It wasn't long after that he noticed a familiar scent coming from the throne room. He entered the room.

'Lilly?' he wondered.

'Your Highness,' she replied.

"James," Carthago said. "Come in. I have something here I would like you to confirm."

"Yes. What is it, Carthago?" James asked, ignoring Lilly's presence.

"I have a message here that says the Gerrabellas are planning another attack and to ask you to confirm it. Is it true?"

"I don't..."

'Pay attention to how you feel, James,' Lilly said.

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"Shut up, Lilly! I don't think we can rule out that possibility, but I doubt they will be attacking anytime soon."

"The message says within two months."

James felt the Gerrabella inside leap for joy at the thought of war and the plans were laid bare. He looked sick.

"James?"

"Call the Generals together. The message is correct."

"Very well, James. I'll call them, but if you put a confirmation so lightly over a woman again, you could bring this kingdom to its knees! Am I understood?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Now, I want you to stay here and work out your issues with this Adremedian then join us in the briefing room."

James bowed and Carthago left.

For a long time, neither spoke. In the silence, Lilly stepped closer to him. She stood in front of him for several moments before she spoke.

'I apologize, Your Highness, for any hurt feelings you have because of me.'

'You should,' he replied. 'How could you betray me so easily? Is it because I have changed?'

'No, Your Highness. After we left, I blacked out. I had only been awake for an hour when you entered the forest.'

'And Briar? What did he do those two days?'

'Kept an eye on me'

'A close eye, no doubt. I bet he even held you while you slept.'

'No. He left me in a healing tree and kept his distance. Briar respects my position and will keep it that way.'

'Likely story. You just don't want to admit that you don't like me anymore.'

'James,' she said softly, touching his cheek.

He remained unmoved.

'When you're ready to accept the truth, you know where to find me.' Then she kissed him briefly.

'Are you trying to kill me?!' he yelled, pus.h.i.+ng her away.

'Forgive me, Your Highness. The poison should no longer affect you.' Then she brushed pa.s.sed him.

His hand caught her wrist, but she didn't turn. 'Where are you going?'

'To the forest, where I belong.'

'So you can be with Briar?' he asked angrily.

'No, Your Highness. So I can perform my duty as an Adremedian healer. When you're ready to push the Gerrabella aside enough to listen, you know where to find me.' Then she broke away and headed for the doors.

'And Briar?'

'He returned to his duties in the hills a month ago. He left when you arrived. Goodbye, Prince.'

James heard the doors close and he felt like the door between them had closed as well. What had he done? He still loved her. Her voice had remained calm and soft despite his accusations. He sank to his knees and cried.

'Lilly, please come back.'

'You know where to find me.'

Beneath the pain, anger bubbled to the surface and dried his tears. It took him a moment to calm down, but he did and felt his way to the briefing room where everyone was waiting. The rest of the day was spent planning a counter offensive. James laid out the enemy's plans in detail. He could almost picture the many questioning glances the generals must have had on their faces as they listened to him give them the detailed plans of their enemy. When James had given them everything he could, he was dismissed.

James returned to his room. He sat by the window. How long he sat there, he didn't know, but it didn't feel long before Carthago came in and sat in the chair across from him.

"How are things between you and Lilly?" Carthago asked.

"I don't know," James replied, leaning back in the chair. "I feel as if it's over; that she won't be coming back."

"Did she say that?"

"Not in so many words. She's returned to the forest and wouldn't stay."

"Did you ask her to stay?"

"No."

"James, do you love this girl?"

"Yes."

"Then why did you let her go so easily? You know how she feels about you."

"I...," he stopped. "It's hopeless Carthago. She's gone."

"But you know where to find her.… Think about it, James, and let me know what you decide. If it would be better to live in the forest then live in the forest."

James gave a slow nod and they went into the dining room.

It was typical conversation volume, but for some reason it seemed louder tonight. James ate quickly and retired early. He slept until noon the next day. Asiis brought in food and helped him bathe and dress. Then James took Torta to the forest. Torta led him to where Lilly was working. He heard a yelp and snap.

'I'm sorry. I tried to be gentle. Now will you please let go of my arm so I can finish?... Thank you.'

'Lilly?'

'Be just a moment, Prince.'

He climbed off Torta and stood by his side. Behind him he heard a low growl. It stopped when something brushed past his legs. Lilly took his hand and led him to sit at the base of a tree. Her grip loosened, but he tightened his hold.

'Don't go.'

'Torta needs some care. I'm not going anywhere.'