They grab Brendan first.

He's still holding me up, this wave of pain taking much more out of me than before, so he's not quick enough to defend himself. I push away from him, trying to give him space, but they're on me in the next moment. Three of them grab Brendan while the other three grab me.

I'm kicking and scratching, trying to land some kind of contact with no results. I'm weakened by my vision, exhausted from our previous fight. We're not prepared to defend ourselves, and a part of me knows it's my fault.

The majyk rises within me, but almost automatically, I push it down. It's a reflex that I don't understand, but I know deep down it's what I'm supposed to do. I know I can take them. But instead, I let them take us.

The wind rages around us, pulling at my clothes, wrapping me in the stench of these creatures. Out of the corner of my eye I see one of the monsters reel back and slam the butt of his sword against Brendan's temple.

"Brendan!" I scream as he slumps. Tears are instantly in my eyes, the fight in my bones renewed. I'm twisting and turning, my foot connecting with one of the creatures and I hear a satisfying howl of pain. I notice a van for the first time as they try to get us inside.

Then, a different kind of an agony shatters my heart and I'm pulled into the darkness.

The room is bursting with people and creatures from every land.

I walk down the aisle, my heart trembling with the knowledge of what must be done, the duty that must be fulfilled.

A duty to my people.

A duty to my realm.

Papa has taught me what it means to be exalted. I may not be the next queen, but my position as the Duchess of Warriors holds me at an esteemed position. I am the right hand of the royal court. I am the one who's closest to Her Majesty. If I fail, the kingdom does as well. But what he doesn't know is that I know the truth now and my own plans must come to pass if I am to save my land from destruction.

"I know it's not what you want," Papa says, coming up to stand next to me once I'm at the front of the room. I have taken my place by the throne, waiting for the king and queen to take their places as well.

"What I want is to make sure this kingdom survives,” I reply, and I don't have to turn around to know he's watching me.

He has raised me to be royalty. He has raised me to be in control. My duty is first to my kingdom. Then, it is to myself. Never the other way around.

"You don't love him."

"Love is an emotion that has no place in politics."

“Oh, my dearest Dochenka, love should have a place in everything." There's a catch in his voice, and I turn to glance at him then. If I didn't know any better, I would say there were tears in his eyes. But I know better. My Papa does not cry. He is the strongest of Warriors, the Highest in the courts. He is who I strive to be.

"Papa, you have raised me to put the needs of my people before my own. I will not disappoint you."

"You could never disappoint me by following your heart."

The music sounds then, and the courts rise. The doors open as the king and queen make their way down the aisle, hand in hand. My eyes fly briefly to the man walking behind them.

Brendan.

He catches my look and my heart speeds up in awareness. What wouldn't I give to call him mine? There is sadness in his gaze that mirrors my own, pain that I feel more physically intense than anything I've ever experienced before. He turns his attention back to the royals, and I let out the breath I've been holding. He won't even want to look at me after all is said and done.

I feel my father shift a little closer, his hand gripping my own. I fight against the tears, against my own hurt. Those emotions are not allowed. I cannot let myself feel anything but determination. What I'm doing is right. Even if everyone else will say it is wrong. I will be the hero, even if they all call me a villain.

"I wish," my Papa speaks, keeping his hand on mine, "I wish you could choose for yourself."

I have to shut my eyes against the misery boiling up inside me. The support of my papa means the world to me. Yet, he's not making it any easer to bear the agony of my heart. It's like a rain that won't stop falling inside me, drowning the pieces of my soul. There is so much I wish I could say, so much I wish I could do. But that is not for me. I have a job to do. I open my eyes, once again in control of my emotions.

"It'll be okay, Papa. I'll be just fine. William is a good man. He will treat me in the way this kingdom requires him to." My Papa squeezes my hand once more before letting go. He won't talk me out of it, and he knows he shouldn't try.

"You will be a great Warrior, Dochenka. I am so proud of you."

He moves away, leaving me to meet the monarchy by myself. I bow to the queen first, then to the king. They both give me a pleased smile, taking their place on the thrones. After receiving a nod from the queen, William steps away from the crowd, heading my way. He takes his place on the right of me, standing tall and proud as my future husband. The queen smiles, pleased with the betrothal.

I meet Brendan's eyes from across the room, his shining with unshed tears much like my own. My heart burns in response, but I don't move. I stand tall in my position as the Duchess of Warriors.

When I am married, I will become the Grand Duchess and I will lead my people in defense against the Komandirov of Shadowlands.

I will do my duty.

I am my duty.

Love is only for fairytales.