Sorry it's been so long since my last update, I've been sick, but I'm back!

A few of you have asked if this story would get an M rating and the short answer is yes. Yes, it is.

I set Abduction to complete, but I am planning on writing a couple of conclusion chapters soon!

I'm also almost finished perfecting my one-shots, so bear with me!

XOXOXO

James

"I'm not going anywhere."

I was so happy to hear her say those words, but I needed confirmation.

Sofia and I hid on the beach for an hour before we decided to go back.

"I'll back, you take care of Laura and Hannah," I kissed her softly, "ring for the maid if you need anything."

"Okay, James, I will," she assured me before disappearing into their room and shutting the door.

I walked back outside and called for a carriage to take me to the village.

The elders would make sure that she got whatever job she applied for; I wouldn't give them a choice.

"Prince James! Elder Fredrick greeted me as I entered the town hall, "to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"I need you to ensure the employment of a new citizen. She isn't sure what she wants to do yet, but let her do whatever she chooses and make sure she is paid above the wage," I demanded, and the old man nodded slowly.

"Of course, your majesty, but, as you are aware, funds in the village are tight," His black eyes darted to the floor, "how do you expect us to pay her above the wage?"

"I will be contributing to her pay, don't worry about that," I assured him.

"That's very kind of you, your majesty. Who is this fortunate new citizen?"

"My fiancèe Princess Sofia, but don't tell any of the other villagers that she is royalty. She wants to prove she can be independent without her title." I explained, "she may want to take her teaching exam, make sure she passes, and give her the head teaching position,"

"With all due respect, your majesty, I don't understand. If your Princess wants to try her hand at independence, then why are you ensuring her success?" Elder Frederick implored, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening as he raised an eyebrow.

"There is too much at stake if she fails; it's not an option. Please, make sure everyone is aware of the situation with as few details as possible," I pleaded, "she is too important to me."

"I will make the announcement this afternoon," he agreed, placing his hand on my shoulder, "However, if I may give you a piece of advice, be careful about altering her prospects too much. It may come back to haunt you,"

"She will understand," I sighed, but he shook his head.

"You are asking me to give her a job that either belongs to someone else or could go to someone more qualified. The people may not understand even if your Princess does," he warned carefully.

I stood there in silence.

I hadn't even thought about how my plan could affect the other villagers.

"It won't be for long. If Sofia does take a currently occupied position, be sure to continue paying the person she replaces in full,"

"As you wish, your majesty,"

I was digging a vast hole, and this was only the second phase of my plan.

Sofia would not be happy if she found out about this visit's nature, but it was in her best interest.

She would be the Queen of Enchancia, so she would have to get used to special treatment.

Even in my head, my excuses sounded lame.

Maybe I was selfish, but it was out of love.

I stared out the window of my carriage on the way back to the castle.

Why was I so afraid of letting her try?

"James, where have you been?" Amber asked as I passed by her room.

"Nowhere, what are you doing?" I tried changing the subject.

"I was about to fetch Hannah and Laura for dinner. They are joining me since I figured you would want to eat with your finacèe," she smirked.

"Wow, that's surprisingly nice of you, Amber. Thank you," I replied, bewildered.

"Don't act so surprised, little brother. I can be selfless sometimes, especially when the girls have put up with crazy on an atomic level." Amber sighed, "I'm glad you chose Sofia; she's fantastic, and now I have three sisters!"

"I'm glad you approve; I wish mom could have met her," I chuckled, hugging my sister for the first time in years.

"Me too; she would have loved all of them," she replied, hugging me back, "I bet mom would have gone off on Miranda today, too."

"I felt her energy while I was yelling today," I laughed, letting her go, "I hope I did her justice,"

"James, what are you planning on doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Sofia is wearing your ring and staying at the castle. That should be that. I should be getting a maid of honor dress made, making your wedding plans, and moving Hannah and Laura in here with me while you two live in your version of marital bliss," Amber huffed, "So why, pray tell, is she planning on living away from you as a villager?"

"Okay, for one, you're not going to be her maid of honor or plan our wedding," I rolled my eyes, "and that's complicated. Sofia wants to prove she can make it on her own before becoming queen and having everything handed to her. Her mother is hoping she will fail and have to go crawling back to her,"

"So, wait, if she can't make it as a villager, she's going back to hellalith?" she asked, horrified, "you can't let that happen! Please tell me you have a plan!"

"Keep your voice down, Amber," I hushed her, "yes, I have a plan. I've already put it in motion. I was hoping you could get them to the castle as much as possible for tea parties and convince them to come to dinner when I can't. can you do that?"

"Of course I can, James. I'm very persuasive," she said confidently.

"Good, there will hopefully be a wedding by the end of the year."