Tonight was the last "free night" before we would all return to Mettling High. Henry, Hazalen, and even Jack and I sat around with a bottle of xamba juice. It was the perfect way to end our extended break due to the Targle Event, and I was ready to return to as much normalcy as possible.

"I have a contract with her!" Henry argued with Hazalen, in a quarrel like no other. Though they were only cousins, they acted as if they were siblings.

"Liar liar, your too gay for the empire," she rolled her eyes at him, shaking his head. Jack and I shared a laugh, viewing Henry's flabbergasted face.

"I went through so much for you. I swear I'm never appreciated around here." He flipped his non-existent long hair,"Annalise, can you grab the briefcase for me?"

"You have a briefcase?" Jack stared at his brother like he didn't know who he was.

"It's on the top of the closet." Henry ignored his question, taking another sip of the alcohol. I nodded to him, going to the closet in search for the 'contract'.

The sight before me was marvelous: rows of suits and handkerchiefs were color-coded, fine silks and patterns I hadn't seen before. I felt the fabric of a interesting patterned shirt, realizing this designer had to have been skilled.

He only had the finest of clothing.

The sounds of their quarreling faded out as I investigated the closet, opening drawers to find exquisite jewelry. I picked up a gold chain, feeling the weightless material with wonder. I picked up a coin pouch with a silk drawstring, finding an old patterned handkerchief inside. Everything in his closet was eye-catching and divine. I could spend hours in here and never get bored.

I viewed the top layer of the closet, stepping on a stool to find the briefcase.

The diary of Demotis.

Shock swept through my body as I viewed it, wondering how it had gotten here. I stuffed it into my robe pocket, not thinking twice about it. Henry had obviously read his diary as well, and I couldn't figure out how he had gotten it.

It had to have been when I was kidnapped.

I grabbed the briefcase, making a note to put it back up in case Henry realized the diary was missing. When I returned, the cousins were still bickering.

Jack gave me a pointed look, tired of the fighting,"Give him the damn briefcase before I loose my mind."

Before I could answer, Henry snatched it from me, surprising me greatly. He popped it open, pulling out multiple documents before he handed Hazalen a letter and contract.

"She... apologized? I never knew that was in her nature."

"I am not allowed to release the information on her home life, but her parents have taught her the wrong way of dealing with her emotions. Isabelle might be a bitćh, but at least her actions are based on her parents' desires and not her own." He viewed Hazalen's bewildered face with a smile, knowing he did good for his family.

"Are you going to talk to him about it?" I asked, interested in the situation.

Hazalen explained to me that she thought Landon was her soulmate, until he dumped her that is. She said her love for Landon never ceased, no matter how hard she tried to stop loving him. It caused her alcoholism for a while, and it hurt her deeply because he didn't have a clear reason for breaking up.

They had talked about getting married and starting a family in the castle, and Landon even gave her a promise ring. She doesn't wear it anymore, but I could tell it was dear to her. In conclusion, they were deeply in love; Isabelle paid Landon to break up with Hazalen so that the powerful couple would not surpass her.

"I don't know what I would say. He told me he couldn't find what he was looking for from me so he had to look other places."

"That's awful. I hate men." Henry exclaimed, filling up Hazalen's cup with more xamba juice. Jack rolled his eyes, yet was still intrigued with the story.

"That had to be Isabelle's scripted words. It sounds like something she would say," Jack tried to reassure her.

"I just don't know what was real or fake. I'm scared to ask what parts were even true or not, and if I should even try talking to him. Things might be better off as they are." She took another gulp of her drink, her intoxication showing through.

"You have to talk to him again! I didn't wear my investigation suit for nothing. This is a big deal, cousin! He has loved you all along, always thinking about how he wished he could be with you. He felt the same way as you did, and never truly meant the things he said. Does that mean nothing to you?"

She thought Henry's words over, sipping her juice," I just don't know what I would say to him."

"Why don't we hold a picnic for the start of Green season?" Henry tapped his chin with a calculated look," It would be a great way to break the ice with him."

"That's a great idea." Jack raised his drink, wanting to end the quarrel.

"I think so too." I agreed, clinking my glass with him.

While Henry and Hazalen talked about the idea with eachother, Jack turned toward me. "Where is Damien?"

"Having his last dinner with the Princess and the King of Tarzla. They are leaving tomorrow," I responded, holding back a eye roll.

"I tried to warn you."

"About what?"

"He's always going to have to put Deltora first, Annalise. It's his duty to his kingdom and people." He eyed me, not wanting me to take offense to his words.

"Like I said, if you ever want somebody who can always put you first, I'll be here," he gave me a soft smile, a boyish twinkle in his eye.

I couldn't help but smile back,"Thank you, Jack. I don't know if I'll ever have to hold you up to your offer, but you are very kind."

He nodded back, understanding I would still have feelings for Damien. I believed he was just glad I knew he would be in my corner if anything happened, but sadly I knew I would always want the Deltorian Prince.

I would never feel the sparks or slight anticipation I received from Damien with Jack. Though it felt like I had known Damien for a lifetime, I still felt butterflies when I would look over and notice him staring at me. His mischievous winks felt like electricity, and I loved hearing his heartbeat as we fell asleep. The way he spoke about his kingdom with such passion enthralled me, hearing how much he cared for his people.

I could get lost in his gray-blue eyes, like calm waters on a frosty day. His gentle, calloused hands made me feel so safe, and his arms wrapped around me like a lost puzzle piece. His kiss heated my being, igniting a fire that would never be put out, as long as he was near. He knew every one of my quirks: when I lied, when I was sad, how to push my buttons, hell- even when I was aroused.

...mother.

Oh, how much I missed her. If she were here right now, I would've told her all about Damien. I wish talked to her more about my life, shared more girl talks. She could've told me about how she ran from Demotis, took me in as a orphan. Give me insight on Descuvi, and my birth mother.

I wish I told her I loved her more.

Tears started falling down eyes, the alcohol amplifying my emotions. Thinking about Damien's weight between his kingdom and I, on top of the waves of mourning my mother's death finally piled up. I broke loose.

This is why Damien didn't want me drinking.

"Annalise... no honey, it's alright." Henry pulled me into his arms, stroking my hair. I grabbed onto him, pouring my heart out into his chest.

"I wish I told my mother... I should've hung-hung out with her-"

"It's alright... let it all out sweetie." Henry continued stoking my hair.

"What if Damien has to marry her!" I felt as if I couldn't breathe, hiccuping in short spurts.

"Get Damien." I heard Henry mouth to Jack. I heard the door close, but I couldn't stop crying. I pulled away to grab my cup and found it empty, pouring more xamba into it.

"No, please don't do this Annalise." Hazalen tried to pull it away from me. Her sharp hazel eyes held sympathy, knowing what drowning your sorrows was like.

"I need it, Hazalen. Just this once," I hiccuped, snatching the bottle back. She sighed, pulling up her blonde hair into a bun, giving up.

"I know this is hard for you right now. Just know that we are always here if you need to talk." She touched my thigh, giving me reassurance. I looked over at Henry, and he was nodding to me with a soft smile.

I cried out even more,"You guys are the best friends I could ask for. I don't know what I would've done if I had never met you guys-"

They both crashed me in a bear hug, grabbing onto me. We all held each other so tight that I couldn't breathe, but it felt comforting. I felt Hazalen start to shake beside me, sobs wreaking out.

"You guys are my family." I grabbed onto them tighter," I love you both so much. I will never take anything for granted again."

"You guys are the only ones who fully accept me. Even my own father-" Henry broke off, and I felt Hazalen grab onto us tighter. "He wanted a normal son. Not one who flouts around in frilly suits with mysterious men and-"

"You are perfect the way you are, Henry Star. Please don't ever change." Hazalen cried out more, all of us sobbing together. Though this night turned into a shit-show, I felt closer to my family more than ever.

"I am so sorry for your mother's death Annalise, at least I have a father no matter how much he hates me-"

"It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself-"

"What in gods name is going on here." I felt anticipation shoot through my body at the familiar, deep voice. We all pulled away, viewing Damien at the doorway with Jack. We all looked like a mess, tear-stained faces next to a bottle of empty xamba.

"We were having a moment. You wouldn't understand," Henry waved him off, wiping his eyes, somehow obtaining a blue handkerchief.

Damien gazed at me, viewing my messy hair and red face. As soon as he looked into my glossy eyes, I could tell my tears hurt him. Yet instead of showing his true emotions, he gave me a warm smile, taking a seat next to us.

He grabbed my hand, rubbing circles over my palm,"What did you guys eat tonight? Do you want to grab a snack?"

I felt Jack's eyes on the back of my head, viewing Damien and I. I nodded my head to him, letting him lift me up from the ground.

"I think it would be good for all of them to sober up. I'll come with you both." Jack stated, opening the door.

"I think it's time for me to go to bed. Please give me a hug," I grabbed them both, holding them tight. "I love you both so much."

"I love you too," they both said simultaneously, giggling at their manner.

"Take this with you. It's a present to remember this night," Henry dramatically handed me the silk, blue handkerchief.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We walked into the kitchen silently, my hand conjoined with Damien's. The spins were taking over my brain, and I wanted come chocolate more than anything.

"Here, sweetheart." It was as if he read my mind, handing me a slice of chocolate cake with a wink.

"And some-"

"Milk, I've got it," He turned around, reaching into the ice pantry. "Are you going to grab snacks for them?" Damien's pointed look toward Jack was obvious, a dark brow arched perfectly. As he poured the glass of milk, I felt slight tension in the room. Jack grabbed oatmeal cookies angrily, taking his leave from the kitchen.

"He's so immature." Damien rolled his eyes, handing me the glass. I downed the milk, feeling better drinking something else other than the bitter taste of xamba juice.

"He won't get the message that you are officially mine." He crossed his sculpted arms, leaning up against the counter.

"Am I really though?" I asked him, looking away.

"Of corse you are, sweetheart. Are you saying you would do something with Jack?" He asked me, jealousy written all over his face.

"Are you serious right now? I'm not the one who has been having dinners with potential spouses or dancing on them. I don't even want to hear that." I placed the glass of milk on the table harder than I expected.

"I can't control that, I mean do you think I want to be married off to some pompous bitćh?"

"Now your just being absurd." I rolled my eyes, huffing out with annoyance and hurt.

"You think I don't want to be with you more than anything? I wish I could explain in words how much I love you, Annalise. Three words simply aren't enough. I want to start a family with you, write a song about you, spoil you with chocolates and travel all over the kingdoms with you. My purpose is to live for you."

the Princess of Descuvi.

"Yet we will never be able to be together." I couldn't look away from his hurt stare as tears started forming at my eyes again,"You know that's a reason why I was crying before, right? I don't want to loose you, but I know that I'm going to have to."

I blinked back the tears, trying to stay strong like Damien. He always seemed to be able to keep his composure, even in the hardest moments. I felt his arms wrap around me, taking me into the abyss of his heated chest. I grabbed onto him, fitting into his embrace perfectly. He massaged my head, placing a kiss on my forehead. It only made me more upset, a tingling feeling lingered where he left it.

I knew if I didn't tell him how I felt now, I would never be able to tell him the in the future.

"I love you." I pulled away. At first he looked shocked, surprised by my statement. It took him a few seconds to register my words, nervousness building in my stomach.

His eyes slowly softened, wiping a stray tear off my face with the back of his thumb. He grabbed my hands,"You don't know how long I've been waiting to hear you to say that."

He grabbed my face gently, yet his kiss was anything but. It was so deep and raw that I felt it through my bones and to my heart. He moved my hair behind my ear, holding my hip in place to fit right against his body.

"Say it again," he pulled away like an excited kid, breathing into my right ear. I was still feeling the aftershock of the kiss, aroused as ever from his presence near my neck.

"I love you, Damien of Deltora. More than three words could explain." I repeated his last line, giggling into his chest.

"Sweetheart, I might not know much about the future, but if there is one thing that I know is that I want to spend my every waking day with you. We both need each other more than anything, and right now, that's enough for me."

"Me too. I know our situation is unfortunate, but I want to be with you. I will take the hardships if it means I can still have you with me. That's why I had to tell you I loved you- I would regret it for the rest of my days once you marry another."

He pulled me to the cabinet, opening the secret door,"Let's focus on the present right now. One step at a time."

"One step at a time." I agreed with him, taking his hand as he led me up the winding stairs. As soon as we reached his bedchamber, he threw me on the bed, leaning over me. I giggled in delight as he placed kisses all over my body, even a raspberry on my inner thigh.

"Say it again."

"I love Damien, the worst prince Deltora has even seen." I giggled as he gave me a bewildered look, halting his playful kisses. His wide eyes narrowed darkly, and his open mouth formed into a smirk. Immediately my stomach dropped.

"Worst in what area? I hope your not talking about in bed," he started placing light kisses around my sensitive neck, taking his sweet time. He knew this would push my buttons, and was trying to tempt me. "Because you know that simply isn't true."

"What if it was? I've heard stories, but I've never quite thought you lived up to them." He stopped his light kisses on my neck, and I knew I was in trouble.

I gasped out as my hands were suddenly above my head, trapped. His weight on my body was unwavering, leaving no room to struggle. He slowly started to take off his belt with one hand, and I felt my breathing pick up with anticipation. He felt it too, leaning harder on me,"I wish you didn't say that, sweetheart. I hope the maids don't hear you."

"Me?" I asked in a quiet tone, not being able to look away from his determined stare. His voice became so deep, and I couldn't help but feel myself become wet. He handled me with such domination, talking to me with such ease, and it was the sexiest feeling I ever felt.

He took off my night robe, then laced the buckle, tying it off with his teeth to make a handcuff. He placed my hands in the belt, lopping one of the sides along the end of the bed.

"I need you to trust me with this." He kept his hooded eyes on me as he pulled off his shirt, bare abs shone before me. I wanted to move my hand to touch the sculpted masterpiece, but they were trapped against the bed.

He lifted up my silk nightgown, leaving me completely bare under him. My dress was caught around my arms, and I stared up at Damien with anticipation. I watched as he laid back on his heels, taking in the view of me.

He growled out with approval, kissing me with passion. He slowly made his way down to my breasts, leaving hot trails behind him. I squirmed as he slowly bit my nipple, blowing on it to cause a slight burn. He continued to do so with my other breast, leaving me moving around under him.

"Stay still." He commanded, placing his finger on my most sensitive spot. I gasped as he started rubbing circles, taking his time but hitting my spot just right.

How does he expect me to stay still if he starts doing that?

"You are so wet already." He chuckled darkly, continuing to lick my breast, then slightly nibbled it. I moaned out, not being able to handle his next step of blowing on it.

This is madness.

"I love your breasts, Annalise. They fit my hands just right." He sucked his finger from my wetness, leaving his mouth with a pop. He grabbed onto both of my breasts,"I think I want to make sure you're know those stories weren't just fiction. Are you alright with that?"

I nodded, wanting him to continue his taunting acts of pleasure. I trusted him with my life, as well as my body. He slowly peeled my legs apart, moving farther back on the bed.

"Just relax, sweetheart." He leaned his head down, breathing lightly in between my legs. I almost jumped at the new contact to such a private area. Slowly, he licked me, my mouth hanging open with the newfound feeling. As he continued, I started to feel my body tremble.

"Damien," I moaned out in appreciation as he added a finger to his acts, moving in and out of me. He seemed to have approved the sound of my voice, growling out against me, sending overwhelming waves of pleasure thought out my body.

One finger became two, and his slow movements started speeding up. He tongue was doing wonderful things, hitting me just right to the rhythm of his fingers curling inside me. I bucked against the cuffs, a moaning mess before him. My legs acted on it's own, trembling at his tongue's fast pace. They started closing in around his head, causing him to delve deeper into me.

"Damien!" I screamed out, wanting to grab onto his hair for support. He pulled away suddenly, immediately blowing on me. I whined out, looking at him with desperation.