I hear the heavy stone door open from across the room, without even looking I know who enters. Maddox Finn, he smells of cedar and citrus like always. I smile as he stomps towards me frustrated. "What was that out there Taryn?" "You were supposed to call your army's attack off." he yells. "Excuse me?" I laugh. "You have no say in what I do, and let's face it, we both know why you're here." "You couldn't stand to be away from me for more than a day!" I say grinning. "Sure." he scoffs. "You know it's true, Lets skip the pleasantries, shall we?" I smirk. "You and I both know we’re not here for small talk. "Just admit it Maddox, you're in love with me. He looks defeated, like he's too scared to admit it. I know him all too well and can tell he doesn't want to address this fact because he's worried about the repercussions. "I can't Taryn, you know how this will end." "it's forbidden to talk or even be with someone from a different kingdom than the one I grew up in." he replies, but I don't give up. I stare at him with so much love in my heart. "But you can, you go back to your throne, confess your love for me with your head held high, change that centuries old rule, and then ignore what anyone has to say about you or us." "I place my hand on his cheek, lean in, and kiss him. "Well, if that doesn't convince me to listen to you, I don't know what will. I smile, knowing he’s finally ready to love me, to call me his, forever!