Audrey's POV

I woke up early and slowly rose from the bed. I wiped the sleep from my eyes and looked around the unfamiliar room. It looked quite different in the morning. I got up and walked across the cold tile floors to stand in front of the window. The sun just starting to rise.

I went to fiddle with the ring that once hung heavy on my finger. When I didn't come into contact with the cold metal, I sighed. I walked back to the closet that had been filled with my clothes and grabbed another white shirt with flowing sleeves that gathered at the wrist to hide the bandages. And a navy blue vest with golden buttons to stay true to my country's colors. I got myself dressed and walked back over to the night table that sat by my bed and grabbed the brooch. I looked into the large mirror as I pinned it to my chest. I ran my fingers through my hair in an attempt to smooth it out.

I glanced at the small clock that sat on the ledge and furrowed my brows. I didn't have much time.

I quickly paced myself to the desk and grabbed the paper I had drawn on the night before and smiled. My thoughts ran back to Natalie, as they often did. She has trusted me with so many secrets, as much as I want to return the favor it's best that she never knows.

There was a knock at the door that drew me from my mind. Hastily I folded the paper and shoved it into my pocket just before a maid had walked in.

"Excuse me your highness. His majesty requested that I inform you that it is time for breakfast."

"I am aware, I shall be there shortly." I replied. She curtsied and shut the door behind her as she left.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves and made my way to the dining hall.

The long table was covered with a large spread of food and plates. Sitting at the head of the table was the king himself. Beside him, his wife who was followed by Princess Anika.

"Good morning." I said with a smile.

"Good morning boy!" King Randolph said with a large smile, "please excuse Maverick's absence, he had some matters of state to attend to."

"Of course." I sat down in the vacant seat next to the large man.

"Now, to discuss our own matters." He clasped his hands and leaned forward onto the table. "Today, Anika will give you a tour of the gardens. I believe it would be a good idea for the two of you to get to know each other again."

"Understandable. I look forward to it." I replied as I offered her a smile.

"As well as there will be a banquet on your last day in Baldonia, intended to celebrate your betrothal of the princess. Of course, a few lords of your lands will visit as well and I have been informed that you are to return with your high regent, correct?" Randolph said.

"Yes, as far as the arrangements go I'm certain those are correct. As well I look forward to spending time with her highness."

"That is good to hear lad."

After we all ate, Anika and I said our good byes and she lead me through the halls. Today, she wore no tiara on her head, her dark curls fell loosely down her back with locks from the front tied in the back.

A long creme dress swooshed at her feet with mid length sleeves that dipped down and hemmed with lace.

When we made it out into the gardens, my jaw dropped. The large maze was trimmed to perfection, the small pink blooms decorating the dark green walls of vegetation. For a while we had walked in silence until she spoke up.

"It truly is wonderful to see you again." She said brushing a stray curl behind her ear.

"Agreed, it had been years since we last saw each other. I dare say you have grown to be quite beautiful." I smiled, and offered a small flower that I had picked from a bush. She giggled and placed in her hair.

"Why thank you. I do hope you think so, you've grown to be very handsome as well." I gave a quick laugh as we continued walking through the maze together, the morning sun starting to beat down on us.

"Audrey, I have a question that's been troubling me. Do you think that you can answer it for me?"

"Of course, I can try at least." With that she let out a sigh and stopped in her tracks.

"Alright then. Tell me honestly. Do you truly want to marry me?" I stopped as well and turned to look at her, she averted her gaze as a slight crimson creeped onto her cheeks. After a moment of silence, I walked over to her.

"It would be a great honor." I answered, and with that she smiled.

****

Natalie pov

The last few days with out Audrey had been rather boring. I admit, I missed him a lot more than I thought I would. Everything was dull without him around. But unlike today, the whole palace was abuzz once more.

Preparing for the lord that is arriving from Mena. I readjusted my grip on my bow as I saw a carriage appear in the distance.

Maids and servants had gathered around the gate in small clusters. Preparing to unload what ever luggage was to be brought inside.

The carriage stopped and both the commander and my lieutenant had gone out front to greet the lord.

The carriage door opened and fear had me completely frozen. The man who had stopped me a few days ago had bared an eerily resemblance but this I'm sure of. This was the man who had torched my home. Took me from my family. I stumbled back falling into the wall behind me in the process. I felt bile rise in my throat as the memories came flooding back.

My actions had caught the attention of a few other archers as they rushed to my aide. But it was no use.

I blacked out.