"So where are we going?" Aleia asked Raoul.

They were walking on a dirt road, they had already gone a ways from the castle. Raoul had gotten the permission of the king and queen to escort Aleia to somewhere relaxing for the day. Aleia had not gotten over the incident with the painting, though she was feeling slightly better.

Raoul smiled. "You'll see."

Aleia glanced at him, then back at the road. It seemed to go on forever, without ever leading to any place in particular.

In a few minutes Raoul turned off the road. "This way," he said.

Aleia followed him into a field. Then they went through some trees, a thin forest of sorts. On the other side was a beautiful, crystal lake. There were white water lilies near the shore, brightly shining in their sheer lack of color. There were wildflowers around the shore, until it slowly turned to just sand. On the beach, there was a tablecloth set up for a picnic.

Aleia smiled. "Raoul...you didn't have to do this for me," she said softly.

"I know. I wanted to."

He reached for her hand, which she freely gave, to be led over to the picnic.

"I'm sure the food isn't as good as what you're used to, but hopefully it won't be too bad," Raoul said, handing her a sandwich.

"Did you make it yourself," Aleia asked him.

He nodded.

"I didn't know you could cook."

"That's why their cold sandwiches."

Aleia laughed. They ate the rest of the meal with simple small talk. It wasn't much, but Aleia thought it tasted wonderful, and the fact that he had made it, just for her...

"How did you find this place?" Aleia asked, getting up to look around at the beautiful scenery.

"I used to come here when I was a boy. To enjoy the lake. Catch frogs and turtles and such."

Aleia smiled. She wished her life could be as carefree.

"What's this for?" she asked, looking at a tree, which had the word "life" carved into it.

"Living," Raoul said. "Just a moment at a time, not getting so caught up in all the problems. Enjoying the simple things."

Aleia looked at the ground. "I need to do more of that," she whispered.

"Then do it," Raoul said coming close to her.

"It's not that simple."

"Sure it is. Look around you. Just look. And listen. To the sounds, the sights, everything, just not all the problems."

Aleia looked around. She saw a frog hopping on the lily pads. A blue heron stalked through the water. A bald eagle flew to its nest somewhere across the lake. Crickets hummed to each other. The soft breeze rustled through the trees. But she didn't know how much longer she'd be around to see it all.

"I try, Raoul, I do, but—it's just—I don't want to die!" she turned away from him, facing the tree was more, while pursing her lips together.

"Aleia, it's going to be alright," Raoul said, softly and slowly.

She looked into his eyes. They both started to lean forward. Their lips were nearly touching when Aleia swiftly pulled herself away.

"I'm sorry, Raoul, it's just—"

"It's ok," he said, and she knew that it was.

She bit her lip. She felt like crying. She didn't like it. She felt like a ridiculous princess who couldn't take anything. She was a spy. Well, she was a princess, but she was a spy, and would always hold herself to that standard. But since when had live gotten so complicated?

Raoul was still looking at her intently.

Aleia sprung to him and hugged him tightly. She needed a hug.

It was unexpected, and yet not. He knew her so well.

Aleia leaned her head on his shoulder. She loved being this close to him, but she knew she could never do this again. She was a princess. There were laws—protocols that prohibited it. Plus, she was likely to die in a few months. If Raoul thought they were just friends, it wouldn't be as hard on him, and that's what she wanted. She didn't want him to miss her. But right now, she didn't care. She held onto him tightly.

The embrace lasted a long time, but when it was finally over they both stood, a ways apart, just looking at each other. It was a bit of an awkward moment.

"Well, let's catch turtles and frogs," Raoul said, breaking in to the silence.

Aleia grinned, and they started towards the lake.

They stood observing for a moment. There were plenty of frogs. Raoul lunged for one. He missed, and the frog hopped away.

"I can do better than that," Aleia teased him.

She quickly darted for one of the frogs. Sure enough, she caught it and held it by its green legs for a few minutes before letting it go back to the water.

Raoul shrugged. "But what about the turtles?"

The turtles were sitting out on a log extended from shore. Aleia raised her eyebrow as Raoul started to walk out on it. He was trying to balance himself well enough to get to the turtles on the end. He didn't look like he was doing so well.

When Raoul finally got to the end, he bent down to get the turtles. They quickly got off the log and swam away, as Raoul fell into the water.

Aleia stood on shore, laughing. She walked out on the log, balancing much better than Raoul had.

"How's the water?" she asked when he came up.

"Refreshing," he said. "Help me up."

She extended her hand, and he promptly pulled her into the water. She came up and splashed him in the face.

"That was not very gentlemanly of you!"

"Ah, well, you've gotten too used to gentleman in your court life," Raoul replied.

She smiled. It was probably true.

"I'm afraid you'll just have to put up with rascals like me."

She brought her hands to his shoulders and dunked him under the water.

"Now that was not very ladylike," Raoul said, sputtering.

"Did you expect me to be a lady?" Aleia asked.

"Nay, I confess, I know you better than that," Raoul said, to which he received another face splashing.

They swam around a while longer, before heading back in to shore. They sat in the sun, letting it slowly dry them off and warm them. They talked and walked a ways around the lake, and in the surrounding fields of flowers. Before they knew it the sun was setting. Its brilliant colors filled the skies and reflected down upon the lake.

Aleia watched it, entranced by its beauty.

"So will you do it?" Raoul asked.

"What?"

"Living, for the moment."

"I'll try."

"Good. I know you have a lot to worry about, and I know you well enough to know that you've decided you can bear it all yourself. But if you need anything..."

"You're there for me," Aleia finished his sentence. "I know. And I thank you, so much. You've been...the perfect friend for me."

Raoul nodded.

Aleia watched him, wistfully, wishing so hard for what she knew she could never have.

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Heartwrenching, isn't it? Well, tell me what you think! Next chapter will be back to the plot, for anyone who dislikes romanticness.