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A small blanket of snow covered the courtyard of the Capitol. Flora discussed future plans with the advisors while Rook read in his seat beside her. He stayed mainly to intimidate the advisors so they would listen to her requests. He knew that they would try to make her bend to their will when their tone became sickeningly sweet. It was during those times when Rook would look up and bore into the advisors with his violet eyes. During extreme cases where Flora would ask for his help Rook would shift just so when stating his opinion on the topic that his sword would slide against the sheath making a spine tingling noise. His opinion was always the same as Flora’s stated in a more forceful way.

The advisors supported pampering the upper class but Flora knew too well the needs of the poor to leave them ignored. Rook after hearing such stories as she had experienced could only agree with her. He had promised to do everything in his power to make sure her wishes were met even if it meant angering the advisors.
When the meeting was over, Rook and Flora were summoned to lunch. They were only half way down the hall when Rook stopped suddenly.

“Flora, I’ll catch up with you in a moment. I forgot my book in the meeting room,” he explained.

“I can come with you,” she offered.

“It’s fine. I’ll only be a moment.”

He hurried down the hall but slowed at the sound of angry voices.

“Making fools us. The nerve!”

“Her highness doesn’t realize the power of the nobles. They are the ones who fund her comfortable life.”

“The sooner she is wed the better. Once she has children to worry about we will have more sway over her decisions.”

“She should be ready to get married, don’t you think? She has lived here quite some time.”

“This spring should be good.”

“Or the summer when the roses bloom.”

“Whatever the season let it be soon.”

Rook stood frozen as he listened. This was not how he wanted it. He entered the room causing an instant hush. He ignored the nobles though he saw small beads of sweat appearing on their foreheads. He nonchalantly picked up the book and turned to leave. He stopped at the door looking back casually.

“Have a good day gentlemen.” With that he left unable to keep a small smirk off his face as he hurried back to Flora’s side.

He kept the tone casual through lunch but suggested afterwards that they take a stroll out in the snowy courtyard. They both wore long coats that let their gossamer wings escape in the back. They strode arm in arm through the light flurries until they entered a more secluded area of the courtyard.

“Flora,” Rook turned suddenly serious though careful not to frighten her, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something.”

“What is it? Have I done something wrong?”

“No, of course not.” Rook smiled slightly. “Let’s sit.” He motioned to a bench by the stone wall. He held her hand as they sat gazing at the amethyst ring. “You know, this isn’t how I wanted it to be.”

“What do you mean?” she questioned confused by his sad expression.

“This ring bound us together that day for better or for worse. Neither of us had a choice in the matter. I can only speak for myself, but I am so grateful it was you. I’ve never met someone so kind and thoughtful or so accepting towards me.”

“Rook,” she smiled looking down at the ring to hide the color she felt rising in her face. She tightened her fingers around his hand.

“The advisors have begun talking about marriage again,” he told her, “I don’t want them to decide for us. Flora,” He stood from the bench and knelt before her holding her hands as he looked up into her face determined. “I want to marry you. I want you to know that these are my true feelings. I want to marry you because I truly do love you not because of those idiot advisors or even the future of this Realm. You are the world to me. You have lit up this dismal castle.”

She stared at him wide-eyed.

“D-did I say too much?” he asked looking down.

“N-no that’s not it,” she told him sincerely, “I just didn’t know you felt that way. I thought you just cared for me as a friend. I’m so relieved.”

Rook held her hands tighter in his and let his head rest against her knees. “Thank goodness.”

They stayed in that way letting the snow fall about them. The world was silent and still. The peace of the world about them couldn’t compare with the relief they felt. There was no need for words. They let the snow cover them. It stuck to Rook’s dark choppy hair until he raised his head letting it fall onto his back. He reached up to stroke her face gently.

“Your cheeks are flushed,” he told her. “Do you want to go inside? You feel cold.”

“No, I want to stay here,” she told him holding his hand to her face, “Won’t you sit with me?” He sat beside her holding her hands in his to warm them.

The sun broke through the clouds as dinner was being prepared. The servants were sent to summon Rook and Flora. After searching many of the rooms they ventured into the courtyard. They found the two asleep on the bench. The snow shimmered around them as Flora leaned against Rooks shoulder. His head rested against hers.

No one wanted to wake them from their peaceful sleep. It was almost surprising to them to see the two together in such a peaceful way. Even after they were awoken they stayed close to one another. There was a change in the palace that softened towards the prince. Flora only hoped that the acceptance could spread.