………

Julian couldn’t believe it. The girl… she had seemed so perfect. And now they could never be together because of their ancestors. And their kingdoms. They were still at war. Casualties happened every so often and bloodshed was common, so it wasn’t exactly a full out war. But he knew if they weren’t at war, they might have a chance.

He banged his head against his bedroom door. He cursed his ancestors. And to think, not even two hours ago he was in his warm bathtub, wondering what princesses he would have to pick from. Now, he was… he didn’t know how to describe it… was he in love? He had spent barely two hours with Lilac… how could he love her already?

It was all so confusing. He was only 16. He shouldn’t be having to worry about these things yet. So, he had come straight home to comb his hair and add the final touches to his very regal prince outfit before he had to select a girl.

When he climbed down the staircase, he saw an eager group of princesses gaping at him. He guessed a dozen, give or take a few. He tried his best to look dashing and handsome when, on the inside, he felt empty and frustrated.

“Well, hello, lovely ladies,” he said like always. But this time his voice was monotone. He glanced at his father, who was knitting his eyebrows in confusion. His facial expression read, ‘son, what are you doing! Make an impression on these ladies - one of them might be your wife!’

Julian had to stop himself from rolling his eyes in annoyance. His father could be so non-royal like sometimes.

“Hmm, which one shall I choose…”

………

Lilac lied in her bed, crying. She wouldn’t tell Janie nor her parents or sister why she was crying. No one could know, and if they did, more innocent lives would be taken because of the war.

She cried because she couldn’t be with the first person to make her that happy in a long time. She cried because she felt like she couldn’t live without Julian. She had already tried to keep herself occupied with her growing knitting collection. It didn’t work.

She couldn’t think about anything but him. The image of his face in her delirious mind made her swoon, the slightest mention of a boy sent warm shivers through her body, and the kiss…

The kiss was magical. He was amazing. She had to go back. Not today… he wouldn’t be there. She would go tomorrow at the same time. Yes, that was it. She would go to sleep and wake up and she could see him. She could see him again!

—

The next morning came, a little rainy and cloudy, like most every day. But yesterday… yesterday had been a magical sunny day. Quite magical indeed.

When it was the same time as it had the previous day, Lilac didn’t even bother bathing, she just ran a brush through her bed hair and changed into a pretty blouse and riding pants with a maroon cloak on top.

This was all before Janie even woke up, but once she heard the commotion she came running, dazed, into Lilac’s room.

“Why are you up? Where are you-“ Lilac didn’t have time to explain to her scullery maid that she had fallen for a prince from the Weldon Empire. She just rushed past and descended the staircase, which wasn’t easy wearing her riding boots. But she didn’t care. She had to see him.

She ignored her mothers’ demands to know where she was going and her protests and ran out the door to the stables, where Giselle, her white horse, was. He had to be there… did he? Did he miss her as much as she missed him?

Giselle galloped onto the path that led them straight to the forest where she had met Julian.

Once she got there, she searched high and low for Julian, in the end, unsuccessfully. She was just about to head back home when she heard a horse clomp.

“Lilac?” A familiar voice called from her left.

“Julian?” Lilac cried out hopefully. She jumped off her horse and ran to the sound, her hands quivering with excitement. She saw a figure in the trees and…

Julian!!! She launched herself into his arms, breathing shakily.

They both pulled apart a moment later, both realizing the same thing.

Julian hesitated. “What are we going to do?”