A/N: This is in gray as I'm typing it. And I haven't the slightest idea why. Anyway, hooray for emotional chapters! Woo.
The clock tower rang three. It was time. I rushed over to the gardens, quite distressed. I had to tell Leo goodbye! I had planned out my entire goodbye speech the previous night. Of course, I did not include the fact that I was in love with him in my prepared speech. I honestly did not know whether I had the courage to tell him goodbye. I loved Leo. How could I possibly tell him that I could never see him again?
Leo stood there, waiting, smiling. I would have to tell him quickly, otherwise I would never have the courage.
"Leo, there's something I must tell you!" I exclaimed, rushing up to him, my eyes wide with worry and fear. Leo grabbed my hands and held them. He looked so excited to see me! I felt so guilty for what I had to tell him. I bit my lip, my heart fluttering as I gazed into his loving green eyes. Oh my, my heart could not stop pounding! Was I blushing? Probably. At this rate, I would never be able to tell him!
"There's something I must tell you first, though. I can't wait any longer," he said. I nodded, much too happy about being here with him to care whether or not I was going to tell him goodbye. Did I really have the courage? It seemed I did not. Or maybe the joy of love was just so overpowering.
"First, I must apologize. I was rude. I don't want my royal obligations to tear us apart. I believe that your life is hard, that Lady Millicent and Evangeline are terrible. Your obligations are different, but definitely not easier than mine. I realize that now. And as for who I want to be…I finally figured it out. I know what I want in my life. I am Prince Leopold, heir to the Throne of Corvaux. But I am also just Leo. I now know how I can combine the two. You are the key, Mari. I love you, and I want to be the best man I possibly can be for you. My mother wants me to get married. If I could marry for love, I would marry you. My father wants me to be strong. I can protect you. I love you, Mari. I love you more than anything in the world. I want to do all I can to make you happy," he said. He…he loved me! Leo loved me! Not any foolish princess, but me! A…an average commoner! My heart leapt at the idea of Leo and me together. I smiled, and before I could really comprehend anything, Leo kissed me. I closed my eyes, losing myself in the moment. I would be happy if I could just stay here with Leo for my whole life. There was no way I could tell him goodbye now. The kiss was so pure, so innocent. I couldn't think; I was in love. I knew that I would only ever love Leo; he was my true love. Evangeline's words came back to haunt me. She said I would never see him again. I broke away from Leo, tears welling in my eyes.
"Mari, what's wrong? Is it something I said? Please, tell me!" he exclaimed. I held onto his hands.
"I love you so much, Leo! I've always loved you," I answered. "But…it's just that Lady Millicent…" I trailed off. I was at an impasse.
"No one can stop true love," he stated, kissing my hands. I smiled regretfully.
"Leo, you are a terribly wonderful person," I said. My heart pounded. "I have to go, though," I finished. Leo shook his head.
"No. Stay with me, Mari! I can convince my mother to let me marry you!" he exclaimed. I wanted to cry. I loved him so much, but here I was, hurting him!
"Please, Leo, I must go! Never forget me. I will always love you," I stated, walking away.
"Mari! Mari!" he shouted after me. I ran. I couldn't bear it. We loved each other. But neither Evangeline nor Lady Millicent would let us be together. Yet this was true love…right?
I ran home, hiding in my room, tears streaming down my face. Did I really just tell my true love goodbye? He…he proposed! Sort of. But…I ran. I loved him, but I ran. I had to, though, right? I only hoped he would take me at my word.
I found a package on my bed, which distracted me from such sad thoughts. I opened it to find a new notebook. I looked at the note that came with it.
I have not forgotten you. You are not alone. I smiled. So Allodia was still around. I set my new paper down and gazed at the crystal rose.
That rose would be my source of comfort for the next few years. I did not know how long it would be until I could see Leo. It would be two years until I would see him again.
