Author's Note: Thanks to all the reviewers/PMers! I REALLY appreciate hearing from all of you! hugs and love! xoxo - E

P.S. Sorry it's so short, but it didn't make sense to not stop where it stops here. I'll try to get the next chapter up quicker than I did this one!

Rosaline

"The proof is before you, Escalus! What more could you possibly need?!"

"To accuse another prince of such a thing... if we're wrong it will mean war, Rosaline!"

"And if I'm right, and with witnesses from each household in the nobility, is that really a question at this point? But if I'm right, and you do nothing, not only will that prince still be out for your head, but you will be executing an innocent man. Oh. But you wont be at war, will you? I see how that's convenient for you, to just bury your head in the sand like that!"

"Rosaline-" He began warningly.

"What kind of Prince do you intend to be? The kind who shies away from justice because it might inconvenience him? The kind who kills innocent people because apparently you have to kill someone for this? Or maybe you're the sort of Prince who abuses his power to punish people for unrelated issues."

"Are you suggesting that I'd only kill the Montague because he fancies himself in love with you? Because you have decided that you love him now?!"

"I'm suggesting that I no longer know who you are, Escalus. I'm suggesting that I've just handed you the man causing chaos on your streets, a murderer, a man who wishes you dead and to wear your crown, and I've done so on a silver platter, and yet you still hesitate. That's not the man I once knew."

"The man you once loved." He corrected, with a haughty stare.

"Yes. Once. I won't deny it. I loved you. Deeply. But I am a different person than I once was. And so are you, Escalus."

"Why do you love him?"

"What?"

"Don't try to deny it. You thought the love letter I penned was from him and the moment you realized it was not you were terribly distraught. You thought he loved you in return, and that he was the one who wished to marry you. So now, all of a sudden, you're in love with the Montague. Why?"

"Is love really something that can be explained?" I asked, thinking about a pair of deep, dark eyes, staring into my soul and how safe they made me feel.

"Yes. I love you because you are kind, and beautiful, and smart, and you challenge me, and you push me to think about things. I love you because you are brave and sweet, because you are the one who makes my heart beat a little faster when I think of you. I can explain why I love you."

"I could probably explain why I loved you, too, Escalus. But that's just it... this thing between Benvolio and I... I can't explain it. He isn't the person I thought I'd end up with and not just because of his name. He and I, we were never meant to be together. But fates be damned because I can't be without him. He is the other half of my very soul. And while I can't explain it, I love him more deeply than I knew possible."

"More than me. That's what you're saying."

"Why are you making me say it? He is my betrothed. I love him, body and soul. And if you kill him for this folly, something he did not do, you can forget about Paris. I will bring you down myself. And I won't even have to work that hard to do it. A man who puts aside justice for personal gain is not a man that the people will support."

"You are threatening a Prince. A dynasty. I could have you arrested and thrown into a cell with your lovely betrothed."

"You could. Or you could do something about the person actually baying for your head and your crown, and you could let your loyal citizens be in peace. If you let him go, I have no quarrel with you, and I will do my part to help you bring down the true culprit and secure your reign." He rubbed his hand over his jaw, the way he did when he was confused.

"Rosaline-"

"Do you want me to beg? Do you want me to get on me knees and plead for your mercy? What do you want from me, Escalus? What can I do to secure his release?"

"You're too proud to beg, don't be absurd." He brushed off my impassioned outburst. In a moment, I was on my knees before him.

"Please, my prince. He is innocent. Free him. I beg of you." His eyes fluttered and he looked down at me, confused.

"You would beg for him?"

"I would do anything. Name your price for the freedom of an innocent man." We just looked at each other for a long time, as he contemplated my query.

"Marry me, Rosaline. Marry me, and I'll let him go."