" Miss Elle, if I could have a moment of your time...." Judah called as he followed the mysterious woman into his garden.

Elle said nothing at first as she gazed at the sunset, her hands folded as she studied the elegant colors.

Judah approached her, standing at her side as he gazed at the mystifying woman.

" Beautiful, is it not?" Elle asked, her eyes wide with wonder as she smiled.

Judah turned his attention to the beautiful sunset ahead of them. The elaborate pinks and oranges streaking the sky were like a work of art so elaborate that it took his breath away.

" Wow." Were the only words that escaped Judah's lips.

Elle let out a soft chuckle as she turned to him, her eyes studying him curiously.

" You do not get out much, do you?" Elle asked as Judah turned to meet her gaze.

" I'm not sure I understand...." Judah tugged the ends of his long hair shyly as he spoke.

" I just mean, it takes so little to invoke such wonder and awe into your eyes... One could only wonder just how much you have missed out on." Elle said in a soft tone, a smile playing along the edges of her lips as she spoke.

Judah hesitated, contemplating her words. He had never been asked such a question... Though, nobody particularly cared what Judah did and did not do so long as he maintained his studies and made his father look good.

" If I may ask, Miss Elle.... May I see you again?" Judah asked, avoiding answering her inquiries as his slightly pointed ears flushed red in embarrassment.

" If I agree, will you allow me to taste freedom with you? If I meet you here again, will you allow me to show you what the world outside of the castle walls allow?" Elle took his hand in hers, making Judah frown a bit as he looked down, almost forgetting that she had asked him a question.

" Um.... Alright." Judah agreed, the flush fading from his ears as he finally met her gaze.

" Tomorrow night, when the clock strikes twelve times. I will wear the mask so you know it is me." Elle lifted his hand to her lips, placing a gentle kiss on the top.

" Farewell, sweet prince." She said as Judah struggled to form a sentence....or even say one word for that matter.

Elle smiled before turning and making her way from the garden while Judah watched in shock.

The moments passed, the light breeze ruffling Judah's sleek, long hair as he stood in silence.

His mind was ablaze with unanswered questions and a fear that boiled up from the depths of his mind.

Elle was by far one of the most mysterious and cunning woman he had ever met. She reminded him of a fox from the human world, she was beautiful but sly.

Judah shook his head as he turned and made his way back towards the palace, but two things remaining turning in his mind.

Her mere presence sent his heart aflame, he was sure she was his mate.... But, when they touched he didn't feel the spark that all soulmates feel when they first touch.

If she wasn't his soulmate, then why did he feel this way about her?

And better yet, what would his father say?