Author's Note: Yes another fanfic, but unlike the rest this one will be completed, I just have to work on the middle part...You'll know when I stop adding chapters.

Even though the race was over the score had not been settled. From the Krogs point of view the Nourasians had failed them. They were supposed to be victorious and the Prince had gone and messed it all up for them. So as a little reminder that they were still in control they marched through the cities, terrorizing its citizens, destroying buildings, setting their entire crops to flame. As they had turned their backs to leave and board their ships Kross did something unthinkable. He killed Prince Aikkas bride to be right in front of his very eyes.

"Don't think this is over." Kross said hovering over the Prince. "I'm just getting warmed up."

Aikka gazed down at his now dead fiance in horror. He never imagined it would come to this. Where they would take their rage out on someone he would someday fall in love with.

He was angered by her slaughter and at the same time saddened because he was never really sure if he had fallen for her quite yet, if at all. Looking down Aikka realized deep down he wasn't phased at all. Sure he cared about her and yes he was beyond angry at Kross for killing his betrothed but...there was just no emotional attachment.

"Tell me is everyone else safe?"

"Yes Prince. The king and Queen are fine."

"And Auna." Aikka asked. "What is to become of the new addition to the kingdom?"

"She is to remain anonymous, no one will know she is the second heir to the throne. She will be the kingdom's biggest secret."

"The Crogs do not need another opportunity to weaken us if we are to remain strong. We must rally against them."

"And how do you propose we do that?"

Aikka stood up. "All good things come to those who wait. I do not know the how or the when. All I know is that when opportunity presents itself I will be there with open arms waiting for them to fall into my trap."

"Do you wish me to provide a sending ceremony for Percephanie?"

"That is up to her family now."

"Where are you going?"

"To find another. This time it is my turn to choose who I get to marry."

"Just remember, no one-"

"'from another planet can have the crown and must be inside the royal circle." the Prince gazed back at his fencing master grinning. "Why the sudden need to remind me? Afraid I will forget?"

"No, I'm afraid of what the time on Oban has done to you." Aikka gave him an odd stare. "You've become different, bolder and more outspoken. The you who traveled to Alwas is not the same one who came back to Nourasia. And it's because of her!"

"I became this way on my own."

"Hah!"

"Whether or not you agree makes no difference to me. But you and Kross appear to be more alike than even I first thought."

"I'd find that offensive but for some reason he makes perfect sense of the whole thing. He knows about your feelings towards her."

"By the stars!" Aikka cursed. "I've had enough of your accusations that my relationship with Molly was anything more than platonic. I hadn't planned on befriending anyone during the Great Race, but I found Molly's attitude quite intriguing. She's a free spirit."

"That's what I find so troublesome."

"Why? Because she doesn't grovel at my feet? Molly is not a threat to you, me or the kingdom."

"Are you sure of this my son?" Aikkas father said coming into the room. "Are you absolutely positive? Can you in fact be sure this Molly character is as you say just a friend?"

"I'm unclear as to what my master has been telling you all this time-"

"Disobeying orders. Running around doing who knows what, having her on the back of your mount…"

"My duties and my heart lie with this city and it's people. When you step down I can assure you there will be a Nourasian queen standing by my side."

"Very well." His father said. "Then I will allow your young earth friend to come for a visit. It may take time. You know the transport only arrives once a year or so."

"I believe if we get in contact, Molly could arrive here no sooner than a month." He saw their quizzical glances. "It may have been ten years but once I made the promise I intended to keep it. So I planned ahead."

"That's very strange."

"If I am to become king, then it is necessary to keep track of such things."

"I've never really thought of it like that, my son." He clapped him on the back. "Then you should be the one to tell her. I'm not fond of technology, but the Krogs at least left us one of those devices for long distance calls. Go use it. I'm sure she has one herself."

"Are you sure it's wise? Bringing her here?"

"We'll find out now won't we?" The king said clapping Canaan on the shoulder.