A slick voice suddenly says from behind him. "So... I see you have taken a liking to The Monarch..."

The prince doesn't turn around. "She's quite lovely..." he says in a dreaming tone.

He sees The Stranger. "... Yes I agree... So I assume you wish her your bride...?" He walks closer.

Alek looks over the garden, wondering if that was really what he wanted. "I do." He says with a smile.

"Aw.... that's a shame..." The Stranger turns away and begins walking off "She is already engaged...."

The prince turns to The Stranger. "Engaged?" His smile falls.

"Indeed. That necklace around her neck was given to her by her lover. That is why she can not be your queen, and why no one would approve." He lets out a small sigh. "It's too bad really..."

"Oh." He whispers, he looks the stranger in the eyes. "Thank you...for alerting me..."

The Stranger smiles and bows. "It was my pleasure... your highness..." he turns and walks into the ball. He begins spreading the rumor that The Monarch is engaged, yet the prince still wishes to marry her.

Alek stays on the balcony, his mind full and aching. He leans against the railing, resting his head in his hand. "Alekar." The King's voice sounded from behind him.

Alek doesn't move. "What is it..?" The King crosses his arms.

"Come back inside, meet the girls who have come to see you."

 Alek sighs. "Father, everyone I choose becomes an impossible choice..."

"Impossible?" He laughs. "Alek you're a prince! No choice is impossible!" 

Alek closes his eyes. "I don't wish to marry. Not until I find the right person." 

The king moves next to Alek, leaning against the railing as well. "Son, you know that can't happen. The kingdom is in too fragile of a state to be without a queen."

"Then don't go dying any time soon!" Alek opens his eyes, feeling as he did when Bridgette had left. 

The king kept his eyes on Alek for a moment before turning away. "Alek your coronation is in a year. Only a year. I'm trying to give you time to choose but each day that passes is a possibility for a mistake."

"I'm always going to be a mistake to these people. Why should I do anything different..." The king places a hand on his back. Alek looks at him, taking off his mask and holding in his hands. 

"You're no mistake. I wanted you. You've already found out what is like to be treated as a minority. You have the knowledge of someone way beyond your years. You know what this kingdom needs."

"Then trust me. Trust me to find someone in time." Alek stands upright. "You rushed into marriage, an arrangement as well! Waiting and finding the right person will be better in the long run of things! Please father, give me more time..."

The king removes his hand from Alek, looking away. "You have until your coronation. No later."

Alek pauses a moment. "Send them home." Alek speaks with a bitter tone, walking down to the garden.

The king sighs, moving back inside to do as he said.

Alek goes to the fountain, sitting on the edge. He has a handful of flowers, setting them in the water. "Mother... what am I to do..."

Alek sits there, by the water for hours. He closes his eyes, listening to the noises of the garden. Soon, he falls asleep.

♤◇♤◇♤◇

"Mama!" Bridgette runs to her mother with distress in her eyes. She tosses the mask on her bed and hugs her mother. "Oh Mama! This is so stupid! I only went to dance but I danced with prince Alek again... and again.... and now he is in love with Monarch! He wants her to be his queen!"

Maria looks confused "... Sweetheart, what is the problem?" 

Bridgette holds tighter "Mama he's in love with Monarch! I... I don't even know if I love him! Maybe I do but I don't know! And he isn't in love with me, he's in love with her!" She looks up at Maria with glossy eyes "And he wants me to return tomorrow but papa won't let me! And I forgot my staff DANGIT!"

 Maria continues to hold Bridgette and Bridgette continues sprouting off. "And I can't be queen of Alcor even if I wanted to! And I don't know if I DO want to! I can't because I have to stay and take care of Darnassus and Timber is in Alcor and no one wants their queen to be an uncivilized backwoods weirdo! And this necklace makes my skin tingly and my ears sting so I can't keep it on forever!"

Maria strokes Bridgette's hair and holds her close, sitting on the bed. She says nothing and let's Bridgette cry herself to sleep.

********

A/N: TIMBER. IS. A. SHI-
But Bridgette's mom is a good.
And Darwin is a good.
And Nixxiom is a good. Even when he's snapping people's necks *Spoilers*

L/N: How fun. Jolly good times..