Here is another chapter….

I grinned as Princess Shaylee left the hall. As I grin did so the temperature of the room falls a little. Even in the dim light of the hall none saw my bared teeth. It was a Cheshire grin of sorts, the kind that was so wide it was more as if I had wanted to eat everyone rather than say hello.

Time is precious, time will not lie, this you can't deny. As long as time is concerned. People will come and unfairly go. Time won't stop in this cruel world. Friendless and haunted, no time for love, no time for anything.

I argued, "My Queen,"

She snapped back, "I do not understand your increasing aversion to the ball, was it not you who suggested it?"

"She is much too young to marry, you seem to be rushing her into this. I worry she is too young and might perhaps make an un-wide choice in a mate," I was out of ideas and the bloody ball was in hours. I was already tired from my journey, we found none alive after the Dark Prince sunk the so-called unsinkable Titanic. The seas were littered with the dead, none have understood why he would attack the ship but who are we to try and understand that filth.

She moved to stand as Levi and Barachel gave me looks of warning, "We all have to have the same faith in her, she is wise and will find the most suitable mate," but she was smiling taking her leave to ready for the ball. I just fumed about snapping on Ophir and Keziah, I head for the underground.

The spiral staircase leading me into dim darkness, my training area was allotted to me by the Queen. It was filled will candles and other useful things to help me, help me build myself into a strong leader.

My thoughts so jumbled as I punch so many times over the wooden figure. I think, how is it that just a thought can bring long-buried emotions and stir what was settled? I guess that's why folks say to leave things be, to not go walking into the past so blindly. But what else is there to do when the way forward is the way back? Perhaps though it is just selfishness to return, to make others feel what was healthier for them to forget?

It wasn't until Gale walked in dressing to perfection that I sighed, my body feeling like I took on a horde by thy self. "Commander, the ball has begun. You failed to escort the Queen,"

My body rushed from the room taking the stairs as fast and blurred as possible, I just clothe myself before having to enter the ball. "Commander come we will need to arrive before the guest of honor, speaking of the Princess she was looking for you she needed words," Helena smiled and I so wanted it to touch me, she was going to be my wife.

"I must speak with the Queen, I failed her and must beg her forgiveness," but she just takes my hand. "Of course, but enter head held high," it was grand, every leader and a few others wait with bated breath for our Princess to arrive. The food laid out in long rows, the room was transformed into a dream.

A low sigh escaped my lips as I stood in front of Queen Lenore, "My sincerest apologies, I left to train and time had wasted. I never would have left you un-guarded my Queen," she just smiled like I had not failed her.

She spoke low, "Commander, all is well. My daughter should be arriving momentarily, and can you see them how they wait and watch for her. I distrain she might not find a mate, Draco looks suitable and strong," her finger pointing at the beefy man,

"He will suit her well enough, just be watchful he sees more than her title," I offered letting it go, she was not mine, Helena was.

I watched and moved through the crowd, taking with Hager, Fin, and our Queen. "Aye my Queen," but right after those words the double oak doors opened and it seemed right then everything moved in slow motion. I couldn't bear to look her in the eyes as she was framed in the sparkling light, she was far beyond a man like me. Ophir spoke in a baritone voice "May I introduce Princess Shaylee," pride was seen in his face, in the set of his eyes when he glanced at the Princess, in the woman she became in front of us all.

Loud applause filled every space it vibrated on every surface as she gave this weak but elegant smile at her guests. Her voice was soft like down feather, "Thank you all for coming to the ball, I know you've all come from all ends of the globe to attend," she strode through the room, it seemed every male was seeking her hand other than Hager and Fin, and myself, of course, we three knew she would never gaze at us in such a loving way.

My eyes watching sourly at the men she conversed with, I and the Queen are happier my brother was not here. He was not a very good ruler, never coming to the meetings always sending another in his stead. She told me, "My friend, I think it be best if Brice was demoted to a more suitable role. We can locate a proper replacement," and I had agreed with her with everything that I was.

I drink just watching her with a smug smile as she sent them all away staying with Kylie, you could see them whispering when Ophir walked to me leaving Lady Keziah after he had spun her across the floor. His tone jovial for a gargoyle-like him, "You should dance with the Princess, you were her champion and the reason she is now not wed to Naul." He was right as I depart heading towards her, but Draco takes my place with Ophir.

Kylie was chatting with her, her hand placed reassuringly on the Princesses shoulder when I cut in. "May I have this dance Princess Shaylee?" it must have come as a shock as her face gave it away. "Of course, Commander," handing Kylie her flute glass we strode off my hand in hers. Her body so close was welcoming, when it was us together in this little bubble her body was soft and colored like cream. Her scent was heaven to me, it was home.

The warmth was spreading over us with my hand on her hip and her's wrapped around my neck, her other was tangled with mine as we swayed to the melody coming from the piano and harp as the music they made intertwined together.

Alerting her, "You look like an angel my Princess. I have watched you turn many a man away tonight. Have none caught your attention?" her face was torn in frustration.

Answering me, "Thank you, Commander, you look very dashing tonight. They only care about my title, not me, but mother may have seen this factor." Her tone might say this is a lighthearted sentence, but it was not as such.

"I am glad you approve of my appearance, Helena alerted me you were looking for my company earlier in the day. How may I help you?"

A change of tone, a new tone that I have never heard from her. I didn't like not knowing. "Yes, Helena alerted me she was heading to your chambers; I was seeking your counsel. I wanted to know why you have been in such an ill temperament as of late?" why the change in her tone, the way she held herself it now felt weaker.

I tell her the truth, "I have just been in a foul mood, this ball pushed me over the edge. I am sorry to have caused you any distress, Princess." I didn't look at her when I spoke, my eyes far off looking at the Queen who had been looking at us dancing as she was walking our way, our time was at an end.

"My child please come, I need to have words with you," Queen Lenore smiled taking her daughter's hand, it took a little but she let go of my hand a small smile graced her face as I gave me a bow of my head.

I stay back with Helena as they together speak, Queen Lenore was beaming, and at that my heart crumbled to dust. "My daughter Princess Shaylee has found a life partner, Michael has blessed us. I will correspond with the man soon, you all may stay and enjoy the rest of the ball," I broke, anger rushed over me every nerve, every ounce of blood turned to fire as my goblet flew from my hand smashing against the silver and marron hangings that littered the stone wall. My body just carried me away, this was insane and how I just behaved was witnessed by many so I only hope Princess Shaylee's new was a distraction and that she would be happy.

I sit alone in the open alcove the crisp night air calming me, my eyes racking over the night sky seeing the guest departing after the ball. I turned an inch her scent was close even though her footfalls are not heard. She vented not noticing me as she walked past me. "Oh, this is very displeasing. I rather go live amongst the humans," her small face angry, it was adorable though.

My angry tone cut into her voice. "So, you have found someone?" knowing me deep voice made her stop "No, but for now it was enough to hold my mother at bay. I am unsure of how to proceed from here, but I must do what's right and marry. I just don't know who," I watch her face, she lied to her mother there was no mate as of yet.

I tell her, "After everyone leaves and everyone is in slumber come to me in the grand hall," vanishing out the alcove window, I sored into the night sky watching them leave and securing the castle before I walked the Queen to her chambers.

She was silent tonight, "Sleep well my Queen, you have a wedding to plan and we all know how you act with such tasks as planning," she beamed again. "I only wish Theo could see her, see her married to her mate," it stung as I pulled the Queen into a fierce hug, her arms holding on for dear life.

I whisper, "He sees her, and I know he will be at her wedding. The ones we truly love never leave us," after she took several deep shaky breathes, she kissed my cheek. "Thank you for all you do,"

I helped her into her bed and waited for her to fall asleep, it was a rough night and in truth, Theo should be here to see her, see the way she grew and who she was going to wed.

I wait for her to arrive, never thinking this was harder on her to leave her chambers than myself. But next to me is a long lavender package for her, a new blade she had stopped aging and her old blade didn't fare well in a major battle. But this one was the very best as our Princess could only have the very best. I noted her pale periwinkle blue gown flowed in waves as she walked through the large oak doors,

I was seated on the bench waiting everything framed in the rosy glow of the candles. I stand once she moves closer not able to tear my eyes from her, "My Princess, please sit. Let us start we only have a short amount of time; I would also like to teach you some fighting skills. Your wellbeing is always a high priority," trying to make my tone more positive and welcoming to her.

She was amazing the way she played and learned left me in awe, she never halted just kept playing making beautiful music for any to hear. I smile how could I not seeing her so filled with a zest for life. Finally, I talk to her, "I have no more to teach you about music, my Princess. You have exceeded in these lessons. Please stand," she did without complaint or hesitation when most would have.

"I know Keziah and Ophir have done an excellent job with their teachings, but I would also like to help. I want you to take this very seriously as you have done with your music lessons, is this what you wear while you train?" while I talk my body circled her my eyes moving over her, her nightgown was not fit to fight in.

"Yes, Commander Gideon this is my attire while I train. You must battle in what you would normally be accustomed to wearing, I always wear royal gowns as my mother does, we don't dress as the warriors do, but we train like them. I will, of course, take this with the same demeanor as I take any one of my many lessons." Her tone was firm but gentle, she was right.

"You're correct my Princess; this will be suitable for you to wear. I have a gift for you," I presented her with a light purple box, she tore into it with childlike wonder the tissue littered the floor as she held the new shimmering blade. But something changed in her face in the set of her eyes when her eyes flickered up to mine.

"I had it made for you, Princess Shaylee. It will suit you better than the one I had gotten you, I should have given it sooner, but I rather not have my Princess in battle. But I see it is bound to happen with or without me wanting it, use it well," being open with her, or with anyone was very hard. But she flung herself at me, her arms so warm and tight as she just squeezed me tight.

"I love it, thank you so very much Commander. I will treasure it, as I had my other," her body moved as she blushed at her lack of control.

"Now let us begin," my blades are out knowing to take it very easy on her.

We began, it was light at first then it turned serious as I was trying to make sure she was able to defend myself against a demon hoard. I was pushing her too hard, in no instance would she be attacked by a horde, but I slammed her back with great force, the heat of the moment caught up with me. my heart stopped seeing her already fragile body impact the pillar. The way her body crumbles to the stone floor, her eyes rolled and fluttered close because of my idiotic self.

She is breathing, and Maiden Rosa healed her head before I told her I would take the fallen Princess to her chambers. But it was but a lie she was now resting in mine where I could watch her until I was sure I had not damaged her to bad. I just sit in my chair head in my hands cursing myself, I knew not to push her in such away. But instead I did and now she was hurt, I failed her at every turn.

Was muttered, "Where am I?" her tone was weak.

Alerting her, "I took you to my chambers, Princess, I shouldn't have pressed you so hard on your first lesson. I am so sorry Shaylee, I would never hurt you, never, you must understand. When you fell unconscious my heart stopped beating, you looked like death had taken you, only after I felt your heart still beating did I take you first to Maidan Rosa where she healed your wound, I brought you here to make sure you healed well," pouring real emotions out to her.

"Thank you, Commander Gideon, I don't blame you at all, I was going to get hurt while training. It is just a part of the learning process," she placed her cold hand atop of mine. She was foolish to forgive a lower being like me.

Giving her a withering look, "You are far too forgiving, I don't deserve it," she leaves my bed needing to return to her chambers.

She was still weak as she stumbled but my arms wrapped around her keeping her upright, our bodies so very close, I was about to risk everything that I had worked so very hard for. Our faces inched closer she might not understand what I was about to do. But Michael put a halt to it by a rattling knock to my chamber door. I looked back at it but our bodies didn't move from the other.

It was best, "I will need to answer that," sighing picking her up "Stay silent," leaving her in a bundle on my bed hiding her by closing the curtains.

Answering the door, "Commander Gideon, Queen Lenore needs you as soon as possible,' it was Gale, his face was impassive.

"I am on my way," shutting the door, I was still dressed and would only have a matter of a minute to get Princess Shaylee to her private room.

"We need to get you to your chambers without anyone seeing you, it is four in the morning. I don't want anyone thinking I have tarnished you before you wed," my voice was now serious, I made sure she wasn't seen.

"Thank you, Commander," she beams up at me. "It was my pleasure, my Princess, I must go your mother needs me. Sleep well," this was goodbye, at least to me. I would love her for an eternity and more, but she was not mine. I was her fathers' best friend and the Queens Guard, I hoped she would be happy in time. I just touch her cheek feeling the soft texture my lips touched her forehead before I walked away from her.

I left that very morning, an urgent matter in South America had me gone for days but only the meeting brought me home. I rather never return if honest, it is easy to not see her day in and day out, to see her happy with another. I did mention to Helena about retuning to Perth after our wedding and myself taking up the role of the clan leader, she agreed.

The Queen sobbed when I arrived and alerted her of this, "My Queen, I am not needed here any longer. I leave Gale, Levi, and Barachel in charge of you and you could not go wrong with them. I am going to marry Helena and return to Perth, I'm sorry, Lenore," it was firm but she could stop me, but she had a good heart and would never do such a thing.

She sobbed, "If that's what you desire," it wasn't at all.

I look at the door waiting for her to arrive, the meeting has already begun the food and drink sit as we wait for her to grace us. I knew as did the rest she was to announce her husband, I rather not be in attendance but here I sit.

She arrives as Gale gives me a nod of his head, "Thank you for coming my child," Queen Lenore stands to help her daughter to sit.

"It is my pleasure, mother. Thank you all for having me, let us get to the heart of the matter for my presence being requested," too much pressure was being placed on her, she body shakes like a leaf in a gust of wild wind.

"You are always welcome here, you normally come and give wise advice," Draco smiled at her. All agreed, and even I did she was wise and cunning a factor I loved.

"Shaylee my child, tell us the name of your future husband." Queen Lenore said her voice was gentle, full of love as her blue eyes bored into mine, She gazed back at her mother before closing her eyes bowing her head as if in prayer.

She stayed like this even as her words flowed from her lips, "I was waiting to make this decision. But I know Michael has put him in my path for a reason, it was fate. I Princess Shaylee have chosen a strong man; I could list all that I see in him, but we don't have time. I chose," she spoke of love, she had fallen for another and I was happy for her. She deserved that and much more, Keziah already knows who it is by the nod of her head, Ophir looks worried. And the rest look to be waiting with grand happiness, Draco was smug and knowing she probably chose him.

I will never forget her tone, the way her eyes opened and locked with my own. "I chose Commander Gideon of the Queens Guard," my heart stopped, I was in a dream that was the only logical conclusion to hearing her say my name. An eerie hush went over everyone, Keziah smiled, the Queen was too but with tears falling down her slender face.

With us all in either happiness, anger, or stuck in a dream the Princess vanished.

Fin slammed his glass down laughing, "Our beloved Princess, has made her decision. And I think it be the best, she will have a doting husband, a King, one who seeks not to rule but to guard and guild. Commander Gideon of the Queen's guard will do his all for our Princess," not everyone looked happy, but like clockwork, Queen Lenore pulled a thick book from her lap as Keziah sat close to her.

I heard whispering, from them as Draco spoke up. "My Queen, do you not think Commander Gideon is on the older side,"

She stood the book falling open, she had already started. "You know nothing of love, Draco. He is so much older than her but he has not aged since he reached twenty human years. He is your future King, granted he will never rule like Shaylee, you will show him respect as my angel has chosen him to be hers," I was in awe of her tone, the way she spoke for me.

She sat back down, "Now, the meeting is over as I have much planning to do,"

I was clapped on the back and hugged, but after all leave but Ophir and Keziah I speak on this. "You knew," her blue eyes tear me, open me in ways.

"I knew,"

Keziah smiled, "I knew too, everyone else didn't. Princess Shaylee never alerted either of us. It was the way you looked at her, how protective you became after she stopped aging. Last, was the way she looked at you,"

I do not think she could love me, but I could love her enough for both of us. I was the logical choice in a husband for her, I was loyal, strong, no desire to rule and her title meant she was mine to protect.

I leave them planning, I was soaring into the clouds without even flying.