A/N: Got a little hot last chapter lol Sorry if it was too much. That's about as far as I'll go with anything romantic, so don't expect more than that! Also, sorry for the delayed update. Hurricane Idalia wiped out our power, and until yesterday, we thought our house, too, but it's still around and we're still not back home yet. I had to wait for things to settle down before I had any hope of writing anything. Hopefully the power company will fix the fallen lines and power poles soon! Anyway, here's the second chapter! Enjoy!

My Monster

Chapter 2: Manipulators Pt 2

The sun rose earlier than either of them wanted. Rey's eyes fluttered open and she came face to face with his strong, naked chest. She smiled softly, pressing a tender kiss to his collarbone as she rested her head against him with a content sigh. Last night was definitely one for the books. It went beyond marital duties, that was for sure. "Broadcasting," he teased, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. She couldn't help but laugh as she welcomed the embrace. "How are you feeling?"

She smiled warmly, her eyes closed comfortably as she felt his breath against her hair. "A little achey... but I'm fine." He only hummed in response.

They heard a knock at the door and Rey softly groaned in disappointment. "Go away!" Ben growled to whoever was on the other side.

"Master Ren, the Knights were worried about Lady Rey not showing up to their daily run..." Paige said on the other side.

Rey gasped and blushed as she realized she'd forgotten all about it. She went to get up, but Ben pulled her back down, wrapping her tight in his arms. "You're not leaving yet." "Tell them the run is postponed until this afternoon."

"Yes, sir."

Rey blushed up at him and playfully punched him. "I should have went..."

He opened his eyes then and looked down at her. "Really?" he said with a raised brow. "I'd like to see you stand and walk normally."

Her face turned redder than his rug. "I-I can walk!"

He gave her a grin and released her. "By all means, then."

She hesitated, taking a quick status report of her body. She was achey, and her muscles quivered, but she was sure she would be able to stand and walk! She huffed against him, snuggling back in with a sigh. "I don't feel like it right now."

Ben loved the pout on her face as he chuckled and wrapped his arms back around her. "You're always so diligent. Just relax every once in a while, Rey." He gently kissed the top of her head.

She smiled and adjusted her head to fit under his chin with a sigh. "You're right." She closed her eyes again with a sigh, feeling a bit of the sleep still left over as she yawned quietly. "What do you have planned today?"

He shrugged against her. "I need to focus on training the Knights for a mission we have coming up."

"What kind of mission?"

"There's been some kidnappings going on at the border. We're unsure if it's a mixture of northerners and southerners or if it's just northerners being taken. There's a grey zone between the two countries and many times, mercenaries and the like set up a base there. Ushar's been on recon with Cardo the past couple of days to get ready for it."

Rey curled closer to him. "Be careful."

He gave her a smirk. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're concerned for my safety."

She rolled her eyes and playfully bit his collarbone. "Stupid..."

He chuckled and kissed her head before sighing softly. "We should go take a bath before we get the day started."

She blushed. "Together?"

He shrugged as he sat up in bed, the sheet falling to his hips as her eyes traced his muscles quietly. "It's more efficient that way." He then looked down at her teasingly. "Unless you're scared of getting attacked in the bath."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. She sat up, gripping the sheet against her chest as she stretched. "You wouldn't dare."

Before she knew it, she was on her back again, his much larger body hovering above her with a devilish smirk. "I wouldn't be too sure after last night."

She blushed hotly at that, making him laugh and kiss her forehead. He stood up, grabbing his pants off the floor. When she caught her breath, she sat up, her back to him as she scanned the floor for her own garments. "Ben, where-"

"Here," he said as he handed her his robe with a grin. She gratefully took it, slipping it on as she stood with a sigh, her legs feeling a little wobbly. She blinked at her uncoordinated muscles and shot a glare back at him when she heard him chuckling behind her. "You can definitely stand and walk. I was a fool to doubt you."

"Shut up."

"As graceful as a newborn faun on ice."

She scoffed and punched his arm. "I said shut up!"

He chuckled as he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her lips gently. "I love you, Rey."

She blushed and pouted when he pulled away. "Love you, too..." she mumbled.

X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X

That trouble maker! She should have taken him seriously about being attacked in the bath! Now her muscles were even more sore than before! She glared at the stairs, knowing this was going to be uncomfortable, but knowing she had to do it. She growled to herself as she descended the stairs, step by agonizing step. Her core muscles shook with the effort to keep herself upright as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her. The least he could have done was help her down the freaking stairs before he took off into the office!

She grumbled to herself as she made it to the bottom after what seemed like forever. She stood straight and forced herself to walk normally, refusing to be the subject of debate amongst the Knights. She walked to the doors and saw them standing there, stretching and preparing for their run. Rose had sent word, as requested by Rey after their bath, that she was going to be down in a while to go for that run. They all had their helmets off, much to Rey's surprise. Unfortunately, that also meant that she could see their grins. She felt the heat melting her cheeks as she walked past them and started stretching also.

"I didn't figure you'd need to stretch after your warm up," Vicrul teased, earning laughs from the rest of them.

Rey glared at the man. "Do I need to get Ben to break your mind again?"

Vicrul shut up, earning snickers from the rest of them. "Lady Rey, if you're not up for this, we can do it tomorrow," Trudgen offered.

She huffed stubbornly. "I'm fine." Once she finished stretching, she bounced on her feet for a moment before taking off, skipping the steps and jogging down the path. She felt eyes on her and she didn't have to look to know it was Ben. "Get a good look, you monster."

She heard him laugh through their connection. "Oh, I am, trust me."

She blushed furiously, faltering in her steps for a brief moment. "Pervert." She only earned a laugh in response and then they fell into a comfortable silence as if they were still right next to each other. The humming in their heads turned into a soft melody after a while of hearing it. It sang in their heads, energizing them and filling them with contentment all at the same time. "You know, we never tried to pass things to each other last night."

She felt his side waver slightly as the idea came to his mind. She was right. "Pick me a fruit from a tree?" he suggested.

Rey grinned as she picked up the pace just slightly until she reached an orange tree. She slowed to a stop, hearing the rest of the Knights slow as well. She approached the tree, grabbing a ripe orange from the branches. She let out a soft sigh, closing her eyes with her back to the Knights. She felt his presence, saw him sitting at his desk, leaning back in his chair with his arm resting on the arm rest of his seat. She saw him, as if she were standing in front of him. She couldn't see his surroundings, but she could see him. She watched his eyes flick up to her. That look in his eyes made her heart melt as she smiled softly at him. She walked toward him, watching his rise from his seat, walk around what she assumed was the desk, and lean against it as she came to stand in front of him.

Their surroundings didn't exists as they stared into each other's eyes, feeling their connection hum happily in their heads. He held out his hand to accept the orange and Rey hesitantly lifted her hand, the orange between their hands, but not touching his. She then dropped it and it landed in his hand. Her eyes widened a hair as she smiled wide. "It worked."

He only grinned at her as he peeled it and separated it into slivers. He stuck one in his mouth with a smirk. "Did you doubt yourself again?" he asked as he held the orange up to her lips. She let him put it in her mouth as she smiled and started to chew it, finding this whole situation amazing. They stood in silence for a few moments before he cleared his throat and kissed her forehead. "Well... we can pass an orange. Let's explore more later."

She smiled as he disappeared from her view, but the love came through their bond without a flaw, like a kiss blown in the wind. She swallowed the orange with a smirk, turning back around to look at the Knights in silence to see them staring at her curiously. "What's the problem?"

Trudgen snickered. "You had an orange, then it disappeared. Care to explain?"

She gave him a grin and shrugged. "Not particularly." The Knights glanced amongst themselves. "Why not focus on running instead of worrying about an orange? There are plenty more if you want an orange," she teased, bouncing off into another run with a bright smile, sensing his laughter on the other end of their bond. "Cut it out!"

"All right, all right."

She rolled her eyes and continued on her run quietly. This bond was certainly interesting. Not only could they read emotions, thoughts and disruptions between them, but they could see each other without being together and pass animate objects between the bond, too! She ran under trees and heard a loud snap before hearing the Knights' concerned screams for her to move. She slowed and looked up before seeing a tree coming towards her, or rather a large branch. She gasped and held her hands up, closing her eyes tight to brace for the impact, but she felt something pushing out of her before she could stop it.

A few moments passed and she realized that the branch hadn't made impact. Instead, she opened her eyes and saw that the branch was flung back into the trunk, leaving her unscathed. She blinked several times, thinking she was seeing things, and checked herself to make sure she was uninjured. When she realized she was being stared at, she looked over at the Knights and saw them frozen in place. Trudgen slowly approached her, hands out peacefully. "Lady Rey... are you all right?"

She stood with her mouth agape for a moment. She turned her sight down to her hands, examining them for any cuts or scrapes or any sign whatsoever that she'd touched the branch. When she found none, she looked back up at Trudgen. "What... just happened?"

"You used the force, my Lady," Vicrul said as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"No... I can't use the force though..."

"No, you just don't know how to use the force," Ushar corrected.

"You need a teacher," Ben said through their connection.

She blinked several times. Was this possible? Sure, she had to have been able to use some of the force through their bond, right? But to actually be able to manipulate it at will? Like fighting or protection? Like the Knights of Ren? She'd not completely considered the possibility. "I... have to go," she said as she walked backwards away from Trudgen and took off toward the castle. She burst through the doors and darted up the stairs.

Within a few moments, she was at Ben's door. Before she could wrench it open, he was already opening it, standing there before her, startling her for a brief second. She threw her arms around him and let out a loud sigh of relief. He wrapped his arms around her as well and just held her while she processed everything quietly. "Talk to me," he said softly as he led her into his room, keeping his arm around her as she held onto him. He quietly shut the door behind them and led her over to the couch. He unwrapped her from his body and sat her down, sitting next to her in silence. "Rey?"

"I don't understand... I know that this dyad is a part of the force... but Luke already determined I couldn't use it any other way. I've heard of others using it to fight and do other things... but..."

"Rey, if you can form a dyad with me, you can use the force in other ways. Remember what we read? Dyads can heal and use the force. So why wouldn't you be able to?"

Rey shook her head quietly. "I want you to teach me." She looked up at him, their eyes meeting instantly. He nodded his consent. "I want to learn how to use a sword, too." His face changed to that of dispute, but she pouted for a moment. "You still owe me a favor."

"Yes, one favor."

She gave him a flat look. "You offered to teach me the force. That's not considered a favor. The swordplay is."

He sighed heavily with a small snicker. "Fine." She beamed at him, but he shook his head. "I'll teach you both, but you need to be careful. It's going to be rough, and it will not be pleasant. It will be rigorous and difficult."

Rey nodded with evident determination. "I know I'm in good hands."

Ben grinned at her, gently holding her face and kissing her lips delicately. It was brief, but it was enough to let her know he wouldn't let her down. "Tomorrow morning." She smiled and nodded as she leaned her head against his chest. "There's a small party in town tonight," he said off-handedly. Her brows pulled together as she looked up at him curiously. "There will be food... and music... a fire... dancing..." She hummed under her breath with a small smile, having every intent of making him say what he wanted. He sighed and rolled his eyes, realizing it, too. "Do you want to go?"

She smiled wide and nodded. "Sounds fun." She saw the restrained giddiness that he struggled to keep from coming through the bond, as well as the schooled features on his face that threatened to show all his emotions at the same time. She smiled up at him. "You're so cute," she laughed.

A slight pink tinged his cheeks as he refused to meet her eyes. He'd never really been called cute before so he didn't really know how to handle it. Was it a compliment? Was it an insult? No, she didn't mean it as an insult. So, it had to be a compliment, right? She appreciated how he looked? Or was it his actions? Did he relay something to her in their bond that made her think that? He risked a glance down at her and saw her smiling affectionately up at him. "We should get ready to leave if we're going to make it."

She smiled wider and nodded, kissing his cheek softly. "See you in a few then?" she asked as she stood up and stretched. He nodded curtly and stood as well, holding her chin and tilting her head up so he could give her a kiss. He grinned down at her and left her room without a word, leaving her to bubble over at the progress they'd made. She looked through her wardrobe and flipped through her clothes, wondering if she should wear a dress or if she should wear pants again. She bit her lip in contemplation. She held up a dress and smiled at its simplicity. Deciding quickly, she got dressed even quicker.

Looking herself up and down in the mirror she smiled happily and tied her hair back in a half up, half down style. She walked to her door and opened it with a smile, trotting out without a thought, only to be caught in the arms of her husband. She blushed quietly, looking up at him shyly. "We need to stop meeting like this, Rey. People might start to talk," he teased.

She laughed and rolled her eyes at him. "Let them." She watched him look her over, twirling her slowly, bringing a wide grin to her face. She'd chosen a light blue dress that went down to her mid-shins. It was a simple design. No frills or lace. It looked like something a commoner would wear, honestly. It had a square neck, corset around the waist. The strings were a darker blue with the underneath being white. Her sleeves were three-quarter length and skin tight, but not distastefully so. Her hair was tied back in a blue ribbon, matching the majority of her dress. He'd decided that it suited her more than it should have. "Do you approve, Duke Solo?" she teased.

He snickered and rolled his eyes. "Let's go." She didn't fail to notice the small smile pulling at the corner of his lips as he turned his back to her and led her by the hand down the hall. She only giggled softly and followed close behind. Before she knew it, they were out the front doors and the carriage was ready. She'd never get used to this, she realized. She wasn't used to such nice treatment, especially having come from Skywalker castle. He helped her into the carriage and they took their seats with silent sighs. They took to looking out the window in a comfortable silence, neither one being affected by it anymore and taking comfort in it now.

"What made you want to come out tonight? Is something the matter?" she asked suddenly, jolting him into reality. He remained silent as he glared out the window, his jaw muscles clenching just a bit. She didn't miss the subtle hints. There was definitely something wrong. He was so rigid. He was quieter than normal. He didn't want to answer her question. There was uneasiness slipping through their link. She sighed softly, turning her sight back out the window. "The mission will take longer than expected, right?"

"Yes."

She nodded quietly. "It's more complicated than a kidnapping, isn't it?" she asked again.

"...Yes."

She sighed softly again, closing her eyes and leaning her head back. "Is it the north only?"

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, in irritation or fatigue, she couldn't tell. "Cardo and Ushar briefed me on their findings." Rey shot him a glance of curiosity, wondering exactly how since they were running with her today and then she was with Ben most the day. He nodded his understanding. "They'd turned in a written report last night. I just read it today before meeting with you." She nodded her understanding. "Anyway... From what they learned, the kidnapper is a northern-based mercenary group. Thing is... it was originally led by Hux."

"Hux is dead... so who's leading them now?"

Ben shrugged. "I have my suspicions... but we aren't sure as of yet. No doubt the embezzled funds have been going to that mercenary group to fund whatever operation is going on." He crossed his arms over his chest as he glared out the window. "We know that a lot of the kidnappings have been a mix of women and children."

"Because it's easier?"

"Possibly... or because widows and children are more likely to manipulate for whatever they're using them for." Their eyes met then, a frown marring both of their features. "We still haven't figured out what the group is trying to accomplish, but we know that Hux was contributing to it with the money he was stealing from me."

Rey crossed her arms, too, thinking deeply about the subject. "Do you think Phasma can be involved?"

Ben thought long and hard for a moment and shrugged. "She was his closest associate... it's possible... but I'm not sure how likely it is."

"At the very least, we should be able to get clues from her on what Hux was up to, right? Can't we just talk to her?"

"No." Rey looked at him curiously. "If she is involved, we don't want to spook her. If that happens-"

"She'll trash the evidence..." Ben nodded his confirmation. "So then... what should we do?"

"We aren't doing anything."

"But-"

"Rey, you're not getting involved in this. It's too dangerous. We still don't even know how to track down the mercenaries. If they were to take you, how would we find you? What would they do to you?" Rey flinched at the thought. "You're not getting involved with this."

She frowned, but she wouldn't fight him on it. He was right. It wasn't logical for her to get involved. At least, not yet. Not until he got more information about the mercenaries. "So, these mercenaries... you said they set up camp in the grey zone." Ben nodded. "But you aren't sure where they take the women and children?" Ben nodded again. "Didn't Ushar and Cardo follow them?"

"Yes, but they lost track of them."

"Can't you have other Knights go and track them?"

"That's why I'm going tomorrow with them."

"But... what if they take you, too?" she asked, her voice smaller than she'd hoped.

He sighed softly and shook his head. "The taken were only ever women and children. They won't take me."

"But they'll take me."

"Exactly." She looked up at him mischievously with a small smile, making his face grow cold and irritated. "No, Rey. I already told you-"

"Look. You're no closer to finding these mercenaries after how many stake-outs?" Ben remained silent, refusing to prove her right, but he knew she was. "Besides, if I get taken, I know for sure you can find me. We have our dyad, right?"

"Yes, but I can't see your surroundings. And you can't see mine."

"No... but I can describe to you what I see or what I hear and we can stay linked the whole time so you can hear voices as I do."

"And if you're unconscious? What then?" he countered, his anger quickly rising at the anxiety rising from her valid argument.

She bit her lip in contemplation. After a few seconds, she looked up at him again. "Listen. I'm fairly sure they'll incapacitate me. How, I'm not sure. Nor do I know if I'll be able to stay conscious during the kidnapping. But you have to admit that this is the best option." Ben glared at her. "I know that you'll stop at nothing to make sure you find me. This will work, Ben. Trust me."

Ben frowned deeply. He knew she was right. And he was impressed with her faith in him. But he didn't want to risk not being able to find her. What if they killed her? What if they framed him for it? Peace was already so very fragile. What if word got out that a northern-based mercenary group killed the Duchess? Or that the Duke of Destruction ordered said mercenary group to murder her? His thought process was interrupted when he felt her hands take one of his in hers. He looked over at her, still frowning and clearly hating this option. "It's too dangerous," he said firmly.

Rey frowned and shook her head. "Not anymore dangerous than you and the Knights rushing in blindly." Ben couldn't deny that. As much as he hated to admit it, she was right. He didn't want to put her in harm's way though! That was what was stopping him! "And besides... you already promised to teach me how to use a sword, right? And you said you'd teach me how to use the force. With those as a defense... the plan will work. We just need time."

"This can't wait while you learn your way around the force and a sword, Rey. There are countless women and children that have been kidnapped, and possibly killed or sold off!"

Rey sighed. "You're so stubborn!" His brow quirked at her then. And she wasn't?! "I'm a fast learner, Ben. Give me a chance. I want to help all those people! They're my people, too!" she exclaimed, her grip tightening on his hand for a moment.

Ben pressed his lips together and pulled her into his arms, and inadvertently into his lap. His embrace was tight and warm. She could tell that he was scared. She gently held him in return. "I can't risk anything happening to you, Rey. Please understand..."

Rey ducked her head against his chest and closed her eyes. "I trust you, Ben. I know I'll be all right as long as we work together." His grip tightened a hair, almost like a flinch. She gently rubbed his back, affectionately assuring him it would be all right. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared of the idea, too, but who else do you have that could do this? It's not like any of the Knights would be willing to dress as a woman," she giggled, the mere thought of any of them in a dress simply hilarious.

He snickered against her before sighing heavily. "Fine. But You get three sword lessons. If you can't get it after the three lessons, you're not coming."

She smiled and pulled away just a moment to kiss his lips happily. "Deal."

Once they arrived, Ben helped her out of the carriage and they walked through the crowd quietly, arm in arm. A few people they passed nodded their heads and curtsied at them. She supposed this was what it was like to be famous. She glanced up at him and saw how uncomfortable he was. He was so socially awkward it was cute. She allowed herself a small chuckle. He walked over to the food court and Rey inhaled deeply with a sigh of appreciation. It smelled heavenly! He only smirked down at her. "What looks good?" he asked, his eyes roving around the different booths.

Her eyes drifted through the crowd of booths. There were so many different types of food! Kebabs, fried foods, baked foods, grilled foods, meats, vegetables, fruits. It was a literal smorgasbord! It all looked and smelled amazing! Before she knew it, she had wandered to a booth with grilled meats and veggies and noodles. She looked at the food they were cooking, earning a smile from the cook. "What can I get you, young lady?" he asked with a wide smile.

She blushed as she came to her senses. "W-what do you suggest?"

The man laughed a jolly laugh. Then his eyes landed on Ben. "Oh! Supreme Leader! What a pleasure! I didn't recognize you." He then turned his sight to Rey. "And this must be your new wife. A pleasure, my lady!"

She blushed and smiled wide. "Nice to meet you."

Ben smirked over at her and nodded curtly at the man. "What's your specialty?" he asked the chef.

The chef smiled wide at them. "For you, I can whip something up, free of charge."

"Oh, no, please-"

"My lady... please allow me the honor to serve you without charge. It is the least I can do to welcome you to the north."

Rey blushed, but she nodded shyly, earning a small chuckle from Ben. "Thank you," he said for her, nodding his head and wrapping his arm around her waist. "They love you already."

Rey shrank a little, a small pout on her face. "They don't even know me."

"That doesn't matter. I've already told you the north is welcoming." She looked up at him and smiled a little. "It helps you're the wife of the Supreme Leader," he teased.

She playfully pinched his side. "Stupid..." she said under her breath. The chef came back with two plates with a wide smile. "Thank you!"

"Anything for the Duke and Duchess! I hope you enjoy it!" he said as he bowed respectfully.

She smiled and waved goodbye as they turned and left the booth. They found a bench to sit at, scooting next to each other comfortably. She broke the chopsticks apart and looked down at it eagerly. "It looks amazing!" she said happily, digging in with the sticks. She ate a bit of noodles, veggies and meat and sighed happily. "Tastes better than it looks!"

He chuckled and ate beside her in silence. That's when the music started. Their eyes met and they exchanged a grin as they continued to eat. Ben watched as everyone started to flock toward the bonfire. Everyone coupled up, sitting quietly to watch the dancing flames as a calm melody played in the background. Rey leaned her head against his shoulder contently. "Tired already?"

She laughed softly and shook her head. "Just happy."

"Why?"

"Excuse me?"

"Why are you happy?" he asked, slipping more food into his mouth.

Her brows pulled together, taking another bite. "Why wouldn't I be?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Why would you be?" he countered with a small smirk.

"You're so exasperating..." she sighed. He chuckled and went to take another bite, but she stole some of his vegetables with her own chopsticks. He paused and looked over at her, seeing a triumphant grin on her face as she ate it. He scoffed and ate what was left. "You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

She turned her attention to him, an intense stare making him feel exposed. "Thinking you aren't capable of making other people happy, or that you aren't allowed to feel happiness yourself." He swallowed his mouthful and averted his sight to look at the crowd. "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Ben," she warned.

Ben sighed and set his chopsticks down. "I'm a monster, Rey. Everyone knows it. I evoke fear from people; not respect. They pity you for having to marry me. Everyone's hoping nothing happens to you because they know it will be my fault. So, why would I be happy about any of that?"

The look he gave her was a pained one. Her heart ached for him, but she gently cupped his face anyway. "You're not a monster, Ben. You're misunderstood. You don't evoke fear. People in the north love you as much as they love me. In fact, I believe they love me because they love you and respect you." Ben scoffed quietly. "Stop it." He faltered for a moment. "You deserve to be happy, Ben. Especially after all you've been through. Let me make you happy. Let yourself be happy."

He held her hand on his face, sliding it down just a hair to kiss her palm. "I'll try."

She smiled and lovingly kissed him. When she pulled away, she playfully nipped his nose. "Good boy," she teased.

He grinned at her and they both resumed eating together. A few moments passed before she put her sticks down with a sigh of contentment. He set his down, too, before reaching to hold her hand between them on the bench. She looked down at their mingled fingers, then at his face to see him staring at her, his dark eyes alight with what looked like adoration. He brought his hand up to hold her face in his hand, thumb lightly stroking her cheek. "I love you, Rey," he said with a small smirk.

She blushed deeply and smiled wide. "I love you, too." He leaned forward and their lips met. For a few moments, they allowed themselves to get lost in each other, but then Rey heard movement. "Dance with me?"

He snickered and pulled away from the kiss, allowing himself to be pulled up and into the crowd as partners started to dance around the fire. They stood in front of each other, smirking happily. One hand wrapped around her waist, the other holding her hand while her other one rested on his shoulder. They quickly fell into the rhythm of a slow dance, fire dancing in their eyes as the music took control and set the pace. Their bond hummed in their minds, coming alive with each step. He spun her around, coming to hold her again when she finished the twirl. "What about the north makes you happy?"

"The fact that you're here."

"I'm serious."

"So am I," she said aloud. "I've enjoyed getting to know you, learning to love you, bonding with you. This is the best part of being here."

"And if you could change anything?"

She shook her head. "Only that we would have met sooner." He hummed under his breath as they turned together to the beat. "What about you?"

He shook his head. "I wouldn't change anything."

"Well, that's unexpected."

He grinned at her and shrugged. "If I change anything, we wouldn't be here now."

She smiled up at him. The song came to a close and he ended with a dip, holding her securely in his arms with a small grin. She felt her heart skip a beat. He helped her up, earning a small giggle from her. She leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "Maybe we should go home now."

The suggestive tone in her voice made his cheeks tinge pink a little, finding it refreshing that she's making a move on him now. He chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Will you make it home?" he teased.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Care to see how quickly we can get home?"

They raced out of the crowd and to the carriage, mischievous laughs and grins on their faces as they sped off toward the castle.