I wake the next morning while it's still dark. I carefully move, trying not to disturb Meghan's peaceful sleeping, and dress quietly. I make my way through the caves to make sure we're still alone then return to Meghan's side carefully caressing her hair and face.

Last night was wonderful. Meghan makes me feel alive again. She is the most perfect person I have meet since Ariella.

Ariella. I feel as though I am betraying her memory because of how quickly my feelings grew for Meghan. Would Ariella want me to be happy and move on? I think she would. Well, I hope she does.

Meghan started to stir and I banished all my brooding thoughts. I sat beside her on the pallet and tucked stray hairs behind her ear, and kissed her forehead.

"Meghan, it's time to go," I whisper.

Slowly she woke and gave me a beautiful smile, that held a twinge of shyness. Her ivory cheeks turned pink as she remembers last night. I then hid my smile.

I turned my back and let her dress and pulled out the rations we have left. My senses alerted me to a presence nearing.

"Remember what we talked about last night," I murmur quietly to her, I felt a twinge of sadness in my chest

She nodded and backed away. I unsheathed my sword, preparing for battle.

A sentry from my mother's court appeared at the mouth of the cave.

"Your majesty," he bowed. "Queen Mab ordered me to find you and help you escort the summer princess to court."

"I am more than capable to escort a girl," I replied coolly, hoping Meghan does not intervene.

"I am sorry your highness," the sentry bowed again. "The queen orders it."

"Very well," I sigh. "The princess will need a few minutes."

"Of course, your highness. Well will wait at the main entrance."

When I was sure he was far enough away I turned to Meghan.

"You must remember we have to act as enemies," I whispered in her ear. "Be strong or the court will beat you down and I won't be able to help."

Meghan nodded and raised her hand to my face. "I love you," she whispered to quietly I barely heard, there was longing in her voice and it was mixed with sadness.

I nodded and brushed my lips against hers. "No matter what happens remember that I love you too." The sadness was back in my chest, but this time it was stronger.

We put things back to it's proper place and prepared to put on a show. When I was sure I looked like the cold ice prince I once was, we exited.

Outside two sentries waited with two horses, I mounted not looking at Meghan while she strained to mount. Not looking at anything in particular one of the sentries placed her reins in my hands and we set out to court.

We rode for hours and finally came across the waterfall that leads to Mab's court. We waited until the water formed a bridge to ride in and I sensed Meghan's astonishment.

When I dismounted I didn't turn to her but only said, "Come, halfbreed."

How it pains me to address her so. I longed to treat her as I wished.

I walked the corridors with Meghan trailing behind me. Redcaps, goblins and the other nightmare creatures of the winter court all watched Meghan with the same hungry eyes. They were eager to watch her suffer.

Finally, at the main chamber there sat my mother dressed in a white suit and her inky black hair was pinned back severely. My brothers stood to at her attention. Rowan, my mothers second son leered at Meghan and I while Sage looked blank. I bowed before my mother until she spoke.

"Ash, my son, you took a while to bring the princess here," Mab's voice was cold and held no emotion.

"There were delays my queen."

"Of course," she said when I stood. Her eyes were only on Meghan. "Take the halfbreed to her room," my mother ordered and Meghan was led away by a sayter. I hope she won't be harmed.

"Now," Mab started. "Tell us why you were delayed."