Chapter 13

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of Harry Potter and the background story has the same idea as a fairy tale. I'm not sure which one.

I sat in my room pondering what James had told me. He would forget me. Over time his memories would fade along with his love. I didn't want to leave him, but I would leave something for him instead. I wanted him to remember the sacrifice I made for his land and my people.

What could I give him? Not a dress, I didn't have any jewellery left to give him. A thought occurred to me and I walked to the armoire. Beside it was a table that had my lily on it. I picked it up and examined it. The petals were still unruffled and they were still as soft as a living lily's were. I didn't know how my father had managed to save it, but that didn't matter right now. I had found what I was going to give him.

A soft knock on the door had me standing straight again. An equally soft voice called into the room.

"Lily, are you decent? May I come inside?" James' mother asked.

"Yes, you may," my voice was no more than a whisper, but she still heard it. The door eased open and Dolores walked inside. Once she saw my face she opened her arms and took a step towards me.

This action touched my heart and a lump formed in my throat as I threw myself into her embrace and started sobbing. She rubbed my back in soothing circles and said, "I'm so sorry Lily, I know it's hard."

I couldn't speak but I nodded.

"No matter what anyone thinks, no royal has a perfect life."

I nodded at her words once again, "I know that, but I didn't think it would hurt this much."

"Just know that after this is over, you are and always will be welcome here."

Another sob slipped out, "thank you. I have no idea how to thank your family for what you've done."

"There is one thing you can do…" She shook her head.

"What is it?" I pulled out of her embrace and took a step back. The look on her face said that she thought whatever it was would be impossible.

"You could return to your father's palace and ask him for permission to marry James," Her facial expression was shocking, it almost looked as if she was pleading with me.

I nodded my head slowly, "I'll try. I can tell you that he probably won't let me, but I will try."

"Would you mind taking a letter from us to your father?" she pulled out an envelope, "all it says is that you are a wonderful person and we would love to have you return to us."

"He'll rip it up without reading it." I warned her before placing it on my bedside table.

"That's why I'm telling you what it says now," There was a small smile on her face.

I giggled. If I was right the queen was toying with me.

This was a bizarre place, but I didn't want to leave it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Well there it is. Sorry it took me longer to update. I'm kind of stuck right now and if you have any suggestions for what I could do I'd love to know.

If there is a song about forgiveness and giving somebody another chance by a female singer I'd love to know what it's called. It's unrelated to this story though.

Thanks. Review please.

Over and Out.