A blissful laugh escaped the delicate lips of princess Aurelia, using her hand to cover her mouth sitting beside prince Roland out in the gardens. The two enjoying a lovely afternoon, talking and laughing. Roland couldn't help but stare in awe upon hearing Aurelia's laughter, that made the sun even brighter to him. For the very first time he was able to get her to laugh. It took him some time, but he did. And he enjoyed every single laughter that came out of that lovely mouth of her's. The way her eyes light would up make his day better than before, he told himself. The itself would be jealous of her radiant smile, a smile that made him feel warm. Could make anyone feel warm even on the coldest of winters.

Her laughter, seem to brighten up nature itself. The flowers bloomed much brighter and their colors became much more vibrant. A glow seem to surround the elven princess, he didn't know were it came from. But all knew was that it filled him with so much, he couldn't explain it, he just didn't know how he could.

What words could he use to describe these feelings, there was only one he knew. One he would see his parents express with each other. Something he that crossed his mind, the second he meet this enchanting princess of the Elves.

Love.

It had been grown in him, he felt it. All those times his heart skipped a beat whenever in her presence or when her eyes laid on his. Even under her stone look, he felt it. Which drove him to want to know more about her, her world and wanting her to know more about his own, an perhaps might compel her to want to stay here. With his family, with him to rule by his side.

The only problem was, he didn't know how to fully express his unyielding feelings to her. Or if she felt the way, one thing was certain from what she told him, he earn a special place in her heart. Something he didn't seem to fully understand, was it as a friend? Brother? Or something else, it was such a cryptic message to him. Which he liked, wanting to solve to figure out what she meant.

He knew though, she didn't do this to many. Sure she warmed up to his sister easily, the two of them bonded like long lost sisters. Tilly was able to make Aurelia laugh with such ease, though it took him much longer. Always trying to figure out way to impress the princess, like a typical prince would. He could complement her, come to her rescue, be as chivalrous as he could. But nothing seem to work with her, that is until he actually found something that did.

Because of that, she seemly let him into her world. It was at first hesitant and she was pretty cautious about it. But soon, she let her guard down around him and he found out more about her. Every single time, there was something new and he always paid attention to every single detail like a work of art. The way her nose twitched just a bit when she was thinking deeply, or the way she longingly looked at the sky. Thinking of her father, her eyes worrying even if she never showed it.

The kindness she showed to the simplest and smallest things, caring for them with such care. Her gentle touch she had, even if was rough at times. Delicate way she brushed her hair out of her face. Everything, there was always something. The way her voice pitch became slightly high, when she asked a question. It was like a secret language that the two of them shared, because he knew those outside their world, did not see what he saw or his sister. They just saw the facade she put up, which was a very good one. Even if it was as antagonistic, as the way she was once with him. She did show some sort of kindness while at school and mingling with the others. But only showed her true kindness to those who earned it. Such a regal tactic she used, to her earning ones trust and respect was not rightfully given, a true warrior she was at heart.

Being a princess, she was not one to expect things to be given to her, even if she walked with an air of self righteousness, it never in a stuck up. She carried herself with humility as well, admitting her faults. Against her pride, that she cherished deeply. She knew when to put aside, that didn't mean she would stand her ground and with a certain look could make even mightiest knight weak at the knees. Such a commanding and dominant stare she gave.

But that all went away when she was with him, she became much more joyous and mellow. Expressing a playful side, that surprised him existed within her always up for something fun to do just for the kick of it. Clearly his older sister rubbed off on her, because some of the things she did reminded him of such. Though one thing he did know, he had become her other friend. One she could just relax with.

Aurelia finally settles her laugh, with a just a few more chuckles her eyes still remained bright. Turning to the young prince, smiling.

"You are very funny, Roland."

"And over here..."you point to another plant in the greenhouse, eager to show James who follows you. He could see the excitement in your eyes that you tried to contain, he smiles stopping next to you. Listening to the information that you had about the plant, you were so informative about everything here. Then again you are a elf, so it only seem to make sense.

Normally one of the headmistresses would be in here with the two of you, but this time they were not. Because they had to attend to something else, so it just left you and James. Being here, meant the two of you had to practice for the dance. Though mostly when brought here, it didn't go like that. Instead it involved you, being more interested in plant and nature compared to practicing on dancing. Something that needed to be started soon, because the date was slowly creeping up.

Though James didn't mind you in your element, and seeing you had become comfortable. He liked seeing you like this, not saying the other ways you looked were bad. This was just better, he seem to be able to see the real side of you. In a manner of speaking, still though he felt you still had your defense up with him, only allowing him in to a certain extent. Unlike with Sofia, his mother and Bailywick. Not to mention Jun, who seem to see another side of you, or pretty much all of you.

While he had to keep digging, again he follows you in the house moving over to another plant marveling at it. Telling him once again the facts about this certain plant, being a gentleman he though not because he was taught to. He wanted to, he let you do your thing, even if he was eager to dance with you. The smile he had one, slowly faded just a bit. Just to keep it up for you, even if you didn't notice it or preferred not pay not mind to it. His walk behind you began to slow down, lagging just a bit. He wasn't board he just well...wanted to do what the two of you came here for.

A few times he tried to reach for your hand, but it was either you knew he was reaching for it or was not aware he was trying. To move it away quickly, like a string dangling in front of string, that was what your hand became to him.

Still, that didn't stop him it just made him more determined to grasp it, if he just could get you to stay still. Now, he understood why his father would scold him to stay still from his boundless energy. Which you seem to have every time the two of you came in here, jumping from here to there or way over there. Sure he was aware you were physical more fit than anyone he knew. Seeing you in action not just at school during P.E., which you clearly out shined everyone with your excellent skills, he would see you always training back at the castle. Either by yourself, with Sofia or sparing with the guards who some have secretly asked that the elven princess teach them in the form of combat.

But you didn't stay still for very long, he wasn't sure if you were dragging this on purpose or not. But he didn't have in him to stop you, so he let you do what you wanted. While the others and their partners practiced their dancing, he was pretty much stuck doing nothing. Normally he wasn't into dancing, but having you as a partner changed it, he even studied up on dancing. Something never expect himself to do, like ever. For you, it was acceptable.

Zander would often inquire on how it was going, which he would confine in his friend that it was not really picking up, and Zander being himself told him to just be bold and take charge of it. His friend even joked that they could switch partners, and he would surely get you to dance, a joke James really didn't find funny really. He didn't take him up his suggestion, just settling with figuring this out on his own.

Time ticked away, and soon came to an end with the two of you. Headmistress Fauna came to get the two of you, dismissing both of you from practice. While you were pleased, James on the other hand was quite the opposite. The two of you exit the greenhouse, to be greeted by Sofia.

"James! Layla!"she waves to the both of you, while you give her a small acknowledging smile, James sighs to himself with a sullen look. Which his little sister easily noticed."James, are you alright?"she asked concerned.

You turn around to the prince, seeing the look he wore. Which you perceived for something different."Are you ill? Where you not just fine, back in the green house?"your tone was not at all concerned or comforting like Sofia's. You just simple dismiss James look, brushing it away like nothing, coldly. Sofia looks at you, sighing, about to say something but preferred to pay more attention to her sulking brother.

He gives her a weary smile."Naw, I'm..."he looks at you, though your back was turned to him. Sofia saw the look in his eyes, before she could say anything he does."See you at practice, Sof."he walks away.

She watches him leave, the young princess read every single thing upon James face and in his eyes. He seem sadly distraught, it seem with you. Sure she was aware the two of you spent time in the greenhouse to practice. But from what she gathered, there was no dancing going. It seem that you had become more interested in plants than practicing. A few times she tired to get you to try and practice with James, because he didn't really have to move the practice to a place you liked. In other words try to get you to see, that you needed to be fair to James.

Though you paid no mind to that, not even considering the idea. Sometimes, you could be so dense and stubborn. Which did get under her skin, so when you became like that, she would put her foot down and do things her way. Smiling, as an idea came to mind.

While you polished your dagger, which Fauna gave back to you. Since they always seem to take them when you came to school, Sofia taps you on the shoulder.

"What."you turn to her. Looking at the blade.

"I have practice after school, for the Flying Derby team, and Maximus would love it if you came."she tells you, being crafty with her white lie. Knowing well, you would not deny the winged horse. Her eager smile stretched across her face.

Your attention still on the dagger. Looking at your reflection."...Fine..."you finally look up at her, to be startled by her pressing smile. Which freaked you out just a bit."Please...stop that, it's just creepy."you calm down telling her, twirling your dagger and put it away."I will go."you tell her walking off."Human princess are so weird."

She giggles at your comment, and follows you.

School ended, and just as you agreed with Sofia, you would watch her practice. She was excited you came, not because of her but for her own reason. The two of you make it to the track, Sofia went to change into her proper attire. You remember when she first told that she was apart of the time, being the only princess still on the team, was something you had to gave her respect for. While you waited for her, you made your way to the stables, and chilled with Maximus who was surprised to see you here.

"Came to see you and Sofia."you tell him, petting him gently.

"Oh..really...ummm."he started to shutter nervously, which always made you laugh."Geez, really...I hope I don't flop or anything."

You kept petting him."You will be fine, you're a strong one."

He smiles at you thankfully. You return the smile, when Sofia over dressed in her attire for riding to get Maximus."Ready?"she asked, putting the saddle on him and grabbing hold of his reigns, he and you start to follow her. The three of you exit the stables."You can sit there in the stands."she points to the empty stands.

Sighing irritably, you go over there."Layla?!"James.

You stop and see him, surprised to find you here. While he remained surprised, your brow frowns forward. Quickly you turn around and make your way to the stands. Taking a seat, James watches you, still in shock you were here. Though he was happy to see you, he was puzzled as to why you were here. Though the questions he had in his mind would have to wait, he had practice right now. Tugging a bit on his horse, he leads them towards his team around the coach.

He reaches the spot, stopping at his sister's side. He glazes back over his shoulder in your direction. Sofia notices him next to her."Hey James."she greets him, but he doesn't respond back. His attention elsewhere. Which she picked up, she looks over her shoulder in your direction, smiling happily to herself."Oh, yeah I asked Layla if she could come and see me practice today."

James looks at his younger sister, who gives him the most innocent smile ever. That made him wonder if she hiding something, behind that smile. He was about to say something, when Hugo interjected.

"Well, then..."he looks in the direction of you."I suppose, Princess Layla will be dazzled then."he gloats. With a slick smile on his face he cast to James, who looks at him with burning eyes. Which unfazed the snotty prince. Tension rose between the two, which Sofia saw making her weary and nervous. Looking to her horse.

The sound went off, and you watched with a board expression. Not the least bit impressed at the team riding the flying horses. Though Sofia, was a different she looked like a pro on her's. Which brought a smile proud smirk to you. The riders, went through some sort of Flying Derby obstacle course that looked easy enough if you had wings.

Up with the team, Sofia catch James glancing at you. Though you didn't seem to notice at all, so she had to put her plan into action. She hurries her way over to him, that she didn't pay attention when a certain someone came zooming by her. Which made her loss her balance and falls from the high heights plummeting down.

Her screams reach your ears and that of James. Looking up alarmingly, you see her falling, and she was falling fast."SOFIA!"you and James scream, he turns his winged horse around.

Sofia screams for her life, flapping her arms wildly, her coach begins to panic unsure what to do. To only do the one thing he could, hold out his arms, to try and catch her. But what luck was there, she was falling fasted towards the water, which the impact would dire. James races to his little sister, her eyes filled with fear. Calling for her brother to save her, he hurries to her. His hand reached out towards her, he was nowhere close to her, but he would not yield.

But she was falling faster than he could catch her, her screams began to muffle from the fall, the fearful princess shuts her eyes. Her arms out stretched gripping nothing but air, when a strong grip grabs hold of her hand."SOFIA! I have you!"

She hears your powerful strong voice yell to her, her eyes snap open finding you there falling with her. Tears in the corner of her eyes, you smirk at her. Yanking her towards you, into somewhat of a hug. She grips you tightly, you could feel her shaking like a scared child. You embrace her tenderly."It's alright..."you whisper in her ear."I have you."with one last tight hug, you spin around trading spots with her, she was on top while your back was to the closing water. With one mighty thrust you fling her towards James."JAMES! CATCH!"you order him, Sofia realized what you were doing. She screams pleading for you not to, trying to keep hand that gripped yours, but you were much stronger and quicker.

You let go of her, her arms reached out to you. Jame managed to grab hold of her, safely hosting onto his horse."Sof, you ok?"he asked, but she didn't respond, her attention was on you. The young prince realized this, he looks over the side and sees you falling fast, faster than Sofia. Alarmed, he kicks the side of his horse and flies down after you at an alarming rate. Still he wasn't fast enough."Sof! Grab the reigns."he tells her thrusting them in his trembling sister's hands. She grips them, James stands and jumps off diving down towards you. His hand reached for you."LAYLA!"he screams for you."TAKE MY HAND!"He didn't know what was hurting more, his extended arm or the pain felt of fear that came watching you fall. One thing was sure, the pain from hitting water hurt like heck. Then everything became dark.

Feeling something warm on his forehead, mumbling to himself. Everything that happened came flooding back he shoots up from his bed. Flinging off the wet cloth that laid upon his forehead."LAYLA!"he throws off the blankets and jumps out of bed, to stumble knocking over a few things. Alerting those outside his room, maids and butlers come rushing in, to help the prince up and trying to get him to go back to bed. Even Amber was there. But James would not listen to them, stubbornly he refuses pushing his way passed them calling out of the elven princess.

Whatever strength it was that came from scare Amber a bit, she had never seen such fierce in her brother's eyes before. Mostly it was joyful and laid back. Nothing like this, she lets him go and stops trying to force him. Because of it, James managed to wiggle free of the others, he wobbles while running out his room. Calling for you, that it echoed throughout the castle. Amber comes rushing out of his room, picking up her dress she hurries after her brother.

James reaches the room belonging to the guest princess, anxiety and fear mix in together. He thought the knowledge he knew, the same as his father. Just thinking about that, scared him. He would have stopped at her door, but didn't he pushes it open forcefully."LAYLA!"he screams, entering her room.

Getting everyone's attention, his father, mother, Sofia, Bailywick and a few maids turn to him. Surprised to see him up, his family and the steward hurry over to him.

"James?"Sofia looks at him shocked he was up, but more so concerned."What are you doing up?"

"James are you alright?"Miranda tries to get a closer look at her step son but, he paid their worried questions no mind. His amber eyes laid only on one thing, you.

He sees you laying on your bed, out cold. Unable to see you fully, he races to the side calling for you, to quickly hushed by Bailywick. James eyes grow wide at the sight of you, this wasn't like when you were beaten up at the obstacle course his family had. This was much, instead of a wet cloth on your forehead it was wrapped up with a bit of blood seeping through the bandages, your right arm wrapped up in a sling and your ankle was hosted up on some pillows wrapped. He looks down at you, though unresponsive, he saw the pain you were in. His heart became heavy and started to ache with anger.

That he balls up his fist, his family stood back watching the brooding prince. Everyone stayed silent, even Amber who came bursting in. The mood in the room made her remain silent.

Roland looks at his son, he was able to read how he felt well. Slowly he walks to his son, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder."The doctor's say she will be out for a bit..."he tells James painfully."She has a slight concussion, her arm is broken from the impact and her ankle is sprained from hitting the rocks. But... "he inhales sharply, holding back his own emotions."She will be fine, don't worry her kind heal fast."he tries to lighten up the last part.

James heard every single word, that weighed heavily on him. His fist tighten more in anger, clenching his lips shut looking around he spots a chair next to your bed. Moving away from his dad, he takes the seat. His eyes never left you.

"..."James reaches out a hand to you placing it gently on your injured arm.

And hope you all like it again sorry for the long wait :)