Blaine woke to a nudgingon his shoulder.

"Blaine." A gentle voice said next to his ear. "Blaine, I'm sorry but you have to get up now."

"Sleep." He mumbled.

He recognised Tina's gentle laugh. "I know.You can sleep some more later, but you need to get up now."

Blaine forced his eyes open. "Why?" Heaskedas he tried to rub the sleep away from his face.

"The market is on in the square and the King wants you to show Rachel around it before your parents arrive." Tina explained.

"The market's today?"He ran a hand though his hair. "And my parents?"

"I know. You haveother things on your mind." She rubbed his shoulder.

He jumped out of bed.Awake body, awake mind;Cooper had insisted on something like thatanyway.

"Right. So the King still wants me to play tour guide,does he?" Blaine huffed.

"I think he wants more from you than tour guide Blaine, which was the point all along." Tina looked at him sadly. Obviously Sebastian had filled her in. He was glad she knew, Tina always had a way of grounding him that might help today.

"I know, I'm not going to forget that. Today, though, they'reonlygetting a tour guide.I'm not in the mood for anything more." He hated that hestill felt bad for letting people down when he was so angry with them.

"I'm sure they'll understand,"Tina tried to reassure him.

"I hope they don't.It's starting to annoy me how nice they're trying to be about this." He shook his head, not believing the words coming out of his own mouth. "When did I get so bitter?"

"Last night,"Tina suggested. "Give yourself some time, Blaine. You don't have to process it all now."

"You're coming too, right? I might need you to save me from myself."

"I'm coming. I'll be your knight in shining armour if you need me to."

"Sebastian's not gottenhimself intoany trouble has he?" Blaine askedas he got ready to go to Rachel's chambers.He'd only been asleep a few hours but he knew Sebastian didn't need long to mess things up.

Tina shrugged. "He's gone into the Capital. I heard something about a rebel being arrested in theLibrary. Whether the King sent him to keep him away or Sebastian volunteered to go to keep himself from doing something stupid, I don't know."

"Probably for the best,"Blaine said, andTina nodded in agreement.

"Does Mike know him? The rebelwho got arrested?" Blaine asked. Itwas the first time he'd heard about a rebel arrest in the capitalinyears. The King had often boasted that he'd eradicated them from the city.

"I don't know. He doesn't tell me much about what's going on so that I can't give anything away involuntarily. He'd tell me if it was important, though, so I assume not. The King has stepped up patrols so I think he's getting worried. Thatcould be good newsfor us."

"Yeah, I hope so.Do you think they could overthrow the King before I have to marry Rachel?It'd bedisappointingif they wait until after." Blaine saidlightly.

"I'm sure they'd move up their schedule for you tosaveyou from the horrors of waking up to Rachel's singing every morning." Tina laughed.

"Oh God, don't remind me! I can't think about it in that much detailyet. My brain can't handle it." Blainehid his head in his hands.

"You can handle anything. I know you can." Tina said seriously.

"I wish I believed in me as much as you do."

They quietened as they reached the turn for the corridor containing the guest chambers.Their group of visitors were already waiting for them.

"Hello Blaine." Rachel said.

Brittany ran up to him and grabbed his hand. "Will you dance with me at your wedding?" She asked.

"Britt!" Kurt shouted. "We told you already, we'll only talk about it when Blaine wants to."

"Which I don't. So why don't we get going." Blaine was shocked at hisat his own lack of courtesy. Usually he coulddisguiseany unease,but he couldn't bring himself to change his attitude.

"Who broke my Warbler?" Brittanystopped and asked.

"Nobody broke me, Britt.I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so snappy," heapologised.

"Let it go Britt." Kurt said before Brittany could say anything further.

He and Tinastayed ahead of the group. He didn't want to be a part of it now. Heneeded the distance, butunfortunatelytheyweresoonjoined by Finn. "I'm sorry you're mad," he said.

"I'm not mad." Blaine corrected him.

"Really? Because you seemkindamad."Finn said quietly.

"Well, I'm not." Blaine said, cringing at his own lack of intelligent argument.

"Okay, let's make a deal?" Finn suggested.

"Like what?" Blaine asked.

"If I still think you're mad at the end of the day, we have a sit down and chat, just the two of us." Finn surprised him withthis suggestion. It definitely wasn't what he expected.

"Why?"

"Because I want to help." Finn said simply.

"Okay." Blaine agreed. He couldn't see what harm it would do. He wasn't going to go into it with any expectations so he couldn't be let down. He was implementing his learning curve already, and Finn didn't seem to be the mastermind behind this whole scheme of theirs, Blaine wasn't sure if Finn knew all of the truth either.

"Thanks man.I won't mention it again.Promise.Is that the market?" Finnaskedwhen the courtyard came into view.

"Yeah." Blaine confirmed for him as they all looked at the brightly coloured canopies hanging over bustling stalls full of customers. It was the only day of the month that the Castle grounds were open to everyone and most of the Capital's population took advantage of it. They knew the wealthiest in the city came to the Castle market so allofthe stall holders came to stake a piece of land and sell their goods.

"I didn't know there'd be so many people." Kurt said.

"It's the busiest market in the country they say, and the best depending on who you talk to. It's the only one I've ever been to so I can confirm it's the best I know of."

"It's already my favourite." Brittany said, bouncing on her feet.

"Why don't we go and find Martha. She has a stall here with her cakes, and then I'll show you how to find your way around." Blaine told them without looking behind to see if any of them were actuallylisteningto him. When he set off and they followed he took it that they'd heard.

Martha waved as she saw them approaching. "Well hello!Ifit isn't our lovely visitors again-and Blaine and Tina, my two favourite people."

"Hey, what about me?!" Sam yelled from behind the stall, arranging cakes in a box under the table.

"You'll be my favourite after the day is over and we've sold out, for now, these two are my favourites." She told him.

"Blaine?" She waggled her finger for him to come closer. "I've heard some things around the castle, do Ihave a reason to be worried?"

"No. I'll be fine." He reassured her, it wasn't like she could do anything about it so there was no need to unnecessarily burden her.

"Yeah, you seem it." Marthapointedly.

"Kurt!" She shouted sharply and Blaine rolled his eyes. He knew what was coming and it didn't matter if she was right. "Remember what I told you the other day about funny businessand Blaineand having me to answer to?"

"Yes, I remember." Kurt said and Blaine was happy that he lookeda littlescared. "I'm not going to forget, I promise you.Like Blaine said, you have nothing to worry about."

"Good." Martha said sceptically.

"Now, I'd give you all a cake but I'm not running a charity here so if you want one you can pay for it." She held her hand out for the money.

"Of course." Rachel said reaching for her purse. "One for everybody, please."

They allcarefullychose a cake,except for Blaine. "Blaine, what do you want?" Kurt asked. Boy,could Blainespend a long time answering that question.

"Nothing, thank you,"he said politely.

"Come on, have a cake, Rachel's already paid." Kurtpersisted.

"I don't want one right now."

"Then take one for later.

"No thank you." He didn't want anything from them, not now. And he couldn't see him wanting anything in the future.

"You don't want one of my cakes?" Martha asked him, her hands of her hips.

"I do Martha, it's just...."

"Then have one." She held out a cake for him which healmost took, he should know better than to insult Martha's cooking. But he needed to stand his ground, even on something so small as this.

"No thank you." He said again and Martha nodded in acquiesce this time.

"Hey Blaine?" Sam waved him over. "Sebastian asked me to check up on you if I saw you, so... I'm checking up?"

"Tell him I'm fine, I got plenty of sleep and I don't feel like hitting anyone,so that's a good sign." Blaine said in a low voice so that only Sam could hear.

"Why would you want to hit someone? You're like the politest guy in the world?" Sam looked confused.

"You'll hear about it soon enough.Just keep an eye on Sebastian, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."Blaine requested.

"Sebastian told me to check up on you,andknow you are asking me tokeep an eye outon him.Something's going on that I don't know about,isn't it?"

"Sebastian is your priority and don't forgetit. That's for your own wellbeing as well as his. But yeah, Sebastian will probably tell you about it soon. He's never been very good at keepingsecrets. I can't tell you-at least I don't think I can. It's not my place to decidewhatyou can know. Which is beyond backwards seeing as it affects me most of all, but that's the way it is."

"So, you want me to lie Sebastian when I tell him you're fine? Because you're not fine, man." Sam looked directly into Blaine's eyes and Blaine was touched by the genuine concern he saw there.

"Tell him whatever you want to, he'll still come and ask me anyway. Your priority is keeping him out of trouble. Stick to that. Thank you for caring, though."

"Sure." Sam shrugged as though it wasn't a rarity for someone to care about Blaine.

"We better get a move on.Take careSam."

"You too Blaine." Samleftto fetch some boxes from Martha's kitchen on her orders.

"Can we buy a cuddly elephant?" Brittany asked looking at a stall full of stuffed toys and animal prints. "Santana would love it."

"Santana would not love it," Finn said.

"She would if it was from me,"Brittanyreplied.

"True."

"Anything worth buying in this market, Blaine?" Puck asked. "Except Martha's cakes, of course." He added quickly when he realised Martha was still within earshot.

"Yeah, if you keep going down here to the left, there's more food andliquor." Blaine pointed towards the busiest area of the market. Food and drink always attracted the biggest crowds.

"Sold!Let's go that way," Puck said enthusiastically.

"There's also clothes andfabricsto the right. You can get the finest material in the Capital here today,"Blaine said, failing to force any enthusiasm in his voice.

Kurt's eyes lit up. "Really? Are they affordable?"

"I don't know what you can afford." Blaine pointed out.

"Doesn't matter.Let's go and have a look so you can find something for my next dress. And your next outfit,"Racheladded at Kurt's glare.

"Blaine are you coming? You can pickoutsomething for what Kurt is going tomake you." Rachel said turning back to Blainewhen she noticed that he wasn't following.

"No. I'll meet you back here when you're finished.I need to talk to Martha. Tina will take you." Blaine said, already moving behind Martha's stall so that they would leave him be.

"Sure, Tina will take you." Tina imitated Blaine and he felt justifiably ashamed. He'd be getting an earful from Tina right now about avoidance, if they were alone, which thankfully they weren't.

Tinaled the pair away and Brittany and Finn followed Puck in the other direction. They would stay within sight so Blaine wasn't worried they'd get lost.

He saw Martha glaring at him from the corner of his eye. "Nothing to worry about my ass."

She continued working,but Blaine could tell her frustration was growing and she was going to blow soon. And he couldn't get away fast enough. "You better promise me that if you need me you will find me, because you are not hiding away and dealing with this on your own. Do you hear me?"

"I hear you,"Blaine confirmed. "I'm not in any physical danger, Martha, I'd tell you if I was."

"Not all danger is physical and you know it." Martha put her box down and stared at Blaine until he looked to face her.

"I do." It was time to tell her what had happened. She'd only keep persisting if he didn't. "I got some bad news yesterday andIdidn't react to it very well, in front of the King, which wasn't my best idea. So I spent the night in my old chambers."

"You mean that hole in the wall," She said bluntly.

"That'd be the one. But I'm alright,"he reassured her."I got throughitand I'll keep getting through."

"If he tries to put you in there again let me know. The least I can do is keep you company."

Blaine smiled remembering the times Martha had spent the night in the kitchen next to his room, making as much noise as she could for the whole nightso that he'd feel connected to the outside world.

"Thank you. I'll make sure you know."

"Good. Now serve some customers and flash them a smile.I want them tocome back for more." She winked at him.

"Oh, that's why you got Sam to help you out."

"I'm a simple business women, Blaine.I can't help it if my buying public want cake and cute guys." Martha said with a knowing smile.

He served the line of customers before him and enjoyed the monotony of it. The customers were nice, he chatted with a few he knew and a few he didn't know. Itkepthim distracted until Kurt and Rachel returned with their arms full of material.

"You found something you liked then?"

"Oh Blaine they're all so beautiful!I can't believe we've never been to this market before.It's one of the wonders of the world." Rachel gushed.

"I'd usually scold you for exaggerating,but she's really not, Blaine.I could have bought every piece of material there." Kurt said with excitement.

"You mean there's some left?" Blainequestioned,as he looked through the many fabrics they held between them.

"Yes, there is, thank you." Kurt said with mock indignation.

"Why don't you put them behind Martha's stall while we keep looking. We can't carry allofthat withus." Blaine suggested. When Sam returnedBlainehanded over selling duties to him and told Martha they'd be back for the fabrics before they left.

Puck, Finn and Brittany had returned without buying anything, Puck may have talked his way into some freebees, though.

"The perfume stalls are this way if you'd like to look at them?" Blaine asked.

"Oh yes, I need someJahharbefore I run out!" Rachel shrieked.

"Okay, I'm sure they'll have some." Blaine hoped they didanyway.He didn't need any more shrieking in his ear.

"I likeJahhar, I wish it was more widely available." Tina said.

"I know!I have a supplier back home,but he won't deliver this far.I thought I'd have to cope without it. Thank God I don't!"

"Yeah thank God you can still smell like a Columbus tree." Puck commented but Rachel ignored him.

Blaine spoke to the first seller and asked if they hadJahhar, which they didn'tbuthe knew a man who did so he could order some for Rachel.

"Thank you, Blaine." Rachel said as she wrapped her arm through Blaine's elbow. He stiffened but didn't turn her away. "Is this ok?" She asked when she realised what she'd done. "I won't touch you if you don't want me to."

"No, it's ok." It wasn't ok, but he'd try. "We'll have to get used to it,won't we?"

"I suppose we will." Rachel agreed. Thankfully she didn't try to push the subject and left the conversation there. They returned to discussing perfumes with Tina.

"Do you wear cologne, Blaine?You always smell so nice. Not that I'm coming on to you! Oh that came out so wrong. Kurt! Where are you save me from myself?" Rachelgrabbed Kurt and pulled him closer. Blaine found himself laughing at how frantic she was. It was endearing compared to her usualthoughtfulcompliments.

"Nobody can save you from yourself Rachel. It's one of your greatest assets." Kurt told her.

"Aw, thank you." Somehow Rachel forgot what she'd done and focused on the compliment. Kurt really did know her like the back of his hand.

"No need to answer her, by the way. She's forgotten already." Kurt whispered to Blaine while Tina distracted Rachel. Blaine nodded his understanding.

"Hey Blaine?" Finn called to him. "Is there an armoury?"

"Do you mean the castle armoury, ordo you wantto buy something in the market? There's both, by the way." Blaine told him.

"Something to buy. Ibroke the handle on my dagger,so I need a new one." Finn explained.

"What do you need a dagger for Finn?" Tina asked.

"They're Rachel's guard,remember Tina?" Blaine pointed out.

"Oh yeah! Sorry,I'd forgotten. You just seem like friends rather than protection."

"They are,"Rachel said. "But who better to protect me?"

"Oh,that's sweet. Mike would protect me too if I let him." That goofy smile Tina always had when she talked about Mike came over her face.

"We'll have to meet Mike soon. He sounds like a good guy." Rachel said.

"He's the best." Tina smiled genuinely. "He's pretty busy,but I'm sure he'll make time to meet you.Heoften talks about how special your voice is. He heard you sing oncewhen he was younger andswears hehasnever heard anybody since who could match you."

"And now I like him even more! He obviously has good taste." Rachel commented.

Blaine led them further through the market to the armoury stall. He pointed out a few reputable traders to Finn and let him browse for his dagger.

Blaine was standingalone when a guard approached him. "Master Anderson, your parents are waiting for you in the King's formal chambers."

"Thank you.I'll be along in a moment." Blaine informed the completely uninterested guard.

"Rachel?Kurt?" He moved to the pair investigating a jewellery stall. "I have to go. Are you okayto keep looking around by yourselves or do you want me to show you back to your room."

"We'll be fine, Blaine. Thank you. We can always find our way back to Martha if we need to." Kurt told him.

"Okay, I'll see you later."

"Bye Blaine."

..................................................................................................................................

His parents were sittingon the couch in the King's chambers when he entered. Upon seeing him hisdad immediately stoodand walked over to hug him.

"Good to see you kiddo." His dad huggedhim tight and ruffled his hair.Blaine had missed his parents too much to careabout his messed uphair.

"You too Dad. I've missed you. It's always too long,but this time has seemed longer." Blaine said as his dad let go.

"Ithasbeen longer." James Anderson agreed.

Hismother took him by the shoulders and kissed his forehead. "They've been stopping us from visitingand we couldn't find out why." She hugged him gently and Blaine could tell she was upset. Her voice was weak and her breathing shaky. "They've just told us the news. I'm sosorry Blaine, I wish there was something we could do."

"I know Mom. There's nothing anybody can do,"he reassured her.

"The King could, or Rachel and her Fathers'. I can't believe they didn't tell usthey were planningthis! The King, I understand...ButLeRoyand Hiram were our friends...I thought they still were! Clearly I was wrong." Blaine's mom shook her head as she sat back on the couch.

"Gina, calm down." James told her, taking the seat by her side and placing his handin hers.

"Calm down? You should beangrier,not telling me to calm down! How can you just accept this? They are forcing our boy to marry some girl that he barely knows, not to mention he won't be remotely attracted to her. He'll never have what we have, that love and companionship that keeps you going when things get bad, I wouldn't have made it without you,and Blaine's not going to have that support." Ginacriedinto James' shoulder.

Blaine stood, listening to his mother. She rarely got angry or let her emotions get the better of her so to see her break down was difficult. She was only saying things that he already knew but hearing it coming from his usually positive mother made it all the more real. He couldn't dismiss it asself-pity. There was so much more tolove than just your feelings for another person,and seeing it so clearly in front of him between his own parents brought it all home to him.

"Gina, he has us and his brother. We've made it this far together. Don't give up on me know." James pleaded.

"I'm notthe onegiving up, you are- just accepting this like you always do. Whyhaven't you gotten a cart south to confrontLeRoyand Hiram?" She demanded.

"I'm notjustaccepting this lying down.I'm here for Blaine right now. He'sneeds ushere, rather thangoing on a fruitless trip down souththatyou knowwon't do any good. The King hasset this in motion and he won't go back on it even if theBerryswant to."

"But we have to do something, Blaine has put up with so much, I don't want..."

"Please don't fight! Not over this." Blaine interrupted. "Don't fight over me, please? There's no point arguing over how you can help me, because we all know you can't.You've sacrificed so much already just to keep me alive. Don't punish yourselves because you can't fix this."

"My sweet boy." Gina reached out and pulled Blaine closer, looking into his eyes. "You are the strongest person I know, and don't you ever forget that."

"I won't Mom."

"You're right Blaine. This isn't about us, or what we can or can't do. How do you feel about it?" James asked.

"I... Ihonestlydon't know. Right now I'm calm,but I think that's just because Iamexhausted. I keep getting angry and snapping at Rachel and Kurt, even though I know I'm not really angry at them.I just can't bring myself to forgive them for not telling me the truth of why they were here,"Blaine explained.He wasn't going to tell them where he spent last night. They had enough guilt to deal withandhe didn't like adding to it. But he owed them the truth of how he felt about the wedding, or at least as much of his feelings hewasable to understandhimself.

"It's okay to be angry, Blaine.I'd be surprised if you weren't,butyou need to let it out.Tell them how you feel or you won't get over it. Scream and shout if you need to, but don't bottle it up. I know you don't like rocking the boat or upsetting people, but you need to think of yourself here.You deserve to think of yourself for a while." Gina told him.

"How doI scream and shout at myself, though? It's me I'm most disappointed in-how do I make that right?" Blaine asked.

"You're disappointed in yourself? Why Blaine?" His dadasked confused.

"Because I never saw this coming!I always thought I wasmore ofa nuisance to the King,not someone who could be of use to him.Butit's more than that. How could mytrustbe broken so badly by people Ijust met? Did I want friends so much that I was blind to what was right in front of me?" Blaine felt like an immature child, a five year oldwhiningto his parents. But he knew he needed to let this out,andthe only way he could work it throughwasif he told someone else...and his parents wouldn't judge him.

"Oh honey, you've always wanted to see the best in people. That's not a bad thing, and please don't change that." Gina looked at him sadly. "Don't change anything."

"I need to change Mom, I need to stop being a child and grow up, I need to protect myself better, emotionally." Blaine let his head hang.

"That's notchangingBlaine, that's maturing and learning from your experiences. Everybody has to do it. Don't regret your past, you can't change itbecause it's gone.Youjust learn from it the best you can."

"That's what I want Mom, but I don't know how to do it."

"You're already doing it. Yousaid yourself thatyou've identified how you feelandwhat you want to learn. Now you'll implement itbecause that knowledge is part of you."

Blaine smiled at hismom. How did he ever accomplish anything without her?"When did you get so wise mom?"

"I've always been wise. You've just always been soself-assuredthat I'venever reallyneeded to impart my wisdomtoyou. Cooper on the other hand..."

Blaine laughedand both his parents smiled for the first time that day.

"So, now that your mother solved world peacewith her wisdom, how was your birthday?" James asked with genuine interest.

Was his birthday really only two days ago?It felt like a lifetime had passed. "It was great actually. Sebastian persuaded the King to give me access to the Grand Piano in the Music Hall, so I spent most of the day in there."

"Oh it's been too long since we heard you play. Maybe you could play at the wedding and the King will let youin the hall more often to practice for it. See, we're alreadyfindingsomething good out of this."

"You're right. That's a good idea Mom."

"So, you've been spending more time with Sebastian lately, anything we should know about?" James asked with a wink that Blaine never wanted to see again.

"Oh God,no!And if you knew him betteryou'dnot be asking that. Trust me,you wouldn't want that. He's a good friend, a really good friend, but that's all he'll ever be whether I'm married to Rachel or not." Blainebacktrackedand thanked God that Cooper wasn't here. He'dfind this hilarious.

"That's a shame. He's such a handsome boy and always so polite when we speak to him." Gina said.

"That's because he wants you to like him. Withmost people he's not bothered aboutbeingpolite. He's a good guy,I never want you to think differently, but if you heard some of the things that come out of his mouth you'd never let me near him." Why couldn't he stop talking?He was making this so much worse? His parents didn't need to know anything about Sebastian. Even if they thought Blaine liked him that way,it wouldn't be that bad as he was making things now.

"Why would he want us to like him then? Does he have feelings for you?" James asked.

This was getting dangerously close toanembarrassing conversation. "Um, he has friendly feelings towards me and maybe he'd like to um... but no, not like that." He was aware that he'dprobablynotmade sense, but he couldn't bring himself toclarify.

"Ah,"his Dad said with realisation."Good for youSon. Don't let himin your pants just because he'shot."

"Oh my God,Dad!Why... how... please don't ever say anything... like that again. Please!" His Dad had officially crossed the line to embarrassing and there was no going back now. He could never put those words back and pretend they hadn't been said.

"What? We don't get to see you often,so I have to take the opportunity to embarrass you whenever I can, even if it's just in front of your mom." James shrugged and batted his eyes, Blaine thought he could see what Martha oftenreferred to ashis puppy dog eyes-no wonder she hated them so much.

"Mom is the last person I'd want you to say things like that in front of. She's my Mom!"

"Oh don't be daft Blaine. You're a grownmannow. If you can't talk to your parents about sex,who can you talk to?" Gina saidmischievously, knowing she was making Blaine even more uncomfortable.

He was not having this conversation! "You're my Mom,soanybody but you. Andplease don't start talking about your own sex life,because the thought of it is making me want to wash my eyes out already." Why did his brain even go there?!Why did this conversation even have to happen?"Why don't we move on...now...quickly? I got a letter from Cooper."

"Fine, spoil sport!Coopertalksto me. What did he have to say forhimself, how is he?" Gina asked.

Blaine sighed with relief. He wasmuchmore comfortable with this topic,notthat he could have gotten any less comfortable than he was with the last one. "He sounds good. He told me to tell you not to worry, even if you hear about any fighting. He has a new commander that he likes but she's working them hard. General Sylvester, have you heard of her?"

"General Sylvester? Yeah, I've heard of her, she was the only person your Grandfather was ever afraid of. Let's just say it'sgoodshe's on Cooper's side, and ours. She'sbad enough if she likes you,let alone if you make an enemy of her." James said.

"Is he coming home anytime soon, even just for a visit?" Gina asked.

"Sorry Mom. He didn't say,so I assume that's a no." Blaine squeezed her hand. Blaine may be trapped in the Castle but at least they got to see him occasionally and not wait on the odd letter like they had to with Cooper.

"As long as he's alright." His Mom said with a strength Blaineenvied.

"He thinkshe is. You know Cooper-if he had something to complain about he wouldn't hold back. We'd know about it." Blaine said reassuringly.

"I know. Maybe it's something you could learn from him,then I wouldn't have to worryabout youso much,"his Mom said pointedly.

"You really want me taking tips from Cooper?"

"He makes a good point Gina,"his Dadsaid,backinghim up.

"They could both learn from each other." Gina said stubbornly.

"Touché!" James said holding his hands up in defeat.

A guard came through the door without knocking, "Times up,"he said abruptly.

"Five minutes,"Gina said with a glare almost as pointed at Kurt's. His Mon's scary face wasn't one to be messed with. Thankfully the guard recognised that and nodded his acquiescence.

"What did the King tell you about the wedding?" Gina asked.

"Nothing." Blaine realised he didn't know anything about what was going to happen. He'd been so focused on the marriage itself that he hadn't thought much beyond that. "Just that I'm going to marry Rachel at some point, I don't even know when."

"I don't think a date has been decided so don't worry about that yet." James said, rubbing Blaine's shoulder.

"We were told that an announcement would be made in a fewdays' timeby theBerrys." Gina told him and Blaine nodded, remembering now that he had been informedof that, or rather he was in the roomwhenthe King instructed it. "After the announcement there is going to be a celebration in the Castle. We've been invited and he wants us to be very visible in our support of the wedding. At least we'll get to see you again, and meet Rachel properly. We met a few times when she was a small child but everybody changes as they grow up."

"I'm not sure Rachel has." Blaine said lightly.

"The King wants the preparations to be open with the public, which I think is good news as he won't rush it. You'll get time to come to terms with it."

Blaine nodded. That was good news, the longer hecould put it off the better he felt about it at the moment.

The guard opened the door again and this time he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Blainehugged his parents' goodbye. "We'll see youagainsoon this time." Gina said with a smile, leavinghimalone in the room. He hadn't been told to leave which he knew meant he had to stay until somebody fetched him. He had a bad feeling he was waiting for another meeting he wouldn't enjoy so much.

Blaine's heart sank when the King entered.

He didn't bother with acknowledgments or pleasantries. "After the announcement there will be a celebration,"the King told him,and Blaine nodded as though hearing the news for the first time. "The Castle will hold a formal Game that of courseLady Berrywill be competing in.I want you to play the accompaniment. So for the time being you are allowed in the music hall to practice. If I hear anything other than practicing for the Game you will be back in your old chambers permanently. Don't think I didn't hearaboutwhat happened in there the other day,and I will not forget it easily."

"Yes, Your Highness." Blaine confirmed that he understood.

"You will supportRachelduring the Game, and you will dance withherlater on.You will make a happy and loving couple who are desperately looking forward to getting married.I know you are capable of it,so anyslip upswill be punished."

"Yes, Sir." Blaineacknowledgedeven though his heart had clenched.

"Leave." KingSmytheinstructed him and Blaine did so.

He was surprised to find Kurt and Rachel waiting for him outside.

"We thought you might want to join us for some food?" Rachel said.

"Martha is waiting for us in the Kitchen. Obviouslyshe doesn't have any cakes left as shesold out,but she said she would cook us up something." Kurt added.

"Food sounds perfect,"he said gratefully realising he hadn't eaten anything all day and his stomach was painfully empty.

"How are your parents?" Rachel asked.

"They are well, thank you. Extremely happy that one son is on the edge of the country fighting for his life and the other is being forced into a marriage he could never be happy in."

They were silent for a few moments as though considering how to respond to that.

"We deserved that." Kurt said finally.

"You can shout at us if you want." Rachel said, sounding strangely happy with her suggestion.

"Howcan I shout at you when you won't shout back? When you're being so nice and understanding about it? Then I'll just feel like an obnoxious idiot, and I'm pretty sure that's nothow you intend to make me feel." Blaine desperately wanted something to grasp hold of, something or someone to direct his anger againstother thanhimself.Self-destructionwasn't going to gethimanywhere. Andgetting angry at the King wouldn't do any goodbecause he was always angry at the King.

"I don't want to shout at you Blaine. None of this is your fault." Rachel tried to appease him.

"Shout at me because of my attitude then. Because I'm being unreasonable,"Blaine begged.

"But you're not being unreasonable." Rachel said.

Yes I am, Blaine screamed in his head.I'm doing it on purpose, why won't you react to it?

"Yes he is." Kurt interrupted.

"What?" Blaine asked on instinct.

"Yes, what?" Rachel asked, seemingly angrierwithKurt's comment that at Blaine's.

"He's being selfish, and childish. So he can'tmarrywho he wants. It's not as if he has someone special he wants to be with. What he does know is that theSmythesare not good for this Kingdom. They are tyrants who are running the country into the ground,and we are working towards doing something about that. He knows that this marriage is important otherwise we wouldn't be putting ourselves through it. So why won't he just accept it and help us make this easier on everyone?" Kurt may have addressed all his comments to Rachel but he looked at Blaine throughout, keeping an intense eye contact that burned intoBlaine.

"How can you say that when you're not sacrificing anything? It's Rachel who's givingupher life, not you." Blaine's voice rose along with his heartbeat.

"You know nothing about my life." Finally the anger was real.Kurt pointed a fierce finger at Blaine's face.

"Exactly! I know nothing about any of you. You've kept me in the dark about everything and just expect me toaccept this andbe happy aboutit. What,to make it easier on you? Why would I do that?" Finally he was letting go and it felt like the world was lifting offofhis shoulders.

"Because you want a better a life?" Rachel suggested.

"KingSmythehas never been nice to you personally, butsurelyyou can see beyond that.Youshouldwant to be rid of KingSmythefor everyone's sake- that's what we want! And you're trying to stand in the way of that. You're standing in the way of all those families out there having somethingbetterto live for. You may not trust us or our motives but you want the same outcome we do, you know that." Kurt still had the bite of anger,but there was something else behind his eyes, something deeper that Blaine couldn't read. Kurt really wanted this and deep down Blaine didn't believe Kurt wanted to hurt him.

"You're saying I have a choice? My life has never been my choice! I've always been a pawn in someone else's game. The King's, and now yours. You wantrights for the people, what about my rights? Am I not worth as much as them?"

"Oh Blaine. You're worth so much, and I wish we didn't have to involve you. But we all have to make sacrifices, and at least with our plan you'll have your freedom in the end?" Kurt said softly, his eyes searching Blaine's.

Blaine gulped back his pride. "Maybe you're right, I... I am being selfish. I guess I never thought I could do anything about it myself."

"It's okay Blaine." Rachel said.

"If this plan of yours overthrows KingSmythethen I shouldn't... I can'tstand in the way of that," Blaine admitted."I'mnot happy about this,and Istill feel that you oweme the truth, the whole truth. But you're right, I'll stop fighting against it and I'll... I'lltry tostop feeling sorry for myself."

"Thank you Blaine, you won't regret it." Rachel gave him a tentative hug that Blaine half returned. He couldn't bring himself to look at Kurt and felt as though the feeling was mutual. There was an uneasytruce between them that felt as fragile as his heart right now.

They walked in an uncomfortable silence that Blaine didn't want to break, but he knew he should, he should offer that olive branch to open communication,hewas the one thatclosed it, thatcaused the issue,so itwas down to him to break it.

"They were invited to the celebrations, my parentsI mean, to the party to celebrate our upcomingnuptials. I assume your Dads are coming too?"

"They are,"Rachel confirmed.

"I suggest they stay clear of my Mom. She may look small and sweet but she'll rip their eyes out if they get too close,"he advised gently.

"I'll pass on the advice, thank you."

"And your Father, Kurt, will he be coming?" Blaine asked with a sideways glance that didn't come close to eye contact.

"Oh, no. He's had some heartissues.I wouldn't want him risking the journey." Kurt said to the hallway in front of him.

"I'm sorry to hear that, I hope he remains healthy.I'mdisappointed I won't get to meet him." Blaine said, hoping he came over as genuine despite his overly polite and precise phrasing.

"He would have liked to meet you too, I'm sure." Kurt said in the same polite tone.

They reached the kitchen and found the rest of the group already eating, despite Tina's protests.

"I tried to get them to wait but Finn is twice the size of me. He may look like a teddy bear but when there's food involved and he's got Puck by hissidehe can be quite intimidating."

"Its fine, Tina." Rachel reassured her. "I've known Finn long enough to know not to stand between him and food."

"It's good Blaine." Finn told him, indicating the food in his hand.

"Yeah, you should get some before it's gone." Puck advised.

"Everything alright kids?" Martha asked.

"Getting there,"Blaine told her honestly. He'dbegunthe process of telling the truth about his feelings and he wasn't going back on it now.

"Good.I'll be here whenever you need me, even if you're just using me for my food."

"Don't worry Martha, we'll always use you for your food."Blaine reassured her with a smile.

They finished off the food withcompanionableconversation, notdiscussing anythingtoo deep,butalsonot avoiding the topic of the wedding. Blaine joined in less than he would usually find socially acceptable,but he didn't want to force it. He caught Finn staring at him multiple times, his glance switching between watching Kurt and Blaine.

After the fifth time Blaineyawned he had to admit he needed some sleep.

"Sleepinas long as want tomorrow Blaine, I hope you'll be feeling better." Rachel told him.

"Thank you, Rachel. Goodnight." He said his good nights to them all before leaving.

He was only two steps down the corridor when a voice called him back.

"Can you stay awake for a few more minutes?" Finn asked him.

"Sure Finn, what is it?" Blaine wanted to sleep but Finn looked so sincerely worried that he couldn't walk away now.

"I know I'd said we'd chat if you were still mad, which you don't seem to be any more, at least you're not simmering with it like you were this morning."

"I was that bad?" Blaine winced that he'd let his emotions show soblatantly.

"Yeah, sorry.You still seem a bit... hostile... is that the right word? Yeah,that's it,hostile-especially towards Kurt. So I just wanted to tell you that Kurt is a good person, the best there is. He's the most moral... and,um,compassionate person you'll ever meet, I know you'dhave come to that conclusion yourself eventually,but if youcouldcome to it quicker that'd be great, because I hate to see him hurting. And I like you, I don't want you to hurt either."

"You think Kurt is hurting?"

"I know he is." Finn said simply.

"I don't want him to hurt either. So... I'll try." Blaine said, as much as things were still awkward between him and Kurt that's all he'd thought it was, he didn't want to be the cause of any harm or hurt to him.

"Great!" Finn said, suddenly bursting into a huge grin. "That's all I can ask for. Thanks Blaine."

"Night Finn, and thanks too."

Blaine finally walked off to get some much needed sleep. With luck,he might even fall to sleep without the aid of exhaustion.

TBC...