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"Alex, dammit, please, answer me!" Alex wasn't ready to speak, so he looked through the slits in his door. He couldn't see anyone, but he knew it was Nicky.

"Nicky? Are you really in that cell?" said Alex stupidly, deciding silence was more painful than speaking.

"Yes, I am. What are you doing here? Why? I don't understand. I left you safe and sound back in California."

"You just wouldn't understand why I'm here."

"How the hell do you know what I would or wouldn't understand?"

"I just do."

"Give me a chance, Alex. Tell me? What do you have to lose? In a day or two, I'll be dead, and you'll probably be dead too."

Alex thought he heard Nicky choking back a sob, but he couldn't be sure. The thought was making him miserable.

"Look, I came to rescue you. I thought I could do it, but I didn't plan very well, did I? I've still got a plan, though. I'm still hoping to pull it off."

"My knight in shining armour has come to rescue his prince. It's just like a bloody fairy tale except the ending."

"The ending?"

"Yeah, nobody lives happily ever after."

"It doesn't have to be that way. At least one of us can live happily ever after."

"Yeah, right. As if. What could possibly change the outcome at this point? They've already made the arrangements for my execution."

Alex was still appalled even though he knew this was what should be expected. "What's your father have to say about it?"

"I don't know. He hasn't been down here to see me since, nor anyone else either. Besides, he must support it. He's the one who's supposed to make the arrangements. This is how it must be done. Traditions must be upheld, you understand."

"Nicky, all you have to do is kill me. I'll let you. I will. I'll do anything to save you."

"Even if I could, I wouldn't. Alex, I told you I love you. I meant that. How the fuck do you think I could kill you?"

"I love you too, Nicky, but do you really understand what 'love' means? To me, it's not just words. It means I won't leave you. Ever. You could tell me you hate me, and I won't stop loving you. You could tell me you don't want to see me ever again, and I'd leave, but I'll still love you, and be there for you if you needed me. The only way you can get rid of me is for me to die. You mean that much to me. So why not just kill me and get it over with? It will solve a lot of problems."

"That was a nice speech with some very twisted logic at the end of it. You want to stay and yet you want to die."

"Oh, fuck it, I'm on mental overload. I came back because I cared. Obviously it's more than that. I just don't know how to deal with it. But that's my problem. It would be easier on you, and on me, if I were dead."

"Alex, you're such a gods-be-damned prat sometimes. You're just not listening to me."

"What do you mean, Nicky? I don't understand."

"That is really obvious. If I ever get out instead of being killed, I'll just have to show you."

Alex really didn't understand and he didn't know what else to say. He thought about Journey's Separate Ways again. Although he thought he was perhaps the worst singer on the planet, he sang it as quietly as he could...

Here we stand

Worlds apart, hearts broken in two

Sleepless nights

Losing ground

I'm reaching for you

Someday love will find you

Break those chains that bind you

One night will remind you

How we touched

And went our separate ways

Alex wondered how a musician could do such an eloquent job in writing a song like this, but he could not grasp it. He supposed Nicky could since he was a musician. Perhaps because musicians were really poets.

"That was beautiful, Alex. What was it?"

Alex was mortified beyond all expression. He never let anyone hear him sing. He was so humiliated he couldn't even speak.

"Alex?"

"Yes," said Alex under his breath, still not wanting to speak.

"Are you going to answer my question?"

"It's by a group called Journey. I don't suspect you'd ever hear any of it played on a flute. It was considered relatively hard rock when it came out."

"The melody is fantastic. The words are moving."

"You weren't supposed to hear it. Besides, I didn't do it justice," insisted Alex.

"So what made that song pop out? You just don't strike me as the singing type."

"I sang it because it was about us," said Alex in a whisper that steadily decreased in volume until Nicky could barely hear.

Oh, shit! thought Nicky. I've got to get over there; I need to be with him. Why does it have to end this way? Nicky began to cry, doing his very best to muffle the sounds. He wouldn't have felt any better about it had he known Alex was doing the same thing.

There was no more said, as if they reached a silent agreement to let their conversation end on that note. Nicky paced a bit before he went to his makeshift bed and lie down. Alex hobbled off to lay down, though for him it was a painful effort. Alex and Nicky were alone, almost together, but as far apart as they had ever been.

Separately, they drifted off to sleep. No more words were spoken as they were mired deep in their own thoughts. Troubled dreams kept them both tossing and turning all night, allowing them little slumber.

There was no longer a concept of time for Alex -- the level of light was always the same when there wasn't anyone in the dungeon. He didn't know if it was day or night, nor was there any way to tell. He assumed Nicky couldn't tell either -- at least in the upper parts of this world, there was some sense of day and night even if it was artificial. He awakened, staring at the ceiling, or as close to staring as one could without much light.

As far as he knew, it hadn't been a full day. But, for all he knew, it could have been longer. He'd only slept this one time although fitfully. He decided not to waste what time was left, and to speak to Nicky. He had to clear this up so there would be no further doubt.

"Nicky? Are you up?" he whispered.

"Yes. I can't sleep either."

"Nicky, you know I'm really bad at talking. You know how hard it is for me to express myself, right?"

"Yes, I know. Believe me, I of all people, know."

"Well, I just want you to know," said Alex, trailing off before starting again, " I mean, what I said before about loving you Š That is, I really meant it Š That was real Š I hope you know that. No matter what happens next, please just remember that." Alex couldn't believe what a mess of this he was making. He couldn't even form a proper sentence.

Alex was greeted by silence, and it crushed him. He had poured out his heart's most guarded secret and gotten nothing back. He tried to hold back the tears he could feel coming.

"Alex, sorry, but I wasn't expecting that. This question might sound dumb, or even stupid, but I want to be sure of something."

Alex was relieved, partially, that Nicky wasn't ignoring him, though the reaction he got still wasn't what he would have liked. "Sure of what?"

"I need you to tell me something, leaving no room for doubt."

"What's that?"

"You said you loved me. How? In what way? I'm getting some really mixed signals from you. I have to know."

Alex knew Nicky was entitled to an answer, but he was afraid to try and explain it, knowing he'd mess it up. He didn't want to say it, and yet he did. Time was running out, and he had to say it. He just had to. "I owe you this, Nicky. I just hope you don't hate me for saying it." Alex took a deep breath and was ready to speak when it suddenly grew much brighter, signalling the entrance of someone.

A pair of guards walked down the hallway, and stopped in front of Alex's cell. "By order of his Majesty the King, we are here to bring you before him for an audience. His Majesty has instructed us to tell you that you will not be permitted to see or speak to the Prince again. His Majesty has instructed we are to give you one half hour alone with the Prince so you can make your peace, if you so desire."

The guards opened the cell door, and took Alex out. It was more gentle than Alex had expected. But, however gentle the guards were, it was still rough and Alex was still sore from his earlier beating. He was sure he was bruised everywhere.

One of the guards took his things, "We'll have these waiting for you when you're done with your meeting with the King since you won't be returning to the cell. Do you want your audience with Prince Nikolai?"

"Yes, I do," said Alex, his heart skipping a beat, though it felt like it stopped entirely.

The guards opened Nicky's cell and gently pushed Alex inside. He inhaled deeply to mask the pain the simple push had caused when Nicky caught him. The contact hurt despite the fact he welcomed it.

••••••••

When Alex heard the guards coming exactly one half-hour later, he put himself in order, gave Nicky one last embrace, and didn't even try to stop the tears that rolled down his cheeks. Nicky didn't bother trying to put himself in order. He just didn't care. Alex was leaving forever and that was all he had left to live for.

The guards opened the door, and took him outside. "You will be required to wear these shackles and manacles until we reach the audience chamber. It is the law."

Alex grimaced at the thought of wearing them. He knew it would hurt because everything that touched him caused pain. Any energy he had left had been spent. He knew he'd have to take it in stride as everything was on the line. Everything.

Alex sensed something had changed. The guards were being civil. He knew he had his chance to save Nicky, and that's all that mattered. He thought of an old Dan Hill song he didn't particularly care for until the past half-hour had made it all seem so relevant.

And sometimes when we touch

The honesty's too much

And I have to close my eyes and hide

I wanna hold you 'til I die

'Til we both break down and cry

I wanna hold you 'til the fear in me subsides.

They approached the throne room and were ushered in immediately. The King was on his throne, and speaking with some sort of official. Alex saw the Exarch nearby clearly eavesdropping on the King's conversation. The Exarch noticed Alex immediately and the Exarch's smile faded rapidly into a sneering scowl.

As in courts all over the world, the quest for knowledge and jockeying for position never stopped. Alex wasn't aware of the courtly dance and the King didn't care. As Alex was brought forward the buzzing noise of the courtiers' talk gradually died down until silence permeated every crack of the throne room. At the silence, the King finally noticed Alex, and he said something to the official, which was clearly a curt dismissal because the official left with great haste.

Alex was summoned before the King.

"The King commands your presence front and center," said the page, pointing to a spot on the floor in front the King, but not too near.

Alex shuffled forward as best as he could, noticing the guards stayed back. He would have bowed but it was an impossibility with the set of chains he wore. He did his best to nod his head and indicate the effort of respect. Apparently that was all that was expected of him as no rebuke or command followed.

"We understand that you demanded an audience with us. It is your right, and you may speak now," The King spoke loudly in a voice all could hear.

"Your Majesty, I did ask to speak with you. Although the Exarch tried to convince me that he was in charge, I thought this matter was best delivered to you directly."

The Exarch came forward a look of concealed rage on his face, to speak in his own defence, but the King waved him back peremptorily. "Then speak, so we can make your sentence formal."

"Your Majesty may prefer to hear this in private."

"Do not presume to tell us what we prefer," said the King, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Very well then. Your son is due to be executed. That's happening because Nicky didn't find me and kill me as you ordered. I have a solution and can give you back your son."

"Tell me more," said the King, obviously interested.

"Well, your Majesty, it's like this. I'm only going to tell you if we're alone and these chains are removed. Now, you can kill me for not telling you, I understand that. But you're going to kill me anyway. I have no chance at survival, so you either do it my way and your son has a chance to live, or he dies." Alex knew the King loved his son. He knew it from their interaction when he had first met them. It really wasn't a gamble for Alex. He knew he'd get his way.

The King's face grew red. He knew he was beaten. He loved his son, and while a death was required, if there was a chance it could be Alex's alone instead of Nicky's as well, he had to take it.

"Very well. We will grant this unusual request. Everyone shall leave immediately and wait outside until we recall you."

The crowd obeyed and within moments only two guards and the Exarch remained. The King looked at Alex. Alex looked back and said, "We are not alone."

The King shot a glare at the Exarch and the guards who immediately understood that staying was no longer an option. The Exarch and one of the guards beat a hasty retreat towards the exit. It was, Alex supposed, the captain of the guard. Alex said, "We are still not alone. And if you don't mind, I'd like to be unchained."

The King held his anger for the sake of his doomed son and motioned to the other guard to leave. "Your Majesty, I cannot allow it. You cannot be left alone. I am commanded to be here."

"We are the King. We command it. What order outranks mine?"

"I am sworn to protect you with my life," said the guard, but with far less certainty when he realized the Exarch was no longer there.

"You think this child could harm me? Do you think your King a defenceless coward or an old dotard?"

"No, Sire. Of course not. Nothing of the kind," said the guard who was slowly backing towards the door.

"Leave us before we have you killed! Never forget, our command is law. Even when it contradicts the Exarch. Especially when it contradicts the Exarch."

The last guard left, and Alex was alone with the King. Alex knew better than to smile with the satisfaction he felt.

"Well, tell me. We have done as you asked even though you humiliated us in front of our court."

"I apologize to your Majesty for that. However, when I tell you my plan you will understand the need for privacy. I don't suppose you will undo these chains."

"We think not. If you demand it, we will have to accede, but please allow us some dignity. If you give us our son back, we will give your anything you ask -- even your life."

"That's fine but if I give you your son back, I'll be dead because the only way you're going to get your son back is if he kills me of his own free will. Is that the sum of it?"

"Yes, it is," replied the King, wondering if his only hope had already slipped away.

"So, if I can get Nicky to kill me voluntarily, then his life is no longer forfeit?"

"That is correct."

"Your Majesty, let me be blunt, then. I know you don't like me, nor do you trust me. That's fine because I don't like you either. Earlier today, just before I came here, I learned something we have in common. And because of that I'm going to tell you how to get Nicky to kill me."

The King was perplexed at the offer. "You're offering to let him kill you? Why would you do that? I don't understand. You're going to die anyway. Wouldn't you prefer a quick death by an executioner?"

"I got you rattled, didn't I? You dropped that 'we' and switched to 'I' instead. Good. I'm glad I have your interest. As I said, I discovered we have something in common. We both love Nicky very, very much, just in different ways. I love him enough to give my life up for him and that's what I plan to do."

The King was beside himself. This was more information than he could handle. Everything was going wrong. Alex loved Nicky? In what way? Dared he ask? Did he even want to know? Worse, did Nicky love Alex?

"Your Majesty?" inquired Alex, noticing the King's attention had wandered away.

"You will understand this is all too much for me to accept so suddenly. It required much thought and consideration, yet I know I don't have the time since the execution has already been scheduled. However, the bottom line is that I love my son and if your plan will achieve his salvation, then I am willing to listen."

The King reached under his robe, and pulled out a single key on a gilded chain. He used it to open a chest, in which were more keys. He took one of those keys, and undid Alex's chains. He returned the key, and locked it back up, and dropped the master key into a pocket in his velvet robes.

"One doesn't often see the King do manual labour here, not even turning a key. One never sees the King release a prisoner with his own hands. I'm showing my trust in you, and I hope you'll trust me. We have a common goal here. I will risk my throne to see it work."

Outside, the guards were growing concerned, hearing no noises or no voices.

There was a great pounding at the door. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty? Is all well inside?"

"Yes, confound it! We are the King, you stupid fool! We will let you know when we are ready. Do you think this boy could harm us?"

"No, Sire! Of course not! Should you need us, we await your command."

"Of course. We know this. Now be silent!"

"As you command, Sire."

The King rolled his eyes and looked at Alex, "You have no idea how hard it is to be King. Now, where were we?"

Alex was ready to speak, but the King continued. "We, I mean I, wish to clarify some issues. I have nothing against you personally. My son brought you to this world against all rules and tradition. Forgiving broken rules is easier than forgiving a broken tradition. I cannot allow my authority to be undermined by this. It would be the same if you were the love of his life." The normally unflappable King turned a shade of red when he realized what he said and the possible truth of the matter.

"I can't pretend to understand you, your world, and especially the Exarch. But, I am beginning to understand Nicky. Enough to where I know he won't kill me of his own free will," said Alex matter-of-factly.

"Then how do you propose we fix this?"

"It's really simple. At least in theory. I don't know how much you know about hypnotism, but a person who has been hypnotized cannot be made to do something that is far out of their realm of moral reality. If he was told to kill you, or me, he couldn't."

"That is correct, I believe."

"However, there is a way that has been used in the past by some dishonest people. It is that which I am proposing."

"Continue. I am still interested."

"The only thing we have to trust in is that you can get a trustworthy hypnotist. Anyway, let us assume we hypnotize him. Now, here's where we have to be careful."

Alex paused as there was, once again, a knocking at the door.

"Sire, is all well?" boomed the voice of the Exarch. Alex knew this meeting must be very unusual, since the Exarch was now getting involved personally.

"If you dare interrupt again, we will have your head! We commanded silence and obedience. We will have it. We will not be disobeyed again."

"Yes Sire," said the Exarch taken aback at the King's very harsh words. He wasn't used to the rough treatment. He was furious that he had just been rebuked in front of the guards. This was a blow to his authority.

Alex resumed, "A person who is hypnotized still recognizes those he cares about. He will also act to protect those people. Now, if we make him believe he is a sharpshooter with a gun, he will believe that because it's not an unrealistic thing for someone to believe. Now, let's say there's a threat to me, say a small, deadly snake crawling on me. Are you with me?"

"Your plan has a flaw. Hypnotism will not produce the effect you desire, but I believe we have some drugs that will have the same effect and allow us to suggest such a thing to him. We don't have guns as a rule down here, but I'm sure we can think of something to explain one."

"He will be made to believe he's a sharpshooter, and he will shoot at the snake. He may or may not hit the snake, but if he's close enough, you're guaranteed he'll hit me. If you use two or three snakes, you're guaranteed he'll kill me."

"And you'd be willing to do this voluntarily?" inquired the King.

"I am. I will do anything to save Nicky. Anything."

"You're an amazing person, Alex Maitland. I mean that. I don't think one citizen of mine is as brave as you. If things were different you'd be a valuable person here. Sadly, that will not be. We are a people of tradition, and this task must be fulfilled. As King I must do what's right for the people and what is expected by the people. A king is both commander and servant." The King paused to make sure Alex was absorbing what he was being told.

"I am going to have to put you back in the cell, you understand. It wasn't part of the original scheme, but this will certainly do."

"I'm going to be dead soon. It really doesn't matter what you do. As long as you save Nicky, I'll die happy. Do we have a bargain?"

"I give you my promise as King."

"I don't want your promise as King. I want your word as Nicky's father."

"You really are something else, Alex," said the King with a half-hearted smile. "Then you have it. On my word as Nicky's father, we will study your plan, and implement it somehow. I think Raisa would have liked you were she still alive."

"Raisa?"

"Nicky's mother. My wife." The King sighed.

Alex smiled. That was good enough for him. His thoughts drifted back to Nicky as the King summoned the guards back in. The entourage of people came in, silently, because they knew something had happened, they just didn't know what.

The courtiers would resume their talking immediately. The balance of power had changed, and luck was with the first man who determined how. People would begin to try and figure how to use this new situation to their advantage.

As soon as the guards were in position, the King commanded two of them to come forth. "You, there. Come here. Take this man to his cell. As it is his last day on this world, he is to be treated well. For though he is condemned, he will die a man of honour."

The noise from the courtiers grew to a fevered pitch, for this was most unusual indeed.