Kathryn's father was silent, except for the sound of his harsh breathing. Kathryn paused in the middle of the dance. “Father, do you need to sit-” she started to say. 

“My darling child.” In front of everyone, the king pulled his daughter into a hug. He whispered into her hair, “Sending your brother to war was hard. Letting you marry into uncertainty is much worse. But as you said, it is what you were made for. I can only blame myself."

“Your majesty, people are watching,” she hissed. 

He released her and put his hands on her shoulders so he could look her in the eyes. “Princess Kathryn, I give you permission to marry as soon as arrangements can be made.” His voice shook a little. 

A wave of dizzying triumph washed over her. One thought drowned out the heavy tiara, the stares, and everything else: “I’ve won.” 

But it was coupled with a shaft of pain and heavy doubt a second later as she saw past her father to where Ren was watching the interaction with a puzzled frown. She tried to ignore the feeling and said, “Thank you, your majesty,” as she curtseyed. “I will be everything you could hope for.” 

Those who were watching had no idea what had transpired, with the exception of Illian. When Kathryn glanced in his direction, she saw that he was biting his lip, but there was no other outward sign of emotion. The king nodded, then, exhausted, he went back to sit on his throne and merely observe the ball. 

As Kathryn passed Illian on her way to her next dance partner, still reeling from her victory, he told her, “I hope you know what you are getting yourself into. Even Ren can’t protect you from everything.” 

Kathryn didn’t reply. But she did find herself glancing over once again at Ren, who was watching her with folded arms and furrowed brows. Kathryn avoided his gaze for the rest of the night. 

As the last guests left, Kathryn made her way down a dark hall towards her room, anxious to get out of the itchy silver-threaded dress and heavy jewelry. And it was there that the dark figure popped out at her once again, this time from a window, with the words, “Do I want to know what weird plot you’ve got up to now, Princess?” 

She found herself desperately wanting to tell him. Maybe even be so weak as to cry on his shoulder and tell him that she shouldn’t have made the decision she did. But Kathryn only said, “I’m tired, Ren, and I'm sure you are too. Let's talk later.” 

“Fine, whatever. But…” Ren watched her go, and his low voice just barely reached her ears. “If you ever want to talk, just know I’m still here.” 

Yes, just like he was always there. He was always there when Kathryn needed him, always grinning like a fool and never having a care in the world. It couldn’t hurt to keep it that way just a little longer. 

Ren muttered a curse as the slim, elegant form disappeared into the darkness. Then he wandered out into the garden, where he attacked an unsuspecting bush with his boot, complaining, “Blasted girl never says what she really means. How’s a guy supposed to know what’s going on in her head?” 

His frustrations somewhat alleviated, he stretched out on a stone bench, which felt more uncomfortable than usual, put his hands behind his head, and looked up at the moon. “If you’re thinking of tying the knot with some royal, it'd be nice if you filled me in, princess,” he mused aloud. “A heads-up would be good; that’s all.”

Kathryn held one person especially close to her heart, and it wasn’t her dear father, as heartbroken as he would have been to realize it. When Kathryn had cried as a child, Carina was the one who had dried her tears, not her busy parents. When Kathryn was upset, it was Carina who offered advice and solace, and when Kathryn was happy, it was Carina who rejoiced with her. 

Today, the day after the ball, Carina could tell at once that her young charge was worried, and she knew why. As she brushed back the long locks of auburn hair in preparation for Kathryn’s visit to the library, she remarked, “You didn’t tell him yet, did you.” It was a statement rather than a question, so well did she know the girl. 

Kathryn said, “It would only upset him. There’s no harm in holding off for a little while. It’s not as though he can ever be reasonable about these things.” 

“Well, my child, Ren is in love with you,” Carina said matter-of-factly. “You can’t expect him to be overjoyed with you running off to marry an enemy prince.” 

“He should understand it,” Kathryn returned. 

“How can he, if you don’t tell him? Nothing can go wrong if you’re both honest.” 

Kathryn sighed. “I have told him. Over and over again. He just doesn’t like to hear it.” 

Carina was silent for a moment. Then she said, “The generals are meeting today, aren’t they?” 

Kathryn’s eyes widened and flinched. Carina couldn’t help but smile. “You forgot they were meeting, didn’t you?” she asked gently. 

Kathryn replied, “No.” After about ten seconds she said, “Yes. Well, that wasn’t how I wanted him to find out.” 

“I’m more worried that he’ll get into a fight. That boy is pretty wild,” Carina observed. 

Kathryn winced at the thought. “Ren is quite capable of controlling himself,” she said, with more conviction than she felt. 

Carina only raised an eyebrow. Kathryn wished she wouldn’t do that. It would be much less annoying if she would at least say it out loud. As it was, Kathryn couldn’t even offer a clever retort. 

Kathryn was quiet again as Carina began to pin her hair up. But she felt a little bit queasy for some reason. And that reason suddenly became clear to her as she looked in the mirror and saw her own pale face. “I’m scared.” The words surprised her, and she wished she could take them back. Saying it made it seem more real somehow. 

Carina gently patted her shoulder. “It’s what you’ve wanted, but it doesn’t feel right?” she asked understandingly. 

“No…it feels right. Nothing could feel more right. I’m so tired of being useless. I’m tired of sitting around and watching Illian do everything for this kingdom. And I know my father will be happy. It’s just that…on the day that I marry, I will be alone. I can’t remember a time when I was really…alone.” As she spoke the words, an image of Ren’s grin flashed into her brain. It was an image she had seen countless times. “I’m afraid…of being alone.” Kathryn looked up at Carina. “But you’ll come with me.”

“I will. And I’ll stay with you, my sweet girl, no matter what happens.”

The grand chamber, where the top generals of Iridalys convened, had a heavy feeling to it, perhaps thanks to the fact that generations of generals had debated war and tactics in this very room. Tall windows draped in deep purple curtains allowed slender rays of light, casting elongated shadows over the ornate mahogany table. The walls bore the names of many who had fallen, along with banners of victories and ancient paintings of thirteen generations of royalty. Here, only the most serious affairs were discussed, and the most crucial decisions made. 

And it was the same today as the generals came together to discuss the recent bandit attacks on convoys and the possibility of a rebellion in one of their ally kingdoms. Yet not one general mentioned what was first on their minds: the possibility of a marriage between the princess and their mortal enemy, the second prince of Navinor. 

Illian said, “The bandit attacks have gotten much worse and seem to be concentrated around the Western mines. Our last three convoys didn’t make it through.” 

“It seems to me that this scum is much more organized of late,” another general observed. “Last week, they attacked the mine itself, and three miners were killed. The miners are asking us to send troops to quell the bandits.” 

“What do you think, General Ren?” Illian looked directly at the young general, who was lounging back in his chair. 

“Let’s crush that trash,” he said cheerfully. The generals raised their eyebrows at his unrefined words. 

“You’re as subtle as ever,” Illian said wryly. “But I agree we should do it before they begin to lose faith in our ability to protect them. A show of force is necessary.” 

“Indeed, but can we spare troops with the rebellion in Tephraya getting closer to the border?” another man questioned. 

“I don’t think there’s any question we need to send troops. The only question is how many. I believe a score of cavalry and forty foot soldiers should be sufficient,” a third general interjected. 

Illian shook his head. “Cavalry won’t be able to move in that dense woodland. I think we should arrange for crossbowmen and foot soldiers.” 

“I disagree, my lord. Crossbowmen are our best defense against any attack from the North.” The general chose his words carefully as he continued, “I think we should wait until a certain matter has been concluded prior to sending valuable troops west.” 

The young General Ren spoke up again, as brashly as ever. "A ‘certain matter’? So, we're not allowed to discuss the princess's sudden travel plans?”

A heavy silence fell over the room as he glared at them, waiting for a reply.