This is the second chapter to my very first fanfic! (throws confetti!) Yes, I do write very short chapters, but what can I say? I'm too impatient to make them longer. But I will update often. I promises!

Broken Dreams: Chapter Two

Someone Who Understands

Ishtar dashed through the halls of the palace. Her feet echoed against the empty walls, and her face mirrored the chaos she felt tearing through her soul. She wanted to cry. But princesses don't cry, she thought dryly. Princesses are always calm and dignified. At the moment, however, she didn't care. She didn't care about where she was going, or how she must look, or the fact that she wasn't supposed to act like this. She just wanted to find someone to talk to. Someone that would understand. She wanted to talk to Duzie.

Thud! Turning a corner, she hit something hard. And warm. She reeled backwards in surprise.

"Princess, are you alright?" asked a concerned Yuujel. He grabbed her to steady her. Ishtar nodded while she straightened her dress, mumbling that she was fine, but he didn't let go of her.

"Are you sure there's nothing bothering you?" he inquired, gazing intently at her face. She looked up at him and met his eyes.

She couldn't help it. At the sight of his soft violet eyes, so full of compassion, she felt the tears start to flow, and did nothing to hold them back. Yuujel looked at her for a moment before calmly gathering her in his arms. He made soothing noises and stroked her back as she sobbed into his shoulder.

"I c-can't... believe I (hic!)... ever thought (hic!) I... had a... c-chance!" She wailed. "W-Why was... I so (hic!).. blind?!?! I'm a-a (hic!) descendant of... P-Phelios!!" She hiccupped again, and then sighed. "I w-was a...f-fool."

Yuujel spoke softly into her ear. "I understand, your highness..."

Abruptly jerking her head up off his shoulder, she glared at him with red rimmed eyes. "Why is everyone telling me that today? You all think you understand, but you don't!! You can't and you won't!!"

Yuginn shook his head gently. "But I do understand." He gave her a sad smile. "Life as royalty is painful. Our lives are governed by the ancient Saint we descend from, and like good little heirs, we are expected to keep the line pure of any commoner blood. But sooner or later, we all feel the tugging of love, a succulent sensation so electrifying and tantalizing, and we think, 'why should my hands be tied thus? Why should I be the one person who has no choice over whom they can love?'

"We all fall in love, eventually. But as right as it feels, love with a commoner simply cannot be."

Ishtar stared at him. How was it that his words calmed her? She had always felt thus, but had never met anyone who had so aptly put her feelings into words. While she thought over this, Yuujel lifted a hand to her face and wiped away the tears that coursed unchecked down her face. "Don't cry," he chided gently. "Men who reject you solely on your title are not worth shedding tears for." She shivered at his touch but didn't pull away. Emboldened by her response, Yuujel all of a sudden bent down and kissed her.

Ishtar felt his lips connect with hers, but in a way she didn't feel it at all. She felt detached, like she was standing behind herself, watching herself. It was a strange feeling, but with it came a sort of numbness from the torment she felt inside. It was a welcome relief, and as she watched, she allowed herself to be kissed by the beautiful prince.

What he said makes sense, She thought. I can't marry anyone outside the family.

But at least I found someone who understands.

Yay! My second chapter is complete!!! I know, it's very mushy, but so's the entire thing gonna be. And yes, it is short, but quality over quantity!!! Now, please please please please please review!!!!!!!!!