Firstly I would like to warn everyone. I am the worst uploader in the history of uploading. This story has literally been on my computer for over a year, and the only reason I haven't published it yet is because I was worried I wouldn't finish it. But I have this, part one, completed so I figured I'd at least share that much with everyone. If you'd like me to continue, I have pieces of part 2 completed as well, so it'd be up to your comments on whether or not you'd wish me to continue.

Anything in italics is Arizona's response, anything in bold is Callie's.

I don't own anyone or anything.

Day 1)

In a land where anything beautiful was hidden, a princess sat on an old wooden swing. She rocked back and forth waiting for life to breathe into her. Every breeze was a chance, every songbird a lesson, every fountain a journey. She dreamed of the day she would be free from this beautiful prison. The backyard of her castle was the only thing close to privacy and wonder that she had. And everyday she'd drift back as far as she could. She'd sing high and low and whistle with the birds, laughing when they'd reply to her tune. Her long brown hair fell across her face as her dress would swish and muddy under her bare feet as she laughed and ran around the garden.

One day, as she was singing to herself and balancing on the rocks and fallen trees near the far back wall, she heard a strange sound. It was something like rocks sliding against one another, maybe mixed with the rustling of leaves. Trying to get as close as she could, she studied the wall she always had stayed away from. Even though she was 19, it was so deeply rooted in her that she was not to go outside of the castle walls. Studying her surroundings, she noticed that one of the bricks towards the bottom of the brick barricade was loose. Coming towards it and inspecting it closely, she bent down and ran a finger over it. It was then she noticed a rolled up piece of spare parchment with what looked to be writing on it. It was there that she opened it and began to read what would unknowingly change her entire life.

Forgive me for my intrusion, I hope this does not startle you. I just had to let you know that you are the most gorgeous woman I have yet to lay eyes on in my younger, but prosperous life. I heard you singing earlier and I had to follow it. Don't be frightened, please. I don't wish to startle you. I had never heard such an angelic sound, and when I saw the owner of such a beautiful melody, I believe...well, I believe to have fallen in love.

The princess was flabbergasted. Someone was actually writing to her from the outside world! Her excitement made her heart race, and she could feel the perfect rhythm of her pulse. Quickly racing inside, she went to gather her quill and ink so that she might respond. Sitting down at her desk, she responded to this mystery man.

What say you, person of interest, to the idea of my pen pal? This castle might be beautiful, but the walls are thick with secrets and the gate surrounding is more for keeping out then letting in. I'm so lonely here. I thank you for your kindness. Do not be caught, but leave more of these trinkets for me, please? I hope to the heavens that you'll return. I'm in dire need of affection.

Day 2)

The next day, the princess couldn't wait to check the small mangled brick to see if there was another message. Thinking ahead, she had brought along with her a basket in which she carried parchment, a quill, ink, and a block of smooth wood she used to use as a child to write all of her class assignments on when she would go outside for her studies. Finally arriving at the spot she remembered, she smiled happily when she noticed a new rolled up message just waiting for her to respond.

It would be an honor, my lady, to send you as many words as I possibly could. However, I'm not quite sure what it is you wish to hear?

The princess smiled and took out all of her instruments. As she got settled she wrote back a message.

Just be yourself. There is no right or wrong way to tell a lady that she's lovely.

Realizing that she couldn't simply roll and push it back the way the person on the other end was doing, she noticed a small divot on the top right hand corner. Rolling the note even tighter, she wedged the paper into the chipped area and slid the brick back into place. She waited a few minutes and then, suddenly, the stone began to move back. Holding her breath, the princess watched as the paper rolled back to her feet as the brick was replaced yet again. Opening up the parchment she read the note.

Sometimes when I see you on the commoners cobble stone, I have to pause in reverie. Never in my life has someone so completely captured the very breath from my lungs. The way you move with elegance and grace stuns me. The flawlessness of your skin. The curves and dips and perfect slopes of your features send my mind spinning. I don't understand how someone can be so womanly and not have found love already.

The princess sighed at the ending and responded, repeating her previous process.

I'm supposed to fall in love with someone of royalty, and every man that has entered has viewed me as nothing more than lustful property. I don't wish to mate with someone who views me as anything less than what I am. The men who enter here are as old as my own father. They have nothing of interest to say to me other than a few empty compliments here and there. The way they feast on meals my cooks prepare makes me cringe and their manners are less than stellar, unlike yours...They find me to be something they can win easily. Something they are entitled to. So many see me and believe my life is that of a fairy tale...but they couldn't be any more wrong.

The princess was nervous. Why had she written such truth in her message? She wasn't sure. But she did know it felt nice to get it all out. Caught up in her musings, she was relieved when the paper came back to her.

I'd rescue you if I had the means, my lady. But I don't wish you to see me in the eyes of those you have already met that were so undesirable. I wouldn't wish what you described on anyone. So I shall wait, and I shall befriend you. And if you so desire to one day love me for who I am, then I would be honored to meet you. Until then, though, I believe this to be our fate.

The princess was shocked. Never had anyone thought that she was a normal human being like everyone else. Or at least, no one had ever treated her that way. It was refreshing to her, and she was instantly taken by this messenger. Taking her time in dealing with her emotions, the princess finally settled on one simple sentence.

Would you believe me if i told you that I already feel as though you are my destiny?

As the princess bit her bottom lip waiting for a response, she noticed how gently the rock slid out and pushed it's way back in. As she cautiously opened the note, she smiled after reading its contents and let out a sigh of relief.

Believe you? I'm not sure. But agree with you on mutual feelings I must.

"Calliope! Supper's ready! Get in here, young lady!"

"Coming!" Callie called back to one of the house maids who had practically raised her, Roberta. Smiling to herself, she tucked the note into the basket. Finding a loose log on the ground, she pushed the basket in and used the bush near by to cover the opening of its trunk to camouflage what she had hidden. It was then she decided that every chance she had, she would spend it coming to this remote location in her grand backyard garden and await this mystery person's responses.

Day 3)

There is a man who wishes to have my hand that is supposed to be arriving tomorrow. I am told he is closer to my age as to the age of my father this time, but my heart is not in this. My heart wishes to know yours.

And what exactly about my heart is it that you desire to see?

All of it. Who are you when no one is looking?

I'm gentle, my lady, but a hard worker. I make sure everyone is taken care of. The thing that I enjoy most in life is to see the ones I love happy. I provide for the family that I have. My father and brother died in the most recent war, so it is up to me to be the breadwinner. I do it all for the sake of my mother and smaller sister. They are all I have left. My favourite thing to do, other than read your letters and write you, is to hear you sing. I only come by and drop this off whenever I can, but I have realized you sing more often now. I would hear you before without knowing who it was and I would dream of everything you sung of. My imagination ran wild and I always pictured myself as someone happy and carefree. I used to be set towards an arranged marriage, but asked my mother once my father and brother passed if it would be alright to unite for reasons of love instead of money. She told me as long as I could keep a roof over their head and food on the table, she would be more than happy to allow that. I enjoy children. Their resilience gives me a hope I can hardly remember I once had. I can be stubborn and I tend to believe my way is always correct, which is something I'm working on. And above all, I desire love. True, deep, meaningful love that changes the world and opens the eyes of many. That is who I am.

You sound absolutely wonderful. I do wish you were a prince of some foreign land so that I could run off with you and make everyone happy...however, there is too much duty in my life to even consider it. Fairy tales sound so wonderful, though, do they not? I'd be lying if I said I didn't often have this day dream...

The dreams are mutual, my lady.

You don't have to call me that. You may call me Calliope.

As you wish, Calliope.

Night 3)

In the middle of the night, princess Calliope scrambled her way through the garden in just her nightgown. She was sobbing as she quickly stepped and leapt over every obstacle in her way.

"Maybe if I reach the back wall, my suitor will be there and save me..."

Day 4)

He tried to get handsy with me last night. He attempted to grope and grab me, and he forced a kiss upon me...I feel completely violated. I came here and I waited for you to arrive, hoping, praying that you would, but you did not. I am not angry with you for this, I know you enjoy your secrecy and I know you have a family to tend to. I made sure he left this morning. I couldn't tell my father, he'd be far too disappointed in me. The only time I was ever calm was when I thought of you. I want to know you desperately, love. I believe you're my favourite part of my day.

You have always been and will always be the most majestic part of my day as well, Calliope. I am astonished and appalled at this man's blatant disrespect towards you! Had I known you were in such trouble I...I don't know. I would have wanted to whisk you away. Take you away from all of the pain you were feeling...Kissed you gently with absolutely no demands...I am curious, would you have let me kiss you?

I wouldn't dream of stopping you.

I leave with you this flower. I grew it in my backyard garden. It's the most beautiful of the lot, which made me think of you. I hope my forwardness will not be received with ill thoughts?

Callie took the flower that had been pushed her way. It was the most beautiful yellow dandelion she had ever seen in her life. As she pulled it to her nose, she smiled as she inhaled it's delicious scent.

This flower is absolutely lovely. The most wonderful gift I have received. Thank you very much...what might I call you?

For now, just call me yours.

You are extremely romantic. It's very nice. I wish to know more of you.

Patience, Calliope. We are still getting to know one another.

Day 5)

So I've been curious. Have the two of us ever met before?

Yes, actually, we have.

We have? When? Why have I not heard of this? Noticed it? I would like to have thought I'd remember someone who was this kind to me.

It was such a long time ago, I doubt you'd remember. I am five years your elder. The two of us used to play at the market place every now and then. That was before your step mother arrived, when things were more peaceful and your father wasn't as protective over you. You were so very young.

So then, you haven't seen me since then?

No, I have seen you. You just have not seen me.

Why hide yourself for this long? Why so much secrecy?

If you wish to love me and I you, you will not put so much focus on the questions. Enjoy the love while it can last.

And why wouldn't it last?

Because you are to be married to someone of royalty, and I am far from it. The two of us could never work for a vast majority of reasons, love. I wish to express myself freely while I still can.

What if I ran away with you? What if the two of us could somehow live on our own? Somewhere beautiful where your gardens could grow. I could learn to knit, sew, and cook for you. We could live happily, you and I. We could have children of our own some day.

I wish with all of my heart that all of that could happen some day, Calliope. Unfortunately none of that is in the cards for us. This cannot be.

Why not? Just tell me. What is so difficult for you to tell me that would truly change my opinion of you?

I'm not ready to divulge that to you.

Then I suppose I shall go on strike. A strike from my love for you.

Calliope please, don't do this!

Day 8)

You are a stubborn woman, you know. Many people hold you at such high prestige but I? I know better. Until you stop acting like a child I will treat you as one. You have always been so selfish.

And how, exactly, is wanting to know the identity of my lover selfish?

Your lover?

Yes, my lover. Is that not what you are? Have I not done all that I can to proclaim my love for you? What more could you possibly need from me?

I need you to say that no matter what, you will love me. No matter what I reveal, you will still care.

And what I need from you is to realize that life is about taking risks. Take a chance on me, or we'll both end up unhappy.

Night 8)

Calliope sat up in bed, huffing to herself. Why was her lover treating her this way? Why would someone spend so much time hiding who they were? Surely it couldn't be THAT bad, could it? Though the sun went down hours before, she could not rest with the idea that two days had gone by since her messenger had written to her. She got up off of her plush bed and began pacing her room. The moon was full that night so she needn't light a candle in order to see. Should she go down to their spot and write something? But what would she write? She couldn't think of a single thing to say other than angry, frustrated words. Finally deciding that she needed to at least say something, she silently crept out of the castle.

I don't want to ignore you but you are making it near impossible to forgive you. Just let me know who you are!

Day 9)

The next morning, Calliope pretended for a good few hours that she did not care whether or not she had gotten a response. She sat in the parlor sipping tea and she read a book in the study. She even asked Roberta if she needed help with anything, which of course Roberta denied. Finally she had enough of her own mind games and cautiously approached the brick in the back. As she read the response she found there, her smile went from happiness, to dread, to confusion.

I cannot, beautiful. I'm not positive yet. Leave with me your promise of undying care and perhaps I'll reveal myself.

Frustrated, Calliope ran a hand through her hair while sighing.

"Seriously, love, you expect ME, the princess, to write this?...Oh fine." Getting out her parchment, quill, and ink, she set out to put her words together as well as she could. Slowly as she wrote, she realized how easy it really was to explain herself.

"Never have I written such a letter as this before, but then again, never have I been in love before...until you. You, my lover, my beautiful human being that I know next to nothing about. You that keeps me awake at night, wondering of your eyes, your body, your hair, your warmth, your smile...Wondering why my fate must be so harsh and cold when your writing is warm and bright. You are kind, my love. You are gentle, sweet, and loving. You tell me things about myself no one has ever bothered to mention before. Although I have never met you in person that I can recall, I adore you. You are the one I wish to give my heart to. If you trust me with your care, I shall grant you my heart. Please do not let me down, my angel."

As she was waiting patiently for a reply, her house maid had called her back in. Something about a new festival in town coming up...

Day 10)

I have decided I shall tell you more things about me.

Good, because you were sorely missed. What is your appearance?

I have golden hair and sky blue eyes.

You do? Strange, I would not have pictured such a thing. I have raven hair and brown eyes deep.

I do. And we have more in common than you think.

And how is that? Your skin must be fair, mine is darkened from my ancestors. I am all curves, you must be chiseled.

I do have light skin, but chiseled I am not. You have made an assumption about me that I knew you would. I'm different, but we're the same.

And what assumption might that be?

You believe me to be a man. I am no man. I am a woman.

Callie gasped at the words written on the parchment. Surely this had to be some sort of joke. Immediately she began to panic, the fear seeping in slowly. It was consuming her.

You're lying. Why are you telling me this?

I am not lying. I am a woman, Calliope. That is what I've been hiding. That's why I wanted to make sure your love for me ran deep. That you could love me regardless.

I'm sorry, but I cannot love a woman.

Odd, then, because your writing says otherwise.

How is it possible that I've fallen for you? Why did you lie? I'm furious with you!

If I had told you of my gender, you would not ever have loved me. There is no point in denying it. I have so much proof of that, mainly being the way you're reacting right now.

Is this why you love me from afar?

Yes, darling. It is.

Day 14)

Three days had passed and Callie couldn't bring herself to write anything back. This person she had been falling so deeply for...this person was a woman. How could that be possible? Did such a thing even exist? She had never heard of someone in her own life being attracted to the same gender before. She was angry all of yesterday, but this morning as she arose, she realized if anything, she was sad. Sad that this person, this..woman...had tricked her. This only fueled her anger. She was beyond trying to be nice, or caring, or compassionate. Even though in the recesses of her mind she knew that this woman was someone outstanding and she really had been falling for her, she wasn't ready to admit that to herself. So instead, she lashed out.

Well, are you ugly, then? You must be if you think I couldn't see past your gender. A beautiful woman would have no such qualms.

If this is your way of dismissing your feelings for me, I don't want to hear of it. You are pompous, Calliope Torres, and can be absolutely wretched. If you wish to dismiss me by fact that I actually use the brain God gave me and don't think strictly with my genitalia like so many of your suitors do, then so be it. But do not expect me to fight for a woman that thinks ill of me and treats me with such disregard.

Callie thought back to all of the gentleman suitors her father and step mother had brought around. Not a single one held her attention. What her love was saying was true, even Callie herself had said it! The men only ever wanted her for her voluptuous body and nothing more. This woman...she had gotten to know Callie for who she was, and Callie had loved every moment of it...

Why do I cower under your truth?

Because we are in love, and so you know I speak it.

How might I be in love with someone I've never even seen? The thought is absurd!

You didn't seem to mind it such as when you thought me to be a man.

I'm still upset that you led me on for all this time.

Would you have listened to me then, love?

No, you're right. I wouldn't have.

Then my reasoning is not the mystery your troubled mind so claims it to be.

Day 15)

Where does your heart lie?

My heart lies with you, Calliope. My heart has been given to you. I would have thought you smart enough to figure this out on your own.

I am smart! You only serve to pester me!

It is not hard to disturb you, my love.

Don't call me your love. I haven't decided what to do with you yet.

Then allow me to decide, yes? I will leave you alone. If that is what you want, if you are this upset at the fact that I am not the sex you intended, then I do not wish to be anywhere near you. My love for you transcends any rule or law that has been governed. If you do not feel the same, if your heart does not beat as strong as mine, then I will leave. It is your decision. I shall give you a day to think it over.

Day 17)

Calliope awoke after she had the most astounding dream. She had dreamt that this woman with blonde hair and blue eyes and fair skin had come to her in her room. And instead of trying to take her body as her own as other 'gentlemen' suitors had before, she laid down next to her and opened her arms while smiling. Callie had stared at her for a long time until finally deciding to cuddle into her arms. There she felt safe, and happy. She felt loved. She began singing to the woman who had her arms wrapped around her. As she continued, she began to feel warm water at the crown of her head. Looking up she met blue eyes that were crying and beautiful pink lips that were smiling back at her. Callie smiled at the sight before her. A gentle caress met her cheek as the woman cupped her face in her palm. Callie's eyelids fluttered shut. Not even seconds later, she had felt the most delicate kiss placed upon her lips. She remembered it feeling like her subconscious's way of saying that this was the path she was meant to choose. She remembered remaining in that kiss until the moment she bolted upright awake in bed, panting at first and then slowly chuckling to herself with glee. Before she bothered to even put her day's clothes on, she raced outside to the back where their brick was and began to respond, having already made up her mind.

Please come back, my darling! I shall do my best to get over my fears! I miss you so...I'm sorry I have so many reservations, but I am so scared. What if someone finds out? The both of us could be hurt. I've never looked at a woman with interest before...this is all so new to me. Please, allow me to meet you properly?

Tonight, my sweet, you will see me.

Where shall you be?

Of course I'm not going to tell you that!

You're not fair, you do realize this?

But what fun would I be if I were? PS: It has something to do with the festival

Calliope had gone to the event in town that night. There was beautiful dancers and amazing performances. So many people in her town square that approached her in her throne next to her father and step mother, and not a single one seemed to resonate in her soul. She looked throughout the crowd the entire night, even standing up to glance over tall heads ((much to her step mother's disapproval)). But not one person seemed to be her beautiful blonde haired blue eyed girl. She made sure she stayed the entire night but she had a sinking feeling that she had not seen her beloved that night. Unsatisfied and hurt, she fell asleep disheartened.

Day 18)

I met many a blonde woman last night, but none held my attention. They could not have been you.

You're right, I was not there as I had presumed I would be. For that, I am sorry.

I was sent on a wild goose chase for nothing!

Patience, my love. It was not without good reason. I truly did not mean to miss the event, but as I had said, I could not attend. An emergency rose where I was needed.

The emergency, my dear, is my anger towards you at the moment.

Ah, but what are you without that?

Why does my temper seem to amuse you so?

Because it proves to me that you care.

And what if I said I didn't?

Well, I would say you are lying.

Maybe you're right.

No, I know I'm right.

Day 19)

Tell me something about yourself that I don't already know.

I'm not giving up my alias.

And I'm not asking you to. Just...let me get to know you if you're as wonderful as you boast.

First, tell me why the sudden interest in me. And don't undermine your emotions.

I find you absolutely beautiful. And I want your mind first, your soul second, and your body last. Give me what I want.

Why my body last? Your words make my heart sing, Calliope.

Because I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the only person to ever understand my heart has been a woman. I haven't come to terms with that quite yet. Not the way you have.

I have always loved women. I have never loved a man. Not in the way most women wish to. And although there have been struggles, I don't quite mind. Not when there is a woman as beautiful as you in the world.

You may make my heart leap and my cheeks blush at your delivery of emotions, but what if that's all it is? What if I meet you and I am disgusted by the thought of you touching me? Kissing me?...Making love to me...

I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry about that. But the way I see it, you're already falling for who I am, regardless of my physical being. When you meet me, I can only pray that your feelings shall not waver.

What have men...I mean, men and women, said of your looks?

I have been told quite often that I am beautiful. But none of this has ever made me as happy as when you just declared the same.

So, you're a beautiful woman?

Again, so I've been told.

Would you agree?

Yes, I would. Not nearly as desirable as yourself, my lady, but a decent runner up no doubt.

I want to meet you.

You're not ready, love.

Then let me know you.

Day 20)

What sort of things do you wish to know?

Have you ever dated a man?

All of your men questions can be saved. Nothing has ever or will ever be done with a man that has anything to do with romance by me.

Have you ever...loved another woman? Besides me?

Yes, Calliope. One woman.

Did you..physically show your love for her?

What exactly are you asking me?

Did the two of you lie with one another?

Yes. I'm sorry if that upsets you.

I need time to understand my feelings. I'm incredibly angry at the thought, and angry with myself for being angry. Give me a moment, please.

Of course, my darling.

Callie sat with her back to the stone, breathing heavily and doing her best not to worry. Her lover had been intimate with someone else. As intimate as you can be. And Callie herself was still a virgin...

It infuriated her to know that another woman had already shared with her love what she one day had secretly hoped to share. Would it be as special if it did happen? She thought back to the night before when she couldn't sleep. She remembered the way she smiled to herself at the thought of her lover. She remembered picturing what it would be like to lie with her. To spread her body out next to her. To allow her to feast her eyes upon her virgin body. She had let her hands travel as the idea of her first time being with her lover came to her mind. She had felt so good, so much better than she ever had before while she had done this with this image in mind. And now all of that was tainted. She picked up her quill before she would allow the tears to fall.

I have so much envy for her and it confuses me so. Why do I care so much? I'm not even supposed to feel this way for a woman and yet the mentioning of you with another sends my mind running in several angry directions. I can't calm down if I think about it. I don't even know your true appearance and yet I picture you lying with another woman, your hands on her body, your lips against hers and I go temporarily mad! What's wrong with me?

Nothing's wrong with you, you're in love.

You are dangerous, my love. I find my heart pounding heavily in my bosom. My eyes roll into my very own head with some of your words and I...I don't know what to do about it. Is this love?

It could be. Ask yourself this: when you think of me, does your body as well as your mind react?

Yes.

What happens, my love?

I'm embarrassed to say...

It is only me. You can tell me.

The fact that my back is pressed against these stone walls, knowing yours is on the other side makes my body flush with colour. Your words wrap around my heart at night, growing stronger. They cause me to convulse in their depth in my own quarters. The thought of seeing you increases my heart beat tenfold. The idea that you could one day touch me intimately leaves me awake at night, often leaving matters into my own...hands.

You touch yourself while thinking of me, Calliope?

Yes. I'm sorry if that was too crude, but I just wanted to be honest with you. I'll never mention anything of the sort again if it makes you uncomfortable.

No, my love. My beautiful girl. It makes me anything but uncomfortable. It makes my heart hum and my body fold into itself, wishing to do the same thing at this exact moment. Just thinking about it, picturing it...might I picture it? Would I over step any boundaries?

No, my love. You may picture anything you want...

What are you thinking right now?

Honestly?...I'm thinking that I want to hold your hand. Could you somehow slide your hand under this brick? Do you think it could fit?

I can sure try.

Callie excitedly moved the brick out of the way after reading the last response. Lying on the Earth floor she let her arm reach as far as it could possibly go. Not even a moment afterword, she felt a soft hand lace their fingers with hers and what felt like a dress against the back of her hand. Feeling a slight push back, she realized her hand must have been sticking further out of the stone wall then she had originally anticipated. Her love must be holding her hand behind her back. She felt the woman's thumb brush over her own repeatedly in a soothing manner. No one had held her hand this softly before. Men grabbed her wrist, or cupped her hand in a fierce grip as if cementing her to their sides. This gentle hold was unlike anything Callie had ever felt. As she sighed and smiled, she allowed herself to fall asleep against the stone, dreaming of the day she'd finally meet the owner of the soft palm against her own.

Day 21)

What's your name?

Callie had waited for nearly an hour. Just when she thought all hope was lost and she'd never learn of her lover's true identity, she saw the parchment roll back to her and the brick slowly slide back in place, as if her lover was hesitant to respond. Quickly Callie lifted the letter to her eyes and gave a breathy sigh at the name written.

Arizona. Arizona Robbins.

Arizona...it's beautiful. I love it. Arizona and Calliope. It has a nice ring to it.

You like it, darling? That makes me happy.

I do indeed. Such a beautiful name for a woman as unique as yourself.

You are so kind today, Calliope. Why the change of heart?

Yesterday's conversation...released me, I believe. Never have I had such intense wants and desires that the church views as sinful. The strangest part about it was that it all felt too good to be a sin...My mother, I remember, she always taught me that true sinning felt bad. That it would stick to your heart like a black ooze that you could not rid yourself of until you did the right thing. But you, my angel...you feel like anything but this description. You feel like light. And when I let myself feel the way I want to at night in bed while I'm alone, it makes my heart soar. Imagining it to be you caressing me and loving me completely contradicts everything I was taught. And here, with these rules, I feel a bit like a caged bird. But with you it's like I'm free.

I guess all you really needed was the help of a Robbin.

Is this you being cute? Because it's not working.

Oh, I could hear your laughter from the other end! Of course it's working!

You could hear me? I wish to hear you! Please, Arizona, please! Lay down to the ground and speak to me so I might hear your voice!

There are too many people near by, Calliope, I can't risk such a strange display!

Risk it anyway! I command you by order of the princess!

That won't work with me love! I must go, the sun says I was supposed to be home much sooner than this. I shall miss you deeply.

Day 22)

Today's rain makes me dreary...Tell me something about yourself that nobody else knows.

Like what, my darling?

Perhaps something you keep close to your heart. A story, maybe?

Alright. There was a time when I was younger. A time where I chased butterflies. Have you ever spent an entire day just chasing butterflies? I'll tell you, it's harder than it seems. I was 7 years old. I wanted to believe in things that weren't always real and that confused a lot of people. That fact never sat well with me. And as I rose above and crawled beneath the earth's surface trying to cup the insect in my hand, I was at peace with myself. It was an adventure. A completely confident version of myself. Then, one day, my teacher saw me with it in my hand. And she told me, she said, 'Don't do that, Calliope! The oils from your hands will make their wings frail, and they'll die within the next 24 hours because of it.' I cried for a very long time. I couldn't believe it. I was killing the thing that I loved the most...After that, I began to sit criss cross, I drank my soup the way father fussed at me to, I played nicely and I didn't yell or laugh or smile...that was the day I stopped dreaming.

But a robin is a bird. And they are free, but they can be caught...If you touch them they don't die.

Yes, perhaps. But I love so much, I'd want to clip their wings so that they would never leave me.

They may not mind so much, if it is you that does the clipping.

Yes, but I would, my dear. I would.

Night 22)

At supper the night before, Callie was given some intense news. News that jeopardized her relationship with Arizona. As she fought back with her father verbally, she was sent to her quarters for the remainder of the night. Worried, she was extremely restless, leaving her to get a terrible night's sleep...

Day 23)

Calliope, do you think that you'd still be uncomfortable at the sight of me?

No, my darling. I don't. I think about you constantly. I'm always wondering what you'll look like.

It is rather unfair, is it not? To think that I have seen you countless times and you don't recall the times you've seen me.

And we were so young, also! Tell me, what shade of blonde is your hair?

It's honey blonde, my love. Bright and golden when it hits the sun.

That sounds beautiful. And your eyes. What kind of blue are they?

They're a bright blue. Sometimes, when the sky is grey, they are as well. And when it's bright outside they match it. My eyes are like a mirror image of whatever the sky produced that day!

When you're sad, I wonder, do they get darker? And when you're happy, do they light up? I'm curious because when you look at me, I hope them to be the clearest they've ever been.

When I look at you, Calliope, I am sure they are crystal clear. Nothing makes me as happy as seeing you does.

There's something I need to tell you that you're not going to like.

Just tell me now please so that I don't have to worry.

My father believes me to be holding myself out to spite him. He is bringing a suitor here that shall arrive within the following three days. He speaks highly of this young man...he wants me to marry him, and he wants the marriage to be before the fall.

Fall? But fall is only a few months away!

I know, my angel, I know. I only just learned of this news last night! I didn't know how to tell you...I thought of you the entire time. I don't want to learn to love him no matter how nice he's made out to be. I already am in love. I'm in love with you. Rescue me, my darling! I don't want to be here for this strange sort of torture any longer!

I don't see any way that I can, but I will try. Do not give up on me, Calliope. I will find a way to prove my love to you. I will find a way to show you that I am the most worthy of your love if it's the last thing I do.

You need not prove a thing, my angel. I already know it's you who has my heart.

But what if you find him beautiful?

There is no beauty that could surpass yours.

How can you be so sure? You have never seen me before, as you have said many times. What if you do learn to love this man? It would be far easier for you I'm sure.

No! I will not have you attempt to sell me out like every other person in my life! I will have you and that is the end of that discussion! You will not give up on me! Don't you see? You've got to see it. I have never loved anyone the way I love you. If we are this strong apart, imagine how much stronger we will be once we're together.

I will fight for you, my lady. But if you find yourself falling for him I want you to accept his love instead of mine.

What? Why! Why are you doing this? Do you not love me? Has this all been some foolish game?

No, of course not! I love you so much Calliope! That is why I am saying all of this! It would be easier for you to love a man...I have been selfish in my ways. You let me know. You tell me when you meet him if he could ever be worthy of your love. If the answer is no, then I shall remain by your side. But if you ever could see yourself loving him, then I want you to leave me as a fond memory. I want what's best for you, Calliope...do you not see that?

I do see it now that you have worded it as such, but that does not mean I like it. I highly doubt that anyone could ever come close to you. You make my heart beat fast at even the thought of you. No one can touch the love you have for me, Arizona. No one.

We shall see if that's true, my love. My beautiful, gorgeous princess Calliope.

Day 24)

I saw him ride into town on his horse. He is very handsome. How do you like him?

Calliope?...

Day 24)

"I'm Marcus," the handsome man said as he reached out his hand, waiting for the princess to place hers in his.

"Calliope," she responded, smiling slightly. Giving him her hand she felt her heart break at the feel of his lips on her skin. As kind as this man seemed to be, he was not her Arizona. Her heart became heavy at the thought of her blonde ever seeing this exchange and how angry and hurt she would be if the tables were turned.

Day 25, The Final Day)

He is kind, yes. He has golden hair and blue eyes, like you say you have. He is strong, and he is polite, and he makes me laugh so far.

Good. Then perhaps I shall leave you to learn to love him.

But he is not you.

You do not know me my love. Maybe this is for the best. Maybe this is how it's supposed to be. Maybe I was never meant to be yours. I am just a commoner, of course. And you are royalty. He is beautiful, Calliope. I am merely a peasant.

I care not of your social status! You will NOT leave me and you will NOT pass me off like property! I get enough of that in these walls, I don't need any more outside of them. You will make me cry until I faint from exhaustion with the way you have been speaking to me as of late!

I'm good at seeing things that make other's happy. I see your beauty and I desire it. I desire the passion that stirs beneath your skin. I see it strengthen, my love, when you write to me.

Passion is the perfect word for what I have with you, Arizona. There's too much emotion within me. Let me release it. Let me have you.

I can't do that, angel. I can't give you what you need. I've been telling you this the whole time, what I need and what you want are the same, but what you need defies the both of us. You need a man to love and protect you. To rule your kingdom. What will become of this place if you do not marry someone kind that you love?

I don't quite care. I don't want this responsibility and I never have! You see this as a business arrangement just like everyone else, do you?

Of course not. I see your heart, I feel it within my hands as this pen writes across this parchment. I would give anything to be the person that you need...however that is simply not in the cards. Perhaps it is best this way? Perhaps I should let you go to love him. Maybe I'll move away so that our hearts could heal.

If you move, I will know about it. There's not a thing in this kingdom that goes on that my father does not hear about. I'll hear it and I'll know. And then I will follow you. I would risk my life to meet you, Arizona. You cannot simply exert yourself to the point of no return in order to make me love you and then resist once that exact thing has happened! Do you know no fairness? Do you understand that I love you? When our fingertips touched that day I knew...no one else would ever get to touch me again. Not with laughter, not with pain, not with love. Only your small, gentle, and strong hands will be able to touch my skin. I am growing impatient as to when that day actually is.

Calliope...you cannot tease me with such images and words. I...I can't handle the thought of someone else touching you. I can hardly contain my groan of delight at the thought of it being my own hands. It takes everything in me not to scream with anger at the thought of him romancing you. I am trying to do what's right here!

And I am telling you, my love, that I want what you all seem to view as WRONG. Hand yourself over to me. I want you as more than just a dream. Might you give me that?

How, Calliope? Be reasonable!

Today I shall convince him to take me to the market place. He won't be able to deny me. Will you be there?

Calliope, this is dangerous...

I asked you a question, Arizona. Answer me.

Yes, Calliope. I will be there. I've but no choice.

Then I shall see you at mid-day.

Calliope?

Yes?

Please don't choose him.

I won't, my love. I won't.

End of Part 1