Disclaimer: I own nothing from the Kiesha'ra series

Frog: And this is version 2 of the final chapter. The one where Danica stays a princess but still gets to marry Zane. The beginning is exactly the same, so you can just scan over that part of you want. Where the last chapter had lots of interaction between Danica and Zane before the three-year mark, this one has more after. I tried to make it as even as possible. Still this one ended up being a little shorter. I hope you like it!

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.

He hung his head, and sighed, "You must be married, my princess. And there doesn't seem to be time to find someone else for you to wed that would be a better choice…If only they had kept their promise, then it wouldn't matter…"

"What? Who?" Danica looked confused as he mumbled to himself. He gave her another look of surprise.

"We were tricked," he said, his eyes saddened, "One of the members of the Black Serpent Assassins had claimed they were a friend of ours and that they would help us get you back without having to pay the ransom. They were supposed to pretend they had been attacked when they were going to gather the money. But…we shouldn't have trusted them. They took it anyways…"

"I'm not surprised," the Avian Princess sighed, shaking her head. It had no doubt been Adelina who had made that "promise". She had desperately wanted Danica out of there, and would do just about anything to do it.

"The guards claimed to have killed one of them. But the traitor got away," he continued.

Danica felt her breath catch in her throat. Was Charis… Oh skies, no…

"Princess Danica?" Vasili murmured worriedly at seeing the frightened expression on her face. She shook herself a little, and lowered her head, trying hard not to cry.

"Excuse me. I don't wish to interrupt," one of the royal advisors spoke quietly, "But the kind and queen are requesting you both come to the throne room at once."

"Is something wrong?" Danica cocked her head. His expression looked disgusted.

"It would seem another offer has come in," he sighed.

"Another…offer?" Vasili's eyes narrowed, "What kind of offer?"

"An offer of one million gold plus interest," the advisor muttered a bit.

"For the Princess's hand in marriage? But…the king and queen have already given it to me!"

"It's not yet set in stone," the older man sighed again, "The law states that there are twenty-four hours after the proposal for another man to come and make another offer for a ladies hand."

Danica flinched inwardly. He hated being treated like a slave on the auctioning block. Still, she couldn't help but wonder who could be making this offer in such a timely manner.

"Who is he?" Vasili took a deep breath.

The advisor couldn't bring himself to say it. He was just too perturbed. Danica could only think of one person that could have that kind of money at the moment and that would be so unacceptable to make him act like this.

"You don't mean…" Vasili was apparently thinking the same thing. Danica started on down the hall to the throne room without a word. Could it really be him? Her suitor sighed heavily behind her, and quickly followed.

She stopped at the door to the throne room, hearing her father's angry voice inside. She swallowed hard, and carefully pushed the door open. Sure enough, Zane was standing, head bowed before the steps to the throne, his face completely calm. Several guards had their weapons out, waiting impatiently for an order to kill. Her father was standing, shouting bitter accusations and all manner of things at him.

"My king!" Vasili called from behind her, and then made his way to by where Zane was standing, "Is this the monster that stole our dear princess from us?"

"Indeed he is," her father growled, saying each word slowly, and sitting on his throne again.

"Then why does he still live?!"

"Because I am here to make a transaction. Avia could use the money, and the discounted use of my group," Zane explained softly.

Danica knew that if Avia weren't at war, her father would have bluntly refused and killed him on the spot. But money was desperately needed, as were arms. If it weren't for the fact that Zane had kidnapped her, her father also would have eagerly accepted. The situation was almost unreal.

"Ultimatly," her father began, rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly, "It should be Princess Danica's decision…"

Her mother nodded in agreement, and rose from her throne. She approached Danica, and placed her hands on her shoulders in a rare, but still very formal display of affection.

"Do not feel obligated to choose that awful man just to help Avia. I want you to choose who you will be happiest with," Nacola murmured reassuringly. Her words would have only made Danica laugh if it wasn't for the gravity of the situation. Oh, if only her mother knew…

"Then I choose Zane," she answered, only loud enough for her mother to hear. The Avian queen looked appalled.

"Danica," she whispered harshly, "You deserved to be happy! Don't throw that away!"

"Mother," Danica sighed heavily, knowing that the real reason her mother wanted her to pick Vasili was because she would never trust Zane alone with her. She would far rather see him bleeding to death at her feet than to see him waiting for her daughter at the altar.

"Is he holding something against you? Please Danica, you can tell me if he's trying to force your hand in any way."

The Avian princess sighed again, and gave her mother a steady look, "The only thing he holds against me is my heart…"

Nacola just stared at her, speechless, and Danica was sure she must be thinking she was brainwashed or something of the sort. Finally, she shook her head. If this was the princess's decision, there was no way she could truly change it. The Avian queen turned around, hiding all emotion with a strong resolve.

"The Princess has chosen…Sir Zane Cobrianna to be her husband," she stated, her tone cold and detached.

At first, Vasili looked completely shocked, but he quickly composed himself, "I am content knowing that this is what is best for Avia," he sent Zane a harsh look, "But know that I will not tolerate any mistreatment of my princess."

"Of course," Zane bowed slightly, trying very hard not to smirk triumphantly.

Her father sighed heavily from his throne again, "So be it. Sire Zane, please step forward," he ordered, standing up.

"Yes your majesty?" he asked politely. The kind of Avia placed something in his hand. A royal signet ring as proof of his status. There were no speeches of proclamation that one might expect after such a thing. Just to show how cold her family was toward him.

"May I speak with my fiancé in private?" he requested, glancing momentarily at Danica. Her mother was about ready to object, but she stopped herself, knowing he now had a right to see the princess alone. The king waved his had dismissively, and she led him out of the room to a parlor near the garden.

"Your parents seem nice," he smirked as he closed the door behind them.

"What were you expecting?" she snorted, but was relieved to be out of that room "You kidnapped me."

"I'm not sure what I expected," he sighed, sitting on one of the couches. She sat next to him, and just stared for a moment.

"Why did you do this?" she finally asked, "You're giving up everything…"

H smiled softly at her, "Well…maybe you're worth everything."

"What about the others?" she asked worriedly.

"A few of them left when I announced what I intended to do," he sighed, "We're keeping the fort, of course. So those remaining have a place to stay. They don't have a problem with this," he smirked slightly, "You touched a lot of people during your stay with us."

Danica looked down thoughtfully, "What happened to Adelina?"

Zane's expression hardened, "She got what all traitors get."

The Avian Princess flinched, "I'm sorry that…"

"Please don't mention it, Danica," murmured.

"Sorry," she placed a delicate hand on his shoulder, and scooted closer to him. He shook his head and smiled gently at her. He then pulled her up against him, and started kissing her.

"Are you sure you're ok with this?" she asked again, resting her cheek on his shoulder, "You've never struck me as the kind of person that would enjoy this lifestyle."

"Hm,' he shrugged before smirking and kissing her again, "But I enjoy someone who lives this lifestyle," she gave him a bit of a look, and shook her head, "Besides, your parents will no doubt keep me very busy so that I won't have time to do you any sort of harm."

Someone knocked urgently on the door. Zane sighed heavily in mild irritation, and slid away from her so that she could stand up and answer it. She opened the door, and was greeted by her older brother's worried face. Andreios glanced at Zane momentarily before drawing her out into the hall without a word and closing the door.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm perfectly fine, Rei. Please don't worry about me," she murmured reassuringly.

"Danica!" the Avian princess turned at Kel's voice. The other young woman hurried toward them, her expression also anxious, "Is it true? You've chosen to marry the man that kidnapped you?"

"Indeed I have," she replied calmly as though there were nothing at all wrong with that.

"Why? Mother said you could choose whomever you wished! Why not pick Vasili? You love him!" Danica couldn't help the sigh that escaped her at the urgency of his voice.

"No, actually I don't," she admitted softly.

"What?" Kel was obviously shocked, and didn't seem to believe her.

"I've never claimed to love Vasili. I was only…tolerant of the man at best."

Rei and Kel shared a glance before her brother spoke again, 'Still. Isn't he a better choice than…"

"Rei," Danica interrupted, startling the other two. She sighed again, "When the Black Serpent Assassins were holding Evalyn and I captive, we were shown nothing but kindness. They respected us, and not once were we threatened or harmed in any way. I think…no, I know I came to love Zane during that time, as impossible as that may seem."

Several times Rei attempted to speak, but he just couldn't find the words. Eventually, he hung his head and sighed. Kel put a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't expect you to understand," the Avian princess continued, "To be honest, I'm not sure I understand it myself."

"If this is what you want, Danica…I will not try to change your mind."

"Thank you Rei."

He nodded, smiling weakly, and then walked away without another word. Kel gave her a faint grin as well before following him. Danica returned to the parlor and the man she loved.

Three years later:

Danica was resting on her side in her large, soft bed. She was singing a tender lullaby to the little girl in her arms. The two-year-old Oliza was almost asleep. The only reason she wasn't yet being the raging thunderstorm outside. Hence, the reason she was in her parent's bed.

Finally her heavy eyelids closed, and Danica kissed her forehead affectionately. The joy her young daughter gave her was immeasurable. And the fact that her life had turned out the way it had was unbelievable at times.

Evalyn had returned only days after she and Zane had become engaged. Danica had never truly understood what a happy reunion was until that day. Ailbhe had also come, mostly to be Zane's sidekick, and so that they both had someone to keep the other out of trouble. And Irene and Galen had also joined them, and even been given a wedding befit of royalty. They had all settled in quite well with their new home. Aviran and Vespera, on the other hand, she never saw again. She wasn't surprised. And prince of Falcane would never have been welcome here if his heritage was discovered. Aisha had remained in the fort mostly as well, seeing as her dance style would be frowned upon by the nobility.

Danica jumped slightly when someone placed a hand on her arm. She turned to see Zane. His hair was a bit wet, but he had obviously changed his clothes since they were completely dry. He smirked at her, like he always did.

"I've been her for at least ten minutes. I would think being married to an assassin would make you more aware of your surroundings," he teased.

"Normally I can. I was just thinking," she snapped defensively though her voice remained soft as to not wake the child asleep by her side.

"I noticed," he chuckled, sliding under the covers behind her, and wrapping an arm around her waist.

"How did your mission go?" she asked, shifting so that she was lying mostly on her back. She knew she wouldn't likely get much out of him. She never did. But she always asked anyways.

"Well…I'm alive. That's always a good sign," he smirked, "And I'm back, so it's pretty safe to assume I finished the job."

Danica rolled her eyes. Oliza made a soft sound in her dreams, snuggling closer to her mother. Zane smiled fondly at her, and brushed some dark hair out of the small girl's face.

"I wish my parents would stop sending you away," the Avian princess sighed softly as he admired their daughter.

"It's not as bad as it used to be, remember? I only have to go every few weeks, and I'm never gone for long," he pointed out, looking back at her.

"I know," she reached up, placing a delicate hand on his cheek, "But I would still prefer to have you here all the time."

"I know. You can't live without me," he grinned proudly.

"Zane I'm serious. I have the right to worry sometimes," she murmured, her expression sad. His eyes softened, and he kissed her lovingly.

"I'm in no danger, my darling. And if I ever fell that I am, I will return to your side immediately. Regardless of orders."

"Promise?"

"Of course, my princess," he whispered, kissing her again.

Danica smiled in satisfaction as she turned on her side once more. She rubbed their daughter's back soothingly as Zane situated himself comfortably behind her. He nuzzled the back of her neck, causing her to giggle slightly.

"Are you still sure you don't mind being wed to a princess?" she asked so softly, her voice could scarcly be heard over the pouring rain and rumbling thunder outside. But he heard her clearly. It was a question she often asked, so he wasn't surprised by it.

"You've never given me any reason to regret it," he mused, kissing the back of her jaw, "You could offer me the world, and I would still rather be right here."

She smiled softly, closing her eyes, "Me too..."

Frog: If you didn't review last chapter, you must do so this chapter. Please? I love to know what you people think. This was a fun story to write, and I'm sad to see it come to an end. But at least none of you have to worry about annoying long periods of time between updates anymore. I'll try to do better in future stories.

Once again, please review! I love you all! Bye!