A/N: new point of view in this chappie, kinda like the Augusta thing. neway, luv the reviews, keep it up. i updated twice today cuz i'm not sure how much i'll be able to do in this week. i'll do my best :D. luv ya all!! enjoy!

Chapter 20

Prince Jeremy of Ayortha was at that moment in his room, composing a letter. He had received one from El earlier that day inviting him to her ball. It was on his birthday, his 17th birthday, the day that he was supposed to be under lock and key until midnight of the next day. He'd have to miss it.

But if he did all his plans would be down the drain. He'd have to find another time...it didn't matter. She would never...

Well, he supposed after this letter he would find out.

Jem stood up and walked to his window. Outside, Chris and Emily were walking through the garden, as usual. Didn't they do anything without each other?

He made himself stop thinking about it. It was at times like this when he missed El more than ever. Was the rose a hint? Did she...no. It was impossible. Why would she?

Jem closed his eyes and imagined her flying down the stair rail, her hair flying back. He smiled to himself and sat back down at his writing desk. Now he couldn't think straight. He saw her riding, laughing, dancing, even when she was crying she was beautiful. Why did she have to go back?

Now he might never see her again. Only a week remained until his 17th birthday. He knew what was in store. He might never see her again.

Like hell was he going to sit in a dungeon covered in chains on the last day of his life.

He finished the letter, posted it, and came back to his bedroom. The rose was still white. Full of life. So like El, and so unlike himself.

It was late now, nearly one in the morning. He went down to the kitchens and nicked some food. Not that he had to do it in secret, any of the kitchen staff would have given him a feast if he said he missed dinner. Although to avoid punishment he'd have to use as few syllables as possible while he talked.

Why don't we just resort to sign language? He thought to himself.

All that would change when he was king, that is if he ever became king. What was the point of being so quiet? El was the boldest girl he'd ever met, and he'd never known anyone who wasn't fond of her. All the nobles would see the light after having a conversation with her.

After finishing his snack he strolled out into the gardens. Chris and Emily were off somewhere, out of sight. Doing who knows what.

Jem kept walking, but where to he didn't know. He felt like beating something. Why him? Why was he chosen to die so young? Why did he have to love?

He sank onto a bench and rested his head in his hands. What was going to happen now? Why was he even asking this question? He knew the answer. He always had. He was a goner.

Doomed.