Dominic stood at the bottom of the staircase with bated breath, wondering whether she would come down or simply have him sent away. He did not know what he would do if she refused him now. But she couldn't. He had solved her riddle, so she had no reason to turn him away.

Emma, however, did not yet know this.

"Your Highness, may I inquire as to the purpose of your visit here?"

"I have come to ask for your hand in marriage," he replied without wavering. Inside, his heart was pounding and blood was rushing to his head at an alarming rate simply at the sight of her.

"Your Highness, until you solve my riddle—"

"I know! I know it. And I have come here with the solutions."

"Have you?" She was rather surprised by that.

"Mademoiselle, I am certain that this once belonged to you."

With those words, he held out a small wicker basket to her, which had once been the cause of so much anxiety. There were a few grains which did not belong there and even looking upon them made Emma wince with the remembered pain of the sixteen lashes.

"Covered in soot and ashes, yet not a chimney sweep?" he asked softly, breaking her daze.

"I don't know what to say, Sire." This was very true. How had he figured it out was all that ran through her mind. Though the Duchess's lie had been discovered, it was not popular knowledge that she had been a servant; only that she had been sequestered away from society.

"Tell me only if I am correct."

"You are," she conceded, with a slight sigh.

"Then, am I to guess the next part? This… this was yours, as well, once."

He held out to her an arrow which had pierced the heart of a pine cone.

"Bow and arrows, feathered cap, but not a hunter? Am I correct in this, also?"

"Yes, Your Highness." Emma took the proffered item complacently.

"Then, only one left!"

With that, he withdrew a small silver bracelet from a pocket.

Emma gasped softly, for she had thought it to be long gone.

"It is very small, wouldn't you agree, Milady?"

"It is quite small," she acquiesced, allowing herself a small smile.

"It would only fit the wrist of a princess, even one who claims she is not. 'Silks and satins, jewels of all varieties, but not a princess.' Why aren't you a princess, Emma?"

Emma had been holding out her right hand for him to place the bracelet upon it. These words made her shudder and she quickly withdrew her hand.

"It cannot be!"

"What cannot be?" Now he was worried, for she seemed quite upset by something.

"Your Highness, I cannot be a princess!"

"But why?"

"Because… because… I cannot!"

He swallowed nervously, then came towards her. Taking her hand in his, he slid the bracelet onto her slender wrist and kissed her hand. She did not jerk away.

"Emma, I love you. I do not know everything about you, but I will have the rest of my life to learn, if only you will consent to be my wife."

There was a long silence, and a gasp was heard from abovestairs, most likely produced by the nosy maidservant, who was leaning over the balustrade with Henry, trying to overhear.

"Your Hi—Dominic. I will consent to be your wife," she whispered. His face lit up at those words.

"Oh, Emma, you—"

"But not your princess," she finished.

"How can that be?" he asked with a sheepish smile.

"It must be that way, else I will call off the engagement," she responded quite seriously.

"Emma, if you marry me, you will become a princess. That is all there is to it."

"Only if you are still a prince."

"Do you want me to give up my throne?" he asked and laughed skeptically. She did not change expression and he instantly sobered.

"Good God, you are serious…"

"I am."

"Nothing will change your mind?"

"Nothing."

"And if I don't give up my throne?"

"I will not become your wife."

"As my subject, you are obligated to do as I command."

"I know it."

Again, there was silence. Emma knew she had to obey if he commanded her. Dominic knew she would obey if he commanded her. However, that was hardly the seed for a long and healthy marriage.

"Who will rule in my stead?"

"You have a brother, if I am not mistaken?"

"He is only ten."

"He will grow older."

"Goodness, did you think this through!"

"No. I only know that I cannot be a princess."

"Would you rather be a servant?" he asked with a sarcastic tone.

"I will stay here as Lady of the manor. You are welcome to join me as a Lord." Here, she paused, then added softly, "More than welcome."

A great battle was raging within Dominic. His heart yearned to obey her every command, but his mind told him to forget her and leave such a threat behind. She had killed before. What was she truly capable of?

"Will you decide now, or later?" her soft tones inquired.

He looked at the floor for a long time. Then,

"My father will not be happy about this."

FIN

A/N: It is finished! Amazing… Well, it is still August, so I hope I kept my promise. Almost. I love all of you for reviewing. Keep watching this story for one more update, which will contain a few notes, all of my special thank-you's to reviewers, and even answers to questions any of you may ask in your reviews.

I would also like to mention that Cenicienta won the competition. She guessed my name to be Alexandra, which it is. You can all look forward to a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses to be up soon, as requested by the winner of my riddle contest. I will continue to post up these riddles in future stories, so sharpen your skills!

Much love to ALL!

-Titania