Hey… what happened to all my reviews? I was kinda expecting MORE than 1, but still very much appreciated! Very short little chapter this time, but still important! I'm trying to pace myself since I've only got up to Chapter V and now I'm stuck. Eurgh. Enjoy! StarMajesty

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Chapter III

"Today's my birthday, y'know."

"Of course I know." We share the same birthday, after all.

Tobe lounged comfortably, swinging on a hammock he had fashioned in the early years of our friendship, with me crouched on his chest.

"I'm 17 years old," he rumbled beneath me.

I roll my eyes, "You're just so ancient, aren't you?"

"How old are you then?" 

'247', I think, I don't answer. He knows I won't, we've been over this before.

"We met six years ago, this day."

"Yup."

He sat up suddenly, catching me before I completely rolled off of him in surprise, "Tori… Do you ever…? What I mean to say..."

A little dazed at my sudden change of position, I looked up to him, studying him and the awkwardness of his speech, "Is there something wrong, Tobe?"

"No. Never mind." He settled back into the hammock, but I was not going to let this go and promptly jumped on his forehead.

"What is going on that has you so flustered?"

Running a hand through his hair, he uttered the words I had been dreading hearing since he turned the marriageable age of 15, "My parents are pushing for my engagement to a princess from Sevoigna. Actually, they've been pushing for an engagement to other princesses for years, but I always told them I wasn't ready to pick a bride. I don't… I don't think they're going to take my excuses anymore."

I blanched. I had prepared for this. Agonized over this for ages, but it did not makes this any easier. "Are you ready, now?"

"I think… I think yes, I'm ready for marriage, but I want to marry on my own terms, not just someone for the political ties. I want to fall in love. That's what my parents wanted for me; otherwise I'd have been betrothed long ago."

"You're a prince. It is your duty to marry and produce an heir. Plus, you said so yourself, you're 17; you must've thought of the female body on occasion," he blushed brightly at this and I couldn't help but be amused and saddened at the same time; how would a young man be able to find a frog attractive? "Perhaps it's wise to wed soon."

"But who? How will I know which girl is the one for me?"

I sighed. My love for this boy was predestined; I would never do anything to cause him anguish. "I…" I swallowed the rising lump in my throat, willing my voice to stay steady and heart beat slower and not quite so loud in my tympani, "I will… help you choose your bride."

His eyes shone bright, "You will?! That's great! You can stay with me in the palace and hide in my clothing when I meet someone."

I blinked. I had not left the forest since I first came here, banished from all I had ever known. I looked around; this lake had been my home for over two centuries. Could I leave it in a moment's decision?

"I suppose we better get a move on then if I'm to sneak into the palace unnoticed."