Estevan's POV:

"What are you doing here?" I asked looking at the princess hunched over in a ball on the ground. 

She didn't respond. 

"You shouldn't be in the middle of the forest here alone," I warned. 

You might find something you don't want to see.

Something like a sob came from her, but I couldn't have been sure. But her shoulders were shaking. 

"Are you okay?" I asked, knowing at least how to be gentlemanly.

I knelt down next to her and rested my hand lightly on her shoulders. 

She shook her head and looked up at me. Her eyes were red and her makeup was smearing. 

"What happened?" I asked pointedly. 

What day was it? Was anything special supposed to happen today? 

She went to open her mouth, and then I realized that she was still shaking, and it was becoming more violent. 

"You were forced down here," I sneered. "You weren't going to come?" 

I stood up, almost in a panic, but mostly frustrated, and looked around for the plant I knew would help... There! The Ralethia. It was simple to look at, but it was powerful. 

I snatched it up and ran back to the princess, forcing on of the Ralethia's petals into her mouth and began chanting the healing song. 

She took in a deep breath and looked up at me with wide eyes as if she could only now see where she was and who she was with. 

"What-" she started. 

I didn't let her finish.

"What were you thinking? I told you that you must come here every night! Every night! That's no exception! Ever!" She looked at me in fear. Good, she should fear me. "I don't give you those rules for nothing. Look what you did! If I hadn't stumbled upon you when I felt darkness enter my kingdom, then you would have died princess!"

Just looking at her blank and fearful eyes made me furious. You have no idea the disaster you almost made!  We are so close to freedom, so close. 

"I have done so much to protect you," I tried to control my voice, but it wasn't working very well. "And you almost ruined it in one night. One night! What was so important that you couldn't come here tonight? That the darkness had to drag you down and almost consumed you? What?"

My breath was heavy from yelling so loud. Why couldn't she just understand? She couldn't be so careless. 

"My..." she started and then shuddered. "My father..." 

Oh. 

"He's dead."

Now it was my turn to stare. She looked so pathetic, so helpless. And yet, she was our only hope. We couldn't wait another 100 years. 

"I'll take you home," I announced. 

She stood up on her feet with little assistance, and we walked the forest path back to the glass staircase. By the look on her face, I could tell that my kingdom still amazed her. Unfortunately, it had no effect on me anymore. Her kingdom on the other hand, now that was a sight that never ended. That was a true beauty to behold. 

Just a little longer. 

"Princess," I said as we neared the staircase. 

She turned to me, eyes still puffy but the tears had stopped. 

"Since you won't stay here long, I expect your search to go quicker. We need an answer soon, and my brothers are getting impatient."

She whimpered but tried to look strong. "Of course." 

Then she curtsied, and I smiled, relishing in the feeling. 

I grinned at her as she came up before turning around to leave her. Time was running out. But I could just taste the fresh air once again. 

Soon. 

"Oh, and condolences for your father."

Alright, so we meet Estevan once again!

That was kinda fun to write. I actually had to write this chapter just now, whereas must of the others I wrote a while ago and am just posting. 

Let me know what you think!! 

Remember to vote and comment!! 

Yours always, Kaiya