Ever since Jia had been out if her room three days ago, Sir Richard had been at her side. They now walked to a clearing a short walk away from the castle. Jia had a sword in her hand, as did Richard.

Richard was smiling, "Are you sure you are up to this?"

"I haven't practiced in a while," she lifted the sword a little, "And broadswords are a little different from what I'm used to."

"You have just recovered from an injury."

Jia turned to him and smiled, "Maybe, but I'm still gonna kick your ass."

She walked seven feet away from him and instantly went into the stance her father had taught her so long ago. He raised his sword and made a simple move towards her. She quickly knocked the sword from his hand and put her sword under his chin.

"And that is what you get for underestimating me." She picked up his sword and threw it to him, "Again."

The contest now began in earnest. He was much stronger and more adept at that particular sword, but she was faster and knew more techniques. Ten minutes later they were both sweating. She moved a slight distance away.

"Come at me with all you have."

Knowing she would not appreciate anything less he did so. Her exhaustion was getting the best of her and she left herself open. He slapped her with the flat of his sword on her butt. She gaped at him.

He smiled crookedly, "What was that about kicking my ass?"

She smiled and went at him once again. Wanting to end it he left himself open. She lunged and he turned to the side and grabbed her arm. He pulled her to him. They both stood there looking at each other. He started to dip his head and she looked down and pulled away.

"I think you were right about recovering. I'm actually getting tired."

Without another word she walked towards the castle. He followed close behind.

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Jia sat in her room on the edge of the bed and thought of what had happened. She knew Sir Richard's feelings, but she could not return them. She couldn't love him. Just as she started thinking about why Marguerite entered.

"How did your day go?"

"Fine."

"What did you do?"

Jia rolled her eyes, "You know very well, you have the maids following me."

Marguerite opened her mouth to deny it but shut it again. Then she said, "I just don't understand why you are spending so much time with him that's all."

Jia's head snapped around to face Marguerite, "It really is none of your damn business."

Marguerite narrowed her eyes, "Aren't you forgetting someone?"

Jia stood and walked over to be a foot from Marguerite, "You really think I can forget him? You think I can EVER forget him? I...he was special to me Marguerite. I don't know why I spend so much time with him ok. I just... it's all the same anyway." She turned and sat on the bed again.

Marguerite approached her, "What do you mean?"

"Whatever I do I think about them. What am I going to tell the others when I get back? How do I tell Kaylee her fiancé is dead? How do I tell Zoe the ship is hers?" She buried her head in her hands and cried.

Marguerite sat by her and put her arms around her, "Maybe you weren't meant to go back. Maybe this is where you are meant to stay. It's been a month since you were there Jia. Perhaps this is where you will be."

"What am I going to do?"

Marguerite sighed, "Sir Richard is a good man. Mal would have wanted you to be happy."

Jia looked up at her, "It's only been a week. I can't heal that fast."

"No one expects you to. Gawain said we could stay here as long as we need. You are not alone."

"How are you faring without Roxton?"

Marguerite dropped her arms, "I keep thinking of what could have been. Keep thinking I should have accepted his offer of marriage. I also keep thinking of what would have happened if I had never met him."

"At least you had some time with Roxton. I never even told Mal that I ..." She looked stunned. "Oh my God. I loved him Marguerite."

Marguerite smiled, "That surprises you?"

"Yes, I never meant to. In fact I specifically tried not to fall for him. He's not exactly the family man type of guy."

Marguerite laughed, "None of them ever are."

Jia smiled, "I guess I just thought I had time." Jia paused, "Maybe I should encourage Richard."

Marguerite started, "Why?"

"What if I lose him too? I don't want to make the same mistake twice."

Now Marguerite was concerned, "You need time..."

"I may not have time."

"You just said you couldn't love him."

Jia stood, "I could in time. Until then I'm not going to let him get away."

Jia walked out of the room.

Marguerite sat there stunned. "I think I just made a huge mistake."

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Jia found Richard talking to Gawain. When he saw her he excused himself from the king's presence.

"How are you? You seemed unsteady earlier."

She smiled at him, "Just thinking."

"Is that a good thing?"

She smiled even bigger.

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The last week had seen a dramatic upturn in Richard's courtship of Jia. Marguerite had tried to talk to her about it with no results. She stood watching them from across the room when Esme found her.

"They really is rushin aren't they?"

Marguerite nodded.

"Didn't she have someone?"

"He was among those that died."

Esme took a deep breath, "So was yer Knight in shinin armor."

Marguerite stiffened and turned to face her, "And?"

"I want to see you happy Milady."

Marguerite sighed, "I can't be like her. She thinks to sacrifice her feelings for some semblance of happiness. After having the real thing, nothing else will do."

Marguerite walked away. Esme didn't follow.

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Another ten days passed in much the same way. Richard and Jia walked together talking. Suddenly he turned to her.

"I believe that we have gotten to know each other quite well over the past weeks. Since I can not speak with your father I must ask you. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?"

Jia's chest almost caved in at his question. She still did not love him, and didn't think she ever would, but she knew he loved her. Somehow she managed to nod her answer. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. She put her head on his shoulder and ordered herself not to cry.

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"You did WHAT?!"

Jia sighed, "It's my choice Marguerite."

"Yes and you are making it wrong. You really think marrying him will take away the pain of losing Mal?"

"No I don't."

"Then why?"

"I just... I don't have to explain myself to you."

"Oh that's right you'll be Lady Jia now. Tell me this Milady, what is sharing his bed going to be like? Having his children? Going to pretend he is Mal? Cry yourself to sleep? Just make sure to scream the right name."

"Get out."

Marguerite turned and stormed out of the room, "Gladly."

Jia collapsed on the bed. She knew Marguerite was right.

She sat there for hours until the door opened. She looked at it with a confused look on her face. It must be midnight.

Sir Richard came in silently and shut the door. He approached her with a smile.

She sighed, "Richard, you don't want to marry me."

He froze, "Why not."

"I'm in love with someone else."

"I know."

"He was ...wait... what?"

"I know this."

Jia was deeply confused, "Then why are you marrying me?"

Richard sighed, "I love you Jia. I have since I first met you. I know you love another. But I also know he is dead. I will make you as happy as I can." He sat beside her. "Even if I have to be second best, I still think it is worth it just to be with you."

Jia didn't know what to say. He was right also. Mal was dead. She allowed it when he bent down to kiss her. She allowed it when he deepened the kiss and put his hands on her shoulders.

She felt herself become detached, as if it was happening to someone else. When she reattached he was laying next to her, kissing her. He shifted his weight and was on top of her when she panicked.

"I can't do this."

He stopped.

She amended her statement, "Not now."

He smiled, "I understand. I shall wait. Our wedding will be soon anyway."

He got up and with a short kiss he left. She sat up and brought her knees to her chest. She would marry him. She would try to be what he wanted. It was all she could hope for. Jia couldn't think as to why that made her so sad.

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All the tree house inhabitants made the journey to discover where the ring had come from. They had been on the trail for three days now. They stalked a small group of slavers which contained what Veronica said was their leader and five other men. They ambushed them and quickly disposed of the other five. Mal stood with his gun to the head of the leaders.

"The men who attacked you , who were they?"

The man scoffed, "I don't know."

Mal lowered his gun and shot the man's knee. He fell on the ground holding his leg. The others jumped back in surprise. Mal asked his question again.

"They came after the other woman."

"Where are they from?"

"I'm not telling you anything."

Mal kicked his shot knee. He rolled in agony. Roxton made a step forward.

"Captain Reynolds?"

"Where are they from?"

The man whimpered but answered, "Some kingdom to the south. Five days ride South. I swear to the Gods."

"Where are your horses?"

The man pointed. Mal walked away in that direction. River followed. The others gathered around the man.

Roxton was torn, "We can't just leave him here."

Veronica started to walk in Mal's direction, "I can." Ned followed Veronica.

The other three followed quickly after thinking about it for a minute. This man was not worth mercy, for he had given none.

When they arrived at the horses Mal was impatiently waiting for them to get on their horses. When they did he took off. River rode with her brother. Challenger was the only one having any problems.

They barely stopped over the next four days. On the fifth morning Mal was telling everyone to get up when they were surrounded by men on horses.

"You are trespassing on the Kingdom of King Gawain. Identify yourselves!"

Roxton took over, "King Gawain. We know him. I am John Roxton."

The men looked stunned and confused. One of them rode a bit forward, "The Lady Marguerite's champion?"

"Yes, we are tracking some men. They attacked some slavers about a month ago."

"That was Sir Richard's men."

Mal discreetly put his hand on his gun.

"May we meet with him please."

"We were told you had all perished."

Roxton looked down, "Only two of us did. Can you bring us to Gawain?"

"Of course sir."

Mal slid up to Roxton as they were loading up their horses, "Can we trust them?"

"If they serve Gawain, yes. He is a decent man, or I guess boy."

Mal nodded and got on his horse. The soldiers were silent on the ride there. If they were alive, then three knights had lied to the king. A treasonous act was not taken lightly.

Their silence did not put Mal at ease, River's calmness did. She would know if they were in danger. Since she chatted aimlessly with her brother, he guessed they were fine.

As they approached the castle, a man was sent ahead to inform the king of his visitors. The villagers greeted them warmly and only Mal was still tense. Royalty was not his thing. Neither was any of this pomp and circumstance. Something in him was feeling lighter however, and he couldn't figure out why.

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Esme burst into Marguerite's room. "Milady, you must come to the hall quickly. Marguerite put down the book she had been reading and ran behind Esme. Esme stopped just outside the hall and allowed Marguerite to enter. She went in and froze. There he was. Her fairy tale.