Did everyone have a happy Easter?! I hope so. Mine was good.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed my first chapter! It means a freaking lot to me, I can't tell you all how much, especially because this story is new.

devil-she-cares: Thanks for reviewing! Here is your update. I hope you like it as well as the first.

Um, so there you go my lovely people. I wish there were more of you to THANK… maybe this chapter will win you guys over… -hint hint, nudge nudge-

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The air was crisp and gently cool to Sophia as she stepped out of her quaint home. It was the middle of October, and the fall smell of parched leaves and damp ground filled her nose bringing a smile to her face. The green trees in her little village of Tirgoviste were beginning to turn colors – rustic browns, deep reds, and regal goldens. She began down the narrow lane, pulling her light shawl tighter around her shoulders.

It was almost dusk; this was her 'free time', the hour her busy mother graciously let her have away from the confines of home, to allow her gather her thoughts and release her worries. Sophia usually protested, declaring that she didn't need the time, still her mother always insisted. However, today Sophia welcomed it.

Letting all her life's troubles fall to the back of her mind, she began to play the dream in her head again. She figured just because she didn't understand it, didn't mean she couldn't enjoy it. A faint hum found its way past her pleasantly curled lips and into the breeze. Her small, thin fingers played with her skirt while ever so many steps she would twirl in a circle, watching it billow out around her. The actions were very unlike her, if anyone had been watching, they would have thought her delirious… or in love.

She continued in her reverie until she got to her intended destination: the town fountain. The fountain itself wasn't anything special really; just like any regular fountain filled by a spring. What did make it special was the goblet that sat on its edge. Said goblet was made of solid gold and had the ruler's emblem stamped on it, that of an eerily watchful dragon. Supposedly, if anyone stole the valuable trinket he or she would be hunted down, the goblet confiscated, and then the thief killed by one of the numerous ways of the Prince's choosing.

So far, it had not been stolen.

Sophia sat on the fountain's edge, still lost in her daydreaming until the sound of a galloping horse caught her ears. She turned to see a graceful, black stallion moving towards her, kicking up dirt in its wake. A black-cloaked rider sat atop, flowing with the horse's movements. By the manner he rode and carried himself, she guessed he was a nobleman or a high-ranking officer… but couldn't tell for his hood was pulled low over his head. She got up from her seat, leaving a trailing hand on the fountain's edge as the mysterious rider neared, his horse slowing to a trot before stopping.

"Good evening my lord," she said as she dipped into a low curtsy, holding it momentarily then lifting herself up. He nodded in acknowledgement, the hood and darkening sky never betraying one of his features. "Would you care for a drink?" she offered him, after all, why else would he be at the fountain?

There was that discreet nod again, this time telling her 'yes' and she turned to fill the goblet. If she hadn't been preoccupied, she would have seen, by the setting sun, the glimmer of intent blue eyes and how they traced over her figure. She turned back and handed the goblet up to him, which he took, downing its entirety of clear water in seconds.

He must have been riding for quite some time, she mused to herself, seeing how thirsty he was. The stranger then handed the goblet back to Sophia and she set it in its proper place.

"To who do I owe this pleasure to?" he asked, his voice deep and rich but his tone was hushed.

She smiled upon hearing the sound of his voice for the first time and answered, "Sophia Shevich."

"And is it right to guess that you have lived here all your life?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord."

"Ah… and what do you think of your Prince?"

Sophia paused to think before answering. The question was a double-edged sword and definitely one you wouldn't answer with an opinion. To say he was a cruel man and a bad leader would be dangerous, especially because she didn't know if this man was for the Prince. But to say that he was a good leader would be overlooking many of the ruthless things he did, even to his own people… though some of them did view him as a savior from the Turks and others.

"Well," she went to answer. "I think that he does what he must and what he feels is best for the kingdom."

"Yes, of course, but do you have an opinion of him?"

She mentally winced, he wasn't giving up, but only confidence remained in her face. "I believe it hard to judge someone when you don't know them."

Her words, though serious, earned a rich chuckle and a brief clap from the stranger. "Well said! Well said!"

A beautiful smile formed on her lips but she was puzzled at what was so funny to him. There come a sudden rush of wind, chilling her all over and she pulled her shawl tighter. She instantly realized how very dark it had become how much and the temperature had gone down.

"I need to go, it's getting late," she told him.

"That is all right… it has been a pleasure," he said then he pulled the reins of the horse and kicked it in just the right manner so that it put its legs forward and bowed to her, even tossing its downward facing head.

She laughed and her vivid smile grew wider and brighter. At that, he nodded a farewell and rode off. She watched until he disappeared, concealed by the dark of night. That is when it hit her… he had never once given her his name.

I will probably never know, she thought, and then turned for home in a very strange mood.

Sophia arrived home in less than five minutes, although it took the rider an extra fifteen before reaching the castle stables, which was his destination. He rode in as the cloaked stranger but walked out, a prince.

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Well, that one was short… they DO get longer. I promise. We are just in the 'introductions'…sorta. Heh. Did anyone catch the legend in there? Hm? Okay, just in case you didn't, it was totally the goblet at the fountain. I pretty much explained the story about it IN the chapter. Yup.

Anyways, please review! I REALLY appreciate them.