Gwen sat near the window in a pale green dress, letting the breeze blow through her loose hair. She closed her eyes to the sunset, taking a deep breath.

Phillip stood silently in the doorway, his eyes glued to her as they had been in the days since Robin left. Her decision to stay had come as a shock to his system. She had fought him so hard to leave that he expected her to jump at the chance to ride to France. He couldn't help taking her staying as a good sign.

As if sensing his presence, she turned around to face him and smiled.

"Gwen I-" he began as he walked toward her.

She shook her head, taking his hand. "Let's just watch the sunset."

That was enough for Phillip for now. He had Gwen by his side, safe. That was all that mattered.

A few days later, Phillip and Froedrick were walking in the gardens, talking business. Suddenly, Phillip stopped, leaving Froedrick walking alone for a moment until he realized that the king was no longer beside him.

"Your Majesty," he said, retracing his steps. "What's-"

Phillip sat down on a nearby bench. "I could do it, couldn't I?"

"Sir," Froedrick sat down beside him just as he popped up again.

"After all I am the King."

Froedrick furrowed his brow. "Yes, your highness, last time I checked."

"So there's no reason why it can't be done if-"

"Phillip!" Froedrick nearly shouted to get his friend's attention. "What are you talking about?"

Phillip took a deep breath before taking a seat beside Froedrick. "I want to marry her. Please tell me that there is some way that I can marry her."

Froedrick held his breath as Phillip spoke, watching tears well up along the lower rim of the king's eyes. He smiled slightly, shifting his gaze to the cloudless sky. It was obvious that Phillip loved Gwen unfailingly and that was the only proof that he needed. "You are the king. Whatever you say is law."

"So?" Phillip responded, giving his friend a blank stare.

"So," Froedrick continued, "Whether or not Gwen is a commoner means nothing if you make it legal for royalty to marry whomever they choose."

A broad smile lit up Phillip's face brighter than Froedrick had seen in a year.

"Come," the king said, starting down the path with a skip in his step. "We have work to do!"

Robin and Will returned later that week. Phillip spent an hour pacing in the corridor in front of Robin's room before he worked up the courage to knock on the door.

"Come in," Rob called from the other side of the heavy wooden door. As Phillip entered, the older man motioned for him to take a seat. "What can I do for you, your highness?"

Phillip felt a lump form in his throat. He swallowed hard before he began. "Sir I-"

"Sir? Oh my this must be serious," Will spoke up from the corner with a chuckle. Phillip hadn't noticed him until that moment, and his presence only made Phillip more nervous.

Rob chuckled for a moment. "Go on boy."

Calming hi riled nerves, Phillip began again. "Sir, I wish to ask you for Gwen's hand in marriage."

"Fine by me," Rob replied simply. "But you might want to ask her."

Rob pointed to the open doorway behind Phillip. The king spun around to see Gwen standing before him, her mouth gaping. Before he could say a word, she darted from sight down the hallway.

"Don't worry, sire," Will reassured. "She'll some around."