A/N: Apparently there was a bit of confusion about the last chapter. The first section was in Lela's point-of-view. Basically, the Merry in this part is not the real Merry, but a fairy imposter, Lady Rebecca.

Then I switched to the real Merry's POV for the second part. This is happening directly after the previous part.

The beginning of this new chapter happens simultaneously with the end of chapter twelve. It is in Gavin's point-of-view, simply because he is the only one who can really tell this end of the story.

I hope you enjoy this. Please read and review.

Chapter 13- Love's First Kiss

I lifted the spyglass to my eye. It had been but hours since I had left Frell with my mother and Queen Ella. We had spent all night and the better part of the morning bumping along in the seven-league boots. To credit them, the queens did not complain. On the contrary, they seemed to enjoy their quest.

Through the spyglass, I could see the abandoned city of Anamar.

Merry was standing before a large blue dragon, the most magnificent sight I had ever seen.

Then I saw a beautiful redheaded woman run from the palace. The fairy Rebecca? Now I knew there was in trouble. Rebecca was Lucinda's daughter, and she had yet to learn the lesson about small magic. She was as foolish, if not more, as her mother had once been.

I turned my attention back to the castle. A light was burning in the highest room of the tallest tower.

Lela.

I took a step and was immediately whizzing through the air once more. It seemed like an eternity before the seven-league boots finally slowed, and when they did I threw them off of my feet, and ran into the castle.

It took me several minutes to find the passage to the tower, but soon I was running up the circular staircase, slightly dizzy. When I reached the top of the tower, I found that there was no door. Lela was lying underneath the massive canopy of the bed, one arm dangling down the side, fingers lifelessly brushing the apple that she had dropped. Her other hand was lying on her unmoving stomach.

Lela was dead.

I sat down on the edge of the bed as tears pricked the corners of my eyes. My stockinged feet became blurry. In the short time that I had known Princess Lela, she had become my love. I supposed that was why I had tried to make her laugh at the ball. It had even hurt a little when she had run from the room at the announcement of out engagement. But I loved her nonetheless.

I looked down at her form. Even in death she was radiant. I leaned down towards her, my face close to hers.

"Goodbye, Lela," I whispered. Then I brushed her lips with my own. Turning away once more, I wiped my eyes on my sleeve. Then I felt her stir. I whipped around, watching as her beautiful blue eyes opened.

"Gavin?" she asked, obviously confused.

"Yes," I said steadily as I helped her sit up. "It's me." Lela moved into my arms.

"I love you," she said. I leaned towards her and, in answer, kissed her once more. I lifted Lela carefully, one hand behind her back, and one below her knees so that she was reclining in my arms. I slowly made my way down the stairs, Lela's head resting drowsily on my shoulder.

At the base of the stairs, I set her on her feet, and we walked out, hand in hand, to the ballroom.

Lela broke away from me when she saw archers aiming their bows up at the dragon. He had broken from the pipe-induced trance, and was now cowering behind my sister. Lela ran to Merry.

"Leave him be," she yelled, lilac silk flowing gracefully as she moved. "A guy won't hurt anyone."

"He may look like a beast, but he's really kind and gentle. He's my friend," Merry added.

Lela's father nodded to his brother, and Rapion Howltt called off his archers. The dragon whimpered, and Lela turned to stroke his neck and chin.

"It's okay now, you're safe," she whispered. Then she looked up and caught my eyes. "We're safe now." Lela came back over to me and took my hand once again. "Come on," she said, climbing onto the dragon's back. Merry jumped up, and I followed suite, and then the dragon flew out of the castle and down into the clearing, landing beside the group of men. He was still whimpering, but Lela patted his neck soothingly.

I slid down the dragon's side and Lela followed, allowing me to catch her. The second that her feet touched the grass, King Char ran to his daughter and wrapped her in a hug. I helped Merry down, but she brushed away from me, and went to stand beside our father, shoulder to shoulder. They both looked forward, hands clasped behind their backs.

"Well done, my daughter," he said. Merry's smile grew to a wide grin, and she broke her stance to give him a tight hug.

I was standing alone. But Lela was nearby, smiling at me over her father's shoulder. Her mother had joined them. She whispered something in her daughter's ear. Merry, now with both of our parents, asked me a question, and I turned to answer her.

I was startled from behind by Lela's hand grasping mine. I smiled down at her and she leaned her head onto my shoulder again. I slid my arm around her shoulders and held Lela.

My Lela.

My Love.

A/N: If you're still confused, let me know. The story does go on from here, and I hope to get that up soon.

Hey, want to play Pirates? Arg! Just below the 'X', you'll find you're buried treasure! It's hidden in a shiny, purple box. Dig it up, Mate-ey!

X