Maeve gave a huge yawn.  It had to be aroung ten in the morning.  As soon as she plopped on the horse behind Adam, she went back to sleep.  She stretched as best as she could without disturbing Adam or the horse to badly.  "Are we there yet?" she said teasingly.

"There yet?  We barely left, m'lady love," Adam said with a grin.

Maeve chuckled.  "I know... but I had the strangest urge to say that," she grinned up at him.

Davia moved her unicorn over towards Astor, which Crystal didn't mind at all.. "Astor, can you tell me why ~they~ are coming along?" she motioned her head towards Erik and Nikita.

Astor blinked. "I beleive they were invited by another member of our party..." he said, voice slightly unsure.

Maeve just blinked at Davia.  Who did invited them.  She couldn't recall.  She mentally shrugged.  They didn't seem to bad, so what difference did it make.  "Because they feel like it I suppose." she answered mildly.

Alex, hearing the conversation, half turned from his position leading the group.  "I asked Kar Erik to join us," he said, gaze inviting anyone to argue the point.

Maeve smiled at him.

Davia sighed and kept quiet.

With a nod, Alex turned to face the road again.

Maeve shifted uncomfortably, feeling itchy...

She poked Adam in the shoulder.  "I need to get down and stretch a bit."

Adam blinked, shrugged, and stopped his horse.  "Just give a yell when y'want t'ride again, m'lady love," he said with a smile.

She gave him a peck on the cheek.  "Okay."  She got off and easily began trotting beside the horse.  About a mile down the road, she smelled something that made her pause.  There were no more animal sounds.  It took her a moment to realize they were being hunted.

Crystal gave a noise and became a bit restless.  Davia tried to calm her. "Crystal please.. what is wrong with you?!" Crystal wouldn't calm down.

Maeve stopped.  "People, I recomend we take some weapons out.  We're being hunted, by my guess, a group of rogue shifters." As she said this, she took out a small, but effective dagger.

Davia looked alarmed.  "What do you mean, hunted?" she asked.

Alex had his sword in hand and was scanning the area around them for anything suspiscious.

Maeve sniffed the air.  "I'm smelling seven."

She wrinkled her nose.  "Eww..."

Erik nearly snarled and his wings and hair went jet black.  He pulled Nikita close.

Astor gently soothed his unicorn, whisping soft assurances.

All of a sudden Seven half formed creatures leaped out of the forest and surrounded them, snarling.  They were varying creatures.  Two were wolves, one a hyena, one a leaperd, two were bears, and the last was... she blinked.  She wasn't sure what the hell it was supposed to be.  They were in mid transformation.  They were all lean, filthy, and stark naked.  They smelled foul as well.   Maeve growled at them.  "Bugger off." She snarled.

The one Maeve couldn't guess what creature it was, stepped foreward.  "No." he growled.  He stalked towards her and grabbed her by her braid.  Maeves eyes widened in surprise.  Without thinking she stabbed the knife to the hilt into his shoulder.

He gave a loud snarl and tightened his grip on her hair making her wince.  He smelled her neck, and gave something she assumed was supposed to be a grin.  "Your perfect."  He signaled the others, and they started to leave, him dragging a surprised maeve in his wake.

There was a roar as a large tiger dropped into the group of shifters, tearing at them and sending them running in several directions.

Turning into human form, the newcomer looked over at Maeve.  "You all right?" he asked, then grinned.  "Never thought I'd drive off seven of them, but what the hell.  They're used to running away from me."

Maeve scowled at the departing rogue's.  They were'nt usually so bad.  These were more ferel then the ones she bumped into.  Maeve turned to her rescuer, rubbing her head sheepishly.  "I'll live."  Her braid was so loose she began to uncoil it and to redo it tighter.  "Thank you.  My name is Maeve,  Who are you?"

"Idou," the man said with an elaborate bow that made his black hair lengthen.  "Dunno where you're from if the rabid cows are new for you," he said with another grin.

"I'm from Sede Nahele.  Our rogues aren't rabid." she said slightly amused.

"Not rabid.  Just... really stupid," Idou said in amusement.  He looked around, then up.  "Kaku, it's safe now.  Just a shifter chick."

There was a hesitant movement before a larger rustle. A blue haired boy lept from the tree, his short wings helping him fall gracefuly. He swiftly slid behind Idou, hiding himself.

Maeve beamed at them.  "Hi!"  That Kaku was adorable!

"SO why're you in my hunting grounds anyway?" Idou asked, resting a comforting hand on Kakuji's shoulder.

Maeve blinked in surprise.  "We're just passing through," she paused cocking her head.  "What clan are you from?"

Davia hopped off her unicorn and wandered over to Maeve and the new comers.  "I hate to be rude, but can we save the social talk for a later date?  Father is waiting for me.."

Maeve ignored Davia.

Idou looked at the princess.  "Surely your dad can wait another few minutes while a pair of shifters exchange news?  I don't know what clan I was born to, but I was raised by the Ora Tame."

Davia  looked at him seriously.  "My Father is dieing.. I must get to him quickly."

Idou blinked at her.  "Oh.  I'm sorry."

Maeve looked dissapointed.  "Would you like to join us for some of the way?" she asked them hopefully.

Davia lowered her eyes. "Thank you."

Idou looked at Kakuji a moment, then shrugged.  "Sure.  At the very least I can keep you clear of more porkers."

"Excellent... and we can get to know each other better!" she included Kaku in her smile.

"That would be most kind of you, thank you," Davia said to him. She turned around and got back on her unicorn.

Kaku pulled further behind Idou, eyes warry.

Maeve blinked in surprise at Kaku's reaction.

Idou smiled.  "Get on, Kaku," he said, lifting the boy to his back.  Lowering himself, he shifted to tiger form and joined the group, Kakuji half clinging, half snugging on his back.

Adam waved and smiled, earning him a welcoming growl from the tiger.

Maeve looked down at Idou's form.  She wondered if he could shift into more than one form.  She shrugged.  She easily stripped her clothes off without the slightest bit of selfconciosness.  This wasn't anything sexual, it was what she was.  She handed the clothes to Adam.  "Hold these for me, luv.  Thanks."  She shifted into a pure white leaperd.  She could changer her pigmentation to black if she chose to, but she didn't want it to seem she was showing off.

Erik made a face. "It figures the trickster would also be a shifter," he scoffed.

Idou growled softly, shooting a glare at Erik.  He stopped after a moment, feeling Kakuji tensing on his back.  The boy's grip of the shifter had tighetened and he was shaking slightly.

Shifting his head around so he could see the younger boy, Idou shifter his vocal chords to human ones.  "What's wrong, Kaku?"

The boy hugged the shifter tighter, unable to respond.

"Kaku, you know whatever it is I'm on your side.  If you have a problem let me know and I'll take care of it."

The boys eyes watered slightly.  "...don't want to go back..." he whispered.

"You don't have to go anywhere you don't want to," Idou said, stopping.

"It's the black winged one..." Kaku's voice shook.

Idou looked at Erik again.  "I will protect you from anything," he said softly.

"But he's already seen..."

Shifting to human, hair long wnough for Kaku to hide behind, Idou called out to the group.  "We'll catch up in a bit."  He carried Kaku into the woods and bounded up a tree.  Twisting the boy around he cradled him close.  "Tell me what's wrong, Kaku," he half requested, half demanded.

"They're Windian wings--" Kakuji's voice tembled.

"So....  You come from somewhere with wings and you're afraid he'll recognize you?" Idou hazarded.

Kaku nodded slightly. "I don't want to go back, Idou..."

Idou kissed Kakuji's forehead.  "I won't let anyone hurt you.  While I'm here you don't have to worry."
 

Maeve ran up to the tiger and teasingly nudged him and nipped his ear before tearing off ahead of him.  She looked over her shoulder briefly daring him to chase her.

With a grin, Idou took off after her, refining the muscles in his legs to get more speed out of them.  Within a short amount of time he began to overtake her.

With a great burst of speed Maeve climbed a tree only about six feet up.  Twisting around and pushing off she leaped on Idou.  She landed on him, making sure not to hurt him, and gently nipped his ear.  Then she tore out, yet again daring him to chase her.  She was having the time of her life.  It's been too long since she's been around other shifters like this.

Chuckling, Idou shifted into a cheetah and took off at 90 mph, quickly overtaking Maeve and pouncing on her.  They rolled a few feet and before they stopped Idou created oposable thumbs so he could hold her.  He grinned rakishly through his cheetah face at her.

Maeve adjusted as well, and with a blur of motion pushed him so that they rolled again.  With her on top holding him down.  She grinned back at him.

Idou turned into a snake and slithered out of her grasp.  He turned and stuck his toungue out at her before changing to his usual half human half tiger form, sprouting large wings, and taking off.

Maeve giggled delighted.  Maeve grew her own wings, which were golden and white.  She flew after him until she caught up to him.  When she did she flew under him so she could smile up at him.

Keeping his hold on her, Idou pumped his wings hard, breaking through the treetops.  Once there, he let go and pushed away to soar circles around Maeve, grinning gleefully.

She flew with him so she could keep on facing him.  Then abruptly flew up to him, giving him a hard kiss on the mouth.  She then flew away in a great burst of speed daring him to catch her again.

Idou blinked, deciding he liked this game.  He flew up high, then plummeted down catching her before she realized where he was coming from.  Holding her around the waist, he leveled them out, kissing her ear, her neck, and then her mouth before releasing her and flying off, tiger's tail waving in challenge.

Maeve grinned, blinking in surprise.  Then with a burst of speed flew down then up... in front of him.  He ran right smack into her.  She held onto him and leveled them off expertly before she nipped his cleft on his chin, the cord of his neck, and finally his mouth.  She made a purring noise in her throat before she teasingly flew away just out of reach.  Whenever he was about to get a hold of her she flew faster.  She just stayed out of reach.

After a moment, Idou decided to change his strategy.  He turned and started off in another direction.  When she started after, he turned and pounced, lightning quick, cathing her and licking down her neck.  He looked up and smiled as he reached her collarbone.

Maeves head lolled back and she purred.  She kept her bright green eyes ,half closed, on him.  she had an enigmatic half smile curving her lips.

Taking her response as a positive one, Idou continued his downward movements, holding them both hovering in the air.

Maeve gripped his shoulders.  This was definately a first for her, but she felt languid all over.  This felt to good to stop, even if she wanted to, she didn't think she could.

Wrapping his arms around her hips, Idou settled in a nearby tree, wings wrapping around the pair of them as his mouth moved over her body.

Maeve murmered and shifted restlessly.  She tugged his hair so he would kiss her again.

Smiling, Idou indulged her, tongue running over her lips.

She purred, delighted.  She returned the favor.  She bagan to tasted him by nibbling his face gently and with the tip of her tongue.

Returning the favor, Idou began kneeding her back with his hands, pressing her closer and rubbing against her.

Maeve arched against him, her wandering hands going to his nicely shaped but.  She didn't realize immediately what the sharp crack of noise was until both of them were plumeting towards the ground.  He landed on top of her and she felt all of her breath go out of her in a great big woosh.

Bouncing quickly to his feet, Idou held out a hand to Maeve.  He couldn't help chuckling.  "Well, that's one way to break a mood."

Maeve sucked in some oxygen.  She blinked up at Idou with some amusement and grabbed his hand.  "We'll have to do that again another time..." she said wistfully.

Idou hauled her to her feet.  "I don't fly as much as I used to," he mused.  "Kaku has so many problems based around his wings that I can't bring myself to."

"I've beem traveling around lately and have been away from my own kind too long."  She frowned fleetingly before smiling at him.  She decided to travel around to eventually gather the courage to maybe see her mothers people.  But, in her journies, learned that high elves didn't keep half breeds.

So if they didn't want her mother, why would they want to know her?

Idou shrugged.  "Your people are what you make them.  Kaku is my people more than the buzzard gang is."

Maeve smiled at that.  "We're from Seda Nahele Forest.  We're a huge clan there."  He smile grew soft in her memmories.  "We all accept each other's differences..." she faltered off.  Not all of them were pure-blooded.  Not all of them were shapeshifters either, but they were all clan.  They mainly joined because they had no where else to go.  We took them in because we believe diversity made a clan stronger.

"Maybe you can come and visit some day." she said to him hopefully.

Idou nodded.  "The Ora Tame take in foundlings as well, but not everyone is so accepting."  He smiled.  "And I'd like to visit."

Maeve beamed at him.  "Perhaps after this journey, you and your friend Kaku can come home with me?" she asked him, her eyes glowing with excitement.

Idou considered.  "Kaku doesn't really like people too much."  He shrugged.  "We'll see."
 

Davia remained quiet for most of the way back home. She quickened her pace to be side by side with Alex, who was leading the group. She turned her head towards Alex, wondering what he was thinking about, and what he meant last night when he said there were things about him that if she found out, they would hurt her. (What was he talking about?) she wondered to herself.

Davia sighed and looked behind her at the others traveling with her.  Adam and Astor were talking amongst themselves, as were Maeve and those two new guys… what were their names again..? She couldn't remember. Taking up the rear of the group were Kar Erik and his companion. She sighed again and pulled up the hood of her cloak, focusing her attention on the road ahead of them. She looked down and gently ran her hand against her unicorn's mane. She closed her eyes as she thought of her father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Davia!" the King's voice echoed through the halls.

Davia ran towards her father, excitedly. "What is it, Father?" she asked, curiously.

"I have a surprise for you," was the answer she was given.

"What is it?"

"Come with me, my dear, and see.." He took his daughter's hand and led her outside towards the horses' stables.

Davia looked up at her father, wanting to ask him why they were going there, but she kept quiet.

When they got to the door, her father turned to her and knelt down beside her. "Are you ready for your birthday present, little one?" he asked her.

The seven-year-old nodded her head vigorously.

"Ok, now close your eyes," he told her, standing back up and taking her hand.

Davia did so.

The King opened the door and moved his daughter in front of the little unicorn. "Ok, you can open your eyes now," he instructed.

Davia slowly opened her eyes and saw the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. Her eyes went wide with excitement and she ran towards the unicorn, giving her a hug. "She is beautiful Father!" Davia exclaimed as she ran back towards him and gave him a crashing hug. "Thank you Father! This is the best gift ever!"

Her father winced slightly; the pain was getting to him again. He tried to hide his pain by smiling down at his daughter and brushing her hair back. "Your welcome, my dear. You must take good care of her. A unicorn is a lot of work, as is any pet.."

"I will, Father, I will!" Davia smiled back at him. "I promise to take good care of her." She hugged him again.

Her father moaned with pain again, holding his side with one hand.

Davia pulled away, hearing his moan. "Are you alright, Father? Did I hurt you?" she asked, concerned.

"No, no.. I'm ok. I just need to lie down for a while, that's all.. Your father is getting old," he chuckled. He stood up, reaching for the door. "I'm going back inside. Don't be too long, or your mother will worry."

"Ok, I am just going to stay here and brush my unicorn's hair," Davia answered.

"Alright then, I'll see you soon," her father said. He turned back towards his daughter. "And Davia?"

"Yes, Father?" she said, looking up.

"Happy birthday, my little one," he smiled to her.

She smiled back and continued brushing her unicorn's mane.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A tear rolled down Davia's cheek as she was brought back to reality. She gently wiped it away with her hand, keeping her hood on. (He was sick even then,) she thought. "Why did I not realize that something was wrong!" she cried out, bending down and sobbing into her arms, making Crystal stop in her tracks.

Alex stopped, turning to see what had happened. returning to Davia's side, he put a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong, Princess?" he asked.

"I should have realized that something was wrong!" she cried. She sat up, sniffling and pulled back her hood. "I was remembering as a child.. when I would hug him, he would be in pain. I remember asking him about it, but he said nothing was wrong. He was sick even back then, Xander! Why did he not tell me that something was wrong!"

"Your father didn't wish to worry you," Alex said. "And he believed he had many more years because of the spells of his healers."
 

"Here we are," Idou said cheerfully, looking up at the palace.

Kaku looked up from his contented clinging to Idou's back.  His eyes went wide and he trembled slightly, hands clutching the fabric of Idou's shirt tightly. "No..." he said in a small petrified voice.

"What's wrong?" Idou asked, instantly on alert.

Kaku buried his face in Idou's back, entire body tence.

Idou twisted around, holding Kaku tightly.  "Kaku," he said softly.  "What's wrong?"

The boy shook his head intencely. "Don't want to go back..." he whispered.

"Back where?" Idou asked, arms tightening.  "I won't let anyone take you anywhere."

Kaku whimpered and clutched at Idou.

Idou held the younger boy closely.  "We won't go in," he decided after a moment.

Kaku gave a relieved noise and hugged Idou tightly. "Thank you...."
 

The group slowly approached the front gates of the palace. Beyond the gates, Isaac and some of the palace guards were awaiting their arrival.

Isaac smiled, seeing Alex approaching.  He bowed, "My King, it's good to see you home safely.  I trust the journey went well..?"

Alex smiled almost tenderly.  "As well as can be expected with a runaway princess, Isasc," he said, dismounting.

"Glad to hear it.  Your mother is waiting for you in the dining hall," Isaac said, fighting the urge to hug the man.

Davia entrusted her unicorn with one of the guards and ran inside to see her father.

Alex nodded.  "Kar Erik, this is Isaac, my most trusted adviser.  Isaac, Kar Erik and..."  He looked at the pair.

"Nikita," the half vampire boy said quietly.

"Pleasure," Isaac replied, bowing his head slightly.

Erik returned the nod politely.

"Now, Isaac.  TEll me what has happened in my absence as we walk," Alex directed.

"Not much, I'm afraid. The Princess' father hasn't much time left, I've heard," he informed Alex.  "I do believe that they would want you to marry her as soon as possible..."

Alex scowled slightly.  "We shall see what's to be done about that."

"What do you plan to do, My King?" Isaac asked, concerned.

"Find out how to stop this marriage," Alex said, eyes glinting.

"I'm not sure there is much you can do.  It's all they've been talking about in your absence.." Isaac said.

Alex's scowl deepened.

"I'm sorry if I upset you, My King," Isaac appologized.

"It's not your doing, Isaac," Alex said with a wave of his hand before they entered the dining hall.

The dining hall was already crowed with all of the palace staff and then some.  They were all talking amoungst themselves and apparently waiting for something.  The room hushed a bit when Alex walked in. All bowed.

Alex acknowledged them and walked to the head table.  "Your majesties," he said with a bow to Davia's parents.  "I have brought your daughter home."

Davia's mother nodded her head respectfully. "Yes, and I thank you dearly. She is in talking with her father now in his chambers. In the meantime, sit, make yourself at home," Queen Meredith said, waving to a chair next to them.

"Thank you," Alex said, sitting near her.  He nodded at the others with him to sit as well.

Queen Meredith turned to Alex. "So, do tell me, Alexander, did my daughter get herself into any trouble? Where was she?"

"She was in the home of Wood Elves and quite safe," Alex assured the woman.

The Queen nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "Good, good.. I was afraid she was in danger, being all alone, out there by herself.. I do not know what she was thinking."

"She was thinkin' that she didn't like bein' treated like a child," Adam said from his position a bit farther down the table.

"And who are you, sir? I do not believe we have been properly introduced," the Queen said to Adam.

"Adam Faye Challeeson," Adam answered.

"Pleased to meet you, Adam. I am Queen Meredith," she introduced herself. "And tell me, how is it that you know this of my daughter? Were you with her the last few days?"

"I'm the one found'er in the forest," Adam said with a slight smirk.

The Queen nodded and looked at the time. "Ah, yes, well, I thank you for looking after her, Adam.. And I do believe it is time to get her so that we may get things started here.. Excuse me," Meredith got up from the table to retrieve her daughter.
 

Davia slowly approached her father's chambers.  She quietly pushed open the door slightly and peeked her head in.

"Davia, my sweet girl, please.. Come see your father.." her father said, slowly.

Davia opened the door and ran over to her father's bedside, giving him a hug.  "Oh, Father!  I am so sorry I left.  Forgive me, please," she said, with tears building up in her eyes.

The King winced and moaned in pain as his daughter hugged him, but he tried to return the hug.

Davia pulled back immediately, hearing his pain.  "Oh! Father! I am sorry, I did not mean to hurt you.." she knelt down next to the bed and held his hand.

"It's alright, my dear," her father explained.  "I fear I do not have much time left anyway.."

"Father, why did you not tell me that you were sick?  I would not have left, had I known," the young girl said, holding her father's hand against her cheek.

"My sweet daughter, you were just a child at the time," he explained.

"But all those times that I have asked you what was wrong.. You should have said something," she said.

"I wanted to see you grow up and not have to worry about your dear old father's health," he tried to explain to her.

Tears streamed down Davia's face as she held her father's hand in hers.  "Is there anything we can do?" she asked, worriedly.

The King sadly shook his head.  "I'm afraid not, my dear.  The healers have done all they could for me. My time is near.."

"NO! I will not let you go!" the Princess cried, holding her father's hand close to her face again.

"There is but one thing you can do for me, Davia," her father answered, slowly.

Davia looked at him.  "What is it? I will do anything you ask, Father, please tell me what I can do for you?"

The King reached up with one hand and straightened the jewel headband across her forehead, running his hand down her hair.

Davia took his hand again.  "Please, Father, tell me.."

He looked at his daughter.  "Marry King Alexander."

Davia was quiet a moment.  "But Father, he does not wish to marry me.  He told me so himself."

"He will, once he realizes he has no choice in the matter.." her father said, slowly.  He took a deep breath before continuing.  "Please, my dear, do this last thing for your father.  I need to know that you will be taken care of when I leave."

"You are not going anywhere, I will see to it, Father," Davia said, strongly.

"Davia, please, do this last wish for me.  Marry Alexander.  I know he will take good care of you," her father answered.

"But he does not love me," she told him.

"Love will come in time, my dear," was the response she was given.

Slowly, Davia nodded.  "Alright, I will, for you Father.."

There was a quiet knock on the door of the room and Davia's mother, Queen Meredith entered.  "Davia, come now, your father needs his rest.."

Slowly, the young Princess stood up and gently kissed her father on the forehead. "I will be back later to see you, ok?"

He nodded, "I'm looking forward to it."

When Davia was slowly led out of the room, her mother turned to her. "Come my dear, we must get to the dining hall now," the Queen beckoned.

When they entered the dining hall, there was a crowd of people there, all waiting and watching, as if expecting something.

Davia turned to her mother.  "Mother, what is going on? What are all these people doing here?" she asked.

"You will see soon enough.  Come with me.." the Queen gently wrapped an arm around Davia's shoulders as they approached the front of the room.

At the front of the room stood Alex next to his mother.

Davia looked confused again and turned back to her mother.  "Mother, please, tell me what is going on!" she whispered to her.

Her mother just placed a finger of her mouth, motioning for her to keep quiet.  She looked towards Alex's mother, next to her, who nodded.

Queen Meredith raised a glass and tapped on it with a spoon.  "Please, can I have everyone's attention. Queen Reina and I wish to make an important announcement."

Everyone in the room hushed and waited with anticipation for the announcement.

"It is with great pleasure that Queen Reina and I announce the engagement of our two children and the union of our kingdoms.  My daughter, Princess Davia and King Alexander of Faran.  They will be married by my daughter's 18th birthday, next week."

The room went into an uproar of happiness, cheering and clapping.

Isaac stood off to the side with his family and the other servants.  He looked towards Alex, knowing that he would be upset about this engagement announcement.  Reaching into his pocket, his hand felt the note that he wanted to give to Alex when the time was right and no one suspected anything.  He bowed his head respectfully and smiled a fake smile.

Davia looked at her mother in surprise, who just smiled back at her.  She looked at Alex to see if he was just as surprised at this announcement as she was.

Alex bowed with mock respect to hide the fire in his eyes.  By the time he straightened he had schooled his features to calm.  He looked over to Isaac, seeing the hurt on his lover's face.

Taking Davia's hand he turned to the gathered people.  "As the future rulers, we will do our best to rule the kingdom fairly for her people."

The crowded cheered.  Davia smiled as well.

After a few moments, while others were giving their congratulations to the new couple, Isaac stepped forward and held out his hand to Alex, bowing down on one knee.  "My King," he called to him, "please accept my congratulations on your engagement," he said to him, slipping Alex the note when they shook hands.

(the note read: I know of a place within this palace where we can be alone. When you are ready, meet me in the basement library in the west wing.  I'll be waiting for you, King of My Heart.)

Isaac knew enough not to sign his name on the note, in case anyone else found it.  A few minutes later, he quietly slipped out of the dining hall and made his way downstairs to the library, to wait for his King.

Alex scanned the note quickly before pushing it into a pocket.  As soon as he could politely extricate himself from the well wishers he claimed exhaustion from the trip and headed to Isaac's meeting spot.
 

While Isaac waited for Alex to arrive, he searched the library to make sure they were alone, and indeed they would be.  Everyone was still in the dining hall enjoying the special occasion.

"Isaac," Alex called from the entry of the library.  "Where are you?"

"I am here," he called from near one of the bookcases. "I was just making sure we would be alone, and we are.." Isaac practically flew himself into Alex's arms.  "Oh, My King, how I have missed you!"

Alex wrapped his arms around Isaac, holding the man close.  "Being away from you has been hard," he answered.

Isaac pulled away for a second. "Come, I have something to show you," he said, excitedly. He took Alex's hand and led him to the back of the library, near one of the bookcases. "Sarah was cleaning in here the other day, while you were away, and she found something that we could use to be alone.." he traced his finger along the books in the middle of one of the shelves, still holding Alex's hand.  "Now.. which book was it again..?  Ah, right, the blue one," he pulled Alex closer to him, and pulled the book slightly out of the shelf.  The bookcase suddenly shifted and swiveled around and suddenly they were behind it in a secret room.  It was small and only furnished with a rug in the center and six candles, three in each corner against the back wall.  Isaac smiled and turned to Alex, "What do you think?"

Alex looked around.  "Are you sure it's safe?"

Isaac nodded. "Sarah and I have tested it, it's a soundproof room, no one can hear us."

Alex nodded, arm tightening around Isaac.  He pulled the other man to the rug, seating himself with Isaac held tightly at his side.

Isaac snuggled into his arms, eyes closing.  "It's so good to be in your arms again, My King."

Tracing a hand down Isaac's cheek, Alex addressed him.  "Isaac, when we are alone... it would please me if you would call me Alex."

Isaac smiled, taking the hand and kissing it gently. "I thought you would never ask, Alex.."

"Things have changed recently, and I want to be sure you know your place in my heart."

"Are you sure we can continue this though?" Isaac asked. "With this new engagement and all.. And what about the Princess?"

Alex pulled Isaac almost roughly so that they could see each other's eyes.  "I do not love her," he said, emphasizing the word 'her.'

Isaac slowly nodded, shaking off the rough feeling he got from Alex. "Do you plan on telling her about us?"

"It would be unfair not to," Alex said, leaning back and holding Isaac close.

Isaac nodded, snuggling up against Alex again. "Well, whatever happens, just know that I will always love you," he looked up at Alex and their eyes met. "You'll always be the King in my heart," he said, reaching over to kiss him.

Alex responded hungrily to the kiss.  "No one could ever match your importance to me."

"And the same goes for you, Alex," Isaac said, kissing him again.

Alex pulled the other man down to the carpet, hands moving to the laces at the front of his shirt.
 

Isaac sat up and pulled his shirt back on. He smiled at Alex and reached over and fixed the collar of his shirt.

Alex took his lover's hand and brought it to his lips.  "You are patient with my recent strangeness," he said, watching Isaac's movements through half lidded eyes.  "When I can, I will give you the reward you deserve."

Isaac shook his head slowly. "Your love is all I need, Alex," he replied softly.

With a sigh, Alex sat up, pulling Isaac gently into his arms.

Isaac melted into his arms, closing his eyes. "I fear it is getting harder and harder to hide my affection for you in public.."

"Would that we didn't have to," Alex said softly, stroking Isaac's hair.

Isaac sighed, nodding slightly in agreement. "Alex, when do you wish to tell the Princess about us?"

"Sooner would probably be better.  SO she knows what to expect if we must go through with this marriage."

Isaac sat up and looked at Alex. "What if she tells someone about us? I couldn't stand losing you," he said softly, his hand reaching over to touch his cheek.

"I will never let anyone separate us," Alex said emphatically.  "I would follow you anywhere you could be sent, even if it meant giving up everything."

Isaac smiled, "You don't know how happy it makes me to hear you say that."

Cupping the other man's cheek Alex answered, "I think I may."

Isaac smiled, childishly. "Are you sure?" he teased, placing his hands on top of Alex's.

Alex didn't smile.  "If you hold half the love for me that I have for you, I understand."

Isaac frowned and removed Alex's hands from his cheeks and held them in his. "Do you doubt my love for you, Alex?"

"I doubt everything."

"Why?" Isaac asked.

Alex looked at him sharply, then relaxed.  "We should go seek the princess."

Isaac nodded and got up, slightly worried about Alex. He led the way out of the secret room and the library.

Alex was silent until they reached the king's chambers.  He knocked.

Davia looked towards the door and got up to answer it. "Xander.." she said, upon seeing him. "Father just fell asleep. He wanted to speak with you before, but we could not find you," she looked back towards her father and motioned for them to talk out in the hall, so as not to disturb him. "Where were you?  I turned around one moment and you were gone.."

"I had some business I needed to attend to," he said, brushing off her concern.  "I must speak with you."

Davia quietly closed the bedroom door and led them down the hall to another room. "If this is about the engagement earlier, I already spoke to Mother about it.  It was uncalled for, but after talking it over with Father, I think we can work out our differences and try to make this marriage work," she told him.  She glanced over to Isaac, then turned back to Alex. "What is your servant doing here?"

"Isaac is more than a mere servant to me.  And yes, the engagement is what I wished to speak of.  There are certain expectations that must be laid to rest."

Davia looked slightly confused. "Expectations? Xander, I know that you do not love me, but Father said if we just spend enough time together..." Alex interrupted her.

"I will be blunt.  I will never love you," he said, voice even.

Davia looked slightly hurt. "You.. you do not mean that. We barely know each other."

"My heart belongs to another already.  You could never win it."

Davia blinked. "Another girl? Who? Is it Maeve?" she asked.

"Maeve?  An intelligent enough woman.  No.  It is not another girl."

Davia blinked again, confused. "But you just said your heart belongs to another.."

Alex reached a hand back and caught Isaac's, bringing the man forward to stand at his side.  "My heart is his."

Isaac held Alex's hand, looking at the Princess and hoped that she could understand.

Davia looked from Isaac back to Alex. "But he works for you. How can your heart belong to him?"

"His position means nothing," Alex said harshly.  He turned to Isaac, expression softening.  Reaching a hand up to brush the man's cheek he said, "Isaac, I am slave to your love."  Holding his lover's eyes a long moment he prayed that the sincerity of his words reached the other man.

Turning back to Davia he waited for her response.

Davia's eyes were wide. "You cannot be serious!" she exclaimed.

"Why can I not?" Alex asked in a soft voice.

"Because you are King now, Xander. You know the rules as well as I do, and this kind of behavior is not allowed," Davia answered, lowering her voice a bit, so they would be heard.

"I was unaware that there were rules to love," Alex said.  "Yes, I must marry and produce an heir for the good of my kingdom, and I will, but I will never love you."

"And when we are in public together? What then?" Davia questioned. "I do not know if I can live without any kind of affection from my husband."

"I will show you all respect due a queen and my wife, and I may come to care for you.  And if, after the succession is assured, you wish another in your bed and your heart I do not wish you to feel that you cannot."

Davia thought about this a moment. "You do realize that by telling me about this, you risk losing him, should I decide to tell someone.."

Isaac looked worried and held Alex's hand tigher.

Alex smiled.  "As the king of my country there is no authority that can take him from me.  And if someone should try, you can be assured that I would be gone as soon as I learned of it."

Davia looked at Alex seriously. "You mean to tell me that you would give up everything for him? Your crown, your kingdom and all its people? Even your family?"

"Isaac means more to me than anything, and I would cheerfully renounce everything I have for his sake," Alex said, eye mirroring the truth of his words.

Isaac relaxed and smiled softly, knowing he was safe with Alex.

Davia sighed, understanding how deep his love for Isaac was. "I understand. He is lucky to have someone like you in his life," she said, looking back at Isaac shortly.  "I just hope I can find someone who loves me as much, and as deeply as you love him."

"I pray that you will as well.  You deserve the love that I cannot give you."

Davia nodded, then thought of something. "Does he return your love?" she addressed Alex.

Alex turned to the other man.  "Isaac?  Will you answer the princess's question?"

Isaac looked at Alex, their eyes connecting.  He reached up and gently touched his lover's cheek. "I love him more then my own life," he answered Davia, without looking at her. "I would give ~anything~ to be with him.

Davia looked at the two of them, somewhat saddened by the whole thing.  "I will keep your secret then, as long as he makes you happy."

Alex took Isaac's hand in his own and kissed his fingertips.  He looked at Davia and bowed to her.  "I thank you, Princess."

"As do I," Isaac said, also bowing. "I understand how hard this must be for you."

Davia just nodded, forcing a smile for them.  "Is that all you wished to talk about?"

Alex nodded slightly.  "I did not wish to give you false hope.  If you can think of a way to avoid this marriage, I would commend you."

"I do not wish to end our marriage, Xander," Davia replied. "Marrying you is last thing that I can do for my Father. I intend to carry his wish out."

"I will respect your decision," Alex said with a nod.  "I am sorry that is all I am able to offer you."

"That is what Father wanted to speak to you about earlier. He wanted to make sure that I would be well taken care of.. before he goes.." she said softly.

"I will make certain that I speak with him in the morning."

"What are you going to tell him?" she asked.

"I will tell him that he needn't worry about your welfare.  Is there something else you wish him told?"

She was quiet a moment, then shook her head. "No, nothing else. Just reassure him that I will be fine, so that he may go peacefully."

"If you need anything else, Princess, you know where my entourage is being housed.  We should let you rest."

Davia nodded again and turned to the door. "Oh, Xander? Thank you for telling me about this beforehand.  Had I been in your place, I would have been afraid to," she admitted.

"It would have been cruel not to.  And I am many things, but I hope curel is not one of them."

She smiled. "All the time we spent together as I was growing up, I have never known you to be cruel."

"I can second that one," Isaac added, leaning his head on Alex's shoulder.

Expression softening, he said, "I thank you both for your confidence."

"I guess I will see you both in the morning then," Davia said with a respectful nod. She left the room.

Isaac sighed and turned to Alex. "I think that went rather well, don't you?"

"It could have been much worse," Alex agreed.  "No stunning denouncements, no screaming, no fainting."  He nodded.  "Quite good."

Isaac laughed. "Is that what you expected of her?"

"She is very young and idealistic," Alex said.  "I think she would resent anything that foiled her."

"Do you think she'll keep her promise about not telling anyone?" he asked.

"I would like to think so, but she might forget when in company of those she trusts."  Alex's eyesclouded a moment.  "She will try.  For her father."

Isaac hugged Alex one last time before they departed their separate ways for bed. "I hope you're right about her."

"Isaac," Alex said, catching the other man's arm.  "Come to bed with me."

Isaac looked at Alex,surprised. "Are you sure we can, Alex?"

"I don't care," Alex pronounced.  "Even if it's just to be in your arms and have you in mine, I don't want to be apart from you tonight."

"I don't either," Isaac admitted, hugging him once more. "I love you."

"And I you," Alex said softly.

Isaac sighed and rested his head against Alex's chest. "Alex, you know I meant what I said earlier," he said.

"As did I," Alex answered, wrapping an arm around his lover.

"Do you still doubt my love for you?" he asked, softly.

"After everything that has happened recently, I take nothing for granted."

Isaac was quiet a moment, thinking. "Can you tell me what happened during the war?" he asked. "I don't mean to upset you or anything.. it's just that, since you've been back, you haven't said anything about it, and that worries me," he said, sitting up to be eye level with Alex, but still keeping Alex's arm around him.

Alex looked aside, unable to meet the concerned gaze.  "Your parents," he said instead, "They're proud of you?"

Isaac blinked at the change of subject. "Uh, yeah, I think so," he paused. "Alex, what's wrong? You used to tell me everything... please don't shut me out.." Isaac said, with a worried and concerned look.

"And if they knew about us?" Alex pressed.  "What would they think then?"

Isaac leaned back. "I don't know.  I never thought about it before.  Sarah suspects that something is going on, and has warned me to be careful, but all I know is that my parents can never find out about us. No one can.."

"My parents... know my preferences.  They despise me for them.  My father has thought me weak my whole life.  Not fit to rule nor do anything else a man does.  He held this belief to the end of his life."

Isaac leaned his head on Alex's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Alex. But I know you'll make a great ruler.. and now is your chance to prove it."

Alex didn't seem to hear, continuing softly.  "It's one thing to know that my father hated me, but quite another to hear him curse my birth with his dying breath."

Isaac hugged Alex, trying to make him feel better.  "I'm so sorry Alex.  I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.."

"Your presence eases me as nothing else could," Alex said, smiling down at Isaac.  "But always remember that your parents' love is precious."

"I know.." Isaac said.  "I feel sorry for the Princess, she's going to learn that lesson the hard way.. as you did."

Alex nodded, then paused.  "What?"

Isaac looked up, "What?" he asked.

"Why will she have to learn the hard way?"

"Well," Isaac began, "she took her parents' love for granted and rebelled, for whatever reason. Something made her want to leave and she did so. Now, she comes back to find out that her father is dieing and she's just now begining to understand how precious his love is, but it's too late.."

"She is still lucky to have had that love...."

Isaac, not knowing what else to say, just hugged Alex.  Isaac pulled back after a moment and looked at Alex.  He reached over and placed his hand on the cheek of his lover's. "Have I upset you with all these questions?" he asked, in a somewhat worried voice.

Alex nuzzled against Isaac's palm. "Showing your care is never upsetting, my own."

Isaac smiled and leaned over to kiss Alex, gently.

In response, Alex pulled the other man close, letting his actions speak for him.

Isaac wrapped his arms around Alex and continued to kiss him.

Alex's fingers traveled up and down Isaac's sides, lingering in places he knew to be sensitive to his touch.

Isaac gently pulled back, smiling, and traced his fingers on Alex's chest.  "I love you so much," he said, before leaning down to kiss him again.

Alex returned the kiss hungrily, almost bruising Isaac as he pulled him down.

Isaac winced slightly by Alex's roughness and mentally brushed it off.

Alex broke away, gaze intense as he looked into Isaac's dark eyes.  He held Isaac's chin in one hand, holding him steady.  "Mine," he said softly after a long moment, capturing Isaac's lips again.

Isaac returned the kiss and moved his hands through Alex's hair.

Alex's hand slid down Isaac's back and into his pants.

Isaac's hands reached down and he unbuttoned his pants, inviting Alex in. He kissed Alex's chest and neck.

Rolling over to be on top of Isaac, Alex almost roughly pushed the other man's pants off.

Isaac's fingers moved down Alex's chest and he reached over to fidget with Alex's pants. He continued to kiss his neck and finally moved up to his lips again.

Holding Isaac down, Alex undressed himself and the other man, then decended to claim his mouth hungrily in an almost brutal kiss.

Isaac pushed Alex away, breathing heavily. "Alex.." he managed to say.

Alex tensed, looking down at him.

"We should stop.." Isaac said, softly.

Alex's expression darkened a moment.  Tensing further, he blew out a long breath.  "I know," he answered shortly.

Isaac sighed and got out of bed to put his pants back on. He climbed in again, next to Alex. "I'm sorry.." he said.

Alex reached out and pulled Isaac to him, clinging to him tightly.  He buried his face in Isaac's hair.

Isaac reached over and rubbed Alex's arm, comfortingly. "Please forgive me, Alex.." he said, softly.

"Why won't he die?" Alex whispered.  "He won't leave me in peace...."

Isaac continued to comfort Alex. "He's gone. It's ok.. you don't have to worry about him anymore, Alex."
 
"He won't die, Isaac.  He's waiting for me to mess up so he can gloat over my failure."

Isaac hugged Alex again, holding him close.  "He's gone, Alex.  It's ok for you to move on with your life now... you don't have to worry about him anymore.."

Alex sighed, relaxing into the embrace.  "Let's go to sleep, Isaac," he said softly.

Isaac nodded and held Alex in his arms.