When I woke I was greeted by Nuala who wanted me to accompany her today as she walked through the fields.

"As you wish my Lady." It was quiet save for the few fey that greeted her on the way. Yet once we were out of the palace and deeper into the gardens the conversation picked up.

"So tell me, what's it like in Blackwood's? It's been so long since I've been there."

"Well princess-"

"Please call me Nuala. We need not be formal." I hesitated but did as she asked,

"Well then, Nuala, the Blackwood's haven't changed much. Queen Arysil still rules and her son is the general of our warriors. Our people live quietly yet war is upon us. The trolls wish to expand their territory into ours and our Queen will not allow it." She was silent as she took all this in,

"Tell me, if you don't mind me asking, what is your life like? I mean you are the only female warrior to have such a high rank."

"Yes I am. Life is difficult because of this. At first the men did not like having to report to a female commander and Queen Arysil's son wasn't to keen at first either. But in time I proved myself."

"Did they treat you badly, the men?"

"At first, jokes were made, quarrels insinuated, but I never gave in. never let them get the better of me."

"And what about now? You did not come to us bearing a scar on your cheek or a cut on your arm." I sighed,

"What they do is in their nature and to be tolerant is in mine. Pride is a strong thing and they do not like to be stood up by a woman."

"And what about my brother? He thinks highly of you." We made out way back to the palace and we stopped outside her room.

"Sleep well princess." She smiled and placed her hand on my shoulder,

"Please," I smiled at her,

"Good night Nuala." She smiled and shut the door. I walked silently back and stopped when I saw Nuada. Slowly he made his way over to me an my head hung down in silence. I dare not move I dare not make eye contact; he was right in front of me.

"Why is it every time we meet you look away? Do you not wish to see me?" This time I met his gaze. His eyes were soft, silently pleading for me to deny it,

"No, it brightens my day to see your face. But, my prince, we cannot be. You are royalty and I am not. You were meant to love a princess."

"You're right. I am a prince, and a prince may love whomever he wishes." He was so close and getting closer still until our lips were but a breath away,

"Please…Nuada…" He raised his hand,

"Please, Arainia, do not shield your heart from me," and he placed it over my heart. My hands gripped his elbows as he kissed me. Everything was spinning. I could feel Nuada searching my heart and Nuala's words came to mind. "Trust him." So…I did. In my heart I decided I truly loved Nuada. I could feel his own heart swell with passion. It was the same soft kiss as before but I could feel the desire behind them. He pulled away just enough to speak and his hand found the side of my face,

"Do you know the torment of see you everyday and not being able to touch you? To hear your voice and not be able to kiss you? My heart cannot bear to be away form you. I loose sleep thinking of you, and if I do sleep all I dream of is you." He kissed me again, but this time there was more passion. More fire. All that desire was being poured into this. His hand was on my cheek and the other on my lower back. My hand was wrapped in his hair and the other on his chest. I kissed back with just as much passion. He pulled me with him across the hall. I felt my back hit the door and it opened and we entered the prince's room. And again, unbeknownst to us, King Balor watched with a hatred festering in his heart. My heart was pounding. My lips burnt when he kissed me, and left a burning trail down my neck. His lips traveled back up my neck and to my lips. His hands traveled up my back ad wrapped themselves around me. Reluctantly he pulled away slightly to breathe. His eyes were gleaming with passion. Just as he was about to kiss me again, there was a knock on the door. He was a breath away and his lips just grazed mine,

"Prince Nuada, my lord, are you there?" He let out a low growl. His lips were on my cheek when he called again, "Prince…" My lips were by his ear,

"Nuada," I whispered, "If you don't reply he'll come in to see if you're here." A smile played at the corner of his lips,

"You are a smart woman." He spoke louder this time, "Yes Almar, what is it?"

"My lord, king Balor requests your presence"

"Did he say why?"

"No my lord, only that it was of great importance." He let out a sigh and pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. I put my arms around his neck and kissed him,

"Go. I have duties to perform anyways." He kissed me again and reluctantly pulled away. He looked at me one more time with a fire burning in his eyes. I smiled at him and dipped my head. He smiled and left.