bed, so..."

Bo sighed, but went down the hall to grab her a couple pillows.

'''Ro smiled. Maybe being queen wasn't so bad after all... She could order people around whenever she wanted. And, maybe glitter-world was rubbing off on her, but the palace seemed to be so bland... lots of grey, and rocks, and stone, and... maybe it would look nicer with marble or something.'''

'''She was snapped out of her thoughts by her impartner flashing. The name Cassius flashed on the screen.'''

"Oh, boy, I wonder what he wants," she grumbled, answering it.

'''Cassius coughed. "So. Um, Elwin had me call you."'''

"Why?"

"Well, Elwin's impartner wasn't able to access yours. Since you're the queen of Ravagog, only certain people--"

"Okay, okay, what does Elwin want?"

"The goblin is awake."

She dropped the impartner.

Part Eleven
'''"Gea!" Ro shouted, bursting into the Healing Center.'''

'''"RO!" Gea hopped to her feet and immediately pressed herself into Ro's arms. "Oh my gosh! Elwin said I almost died, and was sleeping, and you're the queen or Ravagog!?"'''

'''Ro smiled. "Y-you have no idea how much I missed you..."'''

'''"Are you crying?" asked Gea, squinting at her tear-filled eyes.'''

'''"N... no." She roughly wiped her eyes.'''

"Yes, you are," Gea whispered, snuggling closer.

'''Ro held her tightly, not wanting to let go. Ever. "I love you," she whispered after a moment.'''

"I love you, too," she whispered back.

~The Very Next Day~
'''Ro was fidgeting nervously. Keefe winked. "Someone's a bit nervous."'''

"Oh, shut it, Hunkyhair."

"You better not kiss in front of me."

'''She shot him a glare, then gave a toothy smile. "I make no promises."'''

"Are you worried she'll say no? You KNOW she'll say yes."

'''The ogre princess continued to fidget nervously. "You can never be too sure..."'''

'''Bo snorted behind them. "She's gonna say yes."'''

'''Gea suddenly came into the room. She was in the middle of throwing her hair into a messy ponytail. She smiled at Ro, flicking her hair dramatically. "Hey! Good morning. Why do you look so... nervous? And is that a dress? You look nice. What's happening?"'''

'''Keefe smirked. "Ro has something to ask you."'''

"Um, okay. Are you taking me on a date?"

"No," Ro mumbled.

'''"Are you... formally breaking up with me?" Gea teased.'''

"No! Of course not!"

"Stop guessing, you're making her more nervous," Bo said, smiling.

'''"Okay, so what--" Gea cut herself off as Ro knelt in front of her. She covered her face with her hands. "Oh my god! Wh-what is happening!?"'''

Ro smiled shakily, holding up a ring.

'''Gea looked about ready to faint. "Ro, I-I..."'''

"Gea? Will you marry me--?"

"Of course I will! I'll marry you a thousand times! I can't even... I can't even think! I love you so much!"

Ro blinked back the tears in her eyes as Gea grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet, hugging her.

Ro hugged back, smiling broadly.

Gea leaned up and kissed her.

'''Ro looked in the mirror. She shuffled her feet nervously. All I have to do is say a few words and kiss her. What could go wrong?'''

Everything.

She took a deep breath.

'''Keefe smirked. "You look nice."'''

"Thanks."

"Why are you so nervous?"

"Would you be nervous if you were marrying Blondie?"

'''"Um, yeah... but that's..." His cheeks reddened. "That's different."'''

'''She snorted. "Sure."'''

'''Gea burst into the room. "Hey, Ro!"'''

"Gea! Y-you're not supposed to be here-"

"Psh, I don't care. I needed to see how pretty you are!"

'''Ro smiled nervously. Her moth went dry when she saw Gea's dress. "You look..."'''

'''Gea twirled, showing off. "It's longer than I thought it would be, but it looks cool when I spin, so..."'''

"You... you look amazing," Ro whispered.

'''"And you look gorgeous!" Gea gushed. "Sparkles are totally your thing, Ro."'''

'''"You really think so?" Ro glanced at the mirror again. "I don't look like an idiot?"'''

"Of course not! But, you always look pretty, anyways, so..."

'''Ro smiled. "I'm... nervous," she admitted.'''

"Why? I'm excited! I can't believe I'm marrying you! And we get to be queens of Ravagog! Isn't that exciting? We get to boss people around!"

'''Ro smiled. "You're way too optimistic about this..."'''

"I know. Listen, there's no reason to worry!"

"You sound like Alden."

'''Gea snorted. "Maybe Alden's onto something. Everything's going to be fine. Also, how do you feel about adopting kids?"'''

'''Ro stared at her. "I..."'''

'''Gea smiled. "Yeah, I don't want kids, either."'''

Ro was shaking.

'''Gea was smiling at her. She looked so beautiful in that dress...'''

'''The priest guy (totally forgot what they're called--) was just about to tell them to say their vows when suddenly CASSIUS BURST INTO THE ROOM. (I'm tired so the rest of this won't make sense. Get ready for 3 am grammar errors...)'''

'''Everyone turned, face pale, as Cassius stormed forward. "Stop this at once," he demanded.'''

'''Ro's teeth clenched. No way he was doing this. No way he was ruining her wedding. No. Possible. Hecking. Way. "What are you doing here?" she asked through clenched teeth.'''

"I'm here to stop this."

'''But why? Why do you have to ruin what was supposed to be the most important day of my entire life? WHY!? "Stop this!? What-- you can't just--"'''

'''Gea shuffled her feet awkwardly. Ro gripped her hand. Gea was looking at Lord Cactus with a look of disbelief.'''

'''Lord Cactus took another step forward. "This isn't right! A goblin and an ogre ruling alongside each other? It's... it's ridiculous! I won't just stand by and watch!"'''

'''Ro's grip on Gea's hand gets tighter. Ro wished she had brought her sword with her, but she'd left it in her room earlier before the wedding.'''

"It's not natural," Cassius continued.

'''Keefe was sitting up closer to the front. He stood up. "Look, no one even invited you here!"'''

"No one had to. Someone had to acknowledge how wrong this is!"

'''"It isn't wrong!" Keefe shouted back.'''

'''Sophie, who was sitting right next to him, stood up also, taking his hand. "You have no right to say something like that."'''

'''Cassius scoffed. "I have every right to do so."'''

'''Gea looked frozen, and about ready to cry. A male goblin stood up and came toward Cassius. "Lord Cassius, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."'''

'''Cactus glared up at the eight-foot-tall goblin. "Fine," he growled. With that, he stormed out, his cape billowing dramatically behind him. Everyone at the wedding, even the Councillors, were left in shocked silence. (Because apparently the Councillors are here now...)'''

'''Ro looked over at Gea. "Gea... I... I'm so sorry that happened."'''

'''"It's okay," Gea said, squaring her shoulders confidently. She smiled. "Did you think he was going to be able to stop our wedding?"'''

"No," Ro snorted.

'''Gea stepped forward. "So? Are we going to kiss, or...?"'''

Ro smiled, pulled her closer, and kissed her on the lips.

'''Everyone cheered and clapped. And they all lived happily ever after. (I know, so cheesy--)'''