The birds rested on a branch near the window and sang quietly. The sun filled the room and slid onto the bed. Its warmth brushed her face and she slowly opened her eyes. She took a deep breath and looked around the room. Slowly she sat up and she slid to her feet.

Her legs refused to move and she let out a growl as she forced herself over to the window. Opening the window, she heard the townspeople and leaned against the wall. Their voices soothed her mind and she listened to the birds. Looking around her room, she saw the note and cards and approached the table. Reading the cards, she smiled and set them down.

She walked over to her dresser and slowly pulled on a tank. Pulling her hair back, she walked over to the table and picked up the note. Returning to the window, she leaned against it and read the note. Her eyes narrowed and she moved to her bed. She sat down slowly and pulled on her boots.

Quietly she got to her feet and walked over to her door. Dropping the note in a chair, she stepped into the hall and walked to the stairs. Silently she descended the stairs and saw the doctor talking with her mother. Diana looked up at her and caught her in her arms. Pulling free, she met her mother's gaze and walked outside.

She heard yelling and saw Val running in her direction. His voice carried and the townspeople looked at her. She picked the boy up and he threw his arms around her neck. Holding him, she took a deep breath and put him down.

He looked up at her and asked, "Did you like my cards?"

Slowly she smiled and said, "I loved every one of them."

He smiled and said, "Promise me you won't go running off."

Laughing, she nodded and said, "I give you my word."

Val caught her hand and said, "I still have something to show you."

She followed him through the estate and past a stone wall.

Stepping into the garden, she stopped walking and he asked, "Do you like it?"

She looked around and said, "I can't believe this."

He smiled and she walked through the garden. Spotting her father's favorite flower, she knelt next to it and caught it in her hand.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and said, "Thank you, Val."

He caught her arm and said, "He wasn't my dad, but I still think of him as one."

She looked down at him and said, "He would love you."

Val blushed and whispered, "I had Simeon help me."

Smiling, she kissed his forehead and said, "You did an amazing job."

He stepped back and asked, "Can you teach me to ride?"

Nodding, she got to her feet and he led her further into the garden. They looked at the flowers and sat by the pond.

He looked into the water and said, "Still need fish."

She smiled and said, "It's just fine."

Val looked up at her and they heard the watchman yell, "Prince Alexander has arrive!"

Looking up, she watched Val disappear down the path and slowly looked down into the pond. Running her hand through the water, she felt the old tears fall and took a deep breath.

Wiping them away, she looked at her reflection and whispered, "I miss you, Father."

Silently she got to her feet and walked down the path. Stepping around the estate, she watched him hand out packages and Val pull on his arm. She leaned against the manor and watched him hand Val a package. The boy smiled and looked back at her. He looked up and she met his gaze.

Val ran up to her and said, "He brought us things from our families."

She knelt in front of him and said, "I'll look at it later."

He smiled and ran down the courtyard past the Prince. Taking a deep breath, she stood up and watched him turn his gaze back to her. Slowly she walked up to him and caught Wind's bridle. She ran her hand over the stallion's face and he nudged her face.

Rubbing his face, she looked back at him and he said, "You look good."

Holding his gaze, she took Wind's reins and said, "He needs taken care of."

Silently she led Wind to the enclosed fields and turned him loose. He trotted off and she looked back at him.

His eyes burned and she slowly asked, "Alana?"

"Watched her brother burn and was sent back to her kingdom."

She looked out over the fields and said, "She didn't mean for any of this to happen."

He stepped beside her and said, "She could've stopped it."

Looking at him, she shook her head and asked, "What's your father doing with you now?"

He watched Wind run and said, "Praying you won't retaliate."

Taking a deep breath, she stepped away from the fence and he followed. His hand caught hers and she looked back at him.

Frowning, she let him rest her hand inside his arm and said, "I'm not frail."

He led her through the courtyard and said, "It's tradition."

Shaking her head, she met his gaze and said, "I want to show you something."

He felt her slip away and followed her around the manor.

Seeing the garden, he followed her inside and asked, "Where did this come from?"

She walked down the path and said, "Val and Simeon."

He watched her sit by the pond and said, "I thought it was gone."

She smirked and said, "I did too."

Silently he sat beside her and looked around.

He looked down at her and asked, "How are you doing?"

Her eyes slowly met his and she said, "I'm tired."

His hand slid along her face and she looked away.

He pulled her face back to him and said, "Kris, we almost lost you."

Her eyes met his and he kissed her forehead.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and said, "I told you no."

He looked down at her and said, "I don't care."

Frowning, she looked away and he sighed, "You are so stubborn."

She looked back at him and said, "You're delusional."

His eyes met hers and he started laughing. Frowning, she got to her feet and he caught her wrist.

He pulled her down onto his lap and said, "You are always unpredictable."

She looked away and said, "Alex, this isn't happening."

His hand rested around her neck and she stiffened. Slowly he massaged the nape of her neck and she looked back at him. His eyes met hers and he slid his hand through her hair. Her hair fell freely down her back and she caught his hand.

His fingers ran along her face and she said, "Alex."

He kissed her slowly and her body stiffened.

Slowly he looked into her eyes and said, "I'm not losing you, Kris."

Her eyes ran over his face and he said, "You told me Alana loved me as much as you did."

She smirked and he said, "I played that game too long and almost lost you."

He ran his hand through her hair and she closed her eyes. Feeling him pull her closer to him, she leaned her head against him and sighed.

Slowly she looked up at him and said, "I'd have to quit."

He smiled and said, "That would be selfish of you."

His lips brushed hers and she closed her eyes.

He kissed her forehead and said, "We'll just have to spend our time wisely."

Smiling, she looked at him and asked, "Will you not try and control me?"

Sighing, he nodded and said, "You would ignore me anyways."

Laughing, she got to her feet and helped him up. He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her back to him. The kiss was passionate and tempting.

Slowly she stepped back and said, "I promised Val."

Her hand slid from his and he watched her disappear down the path. Running his hand through his hair, he took a deep breath and looked around the garden. They played in here years ago and its magic still worked. Silently he left the garden and stepped around the manor. He watched her approach Val and kneel next to him.

Hearing a horse call, he looked up the hill and frowned.

He walked to the gates and watched his father pull his stallion to a halt.

Catching the bridle, he looked up at the King and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Derek met his gaze and said, "I need my guard's assistance."

His eyes narrowed and he said, "She's not ready."

"He's right! Krystal isn't better yet."

Smirking, he looked back at Val and saw her watching them. Her eyes narrowed and he watched her silently approach.

She moved to his father's side and asked, "What do you need?"

Derek looked down at her and said, "I need you at the castle."

He turned to his son and said, "You will bring her."

Frowning, he let loose the stallion and watched his father ride off.

Val threw his arms around her waist and said, "You can't!"

She looked down at him and said, "I'm not breaking my word."

The boy looked up at her and she picked him up.

He looked at the Prince and said, "Promise she will be okay."

He slowly nodded and watched her put Val down. The boy sighed and walked into the manor.

He turned back to her and she said, "Let's go."

She watched Simeon approach with the stallions and sighed.

He caught her arm and she said, "I'm okay."

Achilles nudged her face and she slid into the saddle.

He slid onto Wind and she said, "Keep everyone safe, Simeon."

The man nodded and she flicked the reins. Achilles took off and she rode with Wind next to her.

He looked at her and said, "Be careful."

She glanced at him and quickened Achilles into a open gallop. He crossed the country and they watched the market draw closer. Riding through the market, she ignored the whispers and rode through the castle gates. She swung to the ground and the stable boy took the two stallions. He caught her hand and she looked back at him.

His hand ran through her hair and he whispered, "Don't do anything stupid."

She slid her hand free and walked into the castle. Silently she stepped into the Royal Chambers and heard it go silent. Standing in the doorway, she looked at the people and felt him step behind her. Derek motioned for them and she silently approached him.

Kneeling in front of him, she lowered her head and asked, "You called?"

Annie smiled and said, "Up Krystal. You don't need the formalities."

She glanced at him and he shook his head.

Derek laughed and said, "My son is clueless to this as well."

She looked back at him and Derek said, "After everything you have done for us, I have come to a decision."

The King rose and approached her.

He stepped in front of her and Derek said, "Hold your tongue, Alexander."

The King looked at her and turned her to the people.

Feeling his hand on her shoulder, she glanced at him and heard, "This woman's father was the greatest man known to us. He made a pact with my father and I wish to fulfill it."

She saw his eyes move to hers and Derek brought him over to them.

He put her hand in his son's and said, "You were promised to each other at birth."

Slowly she looked around the chambers and listened to the clapping.

An elder man stepped forward and said, "Wise indeed."

Another approached her and said, "Your father is written all over you. Welcome."

Hearing their praises, she pulled free and left the chambers.

Annie rose from her throne and he said, "Let her be."

Derek nodded and said, "She needs time to adjust."

Frowning, he looked at his father and said, "You went too far."

Derek shook his head and said, "I did what one does when announcing marriages."

Shaking his head, he looked around the chambers and said, "They don't even know her."

Annie caught his shoulder and said, "They served under her father. It was only fair."

Pulling away, he looked at her and said, "She isn't Gabriel."

Shoving past the people, he walked into the hall and headed for her chambers. Silently he stepped inside and closed the door. The room was dark and he looked out onto the balcony. Frowning, he walked inside and over to the bed chambers. Looking around the room, he found her in the corner.

Slowly he knelt in front of her and caught her hands. She looked at him and he helped her up. Her eyes met his and he walked her over to the bed. She sat on the bed and he knelt in front of her. Her hand ran across her face and he caught it.

Slowly she looked at him and said, "I can't do this."

He kissed her gently and sat next to her.

Her gaze met his and she said, "I miss him so much."

He pulled her into his arms and held her. Her head rested on his shoulder and he kissed her forehead. Slowly he had her lay down and held her in his arms. Her head rested above his shoulder and he ran his hand through her hair.

He kissed her gently and whispered, "He wanted this. He wanted you happy."

She looked up at him and kissed him slowly. His eyes closed and he held her closer to him. Her hand laced with his and she closed her eyes. He watched her finally drift to sleep and closed his eyes.