Young Writers Society

Casper

When the sun began to fade into the horizon and shadows were cast onto my floor, I couldn't procrastinate any longer and had to find my father. If I was late, he would be even more angry than I already expected him to be.

Father found me first. The muscles in his jaw flexed as he grabbed my arm and like I was a child again, he dragged me with him down the hall. "Come with me." He said through gritted teeth.

He lead me outside and stopped me in the middle of the courtyard. "Is everything well, Father?" I asked for the second time today.

Father looked over his shoulder then lowered his voice. "Are you aware of how valuable your marriage to Clara Sterling is to our kingdom? Do you realize how close we were to losing the only lifeline we have right now?" Spit landed on my cheek as he spat out the words but I didn't dare move to wipe it off. "Until the moment that girl says 'I do', everything you do can adversely effect your engagement. Your little episode the other week almost ruined everything, you pathetic child! Have I taught you nothing about control?"

"My apologies, Father." I mumbled, avoiding his eyes. "I will try to control my outbursts."

Father grasped a fistful of my blazer and pulled me closer, cowering under his glare. "You will get this abnormality under control or I swear to you, I will find someone else to leave my kingdom to."

I stepped back, freeing myself from his grip. "You can't do that!" I protested. "Whether you like it or not, I am your blood and by law the kingdom will fall to me."

Even in the dark, I could see the vein popping out from under the skin on Father's neck as he grew enraged. "I suppose I'll have to make some edits to that law then." He threatened. "By sheer luck, I've managed to talk Clara's father back into your engagement. You will not do anything that might endanger it again, am I clear?"

"Yes, Father."

His hand came down hard across my cheek. "Look at me when you speak, boy."

I forced myself to look up and ignore the sting of my cheek as he raised his hand again.

"Stop! You can't do that!" Clara's voice appeared out of nowhere but a figure was nearing us and I realized it was her.

"Clara, go." I said, sternly. There was no reason for her to be involved.

Father seethed and I could see the glow inside her clenched fists grow brighter."The only thing I do not know at this moment is who put in your brain that women are stupid and who told you it was okay to abuse your son. Do you care to enlighten me? Or would you care to enlighten my father? Which ever one works for you, Your highness."

"Are you threatening me, little princess?" Father raised an eyebrow and let out a devilish laugh. "This engagement benefits you as much as it does us. It would be wise to keep your mouth shut before you say something you might regret. If you think your kingdom will be able to fight of the rebels alone, you're lying to yourself." Father nodded his head in a weak attempt to bow. "I wish you the best of evenings, little princess."

He walked back into the castle and I snapped. "I told you to leave." I said, coldly.

"I'm not going to sit back and watch you get beat, Casper!" She cried, still angry about what my father had said to her.

"Leave now, then." I turned my back towards her. "And do not speak a word of this."

"Cass-"

"LEAVE!" I yelled, shocking both of us. There was a moment of silence, the only sound was of my heavy breathing.

"Okay." I could hear the hurt and disappointment in her soft reply. As soon as the sound of footsteps disappeared, I sunk to the ground. I shouted and yelled until my voice was hoarse, and ripped handfuls of grass from the earth as hot tears fell down my cheeks. I was humiliated that Clara felt the need to step in, furious that Father threatened to pass the crown to someone else, and hurt from the sharp slap. My anger dissipated but I stayed on my knees, head in my hands.

"Cass?" Clara walked carefully towards me and put a consoling hand on my shoulder.

"I thought you left." I said lamely, still to ashamed to bring my head up to look at her.

She ignored my comment. "That wasn't okay, what your father did to you. You don't deserve that."

"Yes I do."

Her hands cupped my face and lifted it up to face her. "I will always be by your side, Casper. Engagement or not, I'll face your demons with you even when you tell me to leave." Her blue eyes searched mine and I could still see the worry in her as she ran her thumb over the red mark on my cheek.

"I'm alright, Clara." I reassured her as I rose to my feet. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close. "I apologize for yelling and I am thankful you care so much but I will not fight my father." She sighed but said nothing. "Truely, Clara. Thank you. I'll be by your side as well to the best of my abilities." I bent down and kissed her cheek. "Good night."

Clara

A few days have past and horrible news came. Rebels attacked Casper's kingdom and were killing deamons. Along with that a large number of kids were taken from their parents and killed. The news troubled me. I told my parents that I was going to go with Cass to his kingdom. They were reluctant to agree, but they granted their blessing.

It was time to board the ship and I was waiting on Cass dock to accompany me on the boat. I looked down at Leo and I got very nervous. "Leo listen. You cannot run around here like you do here. People there could kill you and..." could not say it. I could not handle the idea of him getting hurt.

"Clara, stop." He told me. "I am not going to leave your side."

I nod and took a deep breath. Cass came shortly after and we walked on to the boat. "Are you nervous?"

I look at him. "I am, but for many different reasons."

"What are the reasons?" He asks me.

I sigh look back at the palace. "Well, I have never really had to keep an eye on Leo, so that is causing a it of anxiety." I tell him. "I am also very nervous to go to your kingdom. The kingdom we might be ruling. It is making me a little nervous."

"If it makes you feel any better, I am nervous." He said.

I look at him confused. "Why?" I asked as the boat started moving.

"Well, we are going to a kingdom and it might be my own." he said. I put my hand on top of his and smiled.

"You are going to be a great ruler." I told him.

Casper

The kingdom I returned to was almost unrecognizable from the one I left a few months ago. I could tell Clara was anxious by the way she acted, looking around skittishly as if she were afraid of someone coming up behind her. I took her hand and squeezed it lightly, silently telling her she'd be okay.

When the locals saw us arrive in town, they flocked to the street. Most of them crying hysterically, hugging items that belonged to their stolen or dead child. Clara gasped when a lady clutched her arm, begging her for help.

"Please! Please, find my baby!" She wailed. Her hold was so tight I was afraid her fingernails would cut Clara. "They took him, they took my Charlie boy. Please!"

"I-I'm very sorry." Clara stuttered. "We'll do our best to find your son." She pulled her arm out of the lady's grasp and stayed close to my side as I addressed the townspeople.

"Attention, everyone." I cleared my throat. "I am aware of the tragedy that took place in our kingdom last night, and I'm here to inform you that I will put every effort into finding these children. Aid will be given to the families whose property was damaged during the raid but it will not make up for the lost loved ones. If anyone saw anything that night about the attackers, please come to the palace. Any details or information is crucial to our search for these missing children. Be at peace knowing I will stop at nothing to get the kids home and that I am with you during this time of sorrow and grieving."

I looked over at Clara and she gave me a small smile. I lead her back to the palace but as we were walking through the gardens, an odd shape caught my eye.

"What do you suppose that is?" Clara whispered as we walked over to it. As we got near it, it was obvious that the object wasn't an object at all. It was a person.

A little girl was huddled in a ball fast asleep. She couldn't have been older than ten. Her dress had been torn, her mousy brown hair was in knots, and old tears had dried in streaks down her cheeks. Clara covered her mouth then stooped to her knees, gently waking the child.The girl's eyes shot open in fear. Tears filled them again and she began to breath heavily. Her eyes darted back and forth, deciding whether to run.

"Don't be afraid." I said, also falling to my knees. "We won't harm you."

"What's your name?" Clara asked in a soft voice.

"E-emmy." She muttered.

"Why are you here, Emmy? Is everything alright."

The girl sat up opened up her fists, revealing her daemon in the shape of a ladybug. "I was hiding." She squeaked. "Strange men were trying to take me."

Clara and I exchanged worried glances before standing up. "You're safe now." I assured her. "Everything will be okay."

Clara held out her hand for the child to take but Emmy didn't take it. She stood still, grass in her messy hair and her lower lip began to tremble. Tears filled her eyes again and slipped down her cheeks. "They killed my parents."

"Oh, you poor thing!" Clara rushed over to Emmy and wiped her cheeks. "Shhh," she coaxed, pulling her into a hug. "You'll stay with us."

Clara

Caper did not object, he just looked concerned. "Cass, we are going to be okay." I whispered to him. "Your kingdom will be okay." I looked down at Emmy and smiled at her. "How rude of me, I have not introduced myself. My name's Clara." Leo turned into a small kitten and walked towards her. "And this is Leo."

Emmy scooped him up and held him. "Hello." She said.

"Would you like to come into the castle? We can get you cleaned up and get you something to eat." I asked her.

She just nodded and took my hand in hers. Cass lead us into the castle. It was really beautiful, but that was not the thing either of us were concerned about. A maid came over to us. "Will you take her to the room I am saying in a run her a bath and get her some fresh clothes, please?" I asked her.

Emmy looked worried, so I bent down and looked at her. "I promise I will be there soon. I am going to come and get you and we will eat together, okay?"

Leo jumped out of her hands and came beside me. "We need to think about where she is going to stay." Cass said.

"She can just stay in my room with me, I don't mind." I told him.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

I nodded. "That is perfectly fine with me."

"Well what are we going to do about her when all of this gets settled?" He asked. I could practically feel his stress level rise.

"We will solve that problem when we get to it, Cass. there are bigger problems. Let's focus on getting every thing restored. I can name at least twenty families in my kingdom that would want a child. That will not be a problem finding her a good home. Right now we need to take care of her and all the other families. We need to find those kids." I told him. "So what do you want us to do first?" I ask him, putting my hand on his arm.

"Um, we need to get a meeting together with the army, the guards and my father to have a plan on what we are going to do." He said.

I nodded. "Okay, that sounds good." I told him. "Your mother and I could talk to the eye witness and take notes. that would also help us know some of the damage that really needs to be repaired." I suggested.

He took a breath. "That is perfect. My mother is in the throne room. I have to fine my father." He said kissing my temple, and he was off.

I did not want to mention that I had no idea where the throne room was, but I did not want to stress him out more. I found a butler and he escorted me there. "Thank you so much. You are a life saver."

He just laughed and smiled. I walked in to see the queen sitting on the throne look really distraught. "Um, Casper wants us to see the eye witness and take notes together. Hopefully someone will know what happen."

She nodded slowly. "Yes, um, I will get someone take notes with us and we will be able to do that shortly."

"Would it be possible for there to be some food there? Some of these people lost everything and might be very hungry." I said.

She got up and headed towards the exit. "Yes, I will get the cook to start cooking and we will be able to start in at least thirty minutes."

"Perfect. I will meet you In the dining room then." I said. Then we departed and I went back to my butler friend. "do you mind taking me to my room?" I smile shyly.

He nodded. I found out his name was Vince on my way to my room and he had a wife and children that were all grown up with a grand baby on the way. "I might need you for just one more thing."

"Anything princess." He smiled.

"You can call me Clara." I told him. I walked into my room and saw Emmy just getting out of the bath. "I told you I was coming." I smiled.

She ran and gave me a hug while Leo just jumped on the bed.

Emmy's hair was all wet, but she was in new clothes. "Are you ready to eat?" I asked.

She nodded. Vince took us to the kitchen and we both ate together. She told me all about herself. When it was time for me to meet the Queen, I told Vince to take he to my room and play with her. He told me that he missed having kids around. I made my way to the dining room with Vince's directions and found the queen. We were ready to meet the people.

Casper

"We need to take a defensive stand." Father said clearly, standing in front of a large table with a map of our kingdom on it. Various pieces were scattered around it representing the townspeople, the nobles, and our military. "We're putting Marseille under lock down as of now. No one comes in and no one goes out."

I took in a deep frustrated breath. I was trying to be obedient, I was trying to comply but putting the country under lock down wouldn't solve anything. "But Father," I blurted. "What about trade? We need aid now more than ever. The Townspeople and nobles have already lost their children, they're already grieving and furious. Denying them the food and supplies that come through trade will only fuel their fire. They'll rebel, they have nothing left to lose. If anything, we need to strengthen our trade relationships and give our people the aid they need. We also need to send out a team of well qualified militants to find these rebels and punish them for their crimes!"

Father stood taller, his way of asserting his authority. "Capturing and punishing these rebels will do nothing but anger the rest of them. You may be my son but I am still your King. Until the day I die you will do as I say along with everyone else and what I say now is put the kingdom into lock down. Is that clear?"

"Yes, my king." I muttered along with the military general and others surrounding the table.

"You're dismissed." Father growled, turning his back to us.

I clenched my fists at my side and exited the room. I was still annoyed Father was being irrational. It was getting late so I went down to the kitchen for something to eat. We had missed dinner due to Father's meeting.

Emmy was sitting on top of a counter freshly dressed in a nightgown. She was munching on a cookie and kicking her feet out happily. Clara was by the oven pulling out a tray of cookies.

"What is going on?" I asked sharply. "Why isn't she in bed and why are you baking cookies this late at night?" I knew it was wrong to take my anger out on Clara but Father hit a nerve and I couldn't hold it back.

Clara looked around, slightly shocked at the tone I was talking to her in. "I was hoping to talk to you after your meeting." She explained, pulling off the oven mitt. "Emmy wanted to make cookies so we did."

"Why don't you just buy her a sailboat?" I seethed. "Does she want one of those as well? She's a child, Clara! She needs discipline and she needs to be in bed before midnight. That won't be possible now, of course, seeing as you just loaded her up with sugar."

Clara's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She helped Emmy off the counter and muttered something to her I didn't catch. Emmy quickly scurried out the door. "Cass, what's going on?" She asked, taking a cautious step towards me. "Are you really this upset over us baking cookies? She just lost her family, I was only trying to help-"

"Providing the child with whatever she wants will not bring her parents back to life." I said through gritted teeth.

"I know, I was only trying to make her smile." Clara's face crumpled in hurt as she turned the oven off. "I will talk to you when you've settled down."

"Why not now?" I asked raising my voice and throwing my hands in the air. "Am I not being rational? Am I being completely absurd by thinking a child Emmy's age needs to be asleep by this time?"

Tears rimmed Clara's eyes. "I was only trying to brighten her day." She said softly. "I'd appreciate if if you stopped yelling at me."

I rolled my eyes and stormed out. I walked down the hall and ran my fingers through my hair, trying to calm down. Guilt began to eat away at me for treating Clara the way I did. I knew she'd have trouble sleeping if I didn't make it right.

I took some more calming breaths then went upstairs to her bedroom. I knocked twice then opened the door. She was draping a blanket over Emmy who was fast asleep in a little makeshift bed.

"She's asleep." Clara said bitterly. "Are you happy now?"

"No," I murmured, walking over to her. I took her hands in mine and sighed. "I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you and I apologize. The meeting went badly and I was frustrated. I'm sorry, Clara." I put my hand on her cheek and she leaned slightly into my touch.

Clara

I sigh and lean into his touch. "Cass, you can't keep doing this to me. It really does torcher me. I don't want either of us to be like this. One of us gets mad and then blow up on the other. I will face your burdens with you, but not like this Casper." I told him.

"I'm sorry." He said again.

I nod. "I know and I forgive you." I said. "I just don't want this to hinder us in the future."

"I don't either." He said as he brushed some hair our of my face.

I pull away and walk into my room quietly, trying not to wake Emmy up. I grabbed the papers and walked back to Cass. "These are the notes your mother and I took." I said handing it to them to him. "It was not a bonding session, but we got it all done. There are some leads, but you need to look at it."

He nodded and took them. "Thank you. At least something went right today."

I walked him over to my bed and we sat down. "What went wrong in your meeting? Why was is so bad?" I asked, putting my hand on his.

It took Cass a while to tell me, but when he started, he spilled. He told me about the plans for the kingdom lock down and how his father did not agree with his plan. He told me all of it.

"Thank you for telling me." I said. "I am sorry that this is happening. I am not sure that this is the right thing either." I told him honestly. "We are just going to have to see."

I yawned and my eyes started to feel heavy. "I should let you go to sleep. We have a long couple of days ahead of us." He said.

I nodded. "I will see you in the morning." I said. I got up when he was about to walk out the door. "Goodnight." I told him, kissing his cheek.

He kissed my forehead in return and he was off.

I laid down in my bed and tried to fall asleep, but it would not come. I was completely restless. I felt a little tap on my shoulder. I rolled over and say Emmy standing at the side of my bed. "Hey dear. What are you doing up?" I ask her.

"I could ask you the same question." She smiled.

"Very true." I laughed.

"I have a question for you." She said.

I sit up and looked at her. "What's that friend?"

She looked down shyly. "are you a real princess?"

I smiled at her. "Yes, I am. I am the princess of England."

"What are you doing here?" She said, sitting up in the bed.

"I am here to help Cass and the king and queen with there kingdom." I said.

"Are you and Cass going to get married?" She asked.

I nod. "Yes, we are."

"Do you love him." She asked.

I laugh and look away. "I think that is enough questions for one night."

She crawled onto the bed and laid on my arm. I did not object, so I let her stay there. I was not going to get any sleep anyway. Leo was curled up on the end of the bed laughing at me.

--

A maid knocked on the door and told me that Cass was waiting for me down stairs in the kitchen. Emmy got dressed, before me, so I sent he with the maid to the kitchen.

I went into the bathroom and put water over my face. There were bags under my eyes and I looked horrible. Leo walked in and spoke to me. "You need to tell him you are not sleeping good. If you don't you are going to get sick again. That is not what needs to happen."

I sigh. "I know. I should be fine. He does not need more stress right now."

I braided my hair and put on a dress. "Clara."

"Leo, please don't tell him. Just give me a little while to see if it gets better."

We walk down to the kitchen and I here Cass say, "If you had been holding it the way I showed you, we wouldn't have this mess to clean up. You could've seriously hurt someone. Think before you act."

"Casper." I look down at the broken plate. "I am sure she did not do it on purpose."

He tried to say something else, but I glared at him. I looked down at Emmy and smile. "Will you help me clean this up?" I ask.

She nods and I grad the broom and dust pan. I held the dust pan as she swept the pieces of pancake and glass into the pan. After I helped he a little and the mess was all clean, she hugged me. She then walked over and hugged Casper. "I am sorry I broke your plate."

I smiled and looked at him. I could tell he was concerned with how I looked, but did not say anything.

Cass

I didn't see much of Clara or Emmy the rest of the day due to me shuttling around trying to keep track of the last of our trade goods and how to ration them. A guard appeared and called me for dinner.

I was the last one at the table and everyone but Father stood up to greet me. I took my place across from Clara and the maids brought in a lavish dinner. Duck, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, casseroles, salads, and rolls were all set out on the table. It seemed wrong to be indulging in so much when the townspeople would soon be running low on food.

Queen Catherine and my mother talked wedding colors. They asked our opinions on whether we wanted summer colors such as rose and gold or fall colors such as oranges and reds. I kept quiet, knowing no matter what I said mother and Catherine had already picked the colors. I glanced over at Clara to see what she'd say but she didn't seem very interested. Large bags hung under her eyes and her skin was beginning to look as if it was stretched tightly over her face. She was pushing around her food and I could tell she wasn't feeling well.

Luc peaked out of my blazer pocket. "Elle a l'air vraiment malade." He murmured. I nodded slightly then straightened my jacket, making him slide back into my pocket.

Clara caught my gaze and offered me a tired smile. I tried to smile genuinely back but I was too concerned to pretend like everything was alright. I watched as her face grew pale and she quickly excused herself from the table, hurrying down the hall.

I wanted badly to go after her but I knew it would be inappropriate. I was already on bad terms with my Father after the meeting, I didn't need to give him another excuse to yell at me.

After a moment, Clara came back to the table. She looked even paler than she did before she left. She avoided my eye contact and I knew it was because she knew it was bad. She didn't eat anything but she did a fairly decent job at making it look like she did.

After dinner I tried to get to Clara before she escaped to her chambers but Mother stopped me first. I thought about sending Luc but there wasn't much he'd be able to do.

"Casper, my darling, Catherine and I have gotten so ahead of ourselves that we forgot to give you a ring to present to Clara." Mother said, excitedly. She pulled out a small black box and handed it to me. "Give it to her when you wish."

I nodded and kissed her cheek. "Thank you, Mother."

I pocketed the ring and went up to Clara's bedroom but her door was locked. When I knocked, she assured me she was fine but refused to open the door and insisted I go to bed. Sighing, I left her.

***

"Prince Casper?" A little voice woke me from my sleep. "Wake up!"

I groaned and sat up, slightly surprised to see Emmy at my bedside. "Is everything alright, Emmy?" I asked, pulling on a shirt.

Emmy shook her head, her eyes wide. "The princess is crying in her sleep, she's having awful nightmares! You have to come help her, you're her prince."

"Of course." I said solemnly. I followed Emmy back up to Clara's room. When we got there Clara was awake. Her cheeks were stained with tears and she looked worse than at dinner, if that was possible.

When she saw me, she took in a deep shattery breath. "I'm fine, Cass." She said. "Go back to bed."

"You're not fine." I said, getting into her bed. She rested her head on my shoulder and hugged my waist. "Try to go back to sleep, alright?" I whispered, stroking her hair. "I'm right here. Everything will be okay."

Clara

I buried my head in his chest. "I can't." I said. "It is just going to happen again. I am just going to have to relive it again."

He looked down at me. "See what?" He asked.

Tears threatened to spill again, so I just shook my head.

"Clara, I am cannot face your burdens with me if I do not know what your burdens are." He said.

I sigh and sit up, facing him. "I use to court this young man named Eric. I was being rebellious because I did not like the idea of an arranged marriage." I said to him. "Eric came from a kingdom that did not have daemons." I explain, while Leo sat in my lap. I continued to tell the story while petting him. "They did not have abilities like we have either. They were just normal. These people thought that our world was not real, only something they heard of in stories. So at first, we told Eric that or daemons were just pets and we hid our abilities." I told him. Casper grabbed my hand when I started getting shaky. "My father said that when Eric told me he loved me, I could tell him about everything. Well he did, so I told him all there was about our world." I began to cry at this point. Cass pulled me into him and rubbed my back softly. "He thought I was a monster and he tried to strangle me. I burnt him and I was able to get away. It's his kingdom that is leading the attacks." I said.

He kissed my forehead. "Clara, I..." He tried to speak, but I stopped him.

"I know you are going to say that it was not my fault, but it is Casper. If I never tried to court someone else or brother him into our world, this would have never happened. So every time I am I get worried or anxious, he is what I see when I close my eyes. I see him strangling me and it is all my fault." I sob into his shoulder.

"Clara, stop. I know you have thought for a long time that this is your fault. There is not denying that they would have found our about our world sooner or later. You may have played a small part, but you can't blame yourself for everything. Look what it does to you." He said. "The only think you need to worry about is getting better. The kingdom is under lock down. He can't get you Clara."

I let out a shaky sigh and lay my head on his chest and he wraps my arms securingly around me. "Thank you Cass." I told him. A hug weight was lifted off my shoulders because I never told anyone about that. I was about to fall asleep, but I managed to tell Casper a few words. "I never loved him, Casper." I hugged him tighter and then fell asleep.

---

I woke up the next morning alone in the bed. I rubbed my eyes and look at Leo. "You told him. You have never told anyone that." Leo said.

I nod. "I know." I said. "I trust him."

"He wanted me to tell you that he wanted to stay, but his dad was looking for him. He did not want more trouble." Leo told him. "How are you feeling by the way?"

I sigh. "I feel better, but I am still a little sick. I am a million times better than I was yesterday. If I sleep tonight, then I will be fine."

I got dressed quickly and went down to find him.

Cass

"Well, you look much better!" I smiled as Clara joined the mothers and I for breakfast.

"I feel much better." She said, taking her seat.

Queen Catherine beamed and delicately sliced a strawberry on her plate. "I'm glad to hear that, dear. With the wedding quickly approaching, I was worried for your health."

Mother nodded. "We are very vulnerable at the moment, but thankfully we've already paid your dowry and we are only a few weeks away from the ceremony. This wedding is imperative in our fight against these rebels."

"How's Emmy this morning?" I asked Clara before sipping my orange juice.

"She's doing well, I think." She said. "She's with Leo right now, probably tying bows around his tail again I imagine."

Catherine's eyebrows scrunched briefly. "I'm sorry, but who is Emmy?"

"She's one of the few children who survived the attacks." I said quietly. "Her parents, however, did not. She's been staying here. Clara and I have been foster parents of sorts."

"Ah, well it's a shame about the girl's parents but a lovely opportunity for the two of you to practice your parenting." My mother glanced at Catherine excitedly. "I'm expecting little boys running around this place soon."

Clara almost choked on her water but quickly recovered. "You mean children? So soon? Casper and I aren't even married yet."

Mother waved her hand as if that detail didn't matter. "Heirs are the next step in our recovery, my dear. When the nobles and townspeople hear there's a baby on the way, they'll be so enthused they may even forget all their troubles. A boy is preferable, of course, but I suppose a girl will do fine as well-"

I cleared my throat after noticing the topic made Clara uncomfortable. "Mother," I said warningly. "Now is not the time to discuss heirs. As Clara said, we aren't married yet."

She nodded and ate some of her crepe. "Yes, I suppose you're right. While I am praying God blesses you two with a child and soon, a bastard is not what I wish for."

Once breakfast was finished, Clara still seemed to be uncomfortable. I knocked on her bedroom door and Emmy answered.

"Is Clara in there?"

"Yes, I'm right here." She rushed out of the closet and opened the door wider.

"So, Clara," I grinned. "I believe it's time you've been shown my kingdom." I took her hands in mine as she bit back a smile. "I've seen your favorite place in the whole world, now it's time you see mine."

She began to nod but noticed Emmy standing by the door. "What about Emmy?"

"I'm sure Vince will love to watch her for the day." I kissed her knuckles. "Have you heard he's got a grandchild on the way?" Vince has told everyone about his unborn grandchild since the moment he found out his daughter was expecting. I looked over at Emmy. "Will you be okay with spending the day with a friend of mine?" I asked her.

She nodded shyly. "Will you come back?"

Clara went over to hug her. "Of course."

***

I met Clara and Leo outside of the palace once Clara had finished getting ready. I took her hand in mine as I led her into town.

"This is our historical museum." I said, pointing to a building we were approaching. "The sword my father used when we won the war against Germany decades ago is in there. It's one of the most visited."

Clara nodded politely. "That's your favorite place?"

"No," I chuckled. "But it does have some interesting war relics."

We walked on the outskirts of town, I knew the townspeople were still grieving and I was afraid what might happen if they saw us again especially since the aid I promised them has been cut off by the lock down. I noticed Clara still kept Leo right by her side but I couldn't blame her, I had to glance down every once in a while to assure myself Luc was still sleeping in my pocket.

"I don't understand," she said as we left town and began walking down a narrow dirt road.

I squeezed her hand. "Don't worry, we're almost there." When the old twisted oak tree neared, I led her off the road and into the tall grass.

"Cass!" She laughed, slightly tripping over something. "Where are we going?"

"We're here." I sighed as we reached the abandoned train tracks. Grass and weeds were beginning to grow between the tracks and the wood was mostly decayed. I walked alongside the metal until we got to the rusting brown boxcar sitting on the tracks. "This is my favorite place."

She gave me a strange look but I smiled and we stepped into the boxcar. It was just as I had left it years ago. My old blue ratty blanket was strewn across the wide opening and my small wooden figurines were still set up on the floor so it looked as if the knights were going to battle. Jars filled with yellow grass and dead fireflies were scattered around the boxcar. They used to be my source of light when it got dark. Some tin goblets I had stolen from the kitchen were lying on the floor, any water that used to be in them evaporated a long time ago.

"This used to be where I hid when I was little." I said softly, sitting on one of the old stiff pillows. "Luc and I found this boxcar one day and decided to make it our second home. We haven't used this particular rail road in years. It used to run into Germany but it was deconstructed during the war so I guess if you walk along the tracks long enough, they'll just end."

"Wow," Clara breathed, taking it all in. "When was the last time you came here?" Leo sniffed around before curling up at her side.

I shrugged. "Can't really remember. The older I got the harder it became to sneak out."

Clara

I look in the box car and see all the toys Cass must have played with as a child. They were barely used though, not looking like most children's toys. I turn to him and smile and he took my hands. "Thank you so much for showing me this." I told him. "It really does me a lot that you would show such an important part of your childhood."

We stayed there for a while, but we decided to go back to the castle. The Queens were at the door separating me from Cass. I roll me eyes and go with it, knowing that I could not escape them. "It is time we talk wedding details." My mother sang.

"Oh joy." I said emotionless. "Is this really necessary?" I asked.

"Of course it is. These things need to be perfect." Queen Adelaide told me.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes and Leo was trying so hard not to laugh. "We need you to try on the dress." My mother said.

"Wait, I thought I was able to choose my own dress?" I said.

My mother laughed. "Well, darling you do not have the best taste." Both the queens laughed.

"So we just choose it for you." Queen Adelaide said.

They pull it out and it is a huge white dress that made me what to throw up. "Oh, no, no, no, no, no." I refuse to wear that. I was about to walk out the door, when they kept talking.

"Oh and all the details are perfect. It will be all pink and white. Hopefully you will be able to announce the coming baby a few weeks after. Then you will have to decide on a name, we already have a few names picked out..." Queen Adelaide was say because I started yelling at her.

"Stop! Stop right now. I am done talking about all of this." I yelled and ran out. Tears were begging to come out but I refused to let them. I opened the door to my room and Cass was speaking in an extremely harsh voice towards Emmy.

"Clara please tell Emmy that having a frog in the castle is not a very good idea." Cass told me.

I roll my eyes. "Cass, it is a frog. Not a murder weapon." I tell him.

"Yes, but it could be carrying diseases and she will need a place for it to stay and food. She does not even know what a frog eats." He said.

"Casper you are being too strict, it a frog! She wants a pet." I said.

"I said no, you need to back me up on this." He told me.

I grunt. "Just add it to the long list of things I am doing wrong, because that has been all I have heard since we got back. I can't raise a child or pick out a wedding dress. I get it, I AM HOPELESS!" I yelled. I ran out of the castle and to the beach. I let the tears flow freely. Leo was panting and growing mad at me.

"You know that was not true." He said.

I just bury my face in my knees. "Leo stop. Just let me get it out." I said.

A while later, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I knew it was Cass, so I did not turn around. "Okay, time for us to talk." He said.

I shake my head and don't budge.

"Clara, we need to talk about this because it is really bothering you. I cannot help you through it, if I do not know what is making you so upset." He told me, rubbing my back.

I turn around and sigh. Tears were about to come out again, so I just let them. "You mom and my mom picked out a wedding dress for me. They decided on everything down to the colors. Before I started caring about you, I did not care." I explained. "I do care now though. About you, the wedding, what my dress looks like. This is not our wedding anymore and it makes me mad." I told him. "Casper they are already picking out names for our child! It is like that want to hold my future in their hands and it just made me so mad and so upset." Tears were spilling then. "Then I come back and you two were arguing about a frog. We just disagree on so much and I am worried that when we have a kid it will just drive us apart."

Casper

Gently, I tipped her chin up so she was looking at me. I wiped her tears with my thumb then held her hands up to my lips.

"Clara," I murmured. "I'd marry you in a shack wearing nothing but overalls if that's what our mothers arrange." A small smile played on the corners of her mouth. "No matter what they pick out or decorate, it is still our wedding because we are the ones getting married. We are the ones who will be declaring our love. I don't care what our venue looks like or what we'll be wearing as long as you are the one meeting me at the altar." I kissed her palms and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She shied away at my touch."What about what happened with Emmy? We're just so different, Casper. And your mother wants heirs immediately after the wedding, I just don't think we can do it. Not without destroying our marriage."

"I will not lie to you, Clara." I said surely. "There is no doubt that we will face many obstacles in our lives. Keeping our marriage healthy will most definitely be one of them, and I hope when the time is ready we will have the chance to tackle parenting together as well. I've learned that making promises as a ruler is dangerous. However, I can make you one promise. I promise I will fight for you, Clara. I promise I will fight for us. You have my word. I have faith we will overcome our obstacles together and come out stronger because of it."

I stood up and held my hand out. Her cheeks flushed and she tried to hide a smile as she took my hand. "If you want something changed," I whispered as I hugged her. "Change it."

****

I woke up early the next morning to gather supplies for something I was putting together for Clara. I was worried that even after our talk yesterday, she still had doubts about our future.

I grabbed the velvet ring box out of my top drawer and stuffed it in my pocket, nearly hurting Luc.

"Regarder!" He hissed, crawling on top of it. "Vous lui donner une bague?" He cried.

"Nous allons nous marier, Luc. I said, my cheeks burning. "It seems only fitting." I walked down to the kitchen where one of our chefs, Geoff, beamed.

"I have prepared everything on your list, your highness." He said, bowing. "You have a very good taste in food, sir." He pointed to the picnic basket I gave him last night. "It's all in there."

"Thank you, Chef." I smiled. "I appreciate it."

I set up the picnic basket and a blanket out in the field near where my boxcar was. I sent Luc back to go get Clara.

**

"Where are we going?" I heard Clara laugh as they rounded the turn. Luc and Leo leading the way. "I don't like this blindfold!"

When they got closer I took Clara's hands, kissed them, then took off her blindfold. "Surprise." I smiled. "Today you're going to try some of my favorite french dishes in my favorite part of France with your favorite French guy."

"Who says Vince isn't my favorite french guy?" Clara smirked as we sat down on the blanket. "This is really sweet, Cass. Thank you."

"I thought we could use a few hours away from everyone." I said, opening the basket and pulling out six small dishes. "I may have gone overboard, but I just really wanted you to get a good taste of my kingdom." I pointed to a small bowl."This is Blanquette de Veau. It's veal stew, kind of with mushrooms and onions. Very good." I pointed to another dish. "This is Boudin Noir Aux Pommes which translates to black pudding with apples but it's not really a pudding. It's more of a salad with blood sausage on top. Not many foreigners like it, but I used to eat it a lot as a kid."

"Blood sausage?" Clara's eyebrows shot up and I snickered.

I nodded. "Yes, but it tastes better than it sounds." I pointed to another plate. "Next is Lamprey à la Bordelaise. Now this is very well, gruesome. We use both the Lamprey and it's blood for the dish. This one isn't quite my favorite but my father grew up with it." I took the lid off of a bowl and smiled as the smell wafted up. "This is Bouillabaisse. It's one of my favorites. It's pretty much just a shellfish soup. The one over there is Escargots which translates to snails. But don't worry, you mostly taste garlic. They're very good appetizers. Then we have the best for last and I'm sure you'll like it. Blueberry crepes. Basically a flat blueberry pancake."

I grinned as I handed Clara one of the snails. "How do I eat this?" She laughed, eyeing it skeptically. I gave her one of the special skinny tongs and showed her how to dig it out of the shell.

"Now you eat it." I said, popping the little snail into my mouth.

Clara

Leo looked at me. Even he knew that I was probably not going to like this stuff. He did put so much effort into this thought, I would hate it if he was disappointed. "Cass this was so sweet of you." I said, kissing his cheek. "Thank you." I really did not want to eat the snails, so I was trying to procrastinate it as long as possible. He urged me to eat it, so I did as he did and put it in my mouth. It was slimy and I was about to gag, but I some how managed to force it down without throwing it up. "Wow, I did not expect snails to taste like this." I said. "They are really good." I lied.

Cass looked down to fix something else and I looked at Leo. He just shook his head and tried not to laugh. I turned my attention back to Cass as he cut up the next one. It was not as worse as the snails, but it was still pretty horrible. I smiled though.

I would talk to him after I ate something to try to prepare myself for the next dish. It seemed like there was so much food and it would never end. "I am getting full." I smile. "It is just all so good!"

"I am so glad you like them. I was really worried you would not." He said.

I force a smile. "Well, I am glad you are happy." I said.

"Clara, you can stop pretending." He said.

I look at him, my smile fading. "Stop what?" I shrug.

"Clara, I know you do not like this food. You have been trying now to throw up the food since you at the snails." He said. "It is okay if you did not like it."

"I am so sorry, Cass. I really did want to like it. You worked so hard on all of this and I did not want to disappoint you." I told him.

"You are not disappointing me." He said taking my hand. "Honestly, I wanted to see how long you could last." He winked.

I roll my eyes and laugh. "Thanks, you are always so encouraging."

"Try this. Everyone likes this." He cut off a part of the blueberry crepe and put it in my mouth.

"I actually really do like this!" I cheered.

he smiled. "I thought you would."

He laid back at looked at the sky. I laid on his chest and looked up as well. "You know, you were right before."

He took my hand and kissed it. "About what."

I turned my head to look at him. "You are my favorite French guy."

He laughed. "I don't know if you are my favorite English girl." He teased.

"Wow, thanks. You are such a charmer." I said. "So, if I am not your favorite, who is?" I ask.

"That maid Gertrude is looking really nice for being in her 80s.'' He said.

I hit him on the chest playfully. "You are horrible."

"I am kidding. You are my favorite English girl and you know it." he said, kissing my hand.

"I know." I smirk, looking at the sky again. "Thank you, Cass. You are wonderful."

Cass

I watched Clara stare at the clouds and fumbled with the ring box in my pocket. We'd been engaged since we were nine but I was still nervous to give her the ring. Luc crawled onto the blanket and nudged my hand.

"Give it to her already!" He whispered. "There's not going to be a better time."

Clara turned her head. "Did you say something?"

I cleared my throat. "Clara, I have something I want to give you." I pulled out the ring box and opened it. "It was my grandmothers. She and my grandfather were happily married for over sixty years and the era they ruled was arguably one of the best. I hope that this might bring us the same luck as they had." She smiled wide and her hand trembled slightly as I slipped the ring onto her finger. "Normally, this is where I'd ask you to marry me but-"

"Cass," Clara said softly. "Just kiss me already."

I took her face in my hands and brought her lips to mine. I kissed her carefully at first but she laughed and climbed on top of me and her mouth crashed against mine. I tangled my fingers in her long soft hair and kissed her until I ran out of breath.

I chuckled nervously when we broke apart. "I, uh-"

"Didn't know you had that in you." She giggled, helping me put the dishes back into the picnic basket. My cheeks burned red and I was sure she could see but she was kind enough to not say anything.

We walked back to the castle hand in hand and it was mostly silent but every once in a while she'd rub her thumb over my mine and in return I'd give her hand a little squeeze.

I was surprised to see the mother's lulling around at the front entrance when we neared the palace.

"Are you all ready, dear?" Mother asked me.

"Ready for what, might I ask?"

Queen Catherine laughed along with my mother. "We've decided the wedding should be held in our kingdom. It's much more stable at the moment and well, I've grown homesick."

"We're leaving in an hour, darling." Mother kissed my cheek. "Do make sure you're all packed."

"Did you know we were going back?" I asked Clara as we walked inside.

She shook her head. "No. Are you upset we're going back to England?"

"No, but what about Emmy?"

Clara squeezed my arm reassuringly. "She'll come back with us. It'll be good for her, Cass. I know we can find her a safe happy home in my country."

I nodded but didn't say anything. I escorted Clara back up to her room. "Thank you for accompanying me on our picnic today." I said sheepishly. "I enjoyed myself."

She blushed. "Thank you for setting it up. It was very nice."

I kissed her gently. "Clara," I whispered, leaning my forehead against hers. "I think I might love you."

Clara

At first thought I heard him wrong at first, but then I knew I heard him correctly. The blush grew on my face. "Well, I hope you are right." I say. "Because I think I am too." I smile and he does too.

He kisses me again. "I will meet you down stairs later. Do you need to help getting your things are Emmy's things together." He asked.

"I think I will be fine." I tell him. "We will meet you later." I say kissing his cheek.

When he left I felt a mixture of happiness and fear. I was scared because I was worried I was going to mess things up. I was not scared because of Eric, because I am a human and this was a lot of emotions and I was afraid of them.

He departed and I got a bag for Emmy, trying to distract myself. "So, Emmy." I stared, putting the bag on the bed. "There is this family back in England. The woman is a very sweet lady and she loves children. I sent her a letter and told her all about you. She is very excited to meet you."

"Will I see you and Casper again?" She asked.

I walk over to Emmy and get on my knees. "Of course I will, sweetheart." I tell her. "Casper and I really care about you and we want you to have such a wonderful life and we don't want to loose you."

She hugged me. "Good." She said. "Because I care about you guys too."

We packed all our things and went down to meet Casper and get on the boat. "I have never been on a boat before." Emmy said.

----

When we arrived back in England, Emmy was very happy to be on land. She was very sea sick on the boat. We had a few people take our bags back to the castle, we held on to Emmy's bag just in case. I took Cass's hand and whispered in this ear. "I really want you to meet this family. They will discipline her and love her to death. The mom is a teacher as well, so education will not be a problem."

"I would love to meet them." He said. We walked into the village and met with the family. We talked to them for hours about Emmy and how they were going to take care of her. Emmy fell in love with them. Caper and I said we would let her stay the night and then go and check up on her. Casper headed out into the street before I did, because the family kept talking to me until I got out the door.

---

Cass and I were walking back to the palace when he stopped me. "Do you know who those people are?" He said. "They are getting a lot of attention."

I try to look at them, but their backs were turned. "let's go say hello." I pull him towards me. They turned around just as we started to walk. I let out a squeal and ran over to them. "Zoey!" I yell and I wrap my arms around her. "It is so good to see you."

"It is so good to see you too, my dear." She sang. "We wanted to come early to see you before the wedding."

I hug Logan and he kisses me on the cheek. "It is good to see you too." I tell him.

"You are so grown up." He told me.

I roll my eyes. "Okay dad." I laughed. "Where are your children? Oh, I want to see them."

"They are back at the palace with the queens. Prince Casper's mother really wants you to have a boy." Zoey said.

"Cass and I know, believe me." I said. I turned and motioned for Cass to come. He tool my hand. "Cass this is King Logan and Queen Zoey. Zoey is my cousin. They have two handsome baby boys and they are excellent rulers." I told him.

They shook hands. "It is nice. to meet you prince Casper. Clara has told us all about you." She said, winking at me.

My eyes widen. "Why don't we go back to the castle?" I ask.

When went back up and we were met by the queens. "See this is all I want." Adelaide said. "Happy baby boys."

I roll my eyes. "oh, I reviewed all the things for the wedding. I will wear what ever you want to me wear for the ceremony. I am going to wear what I want for the reception though. Emmy is also going to be the flower girl and Zoey is my maid of honor." Before either of them could say anything. "Perfect, let's go get something to eat!"

Cass

"Cass, please!" Clara pleaded, falling to her knees. Tears were beginning to fall down her cheeks as she gripped her head in her hands. "Stop! I'm begging you, just stop it!" She let out a terrifying scream and rocked back and forth, still holding her head. She started pulling at her hair to try and divert the pain. When that didn't work, she began slamming her fists against the floor until purple bruises showed up on her arms. "Please," she sobbed, growing too tired to scream. "Make it stop." For a moment, it seemed the pain subsided. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes in temporary relief.

They shot open once again and her face scrunched up in agony. She cried out all of her tears but her body still shook with empty sobs. Clara looked up at me with swollen eyes and whispered "you're going to kill me."

Her body collapsed like a rag doll.

I woke up frantically. It seemed too real to be just a dream. The thin white shirt I had worn to bed was now drenched in sweat and sticking to my skin. I yanked it off and paced back and forth, trying to slow my breathing.

I still couldn't shake the image of Clara out of my mind. I hurt her, I killed her. Why couldn't I stop it? Why couldn't I control it? What if I really will be the cause of her death? I've already hurt her badly enough to pass out for days, there's no doubt I could end up killing her.

I won't. I won't hurt her. I can't hurt her if I'm not around her. I can control myself enough for small moments and maybe that'll be enough so Clara doesn't think I don't love her. Maybe little moments will be enough to keep our marriage strong. It has to be. I won't hurt her.

I didn't fall back asleep that night. Instead, I went down and ate a quick breakfast then left the castle so I wouldn't have to attend the meal with everyone else. Luc stayed asleep in my pocket as I wandered the town. Since it was early in the morning, not many people were out on the streets.

I went to the library and ran my fingers along the spines of the books. I grabbed a few random ones and sat down in a chair. I didn't pay attention as strangers filtered in and out of the library throughout the day. I finished my books a little after noon and decided I ought to go back to the palace before they send guards after me.

As expected, Mother jumped down my throat as soon as I entered the grounds. I reassured her I was fine and went back up to my room. I felt slightly childish hiding from Clara but I knew it was best for her.