The night went by fast and I was early to meet Nuada. Of course the fey gave me looks and made jokes, but I didn't care. All I could think of was my encounter with the prince,

"So, Arbainia is it?" I knew this was coming.

"Arainia. My name is Arainia." Five of them circled around me. This was not going to end well,

"Arainia, right. We heard you were a great fighter," They took my weapons and threw them to the side, "and we want to see just how great a fighter you really are." Fantastic. They drew their swords and charged me. It wasn't fierce like they were trying to kill me, but wounding me was another story. The blade grazed my arm, "Come o is that the best you've got Blackwood?" I kicked the sword and punched him in the face. His nose was bleeding and he was angry. He raised his fist to hit me but never made contact with my face. Nuada had stopped him.

"What is going on?"

"Nothing sire. Just having a little fun."

"Go."

"Sire?"

"GO! If you ever decide that you need to have "a little fun" again, I will fight you." Grudgingly he left. I kept my hand down. He touched my arm,

"Here, let me help you." He pushed my sleeve up and touched the tender wound, "I am sorry. They well not hurt you again." I nodded my head. His hand made its way up to my face. His thumb brushed my bottom lip and my eyes slid closed. I could feel his eyes on me. Then I felt it. His soft, sweet lips on mine. A warm kiss. Tenderly I kissed him back, bust stopped.

"Please my lord-"

"Please call me Nuada." His lips were only a breath away from mine.

"Prince...I cannot. I am not of noble birth, I am but a servant."

"To me none of this matters. You may not be of noble birth, but you are a noble woman." He went to kiss me again but I pulled away,

"Please, I do not wish any torment or judgment on you." I turned ad walked down the hall towards my room, leaving a slightly bewildered Nuada standing there. And yet unbeknownst to us we were not alone. For high in the balcony King Balor watched and stewed, deep in thought. I laid on my bed thinking about today. The prince was a handsome elf, and stood firm against my attackers. He seemed very caring. But he is a prince and I am a warrior. If anyone were to see us he would be mocked and I could very well be killed. Still, his kiss was warm and tender. I sighed in discontent and tried to sleep.