The lovely trinket about Elizabeth's neck glistened in the firelight. I held the pearl in my fingers examining the fine craftsmanship of the silver leaves and diamond hearts surrounding it. It hung low on her neck, held by the most delicate of chains. She smiled only a bit as her fingers traced the circlet of leaves surrounding the gem.

"Shall I begin to prepare? I have so many ideas for a fabulous wedding," I exclaimed.

"I believe we should prepare for your own wedding, dear Evelyn."

Sighing, I plopped onto the bed. "You know as well as I that a princess does not have say in planning her own wedding."

"Then you shall prepare mine!"

I'd never seen Elizabeth in such a state of excitement. A soft glow was upon her cheeks and her lovely eyes twinkled at the prospect of being a bride. I envied her. There was no doubt I would marry, it had to be done. I must carry on my family's lineage. Of course, it would be to a prince or king. The difference between Elizabeth and I was love. I didn't get to choose for love. I didn't get to choose for myself at all. Fortunately, my parents chose wisely and found a prince I would fall in love with, whether that was their intention or not. Glancing over my shoulder, as James reentered the room, taking up his place near the fireplace. He cast his gaze upon the burning embers of the burned wood. A crackling shot out splinters as the last log split and fell apart. The look he wore on his face was disheartening and sent a sick feeling to the pit of my stomach.

"If you'll excuse me, ladies."

I draped an arm over James's shoulders as he continued to stare into the fire.

"Have you heard anything?" he asked, keeping his voice low.

"Nothing yet. I'm not expecting Draco till tomorrow at the earliest."

"Do you think we shall battle soon?"

I shrugged my shoulders, loose curls falling off my shoulder and landing softly down my back. He side-eyed me as a smile played on his lips.

"Shall we marry prior to battling or after?" he questioned.

"I'm not sure. I don't know. You want to marry now?"

He let out a soft chuckle and turned toward me, his piercing eyes melting my very soul. My knees weakened beneath his hard stare. His strong arms wrapped about my body, keeping me stable. He always kept me stable. I learned more and more that he could be a man to rely on. He released his grip on me once the whispers of Charlene and Elizabeth permeated our personal moment.

"Did I hear mention of marriage?" Elizabeth piped up.

"Not yet! Elizabeth first."

"I do wish to marry before we battle. I want to fight side by side with you as my wife," he whispered into my ear.

"I know, my darling. We shall discuss our own nuptials at a different time. Right now we find out if your earl plans on marrying my lady."

"Actually, you two should talk. Elizabeth and I will let ourselves out. We have much planning to do for two weddings."

Exasperated with my dear friends, I let out a whoosh of a sigh as the door closed loudly behind them. Plopping onto the bed in a mess of damask and chemise, I let my head fall into my hands.

"What's wrong my love?"

"Oh James, what if it doesn't work? What if we can't defeat what's left of the Guild? What if there are still those who are loyal to them, or at least terrified enough to continue following?"

"We will fight as hard as we can. We will be victorious."

"You don't know that!" I stood, pacing the room.

My cheeks burned as my body grew warmer.

"Evelyn, why are you doubting now?"

"It's not just now. I've had doubts for quite some time. There is no guarantee anyone will return alive. My mother was lucky to survive. I was lucky to survive. They are powerful immortals."

"As are we."

"We're not though. If anything happens to either of our dra..."

He placed one of his warm, calloused fingers to my soft lips. Trying not to look into his eyes, I couldn't resist. They drew me in and there were instant tears that sprung up, trailing down my cheeks. My body shuddered as he pulled me close once again.

"I'm afraid," I whispered between sobs.

"I know, Evelyn. I am too."

"You don't show it though."

"I'm a future king, I must be strong."

I snorted and looked down at my shoes. "I'm a future queen, what does that say about me?"

"That you are a wise woman. You stay strong when you need to be and are weak with those you trust. You will be a wonderful queen."

"I'll never be as amazing as my mother. I'll never as wise as she is."

"You already are, now shush." He leaned his head down to mine, pressing his firm lips to mine.

His hot breath filled my mouth as his wet tongue parted my lips, invading as if he were conquering some foreign land once again. His eyes closed as a soft moan escaped his throat. The vibrations of his noises tickled my lips and tongue. The sensation was quite remarkable and enjoyable. Wrapping my own arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair doing my best to be as close to him as possible. He grabbed frantically at my skirts, lifting them frantically as he guided me to the expansive bed.

"James..."

He stopped the frantic pawing at my clothing and composed himself, straightening his jacket and trousers.

"Forgive me, lady." He turned quickly and strode for the door.

"You don't always have to leave when we become so enamored with one another."

"But I must, my dearest Ellie."

"Why?" I pleaded.

"I'm afraid of what I may do if I do not leave your sight."

"What could you possibly do?" I inquired.

"Not contain myself. I desire you above all other women and possessions in this world. I have such an intense craving for you, Evelyn. There is nothing I want more than to be immersed in your body."

My cheeks flushed once again as a familiar ache formed between my thighs at the thought of finally having James. All of him.

"I also have that urge. There is nothing I ache for more than to feel you flush against my own body. To be rid of the barrier of clothing and formalities. To express the love I have for you on a more physical level."

He stepped toward the bed, daring to be within arm's distance of me. "Do hold tightly to the traditions of not having contact prior to our marriage?"

"I did. I always thought it would be a magical night after my vows were exchanged with my husband."

"Do you wish to wait?" he inquired, kneeling on the bed beside me.

"The longer I am near you and alone with you, no. Waiting seems to be such a foolish thing when we are already betrothed. We are to wed. I shall be your wife. You shall be my husband. It is not only written as a peace agreement, but I agree with every fiber of my being that I will be your wife."

"I have to confess something to you, Evelyn."

"What?"

"I may be crazy, but I am madly in love with you. A love that I never thought was possible. You have encompassed every part of me. There is nothing I won't do to make you happy or keep you safe. You have become my entire reason for living and breathing. The moment I wake up I think of you. When I lay in my chamber awaiting slumber I see your face." He trailed the back of his hand down the side of my face, examining every inch of me. "My heart aches with each moment we are apart. I love you, Evelyn."

Another happier, tear slid down my cheek as I grasped his hand.

"I can't begin to tell you how incredibly happy that makes me to hear you say that. I feared for the day my parents would force me to marry. Seeing all the other ladies of my kingdom married off to the highest bidder, it was a fate I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to endure. When they first announced their intentions on having us marry, I must admit, I had my reservations. I have never been happier to be wrong in my entire life."

We sat on the bed, embracing one another for quite some time. My heart sped up as his fingers touched the exposed skin on my shoulders, but I didn't flinch or pull back.

I allowed him to work his hands to the hem of my dress, pushing it up to my knees. His hands stroked my calves, slowly moving up. My breath hitched as he reached my knees.

"Are you sure this is something you want to do?" he asked.

"Yes. Of course."

He leaned forward, covering my mouth with his again, as he fumbled with the stays of my bodice. As it slid from my body, I lay back against the pillows, chewing my bottom lip and allowing him to drink in my image.

"I've only dreamt of this moment."

"How do you like what you see?"

"It's even more amazing than what I'd imagined. You have the most amazingly beautiful porcelain skin I've ever seen."

I allowed him to maneuver between my legs, pushing my skirts about so he could kneel above me. Being in such close and naked proximity to a man was a new experience. One I rather enjoyed. James lowered himself atop of my naked breast. His silk shirt felt cool and soft against my still warm skin. He brushed a few stray strands of hair out of my face and kissed me for a long while. The urgent need to have this man inside of me subsided as a longing to have him be mine emerged.

I let him push my hands above my head with one hand as the other ran up and down my side. He closed his eyes and let his head fall on the pillow beside mine.

"Let's wait."

Closing my eyes, I smiled. "Okay."

We didn't move though. We remained entwined within each other, lying on the bed.