"Elizabeth can we talk in private?" Max asked.
I nodded yes and Adam and Robert left closing the door.
"Last night..." He started.
"Please last night was an one time thing. It can't happen again." I say.
"I know... I just wanted to tell you the same thing and to Thank you for giving me that memory." He said.
I sigh in relief.
"I had a long talk with the Oracle and I understand what must be done. I may not like it but I understand." He said.
"Thank you. Is there anything else?" I ask.
"You must know that you will not survive this. I am letting Robert come to help your brother through losing you. So please spend as much time with him to make some good memories. Robert also wants to place you next to his parents unless you want to be placed somewhere else." He says.
I take a deep breath. I had a feeling I would die but hearing it is a little shocking. "I would like to be with my parents but I don't know were their even at. So Roberts parents would be nice. I like the area they are in."
"Ok, go spend more time with your brothers they will enjoy it." He says.
I stand up and walk out to find them. They were in the bunny yard so I ran back up to get Henry and joined them.
"Can Henry play too?" I asked putting on a big smile.
"Sure, did you have a good talk with the boss?" Adam asked.
"Yes, Can I sleep at your place tonight. I don't want to be alone." I asked.
"Anything you want." Robert says.
"Yes, Anything you want." Adam pulls me down to play with the bunnies.
We play for a little while and a maid comes out and Adam excused himself. "I'll be back in a moment." he says.
When we are alone I turn to Robert, "I will be honored to lay beside your parents. I just wanted you to know."
"Anything for family. I am glad we got to meet." He said.
"I'm glad my brother has you. I know he is well loved." I lean over and kiss Robert's cheek.
"I will always love and support him. I need to start supper. Don't tell him right now he won't let you help if he knows." He says.
"I won't, but he said he would sacrifice one for the whole. He is stronger then you all think. However I want these next few days to be happy memories for him so I don't plan on telling him anything. I just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me too."
"You mean a lot to me too." Robert left me there waiting for my brother to return.
◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇[Max]
Beth walked out the door. Why do I hurt more and more. I need her but so do all my people.
I go over the plans again and again. Even though it is simply there are still details that need to be ironed out.
After some time I sent word to meet with my captain of the gaurds. As he walks in I ask, "Have your men found Saundra?"
"No sir, we are still looking. We have men at her family's home so if she tires to go back there we will catch her. We have even searched the whole town right now. Rest assured we won't give up till we find her. I have sent wanted poster out to all the towns." he said.
"Good, I need you to stay back with your men to protect this town. Dismissed."
I get up and walk over to the window. I see Beth playing with the bunnies next to Robert but do not see Adam anywhere.
I shake my head. I watch as Robert leaves her alone and I can't take my eyes off of her.
I know there is no other woman for me. I also know I have to take a wife for the good of our land. I once was going to marry Saundra and I did not love her so I can marry someone else too.
This is price I pay as leader and it is a hard one but I will pay it.
I watch her playing and see Adam come back out and sit next to her. They talk and laugh and I want to join them.
I turn away from the torture. I feel a tear run down my cheek. Then pick up a glass and throw it across the room.
◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇ [Beth]
After Robert leaves I play with Henry and the other bunnies. I get the strange feeling I'm being watched but from where I can't tell. Soon My brother comes back and sits beside me.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?" he asked.
"Nothing much. I am glad we finally met and that we can do this together." I say.
"Me too. And then when we are all done you can be with Max. I know he will be happy about it."
I smile. I know that is impossible but I promised not to tell him. "Will talk when its all over."
"Beth?" he pauses.
"Yes"
"I feel like everyone is keeping something from me." He says.
"My dear brother. Don't worry about such things. Please I want to only think of bunnies right now."
He laughs and picks up one on the grey ones. "They are just to cute."
When dinner is ready everyone is there but Max. I am thankful I don't have to fake a smile tonight in front of him.
After dinner I go back to Adam's living area and we play a game of tri limp a fun dice game. We laugh and talk most of the night then Adam and I fall asleep. Robert took the couch so we could be together.
In two days time this family would be no more and my heart breaks for my brother. How I wish I could spare him this heart ache.
I fade off to sleep dreaming of Max and what we did last night and for a short time my heart stops hurting.