A/N: Decided to post this since I was done with this chapter. I should also update two of my other stories soonish as well. Today or tomorrow in fact, but omg, your reviews...I can't say how happy I am over them! I really love you all for enjoying my stories so much! You make me a very happy writer that's for sure. Especially since I didn't think too many people would like the route I took with this story, but I don't want to keep getting overly sappy on you guys. I'm sure you all know how warm and fuzzy I get about your reviews, though these were especially lovely. (: And just because I can(and want to) I would like to personally thank: SideshowJazz1, BettyAwesome715, CryTheStars, Nep2uune, ForeverA90'sKid, J, Arabrab83, and FlyingMintBunny03! Most of you guys have been a huge inspiration and I hope that you continue to be as I continue writing fanfiction for HA! Anyways, hope you all enjoy this chapter! ^^


It was the night of Olga's going away party. Which meant that it was two days after Ali La Sombra wormed his way into my heart. I hated that I was as shook up about the whole thing as I was, but I couldn't shake that feeling I had that he was talking about me. I had kept my powers secret from everyone for years, and okay maybe it's a little vain of me to feel that way, but whatever.

I fixed my dress, a floor length little number, pink of course, with tiny white bows sewed on near my hips. It was really beautiful, and I was doing my best not to admire how good it made me look. Okay, maybe I was slightly vain sometimes. Who wasn't?

A short knock broke me from my study of myself in my mirror, then Arnold's voice carried through the door. "Helga are you ready yet?"

"Yeah, just one second." I took in my appearance one last time, and satisfied, I smiled and walked out into the hall where Arnold waited for me.

His green eyes slowly gave me a once over. I could feel my cheeks burn under the intensity of his gaze. "Hey, my eyes are up here."

He flicked his eyes up quickly to my own and smirked. "Yeah, I know."

I sucked in a deep breath, and turned on my heel, beginning to walk down the hall. I will not let him frazzle me today. This is what happens when your father thinks it's in your best interest to have a freaking bodyguard the same age as you are. I mean I know Arnold would never, even if I…probably…wouldn't mind…but really you'd think that alarm bells would ring in his head saying it wasn't a good idea. Hasn't he ever heard of hormones?

"You seem to be in a bit of a rush," Arnold said, by way of conversation, keeping up with my strides easily.

"Don't want to be late," I said, an excuse of course.

"Whatever you say," he said under his breath, which told me he didn't believe me. I didn't care. He wasn't going to get the truth from me. Nope.

The ballroom was already bustling by the time I made my appearance, Arnold still close by. Soft music played, and most of the guests, dressed in their best dresses and suits, waited for Olga to arrive. I wasn't surprised that she wasn't here already. Olga rarely was on time to functions.

"Excuse me," I turned my head, to see a young man with dark brown hair standing next to me. He looked only a little older than I was. "May I please have this dance?"

I wanted so badly to say no, but I knew that probably wouldn't fly tonight. "Sure, why not?" He took my hand and guided me into the throng of other couples dancing. Turns out he was a really good dancer and I found myself having fun. Go figure.

I was still dancing with Prince Olly from Darcy when my sister came in and took everyone's attention and placed it all on her. Who'd blame them? She was practically radiating happiness. The sort that would usually make me gag, but if there's one day I'd let something like that slide, today would be that day. This was her moment after all. Potentially, her final goodbye to us all as a whole.

She walked up to the podium, her husband in tow. He radiated the same amount of happiness that she did. "Hello, everyone. I appreciate all of you so much for coming here tonight to say goodbye to me," I could see tears glistening in her eyes, even from where I stood. Great, it wouldn't be long until everyone was crying now. "I'll miss you all so very much. Some of you have been here for the bad times as well as the good times. You've watched me grow up to be who I am today, and I hope as your Princess I was able to make most of you proud." She smiled up at her husband, and the love I saw being shared between the two made my heart swell. I hoped with all my heart to have that someday. "Thanks for being the best family a girl could ask for. No matter where I may go we will always be family, never forget that. As a final farewell with good tidings, we both, meaning me and Ivan, wanted to tell you all tonight that I'm pregnant with child!"

I could hear my dad yell, 'WHAT?' as the rest of the guests congratulated her with applause. I couldn't believe that she obviously hadn't told our parents about this either. Me, yeah I could kind of understand, but I suppose she wanted it to be a surprise from everyone. I only wish I was actually able to see my father's face over her announcement, but I doubted he was anywhere near where I was. Hmm, Olga pregnant meant that I would soon be an auntie. Hmm, I think I could get used to that.

Olga said one last goodbye, giving an air kiss to the audience, and walked away from the podium with her husband, his arm around her waist.

Another song began to play, and I felt a little bold, deciding to be the one who chose my partner this time. Walking in a way that I was dodging any potential suitors from asking me to dance with them, I stopped only when I was standing in front of Arnold.

He raised an eyebrow curiously, probably wondering why I signaled him out. "Hey, want to dance…you know…with me?" I asked.

"I'm not sure that's appropriate…" he said, glancing around worried. "There are a couple of Princes here. Shouldn't you try dancing with them?"

"They can't dance," I said, pointing behind me with my thumb, and rolling my eyes. "And if I have to dance with anyone who can't dance I'd rather it be you."

"You really do know how to boost a man's confidence," he shook his head, but he still hesitated. "Are you sure your parent's will be okay with this?"

"Why wouldn't they be? If they want you to protect me the closer you are the better right?"

He smiled, and studied me. "I'm not sure that's how it works Princess."

"Are you ever just going to call me Helga?"

"Again, you know that's not appropriate."

"But I say it's fine."

"Yes," he paused, still smiling, "but your parents don't, or at least I wouldn't think they'd like me being so familiar with you."

"Always have to be good don't you?" I asked, sighing.

"Well, your father is letting me live here. The least I can do is respect him. I owe him that much."

"Fine, I'll just ask…him then." I purposely pointed to the most handsomest man in the room. At least I figured that's what some would call him. He had wild red hair and a bright smile. He really was good looking, but not in a way I could say I cared for.

Arnold frowned. "He's chatting up someone else already," he said, referring to the blonde who had a hand casually draped on his arm. The red head didn't seem to mind too much. Rather he seemed rather pleased about it.

"So? I'm sure if I asked him for a dance he wouldn't mind. Who knows? Maybe he's 'the one'." I made air quotes with my hands.

His eyes went half lidded as he turned back to me. I could feel tingles run through my body at the look. "I think he's busy right now. I...guess I could keep you occupied for one dance until he's done. You know, just to keep you company."

"Oh, don't worry about it," I said, walking towards the guy, just for added effect. "They probably aren't toge-" Arnold pulled me against him, our bodies so close I was sure this would be something my parents would complain about. I wrapped my arms around his neck instinctively, and stared straight into his eyes. My mouth went dry.

"One dance, then you can go to him if you'd like," he said, not dropping his gaze.

I nodded, unable to do anything else. As soon as he grabbed my hand I was pretty much at his mercy. "W-whatever floats your boat…Arnold…"

"Well, it is a way I can watch you closely." He said, backing up a bit to lead me onto the dance floor. I nodded, unable to do much else for being shocked that he was now willingly going along with this.

Once we were not in the way of other dancers, he grabbed my hand with one of his and slid his other around my waist, pulling me into him. What was with these feelings shooting through me all of a sudden? I had to get it together less he know just how much he really did affect me. We danced slowly, more staring at each other over the actual act of trying to move in rhythm with the music that played. I fought against the urge to lay my head on his shoulder.

"I didn't expect this," I murmured.

"Didn't you ask me to dance with you?"

"Um, yeah I did, but you brought up good points. My parents could easily be angry about this, especially my dad, since I'm supposed to get married when I turn eighteen."

"A deadline that looms ever closer…"

"Exactly," I said, as he twirled me around then brought me back into him. I caught a whiff of his cologne, and nearly swooned. No, Helga. He's your bodyguard! Don't let yourself get caught up in the romance of the act!

He smiled. "Helga, there's something I've been wanting to tell you-"

"Helga, there you are sweetie," My mother's voice said from nearby, causing us to pull apart abruptly. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, her lavender dress showing off the curves that skipped over me apparently. She held a glass of wine in her left hand, and it seemed she already downed one too many. She wobbled a little and Arnold helped to steady her. She kept her hand on his shoulder as she spoke to me again. "Isn't it just great? It feels a little too soon, but I'm going to be a grandma!" She giggled in a way that caused me to grimace. "I can't believe my little baby's grown up enough to have a baby herself, but I'm so proud of her. Ivan makes her happy and I'm sure the baby will be just as beautiful as it's mother."

"It could look like the father," Arnold supplied, but she took her hand from his shoulder and fanned it at him.

"No, no the baby will definitely have Olga's good looks I'm sure of that."

Arnold smiled politely, knowing he couldn't very well start an argument with the Queen the same way he could with me or anyone else. Honestly, I agreed with him. Yeah, Olga was beautiful, but Ivan was the father. There was bound to be some similarity to the man in the long run.

"Well, Helga honey, I'll see you later. I have to go and try to convince your father that Olga being pregnant is a good thing. A baby would help bridge our two countries even more."

"R-right," I said, not sure how anyone could see what would soon be a living breathing child as a pawn in politics. That was my family for you. "Bye."

As soon as she was gone Arnold sighed. "I never have felt comfortable around her," He said, then his eyes widened as he remembered that he was voicing that opinion to her daughter. "Ah, um, I mean—"

I laughed. "No offense taken. I feel the same way most of the time and she's my mom."

I could see the relief ease the tenseness that settled in his body. "Sorry, about the dance," he rubbed his arm. "She kind of startled me," he admitted.

"Yeah, she startled me too," I said. "But what were you going to say before?"

"Oh, it's not important," he said, blushing, making me think other wise. "I actually forgot I have to fill out paperwork for the guard," he scratched his head, suddenly looking tired. "I'll see you later?"

"Doi, bodyguard. It's kind of in your description to do so."

"Right," he blushed once more, then he too was gone, leaving me alone in between dancing couples.

As I made my way off of the dance floor, I accidentally bumped into someone, his hands immediately gripping my shoulders to balance us out from toppling over. I quickly apologized, but he only chuckled at that. "You are forgiven, Princess."

I felt a chill crawl through my body. I recognized that voice. I took in the short, curly black hair, dark grey eyes, sinister smirk, and dark dress suit of the man who stood before me. Prince Ali La Sambra. He was actually really good looking. No wonder he sounded so cocky the other day. I clenched my hands into fists, and he smiled, probably taking in the scowl I was sure I was now sporting. "Why do I get the sense that you're not pleased to see me?"

"Oh, that's not true," I said, a tight smile on my face. "It is quite a pleasure. I love wild dogs."

He leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Princess, it'd be wise of you to not mess with me if you love the safety of your Kingdom."

"Is that a threat?" I asked, bristling.

"It is what you choose it to be, but if you marry me I can promise to never lay a hand on such an ill begotten Kingdom." He brushed a piece of my hair with his hand.

"I'd sooner eat my own foot than marry you," I said, narrowing my eyes.

He narrowed his own eyes in return. "You'll come to regret saying those words to me. I can guarantee you that. Farewell princess. I'm sure we shall meet again." He gave my hand a quick kiss causing me to flinch, and turned on his heel disappearing into the crowd.

I hoped with all my heart that would not be the case.


I sat at my desk, thoughts of Prince Ali La Sombra filling my mind, but not in a good way. I despised the man immensely. I couldn't believe he had the gall to propose to me after pretty much calling my home crap to my face. As if I would even want to marry such a despicable man. I had pride.

Regardless, I had yet to tell anyone about the proposal, and that included Arnold. My family was on a driven high from Olga's confession of pregnancy. As promised, my mother had finally gotten King Robert Pataki on board with the whole thing. Not that he really had a choice, but it was easier that he accepted it. He probably came around when he realized that stress on Olga would potentially make for a complicated pregnancy. She already had enough with the inevitable move. She didn't need it from her family as well, so things were looking up. She was spending more time out and about in the city, saying goodbye to the subjects who loved her there. I personally had never been. I wouldn't even know how to get there, but maybe I'd finally get the chance to see it once it was my turn to leave the nest. I tried not to dwell on how odd it was that I didn't even know the people who gave and vowed their loyalty to the King. I had enough unsettled problems on my plate as it was.

I decided that sitting at my desk wasn't doing me any good. Thinking wasn't doing me any good. Funny how I didn't really care much at all for Princes, but Ali was constantly on my mind as of late. The way he gave threats as easily as handing a maiden a tissue for her tears worried me. His dark grey eyes were starting to haunt my thoughts. I shook my head, and stood up, walking outside like a sane person this time.

I held my breath as I walked over to the guards that monitored who came and went, and squared my shoulders. I wasn't going to use pretenses to escape this time. I wanted to leave as myself.

"Hello, can you open the gates for me please?"

"Princess Helga, is that you?" One asked, his dark shaggy hair falling into his eyes as he squinted at me.

"The one and only," I said, crossing my arms. Maybe if I acted intimidating they'd be quick to open the doors.

"Uh, you sure you want to leave?" The other asked, scratching his head.

"My sister did, didn't she?"

"Aye, but she's long since returned and retired to her quarters, exhausted. I never noticed before, but it was obvious that she was with child now that I can recognize the signs."

"Oh, she has?" I asked, thinking she had still been in town.

"Yup, but if you still want to leave…"

"You'll actually let me go?" I asked, but when they raised their eyebrows I cleared my throat and spoke with authority. "I mean, yes I most certainly do."

They shot glances at each other, and shrugged. "Your guardian will be with you correct?" Shaggy hair asked.

"You mean Arnold?"

"Yeah, it's not safe to be out and about by yourself. He does know you're trying to leave…right?"

"Of course," I lied. "I tell him everything. He's fine with it."

"In that case…" They opened the gates, and I walked past the doors, offering them a small curtsey to which they blushed.

"No need to do that Princess. Your father would have our heads for that."

I chuckled and walked off. Now that it was brighter I could take in the prettiness of the forest. There were a few birds flitting about, but other than that it was quiet. I hummed softly to myself, easily forgetting my problems. I decided not to release the power in my hands this time. I didn't want another accident like last time to happen again.

"There you are," I turned to see Arnold. This time I wasn't scared to see him like last time.

"How do you keep finding me out here?" I asked, incredulously. I had walked pretty far. So far I had wondered if I'd ever find my way back or not.

"Just a guess," I studied his face for signs of…something, but he just smiled at me. He was dressed in his archery garb, his quiver bag attached to his back. I was dressed in a simple pink dress that ended at my knees this time, forgetting to change into something more comfortable. It was already a little on the dirty side, but I couldn't find it in me to get embarrassed.

"You don't plan to burn the forest down again do you?" He asked, his eyes twinkling.

"N-no, that was a mistake."

He chuckled. "It was my fault anyway for startling you."

"I should have been more in control, startled or not," I said, not wanting him to take the full blame.

"You don't really get much practice. For what you can do without it, you're pretty good. Nobody would blame you if they knew you were just starting out."

I blushed under the compliment, liking this time we shared together and hating that it would soon come to an end with him going full time into the army. I wanted to say more, no matter what it was, just to extend the conversation, but I never got the chance to. A huge, explosive like noise went off in my ears. It sounded so close that I shrieked, and jumped into Arnold's arms out of fear. War never came this close to us, so I didn't recognize certain sounds. I hated that I was so sheltered at times. My heart was racing hard, and I buried my face into the crook of his arm. I could feel his own heart racing against my cheek.

"Helga…are you okay?" He asked. I nodded, my heartbeat slowing a little.

"What was that?" I asked softly. "I've never heard anything like it before."

Arnold didn't say anything; he just started walking with me still in his arms, soothing me with his voice, to what I guessed was the castle. The closer we got I could smell something terrible. It was a moment before I realized it was the smell of burning. My heart dipped, but I wasn't going to panic, not yet. The smell of wood and...something else I couldn't name filled the air and my eyes began to sting thanks to the smoke we were walking closer to. His intake of breath made me look up at him. I didn't like his eyes. They were full of so many different emotions I had a hard time figuring out what it was he was truly feeling. My heart began to pound unsteadily. Why was he looking like that?

I turned my head, and what I saw made me feel faint, even as I was already held in Arnold's arms. My home of seventeen years. The castle was on fire, black clouds of smoke engulfing it completely. Parts of it had exploded, and caved in. It looked like a shadow of it's former self. Not at all as it was an hour or so before. The panic I held back shot through my heart, and I could barely feel the tears that fell down my cheeks. I could barely feel anything, but gut wrenching pain. "No," I whispered, before I completely broke down right there in Arnold's arms, my crying jerky and uncontrollable. It was then that I knew what I had been smelling mixed in with the wood. Blood and death.

I threw up and my world turned black.