April 20, 1903

When are they going to leave? 

This was the sole thought that pervaded Prince Travais' mind as he watched Shehallie- his beautiful, little Shehallie- grow closer to those Lessaenite scumbags. 

She listened to their Queen's stories, gave candy to their young Princess, and spent long hours in the garden with their Prince. Yes, Prince Sakarus. He was what worried Travais the most. Despite the harsh warning he had received at the banquet, he continued to speak to Shehallie and enchant her poor, innocent mind with fantastic tales of Lessaenes. 

Travais feared that his beloved niece was no longer his. 

Now, Shehallie and Sakarus trained their Auras together under a large oak tree, just within his field of view from Fort Voertstedd's highest balcony. Their happiness infuriated him. He could wait no longer. 

Focusing his Aura, Travais formed a fine icicle. Holding it up, he zoned on on Prince Sakarus' head, and took aim.

.............................

"...and that was how the five clans of Lessaenes came to be," Sakarus concluded. 

"That's amazing," Shehallie gasped. "I wish the Shealands had clans- it would make college a whole lot easier if you were born knowing what field you were to study."

"Yes, I suppose," Sakarus nodded. However, the smile was gone from the Princess's face. "What's wrong?" He asked, looking concerned. 

"There's something I have to tell you," Shehallie said seriously. "It's about my uncle." 

Sakarus' blood froze in his veins as he remembered the Shealander Prince's harsh words and sharp knife. 

"He wants you dead." 

"I'm the Prince of Lessaenes," Sakarus scoffed, projecting overconfidence in an attempt to quell his own doubts. "No one can just kill me and walk away." 

"You don't understand! It's different with him..." Shehallie trailed off. "Since my father's duties as King often kept him away from his family, my uncle Travais practically raised me. He sees me as his responsibility, and he hates Lessaenites with every inch of his being. He'll do anything to keep you away from me...even if he has to end your life." 

"You could've just told me that," Sakarus remarked, now realizing that Travais' warning had not been a joke. "I'll stay away." 

"No! Please!" Shehallie grasped Sakarus' arm in desperation. 

"Why?" 

"Because...I-I love you, Sakarus. I think about you every second of the day. I couldn't stand to know that I could never be with you again," she whimpered through barely parted lips. 

Sakarus stood, watching her with his mouth agape as her statement began to sink in. Part of him was elated that a beautiful princess had just confessed her love for him, but he was also scared. Scared for his life, and for Shehallie's well-being. 

"Look out!" Shehallie shrieked as an Aural icicle shot through the air. The two young royals jumped to the side in the nick of time, and the smoldering projectile embedded itself in a bush. 

"Is he insane!?" Sakarus exclaimed. "That had as much of a chance of hitting you as it had of hitting me!" 

"He would kill me, if that was what it took," Shehallie said with venom in her words, putting up an Aural shield. 

"Then, let him kill us," Sakarus spat. "He can't control us when we're dead, can he?" 

"No, there is a less tragic method..." Shehallie paused in thought. 

"What?" 

"You must go to my father with your family and ceremonial entourage to ask for my hand in marriage. Please, trust me, and hurry. It is the only way we can be saved."