Lilith hadn't been kidding. The second the couple strolled out, the sun wasted no time in beating down on them with its warm rays. As they walked along the path, Nick noticed all sorts of flowers; daffodils, roses, lilies, daisies, and flowers he didn't even know names of. Passing the small pond, he even noticed water lilies, floating in the crystal clear water. Weren't those rare?

"Something caught your eye my Prince?" the Princess asked from beside him. As he turned his head to face her, he caught her gaze and he found it wasn't hard to miss the smile she adorned. Nick wasn't going to deny that Lilith wasn't pretty. The trait must run in the family, but he also realised that her 'smile' was very much put on. He'd press for more information as to why later.

"Just noticing the water lilies. It's been a fair while since I've come across them," he admitted, turning away to further study the white plants.

"Oh that would be father's doing. He has a passion for nature, and he's been making it a goal to have every single flower in his gardens," she giggled. Lilith guessed it wasn't very common, to be this engrossed with flowers, and she was rather grateful her father was a peaceful King.

"Ah I see. I didn't know he had a green thumb," Nick chimed in.

"Yes well, he likes to put more effort into more peaceful and calm hobbies rather than ones out of anger. He finds it very therapeutic."

"I see," Nick muttered. Again, silence filled the air, save for the few birds tweeting from the trees, and Nick honestly never felt so awkward. He considered coming clean there and then, and informing Lilith he didn't want to continue on with this arrangement. As much as he really wanted to be honest, he thought against it, keeping Judy in mind. No, he wouldn't get her into trouble because of his selfish thinking.

"Nicholas, I don't think I can do this any longer."

Upon hearing her from beside him, he whipped his head round to face the Princess. Her expression she wore left him at a loss for words, her smile no longer visible on her pretty features.

"I'm really sorry. I've tried, tried so hard to develop feeling for you but.."

He blinked once.

Then he blinked twice, and shook his head in confusion, slowly sinking back into reality.

"Princess, I won't lie to you, but as much as I do wholeheartedly agree, we cannot just break it off," he reasoned. Nick had a surge of relief flow through him, but immediately halted, as he thought of how Judy would take this. Surely she'd just believe it was him who ran his mouth, and not her sister.

"I know," she simply stated. "Which is why I plan to leave."

Nick's eyes grew wide, not sure if he had heard her correctly. Noticing the deadpan look on her face when he turned toward it confirmed she was indeed being serious. "What?" he barked. "You can't do that!"

"I've no choice. Mother would never allow me to be with Danial, for I am with you," she said, not breaking strides in her steps.

"Your mate?" he muttered. Lilith paused, and lifted her head up in surprise. "You know?"

Nick tsked in annoyance. "Of course I do. I'm very aware of everything that has to do with me."

Lilith brought her gaze down to the ground in thought. "Huh.." she mumbled. "You've never said anything."

"I've never had a reason to bring it up. We have a duty Lilith," he reminded her, folding his arms as they continued their walk in the gardens.

"And I've given up caring about that duty Nicholas," she argued, seemingly frustrated. "This is what my mother wanted, not me. She could have picked Judith, but she didn't. That girl is allowed to enjoy her freedom."

"She'd at least have been open about it," he spat back. As soon as the words left his mouth, he cursed himself for letting it slip that he was close to Judy. This girl though, was incredibly irritating him, and Nick had to wonder how in the world a bun like Judy was related to her.

"Ha," she laughed out loud. "That's funny. You clearly don't know my sister."

Nick decided to just go along and dig the hole he'd started digging, deeper. "Oh but I do. Her hospitality has been much appreciated, especially considering I'm a fox. I understand you don't quite take to my species yourself."

Lilith paused, and grew curious. How had the fox become close to her sister? She'd rarely ever seen the two together, and when she had, they were at each other's throats with snide remarks and banter. "Oh? How so? When have you had the change to get along with Judy?"

Nick was so close to retorting back, knowing full well he'd enjoy the look on her face if he did so, but held his tongue. No, that would not do Judy any good in the long run. He decided to just, attempt at least, calm down the conversation. What he should have been doing was trying to find out what Lilith was planning to do, not further aggravate her.

"We saw each other every now and then around the Palace. I'm sure you had been accompanying me some of those times. Aside from that Princess, I do believe this conversation has gotten out of hand," he replied. Lilith eyed him suspiciously, but decided to just let it slide for now.

"Very well. I can only hope you won't mention what I told you to the King and Queen," she said, frowning. Nick simply nodded.

"You have my word. Although I must admit, I'll have to tell them eventually." Nick took a slight step back at the glare the Princess shot him the minute his words left him. 'Good gods, it's worse than Judy's.'

"Well it better be after I've left," she concluded, before walking ahead of him. "Thank you for accompanying me on the walk Nicholas."

Nick stopped in his steps, and stared after the retreating Princess. 'What the hell am I going to do?' The first thing he considered was telling Judy, but knowing her, she'd worry so much that she'd go to her father, and the King would most likely turn to his wife, and long story short, Nick would probably get murdered by the Princess. Scratch that plan.

He knew deep down that eventually he would end up letting it slip when with Judy, but for now, he decided to keep it to himself. Maybe he should talk to Danial, make Lilith reconsider. He could talk to the Queen personally and break it off himself, save the whole ordeal ever happening if the Queen found out her daughter ran away. Of course Nick had originally planned to maybe get Lilith and Danial together, so he in turn could be with Judy instead. Everyone would be content. But then of course Judy had to put it in his head that that plan seemed as if he was getting around in the palace.

He groaned in exasperation. 'This is going to be the death of me,' he thought with a wince. Looking around, he realised maybe being in the beautiful and quiet garden wasn't doing him any good. Too much thinking happened when it was quiet. 'At least it's a nice day.'

He'd have to figure out something soon. Who knew when Lilith planned to leave?

Judy was going to find out what had worked up her father so much, if it was the last thing she'd do. Why in the world had he been tearing the castle apart looking for Nick. She could only assume something terrible must have happened. What had the fox done? Her sister made it seem that her father was so angry, and he never got angry, for he was a rather peaceful King. What could have possibly-

Judy stopped in her tracks and her breath hitched in her throat. 'Oh no..'

Surely he didn't find out about her and Nick? What if he got word of what they did? Judy shook her head. No, Lilith would have known when she came looking for him. But then why come to her room looking for the Prince unless..

'Oh god, she knows,' she thought with a whimper. 'They all know!'

Judy regained her composure and took a deep breath. Now was not the time to panic. Yes maybe she was getting herself worked up over nothing. She'd just have to find the King and ask what was the matter to find out, and so, she quickened her pace to his quarter.

Okay so maybe she hadn't thought it through when she assumed he'd be in his room. She had no reason to think otherwise. After finding herself asking a few servants around the castle if they'd seen the King, she finally stepped into the armory, noticing her father studying some sort of document. Why he was in the armory though, made Judy feel uneasy. Something bad was happening, she could sense it.

"Hello father," she greeted sweetly, hopping over to him. Her greeting caught his attention, and the King smiled humbly, replacing the grave expression he once held.

"Ah Judith! What brings you here my dear?" he greeted back, putting aside the document. The young bunny bounced onto him and locked him into a hug. She knew how much her father liked affection from all his children, and she'd be using it this time to her advantage.

"I heard of some commotion early this morning and fell curious," she admitted straight away. She found there was no point in dragging it out, realising that she should probably get to work on getting it out of him from now.

Her father frowned, but quickly hid it with a smile. "Now Jude, there are matters that don't need your concern." Judy let go and brought her paws together.

"Oh father please! I promise I won't say a word to anyone about it! I'll keep it to myself!" she pleased. The King's smile faltered and he sighed, turning away from his daughter, causing her ears to droop slightly. Was her father so against what she loved to do, that he had to keep this to himself?

"Why must you be so persistent?" he chuckled, and Judy felt relief flood her body.

"Because not being persistent is boring," she replied, holding her tongue on the rest of what she was to say. It hadn't stopped her from running it through her head though. 'It also gets me what I want.'

"Fine, but you must keep you word. For the moment nobody must know about this," he warned. "I haven't even told your mother yet."

Judy suddenly grew giddy, and couldn't stop the ridiculous grin showing up on her face.

"Yes, absolutely, definitely father! I promise!"

Her father smiled warmly at her. "Well where to start then? I believe I heard you were there also when Nicholas heard of a bang."

"Actually, it's what startled my horse, but yes I heard it, and I know what it had been," she corrected, with a smile.

"Ah I see. I guess that cuts half the story down. What I know you don't know is we're acting upon it," he started, not taking into account that Judy didn't seem fazed. In fact, this made Judy feel awfully nervous. Of course, this was because she did already know, she just couldn't let her father know that she did, otherwise it would mean trouble for Nick and herself, and not just because he ran his mouth to her. The first thing father would think, is why Nick would have chosen to tell her in general.

"Oh? How so father? What exactly is happening?" she inquired. Of course, the answer he gave her was one she already knew. It was her idea after all.

"Even so," he continued after explaining the plan she had come up with. "None of that matters now, because we got word that the enemy group is a day away."

Judy froze. "What?" So they had been right! It had been a warning shot, but didn't that mean they had another two days? Why had they arrived a day earlier than expected? "Surely that's not possible!"

"I'm afraid it is Jude," he said, making use of the nickname he was fond of. "We're preparing for battle as we speak, and is the reason why I had been frantic this morning looking for the Prince."

Judy blinked and a thought went through her mind, one she felt she needed to act upon. This was the moment she'd been working so hard for.

"Let me help," she decided, her chest puffed out, and chin held high. The King's jaw dropped.

"Don't be so idiotic Judy! You've gotten away with a lot of things with me, but that is just preposterous!" he yelled, appalled. Judy's ears fell behind her head. Her father never got angry with her, and it just made her feel like he was going to act like her mother.

"But father I-"

"Absolutely no chance Judith" he said plainly, turning away. "There's no argument to be had. You are not endangering yourself out there."

"I can do this father! I've been studying and-"

"You've been what?" he asked gravely, turning back with a deadpan look upon his face. "Studying what?"

"Military Science," she replied meekly. This was it. It was probably not the right time, but Judy felt she had no choice at this point. Although once her words were out, she regretted them the second she saw her father's eyes ablaze.

"You took my books? Judith why would you do that?" he shouted at her, and Judy all of a sudden felt sick. No, she was not going to cry now.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry father," she whimpered. "I'm just tired of being just a princess." Stu stared at his daughter sadly, albeit still being very much disappointed with her. "I'm miserable being able to do nothing."

"Oh Judy, you and I both know you're more than just a 'princess'," he assured, stepping toward her. "You have more ambition than anyone else.." Stu looked down at her, and she quickly put her arms around him in a hug. "I just can't let you go out there knowing so little. It's too dangerous."

Judy sighed, and gripped her father tighter. There was no way she could win this. Her father was normally a major push over with her, and was easy to convince, but he was not budging with this. "It's dangerous no matter who goes!" she mumbled. Okay, so she wasn't pleased with how this turned out. Judy thought at the very least, that her father would listen to reason, not lose it the second she confessed what she had been doing. How in the world was she supposed to tell her mother after that reaction?

Stu frowned again, but as angry, no, disappointed he was, he also did feel sorry for his daughter. He knew how much making a difference meant to her, but this.. this attack was something they had little information on. It was much too risky a battle to have Judy waltz into, especially with no prior experience.

"Sometimes sacrifices must be made Judy, and I will not be putting you on the line just because you think you're ready to help," he reasoned, letting go of his daughter. The look on her normally bright face broke his heart, but even that would not change his mind.
Judy of course, didn't like his answer, but she sort of understood where he was coming from. He hadn't said she couldn't in general, but it was just this specific battle that put her father on edge. It made her wonder, how much information they did have on this enemy. Wait, who even was this enemy?

"I understand father," she mumbled. "Who is it that is declaring this war?"

Her father hesitated, giving Judy an uneasy feeling. It wasn't a good reaction, meaning the enemy wasn't someone they had not heard of before.

"The Duke of the North," her father said quietly. Now it was only himself, Nicholas, and his daughter that knew, and he hoped it would stay that way. Judy's ears drooped. The Duke? Of the Hare family? As far as Judy was aware, Jack's father was dead, she had learned that the hard way.
'Didn't he say he was dead, or had it been a different hare family?' she pondered, grimacing in remembrance of that disaster of a dinner.

"But father, how is that possible? Jack hasn't gained possession of the crown yet" she inquired. There was also no reason for attack, the warning shot was sounded two days prior to Judy accidentally insulting Jack, so she was relieved to realise this was not because of her carelessness. The shot was also heard when he was probably beginning to make his journey to her family's kingdom, so it didn't make any sense to the Princess.

"Jack's uncle is currently in command, and he does not like what we are doing with the Imperial Empire."

Judy stood confused. "I'm afraid I don't understand. What have we done with the Imperials to infuriate the Duke? Have we not ensured peace?" she asked.

"Well your sister did marry a fox Judith, peace ensured or not," he replied, raising an eyebrow. Judy was normally a smart one, he wondered why she'd feel the need to ask.

"Oh.." she muttered. So the war was about speciest claims, and that fact left the bunny quite upset. What was wrong with a bunny and a fox getting married? Granted, they did not love each other, but the Duke did not know that, so how did that matter? Judy knew her feelings were real, regardless of his species. "..that's awful."

"Yes I know," her father sighed. "Now please Judith, I really must finish the preparations for tomorrow morning."

Judy frowned, and fell into a thought. Maybe she could be of some help after all. "Do you think maybe I can assist you father? I won't be getting hurt," she asked him. It almost felt like she was begging him. Her father stared at her, amazed she still wouldn't give up. This was something he knew he couldn't mention to the Queen. She had been angry at Judy for going horse riding! Deep down he knew his wife had good intentions but there were times he did think she was being a little too harsh. He had to give Judy this at least.

"I don't know Jude.." he said, pretending to ponder. He already knew he'd at least let her help planning, and he knew his daughter was smart enough for it. She wouldn't have asked to go out onto the battlefield if she didn't know what she was doing. Judith's eyes grew wide, pleading to her father to let her have this.

"Please father? I won't tell mother, and my studying might actually be of some use," she reasoned, clasping her paws together. The King smiled fondly. She really was his daughter, and he loved how ambitious she always made herself to be.

"Ah Jude, of course you can," he said cheerfully. "But keep your word about not telling your mother."

Judy gasped in response, and began hopping up and down on the spot in glee. "Oh father, thank you! I won't let you down!" she promised, hugging the King.

"Come now, there isn't much time," he ushered, pulling away and smiling at his daughter's determined face. Judy smiled back and nodded, completely ready to show off to her father of all that she knew.

He'd regret ever saying no.

The day had been tough for the buck. It was such a beautiful day, one where he did daydream about spending it with his mate. Unfortunately though, his fate had been to spend it working. When he wasn't working as the palace gardener, Danial had a part time job working at the local blacksmith. He had a goal to save up enough money to ensure himself and Lilith could run away and live comfortably enough till they found themselves new work. Somewhere, where nobody knew who they were. Of course, that did mean Lilith would have to change her appearance, as it wasn't everyday that a bunny married a fox, but he was getting ahead of himself. The first obstacle was to even get out of the Kingdom successfully.

A sword clattering onto the table behind him, startling the dark coloured buck out of his thoughts, and he turned his head toward the disruption. His eyes widened at the sight of the fox standing before him with a frown upon his features. Not just any fox either.

The Prince.

The buck instantly felt uneasy, especially with the fox not looking all too pleased. Did his Lilith mention something? She had said she wouldn't breathe a word, but the look on the fox's face said otherwise. Danial glanced down, and noticed the sword once more, and tried to calm down, ensuring himself that it was merely business that the Prince wanted.

"Good afternoon good sir," the Prince chimed with a smile, although Danial could still see the annoyed glint in his piercing emerald eyes. If anything, his forced smile made him feel worse.

"Good day your Majesty, what can I do for you today?" Danial responded with a forced smile of his own. Boy, did he feel uncomfortable.

Nicholas shifted his weight and eyed down the buck. So this was the one Lilith was planning to run off with? He was handsome, he'd give him that, but to leave behind everything for, was too much for Nick to understand. Then again if he found himself in the same situation, and it was Judy he was doing it for, he didn't know if he could accept not being with her.

"Just a sharpening of my sword today," Nick replied. Reality was, he didn't really need his sword sharpening. This wasn't even his sword, but he needed an excuse to approach the buck. Simply going up to the buck and telling him to stop seeing his wife so that she wouldn't run away, seemed a bit too forward.

"Right away," Danial replied, lifting up the sword and getting to work on it. As the time passed, the ambiance grew more and more uncomfortable, and Nick decided to break the silence. The only real reason he'd come here, was to persuade the buck to change his mate's mind after all. How he'd do that however, stumped Nick.

"Beautiful day, shame you have to be stuck working," he began, clearing his throat. The buck glanced over at him, his ears erect.

"Yes it is. I only wish I could be enjoying it," Danial replied. Why was the Prince engaging in a conversation with a commoner? The very thought gave the buck a bad feeling.

"I heard you're our gardener?" Nick continued. "Danial was it?"

"Yes your Majesty, it is."

"Please, call me Nicholas."

Now the Prince was introducing himself formally? Certainly not a good thing, at least not in Danial's eyes. He nodded in response unable to find the words to speak up. He was too wrapped up in his thoughts. Maybe Lilith had told the fox? But why in the world would she go and do a thing like that?

"At least then you get to enjoy the sun, being outdoors and all," Nick continued. He hadn't realised it'd be this hard to keep a conversation. Normally these things came easy for Nick, but this buck seemed adamant at staying quiet. Maybe he knew why he was here already, had Lilith already told him? Nick shook his head. There was no possible way for Lilith to have gotten word to Danial before Nick could get there. He'd come straight here after all.

"It's a bonus I guess," Danial replied, keeping focus on finishing the sword as fast as possible.

"I hear my wife is fond of the flowers. Do you see her often?" Nick asked, growing irritated of his half assed replies. The buck froze, Nick noticed obviously, but honestly wasn't surprised. He knew him and Lilith were lovers before she even admitted it to him.

"I do sometimes see her, yes" the buck said quietly. "She comes down to the gardens quite often."

Nick hummed in response. "I don't believe that's the only time you see the Princess though is it?"

The buck pulled the sword away for the machinery and glanced at the fox. He knew it.

"What are you implying?" he asked carefully.

"You know exactly what I'm implying Danial," Nick said in a low voice. He wasn't angry with him for getting with his wife behind his back, it was more the fact he needed to seem angry. He need the buck to be scared into telling him everything. That way Nick could get him to talk Lilith out of leaving, in turn keeping his and Judy's tail out of trouble. The buck though, was not going to admit it that easily.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, beginning to appear flustered. Hoping to be rid of the Prince, Danial placed the sword down before Nick, and turned away. "It's on the house. Good day."

Nick snarled, only loud enough for the buck to catch. "Cut the crap Danial, Lilith told me everything." Nick's patience was wearing thing, and spilling everything had been his last resort. He cursed the fact he didn't have enough time, thanks to what was rearing its' ugly head the next morning.

Danial stopped suddenly, and clenched his paws into fists. So Lily had told him. There was no point in hiding it if that was the case, but on the other hand, he could be tricking him into admitting it. Lilith might not have told him anything, and Nicholas was calling his bluff.

"I really don't know what the Princess has been spreading around the castle, but I can assu-"

"You need to convince her not to run away," Nick interrupted. He couldn't believe he was still playing innocent. The buck turned to face him, golden eyes wide and nervous. There was no denying it now. The fox knew they were running away together. What was Lilith thinking?!

"Look, this was both our idea, and this is what she wants. Are you going to inform the King and Queen about this?" Danial admitted finally, to Nick's delight. He was finally getting somewhere. Time to lay all the cards on the table.

"I need you to convince her to stay."

Danial froze, but coming to his senses, he took on a more hostile approach. "And who are you to tell her what she can or cannot do?!" he argued angrily. Lilith was his, and he'd be damned if he'd let some fox have his mate.

"Her husband," Nick replied quietly, feeling no need to continue pretending to be angry.

"Like hell you are! She doesn't care for you, you're a fox! She loved me before her parents made her marry you!" he shouted. Nick grew slightly irritated at the mention of his species as a derogatory slur, but further kept his resolve. Fighting would not give him what he came to achieve.

"I don't have feelings for her either, nor do I wish to be married to her," Nick replied. The buck paused and studied the expression on Nick's face. He was being serious, so what did the fox want?

"I too have someone dear to me, but am unable to be with her because of this arrangement. So I completely understand what you're feeling," he continued on. Nick couldn't mention any names, the buck didn't need to know it was Judy. Danial gulped and sighed, calming himself further, realising there was no longer any need to be on the defensive.

"Why are you telling me this?" Danial spoke up, crossing his arms across his chest.

"Because if Lilith does up and leave, it will not only cause obvious problems for the Monarch and the Kingdom, but also for Lilith herself," Nick explained.

The buck raised an eyebrow in response. "Oh, how so?" Nick groaned, annoyed the buck was still asking meaningless questions. 'So much for making progress.'

"I ask for you to trust my word. It is not something I can discuss with anyone for the moment," Nick replied, trying to keep as much information to himself. Not being able to talk about Judy or the affair tomorrow morning left Nick with little to convince with. "At least until a few days."

"Why later but not now? Lilith can do as she pleases," Danial further questioned with a huff. He jumped a little as Nick slammed a paw down onto the counter, hard enough for the sword to bounce and clatter. "I have promised to keep my word on keeping this to myself for the time being, do not make me change my mind. I will do everything in my power to keep this Kingdom stable, as is my duty, and if that means I must inform the King and Queen of Lilith's affair, don't think I won't do so," Nick threatened. He was through playing nice, and if threats were the only thing that were going to get the buck to budge, then so be it.

Danial stared wide eyed, soaking in what was just declaring from the Prince, absolutely terrified. He wasn't sure if it was the deep hushed tone of the fox that made him feel extremely uneasy, or if it was something more.. primal. Nick held back his snarl, as he could already smell the fear on the buck, he didn't need to further scare him. He watched the buck gulp and lower his gaze from Nick's, seemingly in defeat.

"I shall let Lilith know not to take any action," Danial mumbled. "For now."

Nick smiled gratefully, lifting his hand off the counter, and grabbing hold of the sword. "Much appreciated good sir. I look forward to hearing of some progress on that," he nodded, turning to leave. "Of course, don't go mentioning I came for a visit."

The buck nodded, desperate for the fox to leave, and get to work on calming his nerves. The vibe coming off the Prince made Danial feel ill. "Very good," Nick waved, leaving to make his way back to the palace to further get on with preparations.

Danial let out a breath of air he hadn't realised he'd been holding in, and grasped his head. So much ran through his mind in that moment. How would he tell Lilith not to go when he had previously loved the idea of getting to be with her finally? Why was the Princess leaving dangerous, yet she was able to in a couple of days? What did that mean was happening in these coming days? The Prince was hiding something, and it wasn't to do with internal affairs. The way he had spoken made the buck assume this was something personal, but this just left him with more questions.

"Danial?" a gruff voice startled the buck out of thinking. He turned to face the panther behind him. "Are you feeling okay ma boy?"

Danial scratched the back of his head nervously, one ear flopping forward. "Sorry sir, I guess I got carried away with thinking about something," he admitted bashfully.

"Lucky doe in your life huh?" the owner joked, with a hearty laugh.

"Something like that.." the buck trailed off in response.

"Well anyway boy, back to work, you have clients," he pressed on, indicating the two sheep waiting patiently behind the counter.

"Yes sir."

He'd have to figure out a way to see his mate later. He had a feeling this couldn't wait any longer.

And that's all for now! I really hope you enjoyed this extra long chapter :)

Things are about to really go down!