My book slammed at the sound of the voice, and I looked down at my knee. "Jack!" I exclaimed. "Gus! You're here!" I lifted them into my hand, my book sliding to the floor unnoticed. "How did you find me here?"

Both of the little mice in miniature jackets and caps began to talk excitedly.

"You came in through the dungeons? That's brilliant!"

They continued and I listened intently, my mind working out their hurried speech. "Well, with a palace this large, I'm not surprised you've found friends here." I looked around the lonely library before saying, "We'll find a place for you to stay, I'm sure. There aren't any mouse holes in my room. I checked three times!"

The mice giggled.

"There's a room dedicated to the mice? Well, where is it?"

They held their paws to their mouths, shushing me.

"Oh, I see," I whispered. "It's a secret.

Quite suddenly, a light shown across the room, and the sounds of music and laughter floated towards me. "Gus, Jack! Hide!" My two furry friends darted into the shadows seconds before the prince arrived at my side.

"So you found the secret entrance to the library, did you?" He reached for my hand and brought it to his lips.

"Was it bad for me to come in here? I was just so tired and I didn't want to be rude, so I snuck away. Was that impolite? I have so much to learn about being married to a prince and I don't-"

"Only I noticed. They started playing our song, and I couldn't find you, so I searched for you."

I untangled my legs from underneath me and stood. "Well, you found me. Shall we dance?"

He kissed me.

I was instantly breathless.

Our lips parted and he hugged me tightly to his chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Greg." I breathed in deeply. He smelled of pine, warm and comforting, and his arms were strong. "Will the guests question our absence?" I asked, my voice slightly muffled by the sleeve of his doublet. I was worried people would think I was a bad influence on the future king by leading him away from parties so often.

Greg was uncomfortably silent.

I cursed my tongue. What silly thing had I let slip out this time?

"Sweetheart, I need to talk to you about something."

My mind raced to figure out what he wanted to say to me.

"These past few years, I haven't been very princely. I've ignored my duties for a really long time. It gets on my father's nerves, especially when I don't follow his quick schedule," he paused for breath and I nodded for him to continue. "Well, you saw how quickly he had the ball put together. As soon as he decided he wanted me married, he ordered the ball for that evening. By some miracle, I met you, and," he rested his head on top of mine, squeezing me gently. "I've never felt like my life had more meaning. I was so confused when you left," he smiled. "Right before I was about to make my move and kiss you.

I grinned at the memory.

"Suddenly, I wanted to do everything in my princely power to find you. I went straight to my father for help, but, of course, he was a step ahead. He sent out a proclamation, as you know, but he wouldn't let me go and look for you myself. I knew this was because he believed the slipper test would fail and he wanted to be sure I just promised to marry the first girl that fit the shoe.

"I was so nervous. I cancelled all of my recreation for the day and just waited, hoping I would see the girl who danced so magically and with such talent for glass slippers."

He sat on the plush armchair I had just vacated, indicating that I should sit at his feet. I did so. As he spoke, his hands wondered to my hair. He began to gently pulled out the clips and pins that held it in place.

"When I saw you, being pulled in that carriage, with the tear stains on your face, and that beautiful smile, I knew that-"

His word came to an abrupt halt. So did his fingers which were stroking my hair.

I lifted my head from his knee looking into his deep brown eyes. "Knew what?"

"Knew that," he continued. "I never wanted to make you unhappy. I wanted to see your smiling face every day."

I smiled, for his pleasure.

"But I'm afraid that… what I'm trying to say is… what I tell you might not make you happy."

I stood up. Slowly. "Just tell me, Greg. You're making me nervous."

He took a long, shallow breath. "My cousin was touring our borders on a search for pleasure and he found rebellion. Something is wrong with the people and my father… he doesn't notice. And it is high time I stepped in as heir to the throne and focused on my people."

I am sure confusion showed in my face. How could that possible be a hurt to me? He was being responsible, and I liked it. I was about to voice this, when he said,

"I have to leave, Cinder- I mean…. Anyway, being king means I have to travel. This is dangerous, and it means I have to leave you behind."

The weight of a thousand dishes seemed to land on my chest, "When?"

"One week."