Everyone in the castle heard the outraged uproar shouts and yells, from the king's study. The servants froze with fear, hearing it. Sounded like the castle was under attack. The rage in the words firing exploding was just...well, no one really knew what words to describe it really. Afraid to go near the study, did their best to avoid it. It startled the royal family when they heard, Sofia and her siblings emerged from the rooms they each resided in, to see what it was. But, it was quite clear who it was. Sofia could tell by the words that echoed through out the castle. She knew it wasn't going well.

"...Layla..."

Outraged, you slam your hands on Roland's desk, with enough force to rattle it. Causing a slight crack. Glare hard at the king. Burning rage of his unfair and unjust reasoning behind his decision, no, his choice he chose for you. It was not his call. It was not. And he dare to make it for you, without even giving such a reason.

"This is unfair!"You shout, snarling. Pointing directly at him."You cannot make such a choice! They choose me! I have not gotten into any trouble at that ridiculous school! And yet you still choose to punish me!?"

This time you slam a fist down. Still, Roland remained unfazed and unchanged. Keeping himself stoic and collected. Only upset you more, taking it out on the innocent chair behind you. Knocking it over. Treading carefully, keeping and making sure his words remained absolute. Roland spoke."You are not being punished."

"I am not?! Oh, it surely seems I am."

"No. You aren't. I just believe-"

"Believe?! What do you believe? Besides chaining me down and restraining me from what I actually enjoy! I finally find something that I can enjoy at that place...that school! And you refuse me!"

"I am not refusing, I am simply declining the option given. There are many other...functions you can be apart of at the school. Just not in...that."

His words made no sense at all. It left you confused and frustrated. You thought he'd be proud of you, what the Headmistress told you. They even praised you. Astounded. Even Miranda was thrilled to hear it, but, Roland...he was indifferent and when he made the discussion...it...crushed you. Did he not believe you were capable? Of doing this? Did he believe how they thought? Of you as well? Halting you at every turn.

"You are unjust! As a king!"You scream."Y-Your just like them!"Turn and run out, almost tearing the knob of the door off in the processes.

"Layla! Wait!"He gets up and tries to call after you, but you didn't stop. He couldn't catch up to you, with your speed. He watches you run away in anguish. It broke his heart. He didn't mean to cause this upon you, he just had his reasoning. That...that he couldn't tell you. With a heavy sigh, he returns back to his desk. Slams a fist down, causing it crack just a bit.

Not as much as you did, but still enough. The position he was put in, every decision now with you he had to make careful. Aurelia, she entrusted him with her most precious gem. He promised to do everything in his power to uphold it. Like his very own, he remembers telling her. Anything she wanted, he would do. Guess, old flames don't die. Shutting his eyes, he sees her standing there. As clear as day.

Smiling at him enchantingly. Speaking his name like a sweet angel. It was merry and holy. Warm and gentle. Her eyes looking sparkling like the stars in the night. Holding them, the trust she had for him. Knowing he was the right one. Just as he had felt years ago with her. Clinging to those feelings, ate him up inside. Reaching out to her, she fades away. Just the same, years ago. He could still hear his younger self-calling out to her. But, she did not turn around, not even one last glance.

Opening his eyes, he cast them downward at the desk. Opens his locked drawer, that hides ever single letter the two have exchanged since she last came. It smelled of her scent, filled with it. She was here with him, he could feel it. She was here. Staring at him with comforting eyes, to console him. Over the choice, he just made, with the argument he had with Layla. She understood it was hard for him to do what he did, but, knew it was right. She'd come over to his side, and wrap her arms around his head. Pulling him tenderly, with a kiss. Telling him, she knew it hurt. She knew it well, staying strong with him. Reassuring, Layla would understand and would still love him. Even if he did not see it. He was a good father and king. That some times decision were hard but had to be made. She was always strong and compassionate.

He leaned his head into her, hearing her heart beat. It was smooth and mellow. Light and blissful. He inhaled deeply, her scent upon her skin. Asking her what he should do, what he should? He did not want to lose the love and relationship with Layla, he couldn't. Feeling her gentle stroke his hair, she said nothing. Not because she didn't have anything to say, but because, there was no need too. His questions, where his own guilt. That ate at him, his own heart talking to him over it all. He knew through it all, it was the right choice.

Looking up, he finds nothing, no one there. It was all in his mind. The only thing there, her scent. Turning to the open drawer, looking at all the letters, neatly organized in chronological order, each one more precious than the last. He treasured them. He kept them safe, only for his eyes to read and his alone, unless for Layla.

Layla, he thought.

She was furious and hurt. He felt terrible about it, but, he had to harden himself at her. Even if his heart oozed with love for the girl. As if she were his own. She was his own. Even if not by blood. She would be the child he wished to have had, with Aurelia. This was the closest he would get.

"Rollie?"Miranda enters, looking at her distraught and conflicted husband. She knew it wasn't easy for him. Walking over, he quickly shuts and locks the drawer. Fanning away the scent as she approached."Is everything alright?"


Where was she? Sofia searched through the castle for any sign of you. But, she hadn't found you. After what happened, she ran off to search. Coming to your room, finding it empty. Then went to other places you might, the kitchen for sure as you were prone to going there to eat when upset. But no one had seen you. Worried, she enlisted the help of Clover and the others. Turning a hall, she hadn't found you. Her worries rising, afraid of what you might do. Knowing what you did when became like that, but, she didn't know when you became enraged.

Her mother had told her, James and Amber it might be best to give you space. But, Sofia just couldn't. She knew you were hurting right now. With stubbornness like yours, it was a bad mix. Eyes frantically look, left to right. No sign at all. This castle was big, but that big to where you could hide this well. Reaching outside, she meets up with Clover and the others, no word on you at all. You weren't in the gardens. Sti, l she had to make sure.

"Layla! Layla!"Shouting for you. Not a single response. Where did you go?


How could he? Why would he do something like that? Did he not see how important this was to you? Didn't he care? Just thinking about it more, aggravated you. This place was stupid. So stupid.

Blinded by anger, you paid no mind to where your legs took. As long as it was away from Roland. From his presence, because, if not you surely would have done something. Gripping the hilt of your daggers tightly, plunge ruthless into whatever material in your sight. The force was enough to get it stuck. It didn't matter, raising the other one get ready to do the same thing. Anger in that strike, plunge it.

"What in the world!?"The door swings open."Ah!"

Their screams stopped you, looking you see how close you were to actually cause harm to someone. Cedric looks at the tip of the dagger an inch from his torso. White as a ghost. Quickly you take it back and look around. Unsure where you actually were.

"How did I get here?"

Realizing who you were the sorcerer scowls and snaps."What is the meaning of trying to stab me!?" Looking you see what he was talking about. He demanded an answer for your behavior and why you were here. you look at him. He wasn't very pleasant upon seeing you

Shocked at what you nearly did, weren't sure what to say really. Though quickly put the dagger away. Your silence was not the answer he wanted, being careful he steps to you, standing over. Arms crossed tightly with his pet raven perched on his shoulders with a haughty look. Though there was a need for an apology you turn a cold shoulder and walk away. Like nothing happened.

"Well?"Cedric scoffs."How rude, you attack me and walk away. Well, I never..."

Hearing his words made you stop concealing your still burning frustration, turn back around to the man. The look you gave him made him slightly jolt back a bit in fear. His eyes on hands that loomed over the halt of your dagger.

"Forgive me."You plainly say with a quick nod of the head and rush off.


Still no luck, Sofia had not managed to find you. Even with the help of your animal friends. She wasn't sure how many times she had searched the castle and the grounds. She even enlisted some extra help from the staff and Baileywick too. Who stopped what he was doing to go look for the missing princess. After the information he found out, he could understand why Layla was acting the way she was, still, it did not give her the right to cause others to worry.

He had checked her room a few times just in case she had decided to come back. Finding it empty and untouched. Checking the time it has been a few hours without finding her. He needed to report this to the king.

"Your majesty." He finds the man with the queen in coming from one of the rooms. Roland turns his attention to the stewart. Who look of worry and urgency told Roland everything. "I have searched the entire castle grounds and there is not one sign of the princess anywhere. No guards or maids nor butlers have located her."

Hearing that he couldn't help but allow his guilt to take over for a second."I see..."His mind thought back to the early argument.

"Have you checked the gardens?"Miranda steps in asking Bailywick.

"Yes, we have quite a few times." He assures her."Even the lakes, the stables, and the kitchens a few times. She is nowhere."

The princess wasn't in any of her spots, she must be really hiding. The queen seemed to piece together. She was still upset. Who would have thought she'd hold a grudge for this long. Still, they had to find her. Like any mother, she thought much deeper than the others who thought on the surface.

From down the hall, James heard everything that was said, his eyes spying on the adults. While keeping his dog Rex quiet. While clutching something in his hand, urges his dog to sniff and the two disappear.

Holding tightly to the leash, James allows Rex to lead the way. His dog was good at finding many things, so glad he was a bloodhound. Sniffing vigorously Rex zig zagged here and there. Stopping for a second to get excited, wagging his tail wildly and darts off with out regards of his master. Who nearly stumbled if he did not have a tight grip. Doing his best not to trip keeps up with his dog, who clearly had a lock. Unsure where the dog was taking him had no choice, but to follow him. Even if it was off the castle grounds.

Across the moat, James wasn't sure how far Rex was taking him. His feet nearly stumbled, falling and skinning his knees while scraping his hands from it. Gets back up and persist all the way. Even as the sky turned from fading light to the night. Crickets had begun to speak. His hand tired from the firm grip he had to keep on his dog, that it started to become numb. He was sure his blood had been cut off. Would this dog ever stop?

And stop Rex did, pointing in the direction. Wagging his tail at a job well done. Looking to James to see if he was pleased, which he was rewarded with a treat and pat on the head.

"Good boy. Now, stay."James commands him hushing him and leaves. Looking around he finds himself at the bottom of a hill. Nothing else around but grass and a few other trees.

Where did his dog lead him? The grass was rather high here, pass his ankles a bit. Looking back at his dog who was enjoying his treat, Rex was never wrong finding something. Trusting his canine goes up the hill, forgetting about his weakened legs and aching hand. Each step felt heavy, but he proceeded. 3/4 up the way he stops hearing either concealed grunts or whimpers. He wasn't alone. Remaining quiet and crouching down, being careful and quiet hearing murmuring. Not just any murmuring, but, anguish and personal hurt. Lashing out.

"...It's the same..."

He heard.

"Why...why...I should be...I do not understand..."

"Is it because I am...different?"

The voice was rather difficult to make out, but there was familiarity in it. Treading carefully.

"If that is the reason...father..."

Inching closer he could hear aching confusion and emotional pain in their voice. Mixed with pride that was slightly brittle.

"I do not care...I-I..."

Reaching closer he sees a dark figure sitting at the top, their back to him. Which was good because he would be scared should they spot him. Scooting a bit to the right see them clenching something tightly to their body. It seemed for sentimental reasons or comfort. He wasn't sure, trying to figure it out when something sharp and fast barely grazed his cheek.

"Whoa!" He gasps, to be suddenly tackled and pinned down on his back. It happened so fast, like an animal taking down its prey. Opens his eyes to find a pointed dagger at him nearly in-between his eyes and fury eyes piercing down at him. To quickly realizing who it was.

Still, that did not stop them from questioning him demandingly. "What is your business? Why are you spying on me?!" You hiss with an accusing subtle tone. Awaiting his answers, which he stumbled over.

Seeing his eyes focused on the dagger that halted his answer, moves it away from him. "I-I was just..."He fumbles over his words. What could he say? Your eyes clearly sharp would see through his untruthful words. And from the looks of it, it would be best not to lie. "I came to find you." He bluntly says. "Because I was well...umm..everyone in the castle is worried and...I saw Sofia looking for you. Bailywick too."

"So?"You respond rather cold. "I have come to clear my mind. Like many warriors. To refocus myself. Why does it matter?" Twirling your dagger and put it away. When you noticed something. Quickly you grab his wrist and study it. "Why do you have all these callouses? Scratches? As well some sort of rope burn? Were you trying to wrestle with a wild creature? Because you clearly seem to have lost." You said now looking at his messy hair and the marks on his face. Holding between your hands, moving right to left.

Ignoring James lite up face. He had not answered."Well?"You demand still holding his face forcing him to look straight at you.

His heart was going to pound out of his chest, he knew. He could feel it up against his ribcage. Pounding harder than any drum. His hold body tensed up and palms became sweaty. All while your eyes search for his answer. While still remaining utterly confused. With each passing silence, you moved his face closer still noses touched. Just barely touching. Not to mention the fact you were saddled over him. Made everything...well...wet.

Wait, what? Wet?

Looking to his side finding Rex licking his face all over and taking over your position. While you stood back watching. He could see you found slight amusement in this. Dang dog ruined everything or saved him. He wasn't sure. With his dog attacking him.

"You're companion?"You asked, although knowing the answer. James just holds up a thumbs-up. You laugh inside."Come."You tell the dog gently, who obeys and jumps on his hind legs to delivers you kisses. Though much more mellow than James.

James sits up from the ground and watches your interaction with his dog. Surprised Rex listened to you, considering he only listens to him. You whisper to him like you were talking. Snickering just a bit as if Rex talked back. Giving him a soft pat on the head. Look back at James. In a lighter mood.

"Your friend thinks very highly of you." You compliment, which surprised the prince."Animals, they are the best judge of character." Hold out a hand to him, to his surprise."Forgive me for any assuming ill that I had project upon you." Taking his hand helping him up. When he winched from the pain of using the wrong hand. Seeing this, you quickly let go."Come."You tell him holding him by the wrist to follow you.

Just like Rex he had no choice but to follow you. Moving away from the hill, you lead him to a stream. Squat down and gently put his hand in the cool water. He tried to jolt back, but you had a firm grip. Preventing him from doing so.

"The pain will subside." You tell him. Scoop up some mud and study it."Yes, this seems well." And apply to his hand."Do not move." He does as told to hear something being ripped.

"What?!" He looks seeing you had torn some of your cape and wrap it around the hand like a bandage tenderly. Concentrating on doing it well. You did not notice the flushed look on his face nor the surprised and soft eyes he cast your way.

Finishing the last of it tie it gently. "There. The mud should keep the sores from flaming and sooth your hand's inflammation." Noticing the confused look in his eyes. Address it. "It is a skill in which my father had taught me."

"Father?"

You nod."Yes. He was quite the Mender." James still did not understand."Curer...Healer."You simplify it. Which he understood.

"Oh, so doctor."

"Yes, as you humans would say a doctor."You said rather irritable."More into knowledge than brutality and the warrior's way. As much as I can recall from his teachings. He has taught me this. Of the minor things. Anyway, now that you are properly patched up, you should return."

With those words, you give Rex one more pat and walk towards the shadows of the trees. "Wait!" James suddenly grabs your wrist. Stopping you."..."

"I thank you for your concerns, but, please do release me. I am in no mood to be in the company of others right now." You tell him, with your back facing him. And yank your wrist back. "Take him home safe." You tell Rex, giving him one more pat before walking off.


It was late by the time you had arrived at the castle. It seem mostly everyone was asleep. Creeping in quietly to your room, stop for a second in front of James. For some reason and a reason, you could not explain slip in silently and make your way over. Finding him safely in bed, your eyes land on his wrapped hand. That was redone no doubt. Seeing the fresh clean bandages. He looked clean, compared to how you found him.

He looked well.

Good.

Still, it was strange for him to come after you and from what Rex told you did not fully match up with what James told you. Besides the others worried and looking for you. His reason was strange. Looking into his eyes, they seem to express it. Though his mouth refused to say anything. Why? You did not understand and quite frankly did not really care, then. Though now, you slightly did.

A strange human. A strange one indeed, like Sofia. Though different. Picking up his hand subconsciously, run a smooth finger across the palm of his hand. Stopping when he whimpered in pain from it. Set it back down carefully.

"Layla."

He speaks your name in his slumber.

Weird. Very weird. Moving closer to him, just an inch away waiting for him to speak again. Which did not. Raising a hand, rest it upon his hand lightly. Patting it just the same. Thanking him and slip out.

Reaching your room, there was no one at the door. Which was good, slipping inside you come across a surprise guest. Asleep on your bed. In their purple nightgown, curled up with one of your pillows.

Sofia.

Remembering what James said, you see it and felt responsible. Moving closer, noticing the dried up tear stain trails on her cheek. You could only guess she had worried herself to sleep. All because of what you did. What you caused.

Grabbing an extra blanket, spread it out and put it over her. You see her smile slowly return. Making sure she was alright before you take a pillow and take the floor. Closing your eyes, when you felt something put over you. Turning over find Sofia nuzzled up close. Raising a hand softly pat her on the head. To her delight. The two of you allow slumber to take you both.