Part 2 of last chapter's story.

*******
One year later

I can't believe that I'm here again. It seems like ages, and yet, it seems as if it were only yesterday.

And then, I see him. Carefully, I straighten my necklace. I have to be strong.

"My lady," he says as he approaches. In that moment, I remember what we were, what we could have been...

But there is something different about him, something new in his eyes...

"It...worked out, didn't it?" I ask.

"Yes," he replies softly. "We prayed for a miracle, and we got one"

"Congratulations" I say, smiling as best as I can, but I know that I can't hide the sadness in my eyes. "I always did believe in magic" I say, and he smiles sadly.

He places a hand on my shoulder. "I still can't get over last year, and what I had to do to you"

"It...it's fine" I say, but we both know that I'm lying.

He sighs. "I promise you that you'll find someone. You're smart, talented, beautiful..."

"But none of them are you" I suddenly say, leaning into his chest. It's not long before the tears start flowing again.

"If there's any way to make it up to you, I will do it. You know I can't stand it when you cry"

"Just...keep doing what you're doing. I only want you to be happy" I reply, forcing the tears to stop.

"Thank you" he says, embracing me. "I do hope you know that I hold you in the highest respect"

"And I hold you even higher" I smile weakly.

He smiles back. "Whatever did happen to your sister?"

"She was never quite the same after she heard the news" I sigh. "She's never really forgiven him"

"And that's your main difference. After all, you forgive me, right?"

"Of course" I reply.

"And yet, you both live in sadness. And it's my fault" he says sadly.

"Don't blame yourself for what happened with him. It wasn't your fault." I tell him. "Nothing could have stopped it"

A voice calls out to him, and he walks off to it. And once again, I am alone.

There's a part 3 to this :)