I should sleep.
We spent next day together, as planned, wandering the gardens and reminiscing. Had anyone seen us, we would have looked like two foolish children, laughing and being silly. We didn't let anyone bother us, and we hid like children if one of the servants came looking for us. It was our day together, and no one would spoil it. Indeed, it was a grand day that we spent together. We even managed to have a splendid picnic in the garden.
After the picnic, however, things began to get messy. We went back to the castle, where a servant came to fetch us. We were wanted in the throne room. There was a reason why they had been searching for us all day.
We entered respectfully, with Leo bowing and me curtsying. Allodia stood there, her face looking grim. My heart sank, and a knot grew in my stomach. The King rose.
"I hate to end your day together so soon, but I am afraid it must be done. An army of fairies has been spotted moving this way. Several of our men have gone ahead to find out what they want," explained the King. He turned to me, and I glanced nervously at Allodia. The King wrinkled his brow, noticing that I was uncomfortable with this.
"They have discovered that they are after a person, a certain young princess-to-be. Mariella, it is you they seek. In exchange for you, they will not attack," he finished. I looked at Leo and shook my head. I turned to Allodia.
"I thought…I thought you solved the diplomatic matters with them! I thought I was safe! Besides, it's a great danger to everyone, going out there and fighting just to protect one girl!" I exclaimed. Leo wrapped his arm around me.
"I had no idea they were planning this! They accepted me into their community, made me a member of the Council, even. They were making great improvements. But clearly their hatred has not been sated," she replied. "Mari, listen to me. You don't need to go and give yourself up. I will go and help stop them. If need be, I will have them take me instead of you. Very few of them like me. Many still see me as a traitor, although they see that in order for peace, they need a fairy with a human perspective. I am still a full-blooded fairy. Your Highness, this will end quickly and quietly, with no violence necessary." Leo looked at me, straight in the eye.
"I can't lose you. Not like I almost lost you yesterday. If Allodia is right, there will be no need for you to sacrifice yourself, either," he said. I shook my head.
"Think of the kingdom, Leo. If I stay, there is a large chance that they will attack, ruining the lives of your people! Many of the troops would either be killed or injured. It's not worth it, Leo. I'd give my life for the sake of Corvaux. For you," I replied. Leo refused.
"You said you'd stop playing hero. Your life is worth so much more to me than that," he stated. I frowned.
"This is foolishness, Leo! You would sacrifice your men, your kingdom just to protect one person! Think with your head, Leo!" I exclaimed. He turned to me, frustration in his eyes.
"You would be one to talk. Father, I will ready the troops. We will meet the fairies in battle today." Leo walked off, upset. I frowned. There was no way this would end well.
The King approached his son. "Leo, think about what you are willing to sacrifice," he implored.
Leo turned to face him. "Father, an adversary is at our doorstep. It would be foolishness not to face them. I am of age. I shall lead our troops," he replied. I ran up to Leo. Perhaps there was still a chance for peace, or someway that he would see sense.
"Leo, listen to your father! What if you are killed on the battlefield? Corvaux would have no heir and I would have no husband!" I exclaimed.
"We already discussed this, Mari. You told me you would stop playing hero," he replied. I frowned.
"That doesn't mean you should start being the hero! I couldn't bear it if I lost you!" I protested. Leo shook his head.
"It is my duty to protect the people of Corvaux when facing an adversary. All of the people. You are a citizen of Corvaux, and this fulfills all of my duties, as a future king and a future husband," he said.
I crossed my arms. "I still say this is foolishness. There must be another solution! Either I surrender myself to the fairies or you go into battle. If you go into battle, you could be injured or killed! And not just you, but all of your men!" I exclaimed.
"There is no other solution! And I will not die. I will not let you go. We already had this discussion, Mari. Stay here. For me," he answered. I hung my head. I had told him that I would stop playing hero. I had to honor that. I loved Leo to much to go back on my word.
"Leo…because I love you, I will stay. I still don't agree with your reasoning, but promise me you won't get killed. Promise me that if loss becomes imminent, you will let me go," I begged. Leo nodded.
"Thank you, Mari. I promise." I wrapped my arms around him, tears in my eyes.
"You don't have to go," I whispered, burying my face in his chest. Leo sighed, and held me close.
"Yes, I do."
As the trumpet sounded for the troops, Leo left. Allodia left with him, as did the King. I rushed outside to find Silverspark. I ran up to him and put my hand on his snout, tears streaming down my face.
Watch over Leo. Send me messages from the battlefield. Let me know what's going on. But please, protect Leo. Silverspark nodded, and flew off with the rest of the soldiers. I went back inside the castle and sat down. A few stray tears flowed down. I was almost entirely alone in the throne room; save for a few guards that Leo had kept inside the castle to protect me. It was not long before I saw the two armies together, at the brink of battle through Silverspark's eyes.