Fan Fiction ❯ No Regrets ❯ Made a deal ( Chapter 4 )

Title: No Regrets

Author: I_nv_u50

Warnings: Slash talk between brothers. Not incest though O.o;

Pairings: Arical + Nicolai; Devika + Alexes and one more that's fairly obvious, so I wont say it until later chapters…

Claimer: All characters are mine. That's why they're gay. Isn't everyone happy about that? ^^;;

Chapter Rating: PG13 for mild cases of blood.

Author's Note: Get to meet the royal consort in this one. He's another darling of mine. Read on to find out ^^ And if you didn't read the pairings, you get to find out most of the pairings as well, although not straight out. Anyway, that's about it. I'll update when Riccy tells me more about himself. Otherwise I'll beat it out of him. I'll try and update soon!

Enjoy, and please review!! ^^

I couldn't take my eyes off of him all evening. Not even when he stared back at me, obviously wondering why I was so blatantly staring at him. Nicolai eventually had to tell both of us to knock it off.

I doubted 'Vika had ever had crushes before. He was too shy, to insecure, and his standards were way too high. Girls liked him for his looks, but ended up snubbing him because he was too formal, or too snobby. I could see both view points for that, but I could also see the inside story.

'Vika was scared. I was the only one he really trusted.

For him to have a crush on someone new, someone who was pretty social, it must have been hard to accept. I doubted that he had even fully realized the amount of denial he was actually in.

He was most definitely in denial though. But the kind that requires absolutely no looking at the target. Understand? 'Vika was scared, confused and unsure, all the usual nervous feelings of a first crush, added to the fact that he never opened up at all if he could help it…

They took us to a fireworks display that night. A special, exclusive event that Alexes had bagged tickets for from some distant relation of his, a godmother I think. She had originally gotten two tickets for Nicolai and Alexes, and two for their dates.

The irony did not escape me. My twin and his crush, and me and my own premature infatuation. It was the perfect punishment for us.

I know 'Vika kept looking at him, and I tried to pay attention to the gorgeous display up in the air, but it was getting rather hard to concentrate on anything other than his warm figure next to me.

When Nicolai and Alexes went to go get refreshment, because no minors were allowed in the refreshment tent, 'Vika and I both sighed in relief.

Then we blinked at each other and giggled.

"It's tough, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Liking someone."

'Vika might have blushed, but it was dark at that moment, so I couldn't be sure. "I told you, I don't like him!"
"I could have been talking about Nicolai."

"True." He agreed, and smirked at me. "But you like him."

"I-ah, that is…"

"S'ok, 'Rica. I wont tell if you don't."

I smiled at him in agreement. "Next thing you know we'll be bemoaning our non existent love lives to each other in bed."

He chuckled. "That in itself would be very wrong. You already have a lover."

I blinked at him. Did I? "Huh?"

In the sudden light from the next explosion I could see he was grinning at me, plainly teasing. "You know that Greg has a monstrous crush on you."

I stared at him. I had noticed, yea, but why had he? He didn't really pay much attention to things like that. I grinned back. "Jealous? Sorry I got to him first?"

'Vika gave a strangled noise and tackled me, intent on tickling me into surrender, but we were interrupted by a soft cough.

'Vika immediately sat up, and ran his fingers through his hair, staring off into the distance with a carefully moderated blank look.

"Yes?" I asked the stranger.

"Excuse me, sirs, but is one of you Devika … Sorry, there was no last name with the message."

"He's Devika." I answered, gesturing to 'Vika who was still staring determinedly into the darkness.

"Excuse me sir, but would you like to come with me?"

This got 'Vika's attention and he slowly turned his head to look at her, his eyes a glassed over, icy green. The lady almost flinched.

"What for?" I asked her, since 'Vika was making no effort to speak.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that, sir. It's private business."

"Then you can tell whoever it is to bugger off. We're busy."

"Cal! That's no way to talk to a lady!"

Alexes' jovial voice sounded from behind us, and 'Vika jumped, lowering his stern gaze from the lady's face to the blanket we were still sitting on.

I twisted my head around to look at him. "Well, it's her fault for trying to separate us."

"Ah yes." I knew Alexes had rolled his eyes in mock exasperation to the lady, who flushed. "That was an obvious mistake on your part, I'm afraid… Kaylie? That you? I haven't seen you since high school!"

"H-hi Ally. How are you doing?" Recovered by Alexes insistent manner, she sat down on the blanket besides us and Alexes went off to go tell Nicolai what we wanted to eat, the reason for him coming back in the first place.

'Vika ignored Kaylie, and I did the same. We huddled up under another blanket and whispered quietly to each other, giggling at every second comment until Nicolai and Alexes came back.

Alexes scowled at us when he saw how we were excluding Kaylie, but Nicolai just looked at us and sighed.

The older ones talked amongst themselves quietly, though I knew that Nicolai didn't seem to like the girl very much. I wondered if it was the same reason I didn't.

Alexes eventually brought the topic around to why Kaylie had come to ask 'Vika something, and I nudged 'Vika, telling him to listen quietly.

"Well, some friends and I were sitting over there, you know, and since we're part of the beauty pageant judges, we decided to see if he would agree."

Nicolai snorted, but pretended it was with laughter. "He wouldn't do it if you paid him!"

Kaylie turned to him earnestly, saddened by the fact that he didn't seem to like her. "But he will get paid! All he has to do is win!"

I snorted then, and didn't even bother trying to turn it into laughter. 'Vika was studiously ignoring the conversation, though when I picked up his hand, it was trembling.

I decided not to publicize the fact. "No way."

Kaylie turned an almost angry look at me, but covered it quickly when Alexes quickly agreed.

"He wont do it, Kay. I guess you'll have to find another contestant."

"All right." She looked at me again, considering. "How about you?"

I blinked. "Me? You're kidding, right?"

"Not at all. You look exactly like him; all you'd have to do is cut your hair. Judges don't like long hair on boys."

"No!" I grabbed my braid protectively. "You're not cutting my hair!"

'Vika gave a breathless giggle beside me and leant closer to whisper, "At least you'll know what you'll look like after you cut your hair beforehand."

I turned my head to glare at him. "How about I offer you instead? After all, you've got short hair already."

"No!" his eyes widened alarmingly. "No, 'Rica please."

I squeezed his hand.

"Cal?"

"Huh?" I turned back to look at the amused faces staring at me from the other side. "What?"

"Did you hear what she said?" enjoyment underlaced Nicolai's tone. I didn't know what of.

"I cut my hair?" I shook my head emphatically. "No, I won't."

Kaylie sighed in pretension of amused exasperation. "No, you silly boy."

'Vika and I both bristled at the term.

"I said that maybe we can overlook it this time. I mean you are…" She ran her eyes over my face quickly and I repressed a shudder. "Good looking enough, certainly. It might work. Will you do it?"

'Vika squeezed my hand, telling me not to go, but Alexes and Nicolai were looking at me expectantly.

"I'll think about it, and I'll let you know." I replied vaguely.

Kaylie didn't look very happy, but the second half of the show was about to start, and she wanted to get back to her friends.

She waved reluctantly to Alexes, and indifferently to the rest of us, and jogged over to her friend's blanket, where she leant down and whispered something excitedly. They turned to look at me and I grinned at them, judging it as the first sudden flare of light shattered the dark sky.

They all look surprised, than started giggling at each other again.

"Looks like they're happy about it." Alexes was watching them as well, amusement in his eyes. "I'm glad you didn't let her try to talk you into cutting your hair. Though she might have if I hadn't been around."

I blinked at him, asking for 'Vika who was gazing resolutely at the sky. "Huh?"

Alexes grinned at me, a rueful look that spoke volumes. "Kaylie's… weird. I think she has split personalities or something. She sells boys to whoever wants them."

I gaped at him, even 'Vika turning to look him full in the face for the first time that evening.

Nicolai leaned back on his arms. "It's true. She tried it a couple of times with me in high school. She doesn't mean to, you understand. She just doesn't know."

"How did we get off this time?" I asked, suddenly worried.

"I don't think that was the right personality. Besides, most of her people have crushes on Alexes." Nicolai grinned at Alexes, who scowled slightly back.

"Is it my fault I asked her out at the wrong time?"

"Yes. If you had listened to me in the first place, we would not be dealing with her now."

Alexes gave 'Vika and I a small smile. "Nic wanted to kill her."

I gaped at Nicolai. "Really truly?"

He nodded. "Really truly. I was one of the first she attempted to sell." He flushed and looked away, avoiding my eyes.

I was about to ask something else, wanting to know more about this side I had never known about before, but Alexes gave me a blatant warning glare, and 'Vika clasped my hand so tight it almost hurt. I took the hint.

It was about two hours later, a pleasurable two hours that had been spent just watching the sky, in quiet companionship, and we were huddled under our separate blankets.

"'Rica?"

"Mm?" I mumbled back, careful not to raise the volume of the conversation above whisper level.

"Do you… do you like it where we are?"

I switched my gaze from the sky to him. "Hm?"

"I-I mean, here. With… with them." 'Vika jerked his head towards the other blanket where Nicolai and Alexes were lying, stretched on their backs and watching the sky, also talking in low voices.

"Nicolai and Alexes you mean?" I took no small amount of pleasure when he flushed. It would do him good, this small romance.

"Yea…"

"I like it here. Do you?" I frowned suddenly. "If you don't, we can always fall back on plan B, you know."

He grinned at me, moving a little closer. "Plan B?"

"Plan B," I recited, "is the plan to runaway together and live forever."

He sneered at me. "You make it sound like we're lovers."

"Well aren't we?" I smirked back again, and was completely startled when he pressed a small kiss to my forehead. I blinked at him, and he smiled.

"I love you, Arical."

I hugged him. "Don't worry, 'Vika, it'll work out."

He pinched me neck. "That's not your line."

I grinned at him. "Oh, sorry. I love you too, Devika."

He scowled. "Don't call me that."

"Why not?"

"Because it's not right when it comes from you. You should only say 'Vika."

I grinned at him again. "Tell you what, you call me 'Rica all the time, and I'll do the same for you."

"But I like calling you Arical!"

"And I like calling you Devika!"

He scowled at me, but didn't say anything again, so I assumed the conversation was over.

A toe poked my head about fifteen minutes later. "Oi. Get up, we need to get going."

I groaned, so close to falling asleep. "Five more minutes…"

Nicolai's face peered at mine, grinning. "Ally went to go get the car, you need to get up now or stay all night."

"Stay all night…" I grumbled. "'Vika will keep me warm…"

"No I won't…" Vika's drowsy voice spoke from somewhere by my side. "I'm going home to a nice warm bed…"

"That's the spirit. Come on, get up." Nicolai poked me again, and I grunted, shifting away from the insistent toe. 'Vika sat up next to me, and I yelped and burrowed further into the furry blanket, trying to avoid the chilly air.

Nicolai held out a hand to 'Vika to help him up. "Is he always like this?"

"Yes." 'Vika yawned, and I glared at him over the blanket's edge. 'Vika paid no attention to the look. "Especially on school mornings. I look forward to seeing how you'll get him up then."

Nicolai looked down at me thoughtfully. "How did Keri do it?"

'Vika allowed himself to give a small grin, the hilarity of the memory creeping into his eyes. "She crawled into bed with him."

Nicolai laughed, and 'Vika looked down at me, holding out a hand which I obstinately refused, staring up at him reproachfully.

He shrugged in answer and I shook my head at him.

Nicolai cut in. "Come on, bring the blankets, you can sleep in the car. Ally's probably getting restless by now."

'Vika offered his hand again and helped me up; I had forgotten my back with all the painkillers stuffed into me and with the relaxing atmosphere.

As soon as I remembered it, it started hurting again.

Nicolai took one look and bent down easily to pick up the discarded blankets while 'Vika slowly walked me to the car.

Alexes got out and opened the door for us, making sure I didn't fall over as 'Vika crawled into the backseat. I slithered in after him and promptly laid my head on his lap.

I looked at him from the corner of my eye. "Ow."

"I know." He winced, and I immediately felt worse.

"I'm so sorry, 'Vika…"

"It's ok. As long as you're all right, that's all I want." 'Vika's voice was soft again when he answered, and I remembered that Alexes was just outside, waiting for the blankets.

"Where is he?" Alexes asked 'Vika, and 'Vika mumbled something, looking away.

Alexes switched his gaze to me. "Do you know?"

"Last I saw, he was heading to the refreshments tent with the blankets."

Alexes cursed and leaned down to duck his head inside the car.

"Stay in here, I'm going to go look for him. We'll be right back, alright?"

'Vika nodded silently, studiously keeping his eyes lowered, and Alexes pulled back and slammed the door shut, walking off quickly in the direction of the refreshments tent.

I grinned against 'Vika's jean clad leg. "Idiot. You had your chance."

He blinked at me. "Huh?"

I grinned harder, baring my teeth, knowing he could feel it. His hand pushed my head away. "Don't, that feels creepy."

I heaved a sigh and relaxed. 'Vika's fingers started to gently brush my hair away from my neck. My eyes closed sleepily.

When I opened them again, 'Vika's fingers had stilled, and he was breathing softly, fast asleep.

I didn't know what had woken me up, and I raised my head a little to look out of the window. 'Vika whimpered quietly, and I pressed a hand onto his arm. He quieted, and tried to change positions, coming to a halt when he felt me there.

Alexes and Nicolai were arguing in the parking lot. I couldn't hear what it was about, they were talking too softly for that, but it was obvious they were both quite angry. Alexes stalked towards the car and I feigned sleep again, quickly lowering my head onto 'Vika's lap.

Alexes pulled the door open, obviously thrown from his original reason by the fact that we were both asleep. Or appeared so.

I slitted my eyes to peek through my eyelashes. Alexes was glaring at me. Then he whipped around, leaving the door open.

"We'll finish this later, Nic. The kids are asleep right now," he gave a bitter laugh here. "It's not over, Nic. They can sleep at your house tonight."

"Fine." Nicolai's voice was stressed and tight, his whole body posture tense. He walked to the passenger seat and slid in, sitting and staring angrily out the side window.

Alexes closed the door, quietly. He was upset enough to slam it, and I wondered for a brief moment why he hadn't.

The drive home was tense; the atmosphere seemed dangerous, almost.

When we got home, Nicolai came and carefully opened the door, lightly tapping my shoulder. "Hey. Cal, wake up. Let's get you to bed, hm?"

I mumbled with the expected sleepiness of someone just waking up, and blinked up at him druggishly.

He smiled slightly. "Come on Cal. Let's go."

I made an effort to crawl over 'Vika, and he woke up, blinking a bit in the light that was filtering through the covered parking lot.

He smiled at me, lazily proud that I was standing up on my own, and Alexes came over and frowned at me as I was sitting on the edge of the car seat, busy trying to send enough energy so my legs didn't wobble when I stood up. Then he grabbed my arm and jerked me forward onto my feet abruptly. A spasm of pain crossed between my shoulders as he yanked, and I gasped at the sudden flare of pain.

'Vika gave a sharp cry that echoed my own and tumbled forward away from the car seat, trying to relieve the burning pain in his back. I fell directly to the floor, Nicolai being too startled to catch me and Alexes not really wanting to do so.

I lay face down on the concrete, trying desperately to breathe slow and calm, trying to ease up the pain. It didn't work. The pain got worse.

Nicolai was shouting at Alexes, and 'Vika was trembling violently. I had to get to him. The angry voices weren't helping.

"Shut up!" I hissed. They didn't hear.

"Shut UP!" I tried again, and Nicolai and Alexes fell silent, watching me with concern and dislike respectively.

I made another effort to get up. I couldn't move. My shoulder was almost as painful as between them and I shuddered. "Help him." I whispered; screwing my eyes closed in an effort to ignore the pain.

Gentle hands softly touched the small of my back, slowly easing their way up. I could hear 'Vika crying, and struggled to get to him, but the gentle hands turned firm, holding me down.

"Ally, he listens to the tone." Nicolai's voice came from above me, so Alexes was handling 'Vika. I didn't want him to, but I couldn't stop it, being unable to move.

Alexes didn't answer, but the pain eased slightly, which meant 'Vika was getting comforted.

At least Alexes could do that right.

Then Nicolai's hands were joined with another soft pair, gentle and soothing, easing the edges of my scorched skin.

'Vika's voice whispered comfort to me, bending over close as Nicolai moved away to watch. 'Vika's blunt fingertips pressed and pushed, caressing the searing mark. He soothed me to sleep.

I don't know how I got into the bed in Nicolai's apartment, but when I woke up, 'Vika was sitting on the edge of the bed, listening intently. He pointed to the bedside table, and, sure enough, there were some strong painkillers there. I took two and offered him the third. He took it without looking, dry swallowing it. I shuddered and wriggled until I could put my head in his lap again. His fingers found the loose strands of my hair automatically, and he started to undo the braid to redo it again.

"What you doing?" my voice was shaky and a little airy, but he ignored the breathless quality.

"They're fighting again. Nicolai's not very happy with Alexes right now." He scowled. "Neither am I, for that fact."

I wrapped an arm awkwardly around his waist and hugged it. His fingers stroked my neck in response.

"Did you find out why he was so angry?"

"Not yet." 'Vika looked down at me. "Wanna know what I think?"
"Mm…" I mumbled. Then "Don't stop." when his fingers paused.

"I won't." he assured me. "Anyway, I think Alexes is jealous of you."

"Why?" I yawned.

"I don't know." 'Vika admitted. "They haven't gotten around to discussing it yet."

A loud slam of a door interrupted us, and 'Vika groaned. "Now look what you did." He told me, but his voice wasn't half as annoyed as he could have made it.

I just grinned up at him sideways.

Nicolai came down the stairs slowly, wearily and walked carefully into our room. He didn't look surprised to see us up and awake. He smiled at us, looking extremely tired.

"I hope you feel better now, Cal. We were really worried about you."

"Really?" I repeated bitterly.

Nicolai almost flinched. "Yes, well… I'm exhausted; there are more painkillers in the box on the desk if you need them. Goodnight, Cal, Dev. Sorry it turned out so wrong, it was a charming evening."

"G'night." 'Vika mumbled.

I must have looked surprised, because he chuckled quietly.

"Good night Nicolai." I decided to ignore 'Vika and returned my attention to Nicolai. "I'm really very sorry…"

"What for?" Nicolai sounded surprised.

"For… I'm not sure…" I mumbled, turning my face towards my brother.

Nicolai took the hint and left, leaving 'Vika and I alone in our room.

I raised my head quickly. "Let's go, 'Vika."

He blinked down at me calmly. "Ok."

I had been expecting more of an argument, but all he did was shrug uncomfortably.

I grinned at him. "What's up?"

He lay down, and I squirmed up so I could lie next to him.

"I don't know. I just… don't like it here anymore."

"What, because of what Alexes did?" I couldn't believe I was hearing this.

"Well… that, and I'm still not sure about Nicolai…"

I hugged him. "It'll be okay, 'Vika. Remember, we still have plan B."

He grinned, wavering. "Is that what this plan is?"

"Of course. I just need to go talk to Cerise and Kael, but then it should be fine."

'Vika scowled. "Not Kael."

"Why not?"

"Because he'd try to stop you. Don't like Cerise either, but she seems to listen to you."

I remembered our last meeting. It didn't look like that to me, but I smiled back at him. "When do you want to leave?"

"Now?" he whispered quietly, a gleam of unholy adventure nestling into his eyes, a look that suited him yet was rarely ever seen.

All I needed was his encouragement. "All right. Can you get some more painkillers for me?"

"All right. Where are we going?"

"Anywhere that's away."

"So we need money as well."

I pouted. "You're too logical."

'Vika smirked at me. "Whatever would you do without money? Or me, for that matter?"

"I never want to find out. Go on now, get! We need water, drugs and money." I giggled suddenly. It was all so absurd.

He giggled back, rolling off the bed. "It sounds like we're going on a raid."

I gaped back at him in mock shock. "That's just what I was thinking!"

"You know what they say." He smirked down at me, offering a hand to help me up. "Great minds -"

"Think alike!" I chorused with him, and we collapsed into giggles that were quickly hushed up in case Nicolai heard us.

I took the proffered hand, and pulled myself up, swaying dizzily. "Whoa. Headrush."

"Doctor, doctor!" mimicked 'Vika and I shushed him, laughing a little myself and he carefully climbed up the stairs.

Ten minutes later he was back, with a small backpack. "Packed food as well."

"Food?" I blinked at him. "That was quick."

He smirked. "Just dry stuff. Cookies, and fruit and some sausages…"

"Money?"
"Check."

"Ok. I got all our things." I nodded to another backpack by the bedroom door.

'Vika nodded happily, and offered me a hand. I put the other backpack into it. He scowled at me but accepted it.

When we started the stairs, a small moan filtered through the wood of Nicolai's bedroom. I froze.

"Come on!" 'Vika hissed, tugging at my hand.

I turned, and climbed up the stairs with his help, suddenly not as excited as I had been. 'Vika squeezed my hand for comfort, and I realized how horrible it had to be for him as well.

I smiled at him, suddenly happy again. "You did leave a note, right?"

"Yep."

We opened the front door carefully; making sure it didn't squeak, closed it just as softly and ran straight into Cerise.

'Vika just stared at her, but I nodded my head in greeting. I had expected her to come soon.

"Where are you going?" her voice was coolly curious, no danger yet.

"We're running away." I informed her, and 'Vika's grip tightened. He didn't want me to tell her.

"Oh." She nodded, as if it made perfect sense to her. "All right. Where can I find you later?"

"I'm not sure where we're going. I guess you can find me where you find me."

She nodded, accepting, but the air cooled a little, indicating her displeasure at the announcement.

Cerise looked carefully at 'Vika, then beckoned me away. I gestured for 'Vika to stay there, and he listened reluctantly.

Cerise leant closer. "Look, I know what happened tonight. I don't blame you, really I don't. But its dangerous out there, and one injured mortal can't take care of himself and another, especially this young."

I blinked, surprised and a little touched by her concern. "It's all right, Cerise. I'm sure I'll think of something if the situation arises."

She nodded reluctantly again, and ruffled my hair. "Do you want me to give the two mortals a message?"

"No, that's ok. Thanks though. I'll see you around, Cerise." I turned back to 'Vika and grabbed his hand, leading him down the hall.

"What did she want?" he hissed at me.

"To make sure I was thinking straight."

He smirked. "And are you?"

"I'm not sure. Ask me again tomorrow."

"Okay."

Just before the elevator arrived on our floor, he pulled me into a tight hug.

"I love you, 'Rica. I'm so sorry…"

"Sorry for what?"

"For this." He gestured around wildly, taking in the whole corridor.

I smacked his head. "Idiot. It would have happened anyway. Now shut up. Where are we going to go?"

He grinned at me. "The train?"

"All right." I agreed happily, and stepped into the waiting elevator.

The night doorman didn't ask any questions, just unlocked the main glass doors and bid us goodnight before returning to his desk, a small wooden structure in the corner of the lobby.

We wandered down the road towards bright lights that looked like it might be an all night grocery type store, in the hopes of getting directions.

The lady behind the counter got us a map of the city for free, and wished us luck. We had told her we were on a scouting challenge.

'Vika bought a small novel to read on the train, and we set out again, following the map until we reached the train station, which the lady had circled in red pen.

We bought tickets and waited, shivering on the open-air platform for our train to come into the station. There was supposed to be one every 15 minutes, but this one seemed to take forever.

'Vika and I were joking about whether the trains were heated or not. It had gotten colder that night, and we hadn't been fully prepared for it. All our warm clothes were still packed into the rucksack.

We sat in the first train compartment we saw that was empty, and settled down into the long chairs lining the walls of the train.

I lay with my head on 'Vika's lap again, and he ripped open my shirt a little so the wound could get some fresh air.

He started reading almost immediately, the fingers of his left hand toying absently with my hair, and I fell asleep soon.

I was woken up by the inescapable feeling of fear in 'Vika, which had invaded my dreamless sleep, making the darkness immediately more threatening.

'Vika's hand rested limply on top of my head, and I could see him trying to ignore the people who had gotten into our carriage. They seemed to be drunk.

They probably were.

"'Vika… when did they get on?" I kept my voice as low as possible.

"Two stops ago." He whispered back, not moving his lips and keeping his eyes firmly attached to his book.

"Why didn't we get off?"

"Because the train started before I realized they were on."

I suppressed the urge to groan. 'Vika had gotten caught up in his book, deaf and blind to the world.

I lay quietly, trying hard to remain motionless, but it was hard when the train lurched around the corner and I almost tumbled off the chair completely, saved only by 'Vika who instinctively grabbed hold of me to stop me. Unfortunately, his hand scraped the laceration roughly, and I screamed before I could stop myself.

He whimpered along with me, and by the time we had recovered and were sitting on the seat again, the drunks were staring at us in lecherous fascination.

"'Vika, how long until the next stop?"

"Twenty minutes." His voice wavered, and I could see he was trying not to cry, although his eyes were watering with the backlash effect anyway.

One of them lurched towards us, an untidy man who looked to be about in his thirties, leering and sneering at us.

'Vika's hand tightened on my neck, and I could feel a scared whimper coming up from both of us.

Then, miraculously, the man stopped, trying to focus his small, piggy eyes past us.

"'Ere! Where'd you come from?"

It was a hoarse voice, with an uneducated accent, and it took me a second to work out what he had said.

The air started heating up.

It had been a power of my own, the control of fire when I had lived my previous life. Only one other person could counter me, and this had been the reason I was so close to the royal court, even if the king had never liked me.

I recognized the power.

Sitting up quickly, and resisting the urge to wince, I grabbed 'Vika's head and pushed it down.

"Put your head between your knees and keep it there!" I ordered, and he obeyed. I could feel his confusion even as I followed my own instructions.

The glass window behind us shattered, shards of glass flying straight for the drunks, only missing us because we had ducked down.

They were too intoxicated or too stupid to move. I looked away, not wanting to see the damage, standing and turning to face the window instead.

The train stopped.

A young man with reddish brown hair looked through the smashed window. 'Vika didn't move. I laid a comforting hand on his shoulder and pressed down gently, asking him to stay still. 'Vika didn't move.

The fiery golden eyes searched the beaten, unconscious bodies of the drunks. Then flitted to me.

"Arical!"

I nodded at him, smiling a little. He really hadn't changed. "Kindle. What are you doing here?"

"Cerise sent me." His eyes searched me. "I didn't hit you, did I? I thought I gave you enough warning." He smirked.

'Vika stayed silent.

"No, you didn't hit me. And how can I ignore a warning from my old rival?"

"No, I didn't think you would." He grinned. Then he looked at me again. "You look different now." He tilted his head and smirked at me in a way that had meant pure sex back home. "Quite delectable."

I rolled my eyes plainly. "That's illegal now, Kindle. You could kill me if you tried anyway."

"Yes." He sighed forlornly. "I always did hate that about mor-"

"Shush." I interrupted. 'Vika stiffened under my fingers. "Kindle, this is my twin, Devika. Dev, this is Kindle. I knew him once."

"Once? You knew me more than once!" Kindle laughed, and I scowled at him.

'Vika was hurt by my use of his more public nickname. I'd have to explain this to him at another time.

"Kindle, help me. We need to get off this train before they're found."

"I don't see why." Kindle sounded indifferent now. He had always had unpredictable mood swings.

"Just help me!" I demanded.

The previous Royal Consort walked into the carriage, just as hurried footsteps sounded outside, pounding towards our coach.