47. The Rebellion

**Dean**

"Trust me, I wish I was joking." I exhaled. As I did so, my chest deflated before I inhaled again. "It is only a suspicion. We have nothing concrete, only rumors. For now, we can only watch and continue to investigate. This would be the first rebellion since before the capital relocated."

I thought over my words carefully as I played with her hair. It felt so soft under my touch. I couldn’t help but relish in the way that she leaned into me. It was as if she trusted me not to let her fall.

Did I deserve that trust? Only time will tell. At that moment, I didn’t even know what we were. She’s become important to me in such a short span of time. I loved being in her presence.

But did I deserve it?

I made a name for myself and no longer have to worry about money or my future. Would her father even agree to let us be together? Compared to my scarred hands, hers were milky, smooth and free of any imperfections. The differences between us were too obvious.

Despite all that, I wanted to remain by her side. I know I would be a good partner to her. It’s been a while since I had been in a relationship, around fifteen years, but she makes me want to come out of celibacy. I realized a dangerous truth. I would do anything to make her happy, keep her smiling and keep her life full of sweet little moments.

“Does the king know?” She asked, her eyes closed.

I shook my head and sighed. She smelt of jasmine. The flower suited her. “He has an idea but we haven’t gathered enough evidence to prove that they would be an actual threat. He stated that we must only bring it up again if we believe that they will be a problem. If I can find their meeting place, then I will be able to plant a spy and gather the evidence that way.”

“Is there no other way for you to get more information?”

“Sadly, no. Even the people who exposed the rebellion are scared to say anything more. And we can’t force them.”

Melissa looked up at me. “Would you force them if you were allowed to?”

My mouth opened, then shut. I surprised myself with how easily I would have said “yes”. I knew what forcing them would entail, and so did she.

Torture.

Torture or threats.

I bit my bottom lip. Was I really thinking of torturing innocent people who were afraid for their safety? The knights and even King Chester himself aren’t above it, but torture is only meant for the worst of the worst.

I let go of my lip. “No. It wouldn't be right. We wouldn’t be any different from the people who they fear.”

“Hm.” She lowered her head once again and leaned against me, this time placing her head on my chest. “For a second there it looked like you were considering it.”

I didn’t say anything.

“It’s alright, you know? We all have bad thoughts, even when we have good intentions. At the end of the day, we’re not the good people we thought we were but that’s okay. We weren’t meant to be some great example of a good person. We’re only human, after all. Would we really be the person that we are now without a few bad ideas?”

The ease in which she said her piece amazed me. It also made me feel more comfortable as if I didn’t have to put up a front for her.

Maybe, just maybe, there is a chance for us after all.

_________

**Melissa**

I felt sick. Physically and mentally.

Things have taken a turn that I never expected and I felt out of control.

I was staring at my phone screen. I wasn’t staring at it for no reason. There is a number that I couldn’t take my eyes off.

It’s not the number itself that was the problem. I don’t get bothered by a couple of digits. It’s the fact that there is a “heart” beside Dean’s name.

Why? Why was that there? What kind of mindset did I have when I saved his number? I could do nothing but keep looking at it.

“Melissa, are you listening? You promised to help me pick one.”

I broke out of my trance and looked up at Anna from my place on the bed. She held up two dresses. One was more on the sensual side and fully black, while the other was more of a white floral dress. She let them hang from her arms, her shoulders slumping. I smirked.

“Chillax, Princess Anna. I’m still here. She would go crazy for you in any of those outfits. That is, if she actually likes you.”

“Argh!” She shook her head. “I don’t know at all! That’s why I texted you and asked you to come here. I have no doubt that the girls are probably filling her head with all kinds of stuff about me to make sure she never talks to me again. This might be my last chance to get her to believe that I’m worth staying in her life. You have experience. How would you want someone to approach you?”

I folded my arms. “You’re a girl too, darling. Or did you forget? Think about the stuff that you would like. What would sweep you off your feet?”

“But she’s so different from me,” Anna groaned as she held up the dresses once again. “What if I overdo it? Or worse, I don’t do enough? I know, I know, she simply invited me out to see her ballet performance, but I can’t help overthink it.”

“Oh, you never told me that she was the one that invited you.”

Just then, a text came in with that same name.

*You left your hair tie. Should I keep it safe until our next date or do you want me to bring it to you? To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if we met sooner. And I don’t mean that just so I can give it back. I just want to see you.*

I shot to my feet, frightening Anne. “Can I use your bathroom?” I asked quickly. “I can’t hold it in anymore.”

“Sure, it’s right over there.”

She motioned to her right and I wasted no time in heading over there. I thanked her and closed the door behind me. I made a beeline for the toilet, hanging my head over it as I wrenched.

Everything that I ate that day fell into the water. My throat felt better. After spitting several times to get rid of the residue that remained, I sat back, my bottom resting against my ankles. .

What is happening to me? Even now, I want to look at my phone and reply to his texts. He’s not the only one who wants to meet sooner. I wanted to see him, and not because of Sirius’ plan.

His plan. Gosh, I almost forgot about that. I needed to get my head back in the game.

But can that wait until the next time I see him?

A knock sounded at the door. “Are you alright in there? You kinda rushed in.”

I got up. “I’m fine.” My legs regained their strength. “Be out in a minute.”

I made my way to the sink and turned on the water. I washed out my mouth as well as washed off the rest of my face. It had only been a couple of days since I last saw him and I actually looked up his contact, fully prepared to call him, just because I missed hearing his voice. I needed to focus. There is a reason I came here. I need to find out more information about the rebellion. It could be useful. If I could enable them, then most of the knights near the dam would be forced to return to the capital to deal with them.

Using water, I made sure that my sleek low ponytail was in place. Inhale, exhale. I was much calmer than before I entered the bathroom.

With stronger determination and a more stable mind, I patted my face dry with some hand towels and left the bathroom.

Ester Hermonia had just walked through the bedroom door. I was taken aback. Our eyes met.