So, I am almost done typing this up and I already have three more fanfic ideas! Lol! But I'm also really tired from a first day of class, so I'll just let this be for now... I'll (try to) upload the last 2 chapters tomorrow... 😁😏🤪 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 13 A few minutes later, Smalls nodded to lord Blackstar who had risen from his seat. “What do you think, lord Blackstar? Shall we head out?” Smalls asked. The chatter in the room faded quickly as the prince addressed the lord. Victor smiled and bowed. “I am ready when the prince is,” he answered. Smalls smiled. “Then let us be off.” He announced, rising from his seat. Everyone rose from their own seats and looked around, unsure what to say or do. Lady Glen broke the silence. “Smalden, shall we meet you in the courtyard in a few minutes to see you off?” Smalls nodded, a twinkle in his eye. “That sounds fine.” He turned to Heather as everyone began to file out of the room. “I have to gather a few things, but I’ll be down in no more than ten minutes.” Heather smiled and nodded. He smiled at his family that was still in the room, squeezed Heather’s hand, and left the room. A few minutes later, those gathered at breakfast and the prince's council stood in the courtyard. Smalls, lord Blackstar, and Heyward were to scout for their new home; Smalls had said it wouldn’t be too long, perhaps a week, maybe more. But a strange feeling filled Heather and she inhaled deeply to settle her thoughts. I wish Picket were here… he would help me be strong, she thought with tears in her eyes. Smalls has said farewell to his family and his council, but he came to Heather last of all. He smiled and grasped her hands tenderly, looking deeply into her eyes. “Will you be alright?” He asked softly. Heather managed a smile, blinking back her tears. “Yes.” She whispered. He raised an eyebrow. “You could come along if you wanted, I may be able to put in a good word with the leader of this mission.” Heather chuckled. Shaking her head, she found her voice though it sounded shaky. “I’ll be fine, knowing that you will be what you are destined to be: the much sought after king.” Smalls beamed and wrapped her in his arms. Those gathered turned away respectfully, speaking softly to themselves. “Take care, my dear. There are other things that will be addressed hopefully sooner than later.” He whispered, inhaling deeply. Heather squeezed him and pulled back, fighting tears. “Take care of yourself.” He whispered, kissing her cheek gently. He smiled at the barely audible “you too" that she whispered as he followed lord Blackstar and Heyward down the path. Heather walked along the palace rooftop, trying to relax. Emma had told her to take a walk and try to calm down. She had fumbled with her satchel, spilled ointments, and even knocked over a basket of dirty bed sheets. “Heather, you need a break. Why don’t you take a walk? I’ll come join you in a few minutes,” Emma promised, looking at Heather with a sisterly affection. And that is what Heather was doing, waiting for Emma while trying to clear her mind. She still remembered the tender words Smalls had whispered to her before he kissed her and headed down the road that morning. She blushed. “You haven’t changed,” a voice said. Heather turned and her eyes widened. There, leaning against the stone wall, was a weary looking Kyle. He looked thin and tired, but other than that, he was the same cheeky buck she had met at Cloud Mountain. Memories spun themselves around her, the chaotic scene in Cloud Mountain when Smalls was sent to a trap, Kyle ransacking his room. Kyle appearing at Halfwind in armour and a crown, appearing… what? Used? Yes. He was used, being used. His father used him in so many ways, and that nearly killed him. But here he was, standing- rather hobbling- before her. She looked up at him, unsure what to say or do. He just looked so… like Kyle. He gave her an exhausted smile. “How are you? I hear you’ve been working hard in the hospitals with a bunch of bucks.” He said, scratching the back of his head nervously. Heather managed a small smile. “To a degree. Emma made me take a break after a little… accident.” Kyle smirked. “You? Accident? That cant be right!” Then, he sobered. “Heather, I-“ He seemed to struggle with what to say. He attempted to say something a few times, but after noticing the fear and shame in his eyes, she spoke up. “Kyle, I’m sorry; for everything. For treating you horribly, for not being a friend, I… I’m sorry.” She expressed, a wave of relief filling her. Kyle looked up at her, uncertainty in his expression. “You shouldn’t be the one apologizing. I was the one who hurt a lot of rabbits, you included. And Picket…” He looked down, trying to hide the pain that appeared on his face. “I should have…” Heather shook her head. “Kyle, I forgive you. Smalls forgives you, and Picket, he would forgive you too. I know he would.” Kyle pressed his mouth tight, trying to fight the tears that stung his eyes. “He wouldn’t, I don’t deserve that.” He croaked, leaning against the wall. Heather shook her head, smiling at the buck who seemed so small at this moment. She stepped closer and put a hand on his shoulder. “Kyle, the Mended Wood has come. And I’m beginning to think that anything can be Mended here, even broken relationships.” Kyle looked up at her, unsure. “Heather,” he began, but she shook her head. “Kyle, it’s a clean slate. We are friends, and friends we will remain. Besides, Smalls is going to need Terrelain's help.” Kyle managed a smile, then looked sheepish. “You don’t suppose the prince would mind if I gave you a hug?” He asked. Heather smiled. “No, because it’s a reconciliation.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sorry, it's kinda short, but I'm excited to share the last few chapters with you guys!!!! Also apologize about typos... I've had a long day 🤪 Well, I better go... it's almost midnight and I gotta shower! Blessings and Bear the Flame, A. R. B.