Today's date with Luca would be a walk through the gardens and a ride on the queen's carpet. After she saved the day with her skillful flying, the elders had ordered that she be given a carpet of her own. Omar had saved her mother's for her and gave it to her that very night. This carpet was her freedom in a world of paperwork and responsibility. The ornate design flowed with budding and blooming roses. The colors were a pattern of purple teal and silver. The teal matched the dress her mother wore when she had created the video. This was the only time she had ever seen her mother and look of her face was fading quickly. Alex wished that she could have had the honor of meeting her at least once. Nefari was a great queen and Alex wished to rule as she had. For this reason, Alex had made a decision. Weather she loved him or not, she would give Luca a chance and open up to him. It was the only way to prove to the elders that she was a responsible woman now. That she could handle the throne and the important decision making that came with it.

Luca had been waiting for her at the gates of the garden. His robes were a midnight blue color that enunciated his cheekbones and made his eyes pop. She had to admit, he was handsome. Yet her heart didn't have even the slightest reaction. He bowed gracefully and took her hand in his own lightly brushing his lips over her knuckles. His lips were warm and soft. He arose to look her in the eye.

"My queen." He smiled. "The day is beautiful is it not?"

"Yes, quite beautiful. I am looking forward to our time together."

"As am I, your grace. I wish to learn more about you this evening."

Alex could see that his eyes were sincere. "I would love that Luca." Smiling brightly, she took his arm and they began discussing their past.

After Alex had finished the long story of how she had come to learn about Manjipoor and her power Luca began describing his own life and what it was like living in Manjipoor. "I was born the son of a nobleman as you know. My father was always very strict. He would never accept anything other than perfection from me. My mother was quite the opposite and she forgave any imperfections. She was the kindest woman I had ever known. She died from an illness when I was just 14. My father raised me for the rest of my life. He wouldn't allow me to go anywhere outside the grounds. Every so often, just to get away from it all I would disguise myself as a pauper and explore the town. I made friends and helped those who were in need. One day, my father discovered that you had returned and he pushed me ever harder. He was determined to make me good enough to wed the queen." He stopped walking and turned to face Alex. "The reason I tell you this is because I don't want this marriage to be forced. I want to choose to marry you because we want to, not because some people said we had to."

Alex took this in and replied. "I am so glad that you told me this. I have been feeling so much pressure lately and fear that we will not be happy. I too, want to be married because we want to…"

Luca took her hands and knelt down in front of her. "Alex, do you choose to marry me?"

Looking down at this man in front of her, Alex felt a wave of sadness and for a moment all she could think about was Kuru.

If she were to marry him, would her friend be upset? He had expressed to her how much he did not trust Luca. She imagined him as she had seen him this morning. The halo of light surrounding his wavy brown hair. No, for the good of her people she had to marry him. She had to produce an heir who would go on to ensure their reign. "I… I do. I choose to marry you." There was a scuffle as some of her maids began to cry and aww at the moment before them. The couple was not allowed to be alone together before the wedding. One of the guards stood beside her carpet and helped them onto it.

They flew off into the sky to watch the sun set together. Alex had done this many times with Kuru but she had never felt as strange as this. She was nauseous and her body felt weak. She had promised herself to him. This time it was for sure. There was no going back…