The Mentality of the Heart (Part One);

Approximately two days later, the king found himself throwing the news onto his daughter, who responded negatively. After a fit of enragement, she had locked herself in her room, and refused to come out, rejecting even who Silver who tried several times to accompany her. However, the king suggested that he remain silent for the next few days, because he didn't know the situation. For this reason, Blaze isn't only angered, she is terrified.

Upon approaching the entrance to Blaze's room, the king hastily paced the floor before knocking on the princess's door. "Dear, would you please come out?"

"…"

Not a single response came from the other side of the door. The lion sighed heavily, knowing that his daughter did not take the matter of the prince kindly. Becoming slightly more assertive, he insisted, "Blaze, come out, honey. You're eighteen now, we don't have to treat each other to a test of silence."

"…"

The door to her room creaked open slightly, and as king entered silently he watched his daughter sulk into the dark room and hop carelessly onto her bed. "You could have warned me the day you received the letter," her voice hissed out darkly, "Instead you chose to alert me at the very last moment, father?"

"I didn't want to face the moment, I'll admit it dear, but-"

"If you would've told me this earlier, I could've emotionally prepared myself so I could face my moment, and that's Silver."

"I know, dear, I know…" the king mumbled, "It was not a wise decision on my behalf; however this is optional, which I thought could be for the best."

"Father," Blaze spat sternly as she sat up and looked to him, "Optional? You and I both know that either way, somehow I'll end up in that kingdom speaking with the prince- you know that."

"…" The lion fell silent has his daughter's glaring gold eyes narrowed towards his face. Her eyes spoke to him clearly that she was hurt and confused, and he knew the emotional trials this has already begun to put her through.

"All I want to know is…" Blaze began coldly, "Why you would encourage me about Silver, and our possible marriage, allowing us to finally start a relationship after ten years of such a blissful companionship that we could've kept. You know of this because I come to you every single night, I tell you what a wonderful person he is, and how happy he has made me."

"Blaze, that's just it," the king countered, "You have achieved such happiness due to his friendship… so are you going to allow a small flaw on my behalf ruin your friendship?"

"… If I didn't love him, father, I would not… but because he has taken my heart, I can safely say that there will be emptiness in our relationship if I continue to speak with him or make contact with him."

A discreet silence filled the unsettled atmosphere as the princess stood to her feet and proceeded to turn on the lamps to her room. "I shall prepare myself," Blaze sighed sharply, "I suggest you do the same, if I'm to meet this prince."

"What of Silver?"

"… I won't allow him to come or know of this. If he's going to know of the breakage of our relationship, he'll hear my words from my mouth."

Blaze approached the readied carriage forwardly and stiffly, not glancing once to her fellow commoners waving goodbye. Before she could even think of entering the carriage, a desperate voice called her name, "Blaze!"

The cat winced at the sound of such a familiar voice, the voice a friend that never separated from her side for ten years straight. She wondered if ignoring his cry would help her enter the carriage 'without knowing' that he called.

It was too late.

As hand was placed delicately on her shoulder, a warm gush of acid filled her stomach as she turned to her former love interest. "Silver," she greeted weakly, "I-I'm sorry you're not able to attend this banquet…"

"Oh, that's quite alright," Silver chuckled, "It's all in fairness, after all this a matter of royal affairs and must not be tampered with!"

"Affairs," Blaze echoed bleakly.

"Well, royal duties, yes?"

"Of course…"

Blaze bit her lip and quickly changed the currently subject. "Will you be alright by yourself here? Is there anything you need before my departure?"

"I'm fine, precious," he cooped happily, "I promised to help maintain the kitchen and a few of the more custodial duties while you're away. Although I'll be awfully bored not amusing you in any way or form."

Blaze gulped as she gave a hasty nod. "R-Right…" she stammered, "I see my father coming…" she drawled.

The lion nodded Silver in greeting and gestured for Blaze to enter the carriage. "I should move on, now." She concluded after a short period of silence.

"Blaze…"

The cat looked up to her jester and squeaked, "Mhm?"

Without much of a warning, Silver kissed her lips nuzzled her after breaking apart, "I'll miss you…" he murmured, "Take care, my beautiful princess."

Blaze's thoughts buzzed endlessly as she placed a hand on her mouth, nodded, and entered the carriage before bursting into a river of tears. Silver, being rather oblivious didn't notice, and waved them a cheerful goodbye.

As the carriage began to move, Blaze continued to rub her lips thoughtfully, realizing that could've been the very last gesture of love Silver would ever share with her, and inwardly cherished the moment and the words he said.

The king, sitting beside her, simply looked to her sadly, and muttered, "I'm sorry…"

Blaze looked to him with intense anguish for a brief moment, and responded with a subtle anger, "All if forgiven due to the respect of my Father, but please remember this when I tell you, I shall not forget of this."

The king echoed the haunting words in his head as the carriage fell into a discreet silence the entire way to the castle.

After an hour's worth of travel, the desired destination came into view as the carriage pulled up front of the large castle. Blaze, being to first to exit, began to prepare her outward appeal as her father offered an arm as an escort.

Blaze politely refused, "Thank you, father, however I'm able to present myself… if that's alright with you of course." She spoke with pseudo kindness.

"Whatever you'd like, my daughter,"

"Thank you."

The father and daughter's eyes welcomed what seemed to be thing king and prince of the kingdom. Blaze carefully examined the duo males and pondered.

The king was rather stocky compared to her father, who appeared to be an older badger. He too dressed with nothing but a kingly cape and, of course, his crown. Judging by first impressions, he seemed to be a friendly, wise king.

The much taller and more built badger beside him was obviously the prince, who looked at the princess handsomely with a charming smile. He wore the fanciest of attire, all of which were either royal blue or gold, and atop his head was a quaint poet's hat.

"Welcome to our kingdom," the king greeted heartily as he and his son marched to the father and daughter with an over-welcoming grin. "I am King Lot," the older badger introduced pompously, "I say, I do hope you enjoy your visit!"

The prince politely bowed in the presence of the king and then approached Blaze with an innocent, child-like smile. "Hello, princess, I'm known as Prince Rune, however feel free to disregard 'Prince'." He chuckled sheepishly as he took her hand and kissed it lightly; a common gesture.

"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance," she exaggerated purposely, "I am Princess Blaze, and likewise as far as formalities go."

King Lot smiled brightly to the lion and sighed, "Ah, King Titus, I'd like to thank you for accepting our humble offer."

"Think nothing of it," Titus responded flatly, "Thank you for allowing us to visit."

"Yes of course, let us enter, shall we? From here we'll continue about business between kings and allow our lovely children to enjoy themselves?" Lot suggested lightly, looking to the royal young adults.

"Of course,"

Rune extended his arm towards Blaze nicely, "Would you like an escort?"

Blaze nodded slowly before looping arms with his, and the two followed the kings into the castle and began aimlessly through the corridors.

As the kings began discussing terms and business, Blaze pondered deeply about the interior, feeling as if the kingdom was not quite as wealthy as far as the architecture, decoration, and overall atmosphere goes, however she figured her own taste felt superior and wished to stay on a more humble and generous side.

"It's not much to look at," Rune admitted shyly, "We aren't of the wealthiest."

"Oh, I care not for such nonsense," Blaze responded flatly, "I view it simply as a castle that carries two capable rulers with a stable kingdom."

"That's very kind of you to say," Rune politely thanked, "Would you like to see anything specific?"

"Wherever you guide me I will follow."

"All right then, proceeding to a few of my personal favorite spots."

Rune guided her through the small corridors of the castle, and they eventually ended up in front of what seemed to be an exit. Rune opened the door for her, and led her to a beautiful and lustrous garden- even more so than her own. The entire area was masked by growing flowers galore, and it was simply adorned in vines and elegantly tall columns of stone.

"What a beautiful garden," Blaze sighed lightly, "This is simply precious, and the aroma here is simply intoxicating."

Rune blushed slightly as he nodded, "Thank you, I'm in charge of this garden, so I'm flattered."

Deep inside of Blaze's mind, she knew that her heart was aching at the very thought of flowers and the ever-so-familiar roses flowering in different areas of the garden. She knew she couldn't view life the way she did before Silver, however she continued to respect his work and looked to him.

"What is your favorite flower?" she asked.

"I love the pink roses the most," he responded slowly, "I find them lovely."

Blaze smiled warmly. "That's nice, my favorite happens to be a wild flower… a white one, rimmed with a golden yellow."

"Well, remind me to grow a bush specifically for your liking," he flirted sheepishly, blushing rather hard.

"That's sweet," she chuckled as she blushed slightly herself

Although she felt hurt and unattainable, at the same time, she felt… peaceful. Only to an extent however, but she found herself contently looking at the flowers and as she toured with the polite prince. He isn't a bad soul… Blaze thought slowly, He doesn't seem to have the desperation of an average prince hoping to marry for the good of our kingdoms. He actually cares to listen to me.

After recalling her train of thought, she almost physically jumped and panicked in her head. What in the world am I thinking? After expressing an extensive amount of anger towards my father telling him I'll be sharing Silver the bad news of a forced marriage, I'm actually…enjoying it?

"Is there anything you need, Blaze? I'll be more than happy to fetch you something; after all you have been quite dazed ever since your arrival." The prince noted quietly, "Am I being forward at all? Is something making your uncomfortable?"

Blaze bit her lip as she nodded slowly. "I have several things tugging the depths of my heart today, however-"

"It isn't of my business to know, correct?"

"Well, I wouldn't place it in such heavy terms, but… yes."

Rune smiled as he nodded respectively. "That's quite alright, princess, you don't have to share anything with me if it's for the benefit of your emotions. If it helps I, too, am a bit timid about this whole ordeal. My father decided to place this weight on me shortly after your arrival."

"Agreed," Blaze chuckled, "It's placed a lengthy spell on me, I admit."

"I feel marriage shouldn't be rushed," the prince huffed, "Or placed upon someone… but somehow my father and mother always find a way to make it beneficial."

Blaze was a little shocked to find the prince overly understanding of the situation. She dared to ask, "Is… this affecting a love life of yours, currently?"

The prince shook his head. "No," he responded rather blatantly, "I've never began a real search up until today, which I find to be a terrible compromise. I hate the fact the princesses in the area would come one after the other if I, or the other, reject to love each other."

"At least you have a choice," Blaze muttered, "It's not like a love at first sight, where it's on a first come first serve basis."

"Princess, I would understand if I wouldn't be your love, I will alert both of our fathers if I need to." Rune told Blaze sympathetically, "I wouldn't place any blame on you."

"No, no," Blaze sighed, "We've barely bonded, so I can jump to conclusions just yet. Perhaps we can acquaint each other over a cup of tea?"

"That sounds lovely," Rune agreed lightly, "I would be honored."

Blaze smiled as the two began to walk out of the garden, opening the door that led inside the castle once again.

"Princess, since you've asked me, I feel it's only fair to ask this question back to you," Rune began slowly.

"What is it?"

"Has this ordeal… perhaps, interfere with a current relationship? Are… you in love?"

Blaze gasped inwardly and looked to Rune hurtfully. She looked down to the floor and pondered deeply, holding back the tears and courage to tell him the truth. "No…" she responded deeply, "Not anymore."

A/C: BLAZE? WHAT DID YOU SAY?

So, a lot happened in this chapter. There's a lot to be said on Blaze's behalf, which is why I split this chapter into two halves. What just happened is that Blaze is so torn by the fact that she's being forced to visit the prince that she's denying even the friendship she and Silver share.

How could this possibly affect her so much, you may ask? If you think about it, she started a relationship not even a few days ago, and realizing that if they truly loved each other, their friendship would entirely be affected. Why wouldn't she want even to make contact with him? That's a secret that will be revealed over time.

Note that I don't support OCxCANON, Rune is simply character fodder for this particular story. Just remember that this ~whole~ story is about Silvaze. Speaking of Rune, he seems awful polite, don't you think? Take note of that until Part Two comes around in a few days…