When I awoke from my slumber it felt like I slept for days, even though it was only midday the following day. I got out of bed and looked outside of my window. The castle was in shambles and everyone was busy trying to clean up the rubble and rebuild their houses. I got myself washed and dressed and ate some of the food that was laid out for me. When I walked out of my room I felt a strong breeze coming through the corridor. The giant beanstalk that grew from the middle of the citadel was cut down and brought down another big chunk of the citadel's walls.

There were people all around, making repairs to the castle and cleaning up rocks and pieces of trees. As I walked down to the main hall of the castle I really started noticing what state the castle was in. it was going to take months before it was back to its original state, but not only that, this castle was made into an easy target for anyone willing to attack us right now.

I went to see father, who was busy in the dining hall, as the great hall was currently without a ceiling. He was discussing finances with his advisors. I asked if there was anything I could do now that I was well rested. I wanted to help and father gave me the task of food rationing. It was a good way to keep myself occupied. I sat there for hours as more reports about destroyed housings and properties came in.

I rarely saw Elmont in the following few days. Sometimes he would come into the dining hall to speak to father, after which he would swiftly leave again. He was very sharp and efficient the upcoming days, trying to restore everything to its former glory as quickly as possible.

After a week of hard work I decided to join the knights and go to the tavern. It was fun and it took my mind off of all the issues I was facing during the day. I don't even think my father minded me going to the tavern, or maybe he was too busy to even see me leave. At one point in the evening Elmont came into the tavern. He scanned the room and looked right at the table we were all sitting at, turned around again and left. And that's when I realised he was avoiding me. I excused myself and quickly went after him

'Elmont! Wait.' I called out.

'Princess, please go back inside. Have your fun, you deserve it.' He replied

'And so do you. Why are you trying so hard to avoid me?'

'I'm not. I'm just tired.'

'Yes I know, everyone is. But you were coming in and you walked out again because of me, am I right or am I wrong?'

'I'm sorry Princess, I didn't mean to insult you.'

'Insult me? You didn't insult me, you confuse me. I just don't know what to think anymore.' I paused. 'We need to talk about what happened. You kissed me Elmont, not the other way around, but yet you seem to be the one whose keen on forgetting all about it. Calling me Princess as if you're my subordinate.'

'But I am your subordinate Sarah. You are still the Princess and even though I do care about you it doesn't matter. I swore to protect you from harm and that includes me. Your father will probably kill me if he ever finds out what happens. Maybe it is best if we both forget what happened.' He paused for a moment. 'You're young, you'll get over it soon enough and maybe so will I.'

'I won't get over it. Tell me Elmont, when you look at me what do you see, because sometimes I feel as if you still see me as the young Princess that would run around the castle stealing sweet buns from the kitchen.'

'That's not fair. When I look at you I see a woman capable of doing anything she puts her mind to. I see someone who doesn't let herself be defined by what family she was born into, but a strong minded person who wants to be known for her own accomplishments and not that of her forefathers. I see a woman who in the last few months made me fall madly in love with her, but also realise that she is in a completely different phase of her life.'

'I… I don't know what to say.'

'Then don't say anything.' He said whilst pulling me closer and kissing me.

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