Matt met her at the palace. The attendant, Carol, held the altered dress in her arms as he approached. She expected him to ogle over it, but Matt could care less. He passed her and took hold of Sienna. His gentleness was very romantic for a boy who felt nothing for her.

"I'm so sorry I wasn't there," he whispered in her ear.

Sienna shook her head. "The groom can't see the dress, remember?"

Matt offered a small smile, but it was sad. It fell dead on his lips and the happy gesture didn't reach his eyes. "I have something for you," he said.

Sienna wasn't expecting that. Matt grinned at her expression and dropped to the floor. One knee hit the ground and the other fell into a pose similar to a lunge. It took Sienna a few seconds to realize what this form meant. His hands drew a box out of his pocket and Sienna's breath caught in her throat. The moment had come. Her Prince Charming was about to make things official.

"Sienna Carlton," he said, tipping open the box to reveal the biggest diamond ring Sienna had ever seen. He held it out to her, a peace offering in their desperate situation. "Despite the circumstances, and the rush, will you marry me?"

It was wrong. Sienna knew it was wrong. She didn't deserve a proposal. Those words meant something more for someone else. They were too romantic for her. She didn't feel anything, yet there it was; a diamond ring to decorate her taken finger. It was with more than anyone in her life could offer her and it was meant as a promise for more. Matt was giving her a promise in this ring. It didn't come with love, but it did hold mutual understanding and respect. This was her choice.

"I will," she said.

Matt stood and held Sienna's shoulders. It was an awkward hug, but as they broke, Matt pulled the ring out and slid it over Sienna's finger. The silver band slid over her skin and rested loosely at the knuckle. It was beautiful. Sienna could see it shine like a mirror of starlight, a bright white stone surrounded by a flower pattern of blue stones on a silver band. No doubt, this was a royal ring. It was perfectly cut and a little heavy to wear.

"Oh, my!" Carol sighed deeply.

Sienna had forgotten she was there. Carol was there in an instant, breaking the two of them apart to inspect the ring. Her delicate fingers laced over Sienna's hand, twisting it one way and then the other. She was beaming, her blue eyes lighting up with joy.

"It's beautiful, my lady," she said. "It will match the dress beautifully."

Sienna couldn't even look at it. "Thank you."

"May I see the dress?" Matt asked, motioning to the wrapped parcel in Carol's arms.

Carol was shocked to have attention swayed her way. She had forgotten her immediate shock to the prince's rejection in the excitement over the engagement and it dawned on her that she had ruined a moment. Her face lit up red and she nodded, holding out the dress. Carol raised the white paper up and let it drape over her arm. The beautiful beading of the sash drew in Matt's attention and he traced it with his finger. It was silver and diamond, excessively expensive for Sienna's taste, but the overall look made her feel gorgeous.

"I did not imagine this for you," he said.

"Me either," she admitted. "But, with some persuading from Lori, it was a crowd pleaser."

"But it's your wedding," Matt said.

"But we are on a clock," Sienna said. "It already fit and looks gorgeous. They made some minor alterations to it and the dress was complete. Now we move to the next step."

Matt looked up. "The next step?"

"The announcement," Sienna said, holding up her ringed finger. "Your father wanted us to make it tonight. Has the word gone out already?"

"Yes, it has. I am upset he did not consult me, but it is to be expected. I had no idea they were going to go after you. Did you...close all the doors that needed to be?" Matt asked. It sounded casual, but Sienna understood what he meant. It was a gentle reminder of Frank's face as she left him, only for bodyguards to scoop her up.

"Yes, I did," she said. "I am here."

Matt sighed in relief. "I am sorry this has been so difficult for you."

Sienna took his hand and held it. "It's been hard for you, too."

Carol looked awkwardly between them. They didn't seem to see her anymore. "I will leave her in your caring hands, my lord. I will bring the dress to the Queen and then make a place for it in the lady's room. Call me if you require my assistance."

"I will, thank you," Matt said, without breaking eye contact with Sienna.

Carol took the dress, covered it again, and left them standing alone in the hallway of the palace. As soon as she had turned the corner, Matt gripped Sienna's hand and dragged her down the hallway. Matt led her through hallway after hallway. After a few seconds, she found herself lost in the maze of the palace. A few seconds later, Matt was stopping in front of a door she didn't know. The door was dark oak and had gold trimming. Matt released her hand and faced her.

"We can talk in here," he said, cracking open the door.

Sienna nodded, but couldn't find any words as she entered. She knew where they were. Matt's room was as big and grand as expected. He had a king-sized bed with a royal blue comforter. His bed frame looked old and ancient, but stained a rich brown over the wood. It was beautiful and elegant and matched his dressers and bed tables. In the far part of the room was an open window that led out onto a balcony. The open door let a gentle breeze in that ruffled the thick carpet and fluttered through the curtains. Sienna stepped in and turned around. Matt entered and shut the door behind him. He was serious, but he seemed to let the tension float away now that he was in space he knew. He relaxed his shoulders and walked forward. With a dramatic spin, he collapsed on his bed.

"I didn't realize weddings were so chaotic," he said.

"I feel like it should be easier, but I guess it's making it harder," Sienna said gently, dropping down next to him.

The bed was softer than any Sienna had ever felt. She let her back sink into the mattress, the warm, thick blankets warmed her skin and face. Matt's eyes lit up, his body turned toward her. This felt friendlier than anything Matt had done in days. There were no false expectations, no guessing what he was thinking. Sienna felt more at peace than she had since their relationship started. Now that it was over, she felt power returning.

"How are you feeling?" Matt asked.

Sienna shrugged. "I've been better. How are you?"

"I am nervous for the announcement," he admitted. "I do not know how the nation will respond to a crown prince engagement. The last one was before my birth. This one could be especially difficult with the dramatic change in politics. This will be one for the history books."

Sienna tried to swallow. "That didn't exactly help the nerves."

"I apologize," Matt said, falling back down. He rested his head among his valley of pillows at the head of the bed.

Sienna backtracked. "Sorry, I am trying to adjust. I want you to trust me, but I am also trying to situate. This is a lot of emotional and situational change at once. We will get through this ceremony, and, in a week, we will get through this wedding."

Matt gave her a small smile. "We will," he said. "Together."

Before they could talk, there was a furious knock at the door.

"Lord Matthew?"

The voice was high pitch and squeaky, but male. The knocking was repeated and precise, hitting the same part of the door. Sienna jumped, but Matt didn't seem to notice. His eyes glassed over and he stood in up in response to Sienna.

"Yes, Cornelius?"

"You are needed for hair and makeup, my lord!" The man called. "Immediately!"

Matt looked at Sienna. "We will have time later. I promise."

Sienna tried to smile. "Of course."

Even as she bowed her head, Sienna couldn't help but hear a voice in the back of her head add: in a few weeks, we will definitely have a lot more time together to talk about things.

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