Bloodshed. Gore. Bodies lying in pools of blood. Screams and cries, pleas for mercy. It was a war, a brutal one at that. She was standing in the middle, using her powers to ward off opponents. But from what? She turned her gaze to behind her. Michael laid on the ground, a stab wound in his chest. He coughed, a deep red liquid running down his cheek from his lips. Beside him was a blonde woman mutilated by weapons.

Michael parted his lips to try and speak before her eyes flew open and she sat straight up in bed. She was drenched in a cold sweat and breathed heavily. Knocks rapped at her door and a familiar voice rang in her ears.

“Solara? Solara! Are you alright?” It was Michael. He sounded concerned.

“I am fine… Just a night terror I think…” It all seemed so real, though… Was it really just a terror? “You can come in if you like.”

Michael opened the door and came in, shutting it behind himself. “I was walking past when I heard you speaking my name in a frightened tone. I was worried the intruder had gotten to you again.” He let out a sigh of relief and took a seat in a chair in front of her mirror.

Solara smiled softly at the prince. “Thank you for the concern, but I am fine. Just a dream, nothing more. I have already forgotten what it was.” That was a lie. She would never be able to get those images out of her head.

Michael smiled at her softly. “I am glad… You can always tell me if something is bothering you. I am always here for you.” He stood up and sighed. “Sadly, I have another meeting with Princess Marie this afternoon. I must be going now.”

“You are going to see her again…?” She felt a pang in her chest. It had only been the last couple days, but he was spending more time with that woman than he was with her.

“I am sorry… I should be free tomorrow. I know I am not spending much time with you as of now… I will try to change that.” He looked at her regretfully and she could tell that he wished to talk to her as much as she did with him.

She let out a soft sigh, looking out her bedroom window. “It is fine… I understand you are a prince and you must do your duties. I will be just fine on my own.”

Michael stood up from his seat and looked down at her. “Is there anything I can do for you before I leave?”

She shook her head and he took that as his dismissal. He left the room, leaving Solara feeling a bit empty in her chest. Her prince was being stolen from her… If only she had been born a princess instead of a witch, maybe they could have been…

She quickly threw that thought from her head. They could be together now. Michael did not seem happy to marry this princess. He was forced to be. Maybe if she told him how she felt, he would give the woman up to be with her. But his future depended on this marriage… She sighed and climbed out of bed. She needed to clear her mind… A trip into town should do the trick. She went to her closet and pulled out a purple dress. Stripping from her night clothes, she put the dress on and went to sit at her vanity mirror.