“Doctor! Ray….Ray, well I don’t know what happened to Ray but he just…” Queen Mil’s voice drifted off. 

  “I understand.” Dr. Brian nodded. He ordered people to get a cot and carry King Ray up to his bedchamber. The servants did so.

 

After a while, Austin and Dawn went up to see the king.

  “Uncle? Uncle, are you all right?” Austin asked.

  “Come to me, boy.” King Ray said hoarsely.

  “Uncle?” Austin moved forward and took his Uncle’s hand.

  “Ah, there you are. I am fine, boy. Tired. Aching. But I am sure I will get better.” Ray said with his eyes half open.

  “I am happy to hear that, sir. This is my betrothed, Princess Dawn. She wished to come with me.” Austin stood and dropped Ray’s hand harshly on the bed. He also ignored the groan of pain.

  “Your Majesty.” Dawn bowed.

  “Dawn. What a beautiful name.” Ray smiled.

  “As to a beautiful girl?” Dawn asked.

  Ray chuckled. “Yes. Of course.”

  Dawn barely smiled. Her face was cold, as usual, but the tone of her voice was light.

  “All right off to you. I heard Conner was in the forest, so I guess you two are on your own.” Ray said huskily.

  “Yes, Uncle.” Austin bowed once again with Dawn.

  “Good day, sir.” Dawn left the room after Austin.

  Austin chewed at his lip while Dawn kept her head high and proud. “I am sorry about your uncle, Austin.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Dawn.” Austin said stiffly.

  Dawn was silent. Once again, the couple had their arms linked, but Dawn hadn’t pulled away yet, as Austin had hoped. He needed her to trust him.

  “Would you please let me go? I wish to take a tour of the animal pens on the castle property, if you do not mind.” Dawn stared straight ahead.

  “I suppose you can. Be back before it is time for bed. Do you need a candle light?” Austin asked.

  “In the forest? Near plants? Isn’t that dangerous?” Dawn asked, knowing the answer.

  “Well, yes. I suppose so. Take a heat lamp. It will provide enough light.” Austin stopped at his bedchamber and went in. Dawn waited at the door.

  “Here, take this one. I have plenty more in my closet. I will see you in a few hours, then, Miss Dawn.” Austin said.

  “Of course.” Dawn said grimly. She took the lamp and then made her way to the stairs. The skirt of Dawn’s dark blue silky dress was flowing swiftly behind her. At the draw-bridge door, Dawn took her hooded-cape, which was also dark blue, and threw it on. She pulled up the hood, and tied a loose knot around her throat.

  She strode across the draw-bridge over the moat, and then took the path to the hound pen.

  Dawn was well aware that the whole time she had been with Austin that Crimson was sitting quietly on her shoulder. Finally, he twittered in her ear.

  “Crimson, I was not serious when I agreed with Austin about the burden of animals. You know I just love animals. And I would die, if you taken away.” she massaged behind the raccoon’s ear.

  I thought so, came Crimson’s voice in Dawn’s head. I am not fond of this Prince Austin, though. His smell is most unwelcoming.

  “Yes, I agree. When you look at him, what do you see?” Dawn asked curiously. She stopped in the path and tore across the lawn to the maze of willow trees. She settled under a nice tall one.

  I see a harsh, stony, and cold heart. He does not treat people well. I also see some kind of plan forming in his mind. But I cannot look deep enough to see what the plan is. Crimson said thoughtfully.

  “What do you know of the plan, although you cannot see much?” Dawn asked. She placed Crimson on the ground next to the trunk of the willow tree.

  Yes, I do not see much. But I see that it is bad. It has something to do with power…and…well it is much too hard for me to describe. I am sorry to disappoint you, Dawn. Crimson somewhat nodded.

  “You are so wise. You could never disappoint me.” Dawn cooed.

  I thank you. But it is not I who is wise. I just know a lot by being able to see into peoples’ minds. Crimson said humbly.

  “Nevertheless…” Dawn said.

  What are you thinking?

  “Of Conner. He seems…different. Do you not think that the coldness of heart should run in the family?” Dawn looked up the trunk of the tree.

  You never know. Perhaps Conner received this kindness from others of the family. Mil does not seem cold. Mayhap Conner’s birth-father was kind. Crimson thought.

  “You are very right…” Dawn said. “Hmmm, I think I see Conner. Crimson what do you think of him?”

  He is kinder. He shares the love of animals with you. Ruby, remember the ferret? Well, she seems strong. He is most definitely interested in you. Crimson explained.

  “Well, thank you, Crimson. I cannot believe how easy it is for you to impress me.” Dawn smiled.

  I’m glad I can make you smile. Crimson hopped onto Dawn’s lap.

  Conner was walking around the willow tree garden. He would laugh at times, looking at Ruby.

  Perhaps he can talk to Ruby also. Crimson said.

  Dawn nodded as she gazed at Conner. He bent down to look at a flower. He sniffed it, and sneezed. Dawn almost smiled as he laughed.

  He came closer, and Dawn decided to climb up the tree. She wasn’t sure if Conner purposely came to find Dawn, or if it was a mere coincidence.

  “Come on, Crimson!” she whispered-yelled.

  Do not worry, I am coming! Crimson jumped onto the trunk and crawled up.

  The bark tore at Dawn’s dress but she ignored it. Even when a thorn tore at her cheek and blood dribbled down. Dawn winced, but otherwise showed no sign of pain.

  Are you all right? Crimson noticed the blood.

  Dawn nodded. “Let’s see what Conner will do.” she said when Conner neared.

  “…Ruby, no!” he laughed aloud. Ruby jumped off his hand and onto the shrub. Since it was firm, she could crawl on it.

  “Ruby, let’s stop over at this tree so I can give you so food.” Conner picked up Ruby quickly and plopped her on his shoulder.

  Dawn gasped slightly as she felt a sharp pain on her cheek. Another thorn dug into the wound, as she had leaned her head on a branch. More blood fell down her cheek.

  Conner stopped at the trunk and looked around. “Who’s here? Show yourself!” he demanded.

  Ruby sighed aloud, and said, “Hello, Prince Conner.”

  He looked up and saw Dawn and Crimson. “Oh, Dawn! I did not know you liked to stroll in the gardens as I do.” Conner smiled.

  Dawn did not smile. Her expression was soft, though, and a smile was begging to come on. She willed it away. Dawn cocked her head. “I shall come down.”

  “Would you like any help?” Conner stood back.

  “No, no.” Dawn shook her head. Sliding her bottom off the branch, Dawn grabbed hold of another branch so she was hanging, her feet a few feet off the ground. Dawn let go.

  Conner realized Dawn would have been hurt if she felt the ground, and immediately ran under. The princess fell on top of him, and the two were lying on the ground on top of each other.


Chapter IV

 

“Oh, my goodness! Conner, I told you help was not needed!” Dawn rolled off of Conner.

  “I am sorry, Dawn, but you would’ve been hurt if I hadn’t done that. Far more than a back ache, which is what I have now.” Conner explained as he dusted off his shirt.

  Dawn nodded stiffly. He was still feeling pain from the wound.

  “Oh! Are you all right?” Conner asked, noticing the blood on her cheek.

  “I-I’m fine. It’s nothing.” Dawn shook her head. Pain was etched on her face.

  “No it sure is something. Did you injure it twice or something?” Conner tucked the black hair behind Dawn’s ear. She inched away a bit.

  “Please, just let me help you once.” Conner said desperately. It wasn’t out of interest it was out of mere kindness.

  Dawn hesitated. She looked to Crimson, but his face was blank. She sighed. “Um…all right.”

  Conner nodded, satisfied. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket on his pants and took a bottle of water to make it moist. He then wiped at the wound.

  Dawn felt his hands. They were callused, but gentle. Conner’s breathing was slow and calm. He took a bandage and put it on Dawn’s scratch. She smiled, but was sure that Conner didn’t see it, because he did not smile back.

  “All better?” he asked.

  “Yes. Thank you.” she nodded. Dawn shook her head so that all the hair that was tucked behind her ear would come out.

  “Why white?” he asked.

  She supposed he was referring to her highlights. “Because it was possible.” she said, with an obvious tone.

  “Ah. I see. Dawn?” Conner looked straight into the girl’s eyes.

  “Yes?” she looked straight back into the black eyes.

  “Do you wish to marry Austin?”

  Dawn looked taken aback. “Well I have not much choice.”

  “True…but if you did?”

  “I am not sure.”

  “Oh.”

  Dawn was sure. She would certainly not marry him. She would have much preferred Conner, if she had to.

  “Dawn, as I have told you before, I am interested in you…and—” Conner was cut off by Dawn.

  “Have you ever been made to be married? Sorry to interrupt.”

  “It’s fine. And yes, I have. Her name was Belle of Frem. She had long, curled, brown hair. Her eyes were big and brown. She was cold and mean. I finally admitted that I had not wanted to marry her. Belle did not want to marry me, either. You would think that would hurt my feelings, but it did not.” Conner explained.

  “I do not think it would. It would only if one were to love the other, but the other did not love back. I would not think it to be insulting either.” Dawn replied.

  “You are a different girl, Dawn.” Conner cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. A smile was brought to his lips.

  “Is that a compliment?” Dawn asked, widening her eyes in innocence.

  Conner laughed. “Yes!”

  Dawn smiled. It was a small, content, smile, but it was fairly noticeable.

  “Thank you, then.” and the two sat there, leaning on their sides, gazing into each other’s eyes.

  I like this man. Crimson told his mistress. Dawn’s eyes twinkled.

  She is nice. Ruby told her master. Conner smiled a boyish smile.

  Finally, Dawn leaned forward. She blushed, but still did so.

  Conner followed. Dawn closed her eyes slowly. Their lips met.

  Conner embraced Dawn. By this time it was dark, the stars were shining down, and the moon was up. In mid-kiss, Conner opened his eyes and saw Dawn’s black moon ring shining. His eyes smiled and then closed again.

  Soon they broke apart. Dawn looked surprised but pleased. Conner was smiling.

  But Dawn soon looked distressed. “I must go! Austin requested me to be back at his bedchamber in an hour or two! Its almost been three! I am sorry, Conner. Thank you, though.” she stood and picked up Crimson. While she was running across the lawn, she looked back smiling.

hope you liked it!