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”Who is it?!”

Oliver stiffened, his heart racing with nervous excitement, as he heard the all too familiar voice on the other side of the door. Yassia was inside. And she seemed to be all by herself judging from the fact that no one else had opened the door for her. She must probably be occupied to have not opened it herself right away. Oliver took a step back, thinking about turning around and just forgetting about talking to her.

But then he knew he owe it to her to at least make their journey later somehow bearable by trying to smooth out things with them. Edmund was already all wound up as he is. Yesterday, his brother had told him that after Oliver had danced with Yassia, she had been in a rather distraught and distracted state. Edmund told Oliver how he had gone to get Yassia and him some drinks only to find her nowhere when when he returned to their spot. Oliver had tried his best to remain as nonchalant and uninterested as he possibly then. He knew all too well where Yassia had disappeared too. And Edmund must not know.

Torn between answering Yassia’s question and not, Oliver just stood there ruminating over his situation. If he answer, Yassia might decide to completely ignore him. If he doesn’t answer, Yassia might just think there was nobody there and also ignore the door. Now that he was resolved to finally talk to her, he can’t have her disregard him. She may push him away, but Oliver was at least determined to see this “truce” through. If anything, Yassia is a princess, she knew and understood what it meant to enter into a truce.

So he knocked again. And waited without a word.

If only it were possible, Oliver sighed inwardly. If only he could just live in the moment, with her. Life wouldn't probably be easy but it would more carefree. He would gladly live the life of an ordinary huntsman for her. They would live in a nice humble cottage. He would hunt and trade his captured game in the markets for money and food. She would help heal the afflicted. They would be a couple, and they would just live the rest of their life together happy and free. Just him and her.

But no, Oliver shook the thought from his head. Had he not tried to live that life before? Not about living in a cottage but about being carefree. Had he not forgotten about his responsibilities and chose instead to enjoy life with a freewheeling gypsy? And had he not burned himself and her in the process? As much as Oliver wanted Yassia to remain in his life for as long as he wanted, he couldn’t. He was a prince, and she was a nomad. She would never be at home with him. She would never be happy with his kind of life. The thought made Oliver sad yet again, and he immediately forced it out of his mind. No use letting it ruin this beautiful moment now.

“We never take what wasn’t offered to us freely. Not as a price, but as a gift.”

Oliver eyes twinkled with the same mischief that was in hers, matching it with equal enthusiasm in the game that they were playing. A game that could very well tell his true feelings towards her more than anything. “Please accept the humble offering of my heart! Take mine and spare those of my friends, I beg you,” he implored teasingly. Although a good part of him wished she would indeed take his heart and take care of it. He certainly wouldn’t mind. He knew it was going to happen anyway. When she goes, Oliver knew she would take his heart with him. “But tell me, what do you do with the offerings of your victims? More importantly, what will you do with mine?” he asked, curious to hear what her answer would be. If every day for the rest of his life was going to be as fun as this, Oliver would have gladly traded everything for it. If only.

“When such things happen it was written in the stars all along.”

This was the reason she had been talking about. While his mind was pre-occupied with his own desire to change for the better, Yassia had already been thinking about them, about him and her, being all written in the stars. How sweet was that? Oliver wasn’t prepared for the rather powerful effect her words had on him, but it somehow made his heart swell with so much emotions that he wasn’t sure if he could contain them any longer. Was it really written in the stars? Had the fates really destined them to meet? But for what reason? For a brief moment of happiness and a life-long sadness of what could have been? How cruel the fates were! “Somewhere in my childhood, I must have done something good^* to be given this day, to be given you even for just a moment,” Oliver said fervently, as he stared deep into her lovely eyes, showing her just how happy and grateful he was for this gift from the stars.

A warm and tender smile broke across his face when he saw that Yassia was trying to bring herself closer to him only to sink back down again from the pain on her shoulders. It was more than enough for Oliver to know she wanted this, too. And he seemed to have felt her fervent plea. Come… please come, because I can’t… He would be a fool to deny themselves what they both wanted. It had been written in the stars. The fates guaranteed it. Oliver knew he and Yassia do not stand a chance. He moved his hands up to touch her cheek with his fingers, just as gently as she had caressed his, reveling in the electricity that raced up his fingers to the rest of his body at the soft contact yet again. With his touch, he adored her, worshiped her, cherished her. He gave her one tender and longing look before he slowly leaned his head in. He closed his eyes in complete surrender to the fates as his lips captured hers in one deep and passionate kiss.




^*hrhrhr for Sound of Music reference

Yassia Remei. Never had a name been so sweet-sounding to his ears. This oath he was making will surely be an unforgettable one considering the circumstances around it. It was made with a beautiful nomad, whose name is just as charming as her, in the middle of a dangerous forest. He would have to be very insane to forget ever making this vow. He managed a chuckle at her playful addendum. “I will do my best, ma’am,” he replied as he bent his head into a small bow. A bright smile ever plastered on his lips as he finally completed the promise to himself, to his family, to his kingdom in general…and to her. Somehow, she was very important in all of this, Oliver just didn’t know why. “Thank you, Yassia,” he told her earnestly, letting her see exactly how all this meant to him and how grateful he was for her.

”…be warned huntsman, I bite even in sleep!”

“You’re not some evil witch, are you? You won’t pull our hearts out and eat them while we sleep?” Oliver eyed her warily, while trying his best not to crack a grin or two. Now that would be quite the predicament, would it? If he were to die tonight, at least he will die a happy man after having made her company, heard the sound of her laughter, seen the twinkle and trust in her eyes when she looked at him. She may turn into an evil witch later, but right now, she was every bit a damsel in distress that Oliver was only too willing to protect and take care of. “Well, if you are, my heart is all yours,” he added with a wink. While the joke had been made in the literal sense, part of it was meant figuratively for him. He didn’t know how or when it happened, but Yassia had completely stolen his heart, and Oliver was only too willing to give it to her.

He never expected to hear those words from her, and he loved hearing them nevertheless. To know that she felt just as he does at that moment was like being given a magical gift. Then he felt the tender touch of her fingers on his cheek, and Oliver felt tingles where their skin made contact. He covered her hand with his own, and then turned his head to plant a soft and lingering kiss on the palm of her hand. He turned back to look at her. His face dangerously close to her. His eyes searched hers, trying to find something there, and when it seems he had found it, Oliver smiled. “Crazy as it sounds, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. Like we’ve already met before, and yet everything is still new and fascinating here with you.” Words, so many words, and yet he couldn’t put in words whatever it was that he wanted to say to her, whatever it was that he was feeling towards her. How crazy it was, and yet everything still made sense.

Not wanting to undermine the moment with any more words, Oliver closed his eyes and just basked in the wonderful feel of the air surrounding them. In his mind, he pictured him and Yassia, not in a forest, but out there, facing the world and everybody else together, forever. There was definitely something working here for them, and Oliver was only too willing to let it do its job. When he opened his eyes, he met hers, and he leaned in and boldly feathered a soft kiss on the tip of her nose, even as his heart hammered loud and fast against his chest. It must be the alcohol talking, making him do and feel all these crazy heightened emotions, but right now, Oliver was way past caring. He just wanted Yassia. “Who are you? And what have you done to me?” he whispered with a small smile as his eyes dropped to her lips. Needing them like he needed air to breathe. Thirsty and hungry like his life depended on them. Wanting them like he had never wanted anything before.

”Keep insulting me like that and I will not be the only one that is hurt.”

Was she threatening him now? She earned his insult anyway. After what she had done to him, playing with him, that wasn’t even enough to get his point across. Oliver was much to livid to see anymore reason to this, and every word that came out of Yassia’s mouth was like rubbing salt to his already wounded pride. How dare she accuse him of insulting her when it was her who was abusing him and his men’s kindness. It was her who was having the time of her life making them pawns in her lovely little game of pretend. How convenient and easy the lies flew out of her lips. And to think he had kissed that very same lips!

But heavens those lips had been the sweetest he had ever kissed. Even for over a year now, Oliver could still clearly remember how soft her lips felt against his own, how sweet her kisses her been. Those kisses had kept his dreams alive and burning for her. It truly took all amount of self-control he could muster not to seek her out and relive those wonderful moments again. But no, he had promised her, made a vow before her that he would make straight his path and be more responsible. No matter how much he yearned for her, he knew, as soon as they had parted, that he can never have her.

But now…he should have been happy to see her again, but that hardly was the case anymore. Oliver had dug himself into a hole deeper than he could climb out. He will have to dig himself out of it, and he will do it fighting for his pride.

There she goes being the all mighty princess again. Her words shocked him more than anything, and he felt a quick stab of fear, not for himself, but for her, for voicing his thoughts towards King Uther’s rule. She must have been very enraged to recklessly voice something like that. “Well, you are not in Ailantha! It must have been really dull in your kingdom that you had to cross the seas to play your games in our lands?” He knew that was unfair. He knew nothing about Ailantha to make such slurs, but she was getting to his nerves with all her righteous pretensions.

The impact of his words on her left Oliver rather speechless. The shock in her face was as clear as the night sky. He would have wanted to apologize but he didn’t. He remained standing there as stubborn as he had been, and tried not to show anything but anger from her betrayal on his face. When she had motioned to bend down, Oliver thought she was about to collapse, and he was almost on his feet. But then his eyes caught the glint of something shiny emerge from her boot, and they turned wide at the realization of what she was about to do.

Her dagger suddenly went flying, and Oliver barely caught himself and stumbled back as it came hurling his way, straight to his face. He avoided it just in time as it barely missed his shoulder and went to bury itself against the trunk of the tree behind him. Standing there all stunned and speechless, his head whipped to where the dagger had planted itself on the tree and then back at Yassia. His chest heaved in pent up tension as he realized how narrowly he had missed that deadly throw.

She knew how to throw daggers, quite expertly as well. It was just as she had told him a year ago.

At least that part was true.

“Angry, are we? Did I hit a sore spot?” Still, Oliver wasn’t totally convinced of her innocence to all his accusations. He righted himself up and then rushed to where she was standing, stopping just a mere inches in front of her. He glared back at her, his chin held high, his eyes harboring an impending challenge. ”You want me out of your way, Yassia? Well, take out your knife again! And this time, make sure it finds its mark.”

Why was he not surprised when she retaliated like that? She threw his words back at him with as much vile and loathing that had been in his voice when he had stopped her earlier. A year ago, they had bantered as well, light and carefree, utterly enjoyable. It was something that Oliver continued to relive even in his dreams and daydreams, not wanting them to end, not wanting to let go of the beautiful memory. But tonight, there was nothing but scorn in their words.

“Oh, and just because you ‘make something clear’, does that mean I have to cower and obey?”

Oliver scoffed. “My apologies, Your Highness. I forget who I was talking to, Princess Yassia Dyfrene de Ailantha. Will you forgive a lowly son of Albion for talking out of turn? Or will you order my head off?” he apologized mockingly, his voice acidic. There was that haughty royal tone in her voice that he had grown quite so familiar with around nobles. Their overwhelming arrogance was exactly the same reason he had shunned their company, and preferred those of the humble villagers instead. How wrong was he to think Yassia to be different. Save for a chosen few, she was just like every other noble or royalty out there. Arrogant, self-important, stuck-up.

She went on to chastise him for leaving her in the Grand Hall. “Unfair? Fine! Add it to my list of grievances. Surely now, you have more than enough reasons to sentence me to the guillotine.” There was no way he was backing down from this. If she thought that throwing his disrespectful actions back to his face would absolve her from her own faults, then she was wrong. Oliver was going to remind her every single minute of every day that they are in each other’s company exactly what she had done to him.

“Tell me once again to my face what you accuse me of and THEN give me at least the inkling of a chance to prove you wrong!”

For a moment there, she was ever the princess that she indeed was. Strong, wilful, no-nonsense. If things hadn’t been so tensed and torturous between them now, he would have admired her courage to stand up to him like that. He would have lauded the strength she mustered to get the answers she needed. Not a lot of woman could do that. And inwardly, he did admire her. She was strong and brave, as she always has been on that day they first met. And Oliver wanted nothing more than to tell her that. But right now, all this bravado was only irritating him to the ends of the earth.

“You are a two-faced harlot! You are a liar who preys on the weaknesses of men! A heartless player who takes joy in the suffering of others!” Oliver venomously spat out. He had not expected to throw those words out, but he was outrageously mad at the tone of her voice and the certainty she was showing that she was in the right. ”Don’t pretend you’re not, Princess. I know you and your kind all too well. You put an end to what Lady Electra and I were doing, because you were envious she was getting more action than you do!”

If she hadn’t angered her enough before, he knew he probably had now, and Oliver squared his shoulders to meet her challenge. Someone had to tell her that her charade was over. “I saw you looking at my brother with that same coyness you looked at me before. You are such a superb actress! And I was such a fool to believe you,” They were all spilling out of him, like water from a broken dam. He was livid, his mind was flaming with rage unlike he had ever felt towards anyone before. Then he locked her eyes with his own, icy, hard, furious. The image of Edmund walking her to her chambers bored into his head, and the picture of them in each other arms inevitably followed. ”Seeing as how you hardly want to let go of him at the dance, I bet you’ve had quite a grand time together earlier. Your turn to tell me this now. Was Edmund good in bed? Did he please you well enough?” He wasn’t shouting. His voice was controlled now, but it was every bit as biting and insulting.

Everything does happen for a reason. While Oliver doesn’t really leave everything to chance, he knew fate has a hand in how things work out. So he couldn’t help but agree with Yassia with she said that all this had happened for a reason. He was very sorry and still very remorseful that she had to get hurt to get to whatever that reason was. And he was somehow glad that Yassia was not too angry or too bitter to keep her from forgiving him. Although he would understand if she wouldn’t. “The reason is for me to watch where my arrows go, to be less reckless, to be more caring, to watch before I leap, to be more responsible...to put my act together so to speak.” These were the reasons that came to mind for Oliver. For most of his life, he had been labeled as the rebel prince for doing anything out of what was expected from someone of his title. Not that he didn’t like to be a prince, he just didn’t like to be made to conform to set rules and traditions, to be cooped up everyday inside the four walls of the castle when the world out there was begging to be explored and discovered. He had been hunting for almost a decade now, and he had never unnecessarily hurt anyone with his arrows. To have this happen now, to have someone else suffer because of his recklessness, was indeed quite a wake-up call.

“Until now, I've always been very reckless, with a devil-may-care attitude. Selfish, insisting on what I want than what others need. I am truly sorry that this had to happen to you for me to realize that...that this has to stop,” Oliver said, speaking more to himself than to Yassia. “So please let me make this oath. To you, to my family. Please? It would mean a lot to me,” he added with a small chuckle, although seriousness was written all over his face.

As far as reasons go, something else at the back of his mind was nagging at him, but Oliver stomped it down, not wanting it to interfere with what was happening right now. He was connecting with Yassia, and he didn’t know why but it mattered to him if she could witness that vow, that seemingly big transition that he was about to make with his life from here on out. It wouldn’t mean that he wouldn’t hunt anymore, no. It just meant that he’d take his responsibilities as a prince of Mercia more seriously, with the maturity that was expected of him. He’d make his father and the kingdom proud. Funny how it had to be Yassia who had to make him realize that without her knowing pretty much about it.

Oliver laughed at her quip, thoroughly amused. Though that wasn’t far from truth though. Had she stumbled upon less honorable men, that might as well just happen. Oliver once again had to thank the fates for letting her meet them instead of bandits. Heaven knows what could have happened. “When you’re thoroughly ensnared, I will turn into a hideous beast and devour you limb by limb by limb. You’d certainly make a truly delectable meal, young woman,” he teased, making an act of looking all scary and frightening, his hands making a show of clawing at her while he bared his teeth and leaned his head to try and bite her ear. Oh, he’d gladly bite her all right, but not in a scary way. Quite the opposite really. A chuckle issued from him more at the latter thought than at his scary act.

“If anything, lots of food will make you a softer cushion – not that I am complaining now, you’re still very comfortable.”

Something fluttered inside him when she said that he was very comfortable. He knew he shouldn’t try to read too much into her words. She was probably just being grateful for all the help that he was giving her, but Oliver couldn’t help it. She found him comfortable, even as a ‘furniture,’ and Oliver really liked the thought. “Then you’ve got a deal. You have my services as a furniture for as long as you can pay me. Although right now, you already owe me as you are eating my food while making use of my services,” he winked at her. What a wonderful thought that would be if they could just remain this way for as long as possible.

He tried to make himself relax when she told him she was all right, but a part of him was still a worrywart. He knew he would never be fully at peace until he would see the wound all healed up and she all up and alert. His hand gently caressed the arm near her wounded shoulder as he thoughtfully looked at the wound. That would surely leave a mark. Every time she would look at the wound, he would remember him and all that had happened. Oliver hoped that despite the accident, her memory of him would be nothing but nice. The thought of a parting left him sad again, and it took him a while to notice that she was looking up at him. He held her gaze when she did, loving the look of trust that she was giving him. There was something else there, too, something he knew to be familiar because he was feeling it, too. And it made him feel real good even if didn't know what it was. He gave her a small smile and let the tenderness of the moment just wash over him. “It will leave a nasty scar,” he said softly, his eyes a tad bit sad at the thought of the scar being an ugly blemish on her otherwise fair and smooth complexion.

Oliver wasn’t going to let her get off that easily from the teasing. The kiss had been as much his doing as it was hers. Most importantly, she started it. Or was it him who kissed her first? “Who wouldn’t be? Wouldn’t you bite if anyone dangled a carrot in front of you?” he retorted, his eyes still glinting with obvious amusement about their fun little 'shenanigan' years ago. They hadn’t exactly talked about the kiss and everything surrounding it immediately after it happened. As soon as Caitrin’s father and brother arrived and he was invited to dinner at the de Archer estate, both him and Cait had acted as if nothing of the sort had transpired. Funny how they’ve never really been given another moment to talk about it. Perhaps fate has its way of letting things work out this way. Had they been given the opportunity to talk about the kiss years ago, it would probably be full of awkwardness and maybe even more kisses. It wouldn’t be quite as carefree and fun as it was now.

“I’m sorry to hear about the rift you have with your family back in Mercia, but I am glad Camelot has given you something to be happy about despite everything,” he told her, his face serious and thoughtful. While he didn’t wish it for anybody especially to any of his friends, Oliver truly understood Caitrin’s feelings towards her family. He didn’t know what he would have done if he were in her place being separated from them like that, and with not as much communication. He couldn't blame her if she'd think they had all but forgotten her. As for himself, his father do not really approve of his rebellious ways. Had he not turned around and started acting like a responsible prince as he should be, his father would have probably put his foot down and banished him. Lord Bayard wasn’t far from doing such, even to his own kin. Oliver wouldn't be surprised. “And I think it’s all for the best. I can’t have a little girl chasing me around Mercia asking to be kissed every minute,” he teased, a twinkle in his eyes, hoping to lighten up the moment as he moved and started leading Caitrin into a little walk through the courtyard.

If he were to have it his way, Oliver would like to postpone getting married for as long as he possibly could. His father had started pressuring his brother Edmund, who was just as stubborn as Oliver was. Lord Bayard was unfortunate to have sons who prefer the thrill of a romantic chase over the prospect of being tied down. Since Edmund and Oliver were practically of the same age, with just a year between them, Edmund had made him promise to start looking as well. Oliver, who look up to his big brother, was gullible enough to swear on it. “You’re lucky to have an uncle like that,” he said suddenly wishing he had Caitrin’s life as well.

"There must be some woman who has caught your particular attention...?"

Oliver smiled at that. Yes, there was, but his father would have a fit if he had brought her home in all her grubby and grimy nomad glory. His look turned wistful again as he tried imagining introducing Yassia, that nomad woman, to his father. He would probably be punished or banished for mocking the kingdom like that. Or as haughty as the royalty usually goes, they’d accuse the woman of using magic or love potions for him to fall for her. Not that Oliver would mind getting ensorcelled by Yassia. He knew he already was enchanted by her. “Two, actually. One was a gypsy from my childhood, but I realized I was more attracted to her freedom than to her. I broke her heart and it pained me to do so. Then I met this pretty nomad woman from another country. She was like a…” Oliver stopped as the image of Yassia came into his head and a smile lit up his face. “…a beautiful flower. Exotic. Rare. I wanted her like I never wanted anyone before. But after what happened with the gypsy, I couldn’t allow myself to fall anymore. Nothing good would ever come out of it. Not while Bayard is still my father.” That had been refreshing. Oliver had never really told anyone about these women who had made quite a lasting impact in his life. Sure, his friends were there and had seen how he interacted with Yassia at least, but they only know that much. Oliver didn’t tell them anything more. It took Caitrin to pry it out of him.

“We are leaving the day after tomorrow. It would be nice if you can travel with us, but I wouldn’t impose if it’s too soon for you and for Griff.” Oliver knew it was a rather short notice, but having Caitrin and her husband-to-be would be a welcome respite in an otherwise boring trek back to Mercia. Knowing Caitrin, Oliver was somehow confident that he and Griff might get along well. He was determined to make a friend out of the man who had captured his friend’s heart. “Where is he anyway?” Oliver asked curiously. “I hope he doesn’t mind if I take you strolling around Camelot for a bit.” Then curiosity got the better of Oliver. He had to know more about him. “Tell me about Griff. How you two met, how he wooed you…all the juicy details.” He was definitely interested.

“You were, after all, my bestfriend’s little sister,” he replied in his defense. It had occurred to him at that time that he was kissing with Jeffrey’s sister, and had Jeffrey know, his bestfriend would have probably estranged him for good. Jeffrey knew all too well Oliver’s attitude towards women. The prince knew though that he could never have played with Caitrin’s feelings by taking advantage of her or hurting her in any way. He let out a mock shudder when she told him she would have shot him with her arrows. “Good thing I didn’t push you away then, huh?” he told her with a wink. She was a very promising archer then. He wondered if she still practiced archery. It would be totally grand if she still does. “How’s your shooting? We need to do some target practice again. We never did get to finish the last one,” he said a teasing note in his voice.

Caitrin caught her there. It wasn’t much as he didn’t care, he just didn’t think that meddling into other family’s problems were any of his business. That is until it became a matter of life and death, then he may have to take up his title as prince of Mercia to help settle disputes. “I’m sorry I never did pry it out of Jeffrey. I thought it was a very private family issue and it wasn’t in my place to interfere,” Oliver admitted to Caitrin when she told that Jeffrey had never visited her all these years. But seeing as how troubled Caitrin was about it now that he brought it up, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to let her pour it out. “You can tell me, Cat. More than anything, I’m your friend. You know I’d do anything to take that frown away from your lovely face.”

"Then we shall have to find you a Lady to indeed tame your heart."

“You promise? That would be no easy task. She would have to be a very strong and stubborn woman to be able to tame my wild heart,” he replied with a hearty chuckle. It turned into a wistful smile when she remembered meeting that one strong and stubborn woman a year ago, in the heart of the Forests of Balor. He wondered where she was now. Could she still be in Albion? Or has she went back home to her own country? For a day or two there, she had tamed his wild heart. The minute they parted ways, it took a while for him to recover from the loss that he had taken to a tad too much daydreaming. While the nomad woman was now part of his past, the memories of that time well spent will always stay with him. “And to win my father’s nod. Most women I’m attracted to so far had been nomads. Serves me right for wandering far too much in the jungles.”

Oliver was definitely looking forward to meeting the man who had captured Lady Caitrin de Archer’s heart. He must have been a truly remarkable man to have won her affection. So such was his happiness when she accepted his invitation to visit Mercia. “The honor and pleasure is all mine,” Oliver replied with a smile and then scoffed at her obvious concern. “I would go through all the trouble for you, Cat. But trust me, it is not. You know how my mother loves parties. She would be happy to see you again as well.” Oliver was looking forward to it himself.

“You claim to know me so well, Oliver, and yet you know NOTHING!”

Her words rang in his ears as he continued to march out of the hall, out of the castle, and out into the starry night. He honestly didn’t know where he was headed, he just let his feet take him wherever they will. He would have dashed out towards the lower village, out to the dark forests if he could. He definitely didn’t know her at all. How he desperately wanted to, but it seems circumstances just didn’t want things to work out for them. The tenderness that they had once shared was steeped with so much hatred and contempt now. To bring back the old feeling was going to be a difficult one.

“ You only see what your stupid pride wants you to see! Is it so much easier for you to bear to think that you have been played than admitting you were wrong?!”

He was never wrong. Always the hunter, Oliver trusted and gave in to his base instincts, the first thought and feeling that would first come to light when confronted with a situation. Upon realizing who Yassia really was, nothing but betrayal surfaced out of him, and he immediately succumbed to it. No questions asked. Had he been wrong this time around? A part of him faintly whispered in the affirmative but it was too weak for him to pay any heed to.

“I never played with your feelings!”

I never played with yours either, Oliver said to himself as he made a turn towards the gardens and found himself leaning against a tree that grew there. He may be confused, yes, but he knew that one other feeling for certain. It had all been real. During their time in the forest together, Oliver had always felt that there was something about Yassia that made her a cut above the rest for him. Her wit, the sparkle in her eyes, the sweetness of her laughter, the magic in her touch…Oliver knew she was someone he would never forget for a long time.

But seeing her tonight had thoroughly caught him offguard. He had been lashing at her for interrupting his flirtation with Lady Electra, and it felt like a rug was being pulled underneath his feet when she revealed who she was to his father and brother. Oliver had not been prepared for that, so that was another reason to continue to hide behind the anger that had already been there.

“ I am still the same woman you supported in your arms back then.”

Of course, he knew she was. Every part of him was screaming to take her in his arms again and comfort her like before…maybe even more. When they danced, each and every one of his senses came to life as if a missing part had just been found. But he had destroyed what could have been a wonderful reunion, and threw everything to waste. He was the one who had changed. In one night, he had thrown it all away.

And it was too late now. Edmund had clearly staked his claim on her when he had officially extended to her an invitation to visit Mercia. Yassia may not have realized it yet, but Oliver knew his brother and father too well to know the strings attached to that invitation. Edmund would make her a fine husband, and she would make a fine queen. She doesn’t seem to be too averse at the idea after having eagerly accepted his brother’s offer to accompany her to her chambers. And Oliver felt his ears heat up at the unbidden thought of Yassia in Edmund's arms yet again.