Author's Note: I was planning to make about two more chapters but it didn't really seem to work out. So this is the last chapter. It's a little short, but I think it'll sum up enough things. If not, I'll just edit it and write in another chapter. So, let me know what you think. BTW, I'm already working on the last installment to my series. Anyway, enjoy!!

Chapter 14: We'll Be Okay

His eyes…his sky blue eyes…so serene like the sea, yet at the same time, as troubled as a vicious storm. Why couldn't I think straight when I stared into them? I pondered this question as I stood alone with him outside the palace walls.

I looked up at him as we stood there in the silence of the setting sun. "Jericho…I think we need to talk…"

He stared at me mutely for a moment before he finally spoke up. "Princess…Please let me speak first…I have a lot to say…" I gazed at him sadly and nodded my head. I supposed that he did deserve to explain everything to me…after saving my life.

"I never wanted to hurt you," he started as he gazed into my eyes. "It was forced on me by my aunt, but I never wanted to. And after I became friends with you, I knew I wouldn't be able to go through with betraying you. Trust me…I didn't want it to get so far…"

"Jericho…I can't blame you," I admitted weakly. I took a deep breath. "But…as much as I don't want to do this…or as strong as my feelings are for you…for now I don't think I can be with you…"

His eye brows furrowed in confusion. "Princess…why?"

I shook my head and shook off the tears from my face. "I don't know exactly why…but I feel that I need my space. I need to find myself for a moment. Now that father's gone…" With those words, I felt a warm tear run subconsciously down my cheek. "…and soon I'll be the one to wear the crown…and I'll be the one my people look up to. I have to stand on my own for once. Please…understand me."

I had never felt this way in my life. Now I actually felt…like an adult. Now, I knew what I had to do…at least for now. There wasn't any way that I could possible give all my heart to him…not when there was still so much uncertainty in it.

"Maybe someday," I spoke up to him again. "Maybe someday I'll find my way to you again…or you'll find me. I hope it'll be soon…as soon as I can figure myself out. Please Jericho, don't suffer for me. If it's our destiny to be together, then it'll happen."

"Princess…" he said warmly, coming closer to me and embracing me. I slowly lifted my head to stare at his handsome face. "…I'll always be here. I know we'll be together some day…I saw it in your eyes that night we met up at the desert oasis. I know I mean a lot to you, just like you mean as lot to me. Time won't tear us apart…nothing can. It's destiny. I can feel it."

I sighed and pulled him closer to me, leaving a deep kiss on his lips. I was so afraid he would turn away…in pain or in anger. But no, he stood by me. This is what I've been looking for. I've found what I've been looking for. I'll always have him to talk to…we'll always have each other. That's what matters.

"Someday my love…" I whispered to myself as I watched him walk away. Once again, a tear fell from my eye. "Someday…"

Months passed quickly. Before I knew it, my 18th birthday was here, and today was the day I would receive my crown. It was an emotional ceremony for Mother, Kitty, and especially me. Today, I became an adult. A great burden was placed on my shoulder, as well as a great sense of pride that was placed in my eyes.

It had been a long time since I had spoken to Jericho. I have to admit that I've missed him terribly. I've seen him around a few times, lingering around the outer castle walls. He'd walk around slowly and with his eyes staring up at the sky or at the ground. My love…I know he is becoming weary from so much waiting…but I feel the day will come. We'll be together again…it's just a matter of time.

Sometimes I worry too much. Sometimes I believe that I'm not ready. Maybe being a Queen is too much responsibility for someone as young as myself to be the leader of a nation. But, what other option do I have? I can't just leave my people behind. I can't just let them down. They look up to me. I am their light, I am their pride. I would never turn my back on them, no matter how difficult this job gets sometimes.

As long as I have Mother by my side to guide me, and Kitty to keep my feet on the ground, I know everything will be fine. I'll go on with my life and live without a doubt. Staring up at this sky, I feel as if Father and Jade are up there in the heavens. They smile down on me…and that's when I know that I'll be okay. Everything will be okay…it has to be.

The End!!