Hey this is my first W.I.T.C.H fan fiction. Just to explain one thing so long the italics are Elara's thoughts because later when she finds out about Phobo's telepathy she feels no need to talk anymore so communicates with the find. Oh and don't be too harsh.

She sat brushing her hair. Her mother had told her that it would stay healthy if she brushed it regularly. She wanted to beautiful like her mother, so she hardly ever stopped brushing. The boy was still staring at her. They were not allowed to speak. He was a prince and she was the daughter of a lady in waiting. Their paths should never have crossed. She met his eyes again then hastily looked down. She tossed her hair onto her right shoulder and began brushing her roots. She heard footsteps. Her head jerked up. She shook it frantically at him hoping he would stop. But he continued walking until he was right in front of her. He smiled and sat down. She felt uncomfortable near him. The other servants spoke in whispers about this boy. Demon, some said while other's said it was his power. She put down her brush and folded her hands in her lap.

'Hello.' He breathed.

His voice was musical, like a dream. She bowed her head lower, so that her hair hid her face.

'Don't be afraid.'

She shook her head hoping he'd understand.

'It doesn't matter what they say. Look, I command that you reply to everything I say to you. I am the prince after all. Understand?'

She lifted up her head slowly. She turned to face him. His eyes sparkled with a red gleam.

'Yes.' She whispered.

He smiled. It was comforting, more ecstatic. Perhaps because she'd listened to him.

'What's your name?'

'Elara.'

'It's beautiful.'

'Thank you, sire.'

His smile grew. She realised he was glad whenever she acknowledged his status. She looked down again at a loss for words. He was extremely beautiful and for once in her life she felt ugly.

'What's your beast form?'

She felt a shiver through her spine. She shook her head again. His smile faded. The red tint grew sharper in his cool blue eyes.

'Show me.'

His voice was demanding and filled with anger. She shook her head again. He stood up and grabbed her wrist.

'I can make you.' He snarled.

His face tensed. His eyes screwed up in concentration. After a few minutes though he gave up. A puzzled expression crossed his face.

'Your human?'

'Yes'

'Explain.'

'No-one must know.'

He stared at her. She finally stood so that their eyes met.

'No-one will know.' he replied.

'My mother found me outside a portal when I was young. My real mother was dead and my father had left me in the cold. After research my mother discovered that it was the queen who had put the portal there.'

'My mother?'

'She is very fond of my mother and I was her reward.'

He looked angry but then he met her eyes again and his expression softened. A bell rang in the distance. He grimaced. She turned but he grabbed her hand.

'Can I see you again?'

She smiled realising he really meant it.

'I can't wait.'

She curtsied her finest and watched as he swept away.

-xxx-

'What's wrong?'

'For someone whose parents disappeared you seem pretty happy.'

'As the new ruler of meridian I cannot let emotion effect my judgement.'

She watched as he sat on the throne. He practically glowed with light. So majestic, so angelic. Once again she felt inferior as she knelt before him. She looked down again wishing she had not come. He was different now.

'I'm still the same.'

Her head jerked up. How did he know what she was thinking?

'Telepathy is a wonderful gift.'

'It can also be a curse.'

He smiled shaking his head. There was a knock at the door. She stood up to leave but he shook his head.

'Just stay still.'

She met his eyes. The red was gone but was now replaced by an ice blue. They were cold and lifeless but she loved him even more because of it. Confusion passed over his face but then he stared towards the door. She bowed her head down and looked at the floor again.

'Enter.' Growled his voice.

She waited for the footsteps but there were none. There was only a light sliding across the floor. She little a head and fell back. She was staring at a large green and red snake. It towered over her but did not pay the slightest attention to her. The snake bent in a low bow.

'Prince Phobo's. May I say you look…'

'Where is she?'

'Well…'

Phobos stood up in one fluid movement. He did not shake but the anger seemed to radiate from him.

'Cedric, where is my sister.'

The snake seemed to cower. He shook his violently, hands clasped together as he spoke.

'Gone.'

'Well then find her.'

'We cannot.'

Phobo's closed his eyes and nodded slowly.

'It was only a matter of time before they interfered. You may leave.'

Cedric bowed again and slithered out. She peered up hesitantly. Phobo's was sitting down. She stood up wordlessly. She moved towards the door slowly. She stopped as she felt a hand on her shoulder.

'He couldn't see you because of the glamour.'

Glamour?

'Another power of mine. People see what I want them to see.'

I see.

She tried to shrug his shoulder off but he tightened his grip.

'I think it would be better if no-one saw you.'

Are you ashamed of me?

'No, but now that there is a veil over Meridian it would be better if no-one found out about you.'

If that is what you wish my lord.

'Your upset.'

He sighed and turned her to face him.

'I'm sorry about your mother.'

You're a monster.

'Is that how you really feel?'

Yes.

'But you love me?'

She took his hand and held it up to her face. His skin was soft, she closed her eyes breathing in his scent.

'Yes.' She whispered.

-xxx-

What are they?

'Roses.'

But their black.

'Yes, beautiful, aren't they?'

This world is dying. I feel its energy leaving everyday.

She looked up at him. He did not look back at her. His face was shadowed with anger. The princess was not found yet. She was glad because she knew what his plan was.

'Let us go back inside.'

Have I upset you?

'No. Though your thoughts do worry me.'

She shrugged and turned around. At first she'd felt like a prisoner, being hidden by glamour. Having to think instead of speaking out loud. But now she realised he was protecting her from what he was doing. They walked back in silence her thoughts on Meridian and how it was crumbling. And how maybe…

'What?'

What

He twisted around to face her. He lifted his hand to stroke her face. She smiled putting her own hand over his to hold it to her cheek.

'I would never harm you.'

He bent down and kissed her with a fierce passion. She stood with one arm at her side and one still clasping his hand. It was over after what seemed like forever. She walked back to the castle with him, hardly at ease but happy.

What are the roses for?

'To keep others out.'