I couldn't stay seated in my throne. I jumped up and ran towards my beloved brother. I hugged him tightly as he spun me around. I couldn't help but, smile. "I... I missed you so... so much... James...", I stuttered as I began to cry. He placed his hand on my cheek and wiped my glossy tears off my face. He said,"I'm so sorry that you missed me, Your Majesty. Please, let me introduce you to a very important noble.". We walked back to my throne and James introduced me to the handsome young man that came with him. "Your Majesty, this is the heir of the Western Empire, Prince Nathaniel. He will soon rule the Western Empire as Emperor, but his Father won't allow him to take the throne without you as Nathaniel's bride.", James said. My smile dissolved and a frown took place. "A Marriage Proposal?", I asked displeased. This time, James didn't reply, however Nathaniel did. He said, "I'm aware you are displeased of my proposal for your hand in marriage, but I believe you will be very satisfied if you agree to marry me." I sat on my throne quiet, thinking about this offer. If I agree, I will become the Empress of the Western Empire, but Nathaniel would also have control over my kingdom, which I so desire to rule by myself. If I say no to this proposal, it could possibly break the peace between my kingdom and his Empire, which could possibly start a war. I said, "I will give it-", I stopped speaking for a moment. I felt uneasy and had this certain feeling about something. I felt as if I should go to the Gardens alone. I stood up. "Your Majesty, is something troubling you?", asked Prince Nathaniel. "N...No… I will give your offer a thought. Feel free to stay here for the night, and we will discuss this in the Morning. Now… please excuse me for a moment. I have an important matter to attend to.", I said. I left the ballroom and headed to the gardens. It is here, the beast. I checked the gardens to make sure nobody else was here, then spoke out loud, "Forbidden Beast, show yourself. I am no longer afraid. Come out now!". From the shadows arose a monstrous figure, and out from behind the bushes came the beast. For some reason, my heartbeat didn't rise nor fall, it stayed in steady motion. "Why are you here? What do you want?", I asked. The beast stared into my eyes, it felt as if it was attaching itself to me. The beast's eyes were a bright red. His body was shaped like a wolf, but much more bigger and defined. His paws were huge, and his claws were sharp and long. His teeth were jaggedly sharp. This beast was as tall as a teenager. How come I feel relieved to see this beast and not frightened. "I just came home because I am now welcomed in. We are bonded, like two beings forged into one. I belong to you, you belong to me, I serve your needs, you provide me protection. You have finally accepted me as your bond mate, when you decided to come to the gardens. I wish to serve and only serve you because you have freed me from the Forbidden Forest. I was very lonesome in the forest. The dead people you saw, were ones who died trying to become bonded to me. Only the pure and truest of heart may bond with a vile creature such as myself. You are pure and true. You and I can conquer and control the whole world if you wish. All you have to do is say the word and it shall be done.", spoke the Beast. "You may live in the palace, but you must not kill anything or anyone without my approval. Understand?", I asked. The beast nodded his head and said, "My name is Brute. Introduce me to the ladies and gentlemen in the ball room. Tell them, I am your best fighter." I hesitantly nodded and walked with Brute to the ballroom. When we entered, everyone turned their heads in fear. I walked to my throne and sat down, then Brute sat down beside my throne like he was my pet dog. "Guards, stand down. My dearest Noblemen and Ladies, this is Brute, he is no threat to you as long as you are no threat to me. Brute is my best fighter. He has the strength of ten warriors, loyalty of a thousand knights, and the willingness to serve me. Please, do not fear him. He is placed beside me to protect me from my enemies, for they seem to only attack me at events like this. Smile, and dance.", I said. Everyone hesitated until Brute laid down and slept like a puppy. They all continued to enjoy the party. I noticed James was speaking with Daniel, but before I could stand up, Nathaniel was standing in front of me. He bowed and threw his hand out, "May I have this dance, Your Majesty?", he asked. Nathaniel seemed to not be afraid of Brute. I admired that for some reason. I smiled and said, "You may, but it doesn't mean I will marry you." I took his hand and he pulled me to the dance floor. He placed his one hand onto my waist, while I placed mine behind his neck. His touch was soft and very gentle. He pulled me closer to him while we started to dance, my body brushed up against his chest. We twirled and whirled all over the ballroom floor. I couldn't stop smiling. I glanced away for a second and saw Daniel glaring at Nathaniel.