Title: "Obligations"

Characters: Nathan Scott, Haley James, Calan Smith and Kayla MacKnight

Notes:

In the future, a huge governmental body on Earth known as the Universal Embassy (U.E.) exists. Many of the countries known now have been divided into smaller countries and have different names. Things are ran a certain way. Most countries are part of the U.E. Those that aren't are known as countries of the Outer Territories (O.T.) and are regarded as less sophisticated as those from the U.E. Antar is the capital of the U.E. and it is led by Prime Minister Larek Milano.

Most countries in the O.T. are led by royal leaders like the country Toraan is led by the infamous James family. While most countries affiliated with the U.E. are led by leaders that are elected, there are some that still follow the "old ways". The country Polar, which is found in the U.E., is led by the Scott family.

Prologue

TORAAN

Haley James stepped out onto her sixth-floor balcony and sighed heavily as she leaned against the railing. She was the daughter of the King and Queen of Toraan, a small country on the border of the Universal Embassy and Outer Territories. Toraan was part of both organizations but officially belonged to neither because.

Her father had raised her in his image. Haley was to become the future of the Toraanians and lead them into greatness. All her life, Haley had felt honoured but, now, at this moment, she was full of anger; anger at her parents and at the world in general.

It seemed surreal to her that she could have been so happy less than two hours ago. She was in love with her steady boyfriend, Calan Smith, someone she had been steadily involved with for over two years. In less than two minutes, her happiness was shattered and her life was now forever changed.

Haley understood that as a Princess, she was obligated to do certain things that she may not want to do, but she never dreamed that those obligations meant she would be forced to break up with Calan and spend the rest of her life married to a complete stranger.

Haley had never met this Nathan but from what she had heard of him, she didn't think he was her type. Word was the he fought alongside the soldiers in Polar. She held a great respect for soldiers, but wouldn't be caught dead fighting in a war with them. For one thing, she didn't know how to fight. Another was that it just wasn't proper etiquette. At least, that's what her mother had told her.

Haley sighed again and ran a hand through her long, thick brown hair. She missed Calan a great deal. She loved him very much and wanted to see him. But he never wanted to see her again. Calan was a civillian and he didn't understand the way of royalty. Not that she blamed him. It sucked royally.

Haley walked back into her chambers and sat down on her bed feeling miserable. She had locked herself away in the room because she was so mad at her parents for putting her in this position. Yet, she was a realist and knew that there was no other choice.

Haley laid down and buried her head in her pillow and started crying again. She silently wondered if Calan felt the same way she did.

POLAR

"It's not fair!" Nathan exclaimed to his father.

"I know that you are unhappy, but you have no choice but to go through with it," his wisdom-filled father said. He inwardly scoffed at his father's comment. How could he lecture him at a time like this?

Nathan glared at his father in defiance. "The hell I don't! I'm a prince therefore I always have a choice," he exploded.

"I know that you don't want to hurt Kayla, Nathan, but as you said, you are a prince. You have to be willing to make a few sacrifices," King Dan Scott of Polar said in an attempt to calm him down. It wasn't working at all.

Deep down, Nathan knew that his father was right, but he loved Kayla MacKnight with all of his heart. They had been dating for almost four years and he didn't want to let her go or hurt her. He knew that none of this was Princess Haley's fault but she was the reason it was happening.

At eighteen years old, Nathan had not been told of his arranged marriage until two days ago. He had been so angry that he had left the palace and returned only fifteen minutes before. His beautiful girlfriend didn't deserve to feel the pain she would soon feel. The pain he would inflict on her. He sighed with frustration and turned to his father.

"Tell me about this Haley," he said, trying to get to know as much about her as he could.

"Well, she's seventeen, has brown hair and eyes-" his father started.

"That's not what I meant. I want to know about her. Is she smart or is she dumb as a post? Is she sweet or devious?" Nathan asked.

"Oh!" His father exclaimed and clapped his forehead. "Well, yes, she is smart as a whip. In fact, her father told me that she graduated at the top of her class. She certainly seemed to be very kind."

"What do you mean, she seemed kind?" Nathan asked.

"Well, she was rather upset. You could see it in her face," Dan said.

"So she's honest. That's good. I hate liars," Nathan said.

"As I was saying. She was upset. Her parents had just told her about the arranged marriage and she was less than thrilled about the news," Dan said.

"I can relate," Nathan commented. Dan rolled his eyes. "So why is she upset about your plan?"

"Oh, Queen Lydia told me about it. Haley was seriously involved with a young man and they were forced to break up," Dan explained.

"Well, we have something in common then," Nathan said bitterly.

"A lot more than you might think," Dan remarked.

"Like what?" Nathan asked.

"Oh, I don't know. I meant that once you get to know her, you might actually like her," Dan explained.

"When do I get to meet her?" Nathan asked. Dan smiled.

"Two days," he replied. Nathan groaned.

TORAAN

Haley sat down at the table and started to eat her food. She could feel her parents' eyes on her but ignored them.

"Haley, honey?" her mother's soft voice asked. Haley hesitantly raised her head and smiled sweetly at her mother. "How are you?"

"About as well as can be expected given the situation. How long until they get here?" Haley replied.

"A few minutes," her father, James, replied.

"Look, honey, I know you're unhappy but so is Nathan," Lydia told her. Haley looked at her mother curiously. "He had to break up with his girlfriend just as you had to break up with Calan." The name stung her.

"I'd rather not talk about him," Haley snapped. Her parents nodded. "Were you two in an arranged marriage?" Both nodded.

"Oh, yes we were. But we had been best friends most of our lives," Lydia replied.

"Lucky you," Haley said.

"Haley," her father began but Haley cut him out.

"You should be thankful that you weren't in my position. For all I know, my future husband could be an ass," Haley burst out. Her voice was full of bitterness and as she said the word 'husband', it became sarcastic.

"Oh, no, honey. He is a perfect gentlemen," Lydia said. Haley rolled her eyes.

Nathan walked into the Toraanian palace. He was led to the dining room and spotted the Queen. He saw the King and then a girl sitting on the right of the table, with one chair beside her. On the left were two chairs. He knew the seating arrangement. He was on the right with the girl, Haley, and his parents were on the left.

He sat down next to Haley but inched his chair away from her. The less contact between them as possible was best in his opinion. He didn't want her to think that he wanted her. Haley didn't seem to notice. She just kept eating her food, being completely rude to him and his parents. He understood what the seventeen-year-old was feeling. The look on Kayla's face as he broke up with her to marry someone else was indented into his memory forever. It was the look of someone whose heart was splitting in two.

"So, Nathan, tell me. How are you?" King James asked him.

"Fine, sir," he replied stiffly.

"Haley, how are you?" Dan asked.

Haley looked up and noticed people looking at her expectantly. "I'm okay," she replied with forced enthusiasm.

"Wonderful. Now, we'll talk about wedding plans," Queen Deborah Scott said.

"Wedding plans?" Haley and Nathan both repeated. Their voices were full of dread.

"Yes. Now, Lydia and I have been discussing it and we suggest a mixed wedding. Drawing from both the Polaran and Toraanian cultures. It will naturally take place in a week and a half as we are pressed for time," Deb started. Haley felt as if the room was spinning. She got up.

"Excuse me. I need to take a walk," she said, leaving immediately.

"Was it something I said?" Deborah asked.

"Oh, no. Haley takes walks when she's upset. It's her way of thinking things through. You'll grow used to it," James explained.

Once outside of the palace grounds, Haley went to the only place she knew to clear her mind. The river where Calan had first told her he loved her. She sat on the rock and looked at the river. It was calm, peaceful and welcoming. It's lying, she thought to herself.

"Haley?" A familiar voice asked. She turned and saw Calan coming towards her.

"Calan!" she exclaimed, smiling. He was talking to her!

"What are you doing here?" Calan asked.

"Thinking," she replied. He looked at her. She looked into his eyes and winced at the pain she was confronted with.

"About what?" he asked.

"The living hell that my life has suddenly turned into," Haley replied.

"Haley, you're a princess. Your life is hardly hell," he said. Her first thought was that it was typical of a civilian to think that but then remembered that this was the person she loved more than anything.

"No, my life is hell. I am overwhelmed with the burden of being born a royal," she complained.

"How is being adored and getting whatever you want a burden?" Calan asked angrily. That actually hurt.

"I know it's hard for you to understand but my life is hell," she insisted.

"Explain it to me," he said.

"I am expected to do everything. I was forced to hurt one of the most important people in the world to me. I have to marry a complete stranger next week all because of the importance of tradition. Didn't it ever occur to anyone that the traditions are outdated and insane?" she exploded.

"As a princess, you have certain obligations," he said bitterly.

"Well, it's no fun. If anyone wants to be the princess, they're welcome to it," she said.

"I agree. I hate it, but it's part of the reason I fell in love with you," Calan admitted. Haley stared at him, completely perplexed.

"Come again?" she said.

Calan loved it when she did that. Her beautiful eyes widened curiously and her entire face lit up with confusion. It showed just how honest she could be. "Why don't you try to get out of it?" he asked.

"Believe me, I have. Unfortunately for me, my father is the most stubborn man in the entire universe. He is determined to keep up his end of the deal," Haley said. Calan nodded in agreement. King James was definitely stubborn, but then again, so was Haley.

"I miss you," he admitted.

"I miss you too," Haley said. He came closer and put his hands on her tense shoulders. Right away, she relaxed. She covered his hand with her own. She looked up at him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen.

"I didn't realize you were still seeing your boyfriend, Haley," A tall, lean, black-haired guy said.

"Nathan, what are you doing here?" Haley asked.

"I came to see if you were all right. From the looks of things, you're perfect. I knew this was a mistake. I never should have broken up with Kayla to marry you," he said.

"This is not news to me," Haley said bitterly.

Nathan. Her fiancé, Calan realized, removing his hands from Haley. He wasn't supposed to do that anymore. He should have stayed away. He knew that she was hurting but she still had to do what her parents said.

Haley felt her world crumble when Calan pulled away from her. She was angry and hurt. Angry at Nathan for interrupting them and hurt that Calan had pulled away. "Come. Your mother wants to talk to us about fitting," Nathan said. Haley glanced at Calan. His faced hardened in anger. Towards her.

"Honestly, I don't understand how you could have been so foolish as to go see him. What would your parents say?" Nathan scolded her.

"Haley, this isn't like you. You've never disobeyed us. We are very disappointed in you," Haley mimicked in the authoratative voice she had heard her father used. "Something along the lines of that." He smiled but then shook his head at her.

"That's not a good thing to do," he said.

"Are you my fiancé or my governess?" Haley asked.

"That is not funny," he said.

"Oh, yes, it is," she said smiling.

"Haley. Nathan. Wonderful. Let me show you your tuxedo, young man, and Haley, your governess will show you your wedding gown," Nathan's governor said. Governors and governesses basically taught royal youth etiquette since their parents were too busy with ruling the country. Haley left the room.

"So, how do you like her," Tim asked.

"She's nice but I don't love her," Nathan replied.

"You're never going to let that go, are you?" Tim asked.

"Nope," Nathan replied stubbornly.

"Look, I can't imagine what it must be like marrying someone other than the person you love especially when that someone is a complete stranger but you have to do this, my Liege," Tim advised.

"No, I don't suppose you could imagine it. I can tell you it sucks. I like Haley; she seems like a great girl but I love Kayla and that won't change," Nathan said.

Haley walked into her chambers and saw her governess, Peyton, spreading a bunch of gowns on her bed. "Ah, Princess. Here is your wedding gown," she said. Haley viewed the white, satin, lace gown and shivered. It looked threatening.

"I'm dying to know what you think of Nathan," Peyton said.

"He's perfect," Haley said.

"That's good," Peyton said with a smile.

"For someone else," Haley added. Peyton rolled her eyes.

"I realize you're upset about this, Hales, but you have no options," Peyton reminded her.

"I saw Calan today," Haley admitted.

"And?" Peyton asked.

"He told me something," Haley replied. Short answers. Haley's knack for being cryptic drove Peyton up the wall sometimes.

"What did he say?" she asked impatiently.

"He told me that he missed me and I miss him too. This isn't fair, Peyton. I can't bear this," Haley said.

"I know," Peyton said knowingly.

Haley rolled her eyes. The big two years older and she thinks she knows everything, she thought. "No, you don't. I don't think anyone knows," she said.

"I bet Nathan does," Peyton reminded her.

"I suppose he does or, actually, he does understand," Haley said.

"Try and talk to the Queen about it," Peyton suggested.

"I've already talking to my parents together and alone but it's no use. Neither one of them will budge. They are determined to keep up their stupid treaty," Haley explained.

"Then, why don't you and Nathan try to talk to all of your parents together?" Peyton asked. Haley was about to dismiss the idea but it hit her that that was the one thing they hadn't done. It might not work but it was worth a try.

"That's a good idea," Haley said. She jumped up and headed to Nathan's dressing room only to find it empty.

She walked into the throne room and found her father. "Father, where are the Polarans?" she asked.

"Oh, they headed back to Polar, sweetheart," he replied. Haley nodded and stormed off.

POLAR

Nathan was in his fatigues with his best friend, Lucas Roe, who was a soldier in Polar's army. "So, tell me what the Princess of Toraan is like," he said.

"Her name is Haley. She's attractive, I guess. She smart. Very smart, actually. Funny, sarcastic and well, she's great," Nathan said.

"You don't seem so happy about marry her. What's wrong with her?" Lucas asked.

"She's not Kayla," Nathan replied.

"I should have known," Lucas said with a scoff. He stopped what he was doing and looked at Nathan. "Look, Kayla more or less told you to rot in hell. You need to forget about her and focus on marrying Haley."

"It's not that easy. For one thing, I love Kayla too much to give up on her and Haley has her feelings for her ex," Nathan said. Lucas looked at him in confusion.

"Very recent break up. His name is Calan and, sure, whenever she looks at him, the vein at the top of his head looks like it's about to burst because he's so angry, but I can tell that he still cares about her," Nathan explained.

"How can you tell?" Lucas asked.

"I saw him comforting her when I interrupted them at a river. I also heard him admit that he misses her," Nathan replied.

"Oh. Well, for what it's worth, Kayla still loves you very much," Lucas said.

"She does?" Nathan asked, surprised.

"She told me so herself. Maybe you should go and see her," Lucas suggested. Nathan pondered this for a minute and nodded.

"I do miss her. Plus, it would piss my parents off and that's always fun," he said.

"You're very strange," Lucas remarked as Nathan rushed off.

He walked until he got to Kayla's apartment. "Kayla!" he called into the small intercom. The door opened. Kayla looked at him, her grey eyes narrowed in pain.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"I wanted to talk," he said.

"About what?" Kayla asked bitterly.

"What happened. Listen to me. I don't want to lose you," he said.

"I don't want to lose you but you're engaged," Kayla reminded him. Nathan laughed.

"She, believe it or not, is even less thrilled about the arrangement," he said.

"Why?" Kayla asked, perplexed that anyone would be unhappy about marrying Nathan.

"For the same reason I am. She dumped someone she loves for her duties. And she's not shy about expressing her discontent with the situation either," Nathan replied. Kayla nodded.

"Even in front of my parents," he added.

"Interesting," Kayla said.

"What's interesting," Nathan asked.

"That she isn't afraid of your parents," Kayla replied.

"I guess it has something to do with a fact that she's a princess. It's not like she's insulting her own leaders or something," Nathan explained. Kayla nodded. "I want you back."

"Nathan, you're engaged. You can't have me back," Kayla rationalized.

"I don't care if I'm engaged. I want to marry you," he said.

"You can't. Your parents would disown you and you know it," Kayla said.

"If they disown me, then they disown me. I don't care. I want you, not Haley. Don't get me wrong, I like her but there's just one thing wrong with her," he said.

"What?" Kayla asked, leaning into his eyes. What could be wrong with a princess?

"She is not you," Nathan said. Kayla couldn't help but smile. She came over to Nathan and threw herself into him. His arms wrapped around her and she dug her head into his shoulder. "I miss this so much," Nathan whispered into her hair.

Hale stood at the doorway of this Kayla's apartment. As a foreign royal, she was treated with a surprising amount of respect. She figured it had to do with the fact that she was Nathan's fiancée, a fact she was not thrilled about but had to admit that it came in handy at times. Then her eyes locked with Kayla's.

"Who are you?" Kayla asked. Nathan pulled away and looked towards the door.

"Haley, what are you doing here?" he asked, nervously.

"Now weren't you the one who was scolding me about being with my ex?" she asked. He gazed at her pleadingly. "Oh, relax. I won't tell."

"You won't?" he asked.

"No, I think it's kind of nice. You two look so cute," she teased.

"How can you say that?" Kayla asked.

"I just did," Haley replied simply.

"That's not what I meant. How can you say that when you're about to marry him?" Kayla said.

Haley laughed. "Yeah, about that. I've decided not to go through with it," Haley said.

"What are you talking about?" Nathan asked.

"I said I'm not going to marry you. Sorry, Nathan, but you're just going to have to marry your girlfriend here," Haley replied.

"There was an agreement made by your parents that you two would marry each other," Kayla reminded them.

"To hell with their treaty! I never signed on for it. It's my life that they bargained with," Haley said.

"Do your parents know yet?" Nathan asked.

"Not yet but they will. I was kind of hoping you'd support me on this," Haley said.

"You were?" he asked. Haley nodded. Nathan gulped and started to shake his head.

"Don't you want to be with her instead of me?" Haley asked, raising her eyes at him innocently.

"Of course," Nathan replied right away. Haley winced.

"Wow. That actually hurt," she said.

"Sorry. What I meant was that I'm on your side," he replied.

"All righty then. Shall we go then?" Haley said.

"Go where?" Nathan asked.

"To Toraan. Try to keep up, ok?" Haley replied, shaking her head in amusement. Nathan rolled his eyes. Haley turned to Kayla. "Do you want to come?"

"Is that allowed?" Kayla asked.

"Do you want to come?" Haley asked.

"Of course I do," Kayla replied.

"Well, I asked, you said yes, so I guess it must be allowed then," Haley replied. Nathan laughed.

"I see what you meant about her," Kayla whispered to Nathan as they followed Haley out the door.

"She certainly is a character," Nathan said.

"I heard that," Haley called back. Kayla's face reddened in embarrassment.

TORAAN

Haley led the way into the throne room where both of their parents were. "Haley. Nathan. Excellent," Dan said.

"Haley, why don't you tell them?" Nathan suggested. Haley nodded.

"Right. Look, though we appreciate the kind gesture, we say thanks but no thanks," Haley said.

"What?" All four parents asked.

"We've decided not to go through with the wedding," Haley clarified.

"This is a funny joke though hardly appropriate," James said.

"No joke. We're serious. We will not be joined in holy matrimony," Haley said.

"Honey, stop this nonsense," her mother scolded. Haley laughed and shook her head.

"Did you honestly think that I would just accept this and move on?" Haley asked.

"You have to do this. The engagement has already been announced. The people are already preparing for it," Deborah said.

"Well, too bad! I love them but I'm not about to sacrifice my happiness so they can go to a party," Haley said.

"This is not a good idea," James grumbled. Nathan saw Haley roll her eyes. Kayla grabbed hold of his hand. He smiled at her touch Haley walked over to her father, knelt down and looked him in the eyes.

"I know that you support arranged marriage and why wouldn't you given what a success your own marriage was? But our situations are entirely different. You knew mom your whole life and were probably already loved her. Knowing you, I bet you were already planning to propose. I just met Nathan three days ago and already I know he's not the one I should be with. If I marry him, I will regret it for the rest of my life. Is that really what you want for me?" Haley asked.

"We all have to make sacrifices," he reminded her. Haley looked at him.

"That's true but is sacrificing the throne a good idea?" Haley asked. That got his attention.

"What are you talking about?" her father asked.

"Well, Nathan and I are both only children. If we do marry, that means I'll move to Polar and rule that country. The throne of Toraan will be passed down to your stepbrother's daughter," Haley replied.

"Lisa is unprepared to rule. I love her but she is not very bright," James started.

"She's not qualified to rule Toraan the way I am. I know that. So, break the treaty and let me stay and rule Toraan," Haley concluded. It was obvious that Haley knew exactly which buttons to push to get her parents to see things he r way. Nathan smirked. She was very resourceful. King James sighed and looked at his wife sadly.

"The agreement has just been revoked," he said. Haley smiled and hugged her father. Kayla jumped up and down excitedly.

"Did you hear that?" he asked.

"Of course I did. Kayla, will you marry me?" he said. Her eyes lit up with happiness. She nodded and kissed him, then hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her off the ground.

Haley was happy for Nathan and Kayla. They finally got what they all wanted and she was determined to get what she wanted and that was Calan. Not marry him yet, of course but definitely get him back. She walked over and sat down at her throne and smiled at Nathan who smiled back while hugging Kayla.

He put Kayla down and walked over to her. He took Haley's hand and pulled her up. He hugged her. "Thank you so much," he whispered. Haley nodded and gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek and pulled back from him.

Nathan's fight was over. Her battle had just begun. The real battle for her was convincing Calan that they could be together. She excused herself and made her way out of the palace. She was heading to Calan's house that he shared with his older brother.

"Princess Haley, what a surprise!" Calan's older brother, Terrance said. He bowed down to her and kissed her hand. She lifted his chin up and looked him in his eyes.

"Where is he?" she asked.

"Who, Calan?" he asked. She nodded. Duh. "He's out."

"Oh," she said.

"On a date," Terrence added. Haley gulped and he noticed. "I'm sorry."

Haley refused to shed one tear so she nodded and thanked him, leaving quickly.

A few minutes later

"Thanks for a wonderful evening, Calan. I had a great time," Angela said.

"You're welcome. I had a good time too," he said. He wasn't lying; he did have fun with her. Angela had been his friend for ages but he had just realized that she liked him so he had asked her out. He felt some definite potential in her. He walked into his house and saw his brother sitting at the table.

"Hey, Terry. What are you still doing up?" he asked.

"Her Highness paid us a visit," Terrence announced. Haley? He wondered but then relaxed.

"That's nice. How was she?" he asked.

"Couldn't tell. I don't know her as well as you do," Terrence said. It was Haley that had stopped by. Calan barely knew her mother but he knew Haley as well as he knew himself. "I told her about your date."

"And how did she react?" Calan asked.

"It wasn't much of a reaction. She left in a quite a hurry though," Terrence replied. She's hurt, Calan realized.

"Do you know what she wanted?" Calan asked.

His brother shook his head. "Didn't get a chance to ask her," Terrence replied. Calan nodded. He'd deal with her now. He would go to the palace and tell her to stop coming to his house and that she didn't have to worry about him anymore. He was over her and moved on with a lovely girl named Angela. On his way, he wondered if she would buy it.

10 minutes later

He stopped at the river when he saw her sitting down on the same rock nearly seven days before. "Haley?" He called.

Haley turned at his voice. "Hi," she said, smiling.

"What were you doing at my house?" he asked. Haley winced. Apparently he wasn't interested in keeping up appearances.

"I just came to tell you something but your brother told me you were on a date. How'd it go?" she asked.

"It went great. What did you want to tell me?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter anymore," she replied.

"Don't lie to me, Haley. It is important to you. It's all over your face," he said.

"Damn it! I hate having an honest face," she exploded.

"Just tell me," Calan said.

"It's fine. You probably wouldn't care," she said. He grabbed a hold of her arms and forced her to face him.

"Don't give me that. Tell me what it is," he said. She sighed.

"Fine. If you really want to know, I came to tell you that I'm not engaged anymore," she snapped. Calan released her. Those were the words he had longed to hear for so long. Haley turned back and faced the water.

"You're not engaged?" he asked.

"Isn't that what I just said?" Haley retorted. He smiled for some reason. Haley was completely taken aback by his reaction.

"That's good," he said.

"Yeah, good," she agreed bitterly. He smiled again. The girl could be so dense sometimes, he thought. She still didn't get it. He put his hand on her shoulder and she turned to look at him, again with confusion.

"No, it's great," he said. Haley eyed him carefully.

"Great?" she asked.

"Yes, doorknob. Great," he replied. She still doubted him. He could see it. He turned her head to him and planted his mouth on hers.

2 years later

Haley walked into the big mansion reserved for the Prime Minister of the U.E. and sat down in a chair. In her solitude, she glanced at her left ring finger and swallowed. It was bear. The engagement ring that had stood proudly on that finger was no longer there and Haley had to bite back tears as she recalled exactly what had happened. The man who had promised her forever had not only lied to her, he had played her for a fool, messing around behind her back. With her own governess.

The PM's attendant had told her that Larek Milano would be along any moment now. Apparently he was finishing a meeting with another visiting royal. Haley wondered who it was.

"I appreciate that you came all this way just to meet me," Larek said.

"It was not problem, Sir. I've heard so many things about you from Theresa Moore of Rendaya. I figured now would be as good as any time to meet you for myself. When I'm King, I won't have any time to travel to Antar without a really good reason," he said.

"Let's hope nothing that serious happens," he said. Nathan smiled appreciatively. Larek glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Something wrong?" Nathan asked.

"Not really. I'm just running late for a meeting with another royal," Larek replied.

"Oh, really? From where?" Nathan asked.

"Something starting with a 't'. I'm not really sure. It's a country that lies on the U.E.-O.T. border," Larek replied.

"Interesting. I know of a country that's around there. I hardly think it's the same one though. The Toraanians aren't really likely to travel all this way just to meet you," Nathan said.

"Well, you're welcome to join me," Larek said.

"Why, thank you. I'd enjoy that," Nathan said. They walked to a pair of double doors. The Prime Minister opened them and walked in. Nathan followed and was stunned when he saw the visiting royal. It was none other than his ex-fiancée.

"Haley?" he asked. She turned her head and looked at him in confusion. He didn't remember him.

"Do I know you?" she asked.

"You can't be serious. You don't recognize me?" Nathan asked.

"I'm sorry," Haley replied, shaking her head.

"Come on. I know it's been a while since we've seen each other but it hasn't been that long," he said.

Haley stared at the strangers in front of her. "Could you give me a hint?" she asked the black-haired one.

"Polar," he said.

"Polar?" Haley repeated and wrinkled her brow. It was familiar. "Oh, yes! That's the name of a country where the man I was betrothed to… wait a minute," she said. It couldn't be.

His smile widened at her. "Nathan?" she asked.

"It took you long enough," he said, smiling that charming smile she remembered.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"I'm here visiting the Prime Minister. What about yourself? You're a long way from home," Nathan replied.

"It's a long story," she said.

"So you two know each other?" Larek asked, clearing his throat. Haley smiled. She had forgotten that there was someone else in the room with them.

"Yes, Prime Minister. This is the Princess of Toraan. That's the country I was telling you about," Nathan replied. Larek nodded and turned to Haley.

"Hello, Highness," Larek said, taking Haley's hand and kissing it, "I'm the Prime Minister."

"I figured," Haley said and they laughed.

"So, what brings you all the way out here?" Larek asked Haley.

"I guess you could say I've been in need of a distraction lately. So, my father suggested that I should get out into the world and make my presence known since my coronation will be taking place in a matter of weeks," Haley replied as they all wandered into a small living room. Larek sat down in a chair while Nathan and Haley sat beside one another on a couch that was placed across from the chair.

"Your coronation?" Nathan repeated, looking at her in surprise. Haley nodded. "It seems a little early for you to take the throne." Haley smiled.

"A lot has changed since the last time we saw each other, Nathan," she replied. His eyes changed and he bent his head down quickly but Haley could've sworn she saw a flicker of pain in them. He looked back up at her. His eyes were glazed over and Haley felt a sense of déjà vu.

Part of her etiquette teachings came back to her. You were supposed to appear in control at all times. No emotion whatsoever. Wasn't that the royal way? "I know what you mean," Nathan muttered but offered no explanation.

All of a sudden, a thundering crash interrupted the conversation followed by a piercing scream. Haley noticed Larek rolling his eyes and absentmindedly wondered why. Then, there was a knock on the door and Larek's attendant came into the room. "Sire, Miss Sofia is calling for you," he said. Larek nodded and turned to Nathan and Haley with an apologetic expression.

"I'm so very sorry but I must leave you for a few minutes. My wife, Sofia is pregnant and is a very demanding woman. I must go and see what it is that she wants now," Larek said tiredly.

"Of course," Nathan said as he turned to eye Haley. Her face was bright with amusement and her mouth was clamped closed and she had her hand covering it but Nathan could tell she was holding in her laughter. He was glad to see that some things hadn't changed.

"Good luck," Haley squeezed out. Larek chuckled and closed the door behind him. She waited an appropriate amount of time to make sure that Larek was out of earshot and then exploded into laughter.

"You are awful," he said. Haley rolled her eyes.

"Please. You thought it was funny too. You're just better at keeping your emotions in check," Haley said. Nathan shrugged.

"I didn't think there was anything funny about it," Nathan replied firmly.

"Oh, come on!" Haley exclaimed skeptically.

"It's true because unlike you, I know the truth behind the situation," he said.

"What truth?" Haley asked.

"That Sofia Milano is in a fragile condition," Nathan said.

"I thought she was pregnant," Haley said.

"She is but its high risk. Sofia has miscarried twice before and so the doctor ordered her on bed rest for her entire pregnancy," Nathan said.

"How could you possibly know that?" Haley asked.

"Anyone from the U.E. knows that," Nathan replied.

"Right," she said, nodding.

The country sat directly on the U.E.-O.T. border and technically belonged to both organizations. It was a well-known fact that the Toraanians kept to themselves. They didn't consider themselves to be part of either one. King James had made it clear that Toraan was a sovereign state.

"So why are you having your coronation?" Nathan asked.

"I think it's pretty self explanatory," Haley replied.

"Not really," Nathan pointed out. Haley sighed.

"Why does anyone have a coronation?" she asked and let that hang in the air. Nathan looked at her in confusion. "I'm taking over soon."

"I gathered that. But why?" Nathan asked.

"What do you mean?" Haley asked.

"Your father is barely into his fifties right now. Why in the world would he be giving you the throne so soon?" Nathan asked.

"The people have grown tired of his tactics. They want a change," Haley replied.

"His tactics?" Nathan repeated in confusion. That was a very odd way to describe the way her father ruled. King James "Jim" James was a renowned leader. He was one of the greats but the word 'tactics' implied that he was crooked. Nathan didn't understand it.

"Yes," Haley replied. Nathan was about to ask her what she meant but Haley shook her head to signal that it was the end of the conversation.

"All right. I don't understand but I gather you don't want to talk about it," he said.

"Bingo. I don't want to talk about it because, frankly, I'm tired. All I ever do is talk about it and I feel like a broken record. So I appreciate you asking but my response is 'no comment'," Haley said.

"All right. Jeez," Nathan said.

"So how is, uh…?" Haley asked, trying to remember what's-her-name's name. Nathan looked at her in confusion. "Kayla?" Nathan's face went slack at the name. She had obviously gotten it right.

"No comment," he muttered. Her eyebrows shot up and her mouth curved into a small knowing smile.

"Trouble brewing in paradise?" Haley joked. His eyes narrowed. That is what everyone always assumed. His eyes narrowed.

"Paradise is gone," he replied flatly. Haley frowned.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I mean that without Kayla, there is no paradise," Nathan said.

"Well, where is she?" Haley asked in disbelief. Usually the person asking that question had a confident and almost mocking glint in their eyes since they thought they already knew the answer. They almost always figured that Kayla had left him but Haley was different. And that's why Nathan decided to answer.

"Kayla is dead," he replied. Haley's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Nathan knew she was probably going to ask how Kayla had died like all the other nosy people had but then her mouth closed and her face softened. She placed a small hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.

"I'm sorry," Haley said with a kind smile.