Ariadne's POV

"Come on, Ariadne!" Juno cried, pulling me down the hallway. "We can't be late!"

"Alright, alright," I said giggling. 

Juno had grown so much since the disaster - that's what the town was calling it. After I had announced to them all what had happened - well the shortened version - they had the opportunity to stand and accept me as their queen, or leave the room. Most had stood in support of me. It was a very moving moment, and I took their trust very seriously. 

I was determined to make it up to them.

That's why the last year had been very long. The whole kingdom was completely focused on rebuilding it to its former glory. In a way, we also made it more beautiful. With the exception of a few burnt places in the forest and a few hills, but those would eventually grow back, and the small plants we had planted everywhere we flourishing. 

Rebuilding all the houses had taken the most work, but it was always worth it to see the joy on the family's faces when they saw their new homes. My father had put Peter in charge of the restoration of the kingdom, and said that it would be more than enough to redeem his name and earn back his title and more. 

Peter had also been reluctant to let me help him with the actual houses, but they were so short on able-bodied men that they didn't have a choice. Men and women alike worked to restore the kingdom. It took some time getting used to the work, but now it felt weird wearing a ball gown while running down corridors instead of sweating in the beating sun, racing Peter. Now that all the houses were built, and the kingdom was mostly restored, we were celebrating our progress with an autumn ball as well as the unmasking of the memorial for all of those who had died because of the dragon. Everyone had convinced me that it wasn't my fault, it was Estevan's.

"Juno," I complained. "Can't we walk the rest of the way?"

She huffed but slowed down to a fast walk.

"Are you sure I look alright?"

Juno stopped and then walked around me a few times without saying a word.

That can't be good. I thought.

I had gotten a lot tanner from being outside so often, which was normally frowned upon by society. Princesses shouldn't work, and they definitely shouldn't have dark skin. But I didn't mind, knowing that I was helping my people. But what if it completely transformed me into an atrocious beast. And that wasn't even mentioning the calluses on my hands and how I couldn't fit into the small dresses that Mr. Eli made me in the past. To be honest, I felt better than I had for a long time, but what if no one else thought so? What if Peter didn't think so? He had left unexpectedly two weeks ago and I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't be able to see him tonight.

"You look great, now let's go!"

I sighed. That wasn't exactly a reassuring comment. "Alright."

It was too late to change anything now anyway.

We walked up to the doors and the guards each bowed before opening them for us. Music played loud from inside and I smiled, this was going to be fun. I had nothing to worry about. I was late as well, so perhaps everyone would be so busy dancing that they wouldn't notice me.

That thought immediately flew out the window when I saw Sir Sneddon rapped his silver cane on the ground, silencing everyone.

"Crown Princess Ariadne Carwell of Glendowin, and her sister, Princess Juno Cardwell."

I felt like melting right there. Juno dragged me down the stairs and I regained my composure as everyone whom we passed bowed or curtsied. We made it midway through the room when I heard the cane rap again and the music resumed. I could see several of the upper-class women judging my new look, especially since I had not made an attempt to cover it. The sleeves were short and I felt exposed.

"I almost thought that this was your first ball from your expression up there," a voice chuckled from behind me.

I spun around to see Peter grinning from ear to ear.

"And I almost thought that this was your first time speaking to a crown princess," I retorted, despite how much I wanted to hug him.

"Please excuse me, your highness," he said with an over-exaggerated bow. I had missed his sarcasm.

"Much better," I said trying not to smile. "And as for my expression, I blame that on spending too much time with common folk, such as yourself."

I couldn't help but smile at his feigned hurt look, but then his expression changed and he almost looked nervous. A look I never associated with him.

"What would you say if I told you that I don't plan on being common folk much longer?"

"Do you plan to become a thief with Simeon instead?" I teased.

He rolled his eyes, but didn't say one of his usual come-backs. Then held out his hand. "Would you care to dance?"

I looked at him surprised. "I would love to."

A slow song had just begun and I looked at Peter questioningly. Usually he liked dancing to the faster songs.

"Is everything okay?"

He nodded, pulling me to him. "Everything's perfect."

I knew he wasn't telling me everything; he still looked nervous. But I didn't question him any longer. I just wanted to enjoy this.

"Where have you been these past few weeks?" I asked, not able to take the unnatural silence any longer.

So much for just enjoying it.

He cleared his throat. "Um... I was actually talking to your father and a few other noblemen so that I could earn back my title."

"Oh, Peter! That's wonderful."

"But that's not all," he said clearing his throat as he looked around the ballroom.

Why wasn't he looking at me? What else could it be? I didn't like the different scenarios that my mind was coming up with.

"What else?" I asked hesitantly.

"Your father has offered me... a place  here, but I worry it might take me away from you for a little while, but-"

"Take you away?" I asked and tripped over his feet. "I'm sorry! I just... I don't know."

Peter being gone for two weeks was hard enough, how could I survive him leaving even more? I couldn't stand it if he was gone, I needed him here. I needed him with me. 

I turned away from him, not wanting him to see the worry on my face. I wanted to be happy for him, I did. But I would much rather he stay a commoner and be with me than have a high position on my father's courts and be gone.

"Ariadne," he whispered, but I slipped away. Maneuvering myself through the people swirling around the ballroom floor. "Princess," he said following after me. 

I went to the nearest doors leading to the garden. We couldn't have this conversation in front of everyone else.

I turned to face him once we were outside. 

"Peter," I said, grabbing his arm. "Please tell me you aren't leaving."

Now it was Peter's turn to look confused. "No... Well not permanently, just for a little while-"

"How long?"

"Your father isn't sure yet, but he said it might be anywhere from a month to-"

"No," I said.

"What?"

"No," I repeated. "You can't go."

He took in a deep breath. "Please let me finish."

I sat down on a bench and he sat next to me, slipping his hand in mine. 

"Do you remember that night when I snuck out here to see you?" Peter said after a minute of silence.

Where was he going with this? "At first I thought birds had learned how to talk," I said and chuckled.

He grinned. "And then you almost fell on top of me trying to get off your balcony."

"I guess I didn't really think that part through." I smiled at the memory.

"We had a lot of fun times when we were kids," Peter said chuckling.

"Just when we were kids?" I said quizzically.

"I guess being chased by a dragon was pretty fun," he teased.

"Just the dragon?" I pressed.

"And maybe the part where I brought you back to life."

I looked at him in surprise. "Oh? I don't remember that part."

He puffed out his chest. "Yeah, I single-handedly carried you here to safety and then brought you back to life with true love's kiss."

I laughed. "With all my siblings around?"

He nodded. "It was actually their idea."

I smiled as a cool breeze sent a chill down my spine.

Peter immediately stood up and wrapped his coat around me, and then knelt in front of me, finicking with it.

"You didn't have to-"

"I should have done it earlier," he said with a small smile.

I watched as he fumbled around in his pocket for something. 

Please tell me he's not getting me gloves too. I'm really not that cold.

"I should have done this earlier too," he whispered, pulling out a small, dark wooden box.

"Peter," I started, but he gently placed his finger on my lips.

"Princess Ariadne Cardwell, I know it's not really my place to be asking, but your father gave me permission, and I honestly don't care what society thinks anymore," he said, the nervousness back.

"Thinks about what?" I asked quietly when he took a deep breath.

He handed me the box, and I opened it slowly to reveal a beautiful necklace. He could not have possibly afforded this! Unless-

"Peter! Did you steal another necklace?" 

He chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. "I wouldn't steal the same necklace a second time."

I looked at him in shock. "What?"

He laughed. "Yes, it's the same necklace. But the storekeeper gave it to me as a gift, for helping rebuild his store. His wife died in the fire and he wanted to give the necklace to someone who deserved it."

I smiled, looking back at the necklace. It really was extravagant. It was pure silver and gold, with white diamonds that sparkled in the sunlight.

"It is now an offering to you from me," he whispered kissing my hand. 

"What do you want in return?" I asked, still overwhelmed by everything he had been saying.

He wrapped his warm hands around both of mine. "Will you marry me?"

I stared at him for a second until the question registered and my hands flew to my mouth. "Really?" Came my muffled reply.

He nodded but shivered as another cool breeze swept over us. "I just have one request. Let's get married inside."

I laughed as my head bounced up and down wildly, "Of course I will," I cried and threw my arms around him once more.

He slowly pulled away and looked me in the eyes. "I love you Princess Ariadne Cardwell," he whispered, leaning his forehead against mine. 

Butterflies started in my stomach as I glanced up into his eyes. "I love you too." 

He smiled before pulling away just enough to look at me once more with his chocolate brown eyes. Then he reached up and grabbed my chin, gently pulling me towards him. Then he kissed me. It was nothing like any other kiss I had experienced. All of my worries and thoughts fled away - I was spellbound. All I could think about was him and how happy I was to be with him. With my Peter. But it was better than any spell, better than any kind of love the necklace had given me. This was much more powerful. This was real. 

                                                                   THE END