"You're gonna pace a hole in that carpet," a sultry voice called out. The nervous gentleman stopped and turned to the doorjamb. Before him stood a vision in blood red stilettos. His date wore skinny blue jeans, flowing chiffon black blouse, and to top it off her raven black hair was pulled into a ponytail.

"Hi-Ho," Doug released in a gasp of shock. Evie bestowed him with a glorious smile.

"I'm glad that you like it even when I am dressed down." She blushed. Evie couldn't explain why the way Doug looked at her seemed so different than when others looked at her. It felt like no matter how she looked he saw her soul and still loved her for it, although he hadn't said the words yet.

"Evie," Doug stepped forward. The awkward second generation dwarf picked up his lady's hand, but didn't quite know what to do with it. Thinking quickly he kissed it, grimacing he looked up thinking he'd find a look of confusion and horror on her face, but she giggle happily as set him at ease again. "Evie, you are always going to be beautiful. To me..." he thought carefully, "you are the fairest of them all."

She squealed as wrapped him in a hug. His confidence level shot to the roof, he wasn't used to making a girl happy... he wasn't used to having a girl. But for some reason the need and awe that he saw in Evie's eyes made him happy that he waited for her. Keeping her hand in his he lead her through the women's dormitory. Doug and Evie were busy discussing what they needed to get done during this study date that they didn't see Audrey fly around the corner. The girls shoulders collided sending the contents of Evie's backpack scattered across the floor.

"Watch where you're going," Audrey snapped.

"I'm so sorry," Evie began.

"Yeah, well you should be. You may have ripped my dress." Audrey did a quick inspection of herself. "You're lucky you didn't." Evie rolled her eyes, so she didn't see Audrey's once over. "Nice outfit, islander. It's about time you dress like what you actually are."

Evie's face flared with angry heat. What on earth could she have meant by that? Audrey didn't need to read her mind she answered the question in her haughty fashion, "A old hag's daughter." Evie may not have been exactly proud of her mom, but she loved her.

"No one speaks of my Mama that way," She took a menacing step forward. Audrey's face wavered but she didn't back down.

"I am just reminding you of what she is," Audrey smirked.

"Look in a mirror when you are talking about yourself Audrey. It confuses less people." Evie huffed. She turned to Doug with tears brimming, but she'd rather turn into a rat than let Audrey see her cry. "Let's go Doug." Needing his ever present strength she clasped his hand. He squeezed her back letting her know that he was there.

Audrey stopped them before they could get to far, "Hey Doug, I'm looking for Ben. Have you seen him lately."

Doug looked to Evie and she mouthed "Mal."

Doug shrugged and replied, "If I remember correctly he's at the castle with Mal... his girlfriend."

Audrey cringed at the word, "Yeah we'll just see how long that lasts."

Evie almost turned around to snap, but the strength of Doug's grip kept her in place. He lead her down the hall without another word. Once they were out into the open air on their way to the library Evie let her pent up anger out in the form of tears. Doug heard her soft sobbing and stopped.

"E, what's wrong?"

"I'm just so mad! I wish I could do magic the way Mal could."

Doug smiled, "And what would you do with magic?"

"I'd turn her to a worm, and feed her to my mother's raven," Evie growled. "Oh I just... I ...I hate her. She's awful, and her determination to hurt my best friend infuriates me."

"Hey, hey," Doug called to her. "I'm so proud of you."

Evie's eyes finally met his. They looked lost and confused, he had to remind himself that she wasn't use to making people proud... no matter how hard she tried. Her voice came out weak, "Really?"

"Yes! E, you stood your ground against her and didn't restore to your villainous ways. I am sure that had to be difficult for you." See how badly she needed his comfort he forgot his awkward ways and pulled her into his arms. He settled his hand just above her waist and laid his head on hers. "Baby, you are so beautiful and so strong and no prissy pink princess is ever going to take that away from you." He felt her gasp and pull her arms tighter as they clung to him.

"Thank you," she whispered. She smiled up at him, "You are my perfect prince." Doug felt like he could grow another three inches just from the shine of pride in her eyes. If there were ever a time to tell her how he felt it was now.

"Evie, I..." he couldn't believe that the words were sticking in the back of his throat. NO! he scolded himself, This is not the time to choke up! "Evie..." Well if you couldn't say it he'd show her. Closing his eyes and leaving all thought behind he kissed his wicked beautiful princess. Although she was completely shocked she did not pull away. To his surprise she kissed him back.

Once the broke apart, her eyes sparkled with pure pleasure. "I... you too," she whispered.

"Good," he release a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Let's go study for that exam in Chemistry and when we pass we'll go out and celebrate."

"Deal," Evie giggled as they continued on their way.

Looking down on their little escapade was an angry princess, "These are villains, and villains don't get happy endings."

Author's Note:

I hope you all like the little break up from Mal and her problems. I needed a break from Mal and her secrets so I gave Evie the spotlight this time. Did I do the right thing?