The next morning Blaine awoke feeling much brighter. He'd slowly drifted off to sleep with a new determination that he could do this. He could make the most of what life was throwing at him and come out of it a better person. He wished Cooper washere, he would have equally praised and ribbed him for being so positive again.

He was going to be the perfect guide today and even try to get to know Rachelbetter-they were going to be married after all. He knew there wasn't going to be a great love between them but he hoped they could at least be friends and enjoy each other's company.

It was mid-morning by the time he made his way to Rachel's chambers and knocked on the door. He could hear movement insideand sinceRachel liked to be up early for her vocal exercises,he knew they would be up already

She opened the door and smiled. "Blaine, I was hoping it was you."

"Good morning, Lady Berry. Sorry,good morning,Rachel,"he corrected at her stare.

"We are to be married, Blaine, and while I know it is a marriage of convenienceI'd prefer it if we didn't have to be so formal around each other. I know that's what you're used to in front of a Lady, but I'm your friend,and the only thing I amsuperior to you inis my talent...but I'm better than everybody so that doesn't count."

"It was justhabitRachel, I promise." Blaine reassured her.

"Good. So where are we going today?" She asked with a smile.

"The stables are usually free at this time of the week,so I thought we could go there. Have you ridden before?" He asked.

"Yes, but notinvery long time. As long as I am in no danger of injury that sounds like a nice idea." Blaine couldn't tell if she was agreeing just to be amenable to him, butasshe was agreeinghe wasn't going to second guess it.

"The stable master should be able to give you a few tips. He managed to teach me enough to stay on the horse so hemust be pretty good at his job." Blaine saidlight-heartedly.

"Nonsense, I'm sure you're a fine horseman." Rachelsmiled.

"I didn't hear the word horses, did I?" Kurt huffed, marching into the room with his hands on hiships.

"Yes, we're going to the stables." Rachel told him matter-of-factly.

"Great!Good!That sounds wonderful." Kurt said, but Blainehadthe feeling he was forcing his enthusiasm as to not cause any extra tension. Blaine was grateful for the effort.

"Do you ride?" Blaine asked Kurt.

"Oh no, no!Riding is not for me,I'll be more than happy to watch, though. Let me get the three amigos and we'll get going." Kurt said quickly so that he couldn't be questioned on it.

Puck came out of the door as soon as Kurt knocked on it. "We're going to the stables." Kurt told him.

"Britt,"Puck called."Hurry up, we're going to see the Unicorns!" Puck winked at Blaine.

"The Unicorns?"She ran out of the room. "Really? It'll be so good to see Kurt's family again, but I thought Burt was too ill to travel?"

"He is Britt." Kurt agreed.

As she went back inside to drag Finn out, Blaine asked,"What's with the Unicorn thing?"

"It's Britt, she..." Kurt started to answer, but he thought better ofit."Do you really think an explanation will make sense?"

"I suppose not." Blaine chuckled.

"Come on, let's get going then." Kurt instructed once Finn was with them.

"Tina's chambersison our way,so we'llstop byfor her if that's okay?" Blaine checked with his companions.

"Of course it is!I like Tina,she'svery loyal and helpful." Rachel said and Blaine felt that was fine praise coming from Rachel.

"She is.She's a good friend." Blaine agreed.

"I'm glad you have someone like her Blaine."

When they reached Tina's door she took a few moments to answer and was not dressed in her uniform. After complimenting heroutfit Blaine explained their plans for the stables.

"I'm sorry Blaine. It's my day off today,so Mike is coming to spend the day with me...a romantic day." She winked at him."We'll join you later if that's okay?"

"Sure, it'd be great to see Mike again." Blaine said.

"Oh yes, you should bring him along." Rachel said, interrupting from around Blaine's shoulder.

"Hopefully we'll see you later, Tina."Blaine said before they wished goodbye.

The stableswere empty of guests as Blaine had hoped. Only the stable master was there,grooming one of the horses.

"Good day, MrSchue." Blaine shouted to get his attention. The taller man looked around and smiled.

"Blaine, good to see you, I thought you'dfinishedyour lessons with me. Never thought I'd see you here voluntarily."

"I was hoping my... friends here could ride." Blaine said with amoment'shesitation. "They may need some assistance from you if you're free. This is MrSchuestereveryone. MrShue, this isLady Berry;Kurt, Finn, Puck and Brittany."

"Sure, new students are always welcome.Good to meet you guys. Lady Berry, I've heard manya good thing about your talent and I'd love to hear you sing someday." MrSchuecomplimented her as he took her hand in greeting."So, how many horses do we need?"

"Five?"Blaine lookedaroundfor clarification.

"One of those is for you,right?" Kurt asked, "Because I'm not riding."

"Four then."Blaine corrected. Hehad hoped Kurt would join in but he wasn't going to make an argument of it.

"You're not riding Blaine?" Rachel asked.

"No,butI thought I could guide you round if youlike. Riding isn't my passion." Blaine explained. He'd always felt competent enough but uncomfortable onahorse. He wasn't used to seeing the world from that position and it disorientated him.

"Yeah, Blaine was one of my more reluctant students. He picked it up well,butI guess I couldn't imbue my enthusiasm for the horses on him." MrSchuesaid.

"Oh, I like the horses. They're beautiful.I'mjust not that fond of riding them." Blaine corrected his former teacher. He didn't want MrSchueto think he had anything against the horses. It wasn't their fault they made him uncomfortable and MrSchuedid such a good job of caring for them.

"Why did you learn if you don't like it?" Kurt asked.

"I like learning new things and riding is a skill that cancome in helpful." Blaine told him but Kurt didn't looked convinced. Was he really thattransparant?

"Really?"

"I...well,thatistrue,butI learnt for the army. I can't be second in commandof a unitif I can't ride a horse when needed."

"Did youalwayswant to join the army?" Kurt queried.

"No, but Sebastian talked to the King and the King promised thatI'd be allowed to leave if I was in Sebastian's unit in the army. It wasSebastian thatdecided I should be his second."

"Oh, I suppose if those were my options I'd learn to ride too, even if it ruined my clothes." Kurtlaughed.

"I'll get the horses ready for you guys. Wait here." MrSchuesaid.

"Well,he seems nice." Rachel commented.

"Yeah, MrSchueis great.Just don't mention singing to himor we'll never get to leave." Blaine advised.

"But he already complimented me on it. Or do you meanhe sings too?" Rachel asked, her interest piqued.

"Yeshe sings, but like I said, don't bring it up. He used to be the choir master before Lady Corcoran took over. It's still a bittersubject and he might get carried away." Blaine said quietly.

"Why was he replaced?" Kurt asked.

"Money as always,"Blaine shrugged to indicate he wasn't aware of the specifics. "I tried not to take sides, MrSchueand Lady Corcoran have both always been good to me."

Kurt nodded his understanding as MrSchuereturned.

Blaine assisted Rachel onto her horse and MrSchuehelped Brittany while Kurt commented on Finn's lack of grace and Puck's heavy handedness.

All four eventually sat neatly on their horses so MrSchuestarted his lesson.

"You've all been on a horse before so I'll not baby sit you, but we'll take it slow if that's alright?" He asked.

"Perfect MrSchue." Rachel said.

"You can call me Will, if you like."

"No, no, you're a teacher.MrSchuejust sounds right." Rachel insisted.

"Okay, we'll start with some gentle movements."

Blaine stood by Rachel's side as MrSchueled them through some basics. They chatted about the horse and riding and Blaine enjoyed the ease of it. There was no pressure, no awkward topics,and no stress.

They were slowly walking around the stables when the conversation changed from their present activity. "I was singing at LordGoolsby'sbirthday celebrations the last time I rode a horse.It was awonderful day, especially after I persuaded Kurt to join me up on stage. He blew them away. We both did of course, but they were expecting it from me."

"You are really good friends aren't you?" Blaine commented more than asked.

"Yes, we are, I don't know what I'd do without him most of the time.He understands me, and not just parts of me. He gets it all and he can put up with it. We may argue or get on each other's nerves, but that's just part of who we are."

"It's nice, to have someone like that." Blaine said wistfully.

"It is, I love all my friends, Blaine.I wouldn't want to find out what the worldwould be like without them.I'm sure it wouldn't be a very nice place.I hope you can be one of them.I really don't want to make you unhappy."

"I know. I hope we can be friends too. Itis not easyfor me to accept someone as family,but maybe we'll get there, one day."

"One day." Rachel agreed with a smile. "You have such a wonderful singing voice Blaine.Youreallyshould show it off more often. Youcould even keep up with me vocallyif you hadsomedirection andpractice. Just thinkwhat a couple we would make then!"

"I've always tried to keep attention away from me in the castle."Blaine tried to explain his reluctance to share his talents with the world. It wasn't a lack of confidence in his abilities,but ratherthe lack of security in his life that held him back.

"Well, you don't need toworry aboutthat anymore. Once the public knowswe are betrothed they'll want togetknow you. It's only natural to be interested in a famous and talented couple,it's just the way the world works. And they'll like you, you could charm anybody."

Blaine was touched that Rachel had thought of him in regards to their marriage. It wasn't something he expected of her and was a nice reminder not to assume things aboutothers.They can always pleasantly surprise you. He wasn't taking it to heart or giving himself any expectations-he wasn't that stupid anymore-but that didn't mean he couldn'tbe grateful for Rachel's intentions.

"We should work on something to sing to each other at the celebration, after I've won the Game of course. We could sing to my triumph and our happiness. The people would like that." Rachel said while still clearly forming the idea.

"Okay, that sounds...wellquite daunting at the moment. But I'm sure I'll enjoy practicing with you." Blaine tried his best to be enthusiastic, but he couldn't lie.

"Of course, it's notevery dayyou get the chance to sing with Miss Rachel Berry." Rachel said with what seemed like genuine affection.

"You're going to sing for us, Rachel?" MrSchueasked after overhearing.

"Not today, MrSchue. There's an event incomingupthat I'll be performing at,"she clarified.

"I hope I get to hear it.I could help you practice if you'dlike." MrSchueoffered.

Rachel looked like she was going to reply to MrSchue'soffer before shethought better of it.

"Kurt is looking rather bored Blaine. Why don't you keep him company for a while."

"Sure." Blaine said as MrSchuetook his place at Rachel's side. He didn't need to listen to MrSchuefawning over Rachel's talent anyway. He'd warned her not to mention it,and nowshe could suffer the consequenceson her own.

Kurt wasindeedlooking incredibly bored, yetsomehowstill fabulous in doing so.

"Hey,"Blaine said as he stood beside Kurt, resting his arms on the railing in front of them. "I'm sorry, I didn'tknow you'dbe so bored by this."

"It's not your fault, Blaine. It's my choice not to ride and you couldn't haveforeseenthat." Kurt smiled reassuringly."Is Rachel ok?"

"Yeah, I think so. She seems comfortable on the horse, and despite my warning she's talking to MrSchueabout singing. She'll be happy,butI am afraidwe could be here for a while longer.Sorry."

"Don't worry.I've nowhere else I need to be, or I'd rather be." Kurt said looking away,but not before Blaine noticed the sadness in his eyes.

"So,what is Rachel regaling MrSchuewith?" Kurt asked with forced cheerfulness.

Blaine took a deep breath. He'd gotten used to talking to Rachel about the wedding but there was still thathesitationtalking to Kurt about it. Heneeded to move past it, they both did.

"She asked me to sing with her at the celebration and MrSchueoverheard."

"Did you say yes?"

Blaine frowned. "I'm not sure it actuallywasa question thinking back...but yes,I think I agreed to it,I'mgoing to singwith her. A love song I think."

"Good, I'll look forward to it. You two will be magical together."

"Hmm, I'm not sure magical is the right word." Blaine dipped his head, again doubtingthat they could pull off this mascaraed to the public.

"I've heard you both sing, Blaine. Magical is definitely the right word." Kurt said.

"It's just I'm not used to being the focus of so much attention, not to mention thatwe'll be putting on a front.I'll do my best to appeartoloveher, and maybeone day it'll be true." Blaine shrugged.

Kurt whipped his head around. "You think you'll fall in love with each other?"

"No, not like that,butthere are different types of love, Kurt. Imeantmore like the love between you two- atrue respect and affection between friends.Not that it could ever reach that level,the two ofyou know each other so ridiculously well,but somewhere close would be nice.I'll save falling in lovefor someone else, hopefully. A handsome stranger maybe." Blaine said trying to lighten the conversation.

"Yeah, me too." That sadness came over Kurt again making Blaine feel bad for missing his mark in lightening the mood.

"You don't think you'll find someone?" Blaine asked gently, he couldn't imagine Kurt not having his fair share of admirers. Blaine had been drawn to him from the moment he'd first laid eyes on him, that magnetism couldn't have worked solely on him.

"I've always believed in love, and always held onto the fact that I'll meethimand live happily ever after, just like the fairy tales. But these last few days have just... I don't know what it is, I just feel sad when I think about it, like that hope has gone out and I don't know why."

"It's still there,I know it. You're still the same you and from what I've seen you're not one to give up on your dreams. You're too stubborn for that. We're going to get through this,and some man is going to rush in and sweep you off your feet.I know it." Blaine encourageddespite the pit in his stomach expanding at the thought that thatitcould never be him now.

"I know,andIdostill believe it. But everybody is allowed to have doubts occasionally.So, I hear the King has given you permission to practice on the Grand Piano for his grand celebration?"

"For the grand wedding?" Kurt's laugh made it worthBlaineignoring thechange in subject. "He has and I'm not going to waste the opportunity, I'll be practising every chance I can get."

"Maybe I can joinyousometime? I played a little when I was younger. It'd be nicetotry my hand at it again." Kurt asked.

"Sure."

"And I can help you practice your duet when you can't cope with Rachel's crazy anymore."

Blaine laughed. "I might need you around all the time then."

"Oh no! This is my opportunity for someone to take her off my hands for a change. I'm not stupid enough to miss out on that." Kurt joked.

"So do you spend this much time together back home, or are you just here as her assistant because she wanted to bring her best friend along?" Blaine asked.

"I'm not officially her assistant usually,butshe insisted on giving me a job title so that I could be in the meetings with the King. I'm always involved in her decision making, though. My father has worked with her father's for such a long time that it's just natural we discuss everything."

Blaine was tempted to ask whose idea the marriage was but he hadn't intended this conversation to get that deep and he didn't want to make things awkward again just when he thought they might reach comfortable. He'd save those questions for another day.

"So, what are her father's like?" Blaine asked instead.

"They're... well you might see where Rachel gets it from when you meet them." Kurt laughed. "They're both slightly crazy in different ways and Rachel got the sum of them both. You'll like them. They're good men, easy to talk to and genuinely interested in what you've got to say. Especially you. They'll never dismiss your opinion because,if Rachel likesyou,then there's got to be somethinggoodabout you. They'll probably try to intimidate you at first, they can get protective over their little girl,but I expect you'll see right through that so no need for you to worry."

"I'm not worried. It's notlikethey think this is real and expect me to love her unconditionally. I know they'll expect me to treat her well, which I will do, so I'm not worried about that. I'd just like to get along with them."

"You'll get along. They'll hear you sing and they'll love you."

"Just like Rachel."

"See you know them already." Kurt pointed out. "Was your mom really mad?" He asked.

"She was upset, and she was mad at Rachel's fathers because they didn't tell them. But she's not an unreasonable person.I'm sure she'll forgive them once they've talked it through, and apologized. They won't get anywhere with her until they admit they were wrong and that they're sorry for it."

"Will she be mad atRachelandme?"

"No, you're just kidsto her. She'll think you're just pawns in your parents' plans as much as I am. I won't correct her on that."

"Tell her the truth Blaine.I'll face whatever she thinks of me but I want it to be the real me. We've already seen what damage not telling the truth can do."

"You're right.I'll tell her." Blaine conceded. He felt some of that trust building back up between them and warned himself not to get carried away.

"Blaine,"Rachel shouted. "I think Brittanyis falling asleep. Can you check onher?"

Blaine ran over to Brittany,who did appear to be sleeping while staying perfectly upright on her horse.

"Britt, are you okay?" He asked.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him. "I'm trying to get the horse to fly, but I don't think he's grown into a unicorn yet. He's still a baby."

"You're right Britt,he lookstooyoung. Maybe we can come back in a few days and see if he'sgrown any?"

"Thanks Blaine."

"No problem Brittany. I'll help you down."

He held out his hand and Brittany gracefully used it to step from the horse.

"Rachel, are you ready to go?" Blaine asked.

"We are!" Rachelshouted far too loudly.

"Are you going to the music hall now? MaybeI could join you." MrSchueasked.

"No, we're going for lunch." Rachel said bluntly,shaking her head atBlaine.

"Maybe I could join..."

"With the King!Lunch with the King,"Rachel interruptedbefore he could invite himself along. "So we really should get going."

Blaine helped Rachel down while Finn and Puck handed their horses over to MrSchue.

Once they were out of earshot Puck said, "Remind me not to go back there again. This smell will not go down well with the ladies, itmasksmyirresistibility."

"We can call back for you to get a bath if you'd like?" Blaine suggestedthinking Rachel would probably like to as well.

"That would be lovely Blaine. Although the horse riding was wonderful I don't want to carry the horse smell around with me all day." Rachel said.

"We can take a short cut this way?" Blaine suggested, pointing behind the castle.

"No,let'swalk by the gardens?" Rachel requested instead.

"Alright." Blaine agreed, wondering why Rachel wanted to walk by the gardenswhen she hadn'treallyliked them all that much and there was a quicker way for them to get back to her bath.

"It's a lovely day today. The sun is up and I have great company." Rachel said for conversation's sake,as she tucked her arms in between Kurt and Blaine's elbows.

"You're making me feel sick, Berry." Puck said.

"Hey, leave her alone. If she wants to be happy let her behappy." Finn argued.

"Now you're making me sick." Puck directed at Finn.

"I'm ignoring you Puck.Iwillbe happy if I want to." Rachel said.

"Youarebeing annoyingly,unnecessarily chipper." Kurt told herwith an irritated sigh.

"Being chipper is always a necessity, don't you agree Blaine?" She asked him.

"I do. Apositive attitude breeds positive results." Blaine said.

"See." Rachel glared at Kurt.

"You two will be very happy together." Kurt told them with an ironic pout.

"We will! But don't worry Kurt, I like to share." Rachel saidmischievously. Blaine almost choked on his own breath.

"You do not share!" Kurtexclaimed,seeming not to notice Blaine's difficulty or the factshe was referring to sharinghim!

"I do!I share my talents with the world all the time.I'm very gracious and generous." Rachelinsisted,and Blaine thought she honestly believed that.

"Thanks for proving my point, Rachel! You don't even know what sharing is!"

"I do!I'll share Blaine all the..."

"How about we don't talk about this when what you want to share is me and I'm standingright here,getting very freaked out?" Blaine interrupted once his breath was under control.

"Okay, but this is not over,Kurt." Rachel said,glaringat Kurt.

"I didn't need to know that." Blaine mumbledasKurt mouthed 'sorry' to him over Rachel's head.

"Anyway, thank you Blaine for showing us the stables. It was a lovely idea." Rachel said.

Blaine'sattention was distracted by a rustling behind some bushes next to the grounds wall. Before he couldfigurethe source of the noise two men jumped in front of them with swords outstretched.They were dressed simply and looked more scared than intimidating.Blaineautomaticallyreached to his side for his own sword that wasn't there while Brittany screamed.

Threemore had surrounded their group while Finn and Puck pulled out the daggers they carried. Rachel yelped when one of the men came closer to her and grabbed tighter onto Kurt and Blaine.

"We only want the little Lady, and no I don't mean you in the scarf,"said the only woman in the group surrounding them, pointing her sword at Kurt.The men may not have been intimidating but there was no sign of fear on her face. Her dark eyes scowled with aggression and her full lips sneered."Come on, make this easy on yourselves? BoobsMcJinglesand the Non Hairy Biker over there aren't going to stand muchof achance against us withthose smalldaggers, that I'm sure represent their tiny manhood's, no matter how tallFrankenteenis." The woman may be slight but her tone could cut through walls.

"Okay, let me break this down for you,"the woman said, toned arms flexing as she moved her sword so that she could tighten her high pony tail. "I'm the leader of this group of rebels," she gestured to the men surrounding them, "and as rebels,we want Lady Berry to aid ourrebellion.I'd much rather take the blond,"she winked at Brittany,"but we need the queen of the tiny people. Is that clear enough?"

"Why? Why do you need her?" Blaine asked, backing Rachel up so that shelet go of their arms andwasflanked by Kurt and Blaine.

"I'm not going to tell you our plan, idiot.I didn't think you looked like one,but clearly I was wrong. You may be small and have a sexy voice,but that doesn't mean Iwon'tgoall Southern Rebel on yourmommy's boy's ass.Just hand her over and nobody will get hurt."

"You're not taking her." Finn shouted.

"Fine,ifyou want it that way I can't be held responsible for you breaking a nail,"she said before launching hersword at Finn who blocked her with his dagger, using his superior strength against her larger weapon. Puck engaged another rebel but didn't fare as well, gettingnickedon the arm withthe sword and knocked to the ground. The others closedin on Blaine, Kurt and Brittany with Rachel in the middle. Buttheydidn't raise their swords, clearly reluctant to use the weapons on people who didn't have weapons to defend themselves with.

One reached out to pull Kurt out of the way but Blaine swiftly punched him in the head, knocking their assailant off balance. His rebel friend reacted immediately and thrust the helm of his sword into Blaine'smidriff. Blaine huffed in pain as Kurt shouted beside him. "Leave him alone!Just get out of here!"

Blaine took advantage of the distraction. While the rebels were staring oddly at Kurt he grabbed the wrist of theonehe'd punched and twisted himwith all his strengthuntilthe rebel lay on the floor andhisswordremainedin Blaine's hand.Now that he had aweapon of his own the rebels weren't afraid to attack himand two of them came at him at once. He swung his sword much more frantically than he would like to admit,but managed toprevent them fromreaching Rachel. Hetook one of them out of commission with a jab to the arm, leaving only one rebel for him to deal with.

Their swords glanced off each other andalthoughBlaine almost overpowered him, hehadalsobeen backed up into Kurt and Brittany. "Go, get out of here." Blaine told them.

"We're not leaving, Blaine." Kurt insisted.Blaine wouldhave toargue with him later because a sword came perilously close to his head before he fended it away. He was so focused on the assailant in front of him that he didn't notice the movement behind. A blunt shaft and a sharp pain collided with the back of his head. His knees buckled and he tumbled to the ground, his sword falling limply from his hand. He managed to turn as he fell so that he landed on his back but his vision was blurred and his other senses clouded. Figuresand lightmoved around him sending his head into a spin.

"Santana don't!" Blaine faintly heard Kurt scream as the woman rebel swam into his vision before another blow shot pain through his temple and sent him into darkness.

TBC...