Here it is the last chapter. Forgive me if it seems slightly off, I just didn't know what else to do with the story.

Chapter 4

Melia's footsteps resounded throughout the halls of the palace. She had just come from the medical wing and to no surprise the lesson had come to nothing as she had already enough skill to will the ether as she pleased. Stopping the flow was child's play compared to actually changing the element of the ether, as she had been taught many years ago. Sighing she tried not to hold it against the two healers; they were simply worried about her making a mistake and injuring him more. A bittersweet smile came to her lips; she had learned to be perfect long before those two entered the picture. Thinking back she could only remember one mistake that she truly regretted. Shaking away the thought she arrived at her destination. Smoothing down her dress and adjusting her headband she knocked on the heavy wood door. It opened to reveal Dunban who smiled in greeting after realizing who it was. Inviting her in he gestured for her to sit as he took his place across from her and she began the slow process of stopping the flow of ether.

"Is this going to hurt?"

The nonchalance of the question took her by surprise and she shook her head while remaining focused on her work.

"No, but it will take quite some time, stopping it to quickly could result in ether deficiency."

He nodded and as the quiet pervaded it took all her concentration to focus on his arm. She refused to look up even when his gaze didn't waver from her countenance. After what seemed like an eternity the process was over and she let go of his arm; neatly placing her hands in her lap.

"That is all for today, but I would like to see if there is a way to heal these burns. Even if the nerves heal, you might not regain full motion if we do not heal the entirety of your arm."

Standing up with the grace of a swan she recalled something. Readjusting her headband she hesitated before finally coming out with it.

"I would like it if you would join me for dinner again tonight. It has been to long since I have had such good company."

Dunban rose and took one of her hands.

"If it pleases milady I will join her for dinner every night."

He then kissed the back of her hand and her face flushed a slight pink; her expression softened.

"It would be wonderful to have dinner with you every night Dunban."

Her response thrilled him and he felt a smile come to his lips. He gave a mock bow.

"Your wish is my command."

When he stood tall once again she was already halfway out the door flushing completely red.

(One month later)

Fiddling with the hem of her dress Melia felt nervous for the first time in her life. She had never felt like this before, not even when facing the telethia by herself. So there she stood in front of his door debating whether or not to turn around and leave. Inwardly she chided herself, it was just Dunban; there was no reason to be nervous. Breathing heavily she knocked lightly, at the very least Dunban wouldn't press her if he noticed. The door swung wide open and there stood Dunban as suave as ever. Giving him her usual smile he moved aside to let her in and they began the process. This had been their routine and slowly they both had gotten quieter with each passing day, at first, there had been some pointless banter, but now there was nothing, just silence. Neither took the effort to disrupt the rift that had formed between them and both wondered if the other wanted them to. Once finished she sat there as neither made eye contact. For the first time in days Dunban broke the silence.

"What is it Melia?"

She was unmoving as her inner turmoil reached its peak. Gathering her resolve she pulled something out of her pocket. He watched as she removed the lid and started applying the cream to his arm.

"For the burns."

Was the only explanation she gave before the silence reined once again. Finally Dunban couldn't stand it any longer, he had to know.

"Are you still in love with Shulk."

She froze. The abruptness of the question and the tone in which he said it left her unable to determine why he had asked. After another minute of deliberating she knew the only way to know for certain was to answer.

"No."

She thanked the Bionis her voice didn't betray her. Taking some more cream from the tub she started working it into his hand. She prayed her would leave it at that, but she knew better than to believe he would.

"Why?"

She had to think about it for a moment before responding.

"When I first met him I thought he could be the one for me."

He noticed her smile turn bittersweet before becoming tender and she shook her head.

"But he wasn't for me; his heart already belonged to someone else and I realized that they belong together."

Once she was done she rose and headed for the door; her usual curtsy forgotten.

"Melia."

She turned, uncertain, as he approached her. Leaning into her ear he whispered.

"I love you."

She felt her knees become weak as she comprehended what he said. He pulled her close to steady her and she took a minute to gain control of her legs before she realized that he was still waiting for an answer. She was quick to supply him with one.

"I love you to Dunban."

His smile melted her heart and they shared a tender kiss. Only once they pulled apart did she notice.

"Dunban your arm."

He was holding her with both arms. Both arms not just one and it was the happiest thing she could have hoped for.

"So it seems my empress."

She flushed at the title.

"Dunban I object to you calling me empress."

He laughed heartily and she relished the sound despite what it was used for.

"And why should you object? I'm merely calling you by your title my queen."

She flushed darker.

"Dunban as Melia Antiqua Ruler of the High Entia I demand you refrain from calling me by any titles."

He smiled suavely.

"I see you don't follow your own rules my queen as you just called yourself the ruler of the High Entia."

She realized her error and her entire face became a dark hue. He chuckled again.

"Well I suppose that I won't call you by your titles, but only if you agree to marry me."

Her jaw dropped slightly and she merely stared at him for a moment before quickly composing herself.

"Dunban Hero of the Homs and Nopon are you asking for the hand of the empress without as much as a ring?"

He wasn't about to be outwitted.

"Not in my wildest dreams Empress Antiqua."

Kneeling down he removed a box from a hidden pocket in his cloak.

"Now your most royal empress do I have permission to ask for your hand in marriage?"

A hint of a smile made its way onto her face and her eyes betrayed her elation.

"You do Dunban."

"Melia Antiqua will you marry me and become my wife"

The smile enveloped her face like wildfire.

"Yes."

Sliding the ring onto her finger Dunban leaned in for another kiss and Melia let the moment enrapture her. She finally had her prince.

And there you have it. Also I hope the ending doesn't feel too rushed I feel that they have both known each other for several years before this point and are only coming to grips with their feelings now. So, hopefully this isn't too much of a leap in logic that he would suddenly propose. Anyway onto the next story.

-MidnightMarchioness