Hey there mina-san. So, I know that I didn't post over the weekend, and I'm sorry. I'm a college student, so homework was a little, well, a lot hard, this weekend, and so I needed to really get some of it done. I am happy to finally publish chapter, and chapter 5: Zenith Life. I also love getting your reviews and not only does it make me want to write more and faster, but it lets me know what is working and what is not. I accept constructive criticism. :)

I hope you like this, and coming soon will be a reunion, and possibly a baby! ;D

"Princess Layla? Princess Layla!" calls out the blond haired, green eyed wedding planner standing not five feet from Layla.

"Hm? Oh. Oh, yes! I'm so sorry. I was, just thinking. It's all becoming so real."

Nabu takes her hand in his and smiles at her with all his love for her in his eyes. She reciprocates his smile, her love shining through worried eyes, and squeezes his hand.

"Sometimes," she starts. "I, just can't believe this is finally happening; that you are really here." She smiles again, but it is a forced smile, and a deep sadness moves into her eyes.

"Layla," Nabu whispers to her. "Give us a few minutes, please?" he calls to the wedding planner.

"Yes, sir."

He begins to pull her away from prying eyes. "Nabu," she whispers to him. He gently pushes her toward a corner of the great hall "What are you doing, Nabu? We have to finish planning the wedding. It's just one and a half months away. It's too close –"

"Layla, stop it. I know you better than you think. I know when you are sad and when you can't focus on something. This is our time. We are supposed to be happy." He takes both her hands in his and says, "We are together."

Layla turns her head down and toward the wall, not wanting to look him in the eyes. "I know, but. . ."

"But what, Layla? We keep dwelling on the past. It's called the past for a reason, my love. Please, be happy, here, with me."

"Oh, Nabu, I know, but sometimes it just seems like it can't be real. I spent so long looking for a way to save you, and when I finally found the way and went to you again. . . I don't know. Seeing you open your eyes again, it had been my dream for so many years. It had taken me so long, five long years just to find a way to help you!"

"Layla! I know, and I am sorry. I've been telling you I'm sorry for so long. I'm sorry you had to go through it all along. I'm sorry I wasn't stronger back then, but I would do it again." At the look of utter despair on her face, he cupped her cheek. "I would do it again to save you. The Wizards of the Black Circle left me no choice back then. I couldn't let them hurt you. I would do it again and again, for all of eternity, so long as it meant you were safe. I love you."

She looks at him, tears starting to well up in her eyes and fall down her cheeks. "Oh, Layla, please don't. Don't cry, my sweet, sweet Layla."

She wipes at one cheek with the back of her free hand and places her hand other his hand on her cheek. "Oh, my love, they are tears of joy - joy to have you back, safe and sound." He leans in and kisses her, a passionate pressing of their lips together.

"Now," he starts. "Let's get back to everyone else and finish planning this wedding."

"Yes!" she says.

Walking back toward the center of the room, their wedding planner, clip board in hand, is dishing out duties to the staff and ordering the caterer to bring out the food for the couple to try. A messenger comes in then, tray in hand with a letter on it.

"Princess Layla, Sir Nabu, I have a message for you two from her highness crown Princess of Eraklyon, Bloom." He comes to a stop and bows to his princess and her fiancé, holding the tray out to them.

"Thank you, Terrance." She takes the letter and dismisses him. Nabu and her look at the letter and then at each other, wondering what it could be.

"The baby?" he asks.

"Maybe, but I thought we still had a week or so." Layla responds. She finally turns the letter other and breaks the seal, pulling the thick paper from the envelope. She opens it and shares her space with Nabu, as he begins to read it over her shoulder.

"Oh," he says. "Well, I guess we should go a little earlier than we had planned."

"She's going to be crowned Queen," Layla mumbles under breathe, nearly disbelievingly. "Well," she finally states aloud to Nabu. "I guess we best leave sooner then. Debra," she calls.

"Yes, you highness? How may I be of service?" Debra, an older women with black hair just starting to grey comes to Layla's side and bows.

"Nabu and I will be leaving for Eraklyon. Can you set up transport for us for two days from now? And send a letter for Musa for me and tell her we can pick her, Riven, and the kids up on our way to Eraklyon. See if we can use the boat, please?" A twinkle comes into her eyes at the mention of the boat. "Nabu, let's finish up here soon."

"Yes dear," he says, feeling like that may just be his new phrase when speaking to her.