Alek smiles to himself after she had left, moving back inside. He is about to go into the ballroom when he hears his father. "Alekar, we need to talk."

Monarch helps around town, in a much better mood.

"Father... what's wrong?"

Alek approaches his father, whose normally content self was obviously anxious, his forehead dotted with beads of sweat. "Alek, we have some very bad news... The Castorian troops have already begun their march..."

Alek shook his head. "That can't be right... they always leave time for the snow. Their main advantage is the snow..."

The king frowned. "They don't care..."

"Have-have you told the townsfolk? They need to be warned!"

The king nods. "I've sent a messenger..."

♤♡♤♡♤

"ATTENTION! ATTENTION CITIZENS OF ALCOR!" The messenger stood on a box, his face scared.

Monarch looks at the messager with wide eyes, fear striking her heart. She watches him with worry.

"The king has just gotten word that the Castorian army has just begun their march to Alcor. We request that all citizens inform themselves of the arts of combat and start supplying for you family. Ration your food, continue helping your neighbors." He continues but no one listens.

Monarch looks at him and sighs, walking over and tugging his jacket.

"And- o-oh yes?" He looks down.

"You're done here." She smiles.

The man looks grateful, running off to hug a woman in the crowd.

Monarch stands on the box and begins giving demands to start the salvage.

"Will they be ready?" Alek says, his voice quiet.

The king pressed his eyebrows together. "We can only hope."

The rest of the day everyone prepares and gathers supplies, ready for the war.

The next day Monarch goes to the castle.

Alek was training with Karon, his shirt off as he worked, his sword clashing with Karon's.

The autumn breeze blew colored leaves around, the air chilly.

Monarch walks in and spots him. she smiles and blushes as she sits to the side, watching.

"Watch your footing!" Karon shouted, his voice almost quiet over the noise of metal against metal. Alek adjusted his position. He hadn't noticed Bridgette yet.

She continues watching in admiration.

Karon chuckles, "Have you studied your surroundings, young Prince?"

Alek smiles. "I have in fact!" He thrusts the sword once again.

Karon blocked, "Not recently, you would have noticed your lady friend."

Alek glances to where Karon was looking, Karon taking advantage and knocking Alek to his stomach. "Rule number three, keep your focus."

Monarch giggles and waves to him with a smile. She teases "Yeah Alek keep you're focus." She winks, trying to distract him.

Alek rolls his eyes, swiftly jumping back to his feet, his movements more showy than before.

"Wow, someone aims to impress." Karon laughs, deflecting again and again, getting less and less opportunity against him.

Monarch laughs and continues watching with a smile.

Alek dodges a swing from Karon, rolling and using the hilt of his sword to hit the tutor's side. Karon's grip on his sword loosens, and Alek uses that, hitting his elbow and causing him to drop his sword. Alek laughs, bringing his sword up to Karon's side.

"Looks like I've won!" Alek exclaims.

Karon clicks his tongue. "Footing." He says, hooking his foot around Alek's ankle. He pulls with his leg, causing Alek to fall, dropping to his back.

Monarch laughs a bit and smiles "Bravo Karon! And nice try Alek." She grins.

Alek sighs, standing and brushing off his back. "Yes well, I'm sure to win next time."

Karon laughs. "I'd be a happy man if you did."

"And you would too." Monarch walks up to him with a smile "No kisses. Sorry."

Alek places his hands on his chest. "Ah! No, my lady, you cause me such grief!" He looks at her and moves closer, putting his hands on her waist.

She pushes them off and folds her arms "Nope! You lost fair and square! You get nothing until you win." She grins.

"You can't be serious." He smirks.

"Oh but I am. You obviously weren't taking this seriously.  So I have to prove that I'm serious." She giggles. "So you get nothing! I can wait for a long time until you win... how long can you wait?"

He tilts his head. "I can never wait." He twists a strand of her hair.

She smacks away his hand and folds them again. "Nope. Sorry."

Alek frowns. "You seem set on this..." he smiles widely. "That just means I'll have to win next time."

"Lets see if you will..." She winks and turns, walking off with a smirk.

He smirks to himself, watching her walk off.

"That must be difficult, young prince." Karon says with a laugh.

******

A/N: Dude.... I've been reading ahead and omg. We are close to the end.

HEHEHE I'M SO EXCITED!!!

L/N: HEHEHEH I LOVE THE END OF THIS ONE!!