Hours had passed before Nuada had fallen asleep and quietly I slipped out of his arms. He actually looked peaceful. I kissed his head and slipped out of the healers room, unseen, and quietly made my way down the hall. Still clutching my stomach I knocked on Nuala's door. She opened it and as wide eyed when she saw me,

"Arainia," She pulled me into her room and sat me down on the bed, "when you didn't come back and Almar opened the passage I got worried, but father said it was just a scratch." Her eyes saddened, "So that's why Nuada's been in so much pain. Isn't it?"

I let out a sigh, "Your father and Nuada don't see eye to eye right now." She smiled,

"It's because he loves you, isn't it. My father is a very stubborn person. If you are not a noble then he views you as unworthy. But my brother however views nobility in a much different manner. To him even a king can be among the unworthy and peasant among the strongest of kings. Do not let your heart be troubled though, for they have never seen eye to eye since our mother died."

"Please, tell me of your mother. I never knew mine. She was killed after I was born and my father left for war when I was three. All I've ever known is to be a warrior."

Her eyes deepened with the sadness,

"I am so sorry," I simply nodded my head and told her to go on, "Well, she was a beautiful woman. She had long golden hair and had a slender frame. She had bright green eyes and a beautiful smile. She and Nuada were close. She loved him and kept him in line. When father would be too tough on Nuada she would soften fathers' heart towards him. But when the trolls attacked, she was killed by the prince of the trolls. Nuada never forgave father for not saving her."

"I am so sorry. You had a life with a wonderful, loving mother when she was taken from you. You had memories with her."

She smiled and took my hand,

"My brother is thinking of you. I can feel the happiness and joy in his heart. Come, I will walk you back to the healers' room." She took my arm and led me back to the healers' room. And there sat Nuada, shirtless with only a bandage on his arm. Nuala smiled and left me there. He stood and held his arms out and open to me. I walked over to him and he wrapped his arms around me. My arms were secure around his neck,

"Nuala said you were happy so you were thinking of me. Tell me, were you?"

He smiled and slowly out lips touched. Sweeter that honeysuckle and more passionate then before.

"Ehen," Slowly we turned our heads to see king Balor. Nuada was still close and turned back to me letting out a low growl. My eyes were locked with the Kings,

"We need to talk."

"We are done talking."

"I was not talking to you." He inclined his head towards me. Nuadas grips tightened around my waist. I put me hand on his cheek and kissed him,

"I will be fine." I pulled away and proceeded to follow the King. My side was killing me but I put on the bravest face I could make. Once we were in his chamber he finally spoke to me.

"My son has some fascination you, why I do not know, but I fear his love for you will be his downfall. That is why I am sending you to our post on the outskirts of Bethmora. If you deny your duty, death will be your punishment."

"You are the king. Your wish is my command." He smiled, feeling victorious. Later I heard Nuada and his father shouting at each other,

"How dare you! The one time that I am truly happy and you deny me that happiness!"

"You are not thinking clearly my son. You have made your decision. Now I have made mine."

"Mother would have approved. Ever since she died have done everything to please you and the one time I make a decision for myself you go and try to take it away! If you think sending her away will make a difference then you are wrong."

"Do not walk away from me, I am still the king!"

"Not my king." Nuada burst out of the hall and stopped when he saw me. He turned and made his was back to his room. I went to his room and quietly opened the door. He stood at the balcony, his back to me. I stood behind him with my arms on his chest and my head on his back.

"When?"

"Tomorrow." He let out a sigh and held onto my arms, "Am I not aloud to spend one night with my lord?" He turned so now I was in his arms, "My king?" He pressed his forehead to mine and he shut his eyes, "My love?"

"I will ride out, every day. Just to see you. No one can keep me from you. No one."

That night I slept in Nuada's arms. It would be the last night we would get to spend together for a while.