"I don't think it was stupid, I think you're just trusting." He smiled. "That's a good thing, you just need to know who to trust." He assured her. "Besides, at least pleasant things slip out of your mouth, unlike yours truly." He chuckled, referring to himself.

He stiffled a yawn, and forced himself to keep his eyes wide open. With a small start, Kale realized he was keeping her up far past the time he should have. An annoying voice in the back of his head told him that he had already gone far beyond the boundaries off what he 'should' do. Sneaking out here with her, pretending to be asleep, lying to his brother... And planning to do it again.

He hesitated. "I think I should go." He said quietly, hating the words as they came out of his mouth. "I can't keep you up much later, your parents, and mine too, will probably wonder why we're so tired in the morning." He wanted anything but to leave her. "But I want to see you again. Soon. Anne... do you think you could meet me in the meadow just within the woods tomorrow? At noon?" He asked, starting to stand up. "I understand if you can't, or don't want to..." He said shyly, again wondering what had gotten into him.

Every fiber of his being said not to leave. But he had to. Every moment he was with her, he risked their chances of ever seeing each other again. And if they were found out, and it was his fault, he could never forgive himself. He was made increasingly aware of this as he heard another guard pass by at the base of the balcony. The clanking of the soldier's armor faded away, and Kale waited for Anne to speak.

" Goodnight then. Yes, I will meet you in the meadow tomorrow noon. " Anne told him with a smile. She was actually quite sleepy too. She watched him as he leave. And when he was gone, she went inside her bedroom then locked her balcony door. She lied down on her bed, with a big smile on her face. Then there was a knock on her door.

" Come in! " she said. It was Erica who entered. Anne immediately sat up straight. Erica smiled at her and sat down beside her.

" He came here, didn't he? " Erica asked her. Anne nodded, unable to hide her blushing face.

" How did you know? " Anne asked Erica.

" Because that's what a gentleman would do. Now, you go to sleep " Erica kissed her forehead then left. Anne lied back down and immediately fell asleep.

Kale made his way down the wall with considerably more difficulty than the climb up had been. He made a mad dash for the woods, and hid there as a guard passed. Kale waited, watching as Anne closed the balcony door. He continued to watch until the candle light flickered out, and her room was covered in darkness. He sighed wistfully, and sank against a tree. He yawned, and knew he had to get back home quickly. If he feel asleep in the woods, something would eat him for sure. And he wasn't even kidding with himself.

"I will see you again soon Anne." He whispered into the darkness. After a silent moment, he turned around, and fled the Water Kingdom, heading back towards his own kingdom.

For the first ten minutes of his trek back, he felt alert, and awake. But then his temporary excitement while his mind buzzed with thoughts of Anne faded away. He stumbled as if he was drugged, and fell against a tree. Still he pressed on. He just had to get back home, then he would be safe, and able to collapse into a warm bed until morning. All he wanted was for time to fast-forward to noon the next day. But he had to get home before that could happen.

Kale heard several distinctive yelps ring out through the forest. It was a small wolf-like creature called the Myrita. They were jet black, and covered in coarse, matted fur. Nick-named Dire Wolves. The Dire Woods had gotten the name from it's habit of harboring Dire Wolves. The monstrous creatures neared six feet long, and four feet tall. In Kale's current condition, a sword would do him no good. So he decided running was the best option. There was an invisible barrier surrounding the Sky Kingdom that kept the Wolves out of the castle, and the surrounding city. If he could make it across, he would be home free.

Kale took off at a dead run, ignoring the burning pain in his thighs. He heard howls, and excited yowls behind him. The sound of the pack's paws thudding on the ground seemed to surround him. He was so close...

Suddenly the growls, and barks became frustrated, and faded behind him. He had made it. Kale made his way, stumbling along to his window, and carefully, slipping the whole way, climbed up the wall. As he finally made it back to safety, he fell into his bed like a sack of potatoes, and fell asleep instantly.

Anne dreamed that she was in their dining room, with her family. They were asking her how the masquerade ball went. She answered their questions, just skipping the part when she had talked to Kale. They smiled at her, and then suddenly some people entered the door with their swords. Anne immediately recognized their clothing, those are the guards of the Sky Kingdom. But why were they here? They suddenly ran and took her parents, but leaving me stunned. And Anne did one thing, she screamed.

Anne bolted upright in her bed, her nightgown drenched in sweat. " It was only a dream " Anne muttered to calm herself down. Erica suddenly came running inside her bedroom. " What happened?! Are you alright? " Erica asked in a panicked tone.

" Yes, I'm alright. I just had a nightmare" Anne answered. Erica wiped her sweat using a hand towel, and when Anne assured her that she was alright, Erica left, although hesitant.

After a few minutes, Anne realized that sleeping was impossible. And it was only 4 am. She decided to read a book to make her feel sleepy.

{{OOC: Sorry about the huge post, it kinda took me away. :)}}

Kale woke as he heard loud knocking at his door. His eyes felt like they were glued shut, but he forced them open, and stumbled out of bed. Kale made his way to his bedroom door, and opened it. His vision blurred slightly in the light. He blinked a few times, and saw more clearly. He was greeted by his brother's face.

"Good Kale you're up- You look terrible." Daniel said, interrupting himself halfway through his sentence. "What did you do? Wrestle a Dire Wolf? Get dressed, you missed breakfast." Daniel scowled. "And to think I'd thought you had stopped sneaking out at night doing who-knows-what."

"On Danny you know I'd never stop." Kale grinned arrogantly. "I'll be out in a few minutes." Kale promptly shut the door in Daniel's face. He heard a frustrated growl-like sound come through the door from his older brother, before his footsteps faded away down the hallway. Kale let out a breath of relief. Danny knew he had snuck out. Which was one step closer to knowing that he had snuck out to see Anne the night before.

Anne. Kale jumped up on his bed and started leaping around in joy. If he could, he would shout that he loved his life. Remembering the sound of Anne's voice made him feel warm, and fuzzy inside. Which reminded him. He had to get ready to see her. He was going to meet her in the meadow. At noon. Kale glanced up at the clock on his wall. It was ten o'clock. He had slept in... He had to get ready, or he'd be late!

Kale rushed to his dresser, and quickly got dressed. Afterwards he combed out his messy hair. Despite his efforts, it still stuck out at odd angles. He blew hair out of his eyes. It would never comb straight... He sighed. "Oh well." He muttered. After buckling on his sword, and putting a few different random things in his pockets, he decided he was ready.

Kale rushed out his room, and brushed past his mother walking down the hallway. "Kale! Don't run!" She called after him.

"Yeah mom!" He called, continuing to run along down the hallway, skidding to stop in the kitchen. He packed a quick lunch, and a picnic blanket. He hoped Anne liked picnics... Having packed lunch, he slipped the picnic basket over his arm, and made a mad dash through the castle, and out the front gates. He saw a guard scowl at him as he pushed past, but didn't care.

A few minutes later, he'd saddled a horse in the stable, and was riding through the woods at a steady lope. He wished time could go faster. Every second seemed like an hour. But soon enough, he arrived at the meadow, just on he edge of the Water Kingdom. He looked around. the green grass of the meadow waved suavely in the wind. Apple trees dotted the field. Birds chirped, and colorful butterflies fluttered around. But Anne was no where to be seen.

Kale dismounted the bay gelding that served as his mount. He pat the horse's neck, and lead equine to an apple tree, securing the reins to a branch. Then he laid out the blanket on the ground, and set the picnic basket aside. Then he waited.

She woke up with Erica by her side. " What time is it? " Anne asked her. " It's 10 am. Why? " Anne was suddenly startled by this. She quickly ran to the bathroom, and fixed herself up. She decided to wear a green dress that was just past her knees, and a red headband with a ribbon on the top. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was satisfied because it was her first time to dress as herself. Not in a heavy gown that made her trip everywhere she goes.

" Princess Anne! Where are you going? " Erica asked her.

" I'll just be in the meadow! But please tell everyone that I am in my library and that I don't want to be disturbed! " Anne smiled at Erica as she said it. Erica just smiled back and nodded.

After a few moments, she was in the stable and she rode her white horse swiftly. When she arrived in the meadow, she jumped from her horse, tied it to a nearby tree then ran towards Kale.

" Kale! " Anne called out with excitement.

Kale looked up, having been deep in thought. His features lit up as he saw her running towards him. His heart leaped for joy, and his legs moved without his consent. He ran, through the tall grass, brushing it aside with only one thought on his mind. He met her halfway in the center of the meadow.

"Anne!" He exclaimed joyfully. "You came." He whispered. Kale reached up, and brushed some wild strands of hair out of her face. He smiled, letting his hand drop by his side again, coming to rest by his thigh. He couldn't seem to stop smiling.

She looked so beautiful in her grass-colored sundress. He loved seeing her without the heavy make up of the masquerade ball. She didn't need a fancy dress, and jewels to be lovely. Kale's breath was taken away, and he wondered if he shouldn't have put more effort into making his hair behave... He promptly forgot about his hair as his eyes met hers. Their color was like the sky on a windy day, with hints of lilac and rose.

A gentle breeze blew past, causing the grass the move like waves, and brush against their legs. Birds sang sweet songs across the meadow. Kale could just stand three for all eternity. And as long as he had Anne there, he would be happy... A fantasy flashed through his mind. They both had a horse, maybe they could just run away together, and live in peace. They could change their names. Kale would take up honest work as a woodcutter, and they could live in a modest home, somewhere on the edge of a town far away. For an instant, he thought it was a great idea. But he knew that Anne would never leave her family behind. She loved them, and they loved her too. Kale could never take her away from family.

He broke the brief trance he'd put himself in, and gently took her hand. "Would you honor me with your presense at lunch? It's nothing fancy I'll admit, but..." He gestured, looking back at the picnic set up. "It's turkey sandwiches and cider." He smiled, hoping she would like it. He would hate to set all this up to find out she was alergic to flour, or a vegetarian...

Still the idea of running away spun around in his mind. Was it possible? Could they really live happily that way? He pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind.

" Anything is okay. I prefer picnics rather than formal lunches. It makes me feel weird to be cautious of the people around me who are always watching and observing me. " Anne said as she followed Kale. She sat down on the blanket that Kale prepared for her. If it was possible to die out of happiness, this would be the moment Anne would have died. This was the first time that she actually felt very happy. It was always with him. How come they haven't met before? Was she that anti-social? Or was her parents actually keeping her away from him?

The wind was cool and just perfect. She wouldn't have it any other way. The moment was very peaceful and..romantic for her. But she knew it would not last forever. Someday, her parents would find out that they talked and she would be executed for that. She would just be a disgrace to her family. ' No. My family would understand. My mother would. The problem is just my father. What if he learns about this? Would he hunt Kale and then kill him? I can't afford for that to happen ' Anne thought.

" Kale, what do we do now? What will happen to us in the future? I'm scared " Anne told him as she whispered the last part.

Kale smiled as she sat down. He felt impossibly happy just to be there with her. He wondered why they ha to be born into royal families. If they had been born as commoners the two of them would have been free to meet, talk, and see each other whenever they wanted to. But as royals with families at war... it wasn't so simple.

Kale started to pull some sandwiches out of the basket beside him. Then he heard her speak. It took a moment for him to replay her words in his mind, and figure out what she was saying. He was surprised to find that their trains of thought were running parallel.

"I... I don't know." Kale hated those three words. He sat down beside her, hearing fear in her voice. He took a deep breath, and continued. "But I know we can make this work. Somehow. Someway." Even as he spoke these words of hope, doubt found it's way into his mind. How could he tell her this when they were doomed? In truth..? Could he honestly tell her that they had a chance? "If we can just get our parents to stop fighting. Or leave them to their blindness, and find a new life." He suggested. "Anne... I've never met anyone like you before. And I already know I can't bear to lose you." He said, remembering, again, the last person he had lost. He had told Amalia the same thing. That he could never bear to lose her. And he had been right. Kale had been affected on a mental level.

"I'm not sure if you feel the same way as I do. But I hope... And I'll fight to make sure we can keep what we have." Kale looked her in the eye, and took her hands in his. "If anyone tries to take you from me, I'll never let go of you. Never." He said firmly, shaking his head. His molasses-colored eyes were dead serious, and filled with sincerity; as he meant every word.

"If anyone tries to take you from me, I'll never let go of you. Never." Kale told her. This made Anne feel warm. She honestly felt the same way about him. " And I won't go down without a fight. If it comes to it, I will gladly fight alongside you. " Anne said as she leaned her head on his shoulder. " I stopped caring about what others think about me. Their opinions doesn't matter at all. But what matters is, this family feud that's been going for decades now. Why does it have to be like this?" Anne said as she looked up at Kale with worried eyes.

" I can't afford to lose you. I'm afraid that one day you will go and leave me. When you realize that I'm not worth the trouble. When the wars go on because our families find out about us. I don't want you to go, Kale " Anne told him with so much fear on her voice.

She knows it won't be long before somebody finds out about their relationship. But she does know one thing. She will fight even her family if it gets down to that.

"I can't afford to lose you. I'm afraid that one day you will go and leave me. When you realize that I'm not worth the trouble. When the wars go on because our families find out about us. I don't want you to go, Kale." Anne told him fearfully. He hated seeing that fear in her ocean blue eyes. He wanted her to know that he would protect her when others tried to tear them down, and never leave her if the cavalry marched to try and separate them. Kale would stand his ground if faced by a thousand soldiers trying to tear them apart from each other, and he would never give up. Anne was worth every tear that would be shed, and every heart ache or pain in would cost him.

With her head resting against his shoulder, he reached up with one hand and gently stroked her silky hair. Kale needed her to feel safe. To know that he would keep her safe. Because he would. Kale heard the birds cease chirping, as if they could sense the need for silence. The wind fell, and suddenly the only people who mattered any more were the two of them.

He turned his head slightly, and whispered in her ear. "You're worth anything our parents try to throw in our way. And I'll fight through the Dire Woods every single day of my life just to see you, Anne. If that's what it takes... I will. There isn't enough trial or trouble to keep me away." He paused, "I promise." Kale whispered, as he pulled away from her ear, and looked down into her eyes. He could so easily become lost in her eyes. Like a ship in the sea, caught by the waves.

Kale caught himself leaning forward to kiss her, but stopped himself, and froze. He was sure that would be overstepping his bounds. They had just met, afterall. Besides, she probably didn't want to... no. He inched away, half-hoping she hadn't noticed he momentary lapse of concentration.

Anne noticed Kale's hesitation. She smiled inwardly. Kale was really a gentleman. Looking at Kale, Anne closed her eyes and kissed him. Slowly, she wrapped her arms on his neck. After some time, Anne pulled away. " You shouldn't have hesitated. There is no need to. Yes, I feel the same way about you " Anne said in a soft voice as she blushed beet red. It was her first time to fall in love. And it was also her first time to confess to someone she loves. Suddenly, she felt ashamed of what she did. What if Kale hesitated for a reason?

" I'm sorry about that. I just lost control of my feelings for a while " Anne continued, aware of what she just did. She knew that anytime soon, her father would be back in the palace. But the sound of the horns will be heard if ever her father had arrived. She just had to wait for it, then go to the back door of the palace to sneak back in easily.

But right this moment, she just wanted to spend some time with Kale.

Kale felt like a firework had gone off in his head when she kissed him. His stomach did a flip flip inside him, and he felt a thousand butterflies trying to escape his chest. Kale slipped his arms around her, and held her close. The kiss felt like it went on forever, and yet, Anne seemed to break it too quickly.

Kale's brown eyes opened. He was purely stunned. But he was loving every second of being stunned.

"You shouldn't have hesitated. There is no need to. Yes, I feel the same way about you." Anne told him softly. A smile spread onto his face as the realization hit him that... She loved him back. Kale could do a back flip right there. That was just how happy he was. And he hoped with all his heart that he could be this happy for the rest of his life.

But Kale's expression transformed from joyful, to worried as Anne seemed oddly ashamed of herself. " I'm sorry about that. I just lost control of my feelings for a while." She told him. Kale shook his head to her apology. What had just happened had been special, not something to be ashamed off. And Anne needed to know that.

"No, don't be sorry." He continued to shake his head. "I wanted to..." He blushed red enough to give a tomato a run for it's money. "I wanted to kiss you. Really." Kale smiled. That annoying voice in the back of his told him that he'd really gotten in trouble now. What if someone had seen them? They'd both be executed for treason to their kingdoms. Could he really put Anne at that kind of risk? Or the more important question: Could he bear not to?

"Anne, I love you." He told her earnestly, looking her in the eyes. "But I don't want to put you in harm's way. And I'm doing that every second just by being here with you." He admitted.

" No. I'll be alright. I know that we can pass this obstacle easily. I will do everything I can just to be with you. And I assure you, that I can protect myself very well. We can still hide, though it won't last for a long time " Anne told him. She practiced how to defend herself when she was still young. Even though she was a princess, she was sure that she was not a damsel in distress. She won't be a burden to Kale. They would help each other stop their kingdoms from fighting. She wanted to run away, from all these wars that were making her feel terrible.

Kale's voice replayed in her mind, "I wanted to kiss you. Really."

" You know, if you want to kiss me, you could have done it freely. I'm not holding you back. And I won't be able to hold myself back either " Anne said. Then she leaned near him and kissed him slowly. ' I want this to last forever ' Anne thought.

"You know, if you want to kiss me, you could have done it freely. I'm not holding you back. And I won't be able to hold myself back either." Anne told him. A smiled flickered on the edges of his mouth. Then, before he knew what was happening her soft lips met his. Kale's stomach did yet another flip-flop inside of him. He smiled into the kiss, and slid his arms around her thin waist, drawing her closer to him.

In that moment, the whole world was perfect. Kale didn't care what happened in his life. He could die in that instant, and his life would be complete. As a matter of fact, if he could freeze time, and forever live in that exact moment... With his arms around Anne, sitting under a tree on a picnic blanket in a meadow... He'd be happy for eternity. That was the simple, honest truth of it. Everything he cared about was sitting right there with him. He was seriously considering picking up and leaving their kingdoms behind. But he wondered if it would be wiser to confront the problem, and try to stop the war.

As Kale began to ponder this, he lost his concentration. He realized it was hard to think about making peace between two kingdoms when chemistry was at work, and Anne became the focal point of his attention.

Kale didn't want it to end. He really, really didn't want it to. But after a long minute, which seemed to go on for eternity, he broke the kiss. Slowly he pulled away from her, eyes closed. He let a hand drift up to her cheek, and brushed her hair back behind her. Kale's eyes opened. He smiled at Anne.

Suddenly the sound of the Sky Kingdom's bell rang out in the distance. Kale looked worried. He listened for a moment, listening to the number of times the bell rang out. He was surprised. Four time the ancient iron bell rang out. "Four times..." He muttered. "I'm sorry Anne, I have to go." He paused. Four times meant there had been a decision of great importance made. The whole of the royal council would be required to listen when it was announced. If he didn't get back, they would come looking for him, and that would end in disaster. "Tomorrow morning just before daybreak, could you meet me out by Crystal Lake? I want to show you something." He said, taking her hands in his.

"Tomorrow morning just before daybreak, could you meet me out by Crystal Lake? I want to show you something." He said, taking her hands in his. After some moments, Anne can also hear the sound that symbolizes the king's arrival. If her father finds out that she wasn't home, she will become a subject of suspicion. " And I also have to go now. Yes, I will meet you in Crystal Lake. Just wait for me there " Anne said with a sweet smile.

She had to go now, fast. And so, she quickly hugged Kale and then she ran back to her kingdom. When she finally arrived several moments later, she was just in time. Silently, she entered the back door and found Erica waiting for her. " What is it? " Anne asked Erica.

" You have to change into a ballgown and fix yourself up now. Let's go to your room and I'll help you " Erica told her as she grabbed Anne's wrist and they made a dash for it in her room. Anne took a bath and then Erica dried her hair and curled it. She was also to wear a red ballgown, for what reason, she didn't know.

" Why am I to fix myself? Am I to go somewhere? " Anne asked Erica. " You are to meet the Prince of the Night Kingdom. " Erica answered her.

" Which means, there might be a possibility that I might be married to him? " Anne asked in a panicked tone.

To her dismay, Erica nodded.

"I'll wait for you." He promised. Anne hugged him, and he held her close for an instant, before she left. Kale watched her go. As she finally disappeared into the trees, Kale sighed. His life would never be the same. He looked around him. They had never really gotten around to lunch. He chuckled.

After packing away the uneaten lunch, he mounted his bay gelding, and cantered back to the castle at a steady lope. As he arrived at the gates, he pulled back gently on the reigns, and slowed his horse to a trot. He listened to the sound of it's hooves make crisp clip-clop sounds on the stone paved roads. Slowly Kale made his way through the streets, to the castle.

As he arrived, his brother greeted him bitterly. "Well good evening to you too brother." Kale said sarcastically.

"This isn't funny." Daniel said harshly. "I can't believe you could joke around on a day like this."

Kale squinted at Daniel, as if he couldn't see him clearly. "What are you talking about?" He asked.

"You haven't heard?" Daniel looked him up and down as if trying to measure how he could possibly be so stupid. "Well I'm not surprised, what with you sneaking out again. Father was killed, not that you'd care." He spat out.

"What?" Kale asked. "You must be joking." He said. The look Daniel gave him told him he was not joking. "So what happens now then? Shouldn't you be happy? As Crown Prince you're next in line. Maybe you can marry Violet." Kale said. "Why are you-"

"Don't you get it!? He's dead. Our father, my father, is dead. Try to have some respect." He snapped. "And yes, I'm next in line for the thrown. But I can't even marry Violet! Because she's the one who killed Father." He said, swallowing hard. "She's going to be executed." Daniel said, his eyes filled with tears. For the first time in his life, Kale felt at least a little sad for his brother. Violet had been his childhood sweetheart, and he'd been courting her for the past couple of year.s Kale knew that his brother loved her. But... maybe this was for the best. After all, if she had killed their father, would she really have been a suitable wife? "That's why you have to get married instead." Daniel said firmly.

"What." Kale said.

"You have to! I can't stand to be here anymore, I'm leaving."

"I can't be king!" Kale exclaimed. "I'm not capable, or responsible, and I'm not Crown Prince."

"You didn't just have your life torn apart!!" Daniel shouted.

Kale fell silent. Daniel had a point, but Kale had had something different happen. He'd had his life just begun.

As soon as Anne was fixed up, she went down to the carriage and was assisted by Erica. She had the carriage all to herself. She suddenly remembered what Erica told her. " The Prince of the Night Kingdom is named Ren, and ever since you were still young, he already fell in love with you. Be nice to him, even though I know you love someone else. "

' How can I do that to Kale? ' Anne thought as she let a tear drop down her face.

She was tired of all the crying she did and then she fell asleep immediately. She was woken up by the coachman, telling her that they have arrived in the Night Kingdom. It was very dark, just like the name of their kingdom. And Ren was already outside the main doors waiting for her. Ren escorted her down the carriage and then kissed her hand.

" It's been a while, Prince Ren " Anne told him with a smile.

" I agree. But you are still as beautiful as ever. Shall we go inside? " Ren asked her as he offered his arm.

Anne took it with hesitation. But as they entered, it was like a wedding scenery already.

" What is going on? " Anne asked him.

" Don't you know yet? Our fathers already talked into letting me marry you " Ren answered with a soft smile.

"Daniel, I can't do this. It's not my duty, it's yours. You can't just put this on me all of the sudden." Kale said gently. He couldn't let this happen. If he took Daniel's place, than he would have to get married. And there was only one person who he loved. He couldn't just... no. It couldn't be.

"Well make it your duty." Daniel snarled. "Because it's not mine anymore. I already revoked my place as Crown Prince, you're Crown Prince now."

"Daniel you can't do this me!" Kale exclaimed.

"And why not? It's not like you have something important to live for." He said bitterly. "You never had someone to live for."

"That's not true." Kale said in a deep voice. "I lost everything when Amara died. You don't think I know you're in pain? You know what her death did to me. But I'm telling you now, you can't do this to me. I can't be king. You said it yourself years ago, that it was a good thing you were born first, because I would never be fit to rule! You were right!"

"Oh for the gods' sake Kale, for once in your life will you just do something right!?" Daniel snapped.

Kale was left in silence. He couldn't believe his brother was putting him in this situation. "I need to think about this." He muttered.

"You have no choice Kale. You're next in line for the throne, if you revoke your place as the next in line than our uncle will take over, and... well he's a moron." Daniel shrugged, cooling his temper a bit. "Listen, brother I need time to recover from this. If you want, in a year or so, I'll come back and take over. But for now, you need to find a wife, and you need to figure out how to be king. Because I'm not ready." Daniel said with finality in his voice. "And you're the only person left. So I'm sorry, but get over it."

With that, Daniel walked away. Kale listened to his boots fade away. He looked to the side at his mother, weeping beside an empty throne. He knew he had to do it. It was his duty. But he wished with his whole heart that things could somehow be different. He swallowed hard.

You knew this was coming. His conscience told him. Did you really think that you and Anne could live happily forever after? You're a fool.

"Maybe." Kale whispered. "Maybe I am."

Anne was too shocked to answer. Erica did tell her that there might be a possibility. Just a possibility. She didn't think that it will be real. She caught herself staring at the window and she quickly let the ghost of a smile pass by her face.

" Oh, but, can I just have a little time to think about this? " Anne told him.

" Of course, but I will not be too patient " Ren answered her with a smile that made her feel so guilty.

They were collected for dinner and Ren sat beside Anne throughout the night. She talked to him although hesitation was evident in her face and voice. He tried to hold her hand several times from under the table but she managed to shake him off by pretending to suddenly hold her tableware.

" It's almost midnight. I think I have to go now " Anne said to Ren.

" Your father wanted us to know each other better. He told me that you would stay here for the night " Ren answered her.

The next morning Kale could hardly look at himself in the mirror. King? He couldn't be king... It wasn't official until he was married though. And the castle was crammed full of ladies hoping to catch his eye. The castle was filled with the overwhelming smell of perfumes, and the entire castle was abuzz with talk, and gossip.

Kale knew immediately that for the sake of his sanity, he needed to sneak out early to see Anne. It only took a few minutes to get out of the castle. He pulled his hood up over his head to hide his features, and quietly made his way out of the castle. His cloak tickled his ankles as he swiftly made his way through the town. No one recognized him. Kale wondered how long he could keep this up now. He wondered if he had instilled false hope inside of him. And Anne.

When he was nearly out of town, he passed a vibrant flower shop. He paused, and decided Anne was worth it.

Walking with a bouquet of multi-colored flowers in hand, he exited the town, and entered the forest. Kale hummed softly to himself as he felt lichen crunch under his boots, and passed by rows of oak trees. For the moment, Kale felt at peace. But he knew that as soon as he went back home, and entered the castle only to be surrounded by a thousand ladies in waiting all hoping to be chosen... he would go completely, and utterly insane.

Kale shrugged, all he wanted was to see Anne.

He arrived by the lake, just before sunrise. He knew that when the sun rose, the lake would light up golden, reflecting the light of the sun, and appearing to catch flame. He smiled. He couldn't wait to see Anne's expression. The lake always left him stunned, and dumbstruck. He hoped she would like it too.

Kale sat down, and took a deep breath, laying the flowers beside him. He could almost see Anne walking through the trees towards him. And he just couldn't wait until she did. So he waited.

Dinner was soon finished and she was escorted to the room that was already given to her. She bid Ren goodnight then shut the door. " What am I supposed to tell Kale now? I don't want to marry Ren, but I don't want to break his heart either " Anne muttered as she prepared herself for sleep.

She woke up early to meet Kale in the Crystal Lake. Immediately dressing herself in a turquoise dress, she peered to check if anyone was up yet. Luckily, the hallways were still dark. No one was up. She hurried down to the backyard and sprinted to the Crystal Lake. She was really lucky that the Crystal Lake was just near the Night Kingdom's Palace. Soon enough, she stopped sprinting as she saw Kale waiting for her. Anne's heart suddenly sunk and she feel saddened.

' How do I tell him? ' Anne thought.

Slowly, she walked up to Kale and gave him a hug. Then, she suddenly broke down and sobbed.

Kale hummed to himself as he waited for Anne. He knew he would have to tell her... but he didn't know how. He loved her, and he felt like he couldn't just give up everything they had. He just couldn't. Still, she needed to know, as much as it pained Kale to even think about telling her that their chances were... slim at best.

He sighed as he heard her light footfalls coming towards him. He watched her slow down. Looking into her eyes, Kale could already tell that something was wrong. He wrapped his arms around her as she hugged him, and supported her when she started to cry. Kale felt confused. He hated to see her so upset. And he got the feeling that whatever had happened, was going to affect him as well.

Kale held her close to him, and just let her cry for a few minutes. He wasn't really ready to find out what had happened quite yet. He was sure that he wasn't going to like it. And besides, he could tell Anne just needed to be held at that moment, and know that he was still there.

He stroke her hair gently. "Anne? What's the matter?" He asked. Kale half wondered if she had found out that his father was dead and he would have to chose a wife soon. Within the next month... He swallowed hard, and hoped that that wasn't the case. Then it would be his fault that she was upset...

Behind them, the sun started to creep up on Crystal Lake, and lit it up golden. Kale had imagined that when the lake lit up Anne would be happy, and they could both just sit there, hand in hand, and watch it slowly fade away. Not like this... in a melted puddle off tears. He felt her tears soaking through his tunic. Even as the light lit the entire forest up, reflecting off the lake, he couldn't appreciate it's beauty when Anne was so upset.

Sorry! Double post.

She remained silent for a few moments. After some time, she could not bear to look directly at Kale. " Kale, I..I have to marry someone else " Anne said, suddenly sobbing again. She cannot bear to marry anyone else. She didn't love Ren. And she never will. She thought of a way to break their engagement, but there was no way possible. But what if she ran away with Kale? No. He has his family that he loves and she will not take him away from them. She didn't want to be away from her family either.

She also realized one thing. If she breaks off her engagement with Ren, there will be a war between their kingdoms. She had to be a fighter to overcome everything. And she can never be happy again. But with Kale by her side, she feel somewhat relieved.