[i] “I acted very improper just now. You know, I might have been intoxicated with insanity, but I didn’t say anything that wasn’t already on my mind before. “That’s how fear magic works, right? It just amplifies what was already there.”[/i]

“Yes I know,” Melissa said playfully, just thankful that she hadn’t lost her friend in the later stages of madness. “I know that better than anyone else, remember?” She had seen people do many terrible things under the influence of fear magic. How she had managed to stay sane through it all was beyond anyone’s guess; though the question rose if she was mentally well at all.

[i] “I understand if your faith in me is shaken. Don’t feel obliged to continue with this kingdom. Either way, I already wrote up the official document to free you from your charges, so you’re at liberty to do as you please.”[/i]

Frowning, Melissa reached out with a hand and gently pulled Alice back to her feet. Bending down again, she grabbed Miranda and hugged her to her chest. 

“Leave? Now why would I do that? I mean, you already know I’d just stumble in the forest and wait there for death or wolves to claim me.”

She said this stoically, in a matter-of-fact tone. 

“Alice, you know I have nothing to live for silly! If you died, well then I’d have to die too. Ooh, and so will Miranda! Thanks to you, our lives mean absolutely nothing to anyone anymore! Aren’t you glad?”

Straightening up, she saluted fondly at the other girl and bowed.

“To you, your Highness! Although…”

She then remembered the kiss.

“Although…er, apologies for my assumptions but…do you like me? Like, like like me, Alice?”