Several weeks were spent with Jeb and Az casting glances at each other from across the garden walls and exchanging small smile

A week was spent with Jeb and Az casting glances at each other from across the garden walls and exchanging small smiles across the room when they happened to run into each other. If anyone else suspected anything between the two besides DG and Cain, they didn't say a word. Both man and woman were too terrified of how the other might respond to say a word about their feelings. There was no one to give them that one prod in the right direction.

DG and Cain seemed to have disappeared off of the face of the earth for that week. Once they managed to reappear one day around lunch, both looked extraordinarily pleased. Besides their slightly funny walk, they announced the main reason for their joy that afternoon, with the whole family together.

It came as a bit of a surprise. DG was lost in a bowl of cereal, Cain was busy with a paper, and her parents were muttering softly to each other, Azkadellia was fiddling with jam and toast, and Jeb, who'd made a point of appearing at family meals, was lost in thought.

"We're getting married," DG announced, looking around the table to meet the startled eyes. "Cain and I."

"You are?" Ahamo was the first to speak, studying his daughter carefully. "I can't say it's unexpected."

Her mother smiled from beside her husband, approval on her face. "Wyatt Cain is a good man. I am happy for you two."

It hit Az and Jeb last as they exchanged glances, then cast a similar, slightly frightened look toward the newly engaged couple. "You're getting married? Congratulations!" Az had been the one to speak, placing a truly happy smile on her face. Jeb nodded in agreement.

This made Jeb Az's brother-in-law, either that or it made her his aunt. Basically, it complicated any hopes of their relationship now. Great.

"If you are certain, I believe a ball is in order to announce your engagement to the Outer Zone, DG." Lavender stood, walking around the table to place a hand on DG's shoulder. "We have a lot to plan."

DG's eyes lit up, and Cain's fell.

"A ball? Oh mother, I'm not ready for a ball…" Nonetheless, parties were exciting, and if DG could have her way, this one would be as well. "As long as you promise me one thing…"

"What is that, my angel?"

"I get to plan it."

Cain sighed dramatically, forcing DG to turn to look at him. "What?'

"Nothing. I didn't say anything…"

"Right." She turned back to her mother. "So, can I?"

"Of course, DG, as long as it is under the regulations for a ball…"

DG rolled her eyes.

--

The ball was scheduled for a week from that evening and the royal family got started on writing out invitations. As per tradition, every one was hand written and sent specially to the receiving family. Every bit of nobility was invited.

Azkadellia spent her whole morning penning the same words on too many cards to count, adressing each one to a different noble family. It was the sort of work the women were forced to do only because the men could not quite replicate the beautiful cursive letters in gold ink well enough. Her father had tried to help her earlier. She'd needed to rewrite sixteen invitations because of him.

As afternoon rolled around, the older princess put down the quill, stretched and announced that she was going outside before her head exploded. DG and Lavender didn't argue. DG herself had taken a break to lie back and complain loudly only a few hours before, and their mother was too determined to give up on the labor, although they had no doubt the names ran together in her mind too.

Stopping by her room to grab a novel, Azkadellia picked her favorite swing by the lake. Not only did it provide a clam, peaceful place to read, but also if Jeb were on duty and doing rounds, she would at least get to see him today. He would pass by, just like he did every day, and they would exchange a nod or a smile. Then he would continue on his rounds as Az watched him disappear between the hedges.

They couldn't have a relationship now, could they? It would be too awkward, especially with her sister and his father…

Jeb hadn't expected to see Azkadellia today. She had enough to do with the upcoming ball for her sister that he couldn't imagine she would take a few hours off to walk in the gardens. Although he was surprised to see her sitting in that swing, legs tucked up under her, lost in a book, it was a welcome sight.

The mental argument began just as soon. He could approach; he could probably even stop to chat a little bit without infringing on his pacing around the gardens, or he could continue with a simple nod, as he had every day before today. Something made him pick option number one. Jeb needed to know what she thought of DG and his father, especially of the fact that his father was probably old enough to be her father as well.

Az lowered her gaze the moment she noticed Jeb watching her. He hadn't seen her all too captivated gaze, had he? Their eyes had met for all of several seconds before she looked away. For all he knew, she'd just looked up. She didn't get much longer to think panicked thoughts before Jeb spoke.

"Afternoon, princess. Taking a break from all those invitations?"

"Oh, yes. The tediousness gets to your head after a while, you know?" She couldn't help but look up and smile at him. There was something about Jeb that brought the smile to her face, even if it was simply being around him.

"Can't say I've ever made thousands of invitations to a ball before…"

"It's not too much fun," she agreed, looking around for something else to say. Az certainly hadn't come out here to talk about how boring it was to fill out invitations. "So…"

On to plan B. It didn't matter what she thought of DG and Cain, or what it meant for their relationship. Jeb had promised himself somewhere after leaving his father's office that he would do something about his feelings for Az. They might've been mostly spontaneous, but he wanted to get to know her more, and he certainly still did, no matter what her sister and his father were doing in their spare time.

"Would you like to go to the ball with me?"

Disbelief. Pure. Simple. Disbelief. Did he just ask if he could accompany her to the ball? Yes, yes he had. Az's breath caught in her throat for a few moments as she simply stared at those blue eyes of his, her mind working at words and her mouth not listening.

Silence. Jeb didn't like the sound of it. It was too hard to interpret, especially with the shocked expression on her face. Yes, Az was a princess, and he was barely a guard, but…

"So, I guess that's a no." Turning away, Jeb made to leave. He barely got a few paces away before Az was already grabbing his hand.

"No! Wait. I'd love to, I mean… I'm sorry. I just didn't expect you to… I'd love to." She sounded out of breath, smiling up at him.

"Great." The smile turned to his face too, and Jeb let her hold unto his hand. She felt cold to the touch. He couldn't resist placing one hand on her cheek and looking into those dark chocolate eyes.

One of her guards was at their side in practically seconds, letting out a cough. "I believe Sergeant Cain is due to continue his patrol of the gardens."

Az turned to her guard, giving him an annoyed glare. "Don't let me keep you from your job, Jeb." Leaning up, she pressed a kiss to his cheek and walked back to her swing.

Jeb stood rooted for a few more seconds before giving the air in front of him several nods, sparing Az one last look and a small wave.

"I'll… see you later, then. Az."

Author's Note: Um. I don't have much to say about this chapter except that these two are the cutest thing ever. :D Yes?
Thankoo for all them reviews for the last chapter, all of you. 3