***PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE THE NEXT CHAPTER***

Do I have your attention?

Yes?

You sure?

Good xD

Hello! SURPRISE! I had a quiz cancelled this week so it gave me some more time to write you another chapter. Yay! Next one will probably come out on Thursday anyways. But at least you won't have to wait that long! :D

Ok, so I wanted to make a few things clear before I continued with the story. I wanted to touch upon three things: questions about this being a Romeo and Juliet story, Daikari and alliances from both sides.

1. I've been receiving lots of PMs (Private Messages) asking if this is going to be a Romeo and Juliet story. I want to make clear that this is SOOOOOOO NOTTTTTTTT like that. I HATED that ending and I love Takumi way too much for me to do that. If you read my previous story, you will know that I make them suffer throughout the story, but I always make it up towards the end. I am not saying what will happen but I want to make clear that this will NOT, I repeat, NOT be like Romeo and Juliet.

2. Daikari. Actually, the Daikari thing goes hand in hand with the third point I want to touch upon, so I'll just do them together. The point of this story is that EVERYONE in Lamia hates EVERYONE in Erelaria, and viceversa. The two kingdoms have been trained to HATE each other their entire lives. The only exceptions is Takuya and Zoe, obviously. For example, Tommy. He's an awesome and sweet character, but his parents were killed by Erelarians. It doesn't mean that he supports Tadao's ways of doing things, but he does not like Erelaria as he has explained in earlier chapters. Kari doesnt really like the idea either. She's just in Erelaria to support her best friend, Zoe. She's not very fond of Takuya either, but she'll do anything for her friend and will try to look past that. Davis hates Lamians as well and even the villagers are not that thrilled to be having a Lamian Queen. So, thus, I really can't do much for those Daikari fans just yet, since Davis and Kari are supposed to hate each other. For now, I need to keep the two kingdoms with tension. The only reason why some people, like Kouji, are somewhat accepting Zoe is because of her unrealistic beauty (Ha! Men...) and to live in peace. But leaving in peace doesn't mean liking each other. Sorry if I disappoint Daikari fans... maybe later on... but for now just bare with me and trust me :)

We cool? All right! Now that that's settled... let me begin to individually reply :) ...

The Keeper of Worlds - Oops! Hahahah I totally saw Hiraki there. My bad. It makes more sense now :D I am glad you enjoyed the last chapter and hope you will like this one too. Our heroes will obviously be looking at a hard time ahead... but the story will be good ;) You just gotta trust me. As for Daikari.. read what I said in the above... I'll see if I can squeeze something together, but that's going to be later on.

Aquamarine6996 - Kouichi told me to tell you that he'll marry you after the story :o! Bob will be the best man hahaha.. I hope you never regret it because Takumi is the best couple ever! Just remember.. they will have to face many obstacles throughout the story and are looking at some rough times ahead... but when have I ever disappointed you? ;) You'll see what happens

PokemonFreak90 - Hahaha no.. NOOO... Never. This is NOT going to be a Romeo and Juliet kind of thing. I love Takumi WAY too much for me to do that... but... I won't give away the ending :D You'll have to keep reading to find out! :)

idkwhattoputhere - I know! :( It actually hurt me to write it a little bit :(... It's sad. But everything has to come down for things to get better right? Just wait :)

SydThatKid - Well, SURPRISE :D I got lucky this week and was able to update sooner :)... I am glad you are enjoying the story. About Daikari, though, please read what I said above. I can't really put these two together for the reasons I explained. At least not now. Maybe I'll try to figure something out, but that's got to be towards the end. We'll see :) Hopefully you're not too disappointed :(

Guest - I know. It sucks that Tommy has to be on Lamia's side. But let's get something clear. I explained this above... Tommy is on Lamia's side... not Tadao. Yes, he hates Erelaria for what they did to his parents... I can't blame him. But it doesn't mean he's agreeing with Tadao's ways. He loves Zoe. He's his sister and he wants to see her happy. :) So don't worry. I would never make Tommy evil :)

Phew... All right.. sorry for all the rambling xD... I'll let you get to what you came here for... Ladies and gentlemen... and Bob... CHAPTER 10!

Chapter 10: Across the Sea

[BOAT RIDE TO ERELARIA]

TAKUYA'S POV:

This is not happening. I drive my gaze towards the covered tent in our boat, where Mae – I mean… Zoe – was. She is the same girl? Mae. MY Mae. The girl who told me she loved me… the girl who changed me… the girl who I've been obsessing about since we met. It was all a fucking lie! I feel sick and I feel the urge of throwing myself off a cliff. I can't believe this! Why? Why did she lie to me? Why does she have to be the same girl! To make matters worse, she's now promised to my best friend! To my brother! I burry my fists in my eyes to try to avoid looking at that damn tent. My eyes burned and I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes.

I was about to break down when Davis sneaked up and patted me in the back.

"Are you ok, Takuya?" asked the spiky-haired boy.

"I'm fine", I said a little to coldly. Fortunately, he didn't seem to notice. "I'm just tired."

Davis nodded. "Yeah, I understand. What do you think of the princess?"

I looked away so he wouldn't notice my anger. "Why would I think anything of her?"

"Ha! I'm just asking, man. I think she's hot! She's definitely the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I bet Kouji's going to have a fun time with her, right?"

My blood started racing when I heard Davis's words. I felt like driving my fist through a wall.

"SHUT UP, DAVIS!" I hissed.

Davis looked at me incredulously. "What?"

I grunted and kicked one of the barrels that was next to me. I tried taking a deep breath in order to regain my composure and I turned to face Davis.

"I'm sorry", I mumbled.

"What's gotten into you, man?"

I sighed. "Nothing. I'm just… forget it."

"Captain?"

We both turned around and saw Shia standing in front of us.

"Yes, Shia?" I asked, trying not to sound too annoyed. Everything seemed to be making me mad now.

"The Princess would like a word."

Great. She wants to talk to me?

"Does she need anything?" I asked.

Shia shrugged. "She asked for you by name."

I took a deep breath and rolled my eyes. "Very well."

I made my way across the boat towards the haunting tent. I spotted Kari sitting near the door. She had insisted that she would accompany Mae… Zoe… whoever she is. She gave a worried look and lowered her gaze to the ground without saying another word. I closed my eyes and paused before opening the door. I wasn't sure what I would say to her. I just know that this pain I'm feeling won't go away. It doesn't matter what she says.

NORMAL POV:

Takuya entered the tent and saw Zoe sitting on the edge of the chaise lounge in the center of the floor. Their eyes met and tears immediately started forming in both of their eyes.

"Takuya – "

"Why did you lie to me?" asked Takuya, interrupting her. "You told me your name was Mae! Why did you do that?"

Zoe's tears began running down her face and her voice began to crack. "Takuya, I'm sorry. I'm so, SO sorry! I was scared! I was afraid that you would murder me if you knew the truth!"

Takuya snorted. "Oh, really? You really thought I would ever hurt you?"

"You almost did when you found out I was Lamian!"

"That was before I fell for you!" cried Takuya. He tried holding back as hard as he could the tears that were inevitably starting to escape from his eyes. "You showed me that I should give a chance to people before I judge them! I even told you who I was! Don't you think I deserved the truth from you, as well?"

"I know", sniffed Zoe, her voice a mere whisper. "I'm sorry. I was going to tell you after we… after what we did. We were talking about Helen of Troy and you didn't understand why I said Lamia would attack Erelaria in order to get me back, Like Sparta did with Troy. I was about to tell you the truth because I learned to trust and love you… But then Kari came in and I never thought I'd see you again."

Takuya shook his head and felt a lump on his throat. "You said you were also promised to another man."

"That, I was. But he… well… he died in battle. Actually... you killed him."

"Me? Who was it?"

Zoe gulped. "Captain Akira…"

Takuya's eyes widened. "WHAT?! You were engaged to the man who murdered my family and almost killed me?"

Zoe didn't respond but began to cry even harder.

"This is just… I'm sorry, I need to go."

Zoe hurried and took Takuya by the arm. "It's not what you think! My father was forcing me into marrying him! That's why I couldn't go with you! My father wanted to give me as a reward for his loyalty!"

"And I suppose he's forcing into marrying my King now?"

"Of course he is! Takuya, I love YOU! I haven't been able to stop thinking about you and this is killing me! Please!"

Takuya sighed and stared into the blonde's eyes. He couldn't hate her. As much as he wished he did, he loved her. He took a strand of her hair and placed it gently behind her ear.

"Zoe," said Takuya. "I understand. It's hard but I guess I know why you did."

Zoe gave him a crooked smile. "Thank you. I love, so much. Please stop this. I can't marry your king."

Takuya closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I can't."

Zoe paused. "What?"

"I can't. I went to Lamia to bring you for my King. He's not only my King, but he's been like a brother to me. I can't do this to him."

"But you can tell him the truth! You can tell him that I was the girl who saved you and everything that happened between us… If he's as close to you as you say he is, he will understand."

"I can't do that, either. I never told anyone about us. I was going to look for you when I came for… well… you… but as the princess. After that I would try one more time to bring you with me since the Princess and my King's alliance would result in peace. There was nothing to stop us from being together but… well… evidently that's not true anymore."

Zoe's eyes widened and her mouth hung open. "But… But we kissed. Takuya! We… we kissed… and touched… and…. You said you loved me…"

"It doesn't matter."

"Of course it does! Takuya, please!"

"Zoe," said Takuya as he carefully placed his hand on her cheek. "This cannot be. I'm sorry. I have a duty to my king and you have a duty to yours. Your union will spare the lives of thousands of people."

Zoe shook her head. "By marrying another man! Takuya, I love YOU. Please, don't do this to me."

Takuya stared at the love of his life in front of him. He loved her more than anyone in the world. He wished he could just kiss her and take her into her arms, never letting go. But he knew better. They were not meant to be.

"I wish things were different, Zoe."

Zoe snorted. "You said we have a duty to our hearts. Where did that go?"

Takuya paused and sighed. "I'm sorry. We will both have to live with this for the sake of our people."

"Takuya… don't. Please just – "

Suddenly, the door flung open. Shia and Davis entered the tent, making the two star-crossed lovers jump in place.

"We're sorry to interrupt, your grace", said Shia. He then turned to Takuya and nodded. "We're almost at the shore, Captain."

Takuya nodded. "Thank you, Shia."

The two soldiers exited the tent and Takuya turned to see Zoe once again. He took her hand and bowed, giving it her hand a kiss. Takuya then turned and started walking away silently.

"Takuya…"

He turned to glance at his beloved once more. "Yes?"

"I-I… I love you."

It broke his heart to hear this. He knew how much he cared for her. He knew she was the only one for him, and it killed him that there was nothing else he could do about it. Duty had always come first to him, and that's how it should be.

"I love you too, Zoe."

With that, he exited the tent and left a heartbroken Zoe inside the tent. She threw herself into the chaise lounge and began crying as hard as she could. She'd be forced to see the boy she loved for the rest of her life, without being able to be with him. Instead, she'd be married to his King and best friend. If she could, she would probably kill herself right now. But she knew that Takuya was right. Her marriage to King Kouji would spare the lives of many innocent people. If she was meant to be miserable for the rest of her life, at least it would have a positive outcome to others.

ZOE'S POV:

Erelaria was beautiful. I had never been outside of Lamia before, let alone her kingdom's enemy land. I was inside a royal carriage that the King had arranged for me, with Kari. I had told her what happened in the tent, but she couldn't find the right words to say anything to me. She knew how much I loved Takuya, but couldn't think of any way it would work out. Why is love so complicated? Why can't two people just meet, fall in love and be happy? Why is everything compromised by duty? I never thought life could be so cruel.

I stared out the window and saw the breathtaking sights Erelaria had to offer. In the distance, I could see mountains, a green forest and the beach that faced Lamia. Villagers were gathered in the streets, trying to get a glimpse of their new future Queen. But, they didn't seem to be so happy about it. Some of them were giving me dirty looks and everything. I guess that's understandable. It must be hard for them to have a Lamian as their ruler, especially since our kind has murdered many of their friends and family members.

I also caught a glimpse of Takuya. He was riding a white horse next to the carriage, without looking at me. His face was filled with sadness. I knew he was hurt. I knew I should've told him the truth earlier, and I regret every second of him not knowing. A boy with spiky hair was speaking to him but he didn't seem to pay attention to what he was saying. Instead, his gaze seemed to be lost in space. He was probably hurting as much as I was. I really can't believe this is happening.

We finally arrived to the big castle I had seen from afar. It was bigger than I would've imagined. High stonewalls surrounded the fortress, with guards circling around the top. We stopped in front of the castle doors and I heard Takuya announce our arrival.

"Lower the bridge!" he said. "I, Captain Takuya Kanbara, have brought Princess Zoe Orimoto for King Kouji!"

God, that hurt. I saw him and I could clearly tell that those words struck him as much as they did me. I wasn't married yet and both of us were suffering this hard. I cannot believe this. How would we survive the rest of our days here?

We made our way inside the castle as the steel bridge came to a halt. The castle entrance was filled with more villagers and guards. I could see many of the people trying to sneak a peek of me. Butterflies were erupting from my stomach as I came closer to my fat. The carriage stopped in the middle of the patio and I could hear people's whispers begin to cease. Suddenly, silence filled the patio.

"Announcing," said one of the guards, "your majesty, Zoe Orimoto. Princess of Lamia."

The door opened and I exited the carriage. People's eyes widened as they caught the first sight of their future Queen. At the end of the empty path, I could see a man with long black hair, tied into a ponytail. He was wearing a long cape, a navy blue suit and a golden crown. That must be him. However, I noticed a second boy next to him. They looked exactly the same, but this one had shorter hair and had a silver and smaller crown. The prince? Like it matters. I saw Takuya standing near me, his eyes locked on mine. I saw everything in that look: all the hurt, the pain, the love he felt for me and the desire of making me his. As if I already wasn't. I would always belong to him, no matter who I was with. I hope he knew that.

I started walking forwards in silence, followed by Takuya and two other guards. Every step I took felt heavy in my chest. After what seemed to be the most painful walk I've ever taken, I reached the boy I assumed to be the king.

"Your majesty," said one of the guards. "I present to you Princess Zoe Orimoto of Lamia."

The boy came closer, took my hand and kissed it. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, my lady. I am Kouji, King of Erelaria."

I bowed. "An honor, your grace."

Kouji smiled and nodded. "I have heard rumors of your beauty. For once, gossip was right."

I blushed embarrassed by his compliment. "Thank you."

"May I present my twin brother? Prince Kouichi of Erelaria."

The second boy approached me and kissed my hand gently. "An honor, princess."

I smiled and nodded. "The pleasure is all mine."

Both of the boys smiled kindly at me.

"My lady," said Kouji. "I am pleased for your presence. I want to make sure you will enjoy your stay in Erelaria, and know that we will do everything in our power to make you feel at home."

I could tell from his piercing blue eyes that he wasn't a bad man, and he meant what he said. His brother also smiled kindly at me. At least they weren't evil. But I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, I was relieved I wouldn't be mistreated here. But on the other, it made me feel even guiltier that my thoughts would be focused on how much I loved Takuya.

"Erelaria!"

My thoughts were interrupted with Kouji's announcement. The entire kingdom was eagerly waiting to hear their king's speech.

"I thank you all for being here, today", continued Kouji. "The war between Erelaria and Lamia has been going on for the past 150 years. Many lives have been lost from both sides. However," he turned to me and took my hand. "This all ends today! If Princess Zoe of Lamia decides to accept our marriage, this union will not only bring two people together, but also our two kingdoms! No more war! No more innocent lives will be taken! We will finally reach our biggest desire: Peace!"

The crowd cheered.

"Princess?" said Kouji as he turned to me. "Will you accept my hand in marriage?"

I paused and glanced at Takuya. His gaze refused to meet mine and he was staring into the floor. I hated this.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes. I accept."

The crowd cheered and Kouji's smile widened. He put a ring on my finger and kissed my cheek.

"Tonight," he said. "We celebrate!"

With that, he took my hand and led me off the stage. I finally locked eyes with Takuya who had said nothing since we arrived. I could tell he was trying his best not to cry. I sighed and mouthed the words "I love you" before walking away with Kouji.

*Sniff*.. I know.. this chapter was sad, wasn't it? Zoe is now officially engaged to Kouji. What will happen with her love for Takuya? Will Takuya tell Kouji the truth, or is this the end for our beloved couple? FOLLOW/FAVE to stay updated :D and... you guessed it... review, review, REVIEWS :D