Prince Aragon sat alone in the tower. It was now the only place in the castle that was dark enough for him. Every other room, and all the halls either had candles or sunlight streaming through the open curtains. This behavior was not unusual for the Prince, he always had a fondness for dark places. What did concern the kingdom was that he hadn't spoken in weeks and his uneven temper, was growing worse. The kingdom was surprised that he hadn't killed anyone.
One day, his younger sister Princess Dorathea, decided to visit her brother in the tower. She did feel guilty, thinking that she had caused Aragon to slip into his depression. If only she hadn't helped Samantha Manson escape; then Aragon would be married, and possibly would have been rid of his temper for good.
Dorathea knocked on the tower door. Knowing she would not recieve an answer, she entered the tower and saw Aragon sitting in a corner. Even for one that had been dead for centuries, Doraethea could see just how lifeless her brother had become since Sam's escape.
"Brother, you've not spoken for three weeks. The kingdom is worried about you." Dorathea waited for a moment, but Aragon still didn't speak. She sighed and drew closer to him.
"I know that I've disobeyed you, Aragon. Letting the girl leave was a mistake. But can you not move on? Hearing you yell, is better than not hearing you at all."
Aragon remained quiet. Dorathea lowered her head and turned to leave the tower.
"How many times must my chances at happiness be ruined?" Aragon said.
Dorathea gave a large grin and turned back to her brother. "Aragon, you're speaking again! I've never been so happy to hear your voice!"
"You are fortunate, Doraethea. If you were not my sister, than you would be in the dungeon."
Dorathea looked towards the floor. "If it pleases you, brother, I can return to the mortal world and retrieve a new bride."
Aragon stood. "Don't bother. It is now obviously clear that I'm never meant to find love."
"Aragon, you did not love Samantha." Doraethea knew it was wrong to correct her brother, but it was simply obvious, even to those who never saw Sam & Aragon together, that he did not love her.
"Perhaps, I didn't. But in time, I may have learned to love her. Despite what they say about me, sister, I am capable of love. I love our kingdom, I loved our parents..." Aragon crossed the floor and stood in front of the mirror, and placed his amulet around his neck.
"You loved Mathilda." Dorathea added with a smile.
Aragon quickly rounded on his sister. "I thought I had told you to never speak of Mathilda!"
"But brother, I was only trying to lift your spirits." Dorathea said.
"And you thought, by speaking of the one woman who felt any feelings towards me, would help to ease the pain that you've already caused me?"
Dorathea shrugged. "Well, now that you've put it that way.."
Aragon rolled his eyes. "Leave me alone, you incapable fool."
Dorathea wished to speak to Aragon some more, in hopes of making him feel better, but she knew that her efforts would be wasted, and she left the tower.
Aragon returned to his chair; no longer dwelling on Samantha's escape, but on Mathilda. The girl that loved him, and that he truly had loved in return.