I turned quickly as to see who my visiter was, but when I was facing the voice no one was there. I glanced around confused on if I'd actually heard something or if it were my imagination. My realization came to when I heard the same deep voice let out a husky chuckle. I glance around before my eyes stop by the doors under the shadow of the corner of a lean body and crossed legs. That was all I could see. For a minute I thought it was a hallucination but then the shadow move standing up straight and bright yellow eyes stare back at me. "Princess, you look quite frightened." He mumbled as if it were a joke. "Who are you?" I asked and he chuckled taking a step towards me. "Listen. Something will happen soon. Don't concern yourself until it's time. You'll know when it's time." He replied. "Wait but what's going to happen?" I asked more worried then scared. Before he could answer his disappeared. The doors opened and geo came out and he glanced at me. "Are you okay princess?" He questioned concern laced his voice. I looked at him for a second then back at the corner before nodding and turning towards him. He held his hand out allowing mine to glide into his as he gently wrapped his fingers around my own. "Come now the king has an announcement." He said a light smile on his face but there was something in his eyes. Pity? Sadness? Regret? I don't know but I guess I'm going to find out. We both make our way hand in hand to our table. Taking my seat by my papas empty chair and geo takes his beside mine. I glance up at the alter where father stands behind a podium and in front of his kings chair. He glanced at me quickly pulling his eyes away when they met mine. He did that when he knew I was going to be upset. I glanced at geo whose head was down and his eyes in his lap. Laying my hand on his leg he tensed looking at me then my hand and back at my eyes. I gave him a reassuring smile that he didn't return, almost like he couldn't. "We are gathered here in my ballroom today because I have a really important announcement to make." Papa exclaimed. He glanced at me before back at his audience and he let out a tight breath before continuing. "As you all know my daughter has come of age and at a certain age you must have a significant other in order to take your right." He continued. I glance around confused my eyes stopping on my grandmother who stand behind him with an evil smirk on her face sending a shiver up my spine. "My partner and friend of a long existence has a son who has come of age but needs a partner. He who will marry my daughter in return get his birth right and help our kingdom salvage." He said. A few minutes go by of me staring into space piecing his words together only to come to a realization. I freeze not able to move, not able to say anything, not able to breathe. I feel my eyes burn with tears. Feeling my heart clench in hurt as I click to what he was saying. He's marrying me off. I take my napkin out of my lap and stand calmly as the guests clap. Keeping my head down so I don't embarrass papa I turn quickly making my way out of the ballroom. Geo calls my name out as I hear him stumble trying to get to me through the crowed. When I make it out I take off up stairs to the second floor before giving into the ache of my feet from the heels and slump down on the step letting out a shaky breath as I throw my heels off my feet. Burying my head in my hands as my tears fall freely. "Serene?" Goes voice said overhead. I hear his steps get closer until they stop and his hands find my arms sliding up to my hands. My hands leave my face and geos find their way to my cheeks. His thumb wipes away the stray tears that fall as he slowly crawls up to the step beside me. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his chest letting me fold into his comfort. A few minutes go by as he rubs up and down my arm and tons of wiped tears before i come to a realization and I sit up to look in his eyes. "Geo did you know?" I asked, feeling my heartbeat fasten. He looked down in guilt and scratched the back of his neck. When he looked up, back at me I froze feeling my stomach fold with my emotions. I glared for a second before shoving him further away and standing abruptly. "You have seen me almost the whole day and hours before dawn and you dare keep this from me?!" I yelled in fury as he winced feeling my anger radiate off of me. He stood and out his hands in front of him as if to mock surrender. "Now se-""no! No, you don't get to do that!" I exclaimed feeling my emotions crash into each other as tears escaped my eyes. Letting my hands drop to my sides I stilled. Before I could stop him his hands held either side of my face. His thumb running over my bottom lip as he looked down at me. He kissed my head and let out a sigh laced with dread, guilt, and exhaustion. I closed my eyes letting a breath in and out before opening them back up and taking a step or two back. A flash of hurt covered his eyes before he masked it over with a tight smile. "Serene I understand how you feel right now, I do, but it's for the sake of our kingdoms. Alone were just a village with a king. But together we are a kingdom. We can protect each other and our people." He said calmly as if saying something wrong might make me break down again. "We won't have to be alone anymore. We wouldn't have to marry strangers because we would have each other." He continued. I put my hand up before he could say another thing and I nodded. "Fine. I understand." I said before turning around to make my way to my quarters. But before I could take a step he grabbed my wrist turning me back around and slamming into his chest with my own. "Serene please don't be upset with me. Your father made me swear." He said making me look to his eyes. I sighed before dragging my hand up to his cheek. Setting it down lightly onto his cheek I ran my thumb up and down his cheek bone. His eyes closed as if it soothed him. His lips curved up a little presenting a smile before he opened his eyes and looked at me. His hand that had my wrist ran to my waist as he pulled me closer. His eyes found my lips before my eyes and he leaned closer. For a second I thought of accepting, but then I remember he hid the secret and lied when he told me nothing was wrong. My hand retreated as the thoughts popped into my brain. I took a step back letting out a breath. He opened his eyes before closing them and letting out a sigh and for a second I could have sworn they were glowing green but when he opened them back up they were his normal green from a dark forest with little dots of sunlight falling through the trees. Looking down at my feet in embarrassment I cleared my throat. "Uhm, I'm going to my quarters. Again it was nice seeing you after so long. Goodnight George." I said quickly before turning around and all but running to my quarters. I hear him chuckle and mumble something but I'm to far to hear. I glance back only to see nothing in his place and sigh before taking off up the stairs and towards my quarters. When I finally make it to my room I close the door and wait for marry. After hours of waiting I huff in frustration and stand making my way to my door. I open it and stick my head out into the hall glancing around to see no one but the guards. "Jeremy?!" I shrieked.