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"We'll find a way," she whispered and shifted across the bed to his side.

Strong arms gathered her to his chest where she lay her head to watch the stars. Silence, but he was the first to break it;

"Run away with me?"

Booth knew the answer before it was spoken.

"It is not that easy."

"We could leave, board a ship and sail to another land, take on new identities."

It was a tempting idea, she had thought of it too. She sighed.

"Do you think they wouldn't search for me? My father would have every solider on my trail, we wouldn't make it to port."

"At night we could, with disguises," she felt him tense as he spoke the next words, "But you will not leave, I know that."

"My people need me Booth, my father has no other heirs, if I go the kingdom will be thrown into civil war over who shall sit on the throne."

"He could appoint your cousin."

"My cousin is a half wit who would ruin everything my father and I have ever done."

"Then how?"

They lapsed into silence again, his arms tightening around her. It was true, she had not thought of how, her only thoughts had been focused on him staying, she could not bear to see him go.

"It is only a matter of time now, he will come soon, he will ask for your hand," his words hung heavy around them.

"I will refuse."

She felt him shake his head, "No, you can't, you'll lose your throne and your half wit of a cousin gets it."

"Maybe he will refuse me. I could be cold to him, drive him away."

Booth chuckled bitterly, "He will not refuse you, he is already in love with you."

"What?" she turned suddenly to face him.

"I have been writing to him, you know that. How could I ever portray you in a false light?"

"I could still make him hate me, I have made other men hate me."

His hand came up to stroke her cheek, "I fear you won't be able to do that either, I fear you'll like him."

"Why should I like him?"

"Because he is very much like me."

"No," she breathed, her head dropping back down to his chest, "I could never favor any man over you."

Booth dropped a feather light kiss on her forehead, she squeezed his hand in return. They both knew where this left them.

"We cannot change our stars," he whispered.

"Then we will treasure the time we have."

It was not a solution but the only option left. They sealed the arrangement with a kiss.

Dawn broke sending soft rays of sunlight into the room, the birds began to chirp and sing. Temperance stirred from her dreams noticing only then that her pillow moved and had a heartbeat.

"Oh no," she bolted up causing Sir Booth to waken abruptly.

"What..." he was disoriented and his eyelids fluttered, "What is it?"

She was already pulling her hair under her cap and adjusting the maid's dress she still wore.

"I can't be seen leaving your chamber, I can only hope to sneak back to my own and hope no one has noticed I didn't sleep there."

She was grateful that she still wore the disguise, if she hadn't she knew they would be discovered.

"How do I look?" she stood up and smoothed the skirt again.

He chuckled, "I'd never recognize you."

Temperance breathed a sigh of relief, "I must go, I'm sure Angela is wondering where I've been."

Reaching out he took her hand and rubbed circles in her palm.

"May I call on you later?" he asked.

"Of course," she smiled at him.

Booth watched her go to the chamber door, stick her head out and then scurry down the clear hall way. He sat up and rubbed his hands over his face, then stood to get changed. In a few minutes he was off to the chapel where he would pray for forgiveness and mercy.

The chamber door shut quietly and she leaned against it breathing a sigh of relief. Somehow she had made it back to her own room without being noticed by any of the servants who had begun their morning chores. Her own room was still dark as she wandered inside shedding the cap and brushing her hair with her fingers.

"And just where have you been?"

Angela's accusing voice came from the bed where she was propped on her elbow, "I've been worried about you all night!"

"Thank you for taking my spot Angela, I'm fine."

"Fine? You expect me to take that as an explanation? You're still in disguise, you come in at the break of dawn from God knows where, and you expect me not to ask questions?"

"Hush," Temperance put a finger to her mouth, "I was in the castle. Here, un-do these laces please."

She turned her back so Angela could un-lace the bodice of the dress. Once in her shift Temperance climbed into the other side of the bed and snuggled under the covers.

Her friend shifted to face her, eyebrows still raised, "Are you not going to tell me anything?"

"I was with Sir Booth, we stayed up talking, that's all."

Angela batted Temperance's shoulder playfully, "You spent the night in Sir Booth's chamber?"

"Talking about politics, yes. Now go back to sleep."

"I'm still not satisfied but apparently you'll give me nothing more. Fine, but I'll ask again later," Angela rolled her eyes and lay back down.

Yawning, Temperance answered, "And I'll say the same thing later."

Unfortunately, matters of the kingdom took precedence that day keeping the Princess busy and cooped up with her father and the rest of the council. The king and council were preparing for a hearing day where the people could bring their issues to the nobility. By the end of the first day Temperance was exhausted and retired immediately to her chambers after dinner.

When the hearings began the next day they took from sun up till sundown and ran over. The princess regretted not being able to spend time with Booth but was determined to listen to her subjects and serve them well.

Booth sat in on the hearings and admired the Princess' dedication to her people, the way she listened to them and truly put thought into her decisions. He gained a new respect for how she wanted to run her kingdom and the way she wished to be viewed. Occasionally she would ask for his opinion which made him even more gracious for her as she was able to value the opinions of others and not just her own.

As the hearings closed on the third day a large feast was held and a banquet was thrown for the nobility. All throughout dinner Temperance and her knight exchanged glances charged with the energy that ran between them from having no time together.

She wished for him to grab her for the first dance but he bided his time so as not to raise questions. The Princess danced with other men all the while anxious to be with only him. Finally, after what seemed like ages, he sauntered over to her and offered his hand along with a charm smile.

"May I have this dance Princess?"

"With pleasure," she answered, biting back the response she wanted to give about how long it had taken.

As his strong hand touched her waist she held back a gasp, yet she didn't miss his eyes darken at her own touch. The music began and he swayed her out onto the dance floor and they became the only two in the world, lost in each others eyes.

Dipping his head to her ear Booth whispered, "Can we be alone?"

She nodded, "When the dance is through leave. Down the hall is an alcove with a curtain, meet me there."

"Is it safe?"

"For now it must do."

Her eyes darted to the people around them, no one had heard their conversation.

"How will you escape?" he whispered.

"I'll feign a headache and disappear for awhile, no one will ask questions."

Booth nodded as the music began to fade. As the song ended he bowed to her, she curtsied and walked back to the throne. He wandered back to his men, chatted for a few moments and then excused himself. The anticipation of being alone with Temperance made his pulse quicken as he slowed his steps, he needed to remain calm.

Out in the hall Booth walked until he found the alcove, an out of the way spot that he hoped no one would notice tonight. Glancing around and seeing no one he ducked behind the curtain to wait.

"Lady Angela," Temperance called her friend over.

The raven haired beauty smiled at the Princess, "Yes Sweetie?"

Sipping at her wine she willed herself to speak slowly, calmly, "I feel a bit of a headache coming on, I am going to slip out for a bit of air and maybe a quick lie down in my chamber."

"Shall I come with you?"

Temperance shook her head, "No, stay and enjoy the festivities. I can see that Lord Hodgins wishes to dance with you again," she gestured to Angela's husband who waved back.

"Shall I send the Countess with you? She could make you some tea if you wish."

"You're too kind Angela but I'll be alright. Please stay, I will return in awhile."

Temperance rose and gave her friend a wave as she headed off. She nodded to people as she left who bowed in return. Finally she was at the doors of the hall where she made sure no one was watching when she went in the opposite direction of her chambers.

Heart pounding she arrived at the alcove and quickly slipped inside. Sir Booth smiled widely;

"You're alone?"

"Yes."

Closing the distance between them Booth reached out to cup her face in his hand, stroking his thumb along her cheek.

"You're beautiful," he murmured as she leaned in and their lips met.

They melted into each other, the kiss deepening, her fingers clutching at the front of his shirt.

Booth's strong hands dropped to grasp her hips, she gasped as their bodies met, their contours fitting together perfectly while creating a hot friction between them.

She emitted a sigh as his lips dropped from her own only to groan in pleasure when they landed on her neck. Rolling her head to the side she allowed him better access which elicited some new noises from her.

"Shh," Booth muttered while nipping at her earlobe, "Someone will hear us," but there was a wicked smile on his face while he spoke.

"Then stop that," she replied while slyly snaking her hands down his body.

Booth hissed as her delicate fingers landed in a specific place.

"Not here," he quickly removed them then cracked the curtain to see if the hallway was empty.

Grasping hands Booth gestured for her to follow him.

"Where are we going?"

Putting a finger to his lips he shook his head as he continued to lead her away from their alcove. Sneaking their way through the winding hallways, sticking their heads around corners they finally made it outside. The night air cooled her burning cheeks as Booth led her through the courtyard sticking to the shadowed walls. Finally they came to the stables where the horses slept. Not a soul was in sight as he took her around the back to an empty stall. The mare next door grunted when Booth pinned Temperance against the wall but generally ignored their presence as the lovers continued where they left off in the alcove.

"What about the stable lads?" she panted, tearing her lips from his.

"Asleep, there is not a chance anyone will look here for us," he replied, after which they did not talk for some time.

Years could have passed yet they would not have noticed as their desire for one another consumed them. Yet Booth was a trained soldier, he picked up on things others wouldn't, so when he heard the footsteps he stopped abruptly. The Princess' mouth hung open in protest and he clamped a hand over it to prevent her speaking. Sure enough their were people not far away, servants talking loudly.

"Check the stable, if she's snuck out riding again her horse will be gone," came an order.

Booth's eyes flew to Brennan's, an acknowledged look passed between them. He pointed to the way they had come and she followed silently. Once out of earshot she turned to him;

"We must go back to the banquet, they know I'm not in my chambers," she tried to suppress the note of panic in her voice.

"What shall we say?"

Temperance thought for a moment, "I'll go in first, I'll say I went for a walk to clear my head. You saw me leave and escorted me."

"Do you think anyone will be suspicious?"

"Maybe but it's only speculation. What goes on between us is our own, no one else's."

Booth smiled, "I like that, what we do together is our own," he smoothed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Gently, she adjusted the front of his shirt and for a second longer they were the only two in the world.

"We should go," she whispered, "Do I have any straw on my dress?" she brushed around her skirt for any tell tale pieces.

Booth shook his head and led the way back to the hall.

The first thing she saw was the Lady Angela shifting nervously by the thrones at the front of the room. Temperance took a deep breath, held her head high and re-entered the party, walking purposely through. People bowed and a few murmured behind their hands wondering where she had been.

Angela met her half way, "Your father has been looking for you. He sent a servant to your room, you weren't there," green eyes were searching blue ones for answers.

"I told you I went for some air, I'm back now."

"Alone? You know your father doesn't approve of you going anywhere alone, not after what happened last time."

"I"m fine Angela, let me speak with my father."

They had approached the thrones and King Max spotted his errant daughter;

"There you are," he cried, "I've been waiting for you."

Temperance looked a question at him, "My apologies father, I went for a walk to clear my head. What have you been waiting for?"

"I have a great announcement to make, it involves you."

"Oh?"

Her father winked at her then stood and gestured for silence. When the room had quieted he grinned;

"My good people, I have a grand announcement to make! Today I received word that his royal highness, Prince Timothy Sullivan, is preparing to come to our great kingdom. He shall arrive within a week to great celebrations for he comes to ask my daughter's hand in marriage!"

Temperance's eyes widened and for a minute she felt faint. It couldn't be so soon, not now. She searched the room and found Booth, his own face displaying the same concern as hers.

The guests had burst into applause, the King turned to his daughter and asked her a question which she did not hear.

"Temperance, I asked if you are looking forward with anticipation to the Prince's coming?"

Max's expression dared her to defy his word and she did not. Quickly, she turned her look of shock into awe giving him a smile she hoped rang true.

"Of course Father, I am greatly anticipating the Prince's arrival," it was the biggest lie she had ever told and it tasted vile in her mouth.

Max embraced her, the crowd cheered and now Temperance truly felt ill. She choked down the wine she was handed and toasted the Prince's imminent arrival.

"If you'll excuse me Father," she addressed him when the crowd was busy continuing the toasts, "But it seems my headache has not cleared, I shall retire for the night."

Max was too happy to care and kissed her good night on the cheek. The ladies in waiting followed her out of the hall.

On her way out Temperance passed Booth, their eyes meeting for a brief second. They could almost feel each other's hearts aching with grief, sorrow passing between them. How could their precious time, which had just started, be over so soon?

To be continued...

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