"Emmett?" Melody was stunned to see Emmett standing in the classroom. Her heart raced as she tried to find more words to say. He seemed frozen in place as well. More children made their way through the door and around Emmett.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, baffled.

"I'm the new Art teacher," he told her, showing her the papers.

"Art teacher?... We're going to get to paint?... I want to paint a whole house!" the children began chattering.

"Art teacher? Since when?" she asked, but she had so many more questions.

"Today's my first day. Wednesdays at 1 for now- after StoryTime," he explained. He walked into the classroom and placed his things on the desk. "I'm Mr. Emmett," he said to the students, "I am your new Art teacher. Uh- if everyone can take a seat we can get started." Half of the children waited patiently while the other half chattered about- three of them were running around in circles near the stairs.

"ONE! TWO…" Melody counted, the children quickly rushed to their desks and became quieter. "It works for Belle," she winked at him, "Well, I'll leave you to it. Goodbye, children!"

"Goodbye, Princess Melody!" they said in unison. Melody locked eyes with Emmett before heading out the door. Emmett felt like he could finally breathe-

"Alright, so-"

"Are you going to marry Princess Melody?" one of the girls asked.

"You should marry my mom," a boy said.

"What? No- listen, today we're going to learn about shapes…"

"Do you have any idea who that is?!" Melody scolded Martha in the administration hall.

"There's a classroom going on upstairs, Princess," Martha reminded her.

"What am I going to do?" Melody sat at a desk and sunk her head in her palms.

"What's so bad about the boy?"

"Did you even get his name? That's Emmett," Melody told her.

"Oh- Oh! Emmett from…? Meridian? Your- Oh!" Martha cracked a big smile.

"Yes! Martha!" Melody whined.

"Oh, child. You're fine. Besides, he's a nice change from-" Martha stopped herself.

"From who?" Melody's heart was pounding, "Who, Martha?" Martha didn't respond, and Melody groaned again.

"Alexander is bad news, Princess," Martha warned her.

"Does everyone know about that?" Melody looked terrified.

"I mean, I don't know about everyone but- anyone with eyes can see what's going on."

"There's really nothing going on," Melody lied.

"You say so? Take that scarf off your neck," Martha told her.

"What? My scarf? No- why?" Melody placed a hand over the scarf wrapped around her neck.

"His wife was the same way- makeup, long sleeves, scarves. He's a deviant!"

"Wife?! He's married?!" Melody exclaimed.

"Oh, yes. To a local girl, Susanna. He's from somewhere abroad- I forget where. A couple of months ago, she disappeared! I won't even get into the rumors around that," Martha shook her head, "You're not fooling anyone, dear. We see the looks you give each other. You can never be in the same room at the same time. You've been spotted leaving his house on multiple occasions. The scarves were the last nail in the coffin."

Melody felt sick to her stomach.

"I have to go," she said and rushed out the door, across the fountain to the library.

"Alexander?" she called out.

"He's upstairs, your majesty," Lawrence said, making a face. Melody felt like everyone knew and was judging her.

"Thank you, Lawrence."

Melody rushed up the stairs to find Alexander reading a book near the window. He looked at her expectantly.

"I just found out that you're married?!" she tried to whisper.

"Yes," he shrugged.

"Why didn't you tell me that?!"

"It never came up. It's my relationship, not yours," he said nonchalantly.

"Your wife- well, where is she?"

"She's away, why?"

"Ugh! How could you do what you did-" Melody started.

"What we did," he corrected her.

"What would your wife say?!"

"I don't know. Maybe one day you can ask her for yourself," he shrugged, shutting his book and stepping closer to Melody.

"We have to end this, the whole town knows!" she told him, thinking he'd be shocked.

"You can't keep anything away from these miserable bastards," he chuckled. He leaned in with a grin to give her a kiss. Melody stepped back and Alexander pulled her closer by her neck. Melody slapped him hard across the face, feeling her blood boil.

"Don't touch me!" She shouted at him. Everyone in the library could hear, and she didn't care.

"Goodbye, your highness," he bowed. Alexander picked up his book and began to read it again.

Melody stormed down the stairs and out of the library without a word to Lawrence downstairs. She wanted to scream until her vocal cords bled. The two o'clock bell rang, and she saw Martha rush across the road to the classroom.

"Melody!" a voice called out when she was near the fountain. She turned and it was Emmett rushing her way. She bit her lip and couldn't stop her heart from beating uncontrollably.

"Emmett, hi," she said, trying not to seem too eager, "How was the class?"

"I wrote to you, did you get my letters?" he asked her.

"No, sorry. I've been here in town- well, staying at the palace," she explained.

"You work here, too?" he asked, surprised by her.

"Yes, actually-" she started, "I never really think of it that way. It's not like I get paid or anything. I uh- I'm helping Belle while she's on bedrest."

"Oh, I see. That's wonderful of you. You're an amazing person," he gushed. Melody blushed and looked at the ground.

"I want to apologize for-" she stopped herself, noticing someone looking out the library window. It was Alexander, staring down at her. She ignored him and started walking toward the administration hall. "Emmett, let's get you a voucher so that you can get paid for your work today."

Emmett caught her up on everything, his work - or lack of work - with Marcellus, how much he loved being in a new city, his new part-time job at the furniture shop, things his family were up to from their letters. Melody lied about receiving a letter from Belle the week after Emmett received his letter and she decided to fly down to help.

"Have you met anyone while you've been in town?" Melody asked, wondering if he'd tell her the truth.

"Did you know Andrew is here?" he asked, Melody nodded. "He invited me out a few times and I've made some friends. I've never had many friends before."

"That's great!" Melody said, sounding more thrilled than she actually was. "Any woman friends?" Emmett looked at her and hesitated.

"I wanted to talk to you about something-"

The door to the administration building opened and in walked Alexander. Alexander only stared Emmett down and Emmett hardly noticed at first until he realized perhaps the man was waiting on him.

"Sorry, Mel, would you like to help this gentleman?" he asked, gesturing to Alexander to walk over to her desk.

"How can I help you?" she said to Alexander as politely as she could.

"I'm here for my pay voucher," he said sternly, locking eyes with Melody. It made her uncomfortable for him to stare her down like that. Melody sighed and dug into the drawer with the vouchers. She took one out, added Alexander's name to it, dated it, marked it with a special code and then stamped it with a royal seal. She slid it across her desk without a word. Alexander glared at her as if to say something but didn't. He turned and walked out.

"Wow, scary guy," Emmett grimaced with a laugh. Melody blinked hard, trying hard to control her head and remember what they were talking about.

"What were you saying?"

"I uh, wanted to tell you," Emmett started, "That I'm okay with being just friends. I know the last time we met I probably made you uncomfortable and perhaps we took things a little too far. I don't want to make that mistake again. You're too important to me. We should just be friends- good friends," he smiled.

"Really? Just friends?" her heart sank. She had to explain what she really meant that day. She had to tell him how she felt about him. "Emmett- I uh-"

"Besides, you'll probably be relieved to know that I've met someone here. I think you'd really like her," he said. Melody's heart dropped, and her lunch turned in her stomach.

"Oh- that's uh, uhm-" Melody didn't know how to react. She could hear her heart beating in her ears, and she suddenly felt hot, "Sorry, I think I'm going to be sick." She rushed out the door and around back to an outhouse. She hovered over the nasty, stinky hole and threw up her entire lunch. Emmett followed after her and held her long hair back at the base of her neck.

"I've gotcha, you're okay," he rubbed her back as she dry-heaved into the hole.

"Emmett," she tried to speak as she hunched over with spit hanging from her mouth, "I'm sorry."

"Here," Emmett took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her lips clean, helping her upright to her feet. "Let's hope you're not pregnant," he laughed.

"Pregnant?!" she screeched before falling unconscious. Emmett lifted her up and carried her out of the outhouse and to the street. He spotted a royal carriage and ran over to it with Melody in his arms.

"Take us to the palace, please!" he yelled out at the coachman. A guard opened the door for them, and the coachman took off. "Melody!" Emmett felt her face. She was warm and wet.

Emmett untied her scarf and noticed a mark on her neck. He pulled her neckline down and saw the bruises around her neck and chest. He was almost afraid to touch it, worried he'd hurt her even more.

"Melody, please, wake up," he tapped her face, "Can you go any faster?!" Emmett shouted at the coachman, losing his patience. He had an unsettling feeling come over him. Something told him to check her arms. He lifted her sleeve up a little bit and noticed what looked like rope burns around her wrist- her other wrist had a similar mark. "Oh, my darling, who's hurting you?" he asked as he touched her sleeping cheek. As the carriage came to a halt, Emmett covered her body with his cloak.

"I have the princess," he informed the guards, "We need to run a bath for her. Cold water. Show me where."

"Take him to her chambers," the Steward instructed the guards at the front door. Emmett rushed behind the guards, and it seemed as if he were being followed by an army of people.

Once in Melody's room, Emmett laid her on the bed.

"Get her undressed," the steward asked the laundress.

"I'll do it, if you don't mind," Emmett said protectively, standing in front of Melody's body on the bed. The chambermaid began running the bath.

"Everyone out," the steward ordered, "You have two minutes. The King and Queen are on their way." The chambermaid brought over some fresh towels and a robe and placed them on the bed.

"Okay, come on, Mel, let's get you undressed." Emmett quickly removed her shoes and her pantalettes before undoing the clasps of her dress. As he opened the dress, his heart broke seeing the long scratches and bruises that were violently painted on her back.

"Bath is ready," the chambermaid informed him and left the room. Emmett carried Melody's naked body to the tub and placed her into the cool water. The water gave Melody a jolt, she gasped for air and shivered.

"Oh, Emmett!" she cried, not understanding how she got there or why he was beside her.

"You're alright, everything is fine," he reassured her, trying hard to smile. She noticed he looked down at her body and then looked away, almost in disgust. She was mortified.

"Melody?" Belle called from the bedroom door, making her way into the room.

"Please, don't let them see me like this," Melody begged Emmett with tears in her eyes, "Please, Emmett."

Emmett stood up and went to meet Belle before she could enter the bathroom.

"Emmett! Hello," Belle said, surprised, "How is Melody? What happened?"

"She got a little light headed but she's awake now," Emmett told her.

"Awake?! Was she unconscious?!" Belle tried to wedge past Emmett, who had his arms out, guarding the bathroom door.

"Only for a few minutes, your majesty," he told her.

"Let me see her!" Belle yelled at the poor boy, screaming fear into his soul.

"It's okay, Emmett, she can come in," Melody said from inside. Emmett stepped aside immediately and followed Belle in. Melody had filled the tub with suds, creating bubbles that covered her entire body.

"I'm okay now, Aunt Belle, I think I ate something from the market that upset my stomach," she said.

"I've told you not to eat at the market. That food isn't always fresh," Belle told her, "Do you have a fever?" Belle brought the back of her hand to Melody's forehead. "I guess you feel fine."

"I am fine, Aunt Belle. Good thing Emmett was there to catch me. He's going to be the new Art Teacher," Melody told her, hoping to change the subject.

"Oh, Emmett, dear, I'm sorry for yelling at you. The pregnancy hormones are getting the best of me," Belle apologized to the well-mannered young man.

"It was nothing, you should hear my mother and sister. Yelling is a sport at our place," he joked.

"I've never heard you so angry, Aunt Belle," Melody said, keeping the topic off of her.

"How embarrassing," Belle shook her head.

"Melody?! Where is she?" Adam called out from the door. Belle walked over to Adam and placed her hands on his broad chest.

"She's fine, dear. Everything's alright. She's having a bath now, we can leave her be," Belle told him.

"Are you sure?" Adam asked as he was pushed out the door by Belle. Emmett shut the bathroom door and sighed.

"You scared me to death," he told her, "What happened?"

"I don't know, I was fine one moment and then- I just don't know," she looked down at the bubbles.

"Are you sure you're not pregnant?" he asked quietly.

"What? No, I can't be," she thought back on everything she had done over the last month. Alexander was careful most of the time, but other times he wasn't. Then there was the night with Emmett.

"If you are I- I'll do whatever you need me to," he told her, kneeling down beside the bath.

"Emmett, I'm not pregnant," she said firmly, but she wasn't so sure.

"You have to tell me," he said sternly.

"Tell you what?"

"Who's been hurting you this way," he asked, glaring down at her. She was silent. "Melody?!"

"Emmett, I can't tell you!"

"You can tell me, I promise," he begged her, taking her wet hands in his as she sat up in the tub, getting water all over himself and the floor.

"I can't. I'm sorry," she cried, "Besides, don't you have a new woman in your life now?"

"Melody, you're my friend," he said, "I don't want you getting hurt." He was almost near tears. He intertwined their arms and held her hands tightly as he rested his forehead to hers.

The couple closed their eyes and sighed, both hoping they could do more.

"Do friends kiss?" Melody asked quietly, pressing her nose on the tip of his. He was all she wanted, all she dreamed of. Emmett parted his lips, feeling her warmth in his mouth. He felt overtaken by her. He'd do anything she wanted him to, and he hated that.

"No," he said and slowly pulled away, "I just want you to get better. Don't let anyone hurt you, you're too precious."

Melody felt ashamed and embarrassed; he was the last person she wanted to see her in that condition. She had nothing else to say, she had lost him. Emmett shut the door and left and all Melody could do was cry.

"Emmett," Belle stopped him, "How is she?"

"She's fine, I suppose. She probably needs some rest. She threw up quite a bit, it wasn't pretty."

"Thank you for taking care of her and bringing her here," Belle told him, "Adam wanted you to have this." Belle extended her hand to hand him a pouch filled with gold coins.

"Thank you, your majesty but I could never," he grinned humbly.

"Please, we insist," she said, placing it in his hand.

"I'm going to drop it on the floor," he smiled at Belle.

"Please, don't-"

"I wouldn't feel right if I took this payment. I love her," he told Belle earnestly.

"You'll always have a home here, please, remember that," Belle responded, touched by his gesture, "Let me at least arrange for a carriage to take you home."

"Sure, I'll take you up on that, thank you," he smiled.

It was mid-November and the end of the second week without Belle in town. Melody focused the majority of her time getting organized and keeping well-documented logs of everything. She had delegated certain people to step up on scheduling, vouchers, and book inventory to ensure things ran smoothly that week. Melody saw Emmett in town a few times that week and then again when he came to teach art on Wednesday after StoryTime. Their conversations and looks lingered a little longer than they should've. Melody felt embarrassed about what happened that day they met in town and grateful for what he did for her.

Melody pulled up in front of the shoemakers in the Royal Carriage one Saturday with a basket in hand. She had gotten the kitchen staff to prepare it for her. She knocked on the door to Emmett's place a few times and looked around, as she waited, Melody could feel the eyes of others on her. She smiled politely, aware of how much word got around in that town.

"Coming!" a female voice called out from behind the door. The door opened, and it was a beautiful young woman with light brown hair down to her waist. She wore her hair half up, and the rest fell forward over her chest. She had hazel eyes, a dainty nose and a big smile.

"Hi," she smiled at Melody warmly, waiting for a response.

"Hello," Melody felt her heart crushed, "I was just dropping this off for Emmett. Is he home?"

"Oh, yes, of course! Princess Melody? Come in!" the woman told her eagerly, inviting her up the large steps and closing the door. Melody went up the stairs she had gone up and down at least a hundred times before Emmett's arrival. It smelled like him there

"Mel? What are you doing here?" Emmett asked, surprised by her visit.

"I was just dropping off this basket as a thank you," she said, handing it to him. The woman came by and took it from Melody's hands.

"Wow, this is lovely! Thank you so much, princess," the woman said and placed it on the table. Melody looked around awkwardly, and Emmett could tell she was uncomfortable.

"Melody, this is Rachel," Emmett said, introducing the two.

"It's great to meet you, princess. I've heard so much about you," Rachel bowed her head.

"It's very lovely to meet you as well, Rachel," Melody smiled. "Well, I didn't mean to intrude. I'll leave you two to enjoy your day."

"No, stay a while," Rachel pulled out a seat for Melody at the table, "I just put on a pot of tea."

Melody looked at Emmett who looked back at her blankly- he had no idea what to do.

"Sure, just for a moment," Melody said, straightening her skirt before sitting down.

"So, Melody, I hear you're doing great things with the reading programs in town," Rachel made chit chat.

"Oh, yes, it's been a work in progress. We're hoping to drive the literacy rate up by next year," Melody explained.

"I'm not very good at it myself," Rachel admitted, "Emmett is the smart one."

"Emmett is very talented. You should look into our adult night classes- if you're interested. They're not ever very full. Emmett said he may teach a couple of nights a week, you could come by with him."

"I don't know," Rachel began to pour tea into a mug for Melody. The kettle and mug Melody picked out, she noticed. "I just don't have the time. My father is the butcher and I help him in his shop most days. In the evenings I clean up or help cut the meat. When I have any free time, I spend it with Emmett." Rachel looked at Emmett and smiled. Rachel placed the warm cup of tea in front of Melody.

"Thank you," Melody said and took a sip, placing it back down, "It's lovely."

"So you know Emmett from-?" Rachel asked.

"All my life," Melody smiled to herself, "Our parents are good friends."

"So you know his family well, too, I bet- right?" Rachel asked.

"Uh- yes, I do. The whole family," Melody said, unsure of why she was asking.

"He hasn't told his mother about me," Rachel raised her eyebrows and grinned.

"Rachel!"

"What? You haven't!" Rachel exclaimed.

"I already told you, they're coming by for the Holidays in December. You can meet them then," he said.

"Right, and you're all staying at the Palace. How fancy! Where will I be, huh?"

Melody felt uncomfortable. Part of her almost invited Rachel along to the palace for when they visited, but then she realized she wouldn't really enjoy that.

"Palace gatherings are very boring. I'm sure they can come here and meet you or meet somewhere in town," Melody told her.

"I wouldn't have any clothes to wear to a palace anyway," she said, looking at Melody's dress. Melody felt uncomfortable and took a big slug of her tea.

"I should go," Melody said, "I just wanted to drop off the basket as a thank you."

"Thank you for what?" Rachel asked, looking at Emmett.

"Well uh-"

"All new teachers get a welcome basket," Emmett interrupted Melody.

"Yes, it's for the staff," Melody smiled, curious as to why Emmett didn't tell her about what happened the week prior. "There are breads, jams, cheeses, fruits, a bottle of wine, some rosemary butter and some cured meats from abroad."

"Sounds amazing," Rachel said, "If you'd like you should come by the South West Pub tonight. A group of us are meeting there around nine- if you're interested. It's not a fancy place or anything."

Melody looked at Emmett for reassurance, who shrugged and then nodded.

"I'll see if I can," Melody said, rising to her feet, "Thank you for the invitation. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"I'll escort you out," Emmett got up immediately and placed a hand on Melody's back as she walked toward the stairs.

"So, I'll see you on Wednesday?" he asked at the bottom of the steps. He realized Rachel was watching them from the top of the stairs and stepped outside with Melody. "I'll walk you to your carriage."

"She's very lovely," Melody told him.

"I'm sorry she was behaving that way, she's really a good person and she cares about me, a lot," Emmett said, thinking about Rachel.

"I'm sure she does. You're easy to love," Melody blurted, and they both were silent for a moment. "Oh, John is here," Melody smiled, seeing her cousin wave at her from the distance up the road. He was walking in her direction.

"You can come by tonight, you know? I wouldn't mind if you did," Emmett said, before John got there. Melody looked up at him and had so many things to say, instead she nodded.

"I'll try," she told him. Emmett opened the carriage door for her and assisted her in. "You look great, by the way. I hope you're doing better."

"Thank you. I am," she said from inside the carriage, "I'm feeling better as well."

"Hi, Emmett!" John patted his back and then hopped into the carriage across from Melody, "Are you coming in?"

"No, I'm headed home. Have a safe trip," Emmett told them and shut the door, "Goodbye!"

The carriage took off toward the palace.

"So, you and Emmett?" John smirked at her.

"Me, Emmett and Rachel," Melody pursed her lips and sighed.

"Ah, you've met Rachel," John said underneath his breath.

"Had you met her before?"

"Oh, yes, many times. She's one of Andrew's friends. They get together on Saturday nights at some pub."

"She just invited me to that tonight," Melody told him.

"Well, then, let's go!"

Emmett looked in the mirror one last time before Rachel called his name from the bottom of the steps.

"Hurry up!"

"I'm coming! I'm coming," he said, tidying his crisp white shirt and brown band around his waist. Emmett threw his cloak on and hurried down the had been a ritual for them to go out on Saturday nights.

"I've never seen you take so long to get ready," Rachel said to him on the way as they walked down the pebbled road arm in arm.

"Sorry about that," he apologized, feeling a bit nervous.

"Is it because she will be there?"

"Who?" Emmett feigned the question.

"You know who," Rachel said sharply.

"Rachel, we're friends. Melody and I are friends."

"You never had anything with her?"

"No," he lied, "I told you that already."

"Did you ever want to?"

"No, I just never saw her that way," Emmett lied again to avoid a fight.

"She comes by with a gift basket and it looks like she's shocked to see me. I bet you never even mentioned me to her-"

"I did! I mentioned you a lot to her, actually. I told her I want her to meet you, she was probably trying to meet you," Emmett started getting annoyed.

"And then, when she was leaving you had your hands all over her-" Rachel added loudly.

"You're acting crazy," he said with a sigh.

"You had to walk her all the way to her carriage and she just couldn't open the door for herself. Heavens forbid the princess were to lift a finger. You know, I find it odd that you went to town one day and came back with a teaching job. Now you're over there all of the time and you hardly make time for me," Rachel continued.

"I'm with you, aren't I?"

"I don't even know how far you want this to go. What is it that you want?" She asked him sternly, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to face him.

"I- I don't know. I don't want to fight like this," Emmett told her, "Listen, I've only known you a few weeks-"

"It's been almost a month!" she exclaimed.

"That's not a very long time."

"You only wanted to bed me like you did those other girls," she insisted.

"No! I really like you, Rachel. I don't know why you're behaving this way. Fine- just be upset," Emmett told her and began walking alone.

"No, it's fine," she rushed up and grabbed his arm again, "I'm not upset. I just want to know how you feel about me. You never talk to me."

"We're here. I don't want to keep discussing this inside- we can enjoy our night or we can separate and see where we are in a few days," he said sternly while drunken men walked past him in and out of the pub.

"Can I get a kiss?" she asked him. He cracked a smile.

"Of course," he whispered and leaned into her for a tender kiss on her lips. "Melody!" Emmett called out when he opened his eyes.

Melody was there accompanied by John. She had on a beautiful, but simple dress from Elizabeth's closet and wore her hair up with curls coming down the sides over her ears. She also had on some light makeup that Belle helped her apply. Emmett was speechless as she walked over to them.

"Hello," Melody smiled at Rachel, and the two young women exchanged hugs. John held the door open, and Melody led the way.

They had a group of tables in the back corner where they always sat on Saturday nights. There were some off-duty guards there, along with a few people and women from town.

"Over here!" Andrew called out, waving Melody over. Melody gave him a big smile and headed over with John, Emmett and Rachel behind her. The tables were round and three were joined together in a row.

"Prince John is here!" someone at the pub shouted and everyone cheered.

"Yes, yes, rounds for everyone!" John called out, and there was a bigger uproar. Every time John showed up at a pub, he'd buy out the barrels of ale for everyone. The pub soon became crowded with drunkards trying to get their free drinks.

"Prince John is here! Prince John is here," someone ran out into the streets yelling, letting people know to come get their drinks.

"You already know," Andrew told him.

"I know, it happens every single time," John laughed, "We need service first!"

John sat beside Andrew and then Melody, near the end, Rachel and then Emmett. Emmett made sure he didn't sit next to Melody. He could see her better from where he sat anyway. He'd glance at Melody and then when Rachel would glare at him, he'd look away. Melody noticed and tried hard to not engage with Emmett.

"Are you going to drink?" Rachel asked her.

"I don't know, maybe?" Melody giggled, "I'm not much of a drinker."

"Really? I love a good ale," Rachel said right as a tray with several drinks was placed at their table. Everyone grabbed a drink except Melody.

"Do you want one?" John asked her.

"Come on, princess, you have to drink. What would Elizabeth say?" Andrew cheered her on.

"Remember the last time we all drank together?" Melody laughed, thinking about that night on the beach when they had the balefire.

"I remember, do you remember, Emmett?" Andrew said, giving Emmett a wink. Emmett glanced at Melody and then just shook his head and took a sip, praying Rachel didn't notice. Emmett turned his body and looked out into the ever-growing crowd.

Someone began playing cheerful music and the entire pub broke out into song. Melody just enjoyed watching everyone having a good time as she took small sips of her ale. One drunk man kept falling over, and the group had a great laugh about it.

"Oh, oh, oh, watch out!" Andrew would shout, making fun of him.

"Emmett, let's dance!" Rachel got up and pulled Emmett with her. Emmett shook his head bashfully.

"Aw, go dance with the pretty lady," one man shouted, making Emmett give in. He took Rachel onto the floor, and they instantly became lost in the dancing crowd. Melody suddenly felt alone as she looked around at couples dancing about or men flirting with women.

"You okay?" John nudged her, always perceptive of his surroundings. She nodded and smiled before taking a big slug of her ale. "You have an admirer," John told her, looking up near the door. She looked up to find Alexander leaning against the wall with a mug in his hand, staring at her.

"That's Alexander!" she looked down at her lap.

"That's him? Melody, he's huge!" John eyed Alexander as if he were entranced by him. "Was everything huge?" he whispered to her. Melody nodded and giggled.

"Why does he have to be here right now?" she groaned, "He's so weird. You see how he just stares like that? He doesn't even speak."

"I wouldn't need him to say a word," John joked.

"Who?" Andrew asked curiously. Melody shook her head at John so that he wouldn't say anything.

"I can't tell you. Was sworn to secrecy. Royal blood oath," John laughed, which made Melody laugh, too.

"I'm all out of ale," Melody announced and rose to her feet.

"Here's another, sit down, Princess," Andrew told him, placing his own mug in front of her , "I don't want you going into that crowd." Melody pursed her lips and sat back down.

"You're not on duty," she told him, taking another sip of beer.

"I'm always on duty," he smiled at her.

Rachel and Emmett made their way back to the table, laughing and sweating from the dance. Melody took another sip of her drink.

"Slow down on those," John told her.

"So what do you do just sit here and watch? Do you ever dance?" she asked John.

"Not unless I'm being forced to," he chuckled. Melody noticed that under the table, Andrew and John's knees were touching. Rachel sat on Emmett's lap and planted a big wet kiss on his mouth.

"Wooh! Lovebirds!" Andrew called out to them. Rachel then looked at Melody and smiled.

"You should go dance!" Rachel said loudly. Melody felt infuriated. She smiled at Rachel, got up to her feet and disappeared into the crowd of people.

Emmett realized that Melody was gone for a long time, and there was no sign of her anywhere.

"I have to go uh- relieve myself," he said with a smile, lifting Rachel from his lap. Emmett made his way through the crowded pub and out the front door. He looked up and down the street and saw no one familiar. The royal carriage was still parked there waiting on Melody and John. He went around the pub to a deserted alleyway.

"I can't keep going through this with you," a voice said, it was Melody. Emmett crept further into the alleyway to have a closer look.

"Look, I won't touch you - I just wanted to see you," the large man who worked at the library said to her, his hand resting on the wall beside her face. "I miss you."

"Are you okay?" Emmett rushed over to them, adrenaline racing through his veins.

"Yes, I'm fine, Emmett," she told him, "You can go back inside."

"You're free to join us if you'd like," Emmett said to Alexander, who only stared him down. Emmett was smart enough not to pick a fight with someone he couldn't beat.

"Alexander is going home," she looked at Emmett and grinned, with fear in her eyes, "Goodnight, Alexander."

Alexander didn't say a word; instead, he walked down the alleyway and left.

"Are you alright?" Emmett asked, caressing her face, "Did he hurt you?"

"No, no," she said, almost wanting to tear up. Emmett pulled her into his chest and held her tightly. Melody wrapped her arms around him as well and took in the familiar scent of his chest. "I've ruined everything," she cried.

"Nothing is ruined, I'm here," he rocked her gently, unsure of what she was talking about. Melody ran her hands up and down his sides and back. Emmett didn't want to pull away, he dropped his hand from her back to her hip and used the other to lightly stroke her neck as he held her. It was a cold night, but their bodies were warmed by one another under the moonlight.

"Have you seen Emmett?" Rachel's voice echoed from around the corner. Emmett and Melody quickly pulled apart and began walking toward the street. Rachel found them both walking toward her down the alleyway.

"Why am I not surprised?" she asked sarcastically, "Is- is there something going on between the two of you?" She stumbled, a little drunk.

"No!" Emmett and Melody said in unison.

"Absolutely not," Melody tried to reassure her.

"We're just friends, I told you," Emmett said as he reached out to her.

"Don't touch me! I don't believe you!" Rachel yelled angrily. Emmett held onto her closely and gave her a tight embrace, keeping her from falling.

"Sshh, let's take you home, okay?" he whispered in her ear.

"I'm so sorry," Melody tried to tell Emmett, but he didn't hear her. Melody watched as he walked Rachel down the street and around the corner. She went back in the pub to find John, he was still at the same table beside Andrew who had a woman sitting on his lap.

"Are you alright?" John asked her.

"Yes, Emmett left- with her," Melody said solemnly.

"There are so many men here, just take your pick!" he told her with his arms out.

"No," she chuckled, "I think I'm done with men for a little while- at least for tonight."

"Are you ready to head back?" John asked.

"I think I should," she frowned

"I'm going to stay in town tonight but let me walk you to the carriage."

"No, it's alright. It's just across the street."

"Listen, I have to. Let's go," he winked.

Twenty minutes later, Emmett took a seat beside John at the pub.

"Where's Melody?" he asked.

"She went back to the palace. She said you left with Rachel," John told him. Emmett sighed.

"I just took her home, I was going to come back," Emmett explained. John shrugged. "Do you know who that big man is? The one that works at the library? Alexander?"

"That's all I really know about him," John explained.

"What would he want with Melody?" Emmett asked and John shrugged, wanting to keep his cousin's secret.

"You know she cares about you, right?" John told him, turning toward Emmett in his seat to have a serious conversation. He almost sounded like Adam when he was serious.

"You think so?"

"The apprenticeship, the letter from my mother, your place, the supplies- it was all Melody," John admitted. Emmett's heart raced, and he closed his eyes, taking a pause.

"No," Emmett shook his head.

"Yes," John confirmed, "She said she wanted you to be happy and she didn't want you to know."

"But, why would she do that? She-"

"Because she loves you, clearly," John said, taking a sip from his ale.

"She ended things with me. She said we had no future!"

"She was scared. She didn't want your family to lose everything because of her. She told her parents you ended things with her so that they'd leave you and your family alone- but, she didn't mean it," John explained.

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Emmett asked, "I've seen you every week and you never said anything."

"I guess I'm just tired of it. I want to see you both happy," John told him with a grin, "Besides, I think you can do much better than the women you've been keeping company with."

"John, I want her but I'm scared. I don't want to want her- I don't want to love her but I do. I wish I could make myself stop but I can't. I just- don't want her to hurt me. It's not like we can get married."

"Why not?"

"Princesses only marry princes," Emmett told him. John laughed.

"If you want her, go get her. And, take it slow- you're young for marriage. Just, enjoy each other and see how far it goes."

"If it doesn't go all the way?" Emmett asked worriedly.

"You can't say you didn't try," John shrugged. Emmett looked down at the table and stared blankly, a million thoughts running through his mind.

Over the next few weeks, Emmett found it nearly impossible to get a hold of Melody. Even after StoryTime she would quickly say hello and run off to one thing or another. The week of the HollyFest was coming and the town couldn't have been more excited. A fresh layer of white snow covered the city- the first snow of the season and everyone in town was busy preparing for the holiday festivities.

Melody worked with the organizers in town who coordinated the carts and general layout.

"We can have the ice sculpting here in the center and the snow competition lining the south road as people walk up," Melody instructed the group as she wrote down in a book, everyone scribbled down her instructions as well, "Who has the map?... Okay, mark down guard posts for all of the corners. The Quadrant Holiday decoration contest will span a 200 meter radius from town center…"

Emmett watched from a distance in awe of her as he helped load vendor carts into place for the festivals. Artists, crafters, sculptures, glassblowers, potters, candlemakers, jewelers were coming in from other lands for the holiday season, and they wanted each one to have their designated location to spread out the competition.

"Excuse me!" Melody called out and waved at Emmett and the furniture crafter he worked with, "See if you can fit twelve on the outer perimeter and 8 in the inner perimeter around the fountain! Spread them out so that they're even."

"She's a bossy one," the crafter said to Emmett, which made Emmett smile to himself, proud of the woman that he loved.

"That one is broken, let's even out those legs," the furniture shop owner said to Emmett. Emmett watched as the group near the fountain dispersed and more people came up to Melody to ask questions about the event. Emmett waited for the last person to speak to her before walking up behind them.

"Yes, the choir can sing at eleven and four on Saturday and Sunday for...thirty minutes?" Melody told the woman. The woman thanked her and took off. Melody looked up at Emmett and then back down at her paperwork.

"Hi," Emmett told her. Melody began jotting down notes in her notebook.

"Hi, Emmett, is everything okay?" she asked without looking up at him. She began walking toward the administration hall.

"Uh, yes, everything is fine I-"

"Did you all figure out the cart arrangements?"

"Yes, we're working on it now but-"

"That's great. Let me know when they're ready and I'll come inspect," she brushed him off.

"Mel, wait, I wanted to speak to you-"

"I'm really busy, Emmett, is it related to HollyFest?"

"No, well, yes!" he said, and she stopped, waiting for him to speak.

"I'm working with the children on an art project and I thought that maybe we could put them on display on a board outside of the classroom. I can build the board and place a piece of glass in front of it in case it snows," Emmett told her.

"That's a great idea! Could you build two? Well, if you have time- We have a group of students who wrote essays on what the holidays mean to them and it'd be great to get that displayed as well," she asked him. Looking into her blue eyes sent him a shock of electricity throughout his body. He only stared, noticing that she was rubbing her cold fingers into her palm.

"Of course," he agreed, "I also wanted to tell you-"

"Princess! We need you to review these maps and sort the entertainment schedule," someone called out from near the fountain.

"Sorry, I have to go," she told him before rushing off to work.

It was hard for Melody to distance herself from Emmett. He was all she could think of day and night. When he was in view, it was hard to concentrate or speak to anyone seeing his bright golden hair out of the corner of her eye everywhere she went. He became more and more present in town since the night at the pub, and she couldn't figure out why. She also didn't want to care. She had made enough of a mess of things and wanted him to be happy with Rachel or whomever he wanted. She also didn't have much of an issue with Alexander. She'd greet him politely in passing, and he wouldn't respond, per usual.

Having him help with the carts was driving her crazy. Her thoughts only raced to their first kiss on the beach, the night of her party in her bedroom, being naked with him in his bedroom, spreading her legs while he drew her intimate parts, having him kissing her, caressing her- inside of her. She sometimes thought back to her moments with Alexander and would replace him with Emmett in her fantasy, spanking her, controlling her, telling her what to do. Touching herself to that fantasy is what got her to sleep most nights.

The sun began to set, and Melody felt faint from being on her feet all day. She decided it was time to head back to the palace and took the royal carriage that was waiting for her. Inside she found a box with a small card.

These will have to keep you warm for now, ~E

Melody opened the box to find a pair of beautiful tan leather gloves that were soft to the touch. She tried them on immediately and found that the inside was lined with soft cashmere wool. The tan was on the orange side, which made a lovely contrast with her royal blue winter coat.

"There is a letter for you, your highness," a man informed, placing a tray with a letter in front of her as she entered the palace.

"Oh, thank you," she told him and took the letter from the tray. She could tell it was from the castle, it was her mother's handwriting. She waited to get to her room and out of her heavy coat to open it.

Dear Melody, we're missing you terribly. This is the longest we've ever been apart, and I think it has affected your father and me more than it has you. We're sorry for keeping you from the world, we didn't realize you had grown up so much so quickly. Belle tells us you've been organizing and managing major programs in town and that in a couple of weeks, you will replace her when she goes on bed rest. A queen's shoes are very difficult to fill. I'm glad you're a strong enough woman to take on that responsibility. We're so proud of you and your accomplishments. Can't wait to see you at HollyFest and hear some great stories. We will be there on Friday before the big celebrations begin. Love Mom and Dad

For some reason, reading the letter from her parents and having them recognize her work and maturity made her cry. She hadn't seen them in months and just then realized how much she missed them. It was only Saturday, and the vendors would start arriving over the next couple of days. They get an entire week of being able to sell their goods and artwork before the big festival events on Saturday and Sunday.

"My parents are coming," Melody told Belle and Adam over supper that evening.

"That's wonderful news. We can't wait to have them join us for the holidays. They're staying through the new year they said," Belle informed her, before taking a sip of her soup.

"It's going to be weird seeing them after being away for so long," Melody said to herself.

"It will never be weird with your own family, dear. Elizabeth said she may come back in time for the holidays as well. She isn't so sure," Belle told Adam.

"She's not much of a planner," John added, with a chuckle. He missed Elizabeth terribly. They were truly best friends, and she was endless entertainment for him.

"All I know is she better marry that boy so she calms down," Adam said in a huff before jabbing at his potatoes with his fork.

"Did you want to invite anyone over for the holidays, Melody or John?" Belle asked. John shook his head.

"No," Melody said quietly.

"Not even Emmett or maybe any other friend you've made in town?" Belle insisted.

"No, sorry, Aunt Belle."

"It's fine, dear, we want to make sure you feel at home as much as possible. Don't feel like you have to go into town everyday, I only used to go three days a week. Things will manage themselves for a day or two if you'd like to take a rest."

"I really enjoy it and being around the people. Besides, this is the last week before the winter holiday and I'll rest when the Festival is over and done with," Melody said with a sigh.

Back in her room with a drawn bath, Melody looked at herself in the mirror. Her body was changing, she looked a little heavier than normal. Her hips were more pronounced, and her breasts and thighs a bit fuller. She was still slender, but it seemed her body was filling in more. The bruises on her body had completely healed and there were no signs of them ever being present. She looked at her stomach from the side and wondered if she could be pregnant. She didn't look pregnant or feel pregnant. She also didn't think it could happen since she wasn't menstruating and hadn't since the spring. She rubbed her belly none the less and smiled to herself.

Adam watched Belle as she undressed that evening and felt as if he were the luckiest man in the world. Nothing made him feel more complete than seeing his true love carrying his, possibly male, child.

"You're breathtaking," he told her as she walked over to her robe, naked.

"Don't start, I'm tired tonight," she smirked at him, "I'm going to have a bath and fall right asleep with no interruptions tonight, right?"

"I wouldn't be so sure," he shrugged. He rose to his feet and followed her into the bathroom. The water was warm and ready. Belle slipped her robe off and let it fall to the floor. She lifted one leg off the floor.

"Wait! Let me help you in, I don't want you slipping and falling like you did when you were pregnant with the twins. Never get in or out of the bath without me here," he told her as he lifted her body and gently laid her in the tub, getting himself a bit wet.

"Oh! The baby just kicked!" Belle jolted a bit.

"Really?! Let me feel," Adam eagerly placed his hand on her stomach and Belle moved it to where she felt the kick. "I don't feel anything."

"Hmm, just wait for it I guess."

"I love you so much, Belle," he gazed at her as he kneeled over the tub with his hand on her stomach.

"I love you, too, my king."

"Mhh, I love it when you call me your king," he purred in a low voice.

"Just two more months to go," Belle beamed.

"The more important question is when can I start breastfeeding again?"

"Adam! You shouldn't have done that the last time!" she laughed, splashing him with water.

"Oh, but it tasted so good. I'll wait until you're asleep."

"Don't you dare!" she squealed. Adam's eyes went wide as he felt the pressure of the baby kicking inside of Belle's womb. Belle smiled at him as she rubbed her stomach.

"The baby can probably hear you," she said.

"He's a warrior already! Did you feel that kick? That's a big boy, Belle."

"Well I hope he grows faster outside than in there. We already had two big babies."

"I want him as big as a horse when he comes out!" Adam joked, "Oh, he just kicked again! He agrees with me!"

"He'll be a sweet boy- if it's a boy," Belle said.

"No, not a sweet boy. A fighter, a swordsman, a rider!" Adam said adamantly.

"We already have Elizabeth," Belle joked, which made Adam laugh as well.

"Do you think it's odd that John hasn't fallen for anyone yet?" Adam asked her, removing his hand from Belle's stomach.

"Did you by his age?"

"I mean I guess not, because I hadn't met you yet. He may be one of those princes who bed and never marry. You have to force them to marry."

"I don't like the idea of forcing any of my children into anything," Belle said, shaking her head.

"I know, neither do I," Adam said, "Alright well let's get you cleaned up so we can hit the sack."

"I still have whip marks from the last time we 'hit the sack'," Belle told him.

"That was three days ago, don't be such a baby," he laughed and pinched her nipple.

"You know I'll make you pay for that," she said, raising an eyebrow.

"I know," he grinned from ear to ear.

The Friday before the Festival was finally there, and Melody had been up since 5 am that morning preparing for the event. There were many last minute changes that needed to be made, carts that were breaking, vendors complaining about accessibility to clean outhouses, townspeople asking about the festivities to come, and situations that could never have been imagined to plan for.

"Mel, are you alright?" Emmett seemed to pop out of nowhere around nine that day.

"Oh, Emmett," she sighed, "Everything is going wrong! Can you, please, see what is wrong with that potter's cart? And apparently, the woodworker says the woman who sells baskets stole from him. We have to put the stage somewhere here at the town center and the candy shop owner is refusing to close for a couple of days!"

"Can we put the stage in front of the administration hall? That can be closed for two days," Emmett suggested.

"No, we need to get in and out to run all of the activities, we have some important documents in there," she put her hand on her head.

"Why don't we move everything to the main south classroom and then we can put the stage in front of the administration hall," he thought through his decision.

"Who else would we be blocking?" she thought aloud, looking in that direction.

"The candlemaker," they said in unison.

"I'll try to convince him and I'll look into fixing that cart," Emmett said enthusiastically.

"Thank you so much! Offer him a cart to sell his candles somewhere on the North West road. We'll buy him out if we have to!" Melody called out to Emmett who was already on his way.

"Sure thing!"

Melody gazed at him a moment as he ran across the fountain and into the candle shop.

"Melody!" a voice called from behind her. Melody turned to see her mother and father running toward her. They looked so different but at the same time familiar to her.

"Mom! Dad!" Melody rushed to them and they had a tight three-way hug.

"Oh, darling, it's so great to see you!" Ariel began to tear up, which almost made Melody want to start tearing up, but she didn't.

"You look wonderful," her father told her.

"You look so grown up," Ariel told her, which made Melody feel very small.

"Where's Tristan?" Melody asked.

"He's with the Johnson's," Ariel told her, "They're dying to see Emmett, how is he?"

"I'm not sure, he's fine I guess," she shrugged, looking around at the people.

"Well, we're very happy for the two of you and we support you," Ariel said to her and then looked at Eric, who nodded.

"Emmett and I are- we're not together. Things ended the day after dad did what he did and Emmett is with someone else now," she could hardly bring herself to say it.

"Oh, darling, I'm sorry," Ariel leaned in for a hug.

"It's fine, mom," Melody stepped back with her arms out, "I'm fine, he's more than fine, we're all just dealing with the choices we've made the best we can."

"Princess, I already told you I will not close my shop! I will speak with the King himself if I have to, Hollyfest is my busiest time of the year!" an older woman nagged at her.

"I hear you, we're sorting it for you as we speak," Melody explained to her.

"Your highness, my cart, it already broke a vase because the legs are rotted," a man approached her.

"I'm sending someone over to fix it. We'll see if we can get you another cart," Melody responded to him, "What is that guard doing?... Hey, we need to move over soon and you're flirting?!"

"Wow, you're very busy here," Ariel said, looking around.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I have to get back to work," she told them regrettably but at the same time was a little happy to have them go. "I'll meet you back at the palace for supper. Could you have Aunt Belle send me as many men as they can spare? Goodbye!" Melody gave her mother a quick kiss on the cheek and rushed off to the madness. "Why are there guards standing around doing nothing? We need everyone's help here. If you don't start helping out you won't get paid!"

"Ariel, Eric, may I come in?" Belle asked the couple at the door of their bedroom after lunch.

"Of course, please," Ariel told her, inviting her to sit in a sitting area near an elegant window.

"I wanted to speak to you both about Melody," Belle said.

"She brushed us off so fast in town," Eric told her, "She could hardly look at me."

"I'm sure it wasn't personal. Melody has been a very busy woman these last few months. I've seen her learn, grow, and find her voice right before my eyes," Belle smiled.

"That's great to hear," Ariel smiled.

"She was a completely different person in town today, I've never seen her like that," Eric sat down beside Ariel, across from Belle.

"She's the same person, she's growing up and finding her footing," Belle told them.

"We thought this entire thing was a ploy to be with Emmett," Ariel added.

"It may have started that way. She went out of her way to help Emmett pursue his passion with the sculptor. In the three weeks it took for him to arrive, she discovered a passion of her own. She didn't want to see him and I couldn't figure out why. It took nearly an entire month after his arrival that Emmett discovered she was here. Which was an interesting story- I'll tell you about it at some point. I offered for him to stay with us at the palace but he refused. Melody told me that he's met a nice girl in town and is very happy," Belle leaned back and put her hand on her stomach.

"Oh, poor Melody," Ariel said, "I can imagine she was moping around depressed and mad at everyone."

"It was the opposite. She seemed to throw herself into her work more and more. She's leading the entire HollyFest and looking for the learning and food program in my absence. I couldn't be prouder of her and you should be as well," Belle smiled.

"I bet she's pulling those acts when she disappears and no one knows where she is," Eric added.

"She's home every night for supper," Belle said, "We've had no issues or concerns with her whatsoever. The only concern I had was her overworking without a break. She takes her responsibilities very seriously."

"Is she happy?" Ariel asked.

"I believe so, for the most part. But, Melody doesn't outwardly express her feelings very well. John is very similar so I have to ask him questions to gauge what is going on in his head. But although you ask questions, they're very selective with what they share. Melody has an entire world of emotions going on inside of her and she needs to feel comfortable enough with her surroundings and herself to truly be her genuine self," Belle leaned back in her chair.

"Do you think that we did something wrong?" Eric asked, looking at Ariel with guilt in his eyes.

"Heavens no! I believe you've done all of the right things. She wouldn't have been able to flourish if it weren't for you. She's smart, responsible, empathetic, and slowly I've seen her become more assertive when left to make decisions on her own. She will generally make the right ones or she will learn from her mistakes quickly and change the course of action. It's all you can ask for. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Melody, the woman- and I'd like you both to be able to do that as well."

"So, what do we do?" Ariel asked.

"It's time to let her go so that she can come back to you," Belle told them firmly.

Ariel and Eric looked at each other.

"We don't know her anymore," Ariel cried.

"Melody!" she heard her name called out again. She was afraid to turn right into another complaint. It was Tristan, he lifted her off the ground and gave her a big hug. She hugged him back tightly, remembering how he smelled and how much she adored him. He placed her back down and gave her a twirl.

"Look at you, dressed like a proper lady in a coat and everything," he joked.

"Shut up," she laughed and pulled away.

"Looks like you've been doing an amazing job here, wow," he said, looking around.

"How is Celia doing?" she asked.

"Oh, she's awake now! She's so much better. She migrated south for the winter. She'll be back in four or five months," he said, trying hard to sound happy.

"That's wonderful news!.. Hey, no- no don't put that there!" Melody shouted at someone moving a statue around in the town center.

"Melody!" Ariel popped up beside Tristan.

"Oh, hi, mom," she said and smiled.

"We want to help you in any way we can," Ariel told her.

"Oh, that's okay, I can meet you back at the castle in a few hours," Melody told her.

"No, we really want to help," Ariel insisted.

"Alright, Tristan, Emmett is around here somewhere- oh, he's right there, can you go ask him what he needs? He's fixing carts, setting up the stage, clearing out trash, that sort of stuff," Melody told him. Tristan nodded and went off to help Emmett.

"Darling, you're so beautiful," Ariel gushed at her only daughter.

"Mom, can you look at this activity schedule for the next two days and see if it makes sense?" Melody handed her mother a bunch of papers.

"Oh, sure," Ariel said, "So, what am I looking for?"

"Make sure no one is listed more than once on the same day and that the times don't overlap," Melody said.

"Sure, I can do that," Ariel looked through the papers eagerly, "Melody so, you and Emmett-?" Ariel realized that Melody had walked away to tend to something else.

Melody went to the administration hall and pull out a list of vendors and entertainers who needed to be paid. She wanted to add a few people from town who were doing substantial work without being asked. When she went back out, she ran into a tall, dark presence.

"Hello Alexander," she told him and walked around him.

"Library is closed until Monday," he told her, following behind her.

"That's great. How can I help you?" she didn't bother looking up at him.

"Does working here pay?" he asked her.

"Yes, it does," she told him, walking up to Ariel.

"Where do you need me?" he asked.

"Everything looks good here," Ariel told her, handing her the schedule back, "You may want to account for the time people are getting on and off the stage. Five minutes in between each?" Melody nodded in agreement. "Oh, hello," Ariel smiled at the large, scruffy man. Alexander only stared at her, looking her up and down.

"Alexander, this is my mother, Ariel," Melody said robotically, "Go, help my brother, Tristan, over there with the red hair." Alexander soon left, and Melody added his name to her list along with Emmett and some others.

"He's an interesting person," Ariel said as she watched him walk away, "Is he a mute?"

"No, he's just rude," Melody sighed and stretched her back a bit.

"Melody, why don't you take a break? Want me to get you a hot chocolate? If I remember correctly the baker here in town center makes yummy ones," Ariel asked her.

"Sure, that sounds really nice. Thanks, mom," Melody smiled at her. Melody noticed that Emmett and Tristan were joking and laughing as some young women passed by smiling at them.

"Hey! Get to work!" She shouted at them and they both froze before bursting out into laughter. Melody watched as Alexander approached them and said a few words to Tristan. Tristan nodded and smiled at him while Emmett became stern and serious. She had no clue what they were saying to each other. Emmett pointed at the stage and said a few words to him and then pointed at the classroom and Alexander took off.

It wasn't long before Ariel was back with two hot chocolates in hand and handed one over to Melody.

"Can we sit somewhere?"

"Sure, we can sit right here at the edge of the fountain," Melody told her, walking a few steps and sitting down.

"This is so amazing, Melody. Are you enjoying it?" Ariel asked as they sat.

"Yes! I mean, it's stressful but it's very satisfying," Melody said, not realizing how much she needed to just sit.

"So, you and Emmett-"

"It didn't work. He's with someone else. A woman here from town, the butcher's daughter," Melody looked down at her lap.

"How does that make you feel?"

"Not great, but it's my fault it all happened the way it did," Melody said.

"Things happen that are nobody's fault- it's just life," Ariel reassured her, "He seems to look over at you a lot."

"You think so? I notice sometimes but he's just a nice person. He's like that with everyone so it's hard to tell. I've been so busy lately I've hardly spoken to him over the last month," Melody looked at Emmett and Tristan and smiled to herself. "He got me these gloves last week, they're so nice."

"Maybe you should talk to him and explain how you feel," Ariel encouraged her.

"Emmett is wanting to be with someone he can marry. I'm not ready for that yet and besides, Dad would never allow it even if I wanted to. I don't want to hurt Emmett," she frowned.

"Me want work! Me help!" Tristan grunted, suddenly appearing in front of the two of them. Emmett was beside him and erupted into laughter.

"What?" Melody laughed, not understanding their joke.

"He's imitating Alexander," Emmett chuckled.

"That's not a nice thing to do at all!" Ariel scolded him, which made them laugh some more. Melody looked at Alexander taking the stand-up wooden board with the children's drawings on it out of the classroom by himself. She felt bad for him for a moment, he didn't bother anyone- that she noticed. He mostly just kept to himself.

"Can the two of you give him a hand, please? I asked him to help you so we can all finish sooner," Melody told them. Emmett nodded, silently apologizing.

It was fifteen minutes to Five when two royal carts pulled up into town.

"I wonder who that is," Ariel said aloud.

Melody watched as Lauren hopped out of the carriage and darted over to Emmett, giving him a big hug. Emmett looked thrilled and surprised, watching his family come out one by one, and he hugged each of them, his mother the longest. He soon got in the carriage with the rest of his family, and they headed off toward the castle.

"Great job, everyone!" Melody called out from the town center, "Let's wrap up for the day and continue bright and early tomorrow. Melody noticed Tristan was already chatting up some girls.

"How is it that everybody loves him?" Melody shook her head in disbelief. Alexander walked by her and didn't say a word, he did look at Ariel as he passed.

"He has some gaze," Ariel felt warm and flushed.

"I know. Don't look at him for too long," Melody warned her, "It'll get you into a lot of trouble."

"I think this is our carriage," Ariel said, opening the door of the second carriage that was empty. Ariel, Melody, and Tristan all got in, and it started moving toward the castle.

"Goodbye, ladies," Tristan blew a kiss out of the carriage window.

"Gosh- I forget how annoying you are," Melody told him.

"Likewise," he smiled at her. Ariel tried to hide a giggle. She loved seeing both of her children together and getting along. She knew they really cared for each other.

"Mel, will you be coming back with us when we leave?" Tristan asked her bluntly.

"Uhm, I don't know. I haven't given that any thought," she said, looking down at her lap. It made sense that they expected her to leave with them.

"It's alright, darling, you don't have to decide that right now," Ariel said warmly. Melody rested her head against the window and looked out to the streets as they passed. She'd be leaving so much behind. "What are you thinking?" Ariel asked her, remembering what Belle had told her earlier.

"Nothing," Melody smiled, "I was wondering what we're having for dinner." Ariel knew she wasn't being honest. She wished Melody could be as open with her as she was with Belle.

The dinner table was so much more lively with Emmett's family and Melody's family there. Emmett regretted sitting where he did, right next to Adam, who was at the head of the table and across from Eric. Tristan was next to him and John across from Tristan.

"How did all of the men end up on one side of the table?" Adam joked loudly, slapping his hand down on the table as he laughed. Emmett was a little terrified of Adam.

"You probably scared them off!" Tristan laughed which made Adam laugh even louder.

"Me? Weren't you just a fish just yesterday?" he said to Tristan, "They can probably just smell you!"

"Adam!" Belle shook her head at him and he ignored her, enjoying his banter with Tristan.

"The food here is amazing," Emmett added, unsure of what to say.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Adam asked sternly, "Did you expect it to be bad? Subpar? I'm glad it's to your liking."

Emmett sighed and looked down at his food nervously.

"Dad, stop," John chuckled, noticing how uncomfortable Emmett was.

"What?" Adam laughed, "You have to lighten up." He said to Emmett. Emmett nodded, not planning on saying anything else for the rest of dinner.

"I think it's okay at best," Tristan said smugly.

"Tristan!" Ariel scolded him and Adam laughed.

"Your mommy is going to beat the ginger off of you, brat," Adam whispered to Tristan. "No Holiday gifts for this one," Adam said to Eric, pointing at Tristan. Eric chuckled but wasn't too interested in Adam's jokes. "Let us men go out later tonight, huh? How about it, George?! Like old times but now each with men of our own!" Adam said proudly.

"I have a surprise for everyone, leave room for dessert," Belle told them eagerly once the dinner plates were being collected. Everyone stood up from their seats and followed Belle into the great room.

"Emmett," Eric called out to him, "Could I speak to you for a moment?" Emmett nodded, but he was nervous.

"I'm not with Melody," Emmett told him.

"I know- I know, I just wanted to apologize," Eric replied apologetically, "I overreacted and I shouldn't have hurt you the way I did."

"Oh, it's alright. I expected it," Emmett said to him with a grin, hoping it would make Eric feel better. "I probably deserved it. I should've asked your permission first."

"No, I am leaving Melody's love life completely up to Melody," Eric said, "Whether that's with you or anyone. Being away from her the last few months and knowing she was upset with me has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with. Some nights I couldn't sleep wondering if she was okay."

"I understand. I worry about her often, myself. But, she's stronger than she appears," Emmett told him.

"I don't know what situation you're both in with each other or with other people but I just pray that you're both happy," Eric said sincerely, resting his hand on Emmett's shoulder. "Let's get back to everyone else."

The great room was a large, spacious sitting area with a giant fireplace and surrounded by tall, elegant windows. There was a piano and a harp and about seven or eight different couches and chairs and 3 or 4 small dining areas for teas or snacks. It was completely decorated in tasteful holiday decor and in the furthest corner was a 15 foot, freshly cut fir tree with what looked like dozens upon dozens of beautifully wrapped presents all around.

"I know the holiday isn't until next weekend but feel free to enjoy this room as much as you'd like and add your presents for each other under the tree. Name and label them well to avoid any mixups," Belle told them.

"This one has my name on it!" Lauren told her mother, "I can't wait to open it!"

Belle giggled to herself, wishing her children were young again and got us excited for the holidays as they used to. Servants soon brought out cake and hot chocolates for everyone, and they spent the rest of the evening telling stories near the fire, and at one point, an entertainer came in to play holiday songs on the piano.

After about an hour, Emmett noticed that Melody was gazing into the fire on the floor with her shoes off and feet in front of her.

"Hi," he said, sitting down beside her.

"Hi," she responded, feeling her heart flutter. He got to his knees and moved down toward her feet, placing one on his lap, he began to knead his fingers and palm onto her soles. "Oh, that feels wonderful," she told him, her arms propped up behind her and her head resting against her shoulder as she watched him.

"I'm glad. You're on your feet all day," he smiled, "It's nice to take a break every once in a while."

"When this festival is over, I'm going to sleep for three days in a row and nobody better wake me," she joked. She stared quietly at the fire, enjoying her foot massage.

"What's on your mind?" he asked her. He could tell they were getting some looks and whispers from the family, but he didn't care.

"I was just thinking about how I haven't had time to get presents this week. It would have been the perfect week because of the vendors in town," she thought aloud.

"Well, you still have two more days. Tomorrow while you double check that everything is in order in the morning, see what's around. Bring a bag or a sack, I can help you if you'd like," he smiled.

"Did you finish your holiday shopping?" she asked him. He nodded.

"I have to wrap everything and put it under the tree but it's all back at my place," he said, moving to her next foot. Melody felt suddenly warm, having him touch her made her insides quiver. She gazed at him seductively and Emmett could feel the sudden sexual tension flowing from her body to his.

"Alright, gentlemen, let's go!" Adam bellowed, and the men in the room began to get up.

"Have a nice night," Emmett said to Melody, placing her feet back on the rug gently, "I'll see you tomorrow."

Ariel knocked on Melody's door late that night.

"Are you awake?" Ariel opened the door to find a sleepy Melody resting in bed.

"Kind of," Melody yawned, "Come in."

"I know it's late but I wanted to give you something that came for you at the castle."

Ariel sat beside Melody on her bed and handed her four sealed envelopes.

"Letters?... From Emmett?" Melody sat up and began to open the first one, she then stopped and looked at her mother.

"Sorry," Ariel said, "I'll let you read them."

"It's okay, you can stay. I just wanted to say thank you for bringing these to me," Melody told her. Melody took a big sigh and opened the first letter.

Dear Melody, I hope you're doing well, wherever you are. Firstly, I would like to apologize for my behavior the night you came to see me and I asked you to leave. I didn't mean it and regretted it just five minutes later but had no way of letting you know. I keep replaying that night in my head and what could have happened, and it makes me sick to my stomach. Tonight is my second night in the city. I got selected for an apprenticeship with Marcellus Rohan. I'm not sure if you've heard of him but he's the famous sculptor who does all of the sculptures for the palace. I've been secured a place above the shoemaker in the south district. If you're ever this way, please, come see me. I'm sitting here alone in my room, and all I can think about is being with you and holding you. If I ever see you again, I don't think I could ever let you go. I have so many things to say to you- things that would be more appropriate to tell you in person. Hope that time comes again soon. Always thinking of you. Forever yours, Emmett.

Melody almost wanted to cry reading his words.

Dear Melody, Another week without you and I feel a deep hole in my heart. It's been almost a month since I last saw you, and it's felt like years. Time goes so slowly when you're not around. When I'm with you, it seems to last just a blink. I can't forget that incredible night we had together. I know it was as special to you as it was for me. I'd count the days until I see you again, but I'm scared I'll be counting forever. There's no one on this earth I'd rather be with than you. I'm sorry if I scared you off. I suppose I can be intense at times. If you get this, know I care about you and that I'm thinking about you. I hope to hear back from you soon. Forever yours, Emmett.

"Mom, I'm not sure if I can read any more tonight," Melody started crying. Ariel climbed into bed with Melody and held her in her arms while Melody cried against her mother's chest.

"It's alright, dear, everything will work out in the end," Ariel comforted her, stroking her back.

"He's with someone else, mom. It's so hard to be his friend when he goes home to someone else," she sobbed. The familiar warmth of her mother's body was comforting and Melody soon dozed off to sleep.

Ariel tried to make her way out of Melody's bed slowly, tucking her in and giving her a kiss goodnight.

"Where Melody? I wanted to talk to her," Eric asked as Ariel stepped outside of Melody's room and closed the door.

"She's asleep and you smell drunk," Ariel said to Eric, taking a whiff.

"I'm not, Adam spilled ale on me," Eric said, and Ariel giggled. "I feel like she's been avoiding me all day."

"She has a lot going on. Let's get you cleaned up," Ariel said to him, leading him to their bedroom.

Melody got to town by 7 am the next day, and there were hardly any people around on that Saturday morning. She was headed toward the administration hall but forgot that the stage would be blocking it for the next few days. She went to the main classroom to find all of her papers neatly organized around the desk the same way she had them in the hall.

She smiled at herself and wondered who it could've been who kept her items so neat. She started making a list of things that needed to be done before the celebrations started at 11 am. By 8 am Melody checked the town center and noticed that vendors began setting up their carts all around the center and up the North, East, South and West roads. No one was complaining yet, no one calling out her name. She only had a few short items on her list, the main one being for Emmett. She wondered where he was. She turned back toward the classroom and bumped against someone who was coming toward her.

"Oh, I'm sor-" she stopped and looked up at the warm green eyes and blond hair that drove her crazy, "Emmett! Good morning!"

"Hi Mel, how did you sleep?"

"Great! I was just looking for you," she said.

"You were?" his face lit up.

"Yes, I need you to make signs for everything. Pretty ones, the way you do on the board sometimes in that pretty script," she asked him.

"Sure," he said, not as eagerly as she would've hoped.

"It's the last thing, I promise," Melody told him.

"I'll do it on one condition," he said.

"Oh, no- What's that?" she smiled.

"Come holiday shopping with me at Nine," he grinned.

"I have so much to do! I really can't," she said.

"Like what? We've done it all. Look around- decorations are hung. There are no broken carts, we moved the stage, there are decorations everywhere- everything is done, Mel!" he exclaimed with pleading eyes.

"What if something happens?"

"It's only three corners in each direction. How's this, why don't you and I inspect that the vendors who have carts up the roads are following the rules and making sure that their areas are kept neat and tidy?"

"That sounds like a very important thing we have to do," Melody nodded her head with a stern face, "We'll leave as soon as you're done with the signs."

Emmett had never worked so fast in his life. He made a large bulletin that had the schedule for the next 2 days on it. He then made smaller signs that let people know what was happening in that area such as, arm-wrestling, ice sculpting, storytime, face painting, and snowman contest.

He showed up to the classroom just minutes before nine to find Melody doing an inventory.

"All done?" she asked him.

"Let's go," he winked, "I brought a large bag." She giggled.

It was nice to have Emmett walk with her up into the north district where they had more extravagant, expensive items. The citizens there were known to earn more money and hold aristocratic positions within the palace. The vendors who were strategically placed in that zone sold more expensive goods. On the way up the north road, Melody found beautiful handmade emerald earrings for her mother, a white silk dress and bonnet for the baby, and a jeweled pocket knife for Elizabeth. On the way back down to the town center, she found a lovely jeweled hairbrush and comb set for Lauren and a mirror for Alice.

"What does Hugh like?" Melody asked Emmett. As they walked, their arms would graze naturally, and each time it did, Melody felt warm.

"Hugh? You don't have to get him anything," Emmett said and Melody laughed.

"Don't worry, your gift will be nicer than his," she told him.

"You don't have to get me anything either. I owe you so much," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked, "You don't owe me anything."

"I know it was you who set up the apprenticeship and got me here," he said, staring at her, waiting for her reaction.

"Oh, well, I knew it was important to you. It was the least I could do after the way I treated you. I just didn't think I'd be staying in town for so long," she admitted.

"Well, I'm glad you did," he said bashfully and placed his hand around her waist as they walked. Melody could have melted right there. As they neared the town center again, Melody was nervous to have people in town see her with Emmett that way so she began pulling away.

"Wow, it's getting busier," she told him, "It's only ten past nine."

"We only have three more roads to explore!" he cheered.

"Where did you get these gloves for me? They're so warm. I want to get a pair for my mother," she told him.

"At a fine leather shop, right up here in the West district," he said, as he led her over in that direction.

The vendors of the West district sold more practical goods. You could find all things leather: boots, saddles, belts, and furniture. There were also wool, lambskin rugs and blankets, and weapons of all types and varieties. She found a knife and Spanish leather sheath for Adam and bought a leather journal with a beautiful intricate pattern carved into the cover for John.

"You're selecting some great items," Emmett told her as they headed back to the town center.

"Thank you for asking me to do this. I feel like I haven't taken a break in a long time," she said.

"You're a very dedicated person," he gushed, wanting to say more but holding himself back.

"It's been great getting to know you over the last couple of months. You've been such a tremendous help," she looked up at him as they walked, and he looked down at the ground. Neither of them were able to hold eye contact with each other for very long.

"That night when you came by and I told you to leave," Emmett told her, "I've never regretted anything more in my entire life."

"No, don't regret anything. I really deserved it. If you hadn't done that neither of us would be here right now, doing all of these great things. It's a whole new life!" she said cheerily.

"Mel, I want-" he started.

"Oh, honey roasted peanuts!" She rushed over to a vendor and asked for 2 small bags. She took off her gloves and placed them in her pocket and then handed a bag to Emmett. "These are my favorite! They're best when they're warm."

"I've never had them this way," he said, swinging the sack of presents over his shoulder and pouring peanuts into his mouth with his free hand.

"Aren't they good?" she asked, lost in her excitement.

"Yes, very," he laughed, entertained by her.

The Eastern side of the road was more artistic. There you could find pottery, blown glass, sculptures, artwork, and small trinkets.

"I can bend this metal into the shape of anyone's name," a tall, strong woman told the couple.

"Oh! I'll take two, please! One that reads Lauren and one that reads Hugh with a 'gh' at the end," Melody explained.

"Hugh will like anything with his name on it."

"Give me ten minutes," the woman said. They continued to walk up the East Rd. Melody had just finished her peanuts by then and poured the last of the remaining sugar into her mouth.

"Come here," Emmett laughed as he pulled her near. She wasn't sure what he'd do, but she wanted him to do anything and everything he wanted to her. Emmett extended his hand and brushed the crumbs off her coat, "You're so messy!"

"Oh, no! I can't eat anything!" she laughed. Their laughter died down and Emmett found himself staring into her eyes. He brought his hands to her face and brushed a few crumbs off her chin before touching a thumb to her bottom lip. She knew for sure he'd kiss her. If he kissed her, she'd know he was her and would always be hers, she thought.

"Hey, lady!" the woman who made the names called out to the couple from a street block down.

As they walked back down the East road, Melody had an uncontrollable urge.

"What did you get Rachel for the Holidays?" Melody asked, feeling the lump in her throat appear.

"I didn't get Rachel anything," Emmett told her, glad she was asking.

"Really? You're such an early shopper. Why not?"

"I'm not with Rachel anymore," he said simply. Melody felt her heart drop.

"Since when?"

"Since the day after the night we all went to the pub," he told her, "She's a nice girl, just not the one for me." Melody felt as if she could do a backflip from glee.

They picked up the names and placed them in the sack. They began walking back down to the town center.

"I'm sorry to hear about you and Rachel," Melody lied.

"No, you're not," he laughed and wrapped his arm around her waist again, more tightly this time. Melody rested her head against his arm as they walked. Her heart was racing uncontrollably and nothing else mattered in the world.

"Aren't the two of you picture-perfect," Andrew smiled at them as he came around the corner from the south district. Melody pulled away from Emmett again, embarrassed. "It's okay, princess, I won't tell anybody."

"Are you working today, Andrew?" Melody asked, seeing him out of his uniform.

"Not this weekend but I do have to work the Holiday next week," he told her.

"Well, I hope you enjoy the festivities!" she told him as they walked away.

"See ya later!"

"I can't believe you used to like him," Emmett said to Melody.

"What?! Who told you that?!" she shrieked with nervous laughter.

"Elizabeth did, the day we arrived at the palace for your birthday."

"Oh, Emmett, it's quarter to ten," she stopped him, "I need to be back around ten thirty to prep the entertainment." The town center was already busy and crawling with people walking about and shopping. Children built snowmen while men shoveled snow into a big pile for them.

"Have time for one more district?" he asked, "I'll have you back before ten thirty for sure."

"Let's go!"

The South road had all of the best food: artisan cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, cured meats, pickled vegetables, and jams. Melody got a box of exported fine chocolates for Belle and a crate of fine wines for George.

"Can you deliver these to the palace, please? Tell the guard that it's for Princess Melody and they will handle it," Melody instructed them.

"What about your father?" Emmett asked.

"Oh, I forgot about my dad. I'll find something for him at some point," she shrugged as they continued to walk.

"Oh, I want these shortbread cookies!" her eyes went wide.

"I'll get them for you," Emmett offered, he took out a few coins and bought a dozen.

"I can carry them," she said as nothing else fit in the sack.

"My place is a couple of corners down if you want to drop this stuff off there. I can send a carriage up to the castle with it later," Emmett suggested.

"That's a great idea! I wouldn't want to lug that around the festival."

Melody felt more at ease walking the streets with Emmett as people watched or waved at her. They had started to become well known in town. Emmett was popular in the south district, she realized, as people greeted him or shouted his name from a distance.

"I'll run upstairs and drop this off. I'll be back down," he told her, as he unlocked the door to his place.

"Sure, I'll wait here," she smiled at him. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment, and Emmett suddenly felt like an idiot.

"Do you want to come up?" he asked her. She nodded.

Emmett opened the door and let her lead up the stairs. He ran his fingers through his hair, stepped in and then locked the door behind them.

"It's very tidy," Melody said once she reached his place. Emmett raced behind her and placed the sack of gifts on a chair. He watched as she took off her gloves and coat and he took off his. Emmett walked over to her boldly and crushed his lips on her lips.

Melody gave a sharp moan and parted her lips, letting his tongue explore the inside of her mouth. He picked her up as they kissed and led her to the wall near the stairs, crushing her against it as he devoured her completely.

"I've been wanting to do that since I saw you in town last month," he panted against her lips in between kisses.

"You took so long," she huffed, wrapping her arms around his head and her legs around his waist.

"I know, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he kissed her fiercely down her chin and to her neck, "My sweet, sweet, princess."

"I've missed you so much," she pulled him into her neck by his hair as she breathed heavily.

"I know, I know, I've been dying without you!" He kissed the tops of her chest and then moved back to her lips.

"You're the only one for me, I swear it," she whispered, pushing his head back down into her chest.

"Heavens, your body drives me wild," he growled, pulling down her neckline and revealing two soft, full breasts.

"Suck on them, suck on them," she encouraged him, kissing him on his temple. He lifted her up higher against the wall and brought her breasts level to his mouth. "Ooohh!" she moaned, feeling his hot tongue wrapped around her breasts, sucking on them aggressively and then nibbling on her nipples with his teeth.

"I've missed these breasts," he panted against her skin. He brought her back down to the floor gently and Melody immediately grabbed between his legs, feeling his rock-hard firmness with her fingers. She dropped to her knees, lifted the band above his waist and undid his pants. She whipped his warm flesh out of his underwear and spat on it before giving it a few hard strokes with both hands.

"Ooohh!" Emmett jolted a bit, staring down at her in disbelief. Melody looked at him and grinned as she ran her tongue from the bottom of the shaft up to the tip. Emmett's body shuddered as he tried to balance himself with his palms against the wall. She then licked her lips and wrapped her entire mouth around his head and sucked on it roughly.

"Oh, that feels so good," he huffed, "Oh, Mel- ahh." She loved hearing his moans.

"Shove it in my mouth, make me choke," she told him, looking up at him with her innocent blue eyes. Emmett furrowed his brows, the request sounded a bit intense for him. "Make me swallow it, Emmett," she begged, with her wet tongue hanging out of her mouth.

Emmett slid himself inside her mouth and went in and out inch by inch. Melody grabbed his hips and pulled him toward her, forcing him to hit the back of her throat.

"Oh! Yes!" he called out, the warmth of her mouth was almost as good as being inside of her folds, he thought. Melody bobbed his head against him, almost able to fit all of him in her mouth.

"Grab my head, choke me," she told him after pulling away for a second and then opening up wide again. Emmett grabbed her head and thrust his hips against her face, feeling the back of her throat tighten over his head. All he could do was try to catch his breath. Melody reached up and grabbed his testicles, cradling them lightly in her palms.

"Oh, yes, that's nice," he whispered, turned on by her soft moans and whimpers against his member. He suddenly stopped and pulled out of her completely.

She just stayed on her knees and panted, smiling at him devilishly as she wiped her mouth. She knew she had almost made him finish. The ten o clock bell rang.

"What can we do in 20 minutes?" she asked him.

"Everything," he smiled. He walked over and lifted her to her feet, landing a deep wet kiss on her mouth.

"You're the most beautiful woman in the world," he touched her cheek tenderly.

"I need you to explain to me why I'm so wet," she asked him coyly. She sat down on the bed, pulled her pantalettes down and spread her legs. Emmett grinned and ran a hand up her thigh slowly.

"Wow, it's coming down your leg," he said as he neared closer to her center. Emmett touched the warm folds of her body and stuck a finger in.

"Mhh," she moaned.

"It's very wet," he looked puzzled, he pulled his finger out, and his fingers and hand were covered in blood. "You're bleeding!"

Melody's eyes went wide as she stared at the blood and then the worried look on his face.