Sebastian laughed at Amara, seeming to be just as flabbergasted as the rest of them were. Never in a million years did he ever think a princess would come and say she wasn't interested in a marriage and then offer to have an alliance based on friendship. He thought it was going to end sending a crying princess home and have her parents yell at her. Well, it was the complete opposite of that surprisingly. He doesn't how he would react if she started crying. He would feel bad about it but he already has someone that he wishes to marry and nothing is going to change that. He is happy to have another alliance thst doesn't relate to having to get married but being related to friendship.

"That really did just happen." He said as he let a chuckle leave his lips. It will probably be the best one out of the handful of other princesses he will have to meet. "You would've been just fine if she flirted with me. I wouldn't have flirted back so you wouldn't have to worry about it. And if she were to come onto me, I would be pushing her away." He went over to her when she stood up and put a hand on the small of her back to help her with standing but letting her do most of the work herself. He hummed as he thought for a moment, not sure what to think about meeting two princesses in one day but his parents arranged it so there is no refusing it. "In a few since the next one is supposed to be at dinner. Then I should be free after I do a bit of paperwork after dinner and then I can spend time with my lovely and beautiful future wife." He wink at her before letting out a laugh.

He went behind her and placed both hands on her hips. He reached one hand up and swept her hair to one side and pressed a soft kiss to the side of her neck. "As much as I would rather spend time with you instead of another meeting, I must commit to this unless I want a punishment to be thrown at me by my parents." He muttered against her neck. He pressed another kiss to her neck before pulling away slightly. "Now, let's walk to the dining room. I'll hold onto as you walk and will catch you if you fall. If you feel like you can't do it, I'll pick you up and carry you the rest of the way and won't care what others will think." He said as he slide his hand back down to her hip.

~~~~~

Just as Lorelei entered the dining room with a few dishes of chocolate strawberries and some caramel, Aro and the princess were just entering the room we well. She quickly plastered a fake smile on her face that seemed real to most people as she set the trays on the table. She was quiet as she listened to them talk, holding back a snort when the princess asked about the king. She bit her tongue to prevent something nasty coming out about the king that could potentially get her into trouble. She poured drinks in their glasses before removing the lids to the trays of the food up so they can start dishing up their food.

Her brow raised when the princess said they were fast and obedient. She opened her mouth to make a remark but quickly closed it, not wanting to get another slap across the face form another princess. She didn't need twin bruises on her face nor did she think Aro would be happy about it. "That is correct. We must obey ever lesson taught to us and if we get out of line, we do get punished." She stated, not looking over at Aro as she did so. She is going to try her best not to look at him and stir the feelings inside even more. She hate these two in the same room together but it is what it is.

She hummed when the princess brought up Amara. She nodded her head, agreeing with what Aro said about her being hurt and healing. "She is a lovely person. Maybe you will meet you one day, especially once she feels better and is up and about." She lied, even though it seemed so truthful.

Sebastian kept his arm around her as she walked, letting her do most of the work as they made their way down the hall. He listened to her as he watched her feet for any induction that she is going to loose her balance and fall. He hummed at her retort, knowing he would feel the same way if he was in her position. "I understand. I would be the same if the roles were reversed." He muttered as he glanced as a servant passed them, giving her a smile before his attention went back to Amara. Like he stated before they left the meeting room, he didn't mind care if the servants saw him helping her.

He shrugged his shoulders at her question. He didn't know if it was normal himself, but he had to go with it since his parents were the ones that set this up. "Don't know. My parents are apparently trying to get another marriage alliance matched, so my guess is they are throwing as many women as they can at me until I finally settle for one." He said as he loosened his arm around her waist since she was doing fairly well walking. "And yes. I think they think that since they are so simple minded people. I think after you are finally healed and walking better, I will be saying a picked someone and that it is you. It needs to be done or these meetings will continue to go on until they die. That could be years to come as they don't seem to be dying anything soon."

When they finally made it to the dining room, no one was there yet. Perhaps the princess was running a bit late. He helped Amara into a chair a few seats from his before he helped the servants place trays of food on the table. "And that sounds good. I'll bring you down to Luna no matter how late it is." He said with a smile, knowing she needed to see her mare. Just as he finished helping the servants get everything ready, the doors opened, indicating the Rosalind finally appeared with the princess.

~~~~

Lorelei gave Aro a look to settle down, hoping that he saw it. She understands that Mayve wants to try and get on good terms, but he doesn't have to be rude towards the princess. She held her tongue back, knowing that her saying something regarding this topic might just cause him to snap at her. As much as she can stand her ground, she is not in a fighting mood right now. She had enough being around Cora and her cheek still stung, so she can't deal with another woman trying to do the same thing. Mayve will meet Amara eventually, maybe but she might be wrong.

Her brows rose when he gave the princess a stone cold tone. She doesn't remember the last time he used this type of voice. She stayed silent as she let the princess talk, her hands clenching are her sides. This is an arranged marriage no matter what it seems. She hates it. Does his father not learn anything after what happened between Amara and Sebastian? Apparently not since his father is still ended up doing this regardless. She had to hold back a snort when the princess stared that she doesn't plan to have a wedding for awhile. My ass she doesn't because it will ended up happening sooner rather than later.

She watched as Aro stood up and started pacing. He seems to be stressed with the situation and finding out this way. She could t let him go through the same thing that Seb and Amara had gone through. So, she did something stupid, irrational, and could potentially get her heart broken. "Well, I'm sorry, but Aro is already spoken for." She said as she made her way over towards him. This is stupid but she had to do it or she was going to loose him in the process. She reached out and gently grabbed his hand to stop him from pacing. "I'm his princess and I've already claimed the title of his queen and stolen his heart as he has stolen mine." It was mostly true. He has stolen her heart but she doesn't know if she was able to steal his heart.

She gently grabbed his face it's his hands and brought his face towards her. She pressed a kiss to his lips, her lips softer than they seemed. She pulled back, a soft smile on her face as thumb stroked his cheek. "I love him." At that moment, she knew she made w huge mistake of doing this in front of everyone, especially the princess. She should've known better. She pulled away from him, her throat clearing as she looked everywhere lee besides Aro and Mayve. "Umm, excuse me." She whispered as she bowed before leaving the dining hall to head to Azaria to get away from the embarrassment.

Sebastian gave her a weak smile when she mentioned that he shouldn't have to worry about his parents. As long as they are living and shoving different princesses down his throat to meet, this is how it is going to be. Now, once he knows that Amara is healthy, healed, and walking so much better without help, he is going to go to his parents. He is going to tell them that he has picked his princess and present Amara to them. He'll not tell them who she is right away until he is able to fix things with Amara's kingdom first. "I'll think about it, love."

He glanced up as Rosalind came in with the princess. Just like the last, she was just as pretty. She had raven black hair that st went to her shoulder blades, honey colored eyes, and a petite figure. She was in a black dress with gold hemming and gold diamonds around the chest. She only wore a diamond necklace, no other jewelry. She had a mischievous glint in her eyes, he noticed, something that he didn't seem to like. He sighed as he went over towards her, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to it as he bowed towards her. "Princess." He greeted as he then guided her to the chair next to him, but not the one next to Amara.

"Name is Dixie." She stated as she took a seat in her chair. She grabbed a napkin and placed it on her lap as she looked over a Amara briefly, then Rosalind as she sat next to Amara, and then finally Sebastian. "Why are they here?" She asked rather rudely as she watched him take a seat. He couldn't help but tense at her words, hating that she is being so rude. He definitely doesn't want to be around her. "Rosalind and Amara are my best friends. They sit in with my meetings with other princesses as well. If you have a problem with that, then you can kindly leave my kingdom." He said coolly as he started to dish food onto his plate and gestured for the others to dish their food as well.

She muttered under her breath that he couldn't hear. "Just to let you know, I hope that you choose me. You are handsome and sexy and your reputation catches my interest." She started as she gave him a flirty grin. He said nothing, pretending he didn't hear her as he started to eat. "I can't wait to see what our kids look like as well." He couldn't help but spit out his food and Rosalind tensed. "Oh boy." Rosalind muttered as she looked down at her food and tried to hide a smile at the storm that is about to unfold.

~~~~

Even though her first instinct was to go to Azaria, Lorelei knew that is where he would be going first if he gone after her. She went straight to the garden first instead. She took a deep breath as she entered the garden, letting a bit of the embarrassment be lifted off of her shoulders. She went over to a bench and sat down on at as she looked up at the sky. She admired the stars starting to pop up and twinkle in the darker parts of the sky. She could sleep outside everyday if she was given the ability and chance to do so. Azaria needed her during the night, so it wasn't an option until she was older and able to talk.

She shifted her gaze to the flowers in the garden, her eyes locking onto the white roses. She pushed herself off the bench and went over to the bush. She stopped before it and knelt down as she gently stroked the petals. She knew the gardeners might scold her for picking them if they find out it was her, but she really doesn't mind. She picked a few of the roses before she stood up and gave one last look up towards the night sky. She has a feeling that it is going to be a long night with explaining things to Aro, especially if he is anger with everything that happened. He might not have appreciated the stunt she pulled. No matter though.

As she made her way back to the room, she thought about all the questions that could be asked and the explanation she could give him. Though, he deserves the truth from her. He shouldn't be left in the dark with how she feels about him anymore, especially since she hates all of these meetings with the princesses. She has a feeling that someone might caught his interest for some odd reason and she doesn't know if she could take it if he were to fall for someone that isn't her. She finally reached the bedroom and took a sigh, seeing that the door is slightly open. Means he is here. She took a deep breath in as she pushed the door open. "Aro?"

Both Rosalind and Sebastian raised their brows when Amara spoke out. Rosalind put a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle, finding this interaction amusing. She doesn't remember the last time she had this much watching something unfold before her. While Rosalind was trying to stifle her giggle, Sebastian had had a face that didn't hold an ounce of amusement in it. He said nothing as he looked down at the food on his place, the fork in his hand clenched to the point that his knuckles are white. He is one that doesn't care for conflict often, so when it happens, he try's to stay away. In this instance though, he can't considering it would be rude to his guest.

"That's rather rude of you. You shouldn't speak for him. You are below him and you shouldn't be here. You should be with-" Dixie got cut off by Sebastian. He didn't want things to go further than they already are going. "That's enough!" He said, his voice slightly raising and an icy tone leaking into his voice. Rosalind's hand instantly let her hand fall in her lap, surprised by his tone of voice. He rarely used it and when he did, it was for a damn good reason. Seems like this reason is one of them. "You can get you if my kingdom and give the news to your parents that you are not welcomed here nor will an alliance be made between us. I will not have a wife who is rude to others for no reason." He said to Dixie as he stood from his chair. He gestured for a servant to come over as his eyes stayed in Dixie. "Show her the way out. Gives you trouble, fetch Xander to have him escort her out." He watched as Dixie didn't say another word as she followed the servant out.

Once they were gone, he turned towards the girls. "I'm done with dinner. Rosalind, if you could so kindly help Amara back to her room after she is done, I would appreciate it. I'll be in my study if you need me for anything." He didn't say another word as he left the dining room to head to his study.

~~~~~

Lorelei entered the room, seeing that Aro was sitting on the bed. She tended slightly, not ready to be confronted with what happened at dinner. She didn't even think he was going to be coming after her. She thought he would stay with Mayve until dinner was done and then come talk to her afterwards. She didn't expect to have this conversation so quickly. She thought she would be getting more time to sort through everything and compose herself before they talked about it. She supposed that it is better to have it sooner rather than later. Better to get it out of the way rather than keep beating around it until she can't stand no talking about what happened.

She set the flowers on the table next to the door after she entered the room. Before she could close the door, he was already up and closing it behind her. Then he grabbed her hands, causing her to be slightly startled as he usually doesn't do that, least of all to her. He might to it to play with Azaria but he doesn't do it to her. He went straight to it instead of hesitating. He asked if she meant what she said and that he needs to know if it was true. She looked up at him, hearing the insecurity in his voice asking her this. He was nervous, not knowing what the answer could be. He wouldn't even look at her because of it. In that moment, she knew that he at least liked her to be acting this way. He wouldn't act this way if he wasn't scared to hear the answer. So, she did what she should do. She will give him the blunt honest truth regardless of what could be said.

She pulled her hands away from him. She reached up and gently placed her hands on his cheeks. "Hey, look at me, not at things around the room." She said softly, a small smile on her face as she looked up at him. She bit her bottom lip, reconsidering, just for a minute, before she finally spoke up. "I meant what I said, Aro. You captured my heart and you made me fall for you along the way. I do love you, which is what I was trying to say to you before you were going to meet Mayve and got interrupted. I ended losing my confidence though." She let her hands fall from his face before looking down at her hands. "Obviously, if you don't feel the same, that is fine. I'll just take my things and move to a different room and everything."

Rosalind looked over at Amara after she watched Sebastian leave with his shoulders tense and in a hurry. She let a sigh out, her fingers going to rub her temples. She thought it would've went alright, but clearly it didn't, especially after Sebastian practically pulled the facade towards the princess that people think he is. Perhaps she needs to talk to him about what happened tonight later. Or in the morning since she knows he's tense and all coiled up, ready to spring and attack something. She put her plate on top of Amara's once she was done before placing the silverware on top of it. She nodded towards the servants to indicate that they can start cleaning up.

"I thought it was funny. Sebastian I don't think so as much." She muttered as she stood up and helped Amara. She glanced at the doors Sebastian went towards, knowing that he isn't doing paperwork like he stated. She knows he is in the training ring practicing his swordsmanship to get rid of the iciness, stress, and tenseness of this evening off. Paperwork would be done in the morning. "Just as an FYI, he may say he's doing paperwork, but he isn't. He's in the training ring and the paperwork will be put off till morning."

She put an arm around Amara's waist to help steady her. She grinned when she thanked her for doing her hair. "It's my pleasure! Ever want it done for whatever reason, just call as I'm your girl for the job." She said as she winked at her and let a soft laugh out. She thought for a moment before she looked up at her. "Would you like me to carry you to Sebastian? Or would you like to go somewhere else?"

~~~~

Lorelei was ready to leave since it seemed like she made things awkward and he might not be okay with what she said. Though, as soon as he started to speak, all the heaviness and awkwardness went away. Of course she would never look at him as a monster. They can be ones together since she is one too. Even though what he said about putting the attention on him and agreeing to these meetings made her feel hurt slightly. She understood why he is doing it but she didn't like it one bit and he knows he doesn't after her practically telling him so. She won't say anything about it though as he doesn't need more to be added onto his shoulders about it.

She was surprised when he grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She certainly didn't expect that in the slightest. She reached up and put her arms around him as well and hugged him back as he continued to speak. "Well, this went better than expected." She muttered mostly to herself as she looked up at him. She smiled softly. "I understand what you mean. Hey, remember no more saying you bought me. Makes me feel weird and like I should truly be a servant." She said jokingly for the most part. "I still don't have all the freedom, you know that. We still have Damian to deal with and the fact of continuing to hide me a secret." She said as a small frown appeared on her lips.

Her brows raised when he said that Mayve smiled and told him to go after her. She didn't expect that as most of the princesses she has met would do anything to keep the attention of the prince on her for as long as possible. "That is certainly interesting. I try the best I can to help keep you calm." Her arms dropped from him as soon as he said that his father saw what happened. She stepped away as she started to pace, feeling anxious about it. She has a feeling that this might not be the greatest idea. "That isn't good. What if he recognized me? What if he for some reason comes after me? What if, I don't know, he hangs me for what I said and did in front of another princess? What if..." she trailed off, clearly anxious as she thought about all the bad possibilities to this scenario.