AUTHOR'S NOTES: This is a direct sequel to my previous story My Impetuous Youth, and you should familiarize yourself with that fanfic before reading this one. This story takes place 11 years later. This story should finish up my whole arc on Autolycus's children and grandchildren once and for all. It's not like I haven't enjoyed writing them (I've *LOVED* them), but I can't find any more stories to write about them (except for ubers). I have one more Autolycus fanfic ("The Captive") in the works, but it's completely unrelated.
Also, one twist in the story is something I didn't come up with until the recent past. I wanted to make this final story especially good, and I found the perfect way to close this series of fanfics. I hope you're satisfied by the result as well.
DISCLAIMER: Autolycus and a few other familiar characters don't belong to me, they belong to Rob Tapert and company. Hermia, Necros, and any other unfamiliar names belong to me. This is a G-rated story, but it does refer to something violent. No language, no sexual situations.
Please, please, please send comments to zimamcfru@hotmail.com. I don't care if you love it or you want to say "Writers like you should be dragged out in the street and shot." I at least would like to know if I'm being read. I'll start sending mail myself in response to stories if need be, but please give me feedback.
2 B.C., Greece
A young brunette, curly-haired woman walked down the dirt street of the city she was shopping in. Her head held high, she tried not to look too obvious to the officers standing a few hundred feet away. She was just here to get her mom a birthday present, she didn't need any problems today.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she purchased a leather pouch without incident. She thanked the vendor and turned around- right into an officer.
"Well, hello there, *princess*," said the officer. "I see you're actually getting things the right way this time."
The yong woman turned her head. "Leave me alone." She started to walk away, but the officer grabbed her arm.
"Not till you pay for your fifteen other 'purchases'," he said pointedly.
The young woman pulled away and took off like a shot. "Get her!" said the arresting officer.
Using the crowd to her advantage, the young woman raced as fast as she could to avoid the local police. Things went okay until she came to a high stone wall. Seeing the police some distance away, she opened her purse. With practiced ease she opened her inherited grappling hook, secured it on top of the wall, and climbed. Once she got on the other side, she put the device back in her purse and took off running. She just barely avoided crashing into a young man about her age.
"Whoa, be careful," said the young man with a laugh. "What's the hurry?"
She wasn't sure if she should admit the truth. "The authorities claim I stole this purse," she said, holding up the bag she bought for her mother. "They think I look like a thief who's been going around."
He grabbed her hands. "Don't worry, I'll get them off your trail," he said. As the police arrived, he walked in their direction.
"What is your business, gentlemen?" the young man asked.
One police officer bowed. "Sire, we have orders to arrest that woman."
"She is now under my protection," he said. "Leave us alone."
The guards hesitated and looked at each other in confusion. The lead guard shrugged. "Whatever you say, Prince Necros." They then left.
Prince? The young woman was excited. She'd never met royalty before, and had been in too much of a hurry to notice his elegant clothes, or the two escorts. Today was indeed looking much better.
Necros came to her then. "Would you like to stay at my castle for a while?" he asked sweetly. "If the authorities are on your trail without good reason, you can use the safety."
The young woman smiled. "That would be great. My name is Princess Hermia of Delios," she said, holding out her hand.
Necros raised an eyebrow. "Princess of Delios? What are you doing out here?"
"My father's on a diplomatic mission," she said, careful to make it sound legitimate. "I was buying this for my mother, who's back home. I'm sure my father won't mind if I stay where it's safe. He'll be here a week, will that be okay?"
Necros smiled. "Why don't you see if you can make it longer? Meet me back here in a few hours, and I'll show you to the castle."
"Okay," said Hermia cheerfully, and she turned around and left.
Hermia mostly wandered around for a few hours to make it appear she was talking with her father. Her home was only a half hour away, not the two days' walk Delios was. It was true Hermia was a princess, but not a true princess. She was the granddaughter of Autolycus, the king of thieves. He had been dead for eleven years now, and her father Arthur was now the king of thieves. Being the baby of the family, Hermia wasn't the next in line. Her brother Demetrius was.
The funny thing, though, was that Hermia was the only thief in the family. Having inherited Autolycus's grappling hook two days before he died, she'd put it to good use. She started small with a few groceries when she didn't have enough dinars for food at the age of fourteen, but she moved up to bigger items. She paid when she had the money, though.
The rest of her family was nothing like her. Xenos, her next oldest brother, was a tough kid but she usually participated in sports. her father, mother, and Demetrius were all quiet types. Her oldest brother, Iole, had died in a street brawl a few years back. Always teased about his name- which had been chose for harmless reasons- he let it go too far one day. He was beaten and just never woke up. She choked up every time she thought about her grandfather and brother, and hid it by stealing.
When Hermia met up with Necros, she prayed that he wouldn't find out her true heritage. If she was lucky, maybe he was just protecting her. She wasn't that naive not to notice a hint of something deeper, though.
She was impressed right away by the castle. Necros explained to the servants who Hermia was, and to call his parents. "You have to meet my grandmother, too," said Necros to Hermia when the servents left. "You'll love her, she's an amazing woman."
When they were summoned into the throne room, Hermia saw a couple dressed like perfectly molded statues. Hermia was beginning to fell more and more out of place.
"Mother, father, this is princess Hermia of Delios. Her father is on a diplomatic mission, and I've invited her to stay with us for a few weeks. Hermia, this is King Cassius and Queen Memnia, my parents," Necros said.
Hermia curtsied. "Pleased to meet you, your highnesses."
"Welcome, Hermia," said King Cassius. "I hope you will introduce us to your father while you are here. We could use another ally."
Hermia gulped. "I'll get word to him," she said, hoping she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.
They heard footsteps approaching. "Ah, here's my grandmother," said Necros.
The woman who walked in was in her early seventies, but looked terrific. With an elegant blue gown, well-styled hair, and soft makeup she was stunning.
"Grandma Cecilia, this is Hermia," said Necros.
Cecilia studied Hermia for a moment, then nodded her head. "Pleased to meet you, my dear."
"Our servants will show you to your room, and then you may join us for dinner," said Memnia, speaking for the first time.
"Thank you, your grace," said Hermia.
After a scrumptious meal of roasted duck, Hermia retreated to her bedroom. It was just a few doors down from Necros's room, and she was amazed at how even guest bedrooms were furnished in a castle. She panicked when she realized she had nothing else to wear, but Cecilia provided some nice outfits.
Hermia grabbed some scroll paper to alert her parents. "Dear mom and dad, I'm sorry I won't be able to make it home for a few weeks. I was almost arrested for stealing- though I didn't take anything- and a royal family was kind enough to take me in. Mom, have a great birthday, and I'll give you my present when I return home. I'll be home in a few weeks, so don't worry. Love, Hermia." She then gave the scroll to one of the guards, and told him where to take it from there.
A few days later Necros and Hermia walked through the garden by the castle. Hermia was beginning to fall for Necros, with his good looks and chivalrous attitude. Having never been in love before, Hermia found it thrilling.
"Do you know where your dad is, Hermia?" asked Necros suddenly.
Hermia nervously shook her head. "He only said that he was meeting with local officials. Why?"
Necros turned her to him. "Because I'd like to let him know that I care for you. A lot."
Hermia was dumbstruck. "Necros, we've only known each other for a few days."
"And I'm crazy about you already," said Necros. "I know you feel the same way. I knew from the minute I laid eyes on you that you're something special. Princess or not, you're wonderful."
Hermia's face lit up. "Necros, you don't know how happy I am to hear that."
Things remained fine until one week after Hermia came to the castle. She and Necros were becoming more enchanted with each other, and the king and queen knew that they seemed to be meant for each other. They were still concerned that Hermia's father hadn't materialized, but they figured he would when the two weeks were over.
Hermia was walking around the castle to stretch her legs when she heard the outer door open. Hermia went into the throne room, concerned that they could be burglars. Two officers came in, the same ones from the marketplace.
"Well, *princess*, we meet again," said one guard. "We were hoping we'd find you still here."
Hermia back away. "No. No, you're not taking me away. I've found people who love me here, and they're not going to let you take me."
The other guard chuckled. "Yeah, sure. Wait till they hear you're not a real princess. They'll *really* let you stay then."
Hermia was glad the main family had gone out for the day, and Cecilia wasn't nearby, so they couldn't hear them. "Leave me alone. I'm not going to jail. I don't even steal regularly! Leave me alone!"
"You're coming with us, sweetie," said the first guard. "Now be a good girl and go peacefully, and we won't hurt you."
Hermia knew insincerity too well. She turned and ran, with the guards in pursuit.
"Hermia, come in here," said Cecilia from a nearby bedroom. Hermia ran into the bedroom, and Cecilia stayed at the doorframe. She put her hands on her hips as the soldiers came.
"Gentlemen, I would like you to leave this castle at once," said Cecilia, with a sternness Hermia hadn't heard from her yet.
One soldier chuckled. "Lady, we need to take her with us."
"Before you forget, I used to be the queen. I still have authority when the reigning family isn't present," said Cecilia. "I will take care of Hermia. Leave before I have *you* arrested for trespassing."
"All right, ma'am," said one guard. "Don't say we didn't warn you."
Once the soldiers left, Hermia sank onto the bed. She already figured that Cecilia had heard the conversation, from the tone in her voice. She was in for it.
Cecilia turned around, a stern but kind expression on her face. "Do you mind explaining what's going on? I don't appreciate lies."
Hermia sighed. "The soldiers are right. I'm not a real princess. I don't come from Delios, I come from the small town of Hebron, a half hour away. My family knows where I am, I sent them a letter."
"How did you do that?" asked Cecilia evenly.
"I had one of the guards send it. He doesn't know what it said, though."
Cecilia sighed. "If you're not a real princess, then why pretend it? No kingdom is going to say you're from there, we would have found you out sooner or later."
"That's just the way my family is," said Hermia. "I'm an unofficial princess."
"Stop lying," said Cecilia sharply.
"I'm not!" said Hermia quickly. "I'm a princess, the princess of thieves."
Cecilia suddenly had a completely different expression on her face. "Of thieves? Are you related to Autolycus?"
Hermia was suprised by Cecilia's sudden change in demeanor. "Of course, he's my grandfather."
Cecilia sank down on a nearby chair, a wistful expression on her face. "I can't believe it, I thought I'd never meet up with him again."
Hermia was confused. "You knew my grandfather?"
Cecilia turned to her. "Yes, we met forty years ago. Have you... did you ever hear of a woman named Cupcake?"
Hermia laughed. "Cupcake? Of course, where do you think-" She broke off in realization. "Wait a minute. You're Cupcake?"
She nodded.
"By the gods, I can't believe it," said Hermia excitedly. "My grandfather talked about you so much, it made grandma jealous. I can't believe it's you."
"He *has* talked about me?" asked Cupcake. "I thought that he didn't want any reminders of me, because I haven't seen him since I married Alexandros."
"He's always cared about you," said Hermia. "He knew that he couldn't have you because you wanted someone honest, but he never forgot you. In fact, when I was born, he insisted that I be named after you."
"The name I used when I met Alexandros," said Cupcake slowly.
"Why do you use Cecilia now?" asked Hermia.
"That was my given name. Cupcake was my stage name. Alexandros always called me Cupcake in private, but when I became queen I had the people call me the other name. I don't think Necros ever heard my old name," said Cupcake. "Is Autolycus still alive?"
Hermia shook her head. "He died ten years ago. My father's the new king of thieves."
Cupcake then seemed to switch back to her sterner expression. "Why did he insist on keeping the title?"
Hermia shrugged. "Wouldn't you like to feel more important with a royal title?"
"Not if it's a fraud," said Cupcake. She stood up. "You should let Necros know the truth. I'll tell my son. I'm sure Necros will be forgiving, he's always been a bit naive, but Cassius won't be so easy."
Hermia sighed as Cupcake left the room. She prayed that she could still get out of this.
"You mean you're really Autolycus's granddaughter?" asked Necros later. He looked more suprised than upset.
Hermia nodded.
Necros smiled. "This is great. I mean, your grandpa and my grandma didn't work oout, but we still could."
"You mean you're not angry at me?" Hermia said hopefully.
"Well, you weren't completely lying when you said you were a princess, you're just a different kind of princess. I still love you," said Necros.
Hermia smiled. "Thank you, Necros, that means so much to me."
She heard a throat being cleared behind her. "I, however, won't be so easy to win over," said Cassius.
They broke apart and turned to see Cassius and Cupcake at the door. "Dad, I still love her, please don't break us up," said Necros.
"She's deceived us, that's a crime very hard to pardon," said Cassius. "Hermia, did you plot to pose as a princess just to avoid the authorities?"
Hermia bit her lip. "That's only half the-"
"*Did* you or did you not?" he interrupted.
Hermia felt tears coming to her eyes. "Necros saw I was in danger, and he said I could stay with him. I didn't say I was a princess until after he offered shelter."
Cassius raised an eyebrow. "Is this true, son?"
Necros searched his memory. "I think so."
Cassius sighed. "And you still continued to lie for this past week. This won't go without some consequences."
Hermia gulped. Cassius sighed. "I won't forbid any possible marriage, since my son does appear to care very much for you. I do ask that you leave this castle at once. I will give you one year, and if my son decides that he still loves you, you may return. Until then, you are not to see him or write to him. Understand?"
"Yes, your highness," said Hermia, bowing politely.
"Then leave," he barked.
"Hey Herm, I hear you had a sweetheart," said Xenos the next day. Having been away when she returned, he'd only now heard the whole story.
"Leave me alone, Xenos," she said shortly.
"Aw come on, it's your first boyfriend. I want to hear all the details," he said with a smile.
"Leave her alone, Xenos," said Demetrius, coming in. "She had a rough time yesterday, she doesn't need the third degree."
"What, baby sis finally gets a love life and I can't hear about it? Where's the fun in that?" Xenos said. "Hey, if they get married, she'll be a real princess. I want to hear about this guy, I could use connections."
"She might not marry the guy, so be quiet," said Demetrius.
"Guys, please, just leave me alone," Hermia said. "I don't need this right now, I'm upset enough. Please, just... give me space."
"Okay, okay," said Xenos more quietly. "I'm sorry. You don't have to say anything unless you feel like it."
"Thanks," she said. She then headed to her room."
Hermia picked up the grappling hook, lost in the somewhat fuzzy memories she had of her grandfather. She remembered a kind old man who would tell her stories and bounce her on his knees, always the apple of his eye. He was her best playmate until he caught the respiratory disease that took his life.
She closed her eyes. 'Grandpa, I know you can hear my thoughts. I love Necros. He's Cupcake's grandson. I know you'd be happy if you still had a link with her. Please, if it's meant to be, let me be with him. I'd be proud to accomplish what you wanted. Bless this possible union.'
After her prayer, she did feel much better.
As the year passed, Hermia grew more anxious for the official news. True to her word she didn't make contact with Necros, and would spend much time each week praying.
Demetrius fell in love with a woman named Daphne, and they married a month before Hermia's time was up. Xenos joined a local kickball league, and was usually gone for weeks. Hermia knew time was passing her by, but she was anxious to know what was in store for her.
Arthur came to see her as she was sitting by the window on the anniversary day. "What's wrong, honey? I'm sure you'll be allowed to be with Necros."
Hermia sobbed. "My mind keeps saying his father won't let him. I don't doubt Necros, but his father's a different story."
Arthur brushed a stray hair from her face. "Just keep the faith, dear. From what you've told me about that week, your chances are good."
Hermia sniffed in response. Then she saw the royal court outside. "Dad, they're here," she said breathlessly, jumping away from the window and running to the door.
Hermia yanked open the door just as the king approached after dismounting. "Good day, your highness," Hermia said, remembering her manners.
"Hello, Hermia," he said in a lukewarm voice. Then he noticed as Arthur approached. "You must be her father."
"Arthur. Pleased to meet you, your highness," he said. "Hermia spoke well of you and your family. Especially Necros. Thank you for taking care of her then."
Cassius nodded, then turned to Hermia. "Hermia, Necros has vowed that he wants you for his wife. Since he refuses to budge, I will allow it."
Hermia just about collapsed in relief. "Oh, thank you thank you thank you, Cassius. I mean, thank you, your highness."
Cassius nodded and straightened. "However, there is one catch as your punishment for lying to us."
Hermia went pale. "Yes, your highness."
"You must not wear the title or own all privaleges of queen when Necros takes the throne. Since you aren't a true princess, that would be a given, but you still cannot take the title. You'll officially be Princess Hermia of Antioch, but you can't be queen."
Hermia nodded. "I accept, your highness, thank you."
Cassius nodded. "You can come back to the castle when you want, I know you have a few things to do first."
"I can be there by tomorrow," Hermia said brightly. "Thanks, King Cassius."
Cassius nodded and then ordered his troops to go. After shutting the door, Hermia threw her arms around her father. "Dad, you were right, he was fair. I'm going to miss you all so much. Even Xenos."
Arthur chuckled. "You'll make a great princess, Hermia. I know your grandfather is smiling about this."
Hermia smiled. "Thanks, dad. I'm sure Cassius will let you visit. At least now there will be a real king or queen of thieves."