Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Kiesha'ra series

Frog: Ok, version one of the final chapter. This is the one where Danica runs away with Zane. I tried to make both versions about the same length, and they both start out the same so that I cover some of the same important points. I like both of them, so here's the first.

All to soon, Danica's life seemed to go back to normal. With the exception of about five new bodyguards and Evalyn's absence, little had changed. The Avian Princess went back to dealing with peasant matters, and being the noblewoman she was expected to be.

Surprisingly, no one had been all that concerned when Evalyn didn't return with her. Danica guessed they had all expected the worst, and avoided mentioning it to her. In face, no one ever mentioned her kidnapping.

She knew the reason. Everyone assumed terrible things must have happened to her, and no one wanted her to relive any bad memories. However, the Avian Princess silently wished someone would at least show some interest. It was almost unsettling how indifferent everyone seemed about her abduction.

But there were some exceptions…

"Y-your highness! It is good to see you are in good health!" an elderly woman, mayor of a small town not far from the capital, sighed contently. She came by often to give reports on how the fishing was.

"Thank you. It is good to see you again as well," Danica smiled warmly.

"It has been such a relief to me that you are back, safe and sound," the woman mused, clasping her hands together as in prayer.

"Ma'am, if you would be so kind as to not mention that. It was dreadfully tragic for her ladyship."

Danica had to use all her restraint to not glare at Vasili as he entered the room. The elderly woman hung her head sheepishly.

"M-my apologies your highness," she murmured. The Avian Princess shook her head.

"It's alright," she gave her a reassuring smile.

"Would you please excuse us, madam?" Vasili asked, his tone almost disgusted.

"Of course, sir," the woman bowed and hurried out of the room.

"Dearest Danica!" Vasili's sour expression instantly turned to one of joy, "I have marvelous news!"

'You're going away to war?' Danica thought sarcastically, though she kept the look on her face pleasant and interested. She cocked her head at him a little, prompting him to go on.

"You parents have at long last given me your hand in marriage," he got down on one knee, extending a ring to her, "That is, if you will accept of course."

Danica's breath caught in her throat, and her thoughts suddenly went to Zane; subject that she had been trying her best to push aside. She had known this was going to happen ever since she returned, but she still felt unprepared for it. Needless to say, she was a tad speechless.

"Are my parents sure this is what's best for Avia?" she asked quickly. Vasili appeared taken aback that she hadn't said yes right away.

"Yes. They are. It is doubtful that anyone else will come to court you."

"But what about all the money used to get me back? Wouldn't it be better to wait a little longer? Just in case?"

A look of genuine surprise crossed his features, "No one has told you yet?"

Danica felt a knot develop in her stomach as she asked hesitantly, "Told me what?"

His face lit up again, "As it turns out, a member of the Black Serpent Assassins is incredibly loyal to Avia. They came to one of our generals in private with a plan. Once you were safely within our hands, our friend would cover up the fact that the money was never handed over, and that she had been attacked. It has worked wonders.

Danica's face went pale as she remembered Adelina's bitterness toward her, "I am afraid you have been deceived."

"What?"

"You…never received the other letter? The one that stated they would kidnap and even kill me if the money wasn't handed over?"

"Yes, we were aware of that. Why do you think your personal guard has increased so much? Besides, our inside friend assured us they would try to prevent that from going through," he gave her a reassuring smile and kissed her hand.

"W-what of the other woman that went with her?" the Avian Princess asked hesitantly, her voice quaking despite her efforts.

"We were told that our friend would take care of her as well."

"Charis…no…" Danica whispered.

"Milady?"

She looked back up at him, her eyes blazing, "That woman just so happened to be their leader's mother! Do you really think they'll let that go?! And your so-called "friend" probably wants me to get killed! That's the only reason they helped you!"

She stormed out of the room, leaving Vasili stunned and still unsure if she had accepting his proposal. She couldn't even make it all the way to her room, and locked herself in the parlor near the garden. She didn't want anyone to bother her right now. She then lay down on a couch and started crying softly. Time passed, and she eventually dozed off.

A clinking-like sound awakened her some time later. She sat up slowly, rubbing her now dry eyes. She looked around, and spotted who else but Zane sitting on a short cabinet, and rummaging through a box of precious trinkets. He looked up at her, and smiled faintly as he gently set the box beside him.

"You're a heavy sleeper for someone who recently got kidnapped. I've been as loud as I could," he teased.

Despite the fact that she was overjoyed to see him, she knew she couldn't show it, "What are you doing here?" she asked softly.

He shrugged, "Just thought I'd say hello. We haven't had the pleasure of seeing each other recently."

"Zane…" she sighed, knowing very well that there was more to it.

"I also came to congratulate you on your engagement," he added, unable to completely hid the edge of resentment in his voice.

"I…" she shook her head, sighing again, "I haven't actually given my answer to his proposal yet," Zane looked skeptical, "But I suppose it doesn't matter anyways…"

"Yeah…" he lowered his gaze, and stared contemplatively at the floor. That was when she noticed he was holding a neatly folded piece of paper.

"What's that?" Danica asked curiously, "Or do I want to know?"

This time Zane sighed, "So you aren't officially engaged to Vasili?"

She shook her head, "No. I am not…but I would imagine I will have to give my answer tomorrow…"

"Then we had best be going now," he jumped off the cabinet.

She raised an eyebrow at him, "We?"

A smirk crossed his face, and he handed her the paper, "You know the rules, don't you?"

She read the writing carefully, her eyes widening. Zane just continued to smirk, seemingly quite proud of himself.

"You're going to kidnap me again?!"

"With your permission, your highness," he bowed dramatically, "I know how much you hate being forced into these kinds of things. But keep in mind that we did not receive our payment for your safe return."

Danica looked away, "I'm sorry," she whispered. Zane's confident shield faltered for an instant.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. There was nothing you could have done."

She turned, staring at the window, and looked at the black night outside. She noticed the window was open. No doubt how he had gotten inside. Someone pounded on the door and she jumped with surprise.

Zane hurried over to the window, and looked back at her, "It's now or never, Danica."

She hesitated, but only for a breath, before going to his side. He gave her a loving, and somewhat thankful smile as he picked her up to help her out the window. The knocking on the door became louder, and a frantic shout of a guard calling his princess to make sure she was all right was heard.

Next came the sound of a key turning in the lock, and the door was pushed open. Adreios and Vasili entered the empty parlor. The only think unusual was a slip of paper sitting innocently by an open window. Danica's older brother cautiously picked it up and read it.

To whom it may concern:

Yes, we have indeed taken your darling princess once more, and this time it is doubtful she will be returned. We warned you of the consequences of not paying us, but I see we were ignored. However, you may rest assured that Danica will be well taken care of. She may even write you sometime. But for now, farewell.

--Yours truly,

Zane Cobrianna

Rei's eye narrowed, and he abruptly turned to the nearby guards, "The Princess has been kidnapped! Search the palace grounds until she is found, and send knights around the castle. They couldn't have gotten far," he ordered. They saluted quickly and went to carry out their instructions.

An hour or so later:

"Do you need a rest?" Zane asked softly, slowing his steed. Danica looked up at his face from where she sat sidesaddle in front of him. She had a dark blanket wrapped tightly around her.

"Are you sure it's safe?" she asked worriedly.

"We're far enough from the castle. If anyone comes our way, I'll be sure to notice them before they notice us," he shrugged, now stopping his horse. He slid off, and then helped her do the same. Danica sighed, and seated herself on a nearby snow covered fallen log as Zane gave the horse a little treat.

"Where are the stables in your stronghold?" she asked suddenly. She didn't recall there being any horse sounds or smells.

He chuckled lightly, "It's a small distance away from our main building. We have small outposts all over the mountains," he sat down beside her with a small grin, "I'll show them all to you once you get settled in."

"Speaking of settling in, how has Evalyn been doing?" she asked next, hoping her friend was all right.

"She was fairly depressed for a few days, but Ailbhe has been true to his word and managed to keep her preoccupied. He practically follows her around like a lost puppy waiting for the moments he can make her smile. We're expecting a wedding within the month!"

Danica's face lit up, happy to hear that her best friend was doing well, "Does she know I'm coming back?"

"I don't believe so. We wanted it to be a surprise if you did choose to come back," was the reply as Zane looked at her thoughtfully, "And…speaking of weddings…"

He took something from his pocket, and got on one knee in front of her. Her heart skipped a beat, but this time in a good way.

"Since it seems you must be wed by your next birthday, and you still don't have a fiancé," Zane explained, before extending a ring to her and speaking in an overly dramatic voice, "Fair, beauteous princess of all that is pure, noble, and bright; I humbly ask for the limitless honor of your hand in marriage. I know, I know; I do not have your parents blessing…or anyone's blessing in Avia for that matter. But if you were to grant me this one wish, the greatest desire of my heart, I would forever be your most devoted and loyal servant and never ask another thing of you."

He bowed his head, and Danica couldn't help but giggle. She quickly composed herself, however, and sat up straight, possessing all the dignity a princess should when given a marriage proposal.

"That's a lie," she began, first off, "Saying that is the only thing you will ever ask of me. I know you too well to know that it's far from the last."

He glanced up and her, smirking, "Perhaps you are right."

"I have some…conditions, before I give my answer," Danica sighed coolly, as though this were a mundane thing that happened everyday.

"But of course, my princess," Zane purred, "Your wish is my command."

"First of all, no more calling me princess."

"Is that not what you are?"

"Not anymore."

He shrugged and nodded, "Continue."

"Secondly, I refuse to partake in any form of your work."

"You'll be missing out on all the fun, but ok," he sighed heavily, as though it were a silly thing to ask.

"And lastly, you are never to do anything that would bring grief to Avia," realizing what she said, she quickly added, "With the exception of removing me from it."

"Is that all?" Zane asked, cocking his head.

"For now," Danica nodded, "Do you agree?"

"Do I have a choice?" he asked teasingly, "Of course I accept your terms, your majesty."

"I said…"

He placed a finger of her lips to silence her, "You said I can't call you "princess", but according to your terms, I must be able to use your other titles," as he spoke, he slid the ring onto her finger.

"Leave it to you to find a loophole," Danica murmured wearily, but couldn't help but smile fondly and the simply metal band.

Zane tilted her head up to look at him, and gave her a gentle kiss that she happily returned, placing her hands on his shoulders. When he pulled away, her eyes momentarily drifted to the sky.

"It's snowing again…" she whispered. He looked up, and his grin widened a little.

"Perhaps it's a sign of some sort," he chuckled. The distant whinny of a horse cut their time short. Zane sighed heavily, and stood up straight, offering her his hand. She smiled softly up at him, and took it. Soon they were on their way once more, into the snow and their future.

Three years later:

Prince Andrieos of Avia sat silently atop his stallion in front of an abandoned stronghold. The war had ended a little over a year ago, but this place did not belong to Avia or their former enemy, Falcane. No, it had been home to a different foe. The people that had taken his sister. But it seemed the building had been evacuated. All this time tracking, and now nothing to show for it.

Despite all their efforts, word that Falcane had indeed not kidnapped the Princess had gotten to the public. At first the people had been mortified that anyone would dare to such a thing. But, as often happens, rumors began to spread. Rumors that Princess Danica had been in love with the leader of the Black Serpent Assassins. A few brave troubadours had even written songs about such an affair, though they refrained from using any titles that might specify whom they were speaking of. The tale had captured many a romantic heart. Rei didn't believe of word of it. Or at lease, he tried not to.

"Milord," a soldier came up to him, "Any documents had been burned. All that's left is some furniture that would have been too much trouble to carry with them, and some limited valuables."

"Is that really all?" he asked with a defeated sigh.

"Your highness wait!" a man called, running out of the building with something small in his hand. Andreios studied his face carefully. He wasn't sure if he had seen this fellow before.

"What is that?" he asked, trying to get a better look of the object in his hand.

"I think it must be a diary," the strange soldier explained, "I found it next to an overturned table."

"Thank you sir…"

"Ailbhe," the man answered quickly. Almost seeming to hope they hadn't heard him.

"I don't recall that name," one of the higher ranking soldiers growled, "What are you doing here?"

"I was helping," Ailbhe shrugged, "And now…I'm disappearing!"

He suddenly bolted, shoving his way past some guards, and muttering something about Evalyn's ideas always getting him into trouble. Some soldiers chased after him, but Rei was too preoccupied with the book in his hands. He only had to turn the first page to recognize his sister's handwriting.

He flipped through the pages, briefly scanning over each entry, only stopping when he came to the last one. He stared at the words, reading each one carefully.

Today is our last day in the stronghold. We leave late tonight unless something changes. My brother and his knights have managed to track us down, and are on their way here.

I really am saddened that I must leave. I've grown so fond of this place. It holds so many precious memories, but I suppose it cannot be helped.

Even as I write, they are burning all other books and documents that may hold any evidence to our work. And although I have a few things written here that may be incriminating against us, Zane has allowed me to leave this journal here so that my family and my people will know that I am indeed alive and well.

I have never once regretted my decision to come here. I can only hope my beloved Avia will understand why I've done what I've done. I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, and more friends than I ever thought possible.

My homeland is frequently on my mind, it's true, but I am proud of how far Avia has come and thrilled by its recovery from the war. May it continue to prosper, though I may never return.

I pray that my family will understand. I know I have betrayed my duty as princess, throwing away all I was taught to believe, and I'm sorry that I've separated from them like this. But it had to be done. I earnestly hope they are well, and will forgive me for this…

The page continued for a little longer, but Rei stopped there. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. He wasn't sure if he was relieved, or more worried than before. At least she was alive.

"Milord," one of the knights came up to his mount, "There is still some chance we can catch up to them. I know the weather is bad, but if you order it, we are willing to go anywhere."

Rei looked at the diary in his hands and then at the abandoned fort and then to the surrounding forest for several long moments. Finally he set the book in his saddlebag, and started turning around.

"Let them be for now," he commanded softly, and started riding back the way they had come. The soldiers all shared confused glances before hurrying to join him.

The prince of Avia closed his eyes, a smile creeping onto his normally hard features, "May fate continue to smile on you, Danica."

And somehow he knew that it would.

Frog: Version one is now over! You may review now, or you can review after you read the other one too. Just let me know which one you like best!