I felt awful whenever I thought about the strain had placed on my relationship with Griffin. Even at the very beginning he had been so excited to have a mate, even if it was just a stunt, scared rogue. His optimism and excitability made it easy for me to fall for him. But now my inability to tell him the truth was forcing us further and further apart with each passing day.

At first I had tried to force myself to tell him the truth. I would come so close to saying the words, but my eyes would well up and my hands would begin to shake. All the things I needed to say refused to tumble out though my heart was begging for the release. It tore me up inside to not be able to explain how I felt and what was truly going on. And it showed so plainly on my face. Sometimes I was able to excuse myself before Griffin could notice, other times he would catch a glance at my shining eyes and reach towards me. Those were the hardest moment, knowing that he wanted to help me but not knowing how to let him. I would always pull away and a look of utter defeat would fall over his face. He would always let me go.

Oliver was becoming frustrated too, though I couldn't blame him either. The threat was very real to him and it wasn't only his conscience telling him that he needed to inform the royal family, it was also his job. If it was ever found out that he knowingly withheld information as dire as this he would certainly lose his job and it was making him increasingly anxious. Almost every time he saw me he would ask me if I had told anyone else yet. He was to the point where he didn't care who knew as long as it was someone in the royal family and his anxiety was seeping into me.

Regardless, I managed to soothe him and convinced him that I would confess everything soon enough. But first, I needed to come to terms with the reality of my situation instead of pushing it to the back of my mind.

As much as I immediately wanted to hate Thorn it wasn't possible. Even when I would attempt to coax the full story out of a healing Hunter I couldn't make myself utterly loathe Thorn just yet. No, he was no longer my leader, no I didn't want to carry on any kind of relationship, but those things did not invalidate the relationship we had before. He had still taken me in when my only other option was to die in the woods. I had been young and naive then, but he hadn't taken advantage of me or abandoned me. It was impossible to think that the Thorn that held me at night when I sobbed for my family was the same Thorn who had blatantly attempted to undress me and violate me in the woods. May times when I considered it I couldn't make myself believe it.

The man that I had trusted, the man I had dedicated my life to, had turned into a monster. And now he wasn't just coming for the royals. He was coming for me too.

"That man has taken too many of your tears." Agatha murmured one morning after she awoke me to dress.

I didn't ask her how she knew about Thorn and the incident. After all this time with her I had learned that she was beyond intuitive and must've had connections all over the palace. Quite and subtle as she may be she knew everything. It didn't matter anyway, she was right. I had spent three nights softly sobbing to myself. I was terrified of what would come next, how Griffin would react when I told him. But I was also mourning the loss of my old life. I could never go back to being the crafty little wolf who survived on wits. But no more. I had chosen Griffin, this was my life now.

And it was time to tell him.

"I'm thinking red this morning." I mused when I approached my armoire, partially ignoring her statement. I needed my clothing to express the fire that was burning within my soul and the resolve that was required to get through this day ahead of me.

"I'm sorry, but the prince has sent a dress he would like you to wear." Agatha murmured, gesturing to a gown that was hung on a hook.

Though I had been subjected to many shows to glamour and luxury while living in the palace my mouth still fell open silently when I looked at the gown. It was a lovely peach colour all the way through and the long skirts flowed down to the floor with grace and classic elegance. Every stitch, every thread was so perfectly in place. But it was the bodice that truly made me speechless. It was coated in glittering gems. Some were a sparkling white that reflected the light so perfectly, others were a soft colour to match the skirt. And they were all swirling together in stunning patterns that must've taken hours to perfect.

"These aren't diamonds, are they?" I whispered. I almost reached out to touch it, but was so mortified at the potential price that I retracted.

"They are." Agatha replied, gauging my reaction. "And the other stones are pink sapphires I believe."

"I've never seen this dress before." I said, still not touching it. "It can't be one of mine."

"Prince Griffin had it specially made for today."

I said nothing, just staring at it for a long time. It was gorgeous, beyond anything I could've imagined. And it had been made for me at the request of Griffin. I was touched and overwhelmed all at once. So when Agatha suggested I put it on I only nodded.

It was even more stunning on my body, though it greatly out did me. I looked plain and boring under all of the stones. All I could see was my thick eyebrows and the miscalculated freckles that splattered across my face.

"You look like a goddess." Agatha murmured in appreciation. "Now come, the prince is waiting for you in the main hall." Her words left no room for argument or denial.

Oliver pensively greeted me in the hallway. The stiffness that stemmed from his secret left his body when his gaze landed on the gown.

"He had it made for me." I whispered.

"Of course he did." Oliver sighed, but I couldn't tell if he was pleased or annoyed with the situation at hand. I decided it was best not to ask.

We walked to the main hall together in silence.

And after all of my tense interactions with Griffin I didn't know what to expect when I saw him. I didn't know if he would confront me and demand to know what was going on or if he was going to tell me that we couldn't carry on like this. Oliver fell away, leaving me to face him on my own and I clasped my fidgety hands together to hide my nerves. I told myself I had to be prepared for anything. But what I did not expect him to light up with the brightest smile when he saw me.

"I wasn't sure if Agatha would be able to convince you to put it on. Hunter tells me you can be quite stubborn." He admitted, drawing nearer. With a subtle flick of his hand he dismissed Oliver all together.

"She did have to convince me, but Agatha always gets what she wants." I mused, running my hand down the smooth skirt. My eyes caught one of the glowing gems and I was reminded that this dress cost more than the average sport horse, "Fin, you shouldn't have. This dress is too much."

One of his hands slipped around my wrist and he drew me closer. For the first time in a few days his eyes held only gentleness instead of worry and distress. It made my heart flutter to see him so happy, but then the crushing reminder of what I would have to do fell over me.

Griffin either didn't notice or pretended not to because he eased my arm above my head and twirled me with grace and neatness that would've impressed even the finest ladies. As I spun I could feel his eyes sweeping over every inch of the dress and every centimeter of my exposed skin. He let out a sigh and when I faced him once more I saw how utterly pleased he was.

"You shouldn't have." I repeated, my cheeks burning with redness. The way he continued to look at me made me feel so beautiful. And not because of the dress.

"If I could give you the world, I would." Griffin stated.

And before I even had a chance to reply he placed a guiding hand against my back and led me out of the palace. He filled the air with telling me about the busy day we would have and he was right. The day was a wild whirlwind, but Griffin had the biggest smile on his face the entire time.

He started by taking me to a small bakery in the middle of the village. It was small, but filled with customers. Still, when one travelled with the prince there was always an available table. I was seated while Griffin placed an order in for both of us. I watched the way he spoke with the baker who presented me with the best breakfast I had in my life. And I saw the way Griffin blushed and ran a hand through his black hair when the baker whispered something that I couldn't hear. The way he beamed told me that it could only be good words.

After the baker profusely complimented me on my gown Griffin thanked him and we were on the move once more, this time to a teahouse. The woman who sold us or beverages was so passionate about her tea leaves it was almost humorous, but the taste of her tea was unlike any other. She was very kind as well, telling me repeatedly how lovely I looked and it took everything in me to not behave bashfully. Griffin stayed silent, but I could tell from the way his lips moved into a grin that he was agreeing with her.

Then we were walking. Griffin always asked me if my feet hurt or if I needed to take a break, but after my life as a rogue and the intense treks Thorn had put me through this was minor. I would always assure him I was fine and listen intently as he began spouting off facts about the village, the kingdom, the people who lived there. And the people who lived there knew him just as well. There were always bows and curtseys like any good ruler would receive but there was more. There were conversations with commoners that required personal knowledge. Griffin spoke to each person, always recalling their name and their children. They all adored him, telling him about the weather or their concerns and he would nod along. It was amazing to hear him speak and to watch him interact. Not only did I just love the sound of his voice I also adored the way he seemed to accept everyone. Not only did he know every face and voice, he knew every cobble stone and weathered tree. This was his home and he was so proud of it.

And he wanted to share it with me.

"Thank you for the lovely day, Griffin." I whispered when we finally made it back to my room.

"It was my pleasure." He replied, following me over to the large windows that over looked the palace gardens and beyond. As I looked outside his eyes ran over me in a way that I couldn't describe. It was like he was lusting after me, but not so unrefined, like he wanted to undress me but knew better. And there was a heavy undercurrent of adoration that I had never seen from any man before. It made me shiver. "It's been a while since I've seen you smile like you have today. I missed it."

"Griffin, I-"

"It doesn't matter." He interrupted. The blues of his eyes were swimming with contentment. "I don't want an apology or an explanation. I'm just happy that you're happy."

"Fin..."

"I bought this for you the other day." Griffin continued, drawing out a small, velvet box. He took my hand, rotated my palm face up, then placed the bottom of the box in it. "I know it's not something a queen would usually wear as it's rather small and unimpressive. But I saw it and I thought of you in a wedding dress immediately." He confessed as he opened the lid.

And there, nestled in the box, was a dainty necklace. The chain was a delicate, gleaming gold. And the pendant, small and fragile, was a beautiful opal stone. It appeared white to the uninterested eye but upon closer inspection all of the shimmering colours could be seen. Yellow, blue, pink, green. They all danced before my eyes.

I raised my gaze to his, not knowing what to say in the moment, but knowing what had to be done. And with each gesture, each gentle touch that he snuck in throughout the day, each kind smile, each tender glance, it was getting harder and harder to even consider telling him what was going on.

"I can't wait to marry you, Lettie." He whispered.

Then his finger was curled under my chin. With a certain slowness and steadiness he eased my face upwards. After his eyes flickered over my own, they dipped down to my lips he smiled.

He kissed me. It was warm and soft. Slow and patient. Just like Griffin always was with me. His hands stroked my hair back from my face as his lips held mine. I never wanted him to stop, feeling so cared for in that moment.

But he pulled away and rested his forehead against mine. His eyes remained closed and his hands drifted down to my bare shoulders. There was a deep breath, then a certain sigh.

"I love you, Violet."

"Griffin-"

"You don't need to say it back to me. I just needed you to know." He whispered.

Then he pulled away with an accomplished smile and left my room, leaving me stunned.