Yes, I know, I promised there would be less time between chapters, I was on a roll, but then life got in the way. Work kept me super busy so it took me longer to finish this chapter, but its a long one!

Enjoy!

Temperance had retired to her room not long after Sir Booth had made his request. Flustered by his words, she paced her chamber as she attempted to face the large decision she had to make. He knew, he had been told, or figured out, that she had sent him away even though she still loved him, now he would want an explanation, or even worse, to pick up where they had left off. It was exactly the reason why she had sent him away in the first place, this was far to dangerous, especially now that Prince Timothy had arrived. It would only take one court rumor to arouse Timothy's suspicions, one comment to make him second guess her loyalties. Her claim to the throne could come crashing down around her leaving her in shame and disgrace. These were all reasons why she should not even consider meeting Booth tonight. Temperance knew she should ignore him, leave him to wait and let him ride off again. Maybe he wouldn't come back this time, it would be for the best. Yet the thought of never seeing him again, of letting him believe the lie that she didn't love him, broke her heart all over again. Never had she felt the way she did about him before, how could she risk losing that and possibly never knowing that calibre of love again? Timothy was a wonderful man, she was learning that, he would be good to her, possibly even good for her, but he was not Booth, she would never love him the way she did the knight.

"I must make him understand," she said aloud.

Throwing open the lid of chest at the end of the bed, Temperance grabbed for her maid's disguise. She would go tonight, but only to ask him to leave again, for both their safety. It had to end tonight before the consequences caught up to them.

A bright moon illuminated the night sky casting the world in it's soft glow. It was just bright enough that she could see the outline of the back door of the stables, she padded slowly, the soft straw absorbing the sound of her footsteps. The last stall was where the hay was kept, she knew he would be here.

"Booth?" even without a candle she could sense his presence.

"Do you love him?" his tone was soft but firm.

She groped the air around her searching, "Where are you?"

"I told you that I would not help you commit the sin of adultery, so if you love him, I will leave now, I will not come between you and him."

"We are not married yet."

"That does not answer my question. I've seen you with him, you gaze at him fondly."

Temperance was beginning to get annoyed, "He is not cruel Booth, he treats me kindly. You said I would like him, I do..." she paused, "I guess I could grow to love him, maybe one day..."

She was met with silence, "Where are you Booth?"

"Why were you so harsh when you sent me away? Tell me Temperance, did you speak true?"

"Please don't do this..."

"If you don't love me I'll leave now, I'll disappear and you'll never have to think of me again, you can grow to love Timothy, I'll leave you be," there was a bitter note to his words, "Just tell me the truth, don't I deserve the truth?"

"You already know the truth," her voice was wavering, she tried to be strong, "Booth, you know what will happen if Timothy ever finds out about us. You know the truth, that we were not able to change our stars."

"Yet you came here tonight Temperance, tell me the truth that is in your heart."

All of her resolve and determination to turn him away vanished, she could not lie to him, not again. Her voice faltered this time as she spoke to the darkness, "I wish every day that we could change our stars..."

Strong hands grabbed her, she jumped, but before she could protest his mouth was upon hers and she yielded to the kiss. They kissed as if they had been apart for years rather than days. Booth guided her to a wall and pinned her there, trailing kisses along her neck. Temperance gasped and shuddered as he worked, her hands raking his back, she rolled her head to the side as his lips suckled at her pulse.

Abruptly he pulled away and blue eyes flew open in surprise, met by intense brown ones;

"Say it," he urged as he stroked her jaw.

He could feel her body, pressed so close against his, nearly vibrating beneath him but he would not give into desire without hearing those words from her lips.

She leaned in, her breath warm near his ear, he could feel her heart pounding, "I love you Booth," came the breathy whisper.

It was all he needed as he claimed her already swollen lips, she responded with the same passion, their fate sealed. It would be dawn before they left the stables, sneaking back into the quiet castle, already counting the moments till they could be together again.

Booth snuck into the back of the chapel for the service the following morning and suppressed a yawn. It had been a mere few hours ago that he had returned to his bed falling into sweet dreams about the Princess. Booth smiled blissfully at the memory then was brought back to earth by an elbow to his side. Sir Wendell's eyes flashed from Booth to the priest who was glaring at the knight. Booth realized he had missed some responses and could feel the priest reading his impure thoughts. He made a mental note to hit the confessional box later and maybe light a candle or two for good measure.

He made it through the mass without any further disruptions and was about to leave when the Prince caught up with him.

"Getting a head start to breakfast Booth?" Timothy joked.

"I'm starving," it was not a lie.

His friend laughed, "You've always had quite the appetite. I would however delay you for a few moments longer, might I have a word with you in my chambers? I'll have a servant bring us some food."

"Of course," Booth replied as his mouth went dry and his appetite disappeared.

He tried to read the expression on Timothy's face. The Prince had always been good at hiding his true thoughts, it made him good at negotiations and games but Booth had a talent for reading people and he sensed Timothy's jovial attitude was concealing another feeling. He immediately scanned the area for Sweets, he prayed that the younger man had not said anything to the Prince. Sweets was no where to be seen. He took a deep breath and tried to rationalize his thoughts. There were plenty of other important matters that Timothy would discuss with him that would require privacy. Following his friend down the hall he hoped that it was a state or defense matter that Timothy wished to discuss.

Once in his chambers, Timothy sent a servant for food while he dropped into a large chair, placing his feet on the table in front of him. Booth remained standing.

"Sit, please," Timothy gestured to the chair across from him, "There is no need to be formal with me Seeley."

The knight sat on the edge of the chair, still tense, "What is it you wish to discuss?"

His friend studied him for a moment before asking, "Have you enjoyed your time here, that is, with the Princess?"

Booth's heart pounded, "Indeed I have, the Princess has proved to be an interesting woman," he chose his words carefully.

Timothy chuckled, "Yes she is," he raised an eyebrow at Booth, "I heard that the two of you became rather close."

"We became good friends," he kept his answer short as he tried to figure out where Timothy was going with this line of questioning.

"The phrase I heard a courtier use was that you were rather inseparable," the Prince arched his fingers as he stared at the knight.

Booth maintained a neutral expression while inside he was panicking. The servant came back and placed a tray of food in front of them, Booth quickly grabbed a cup of ale and took a swig.

"Inseparable," he repeated, lowering his cup, "Really? The Princess and I enjoyed riding together on a near daily basis but she had matters to attend to as well, it's not as if we spent every waking moment together. The courtiers would see us each night for supper, we would dance, that is probably what they were referring to."

Timothy nodded, "Probably, and you were only doing as I asked of you."

"Exactly," Booth agreed, relaxing a tiny bit.

"Yet when I arrived you stopped coming to supper and I rarely see you around any more. I've also noticed that you hardly speak a word to Temperance."

"I thought I should let you get to know her without interruption," Booth was quick with his reply.

Timothy took a bite of cheese, chewed slowly, swallowed, then fired, "Are you attracted to her?"

Booth nearly choked on a piece of bread as he swallowed it whole.

"I beg your pardon?" he croaked and took a large drink of ale.

"Are you attracted to the Princess? Do you fancy her?"

"Sully," Booth used the Prince's nickname, "What do you mean by asking me this?"

"Well, logically, having spent such a significant amount of time with her, becoming such friends, there must be some attraction there, an impulse you probably wish to act on. You're holding back and barely looking at her now that I'm here, I've noticed. If you fancy her Booth, tell me, I don't mind, she is a beautiful, intelligent woman, many men probably feel the same about her."

"You are a lucky man Sully, but I admire her for her intelligence and friendship only," he lied, hoping his friend could not read his true thoughts.

The Prince smiled, "You've always been very chivalrous Booth, I appreciate that, such a gentleman, but I know deep down you cannot deny how attractive she is," he winked, "You enjoyed spending time with her before, please don't feel uncomfortable around her now that I'm here. If you wish to see her, please do, I know I can trust you Booth and she's lucky to have you as a friend."

"As I am lucky to count her as my friend as well," the knight replied, "I am happy for you Sully, she suits you."

"Good," Timothy grinned, "Then we shall all have an excellent time celebrating tonight after I ask for her hand in marriage."

Booth's heart sank, "Of course," he managed to reply.

"We shall find you a fine woman as well, one day you will be as happy as me Booth," he raised his cup for a toast.

Booth had never felt guiltier in his life than when he touched his glass to Sully's, for he knew he had already found the perfect woman, the one who would be engaged to his best friend that night.

Discreetly, Temperance slipped her hand under the table, inching it closer till she found his leg. Booth nearly jumped as delicate fingers stroked gently up and down his thigh, she could feel the heat now radiating from him. Taking a deep breath, Booth tried to remain calm as he shot his own hand under and onto hers. Brown eyes flashed to blue and she gave him a wickedly innocent smile that tested his resolve. Yet he did not return the secret look. His stomach churned at the thought of what would happen shortly.

She squeezed his hand once, then let go, drawing it back up to caress her wine goblet instead, shooting him a mildly irritated glance. The servants were clearing away the meal, Booth noted that the Prince was having a discreet conversation with the King which the Princess seemed to be ignoring.

"Are you well?" her voice interrupted his thoughts, "You seem distracted," she raised an eyebrow at him.

"I believe they're talking about you," Booth nodded towards her father and the Prince.

She gave him a quizzical look, eyebrow still cocked.

Booth sighed, he did not want to be the one to tell her, "Timothy did not tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"It's to be tonight," he lowered his voice, "He will ask you soon."

Blue eyes widened but she maintained her composure, "Tonight? I knew it would happen, I did not think it would be so soon."

"He will expect that you will accept," brown eyes fell to the floor, "You need to accept."

She took a deep breath, "I know," her voice dropped to a whisper, "But I do not want to."

A maid was refilling Timothy's goblet with fresh wine, Temperance watched, anticipating when he would rise to quiet the room.

"Go," she breathed to Booth, "You need not stay for this."

He shook his head, "No, he expects me to stay."

Temperance bit her lower lip, regret lining her face. That was when Timothy stood, a hush falling over the room.

"Friends," he began, "The hospitality this country has shown me has been incredible and I wish to raise a toast first to King Maxwell and his subjects in gratitude," he thrust his wine in the air as the crowd cheered. As they quieted he continued, "My time here has been made much sweeter by the lovely and brilliant Princess Temperance," he smiled and offered his hand to her.

Temperance's face became a mask as she repressed the regret and sadness she longed to show. With one last look at Booth she took Timothy's hand, rising to stand beside him.

As she turned away, the knight knew it was over. The rest of the Prince's speech became incomprehensible. He focused only on her and when she accepted he saw the momentary flash of sorrow across her features.

Temperance did not process what Timothy was saying, it was as if she didn't want the words to reach her ears. Yet she heard him ask for her hand and as she knew she must, she said yes, knowing her heart screamed no the entire time.

As his lips caught hers she knew immediately that her heart would never belong to him, for she felt no passion, no excitement with Timothy, not the way she felt with Booth. Suddenly she had a vision of the rest of her life, a life where she pretended to love Timothy while never being able to forget what she had felt with Booth. A life of imagining her knight in place of her husband, regretting not being able to be with Booth every time she looked at him. And in that moment she realized she could not live her life that way.

As the nobility toasted to her engagement, before the goblet touched her lips, she had made her decision.

Every second he watched her in the Prince's arms was torture. Every time Timothy touched her he felt a knife like jab in his heart. With each kiss the monster called jealousy grew bigger within him. This was only the engagement, he knew instantly that he could not attend the wedding, for if he saw the vows taken, if he had to watch them retire to their chamber that night, he would die.

The night stretched on as the courtiers drank and toasted to the new couple. The Prince and Princess spent an endless amount of time talking with their subjects, thanking them for their well wishes and dancing.

An eternity seemed to pass as Booth sat, drinking, watching, until the couple came to him. He forced himself to stand and plastered a stupid grin on his face.

"Congratulations Sully, Princess," he shook his friend's hand.

"Thank you Booth, you know this would not have been possible without you."

"It was my pleasure," he watched Temperance as he spoke.

"I need to have another drink and get off my feet for a few moments. Perhaps you could take my fiance out for the next dance," Timothy suggested.

"Dance with me?" blue eyes found brown.

"Gladly," the knight took the Princess' hand and led her out onto the floor.

Booth breathed a sigh of relief as she grasped his hand, as his own found her waist. For the first few moments they held each other in silence, relishing the feeling of the other. She moved just a bit closer to him, his heart raced.

"If I cannot have you now I'll die," his voice was low and urgent in her ear.

"We must speak alone," was her answer, "The library, I'll go soon but we mustn't be long."

Temperance managed to excuse herself without many questions being asked. She promised to return shortly, she claimed her crown was uncomfortable and she wished to go choose something else to wear. She only needed to fend off Daisy who practically insisted on coming with her until she was firmly told she wasn't needed.

Booth watched her go as he spoke casually with Sir Wendell. He silently said a few prayers for their safety as well as to measure how much time had passed since she made her exit. Then he too excused himself and made off for their rendezvous.

Both thought they were safe, but one set of eyes had not missed their departures, this person's curiosity now spiked, they made off down the hall, hot in the pursuit of this mystery.

Only a few candles lit the large library and he waited just inside the door for his eyes to adjust to the sudden dimness.

"Bones?" he hissed into dark as he inched his way forward.

"Over here," and he followed her voice.

A single candle burned at the end of the aisle she was hidden in, no sooner did he reach it then she was in front of him, then in his arms. He kissed her hungrily then felt the tears on her cheeks.

"What is it?" he stroked her face with his thumbs.

"I cannot do it Booth, I cannot marry him. Let's run away, disappear, tonight."

He was speechless, she continued sounding more confident now;

"We'll wait till everyone has gone to bed, we'll put on disguises and get to the docks. It will be easy to pay a merchant to take us away on his boat, then it will just be us. We'll start anew somewhere, a place where no one knows us."

The idea flickered to life in his mind, he saw them in a far off land living as man and wife, then he shook his head.

"You would give up your kingdom for me?" he asked her, "The land you are destined to rule? You love this place Bones, how can you give it up to your cousin?"

Her upper lip curled in disgust, "Father will marry her to Timothy as compensation and to avoid civil war."

"What about the scandal? What about Timothy? He is your betrothed and my friend, you would leave him on the night of your engagement?"

She grasped his hands, "I would leave him for you. I do not want to live a life full of regret and if it means giving up my birth right to be with you, so be it."

Booth leaned down and kissed her but when he pulled away there was no smile of triumph.

"We cannot go," it came out sad but determined.

"Why ever not? You suggested it but days ago!"

He rubbed circles into her palms with his thumbs, "They'll hunt us down, is that the life you want, constantly watching over our shoulders to see if we're being pursued? What if the merchant or someone on the ship betrays us? We'll be back here before sundown tomorrow, you will be shamed and I will be..." he couldn't finish the thought.

"We could do it," she pleaded with him.

"No," he said firmly, "It is not the life you were meant for. We would start over with nothing, I could not live as a knight again, we would have to work. You have been bred to know luxury, I will not see you live in squaller."

"I would do it for you Booth, I could do it."

"You were meant to rule this kingdom-"

"We can change our stars!"

The words shocked him into silence as he searched her face. Somehow he knew she would do it, could do it, endure the worst if it meant they would be together. Her offer of the ultimate sacrifice, her throne, proved to him she had changed, that she understood the power of love and had accepted it. Maybe this was their fate, maybe it was possible to change their stars tonight.

Booth caressed her cheek, "If we change our stars we risk our lives..."

"I would rather die than live without you."

"As would I."

Softly she leaned in to kiss him, "Tonight," she breathed between the kisses, "The stables..."

"A few hours before dawn," he added, "I'll have the horses ready."

As their lips met again, as her hands gripped his shirt while pulled her close, they failed to hear the library door creak open or hear the footsteps of the curious person.

The silent stranger came ever closer to the lovers, he could see their shadows, melded into one, could hear their panting as they kissed. His mouth fell open as he caught sight, his suspicions confirmed.

He grabbed the first large book from the shelf and slammed it on the floor in front of him, the sound echoing off the walls. Booth and Bones jumped apart in terror.

"Are the both of you mad?" Lance Sweets pointed an accusing finger at them, "What in the name of God do you think you're doing?"

Panicked, Booth stepped forward extending his hand to his friend as if to calm a frightened animal, "Sweets, calm down-"

"Calm down!" their was a hysterical note to his voice, "I've walked in on you committing treason and you want me to be calm? You are practically kin to Timothy and this is how you treat him?" he turned his finger on Temperance, "And you've just been engaged tonight, not hours ago and you have already cuckholded against your husband!"

"He is not my husband yet," Temperance flared, "Lower your voice this instant, I will not be addressed in that manner!"

Sweets scoffed, "You dare to act superior Princess? What do you think will happen when everyone finds out what the two of you have done?"

Booth placed himself between Lance and Temperance before she could jump at him, "Sweets, please, stop and hear me out before you sound the alarm, I ask this as your friend."

"The Prince is your friend, though that friendship does not seem to mean much to you."

The younger man did not move though, he crossed his arms staring the pair down, "Speak."

"We are in love," Booth said simply, taking Temperance's hand, "But tonight is our last night together," he squeezed her hand.

"Yes," she said quickly, "Please don't tell the Prince or my father, we were saying goodbye in here, I will marry Timothy, I know I must."

Lance did not look entirely convinced, "I was certain you two were hiding something these past weeks, now I know. How can I keep your secret when it will weigh on my conscience so heavily?"

"Save us the scandal, please, keep our secret," she begged him.

Sweets rounded on Booth, "Did you not even think of the consequences? You're a traitor now Booth, you know what must happen to traitors," now fear mixed with panic as he spoke.

"Would you see me die a traitor Sweets? Would you see the Princess shamed in front of the court, in front of the Lady Daisy who admires her so?"

"Do not bring Daisy into this!"

But they could see that he was considering his options.

"You are ending this tonight?" he asked them again, they nodded, hoping he would take the bait.

"Sir Booth, you are my friend, I owe a lot to you. For that reason alone I will keep this secret, at least for tonight. But this will not sit well with me, you have burdened my conscience. I am loyal to the Prince, he is also my friend, I must consider what to do here, but you must promise me this is over, that you will not see each other alone again."

With those words their opportunity to change the stars vanished. Both knew in that instance that they could no longer run away together, Sweets would not be able to stay silent if they chose to go through with their plan.

Temperance dropped Booth's hand, it was the only way, "We promise."

"I will expect both of you back at the celebration shortly, you have my word I will not say anything tonight."

"Thank you," Booth reached out to Sweets but the young man pulled back.

"Good night," he answered coldly and stormed off.

The door slammed loudly as if sealing their fate, they could hear the departing footsteps echoing down the hall, the lone figure now sharing their secret.

Silent tears streaked down her cheeks and she swiped at them angry that she had let them fall.

He turned then, the tense look on his face breaking as he took in her state. Reaching out he stroked her cheek, wiping away the lines the tear tracks left with his thumb.

Neither spoke as she leaned into his caress. His own brown eyes closed and he tried to swallow the large lump that had formed in his throat.

"Run," she whispered, "Run away from here, go as far as you can."

"No," he breathed his reply, leaning his forehead against hers.

She pulled back, "You must go, you heard what he said! They'll kill you if they find out!"

Large hands took hold of her small ones, "They won't find out, he won't tell. If I run we show our guilt, I must stay."

She forced back a strangled sob and he pulled her to him, holding her against his broad chest.

"How can I fulfill my duty while you watch? It will drive you mad."

"It may, but you must do this, we have no choice," his lips brushed the top of her head, "I'll ask for my release, I'll be gone before you are wed."

She heard the sorrow in his voice past the forced courage and it made fresh tears run down her face soaking into his shirt.

Looking up into his eyes she spoke, "Know that you're the only one, that when I look at him I see only you. Know that if there was any other way we would be together."

Sir Seeley Booth placed his fingers gently under her chin, "I know," came his answer as he leaned down and claimed Princess Temperance Brennan's lips with his own.

To be continued...

Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know!