I could not fathom I would ever be without your love

Never imagined I'd be sitting here beside myself

'Cause I didn't know you, 'cause I didn't know me

But I thought I knew everything

I never felt

The feeling that I'm feeling now that I don't hear your voice

Or have your touch and kiss your lips 'cause I don't have a choice

Oh, what I wouldn't give to have you lying by my side

Right here, 'cause baby

(We belong together)

I was walking slowly, now that my mission was over. I didn't look back instead I looked ahead. I took my time walking.

But I couldn't get Artie out of my mind. It's like leaving part of me behind. I missed him and I loved him. He was my everything but we couldn't be together.

I thought about his smile and his laugh and his figure. It felt so good to have him near me and make me feel so warm and loved.

I didn't know where I would go now that I had nothing to do. Maybe I could travel around the world since I never did that.

I thought about all the good things in my life and what changes I would make in my life.

I was nearly close to the gate of the castle and was ready to walk out until I heard someone calling my name.

"ANYA!"

The voice was far off and I stopped to see if it was the wind.

"ANYA!" This time it was closer and it wasn't the wind. I turned around to see who was calling me but I didn't see anyone.

"ANYA!" Now, it was close, very close. I squinted my eyes and saw a silhouette running.

It was getting closer and I could barely see his face.

I rubbed my eyes and looked closer. I widened my eyes as I saw a golden crown glint in the sun and wavy golden hair flying in the wind.

It was Artie. He was calling after me and running after me. My heart started to pound. I couldn't see him. It will be too hard to say good-bye.

I wanted to run or get away before he could see me but I couldn't force my legs to do it.

He was close. He was closing the distance between us. 20, 15, 10, 5 ft and soon there was only 2 inches between us.

I didn't say anything nor did he.

"Anya, where're you going?" He asked me. His eyes were soft and loving. I wanted to lose myself in him.

"I-I don't know, but I can't be here anymore. Besides, now that you're king, you have a lot of things to attend to. I need to go." I said smiling. My heart was pounding faster and I know he could hear it.

He smiled and cocked his head.

"Yeah, but why didn't you say good-bye or something?"

I turned my head and tried to hold back my tears.

"I-I'm not really good at saying good-byes."

"Well, you could've said something." He said, frowning slightly.

"I didn't think it would matter, with you being king, you will have more things to do."

"Well, there is one thing I won't be able to do even with me being king and all." He said.

"Really? And what's that?"

He smiled and grabbed my hand. The electricity, tingle, and heat were rushing through my body but it was stronger this time.

He pulled me closer and I, for the first time without hesitation, let him.

"You." He said as leaned closer to my face.

I gave a shocked gasp. Surely, he couldn't love me. I mean, me being anti-social and mean and stuff. Besides, he was king and I was a commoner.

"B-But, Artie, you're king and I'm a simple peasant. You can only be with a Princess." I said, trying to make myself sound firm but it wasn't working.

"Oh, Anya. You're so much more than that." He said his voice low and sensual which made me shiver slightly. "You're not a peasant in my eyes. I see a beautiful woman right here in front of me who knows what she wants and can take care of herself. A woman who's suffered and managed to survive so long. To me, you're not a peasant but a wonderful princess in my eyes. I realize that now. I love you, Anya and I don't think I won't be able to live without you. I know I may have said the same things to Guin, but she's nothing compared to you. Please stay, stay with me and be my love. Be my happiness to my sadness. You mean everything to me."

I couldn't help the tears that flowed down my cheek. I smiled and couldn't say anything.

"I'm sorry for everything and for hurting you. I was dumb and crazy and wasn't thinking straight. But now that I see you here with me, everything is clearer now. I can change the law. I don't have to marry a princess. In fact, I'll make that my first royal decree. But only if you'll stay with me. Let me take care of you. I know you can do it but that doesn't mean it will take away the need I have to protect you. Give me the chance to love you. Please, stay with me." He was smiling and was looking in my eyes.

He was sincere and he was serious about his offer. I couldn't say anything; I didn't know what to do. He was the only guy that ever done so much for and admitted his feeling for me.

With his free hand, he wiped my tears away as he caressed my cheek.

"What do you say? Be my princess, let me be your hero and stop your suffering." he asked me. I smiled and for the first time hugged him out of my free will. He hugged me back and I felt safe and loved and warm. I didn't feel any anger or cold. He was what I wanted.

Everything that I could've asked for and more.

"Oh, Artie, you have no idea how I longed to feel this warmth. Of course, I'll stay with you. I love you, Artie, I'll always love you." I raised my head and looked at his eyes.

He looked so content. He smiled and raised my chin.

"Let me kiss you, Anya. Let me feel your soft perfect lips on my own." I softly shook my head and he leaned in slowly as if not to scare me. Then, his lips touched mine. The fireworks were stronger now.

It was a soft kiss but it was increasing steadily. Not hungrily, but like a sensual caress. His lips moved against mine and I his. It felt so good and warm. I didn't want this to stop. As if in response, my arms moved towards his neck and pulled him closer. He was not that much bigger than me. Probably one inch bigger.

His arms found my waist and pulled me against his body. This was a perfect end to a lifetime of pain and suffering and now with Artie by my side. I couldn't be happier. He pulled away but I groaned out of protest.

He chuckled softly as he placed soft pecks on my neck, then down my collarbone and then under my ear. I moaned softly as he worked his way up and down.

He stopped and placed his forehead against mine. "You don't have to be mad that I stopped. We can continue where we left off at the forest…" he trailed off as he looked at my eyes, his arms still on my waist.

I unwound my arms from his neck and placed my hands on either side of his face.

I smiled and answered, "Well, we can continue. There's a big secret covering the east side of this forest that can give cover…" he didn't let me finish because his lips crashed against mine as he passionately kissed me.

"How about something better than a forest? Something more soft and bouncy like a bed." He said in between kisses.

I smiled while laughing softly in his lips and pulled away. I placed my head on his neck and he placed his face in my hair.

"Anywhere's fine with me as long as I'm with you. It can be an all-nighter if you want." I said as I kissed his neck softly.

He laughed and hugged me tighter.

"Well, then, that can be arranged." He said seductively and he pulled my face towards his and kissed me hard.

He grabbed my hand and pulled away.

"Come on," He said as he pulled my hand and walked toward the castle.

I quickly went to his side as my fingers interlinked with his.

"As you wish, your highness." I said jokingly. He looked at me and smile whilst giving me a quick kiss on my cheek.

We walked towards the castle, holding hands and walking to our happily ever after.