The noise unsettled me. My ears strain to hear anything else. The couple of years I spent on the streets helped train my senses to sense danger. But the noise is gone. I debate within myself.

"It could have just been an animal or one of the guards... I probably don't need to check... But still...It would be wiser to check."

Grabbing my scimitar, I head outside. As the princess's companion, I also double as one of her bodyguards, her last defense, of course, besides herself. Although she is well-trained in self-defense, I have been extensively trained in everything from surveillance to dagger fighting just to protect her. I have even been given Castra, one of the seven legendary weapons handed down from generations ago. Another benefit of the king's provision, an honorable responsibility given to me. My mind begins running through all the possible threats and how to disarm them. "If there is only one assailant, he'll stay close to the back. If there are more than one, they'll surround the tent and sweep in all at once."

The cool night air cloaks me and I cautiously continue. My sword is poised, ready to defend myself in an ambush. I am turning the corner to check the backside of our tent when I hear a noise, a rustling to the right of me. I spin, preparing to throw my sword into the assailant's chest.

"LEE! IT'S ME!"

Prince Eric's voice startled me. I glanced down at the position of my blade, mere inches from his chest. I tremble as I realize how close I was to killing him. His hazel eyes shift from frightened to amused as we look at each other.

"Why are you out here? You are supposed to be in your tent!" I finally breathe out after several moments, lowering my sword.

"I couldn't sleep so I thought I would go for a walk. I wasn't expecting to be assaulted by a young lady who is much too eager to use her sword." He chuckles gently. His laugh calms me, and I can't help but return his laugh with a smile of my own.

"You should have known better than to hide out by my tent. Next time, you might not be so lucky."

"Next time, I'll remember to bring my sword so you can't ambush me, again."

I roll my eyes. "Just doing my job."

He leans in. "Come on. You know you enjoyed threatening me."

"Whatever. it was fun to hear you scream like a girl."

"I did not!"

"Did too."

"Did not."

"Did too."

He grumbles ,"Whatever," and starts to walk away.

I touch his arm to stop him. "Wait, why couldn't you sleep? Is everything all right?"

He turns back to face me, his eyes registering an emotion I'm not used to seeing in Eric- sadness. "I was just thinking...I- never mind. Don't worry about me."

"Eric, come on. You know you can trust me. If something's bothering you-"

"Is everything ok? I heard someone yell?" Gwen's voice calls out from the front of the tent.

Eric mouths to me, "Don't mention me" as he backs silently away. As I walk back, I respond to Gwen. "Everything's fine. I was joking around with one of the guards because he woke me up. Sorry to wake you."

"Don't worry about it. Do you talk to him a lot? Why was I not informed of this?" I shake my head and giggle.

"You are ridiculous, Gwen. G'nite."

"G'nite, Lee. Sleep tight."

Again, I try to fall asleep but I'm too concerned with what could possibly be bothering Eric. After several hours, sleep finally captures me, but I am still haunted by the sadness in his eyes.

_________________________

"Wakey, wakey, sleepyhead!!"

I groan. The one time I oversleep, Gwen has to yell.

"Well, isn't someone in a good mood this morning!" Her sarcasm doesn't help me either.

Rolling out of bed, I glare at her. "Eesh. Well aren't you a grumpus this morning!"

"What time is it?" I ask.

"Almost time to get going. Only one more day until we reach Sicota. And then Eric will meet his bride-to-be!!!"

I freeze. Eric's princess, his future bride. That must be what upset him last night. I force myself to not think about it and snatch up my riding outfit for the day. The ankle-length jet black riding skirt falls neatly around my legs. I swiftly button up my crimson blouse and pull back my black waves.

"You look gorgeous! I wish I could look like you." Gwen says.

I roll my eyes once again. Her silky blonde hair is already intricately pinned up, but in a way that it looks effortless and her blue eyes sparkle with excitement. "You shouldn't say that, Gwen. You're too beautiful. If you weren't already engaged, I'd have to fight every man in Aspenvale to keep them away from you. "

Her muttered thanks tells me that she's embarrassed. You would think that with all the attention she receives from Sir William, she would have learned to accept a compliment! I hustle to pack up everything.

Within the hour, the caravan is on its way and I am on my horse. Duke seems to be unbothered by the ten days I've already ridden him. I pat his mane and run my fingers through it. "King Eric has been so kind. Right, Duke?" I sighed.

"It was my idea." A voice beside me utters.

"Your highness! I didn't realize you were there!"

Eric laughs at me. "You don't have to call me that."

"Call you what?" I respond.

"Your highness. I'm only two years older than you. There really isn't any need."

I think about it for a moment and add,

"You're right. The whole castle realizes that we are practically brother and sister anyways."

"Right." A pause. I turn to look at him. His eyes are distant, as if they were actually seeing beyond the horizon. I spend the moment to observe his face once again. Sandy blonde hair, a straight nose, high cheekbones, and a strong jaw- the very image of King Eric. The only thing that differs is that Eric's eyes are hazel while the king's eyes are blue like Gwen's.

"Ahem. It's not polite to stare."Eric's eyes sparkle with amusement.

When I realize that I was doing exactly that, I blush and stammer "I- I'm s-sorry. I was just thinking about how much you look like your father."

"It's fine. I actually enjoy the attention from you. It's not often that I get it."

What does that mean? I- never mind. If I don't think about it, it won't affect me. Changing the topic, I say, "Did you finally get some rest last night?"

He turns and looks directly at me. For a moment, we simply look at each other. My heart begins pounding so loud I can't ignore it. His green-gold eyes tell his sadness and I want to console him, tell him it will all be okay. But I can't. One, we both know nothing can change his arranged marriage. And two, I can't ever let him know that I'm in love with him.

He finally replies, "A little." He nudges his horse and rides back to the front of the caravan. My heart pounds in my ears. I know Eric is my Prince Charming. I love him. But he can never be mine.

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Hi everyone!!!! Hope you like what you read!!

I won't be able to post very quickly because school starts tomorrow!*hides from mother* no I don't want to go back!

Does anyone else love Sonic the Hedgehog?

I seriously had a crush on Tails when I was 6. Sad... Oh well.

This chapter is dedicated to lotrfan096 who is writing some really good stories!! Go check em out! By the way, lotrfan096, thanks for all the support! You're on of my fav people to chat with here on Watpad.

Comment and Vote!!! I really want to know what you guys think. Do you like? If you don't, why? Just don't be a mega hater. I like criticism; I don't like hating.

Anyways....Have an amazing day!!!