A sudden sound in the hall beside Ana's room interrupted Mason and she laughed when she heard him groan as she turned her head to look at the direction of the noise. They had only just barely started facetiming, and - considering they hadn't been able to talk the day before because of how busy Ana had been - it was understandable that he was frustrated.

"Sorry, my love," she gave him an apologetic look. "What were you saying?"

Mason sighed, although it was clear that he wasn't really upset by the small grin on his face. "I like when you call me that," he admitted.

Ana's face felt warm, "Am I supposed to know what to say to that?" She was still new to the whole dating concept, and she had no idea how she was supposed to react to some of the things he told her.

"You don't have to say a single fucking thing, baby; I just wanted you to know."

Total swoon.

She giggled bashfully, curling up in her bed as she turned on her side. "I like when you call me baby," she bit her lip. If they were going to be admitting things now she might as well tell him.

"Yeah? Why do you like it, baby?" He smirked and she wondered how she ever thought he wasn't attractive; he was so hot. She wasn't usually one to use that particular word - it seemed almost disrespectful somehow - but it was the only way to describe her boyfriend in that moment.

Or maybe gorgeous was a better word to use. All she knew was that his disheveled appearance paired with that mischievous smirk was a dangerous combination.

"It makes me feel safe," Ana explained with a soft voice. "Like you're going to protect me no matter what," she continued.

"That makes sense," she nodded in agreement, "Especially considering that I would do anything to keep you safe."

Ana's heart about melted. "You're such a sap," she laughed.

"Oh- piss off," Mason chuckled, "You know you love it." He gave her a look, so full of emotion and longing that her stomach flipped. "I wish I could kiss you right now," he abruptly stated.

She sucked in a sharp breath and opened her mouth in preparation to speak, only to be cut short at the sound of a knock on her door. They both groaned in unison before breaking into laughter. "It might be my parents," she rolled her eyes, "I'll call you later, okay?"

"The world is really fucking against us, huh?" Mason jokingly scoffed, smirking at Ana when she giggled.

"Stop being so dramatic; I promise the world isn't ending. I'll call as soon as I figure out what it is, I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone." She gave him a pointed look.

"I don't think you understand how much bullshit that is."

Ana rolled her eyes once more, "Bye, I love you."

"I love you too," his voice was so gentle then and it made her smile.

She hung up the call shortly thereafter, sighing as she set her phone down and moved to pull open the door. She was slightly surprised to see a servant waiting outside the door, whom of which bowed as she stepped outside of her bedroom.

"Your highness," they greeted, "You have a guest waiting in the foyer, the king and queen sent me to retrieve you."

"A guest?" Ana wasn't going to lie, she was slightly curious to know who it is. "Do you happen to know who it is," she asked as she began walking towards the foyer.

The servant shook their head, "I apologize, your highness, but I don't."

"I see, thank you." Just before she entered the foyer she paused and turned to face the servant. "If I may be inclined to ask, when were you hired? I don't think I've seen you around before," she smiled gently at them.

The worker's eyes widened, "Oh- um, just yesterday your highness."

"So that's why I didn't recognize you before," she grinned. "What's your name?"

"Harley, your highness."

"It's wonderful to meet you Harley, and thank you for your assistance." She walked into the foyer, stopping short at the sight of a man sitting on the couch. "Hello," she said to announce her presence.

The man turned to face Ana and she only then realized that she had never seen him before. So what on earth was he doing here? "Princess Anastasia."

Ana hesitated, not wanting to sound disrespectful but not sure if there was any other way to figure out what she wanted to know. "I don't mean to offend you but why exactly are you here? Did you need me for something or-," she trailed off at his look of confusion.

"I thought your parents might have told you," he began and her eyebrows furrowed. "Your parents wanted us to meet to discuss the possibility of an arrangement."

Her stomach churned, "And what sort of arrangement is that?"

"Why marriage of course."

Ana bit her lip, turning away slightly to hide her anger. She couldn't believe that this was what her parents had resorted to. "I apologize for the inconvenience sir, but I'm afraid we won't be able to make that arrangement."

His face fell, frowning as he regarded her with careful eyes. "Why is that? Is this perhaps a bad time for you? Would you prefer to reschedule later today or this week?"

"The king and queen seem to have forgotten that I am already in a relationship, and a very happy one at that. So, I apologize again, but the arrangement can never be made. Have a good day, sir." She brushed past him, realizing too late that her plan to be nice had miserably failed.

Ana shook her head, gritting her teeth to conceal her frustration as she searched the castle for her parents. She finally found them in the King's office and she let the door slam behind her.

"Is there some sort of misunderstanding between us mother? Have I not made it clear that I do not intend to marry anyone anytime soon, father?"

They looked completely shocked at her words, and Ana's eyes started burning as the irritation grew. She'd never been angry to the point of tears, but it certainly felt as though she was going to start crying. "Anastasia," her mother scolded. "Watch you tongue, young lady."

Ana sighed with frustration. "I just don't understand why you cannot let me live the way I want to mother. Why must I be with someone I don't even know - let alone like - when I'm already in love with another man?"

She gasped, slapping a hand over her mouth as she realized what she had just admitted.

Stupid stupid, Anastasia.

The king stood abruptly, his chair falling and crashing to the floor from the amount of force he used to push it back. "What?" His voice was eerily calm, and it was more frightening than any yell he could have produced. "Did you just say that you are in love with that man? With that vermin?"

The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks now, "How dare you call him that." Her breathing hitched as she noticed the queen's glare. "Mason is wonderful, and he's better than any person you could ever pair me with."

"How dare you-," the queen's words were cut off by the sound a chair sliding harshly across the floor.

Ana only then realized that they weren't alone, the crown prince having been sitting across from their parents the entire time. "And why can she not be in love with him father? Why must you be the one to pick her suitor, mother? Is there some law stopping her from being with him? Is there some sort of rule that forces her to be unhappy with someone you chose rather than be with a person she actually cares for?"

Jeremy was breathing heavily now and Ana saw him swallow with clear agitation. "I can't even begin to imagine how our people would react to you calling a normal person - someone like them - vermin. All because Anastasia is dating him. All because you are being selfish and want her to marry for your gain. To think they look up to you is disgusting."

Ana's eyes widened, her mouth falling open at the harsh words and the equally harsh way they were delivered.

The crown prince suddenly stormed past Ana into the hallway, letting the door fall roughly closed as he left. She bit her lip as she chanced a nervous glance at her parents, realizing that both of them seemed too surprised to even say anything.

She left the room while the opportunity was still there.

"Jeremy," she called out as she jogged to catch up to him. "Thank you," she told him as soon as she was able to stand beside him.

"They needed to hear it." Despite how confident he sounded, she could see the fear in his voice and the way he was heaving for breath. She placed a comforting hand on his back to show her support.

Ana sighed, "You're in so much trouble."

And yet he shot Ana a smile - it was strained and trembling - but it made her all the more grateful.

So, so, very grateful.

~~~