I couldn't think about anything except for what I'm giving up. Could my family really ask me I give up true happiness? Of course they could. "As heir it comes with certain sacrifices," I could practically hear from my father. But isn't true love something that only comes once in a lifetime? Why doesn't anyone understand?

My silence bothered those around my but I didn't care. I marched dutifully through the coliseum.

"Your Highness," I heard calling from behind me. The General gave me a face that I couldn't really distinguish.

"Yes, General?"

"Please follow me," He ordered. He lead me to side office. Why? he seems so stern and I followed trying to figure out what he's up to.

"Gen-Joe!?" I gasped there sitting at the desk looking confused and just as surprised as me. I looked between Joe and the General.

The General smiled shyly, "You did a brave thing by coming back, but I gave up true love once and look at me. You may not be able to keep it, but at least hold on to it for as long possible."

"General, I don't know what to say." I stepped out of character and hugged the sweet man.

"No need to say anything, just know that you have a sympathizer and champion." He kissed the top of my head and closed the door behind himself.

I blinked praying that this wasn't a dream. Could he really be here? My Joe, the one that I thought I'd lost forever? I turned slowly to face him again. He got to his feet; his arms wrapped around my waist where they should stay from now on, and my arms locked around his neck holding him close.

"Ann, " he sighed. His breath hot on my neck.

"Oh Joe," I cried. Tears of joy were sliding down my cheeks. "How are you here?"

"You know, I'm not exactly sure. I finally came to grips that you weren't coming after me, and as I left the Throne Room a guard stopped me. Next thing I know I'm being deposited in this office and the General is giving me a lecture on your duties."

"Really?" I chuckled.

His hand went to my hair and he played with my curls. "Yeah, just when I thought he would kick me out he changed his demeanor and asked about how I felt about you."

I flashed him a weak smile, realizing that we've only known each other twenty-four hours. Is that really enough time to develop feelings of a lashing measure? Could this be a passing fancy? "What did you say?"

He kiss my hand, my cheek, and finally my lips. His kiss sent shivers up my spine and my constrictor arms pulled him closer. He pulled away, his eyes half closed and nose touching mine, he answered, "I told him I fell in love with a well-dressed, well-read beauty that made herself at home in my apartment, my pajamas and my heart."

My smile grew along with my confidence. I pulled him in for another bolder kiss. I knew in my heart this is where I truly belonged. But as that beautiful thought entered it became crowded by demands of my place and guilt for thinking of myself not my country. A single tear of hatred and regret slid down my country. A single tear of hatred and regret slid down my check.

"That better be a tear of joy," He whispered.

"What are we going to do, Joe?" I laid my head to his chest as he pulled me tight.

"Well if you country would have me-"

"No, I couldn't ask you to do that."

"Joe, you should know better than anyone about how I have to live my life. I couldn't ask you to join me in that type of scrutiny."

"Once again you didn't. But I must know... do you love me as much as I love you?"

Sighing in the comfort of his embrace, I snuggled deeper in his arms. "Oh, so much more."

He chuckled, "I'm not sure about that, but at least now we have a place to start."

"Do you think we can make this work?"

"I'd bet my life on it," He announced.

"Life is a pretty high bargain." I pointed out.

With his finger under my chin he forced me to look at him. "Life without you would be worthless anyway, so I'm all in. What about you?"

I kissed him soundly, as I pulled away I whispered, "I'm all in."

Fin.

Comment, Critique, and tell me what you think. I love Roman Holiday and this is how I always wanted it to end.