"Callum," Rayla said, "this is Enceladus, my boyfriend."

Boy… friend?

"Rayla," Callum's voice wavered a bit, "Can I… talk to you for a second?"

"Sure?" Rayla didn't seem to understand Callum's sudden mood swing. "Give us a moment Encel?"

"Sure thing, Ray," Enceladus gave a wink before turning and walking over to the other elves who remained congregated.

Ray? Encel? They have nicknames too?

Callum grabbed Rayla's wrist and pulled her behind a large nearby boulder. "What the heck is going on?" he asked in an agitated whisper.

"What are you talking about?" Rayla whispered back, yanking her arm away.

"When were you gonna tell me you had a boyfriend?"

"You never asked!"

Callum scoffed. "Well, when you kissed me I didn't think I needed to!"

"What does kissing have anythin' to do with this?" Rayla's voice was slowly beginning to rise.

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Callum's knees felt weak, and he let himself sink to the ground, pulling his knees to his chest. "I guess… I guess I thought I was your boyfriend."

"Callum…" Rayla knelt down beside him, placing both her hands on his. "You were, but things have changed so fast."

"Now I know why you wanted to hide. You really don't love me anymore..." Callum felt a lump in his throat just saying those words.

Rayla's soft eyes faded into the look she usually gave when Callum told a bad joke; a look he had seen too often. "Callum, of course I still love you. Stop being stupid!"

"Well, what about that guy, Enceladus? You love him too?"

Rayla exploded with laughter, completely forgetting they were supposed to be talking in secret. She doubled over onto her back, legs kicking furiously as she cackled.

"It's not funny!" Callum stood, trying to keep his voice hushed but still be heard over Rayla's flailing.

"You sound… just like Runaan... '' Rayla took several deep breaths to compose herself before standing back up and dusting herself off. "He and my parents always used to tell me I'd grow up and fall in love with Encel. We're nothing alike!"

"Then how is he your boyfriend?" Callum's head was about to explode.

"I don't have to be in love with him to be his friend," Rayla giggled. "Are you in love with that Soren fella?"

Callum nearly gagged at the thought of his lips touching Soren's. He'd rather kiss the backside of every stable animal in Katolis Castle than that guy. "Soren isn't my boyfriend!"

"Sure he is," Rayla crossed her arms. "He's a boy, he's your friend, that's a boyfriend."

"I… " Callum felt his cheeks growing hot as he realized what had just taken place. "That word means something very different to humans!"

"You two lovebirds almost done back here?"

Enceladus' voice started both of them. The tall elf was peeking at them behind the rock, but came around to put his hand on Rayla's shoulder.

"Humans and Elves at peace for no more than a month and little Ray has already fallen for one. And a Prince even, very well done."

"He's not…" Rayla looked to Callum.

"We're just friends," Callum hated the way it sounded, but he did promise. "But, you never know, maybe I'll meet a nice elf girl, settle down."

"Well, this elf girl is needed elsewhere," Enceladus looked down to Rayla. "The Speaker and the other elders wish to speak with you."

"Okay…" The sound from Rayla's mouth sounded strange to Callum; there was a hint of fear in her voice.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Callum tried to lighten the mood, "Formal welcome or something. Dad had to do them all the time. Lead the way Enceladdydo."

Enceladus was not amused. "Sorry, Prince, but your presence will not be necessary."

As they walked away, Callum saw Rayla cast one last look back at him. The confident girl that had helped carry the Dragon Prince across two countries, the girl who had tackled Viren off of Storm Spire, looked afraid.

Author's Notes

Wow! First of all let me say that the reception to this new story has been amazing! I initially split Chapter 2 into two parts for dramatic effect (and because I wasn't sure if I would get it all done before the weekend was over). Uploads will continue most likely during the weekends, as I work during the week.

Thanks so much again to everyone who has joined me on this journey! Don't worry, more Rayllum cuteness is on the way! And I promise I won't hurt Callum too much...