Cole looked fondly at her with a smile as Leanna explained herself to Cleth. She seemed cute being a bit dopey from the alcohol, it warmed his heart to hear her laugh. Out of nowhere Cleth caught him with his gaze and a know-it-all smile. Coles smile faltered, he turned away clearing his throat. All of the sudden he felt uncomfortable being watched, as if the old men could read his mind. Cole didn't like the idea. His mind was his own, with all the sins and dirty secrets.

After Leanna finished Cleth seemed to smell a good chance to get a high class customer. "Well miss if you like it so much feel free to come by more often. I'd gladly serve such a sweet lady." He put on his broad smile brimming with confidence. He was a great bartender and he knew that. Before he could add even more sweet talk Leanna jumped up. It was a little shocking to Cole as Leanna suddenly grabbed on to him to not fall. He almost got pushed off his seat himself but was able to hold on to the counter and her as well. "Hey, carefull there." As she mentioned her mother, Cole remembered his own. Was she allready home? Where had she gone to... And all of the sudden he was dragged out the bar by the hand. As he stumbled after her, with a slightly panick stricken face he turned back to Cleth, who couldn't help but let out a laugh in return.

Outside was allready pretty dark, only few dim lights that made the streets somewhat visible. The fresh night air felt amazing in his lungs after a good drink. "Thank you for coming along." He said in a quite but grateful voice. The cold calmed him somewhat, but didn't erase the haze from his eyes. Even though he still was held captive by Leannas hand he didn't protest. Why should he? He didn't mind holding it, he wouldn't mind holding her... It felt warm, nice and comforting, a feeling he began seeking more after returning from his journey. Cole allready could see the castle from afar, and something stirred inside him.

Cole stopped abruptly, his grip tightening on Leannas. He didn't want to let go, no he didn't want it to end. Alone he'd sink into a pit of darkness again where it would feel like suffocation. In a rush of desperation he pulled Leanna into his arms hugging her tightly, burrying his pained face inbetween her shoulder and neck. Cole stayed silent as he held on to her, taking in her smell, her features, small and dainty, alluring... Slowly he lifted his head, whispering in a low and husky voice "Lea...". Without even considering how the opposite felt he instinctively moved in pressing his lips on hers, a hand behind her neck.

The first kiss was gentle but after getting a taste the second time Cole moved in was deeper, needier and longer. He couldn't think straight at all, all that mattered was her warmth. "Seriously no decency at all..." He heared someone mutter in the corner of his head. It was an elderly couple that was on their way home and had seen them. He ignored them until the woman suddenly spoke up. "Wait. Isn't that the princess?" With that one word all the fog suddenly lifted from his brain and he could think again. He quikly pulled away, shocked about himself. He had completly forgotten who or what she was to him in that one moment. In a daze Cole moved over to cover Leanna whilst turning around simply barking a "Get lost!" at the elderly couple with quite the grim expression, watching after them scurry off scared.

Cole put a hand over his mouth as he nervously glanced back to Leanna, trying to figure out how to explain himself. "You see... I didn't mean to... Sorry.." He couldn't come up with an excuse afterall. There was none to begin with. Cole was caught in a moment of weakness where he let the worst get the best of him, loosing control. Cole awkwardly shifted his stance, sighning. "This wasn't suppoused to happen. Shit. Don't take it to heart okay? If you want to hit me feel free to do so." He said with an apologetic expression on his face. He ruffled through his hair as he tried to think, he wanted to get home as soon as possible to cool down but at the same time he had qualms to let Leanna walk back alone in the middle of the night. After just now though she might actually want to run away from him. "I take it you don't want me accompanying you home now?" Cole asked nervously as he glanced over to her.
Cole might have royally fucked up tonight.

The walk home was pleasant, and she had a very happy buzz in her head. Their hands stayed locked together, fingers interlaced and Leanna felt her chest tighten unbearably - why was it so nerving? She felt like there was something incredibly special about Cole, she had already fought over her feelings for him multiple times but now, right in this moment, she felt like this was right. Like it was meant to happen. Although he didn't pull away, did Cole even feel the same way? She was a Princess, it was natural to simply 'obey' wasn't it? Maybe Cole was just being nice to her because she was royalty.

Ah, now her chest hurt a little.

Suddenly he spoke up, thanking her for coming to the bar. "Oh!" she blushed as she looked at him, "Well you're welco-" in a flash she had been spun around and her body brought flush against Cole's. He buried his face in her neck and she could smell his skin, his hair, the alcohol on his breath. She was shaking. "C-cole?" she whispered, barely loud enough for her open ears to hear. They were silent for a while, Leanna was unsure on how to respond, he face was so hot it felt feverish. She had never been hugged by anyone other than her parents, and occasionally Marie. She tentatively moved her arms up to wrap around his back, returning the embrace, her fingers gripped the material of his jacket lightly.

When Cole pulled away there was a cold air that came between them, and in that one second Leanna decided she much preferred being very close to him. She looked up at him unexpectedly and shivered when she spoke her name in a much deeper, huskier tone than she'd even heard him use before. And then he was kissing her and oh god it was terrifyingly good. She had closed her eyes, feeling his hand snake up to hold her neck, her fingers now gripped the back of his jacket tightly and he pulled away slowly - her eyes fluttered open, only half-lidded as she breathed heavier. Her face flushed darkly. And yet, she didn't want it to end.

As if her read her mind, Cole's lips were back on hers and she couldn't suppress the whimper that followed as their kiss became more intense. Her heart was hammering in her chest. She returned the kiss eagerly, enjoying every touch, every breath, every feeling. She didn't hear a thing, but Cole seemed to snap at some passer by's all of a sudden. And then there was a space between them. It was like a wall was suddenly up, and Cole stepped away, making excuses for his actions and telling her it wasn't supposed to happen. Leanna wasn't sure how to feel.

She had enjoyed it, she had wanted more and now he was telling her that she shouldn't take it to heart. She looked to the side, feeling uneasy, her emotions were all over the place and the alcohol probably wasn't helping. "C-Cole I..." she began, but stopped when he assumed she'd prefer going home alone. She didn't understand. Not one bit. She liked him, a lot. Did the kiss not prove that? She took a deep, shaky breath and took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them once more. She raised both hands and placed them either side of Cole's head, her thumbs stroking his cheeks, and then she raised up on her toes and kissed him again. This time much lighter and with a gentle uncertainty.

She pulled away and hesitated, face hot and bright red. "I uhh..." she was nervous now. "I-I should get home..." she said quietly. "You're welcome to walk me back" Leanna turned away, worried that her face was practically glowing. She began to walk back to the castle, hoping that Cole would join her, and yet she also wanted him to stop her. Argh she didn't know what she wanted anymore! She headed back, wondering how on earth she would tell her Mother that she had feelings for a non-noble.

Cole could see that she was quite flustered but he couldn't offer any words that would help. He felt guilty as it was and hoped it wouldn't begin to get awkward between them just because he made a stupid move. He slightly winced as Leanna approached him readying himself to get hit by her. To his suprise though she held his face in her hands planting a soft kiss on his lips. Utterly confused and completly rendered speechless he stood there frozen in place. How was he suppoused to take that? She actually didn't mind him touching her? He litterly began fighting a war in his head, as he started walking after her.

The entire walk Cole kept his distance and stayed completly silent, except the few sighs that escaped his mouth as he thought to himself. This had just gotten way to complicated in one single evening. If he actually made a move that would go beyond a kiss and get caught, he was surely to pay dearly. A princess wasn't something he should lay his hands uppon. But leaving that aside he felt incredibly drawn to her. That feeling was difficult to ignore but, he shouldn't have it. No, he couldn't allow it himself. That's the conclusion he came to as they reached the front gates of the castle. He looked up to the tallest tower, feeling quite small. A sad sigh escaped him as he finally turned towards Leanna.

Cole looked at her unsure on how to start, he was a little fidgety and bashful but notheless serious at the same time. "I'm sorry if I gave you any weird ideas. I just..." He fought over how to express himself. "I was simply lonely and got attached to you. I really didn't mean things to turn out that way. So please don't be so kind to me..." Coles features became pained. "I don't deserve it." He let his head hang. "I'm really sorry." It hurt somehow rejecting her like that. But if she wasn't going to draw the line, then he had to. Otherwise both of them might do something they might regret. He threw her one last apologetic glance before saying a simple. "Good night." Turning around going on his own way home.

The entire walk home he slurred his stride, completly absorbed in his thoughts, he almost ran into another person. He didn't even apologize simply continuing. Only now did he begin to consider Leannas side. If she wasn't entirely drunk, the kiss might have meant she actually felt something for him which made him worry quite a bit. He didn't like the idea because he knew he couldn't give her the happiness she deserved nor would it be easily given to them by all the other people that watched over them. Royalty and a nobody wasn't a combination people would like to see. Out of nowhere he sneezed and his thought of train ended.

Back home he threw himself on the couch to lazy to undress or even walk as far as his own room. He layed there in the dark and complete silence. His mother was still not home it seemed. Something must have happened if she was staying out so late, either that or she got into a long story session with one of her friends. Cole put one arm on his forehead, the other on his stomach. As soon as he closed his eyes Leannas image came into view. The kiss, the way she answered it and clung to him made his heart race in excitement again. He opened his eyes muttering. "God damnit." He wasn't sure he would be able to get a good nights rest after all this.

Cole began to follow her which seemed to take a small weight off her shoulders, but there was a lot she had to think about. The cold air had cleared her foggy mind considerably, and now the reality of what she just did began to sink in. They walked back to the castle, no longer holding hands or laughing with one another, there was an awkwardness as Cole stayed a fair distance, and it was almost like he didn't want to look at her. Had she taken his feelings the wrong way? The closer they got to the castle the more she replayed the scenes in her head.

He kissed her.

In her world that meant he had at least some form of feelings toward her. You don't just go around kissing peop- oh. There were people who did that, common people who had multiple lovers, or those who simply didn't want a long time partner. Leanna was open-minded, each to their own and all but... was she just 'a woman' in his eyes? Just another lady to kiss and throw away? Her chest tightened painfully. She shook her head, trying to shake the bad thoughts away - that couldn't be it, she decided to be brave and simply ask him outright if he liked her in a more... romantic way, but as she opened her mouth so did he.

His voice was filled with an anxiety she'd not heard from him before. His words seemed to only confirm what she originally dreaded; he was just 'lonely'. Cole didn't like her, not in a romantic way at least. And he apologised, telling her not to be so nice to him like he had done something wrong. But he hadn't, at least not in her eyes, his head was bowed and he gave her a quick goodbye before walking off with quicker strides, leaving her at the door with nothing but her own thoughts.

There was a lump in her throat and a wall of pressure behind her eyes. With shaking hands, she entered the castle and headed upstairs, making sure to be quiet, although the threat of a sob kept making itself known. As she reached the top of the stairs, tears already in her eyes she choked back her emotions, hating the way her heart physically hurt. She was so consumed with sorrow that she didn't notice the figure creeping up on her, "You're up late, little sister"

The voice made her jump. "T-targus?" she whimpered, her voice broken with the threat of sobbing. "Honestly Leanna what kind of Princess goes out this late into the night, hmm?" He closed in on her, too close - she didn't like it. "Were you with that peasant again? The one who dared to challenge me?" Leanna couldn't speak, there was something different about him, his eyes seemed... darker. "Little sister..." he began, stroking her hair in a way that made her feel sick, "Why don't you just die already? You're not fit to be a Queen, especially not since that common rag has soiled you." Targus seemed to wear a grin that wasn't his own, one filled with menace and evil, "Mother will not want a second-hand daughter and Father will be so disappointed" He wore a sickening grin and placed something in her hand.

Hesitantly she tore her eyes from her brother and looked down to the object he had given her. It was a deep purple and red gem on a long silver chain. "I'm sure if you start behaving like a true Princess, they'll forgive your misbehaviour." Targus gave a low, throaty chuckle and left her standing scared in the hallway. She looked at the stone again, it seemed to give off a strange warmth as she held it, letting out a very shaky breath, Leanna ran to her room - not caring if her footsteps alerted anyone. Once alone she locked her bedroom door, tossed the necklace on the nightstand and sunk to the floor, back against the wall and she cried. Drawing her knees to her chest, she cried for the whole night.

When she woke, she was in her bed all warm and comfortable. Marie knocked on her door, "My Lady, it's time for breakfast". "I'll be right out." as she sat up she noticed she was still wearing her clothes from the night before and all the memories came flooding back in a horrible, sick feeling that instantly gave her a headache. Or perhaps it was a slight hangover from the alcohol. Leanna went to get out, and looked at her nightstand, but the necklace wasn't there. Perhaps she dreamt that part of last night? Brushing the whole event off she hastily got undressed, and re-dressed... completely ignoring the purple and red gem that hung around her neck.

It tooke a few calls and hits from Freya to wake up her son. Who only turned uncomfortably in return before finally beginning to open his eyelids. "What.." He mumbeled as he sat up rubbing off the sleep from his eyes. She gave him the accusation glare that he hadn't seen for a while. "What the hell were you doing yesterday? You seemed tired so I let you be, but you reek of alcohol. Where you at Cleths bar? Seriously... He can expect to get an earfull from me. Letting you get this drunk is-" Cole suddenly grabbed his mothers wrist giving her an exhausted look. "Can you please stop with your barrage of words?" They both looked at each other, fighting some kind of duell with their eyes. Cole won. She let him retreat to freshen up. Since he barely was in the condition to answer her correctly.

After washing off the stench he put on a pair of fresh clothes, his sword once again by his side. How nice it was to have a mother in this situations. As he returned now clearly more awake, even though he didn't feel all to well, he seemed good enough to her. "I'm listening...." She sipped on her tea whilst Cole got himself a cup as well. He really needed a tea to wake him up entirely. It was allready midday. He had slept in, something actually unusual for him. Cole put down his glass as he stared back at his mother. "I was drinking yesterday, and yes at Cleths bar. No I didn't get completly drunk alright? No need to freak out." He continued his drink, his mother sighed more or less reliefed. "Where you alone?"

Cole halted for a few moments, a little to long before answering. "No... I just wanted to relax a little and-" Now it was her that interupted him. "And you did something stupid?" She paused shortly. "Again?" Her features became tender and she looked at him now more worried than angry. "What happened?" Without hesitation he answered. "None of your buisness." His tone was cold and hurt Freya more than he probably though. Now he wasn't even willing to talk to her. It worried her just more, because she knew if he continued to keep all the things to himself, may they be good or bad, sooner or later he might not be able to cope with them anymore and do something even more dangerous than he had allready done. "Cole please..." She tried again, but he only put down his cup staring back at her with quite the serious face. It scared her a little.

"How about you tell me what you told Phril?" Cole dropped the bomb, she thought she was prepared but still her answer seemed quite unsure. "I- I just told him what happened. That you-" He abruptly stood up throwing the chair off behind him. "That I killed in self defense? You make it seem so harmless. I'm no coward I know what I did, and I don't regret it. Those fucking bastards deserved it. And I prepared myself to be punished accordingly, but there you go and tell them this shitty lie!" Now it was Freya that sprung up. "Well what do you expect? Do you know what they might do? They might send you into exile! I don't want loosing my only son..." The last sentence held so much desperation it even shocked Cole a little. Freya was close to tears, and with that he lost. Still a little angry, not only at his mother but at himself he hit the table muttering. "Fuck..."

Carefully Freya tried to ask as she held back her tears. "Did you tell them?" Cole let his head hang. "No.." He answered finally lifting his head, looking at her. "This should be the last time you hear me?" Knowing how much Cole hated liars she complied with this simple request. They just had to get trough it and things should be back to normal, right? That is at least what Freya hoped for.

After making up with his mother Cole headed for the academy. As soon he arrived he went straight to the dragon shacks. He really needed to pay his friend a visit. Dramor was curled up like a cat but awake. As soon he saw Cole he lifted his head to greet him with sparkly eyes. "Hey there buddy." Cole hugged his large dragon head, the dragon pressing at him in return almost lifting him off the ground. Cole finally smiled a little. Yeah he was probably his only source right now that could ease his tension that seemed to come at him from all sides. Now that he made a mistake with Leanna he wasn't sure how things were going to continue between them. Could they still be friends? Could he supress the attraction he felt welling up inside him? It was as if something wanted to get out but instead choked him inside.

Cole tended to Dramor for a while before he left him with the promise to take him on a flight later in the evening. He allready had an idea where to head to. Paying his fathers dragon a visit in the forest. It has been a while, and maybe could help him clear up his thoughts. Not that the dragon could give him any advice, but it felt incredibly relieving talking to him. It was as if he could talk with his father through him. That is something he desperately craved right now.

For now Cole went to the training grounds, a place he hadn't been to in a while, a place he somehow had missed. Today seemed rather quite. People would still give him weird glances but he hasn't been bugged by anyone yet. To his suprise, not even by Bermond. And just like in the past he swung his sword, doing the casual training he had practically memorized by heart. The more he swung the more absorbed he became, his fighting stance getting more aggressive and deadly. Something he had learned outside. A place where he got a taste for cruelty first hand, unfortunately adapting a part of it.

And all the while he exhausted himself, he was able to forget her. Shoot down the memory of yesterday. His feelings and regrets. He didn't even think on how to react to Leanna if he were to meet her today.

Leanna knew she had plans to go to the academy today, she knew that Azutri would be missing her and that she needed to ensure she wasn't slacking on her lessons - and yet she was sat with her mother, dressed in light pink frock, playing the piano. Ever since she'd woken up things had been... [/i]different.[/i] Her feelings for Cole were incredibly jumbled and made her emotions go on a roller coaster and her chest clench painfully. And she knew that hiding out wasn't going to solve anything but here she was.

Even the Queen seemed shocked by her daughters decision to stay home today. Since given the freedom to leave the castle whenever she wanted, Leanna spent very little time at home. Even when she was she was training her sword fighting instead of her previous Princess duties. "Leanna, sweetheart..." her mother began, putting down her book, "Is something the matter? You've been a bit out-of-sorts today." Leanna looked at her mother and thought deeply. She should feel sad, right? She should feel sad and lonely and upset but she just wasn't. It was weird and she knew it wasn't normal but she simply smiled blankly, "Everything is fine mother. Perhaps I'm just tired."

With that she left the Queen to fear for her daughters well being, and wandered through the halls of the castle. She didn't know where to go, or what to do. It wasn't a complete lie, she did feel tired, but it was more of an emotional tired than anything else. She cared for nothing, wanted to do nothing and had no desire for anything. She walked through the halls until she came across the room her Father often called the 'Talking War Room' - it was where he and the Royal Guards discussed the current events of the land. Her Father was in there, head in his hands as the others all looked on with grim faces.

Leanna held her breath, listening to the conversation; "Your highness. I understand this is distressing but we must reply soon." There was an elderly man there that Leanna had never seen before, "I agree your Majesty, but we simply cannot adhere to such demands! Surely there must be another way." The King gave a deep sigh, frustrated as his court argued over the current dilemma. "Let's talk rationally, men. The Country of Yeurna wants us to submit our lands, our wealth and our teachings of Dragons over to them - or they'll initiate a war." There was a grim silence. The War Chief cleared his throat, "Your Grace, these demands are ludicrous! The Yeurnians have always been a hostile people, threatening the world with war but have never actually gone through with it." There was a noise of approval, "I suggest we refuse their demands, our army may be smaller than theirs but I doubt this 'magic weapon' has any real power.". A different man spoke up now, "Say didn't your son visit Yeurna on his travels?"

Leanna didn't know anything about politics or how to rule a country, but her Father was a natural leader. The fear of War made her worry, but after dwelling on it a little, a warm feeling spread across her and she wondered why the Yeurnian's were considered 'hostile'. Leanna shook her head, she had no reason to think of these things. "Just do as you're told" she told herself...

Her own voice had betrayed her. 'Do as you're told'? That wasn't like her at all! Something felt wrong. Marie tapped her lightly on the shoulder and it made Leanna jump, "You seem troubled, My Lady. Perhaps a bath will ease this tension from your shoulders?" Leanna smiled truly for the first time that day, "Yes Marie, a bath sounds wonderful." They both headed back to her room, Marie helping her undress, Leanna removed the pendant from around her neck and placed on top of her clothes. The water felt nice, it was hot and helped ease her troubled mind. She sent Marie away, just wanting to soak in the water for a while. She made ripples in the water with her hands and tried to not think about Cole.

Easier said than done. He was everywhere she went. She couldn't stop thinking about their kiss, how amazing it felt and how she had wanted more. Her right hand moved up to her lips, fingers dancing lightly where Cole had once been, and her left hand absent-mindedly went to the gem around her neck, the silver chain sparkling in the water. All sorts of thoughts and feelings began to assault her mind.

He's not good for you.
He's a peasant, a commoner.
He's not even that attractive, he'll ruin your reputation.
The Yeunian Prince is nice, isn't he?
Oh yes very nice!

The voices seemed to grow louder under Leanna realised they were not her own. She shot out of the water, the cold air making her shiver. The water spilled across the floor and she called for Marie, the loyal servant came within seconds, wrapping a towel around the Princess with a very concerned look on her face. Leanna felt like she wanted to cry, and yet when she was held by Marie tightly, feeling the lump in her throat, she simply couldn't. A Princess shouldn't cry a voice told her. "Marie... what is happening to me?" The young servant looked at Leanna with concern on her face. "I'm not sure, My Lady. Would you like me to consult with a- My Lady? When you you retrieve this pendant?" They both looked at it and Leanna sniffled, "I don't know..."

The rest of the da went by with absolutely no excitement at all, Leann a spent her days as she did before meeting Cole. Wandering around the castle, reading or playing the piano. Even practising her elocution. And just like that, another day had ended, and although Leanna swore she removed the pendant as she dressed for bed, here is was again in her had as she tried to fall asleep.

Cole trained late into the evening. It seemed Leanna hadn't sought him out. Well understandable. Out of curiosity though he asked Bermond if he had seen her today at all, thinking that they might have missed each other. "No I didn't. It's weird, I didn't though she would miss a class. Afterall she seemed so enthusiastic to learn, especially about dragons." Cole tilted his head in worry. "Guess that might be my fault..." he admitted quitly, not replying any further to his "What do you mean?" Cole shook his head turning around, heading for the dragon shacks.

Cole gave Dramor a pat on his neck as they hovered in the air. "Alright let's go, towards the forest." The two of them flew for a while over the wide ranged forest. His fathers dragon had returned to the place he had met him. The dragon always stayed near the tree who was just slightly taller than the others. Maybe being the oldest one of the area around here. Though barely anyone would make out that difference, Cole on the other hand had it burned into his memory.

Dramor settled down, being careful because of the narrow space he had to land in. As expected he was here. "Hey Seighn, It's been a while." Cole walked towards the large dragon, whos redbrown scales had allready lost a great deal of their colour. He was missing a part of his left horn, having a few bleached out scars over his whole body. He was allready old. Cole remembered his Father mentioning something about him being as old as a grandpa in human terms. It was hard to believe. Dragons had a similiar aging span as humans but it could differ, from type to type. Some even could be far beyond the age of one hundred.

Seighn only heavily lifted his head as he watched Cole come closer he put his head down. With a lazy huff he greeted him in return. "Nice to see you too." Cole smiled as he let his hand slide across the scales. "How have you been?" Of course he wasn't going to answer, he simply watched Cole with half closed eyes. "I bet better than me.." Cole sighed as he sat down. Dramor suddenly bounced up to them all excited, hoping to get to play with him, just like in the past. But Seighn only lifted his tail slapping Dramor with it, to which the younger one responded with retreat. He hid behind Cole, who chuckled a little. "Guess he isn't in the mood." He said to his friend, turning back to the larger one.

In the next hour Cole kept reciting to his old friend about the things that occurred over the past half year. How he had been one of the best in his grade and how proud he had been of it, even though he often had skipped the classes. He told him about his mother going on a journey not returning. About meeting a guy named 'Lee' which turned out to be the princess named Leanna. Only now did he notice how similiar the first few syllables sounded. It made him laugh. And then he told him about his own journey in search of his mother. How he had to hunger inbetween some days when there was no animal around to hunt. The seemingly endless steppe, the vast sea. And also the country called Yeurna, where his mother was kept hostage. They had intercepted on her journey, seeking the information she had. The place they had tortured her in some remote village.

"You know, I could have walked away. I could have spared them as they begged me. But I just... couldn't. I was blind with rage." He leaned on Seighn listening to him breathing as his ribcage heaved and lowered in a set rhythm. "And you know. The worst part is I don't regret it." He admitted sighning. "I think father would hate me if he were still around..." Cole went quite closing his eyes. It felt like a little part of him was healed by simply saying those things. Regaining a part of his sanity. The dragon didn't respond, not that he had expected him too. It was allready good enough to be able to say it out loud without being judged.

Wait somethings weird.... Cole noticed something was off about the dragons breathing. It seemed far to heavy to be simply tired. He looked up and saw how Seigh's eyelids were almost closed, he seemed to fight to keep them open. It dawned slowly on Cole but he didn't want to believe it. "No..." He stood up lightly patting over the dragons belly. "Come on, get up. I know you can do it. You're just tired right?" his voice began to become shaky as the dragons breathing began to slow down even further. "Don't do this!" He now began pounding on him with his fist. It didn't help. Seigh soon closed his eyes entirely just like his breathing had stopped. He lay there before him, completly still, now resembling a statue more than a living being. "Please..." Cole slid down to his knees, still holding on to the unmoving body of his fathers dragon, his old friend and family, quitly crying to himself over another loss.

When he returned he told Freya about Seigh's death. In response she took Cole into her arms, who responded the hug. The rest of the day they both mourned his death by talkind about their past. She was a little relieved that her son finally began opening up again. But when she tried asking once again about yesterday he shut down. So both of them went to bed without any further discussion. Thanks to Coles training he soon found sleep, getting a good nights rest for once.

The next day Cole decided to pay everyone a visit he knew, or more like the people that his father knew, telling them the news. Everyone seemed a bit sad but they also tried to cheer him up, but it barely had any effect. He was still pretty down. And it seemed like the day would agree with him. Just as he was on his way home, since he decided to take the day off the academy, he felt droplets fall on his head and face. Cole looked up, the sky was dark and unfriendly. The only thing missing would be thunder. But instead the few droplets turned into a downpoor. Yet he stood there in the middle of the street as people ran panicked past him trying to save themselves from getting wet. Cole didn't care though. There is only one thing that went through his head right now. I want to see her...

It's okay, you'll be fine, I'm here for you. Anything nice would do, as long as it came from Leanna. He was selfish he knew, but couldn't help wanting her consolation. So he stood before the back entrance of the castle, leaving out the front knowing the guard, he would surely be sent away. He waited a bit before finally a maid came out to quikly get something. "Excuse me." Cole spoke to her, making her jump. She seemed a little suprised to see him, well maybe it was because he was completely soaked. "Can I please talk to Leanna?" The maid heaved a brow, pressured by the heavy rain she let him enter. "You are?" She asked as Cole now stood in his own puddle. "Cole." He cleared his throat. "A friend." He quikly added. She seemed to eye him a little suspiciously before replying. "Okay, wait here." She ordered him to stay right where he was. He had no problem with that. Like a lost puppy he stood in the corridor, earning a few baffled glances from servants that walked by him. He didn't move an inch, only the rain that ran down his hair skin and clothes. Hopefully the maid didn't go off to get guards but really the princess. He wanted to ask her anyway, why she didn't come by the academy yesterday.

Leanna's sleep was restless, plagued with nightmares and dreams - all concerning her future. She saw herself as a Queen, on the arm of a tall, black-haired man. And although her eager mind thought of Cole, when he turned to face her there was a strange black mess over his face, like someone had scribbled over it in ink. She also dreamed of dragons, although instead of flying with them, or talking to them she was commanding them - she was telling people how dangerous they were and how they needed to be eliminated. She had woken with a jolt several times, there were strange voices in her head that, although female, definitely weren't hers.

And it frightened her.

She had used Marie more than ever recently, it was as if her body was as heavy as lead, it took a lot of energy to do the simplest of tasks and she was emotionally drained all the time. Marie seemed to have noticed her Princess' odd behaviour and stuck by Leanna every hour of the day. The young maid seemed concerned about the necklace, she didn't like how it seemed to always return to the young Princess' hand. Several times they had removed it from her neck, and each time it would somehow magically return. The only time it didn't was when Marie set it down and watched it intently while Leanna bathed.

Leanna let out a long sigh, "Marie... do you think I'm old?" the young maid, in shock, turned to face her. "Of course not! You are in the youngest years of your life, my lady. Why do you say this?" Leanna looked out the window, her eyes not really focused on anything. "It's time I should marry, isn't it?" Marie's concern did not go un-noticed, "My Lady, you have said for years that you didn't wish to marry. Why the sudden change of heart? It's unlike you", Leanna closed her eyes and ignored her maid's questions. "The Prince of Yeurna is a nice man, isn't he?" Marie stood up and took hold of Leanna's shoulders.

"My Princess, the young Prince of Yeurna is a... he is not a nice man. Please tell me you're joking will all this talk. I'm worried about you". Leanna looked at Marie and tried to understand why she would assume the Prince was a bad person. The very clear worry on her face was obvious and yet Leanna felt nothing.

But he's ever so faithful.
And has the darkest hair.
And the darkest eyes.
You'd have beautiful children.
He'd shower you with gifts and love.
You never loved before, have you? He could give you that.

"Yes... he could" Leanna said aloud, causing Marie to jump back in horror. The maid ran out of the room and headed for straight for the King and Queen. Something was wrong with their daughter. On her way she spotted the Prince; "Your Highness!" she called, desperate for help. "Your Grace I'm ever so sorry to trouble you but I fear your sister may be in trouble. Perhaps sick, or under some kind of curse?" Targus's face went from pure anger to a gentle smile, "She must just be under the weather. Don't worry my parents about this - I'll see to the young Princess." Marie couldn't help but dislike the way he spoke, but didn't have two seconds to think about it when a newly employed girl came running up to her.

"Miss Marie! There is a townsman waiting downstairs - says he's here to see the Princess. Called her by her first name an' all!" Marie gave the girl a confused look, "Says his name is Cole." Marie had heard about Cole, even met him, and the joy flashed in her eyes. "Thank you, Anna. I'll see him" Marie ran down the hall and into the Servants quarters where she saw the man standing awkwardly by the wall. He had changed a lot since she last saw him. "Cole?" she asked, grabbing his attention. "I'm Marie, Princess Leanna's personal maid. I'm... I'm glad your here, actually." she fidgeted slightly, unsure of what to tell him, "The Princess has been... unwell, lately. I'm hoping seeing you will help return her to her normal self."

Marie didn't press on the meaning between her words and instead led Cole to Leanna's room. Said Princess had moved to her dressing table where she was simply staring in the mirror. Leanna remembered Targus was here, she remembered him talking to her, he was saying such sweet, wonderful things, all about their childhood and how he visited beautiful cities all over the world. How the most wonderful was Yeurna. How the Prince was handsome and wanted a bride...

"Princess?" The words registered in her brain but she didn't react. Marie gave Cole a worried look, and let him inside, closing the door behind her. Leanna's room previously was modest and although elegant, simple. Now she had asked for silver-plated mirrors, deep purple silk and thick, cashmere rugs to adorn her room.

The ruffian is back.
He's not worthy of your time, Princess.
Tell him to leave! He'll hurt you!
Princess! Princess! Get him out of here!
Get out! Get out!

Leanna groaned and held her head tightly, the voices felt so real, so close. They grew louder and louder until she couldn't bear it. "GET OUT!" she yelled, trying to get rid of the ever growing headache that seemed to pulse violently. She was shaking and stumbled when she stood, she had to hold on for balance, one palm pressed tightly on her eye, the other gripped the desk. "Get out..." she whimpered quietly.

The person that returned wasn't Leanna herself but her maid. She seemed a bit out of sorts but friendly overall. A small and confused, "Huh?" escaped Coles lips as she said she was glad he came? The next thing she said though began to worry him. So there was a reason she didn't visit the academy yesterday. Without hesitation he followed Marie to Leannas room, to which he was led in and left alone with her.

Cole was unsure how to start the conversation but since he heared she seemed unwell he though of asking her. But even before he could open his mouth she suddenly yelled. It completly caught Cole off guard, his eyes widened he stared at her back. "What..?" the only word he was able to say, as his brain was to confused, thinking if she didn't want him here afterall. But then she suddenly stood repeating her previous word in a different demeanor. She seemed pained and frustrated at the same time. Worried Cole made a few steps towards her. "Hey, are you okay?" He said with a worried face coming closer.

He would have left listening to her demand, but after seeing her like that Cole couldn't leave anymore. At least not as long he understood what was going on with her. "You seem to be in pain. What happened?" Cole offered her a helping hand, even though it was wet, just so she wouldn't fall since she seemed shaky on her feet. "If it hurts to much I can call my mother. She is a top notch herbalist. She might be able to make something to help you." Cole had no idea what might have gotten into her. She seemed a little off. Not just because she had yelled at him for the first time, but because she seemed so unstable. He didn't like seeing her in such a condition. He wanted to see her smile and not contort in agony.

Meanwhile equipped with an umbrella Freya decided to personally visit Cleth. As she entered the bar she noticed he wasn't at his place. She walked up to the counter asking the waitress for his whereabouts. She simply pointed to the back room. Thankfull she gave the substitute a nod before passing by the counter and entering the back door. She imediately spotted the chubby men who was going on about sorting his alcohol. "Hey Cleth." He turned his head back to stand up and give her a hug. "Well I'ts been a while. I though you'd never visit." He grinned satisfied, Freya laughed amused. "I didn't though I'd ever return." She was glad she did.

After giving him the lecture about how to moderate Coles drinking she sighed. "Can you tell me with whom he was here?" Cleth mulled it over in his mind for a few moments before standing up. "It was the princess. Never thought Cole would bring such a high guest." He laughed but Freya felt worried. After the reaction of her son, she could somewhat imagin what might have gone wrong. Whilst in thought Cleth came a little closer, his voice below a whisper only for her to hear. "You know what I've heard?" He suspiciously looked around even though all there was, were walls. "There might be war..."

Freya made a few steps back quite shocked. She knew many countries still didn't like the idea to live with dragons and therefore were quite hostile towards them. But it always had stayed peaceful so far, no one dared to attack. So who? Who would threaten them with war? And why now? "Do you know with which country?" She asked worried. "I don't remember exactly. Something with Y... Yord, Yehm, Yur, Yerm.." as he continued to say aloud all the imaginary names he could come up with from his list, Freya asked "Yeurna..?" her voice shaking now. Cleth confirmed it with a nod and "That's it!" Freya went deathly pale. Dark memories circling inside her head. She felt how a bad feeling began welling up inside her. All of the sudden she turned aound running outside. She had to talk to the king, urgently.

Leanna's head burned with a white hot pain, she groaned and squeezed her eyes closed as tightly as she could while she tried to restore some kind of normality. Very slowly, the pain dulled and she was able to take a few deep breaths without feeling like a knife was cutting through her skull. She felt someone's hand in her own, it was wet and rough but familiar. She remembered this hand, she remembered holding it before - at night in the dark. She remembered the warmth of an embrace, the passion of a kiss.

Very slowly she opened her eyes and the images began to swim around before she was able to focus on the man in front of her, worry etched on his face. "C-Cole?" she asked weakly, unsure is she was imagining things. She knew he had said something to her but the words all got lost while she tried to focus herself. He didn't let go of her as she stood, and she used him for support. "I don't know what's happening to me." Leanna admitted, "I don't feel right - not sick, not really, just... different." She took a deep sigh, the pain had receded enough for her to feel fairly coherent. "I've been having nightmares and hearing voices in my head, my body is so tired all the time." She looked down at herself as if there was a physical reason and only saw the dark gem that hung just between her breasts.

It seemed to call for her, draw her in like hypnotism. And she felt her world fade away once more. The voices came back, they were all a jumbled mess this time - telling her to send Cole away, how evil he was, how the Prince was so nice, so charming - she wanted to tell him that her mind had been thinking about marriage. That she had, at one point, fantasied about being married to someone that wasn't Cole. But she bit her lip, Cole didn't like her in a romantic way, she had figured that out the other night. There was suddenly a knock at the door and Leanna jumped, "Hide!" she commanded, fearing it would be Targus or her Mothers maid, Suzie.

She pushed Cole into her bathroom but left the door open. Leanna opened the door and froze, it was worse than Targus or Suzie... it was her Mother. "Leanna, darling, we've received a -..." she paused, looking at her daughter with an almost mournful face, "... a letter. For you. It's from the Country of Yeurna. Have you been writing to someone?" Leanna took the letter and looked it over, she hadn't written a letter in years, she shook her head. "Should I read it?" The Queen looked uneasy, and led Leanna to the bed where they sat together. "We'll read it together." she said with a sad smile, when Leanna opened the paper a small ring fell into her lap, a gemstone - the same as her necklace - bonded in a silver band. The Queen grimaced.


There was a heavy silence as Leanna put the paper in her lap, studying the ring, when her Mother put an arm around her voice shaking as she was on the brink of tears. "Oh Leanna..." she whimpered, "My poor baby. Your father received many letters from Yeurna - telling him about their plans to overthrow us, to start a war. But don't fret my sweetheart. We'll never allow something as disgusting as this to happen. I promise you." Leanna felt the voices in her head return, the ring fit perfectly on her hand and her suddenly went out of focus.

The Prince was a good man. He was writing because her wanted her as a bride. He loved her. He loved her.

"But mother..." Leanna said, her voice so very different from it's normal happy pitch, "I want to marry him." The Queen made a small gasp and held her daughter by the shoulders, "Leanna. Listen to me. I know I've put a lot of pressure on you to marry, but this - this isn't right! Leanna... Leanna look at me!" but her daughters eyes were blank - as if Leanna wasn't there at all. And then an almost twisted grin appeared on her face. "But Mother, " she spoke, "Prince Haytham would make me so happy"