The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

Of Love and War

"And I thought the sight of one dragon was amazing. But the sight of two, and now three..." a voice said from behind me. That voice made me grow rigid, and sent shivers up and down my spine. Not the good kind either...

Slowly, I turned to look at him, feeling my pulse race for reasons I did not want to admit. What was he doing here? "Miles..." I breathed. "I didn't realize you were joining the Varden." He smirked in that way that was so familiar to me, but not from him.

"That seems to be a talent of mine: showing up in places where you least expect it," he said, coming to stand beside me and gaze out over the party. "My father got it into his head to join the Varden when he'd heard you'd gone missing. I think he feels you are his last connection to Adelaide, and the thought of losing you nearly sent him mad. I was afraid I'd have to tie him up to keep him from going to Uru'baen himself to get you back."

"Braeden is here as well?" I asked incredulously.

"Yes, and he's been waiting to speak to you all day," Miles replied. I couldn't stop myself from looking over at him, and the moment I did I regretted it. As I looked at him, I could just glimpse Thorn over his shoulder, draped across the city walls and keeping an eye on things. It was impossible not to think of Murtagh in that moment.

"Tabatha!" I heard from across the crowd. Then I saw Braeden coming towards us, a bright smile upon his face.

"Hello," I said once he was close enough, feigning as much happiness as I could muster. "It is good to see you again, Braeden."

"We thought the worst, Tabatha. I am overjoyed to see you safely returned to us," he said, wrapping me in a quick hug.

"I'm glad to be back," I said, giving him a small smile. I didn't think it was very convincing though, for he eyed me carefully before taking a step back.

"Well," he said, "I'm sure you're busy enjoying yourself and getting caught up with your friends and family." He glanced over at Miles. "I'll leave you to it. We shall speak later." He turned and strode briskly away, disappearing in the throngs of people.

"You should not treat him so," Miles said once his father was out of sight. "He was sick with worry when you were taken; he loves you as if you were his own child." I could hear the derision in his voice, and wondered if there was jealousy there.

"I'm sorry," I said, trying to clear my head, "it isn't him, it's just—"

"What?" he snapped very suddenly, turning to face me. "Just what, Tabatha? You cannot use your kidnapping as an excuse. You've been like this ever since we first met."

I could feel my anger rising up inside of me. "You wouldn't understand," I snarled, staring up at him hatefully.

He grabbed me by both of my arms, squeezing to the point of pain. "Then make me understand," he growled.

'Tabatha, what's happening?' Amera asked in concern. I could hear her deep growl from across the party.

'It's all right,' I told her. 'I've got it under control.' I struggled against Miles' strong grip; I knew I could have used my magic against him, but I didn't want to. These people were afraid of me enough as it was; I didn't need to give them another excuse to fear me. "Unhand me," I growled, pushing against his chest.

"Just talk to me," he pleaded. "Tell me what it is I have done to offend you."

"I asked you the same thing once, Miles," I spat. "And you told me it was not because of anything I had done, but because of who I was. Well, I can't stand the sight of you Miles." Finally, I was able to break free of his grip.