--Over the course of the next week, he visited her a few times each day. He was polite and was mostly interested in her life rather than bragging about himself. He paid attention to what she had to say. It would make a person that was used to cold royals question his nobility. He was even more engrossed with her singing. His courtesy was making her open up to a man for the first time in her life. She found herself lowering her defenses to him, speaking to him in a way she never would to any man. Stories from her childhood and grievances were spilled out to him. He didn't have much to tell about himself though. She felt like a burden was taken off of her. She felt less bitter and enjoyed the days more. He seemed like a kind of wonderful gift from a divine source. She found her mind wander to thoughts of him when he was not around.

--She wasn't the only one that had been won over by his charming ways. The king and all his men greatly enjoyed his company. The men took the chance to brag about their triumphs and trophies to the newcomer. They were all surprised to find out he knew a good deal about hunting as well. He quickly became a popular around the castle.

--One late night Lilia woke up having to use the lavatory. Along the way back to her room, she saw a flicker of candle light and hushed voices. They were coming from the Library. She crept to the door on silent bare feet and listened carefully.

--"What time shall the event happen?"said an unfamiliar voice

--"One week from today. Just the time we need to make preparations." Replied the voice of her father.

--"Does she know about it?"

--"I have not said a word about it to her. Don't let news of it slip out to her."

--"That's quite a big surprise for someone to find out. How will you make her go?"

--"The wedding will take place in Engor. She's never been outside the kingdom, so she'll be thrilled to go. She'll find out she's getting married when she arrives. By then it will be too late to protest."

--"Do you think she will act out violently?"

--"She's never done a violent thing in her life. She's used to the life of a royal doll to be posed for the public glory of her kingdom. She's used to the routine, so it won't be that big of a change for her."

--"So have you reached an agreement with the king of Engor?"

--"Yes. We made an agreement and I have the papers signed. My daughter is to marry his son. This should bind our alliance making our combined power greater than any kingdom in the world."

--"What would you have me do then?"

--"I just need you to deliver the documents and stop asking me so many bloody questions. Just shut your trap and get it done. Time is of the essence so be quick about it."

--"Yes you majesty. I'll leave at dawn."

--"No, you'll leave tonight. The stables are left unlocked tonight so get a horse and get going."

--"I'll do as you wish your majesty."

--There was a sound of rustling parchment followed by footsteps approaching the door. Lilia began tip toeing away. The knob of the door rattled, and she was still close in the hallway. Her heart sped up with fear of being spotted. She jogged away keeping her footsteps silent. She had just rounded the corner when the door opened. She rushed back to her room and looked back. She saw nobody, but heard the footsteps of the message boy. She turned the knob slowly making sure the door didn't make a noise as she entered her room. She sat on her bed listening. Had she been spotted?

--Instead of sleeping, she laid awake in bed not making a sound. How could she sleep after hearing what she did? She had two sisters. Maybe he was talking about one of them. No that was ridiculous. Neither of them was over the age of ten. Why would he think it was acceptable to arrange a marriage with somebody she had never met? She shouldn't be that surprised knowing her father. Who was she being set up to marry? Her father had said the son of the king of Engor.

--That was Prince Capone. She sighed and rested her head in her hands. She had heard from good sources that the prince had a mistress whom he was already spending his personal life with. Even the mistress couldn't get a fulfilling relationship since he was so selfabsorbed and spent most of his time away from home. There were a few other stories about him, but they were conflicting and questionable.

--This week seemed like it was going well with the arrival of the guest. The thought of marriage was something she tried to avoid. Her life was taking a miserable turn. If she was going to marry somebody, it was going to be someone she wouldn't want to poison after years of being frustrated by them. She would much rather be married to someone like Mark.

--When half an hour passed, she thought she was safe. A loud knock at the door startled her. Maybe if she was very quiet they would leave. A click came from the doorknob as it turned. She had forgotten to lock her door. The feeling of safety had completely vanished by this point. Her heart was racing as the shadowy figure entered her room. It stepped into the rectangle of light cast by the crescent moon and stars shining through her window.

--It was the man from nowhere. She sat up and asked "What are you doing here?"

--"Keep your voice down." he spoke in a hushed tone. "I'm leaving tonight."

--"What? Why are-" she quickly began before continuing in a corrected hushed tone, "Why are you leaving?"F

--"I can't tell you now. I am here to ask if you want to come with me. I will never return, so if you stay, this will be the last time we see one another."

--"But I don't understand. I-... This is all so sudden. Can't you stay just a little bit longer?"

--"Princess, I know how confusing this must be, but understand this. I have to leave tonight. Are you going with me or not? There is no time for goodbyes." His face showed that he was being serious right now.

--She had to make a choice. Leaving with him would take her away from her life into one that would be entirely unfamiliar to her. Although she was going to be forced to marry Prince Capone and live in Engor anyways, so it hardly mattered. She made up her mind quickly. "Yes, I will go with you."

--"In that case put on your shoes and follow me. Be quiet but keep up with me."

--She put on her sock and slippers and quickly threw her robe on over the gown she was wearing. Mark was making his way down the hall. She lifted her dress a little bit as she jogged to catch up with him. Thank goodness her slippers weren't the kind with high heels. They were fortunate nobody spotted them in the hallways. Only some of the guards

were awake at this hour, and they were always suspicious of anybody awake at this hour. They were hoping to avoid any of these guards, but one was standing watch over the door that would have led them out of the east wing of the castle. The guard was looking out of the peephole in the door and had not noticed them.

--Mark confidently tapped the guard on the shoulder. The guard turned around to face Mark. "Oh, what are you doing up at-" he began to ask just as Mark slugged him, knocking him out cold. The guard's unconscious body collapsed to the floor. Lilia had put her hands over her mouth a bit shocked by what she just saw.

--The two wasted no time getting outside. Lilia recalled that the stables had been left unlocked that night. Both of them secured a horse and made their way out of the kingdom under the cover of darkness.

--The events of that night would always be in their memory even though it all took place so quickly. Their path led them to the carriage of a traveling priest. They were married on that night. Although the ceremony alongside the road was brief, Lilia was perfectly fine with it. She had begun a new life, and was curious where it would lead her.