"...and what do you think about purple flowers, Your Highness?"

Helia stared into the small porcelain teacup as Krystal droned on about the wedding preparations. Ever since she heard about the engagement of Flora to the general, Krystal had been excited about wedding preparations of her own. They would be wed after the winter however Krystal had been preparing as if she and Helia would be married by the end of the month.

But Helia didn't care about any of that. It had been two weeks since his father had come to his room and told him that he had to leave Flora or Azrael would make sure that Flora was taken care of before her wedding with Duncan. Helia had told Flora that there would be no more secrets between the two of them but when there were eyes and ears around the palace that he could not sense, Helia couldn't find the right time and place to tell her. He hadn't shown up to the kitchens and he left afternoon tea with Krystal in such haste that Flora didn't even have the chance to talk to him. Helia knew that he was upsetting Flora by ignoring her, but what could he do? His father would know, and he didn't want Flora to be hurt. Thankfully, he had his grandfather on his side to pass along messages to Flora hopefully quelling any suspicions that she might have about his absence.

"Helia is tired from training today."

"Helia was called to a meeting with the council this morning."

"Helia must spend his night writing back to the provincial leaders and cannot have any distractions."

This could not carry on forever and both Helia and Saladin knew that. There were only so many excuses that Helia could come up with until Flora became suspicious if she wasn't already. However, with each excuse, Helia requested that Saladin add to his messages to tell Flora how sorry he was and that he loves her. He hoped that would placate her a bit until the plan that he and his grandfather had constructed could be carried out.

"What do you think, Prince Helia?"

Helia looked up from his cup and to Krystal who was leaning forward her eyes bright and a large smile on her face.

"Fine. Yes, fine." Helia wasn't paying attention to what Krystal had asked.

Krystal smiled and leaned back to an upright position, "Purple flowers it is. So you can't use them for your wedding, Flora. What were you thinking of using, Flora?"

"I have not thought about it, Your Highness." Flora's voice was soft from the corner of the room where she sat washing and polishing Krystal's boots in preparation for the heavy winter of Hademort.

It took everything in Helia not to turn around and look at her. He saw her when he had first entered the room and she was as beautiful as always. Her hair had been braided and her tan skin contrasted with a light pink gown. His eyes lingered on her every time he walked in and she would always give him a smile and bow before he was pulled to the table by Krystal.

"I suppose it has only been three weeks since the ball." Krystal shrugged, "I have been engaged to Prince Helia for my whole life and I have just started thinking about the wedding now. I never thought that I would see the day that you would be engaged to someone, my dear Flora."

"King Azrael himself has arranged it and..." Flora took a deep breath in as she set down a pair of boots on the floor and taking up another, "the general is an advantageous match. He is in His Majesty's good graces which is ideal."

Krystal smiled, "Of course he is. Though I remember when Prince Karel of Darkstone had asked for your hand and you had turned him down. Now that would have been a truly advantageous match. You would have been a princess now, soon to be a queen."

"And be parted from you, Your Highness? I wouldn't dream of it." Flora replied.

"Must you put my happiness in front of yours all the time? I have told you time and time again that if you found someone who you wanted to marry, you have my blessing and the blessing of the King and Queen of Linphea. Now by marrying the general, you now have the blessing of the King of Hademort, and you shall remain here with me. How lucky!"

"Yes," Flora gave Krystal a soft smile, "I am most fortunate, Your Highness."

"Though the general can be a bit forward at times. But oh how I always imagined being swept up into a passionate kiss by a man madly in love with me. So romantic. Don't you think, Prince Helia?"

Helia wrapped his hand around the teacup and did his best not to shatter it in his hands as he thought about the kiss that Duncan had given Flora three weeks ago. It had been burned into his memory and he would spend a lifetime showering Flora in kisses of his own to make sure that she would forget the feeling of the general's lips on hers.

The clock chimed in the room and Helia let out a breath that he did not know he had been holding onto. He was desperate to get out of the room. Tired of hearing Krystal talk about weddings and tired of hearing about the general. Helia thought that when Duncan was gone that he would have some peace from the man, but with Krystal's non-stop talking of the looming engagement and his father's threat, Helia came to realize that he would never truly be free of the general's everlasting presence in the castle.

Throwing the lukewarm tea down his throat, Helia stood up and gave the princess a customary parting bow.

"A pleasure as always, princess," Helia said as he rose from his customary bow.

Krystal rose to her feet and gave Helia a polite curtsy of her own, "The pleasure is all mine, Prince Helia."

"Until tomorrow, princess."

Helia took a step towards the door when something, more like someone, caught his wrist and stopped him in his tracks. Looking down at his wrist, he saw a small hand curled around it and looked up to see Krystal looking up at him, a bright blush covering her cheeks.

"Please forgive me, Prince Helia." Krystal bit down on her lower lip, "I wanted to ask you if you would be available for dinner tomorrow evening. I know that you have been busy with your duties, but I wish to spend more time with you. You are to be my husband after all."

Helia inhaled through his nose. One dinner couldn't hurt.

"Very well, princess."

Krystal released Helia's wrist and clapped her hands together in unbridled delight.

"How splendid! We shall dine at sunset. Thank you for taking the time to join me."

Helia lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck, "Of course, we are to be...married-"

Helia was silenced when he felt something soft hit his lips. His eyes widened in shock when he looked down to see that Krystal had placed a kiss on his lips. Her lips were warm and soft just like Flora's were but there was something missing from her kiss, a kind of magic and love that only Flora could possess. Or maybe it was because he did not love her that the kiss felt so empty. Still, he supposed that he should start to grow used to the feeling of her lips on his and her hands touching his skin. Helia would know that Krystal would never be Flora, no one could ever replace Flora.

Just as quickly as her lips were on Helia's, Krystal pulled away from the kiss that she had given the unsuspecting prince. Her face was a bright red as she avoided his eyes. Helia was too dumbfounded at the boldness of the princess that he couldn't say anything.

"I have wanted to do that for quite some time, Your Highness." Krystal timidly remarked, "I was waiting for you to...and then after seeing Flora with the general and...I hope I wasn't too bold...I just thought that since we are to be married...I think you're quite handsome and I thought that maybe you liked..."

"Your Highness," Flora softly spoke, putting an end to Krystal's ramblings, "it is time to prepare for this evening."

Helia couldn't look at Flora. Her voice sounded the same as it always had but Helia knew how strong she was. She would not allow herself to let Krystal see her upset by something that the princess did. Once again, Flora was always putting the princess first and her own needs and wants were secondary. Plus, Helia was still in a state of mild shock and too embarrassed to look anywhere else.

"I will see you tomorrow, Prince Helia. I hope you have a marvelous evening."

Krystal left with another polite curtsy, leaving Helia behind in the small study with Flora to clean up after.

It was silent except for the sound of stacking porcelain dishes as Flora put away the plates and cups from the tea. Helia watched as Flora worked her way around the table, stacking the plates and cups onto one another.

A small laugh escaped from Flora's lips as she continued to clean, "Her Highness is-"

"I must go. The food and tea were delicious as always. I hope that your evening is most pleasant. Goodbye." Helia interrupted, not wanting to start a conversation with Flora in fear that they might be caught. It was just the two of them in the small study but it had also been just the two of them in the kitchen, in the hallways, and in his room. Yet, his father still knew and so did Duncan. Nowhere was safe.

Turning on his heels, Helia quickly left the study, a confused and dejected Flora left behind, unable to get a word in with the prince. The door shut behind him and Flora was left feeling shut out.

It had been nearly half a month since they had any kind of conversation with one another and since they had spent any kind of time together. Flora knew that he was busy, he was the prince of a country so of course he would be busy, but she had to admit that she missed him. She missed their meetings in the kitchen, and she missed feeling his hands on her. Was he upset with her? Had she done something wrong? It was one thing to be busy and not have the time to spend any time with her but he hadn't even looked at her when they were in the same room. He left in a hurry, refusing to let her get out a full sentence. Was everything okay?

He said that he wouldn't keep secrets from her and she would not keep any from him but Flora knew him enough to know that there was something wrong. But it had only been a short while, maybe he really was busy. There are plenty of things that could occupy a prince's thoughts and time. Maybe his mind was reeling with everything that he had to do. He did have to take on more responsibilities since Duncan's deployment and Flora knew how focused on her tasks she would become when she was busy. She would push her worried thoughts of Helia and the kiss that Krystal had given him to the back of her mind.

For now.

Having picked up the dishes and collecting the rest of the food, Flora made her way back down to the servants' quarters and to the kitchen to put away the dishes and prepare for the rest of the evening with Krystal.

Helia sat in his room, waiting as he began scrawling over the papers that littered his desk. His mind was spinning though he had to admit that it had been spinning for the past two weeks. He was waiting to see if Saladin would come to his room, hoping that his grandfather would have some sort of news for him. It was late and Helia supposed that if Saladin hadn't shown up now, then would he show up at all? Still, Helia waited and watched absentmindedly as his pen took on a life of its own. He drew small flowers, trees, vines, and even a few eyes, all things that reminded him of Flora. How he wished he had a green pen.

Helia set down his pen and leaned back in his chair. Saladin had to know something by now. He had sent the fastest horse to deliver messages the night that Helia had come to his door. It did not take too long to send messages throughout the kingdom and Saladin had known people that Helia never knew existed. Helia always regarded Saladin as a sneaky man but it was now that Helia was so glad that he was so sneaky, having connections all over Hademort and all across the kingdoms.

His mind went to Flora again, wondering if she was down in the kitchen waiting for him. He had sent Saladin down after dinner to pass along the message that he would not be joining her. He hated every moment spent away from Flora but it was for the best. She was safe. Still, that didn't mean it didn't hurt. His bed was so cold and felt so empty without her. The one night that they had spent together had been the best day of his life and he never thought that it might be the last night.

A soft knock on the door brought Helia's attention away from the woman with who he longed to be and back to the present moment. Standing up from his desk, Helia made his way over to the large wooden door of his bedroom. With a move of his wrist, he opened the door and sighed a breath of relief as he saw Saladin standing in front of him, a white envelope in his hand.

"Come in." Helia instructed as he opened the door wide enough for Saladin to sneak by. Before closing the door, Helia took a quick glance in both directions down the hallway, hoping that there were no watchful eyes spying on him and his grandfather. There really was no use in looking as Helia was unsure of who he might be searching for. With no threat in sight, Helia closed the door to his bedroom and spun around to face his grandfather.

"Any word?" Helia asked as he looked at Saladin with hopeful eyes.

"I have received correspondence from Andros, Espero, and Solaria. I am still waiting on news from Zenith, Ohm, and Domino." Saladin held up the envelope in his hand, "Andros and Espero do not want a part in any potential conflict that might arise from this. Andros is already guarding the gate to Omega and Espero, well, they value peace above all else."

"And what does Solaria say?" Helia asked, disappointed with the news from Andros and Espero.

"Solaria is willing."

"They are?" Helia's eyebrows shot up in happy disbelief.

"Yes," Saladin smiled, "Radius and Luna sent me their approval."

"Good, Solaria is good."

"I can talk to my connection tomorrow and plan for the right moment to-."

"No, no time to talk. We carry on with the plan with Solaria as soon as possible. We cannot wait another moment."

"Helia, we should-"

"No!" Helia exclaimed but took a deep, calming breath as he regained his composure in front of Saladin, "No. We cannot wait. Take Flora to the market tomorrow. I agreed to a dinner with the princess tomorrow. I might as well try to show some interest in Krystal. Tell Flora that you would like her input in the creation of the menu."

Saladin sighed as he looked up at Helia, "I will take her tomorrow and I will discuss the plan with her. Helia," Saladin took a step towards Helia and reached up to place a hand on his broad shoulder, "I think that you should come down to the kitchens with me. She is down there and-"

"I can't." Helia shook his head and backed out of Saladin's comforting grasp, "It would be for the best if I didn't."

Helia walked past Saladin and back to his desk where he pulled out a dark blue envelope from the drawers.

"Give this to her, please. Tomorrow. At the market. Not a moment before."

Saladin took the envelope from Helia's hand and placed it in his large sleeves and away from the potential prying eyes in the hallway and servants' quarters.

"I will ask her to join me tomorrow."

"Tell her, Saladin. I don't care what you must do. Just get her to the market tomorrow."

"Very well. I will see you when I return tomorrow."

"I hope that you are successful."

"For your sake and hers," Saladin said before placing his hand on the door handle, "I hope that I am successful as well."

Flora awoke the next morning, her hair a mess and a chill immediately went down her spine. She really needed to stop sleeping in the nude. The winter was coming, and she didn't want to freeze. Though, she did suppose that if she shared a bed with Helia, the chill would soon be gone from her body as she would be wrapped up in his heat. She missed his body next to hers and she has been longing to be close to him again.

The sun was barely over the horizon as Flora quickly pulled the blankets away from the top of her body and hopped out of bed. She ran over to the small chest of clothes and pulled out a dark blue gown, the material thicker in the preparation of going to the market in the early morning.

She was glad that Saladin had asked her to the market. It had been a long time since she had been to the market, and she had always enjoyed Saladin's company. He would always have some advice to give her or tell her stories about Helia's past that allowed Flora to feel closer to the closed-off prince. Going to the market would also be a welcome distraction from her thoughts about Helia's distant behavior over the past two weeks. Maybe Saladin would know why Helia wouldn't talk to her or even look at her. Flora was desperate for answers.

Slipping the dress over her head, Flora tightened the ribbons on the side of the gown, pulling the material close to her body. The material was soft against her skin and immediately warmed her up though any material was better than no material. She looked at herself in the small mirror and grabbed her brush and began to run it through her hair. Flora grunted as she pulled the brush through the tangled mess on top of her hair, wondering how Helia could ever find the mess on top of her hair beautiful. Still, she ran the brush through her hair and patiently waited for the tangles to leave her hair until her hair fell down her backs in soft waves.

Leaving her hair down, Flora grabbed the white hat that she had knitted herself a few nights before when she needed something to do when Helia did not come down to the kitchen. The knit hat covered her ears and another level of warmth was brought to Flora's body. Her hair poked under the hat and Flora debated braiding her hair. But when the clock in the corner of her room chimed, Flora didn't have time to mess with her hair, needing to meet Saladin at the kitchen door in a few minutes.

Putting on her snow boots, Flora grabbed the small leather pouch from the nightstand by her bed. It still smelled of cinnamon and sugar, bringing Flora back to the night of the ball, the sweet and spicy cake, and the magical night that she spent with Helia. Tying the green ribbon around her leg, she tucked the pouch under her gown and headed out of her room and to the kitchen door.

"Ah, Flora, my dear. I am so glad that you could join me this morning." Saladin smiled as he reached up to grab his cloak and a fur-lined cloak for Flora.

Flora smiled as she took the cloak from Saladin, "I said that I was going to be here. I am actually looking forward to getting out of the palace for the morning and you are wonderful company."

"You certainly know how to make an old man feel good about himself, my dear."

Flora wrapped the cloak around her shoulders, "You make it so easy. You have been nothing but kind to me since I have come here."

"And you too make it so easy, my dear. I am so glad that my grandson has found someone like you." Saladin sighed.

"I am the lucky one," Flora gripped the cloak tight around her arms, "I never thought that I would find someone who loved me despite everything that I have been through. Helia he...he sees the whole me, the good and the bad. He chooses me when I have a hard time choosing myself."

Saladin did his best to keep his smile, nervous about what was about to happen. He couldn't let on that there was an ulterior motive to getting her to the market. She would never go if she became suspicious and for the plan to work, she needed to be there.

"Shall we go?" Saladin asked grabbing a large empty bag to carry all that they would buy at the market, not wanting to respond to Flora's small declaration of love in fear that he would say something that he wasn't supposed to.

Flora smiled and nodded her head before Saladin opened the door to the frozen world. Flora pulled her hat closer to her head before stepping through the door and out to the harsh fall chill of Hademort.

Reaching the market, Flora was glad to hear the sounds of the hustle and bustle of Hademort. Being in the palace was sometimes too quiet and being in the market reminded her of being at home. The smell of bread reminded Flora of the time that she would spend at the bakery with her mother. The sounds of the vendors and customers haggling for goods reminded Flora of her father having to step into the middle of disputes between seller and buyer back home. Rhodos had always been a voice of reason, but he was unable to reason with the people of her small village the day they allowed her sister to be slaughtered in front of everyone. He was unable to reason with Flora when she flew into a blinding rage. The market of Hademort was so much like her home, except Flora was so glad that it wasn't.

The journey to the market was spent with Saladin asking Flora questions about her life back in Linphea. He asked her about her family, the people of her town, what it was like in the royal palace, the people that she met there, the princess, her powers, her favorite foods. Everything. Saladin asked her so that she would not ask him. He needed to keep her mind off of Helia because if she thought about Helia, the more questions she would ask and the more he would have to lie to her. Helia was never tired, he spent most of his nights awake pacing the floor of his bedroom. He didn't have meetings and did everything in his power to avoid his responsibilities as prince and tried to stay as far away from his father as possible. Saladin didn't need her asking questions where the answers would only hurt her more.

"So what do you think Her Highness will want to eat this evening? I hear that Lucien has brought Solaria's late summer harvest in today so there are sure to be plenty of bright fruits for dessert." Saladin remarked as he looked over the crowd.

"Her Highness has been craving the leafy greens of Linphea. Is there not a vendor here that sells them?"

"Ah, yes. I think that I heard that there was a shipment last week. It will cost you a mighty price in comparison to the other produce sold at the market." Saladin informed as he scanned the market for the stall he was looking for.

"I shall spare no expense for the princess's happiness." Flora leaned closer to Saladin, "And it is her money, she shall have what she wants."

Saladin let out a light chuckle, "Very well then, we shall visit the grocer at the edge of the market. But first I need to see a man about some melon."

Saladin held out his arms for Flora to wrap her own arm around. He led her through the bustling market, weaving between the people of the crowd until they made their way to the familiar blonde man by a large cart of melons, peppers, and berries. He smiled at the patrons and waved his hands over the fruits in the cart, the sun gleaming off of his golden rings and bracelets. In the sea of dark colors, the Solarian man was in bright oranges and white.

"Good morning, Lucian." Saladin greeted, bringing the young man's attention to Flora and Saladin.

"Ah, you're here, my friend and you have brought back the great beauty of Linphea. What a glorious morning indeed."

Flora blushed as a result of Lucian's words. She wanted to protest and tell Lucien if he thought that she was beautiful that if he were to gaze upon the princess then he would know what true beauty was. But Helia had called her the most beautiful sight he had ever laid his eyes on and he had seen the princess hundreds of times since her arrival. So Flora would keep her mouth shut and accept the compliment.

"So what can I sell you this week, my old friend? I have a most wonderful shipment of-"

"I am here to drop off a package." Saladin interrupted the jovial Solarian man. The bright smile that exceeded the pale brightness of the Hademort sun soon fell from the man's mouth. His golden eyes became dull and deep burnt amber color.

Lucian nodded to Saladin and from Saladin's bag that Flora thought was empty, the old man pulled out a white, torn envelope and handed it to Lucian. Lucian's hands shook as he took the envelope in his hand and looked at the worn edges before slowly pulling out the folded piece of paper inside. His eyes scanned the handwriting on the letter before folding it back into thirds and placing it back into the envelope. Handing the envelope back to Saladin, Lucian nodded before sending a sad look Flora's way.

"Is everything alright?" Flora turned to whisper in Saladin's ear but the whisper was also heard by Lucian.

"She doesn't know?" Lucian asked.

"What don't I know?"

Saladin turned to face Lucian, a soft glare in his black eyes, "I was going to tell her now."

"Tell me what?" Flora asked. She looked between the two men and worry rushed into her head, "Tell me what?" Flora asked again, a bit more firmly. "What is going on?"

"Come," Lucian reached out a hand to Flora, "you and Saladin may talk in confidence in my wagon."

Flora took Lucian's hand, desperate for answers as he led her and Saladin to the large wagon behind his cart. Inside, there were crates of produce, grains, and personal items that Lucian carried with him traveling from port to port selling his imports from Solaria. However, as Flora stepped inside of the wagon, Saladin closed the large muslin flap, hushing the outside world.

"Please tell me what is going on." Flora asked desperately one more time as she looked at Saladin.

"I think that it would be best to sit down first, my dear." Saladin gestured to a closed crate of oranges but Flora shook her head.

"No, I will hear what you have to say standing up."

"Very well, my dear." Saladin took a deep breath, "But please allow me to sit, my old bones are not what they used to be."

Flora watched as Saladin lowered himself onto a crate, his eyes downcast as he took a breath and took out the white envelope in his hands.

"Using my connections as the former King of Hademort, I have secured safe passage for you to leave this place and live in Solaria where you will serve the princess Stella and her new fiance. King Radius and Queen Luna have assured me that no harm-"

Flora shook her head, "Excuse me but I don't think that I understand. Leave Hademort? Live in Solaria?"

"Flora, my dear, listen to me and listen well. My son, King Azrael visited the chambers of Prince Helia two weeks ago and gave him an ultimatum concerning you. He knows about you and the prince."

Flora looked down at the man, her green eyes filling with shock and worry. Not for herself but for Helia and Krystal. If Azrael knew about what happened between her and Helia, would he call off the engagement? What would he do to Helia for ruining the marriage contract? Would Krystal be cast out or reprimanded because of the insubordination of her handmaiden?

"Does His Majesty know everything?" Flora asked.

"No no, but he knows enough. Enough to threaten you and Helia. Helia came to me that same night, telling me all that his father told him and both of us knew that your future is not safe in Hademort."

"What? Why didn't Helia tell me?" Flora was starting to become more and more upset, "We promised each other that we would figure this out together, that there would be no more secrets between the two of us. Why didn't he tell me?"

"And risk your safety even more? His father threatened you, my dear. My son told Helia that either Helia had to cast you aside or that he would find a way to get rid of you until you were wed to the general. There are eyes and ears in the palace that not even I know about and if Helia were caught talking to you or sending messages...he was only trying to keep you safe. But he is giving you this choice and he wants you to know that it is your choice to make. You can leave Hademort where you will be safe. He wants you to be happy, to have a future where you will be provided and cared for. He will always love you, that is why he has given you the chance to leave."

"Leave? How could I ever leave behind my princess? How could I leave him behind? I love him, Saladin. And you...you are the closest thing to a father I have had since I lost my own. I cannot leave. I won't."

"Flora, you must think about your safety and your own happiness."

"I am!" Flora exclaimed, "I am happy when I am in the kitchen drinking tea with you. I am happy when I am in the presence of Her Highness. I am happy when Helia has his arms around me and tells me that he loves me."

Saladin exhaled, his somber face looking up towards Flora, "And will you be happy when Azrael forces you to marry Duncan? Will you be happy when you are Duncan's wife, destined to share a bed with him whenever he sees fit, carry the children that he wants, punishes you for his own failings and because in his mind, you have not been dutiful enough? You will not be happy here, my dear. Your future is not here in Hademort."

Tears began to fall from Flora's green eyes as she sank down to the crate of oranges. She held the cloak tight to her shoulders once more. She closed her eyes and inhaled the cold air of Hademort mixed with the smell of bright and sunny fruits of Solaria.

"I will not leave," Flora replied calmly as she opened her eyes. "I will not run. My sister..." Flora looked down at her feet, "I remember the look in her eyes right before they murdered her in front of the cheering crowd. She looked at me, her little green eyes so full of courage and strength. She was so strong for be ing so little. She glared up at Anagan and there was no fear in her eyes as she watched him bring the blade to her neck. I am her sister, I am a daughter of the Black Willow, and the Guardian of Linphea. I will never run."

Saladin held Flora's gaze, the tears had left her eyes and the look of fierce determination in their stead. He knew that she had made up her mind and came to realize that Flora was just as stubborn as his grandson. Reaching back into the bag, Saladin pulled out the dark blue envelope that Helia had given him the night before and handed it to Flora.

"Helia wanted you to have this. I haven't opened it and I don't know what it says, but-"

"I don't care what it says, he can tell me whatever he needs to tell me in person."

"Flora, please consider your options. You aren't running away, you are running towards a happiness that cannot be guaranteed here in Hademort."

"There are no other options for me!" Flora shouted as she shot up to her feet, "The only happiness I have now is here! There is nothing for me anywhere else! But here I have you, Krystal, Helia. I don't care about my safety! I should have been dead years ago and for the longest time, I yearned for the day that death would take me. Then I found acceptance with Krystal, I found a family with you, and I have found love with Helia. If I stay here in Hademort I might die but I know that if I leave, I will wish every day that I was dead. I am staying here."

Flora stormed out of the wagon, jumping down onto the thick blanket of snow. The wind whipped around her hair as she stared off into the distance. Amidst the clouds, she saw the large, stone palace once so cold carried all the warmth that she could ever want. Ignoring the protests of Saladin and Lucian, Flora made her way back to the palace. Back to the warmth. Back to Krystal. Back to Helia.

Back home.