OOOO/

Benvolio awoke slowly. He was disoriented, but felt a woman's breast at his cheek. He smiled with his eyes closed. Slowly he opened them and then reality hit him. He wasn't in the brothel with Stella. He was in the Palace with Rosaline. And the Capulet had him in her arms.

Benvolio took a deep breath and remembered the shaking and chills that overcame him once he was able to relax. This Capulet - his only friend left in the world – fought for him, protected him, trusted him and gave him a safe place to recuperate from the trauma of almost being executed.

He slowly put his hand on top of her hand that held him close. He caressed her soft skin and appreciated the warmth she made sure he felt throughout the night. He looked up at her sleeping face, more grateful than ever that she was his…friend.

He quietly got up and to his astonishment, didn't wake her. She must have been as tired as he was. He made sure she lay comfortably on the settee and covered her with the blanket. He gently stroked her hair and whispered, 'Thank you, Capulet.'

Benvolio left at dawn, as he was part of Treviso's & Savona's attack on Count Paris.

OOOO/

Rosaline woke up curled up on the settee in the bright morning light.

Alone.

She sighed and curled the blanket up to her face and inhaled Benvolio's clean scent he left on there. Their kiss in the jail, their hands held in defiance in the Throne room; their quiet evening last night, their peaceful slumber together; all made her heart sing and make her stomach a mass of butterflies.

What was she doing with this Montague?

That question would have to wait as she made herself ready for the day. It was another full day at the palace turned military headquarters and hospital. Verona had staved off the attack of Count Paris and his army. But more injured soldiers arrived at the palace hospital. Everyone was on high alert for the Count's fiends from within, but felt confident with all the discoveries made by the people of Verona.

Princess Isabella pulled Rosaline aside to get a full report on what happened last night. Rosaline was embarrassed and grateful. 'Benvolio needed that quiet time. Thank you so much for giving us a place to feel safe.'

'Of course,' the Princess said. 'That suite will be yours & the Montague's home for the foreseeable future. The Capulet manor is not safe and I'm sure the young Lord Montague wants you near.'

Rosaline smiled and curtsied to her friend and monarch. 'Thank you, your Grace.'

The Princess whispered in Rosaline's ear, 'This means, we will have to get you two married sooner rather than later.'

Rosaline swallowed and said nothing. Isabella was encouraged that she did not argue, no matter what confused look Rosaline had on her face.

'Now,' Princess Isabella said with authority that Verona had come to rely on, 'Prince Escalus would like to see you this morning. I hope you can make time for him.'

'Yes, your Grace.' Rosaline left with Prince Escalus' attendant.

Rosaline took a deep breath before entering Prince Escalus' room. He was lying in his bed, his face ashen.

Rosaline swallowed and found herself standing at the edge of his bed. He didn't move, only his eyes followed her. Rosaline looked at the bandage where the arrow hit. 'It looks like you are mending well, your Grace,' she whispered, not confident in her voice.

His voice was weak, his breath shallow. 'It is good to see you, Rosaline.'

'Thank you, your Grace.' Her voice still shaky and with perfunctory politeness she said, 'It is good to see you as well.'

The room filled with awkward silence. The prince finally broke it, 'Aren't you happy I granted Benvolio his freedom.'

Rosaline was genuine, 'Yes! Thank you, your Grace. He is helping the effort in defeating Count Paris now.' She only wanted to sing Benvolio's praises, but the Prince looked weak and she could only pity the Prince at this moment.

'Yes,' the Prince said. 'I've been getting reports on the war effort.'

Rosaline knew that Princess Isabella was keeping Escalus informed enough to think he was in charge. He continued talking. She looked at the man that was her first innocent love. Love. Now she realized it was infatuation and the dream of being in love. He seemed only to be talking of himself and his needs and accomplishments. Rosaline plastered an interested smile on her face, even though her thoughts were somewhere else.

With someone else.

'Rosaline, my love,' the Prince said.

It startled her that he called her "my love". But she looked at him with skepticism since the first time he betrayed her. 'I'd like you to visit me tomorrow.'

Rosaline was polite and cared that he recovered, but that was all. 'Yes, your Grace, I will be here before my duties begin caring for the sick and injured.' She curtsied and left the room. Once out of the Prince's suite she let out a breath – not realizing she was holding it. His arrogance disturbed her.

The day took on a frantic pace. There were more Veronans needing assistance and more were scared of the "New Prince". The most powerful families presented a united front. Rosaline realized it was easier to go throughout the day with others without Lady Capulet there. But it still worried her that her uncle and aunt were not accounted for.

Benvolio came back a little later the next evening, worrying Rosaline a little. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him come back to the Palace with a group of soldiers.

She smiled when she saw him. She watched Benvolio look through the crowd, knowing he was looking for her. When he finally spotted her, he smiled that arrogant smile that she had gotten so used to. Benvolio's arrogance did not disturb her. Her eyes smiled as she looked at him, realizing why. She trusted him to tell the truth.

They quickly walked towards each other, ignoring all others in the busy courtyard.

Without thinking, Benvolio put his arm around her waist and his other hand delicately caressed her cheek and he kissed her. It was long enough for both of them to close their eyes and then they looked at each other with a feeling neither had felt before.

They felt like they were home.

Rosaline put her hand on his chest and looked up at the Montague. 'Come,' she whispered. 'Let's go up to our suite.' Rosaline had everything waiting for him again - even the hot bath.

They slipped in to a routine that helped both of them recover from the tumultuous few weeks they have had. Knowing that this routine may come to an abrupt end at any moment.

Princess Isabella visited them frequently, asking Benvolio questions about the field. She felt more comfortable asking him because Rosaline trusted him completely.

[a/n - I've got an idea about the rest of this story, but it's going to take me a little while to write it. Thanks for your patience.']