Her time was up. Of that she was certain. Somehow in the back of her mind, she knew that she wouldn't live to see the sunrise once she set foot in the ornate ballroom. However, that didn't matter now. She had made her mind up long ago.

The orchestra settled down, ready after their lengthy warm-up. Now, now the entertainment would begin. The first chord struck was the beginnings of a lively waltz. She joined in the merriment, if only to fit in. She had one final mission. She could not fail now that she was so close.

"Amelia." It was a mere whisper, but it was enough to let her know that he was there. He was finally there to complete his final task. He would end her life tonight and there was no escaping.

She had a chill up her spine, but it went unnoticed. Three dances in and she had still not spotted him.

Everyone in their finest brocaded silks and taffeta. The familiar swish of the expensive fabrics failed to comfort her like they usually did. Her pulse was racing. She was sure there was a flush on her face that no amount of dancing would bring about.

She finally resigned herself to waiting until he showed himself to her. Of course he would do this on his terms. It had always been like that. Knowing that he would eventually find her, she forced herself to dance. That was all she had left.

The night wore on until it was late. Or early, depending how one looked at it. Her shoulders ached from being so stiff, her neck was craned, her smile fake. She was tired of it all, all the pretending. But she wouldn't fail now, not after all she had already sacrificed.

He must be doing this to her as his last cruel trick. How far could he push her before she broke? When would she give in and run?

When the first sorrowful notes of the adagio rang across the room, she knew it was time. Everyone paired up and then he was in front of her. His cold blue eyes calculating as always. Except this time, there was no warmth in them. They seemed rather icy tonight. The chill she had been suppresing all night sent goosebumps along her spine.

"Lord Adrian." she curtsied as was customary. He bowed but said nothing. For the first time that night, she felt true fear.

The slow, processional dance lasted forever. Every measured step she took caused her heart to beat harder. Her mind was screaming at her to run, but she couldn't. There was no where to go. She was beginning to feel dizzy.

His beautiful blue eyes were examining her. No doubt he knew every thought going through her head.

To keep herself from shaking, she remembered the first time she heard this adagio. It was when she was first learning how to dance. She had been so young then. Everything had been perfect in her life. She hadn't a care in the world.

One of the servants started playing this particular adagio for her and she had asked what were the steps to no one in particular. But he had walked by and heard.

"These are the steps." and that was how they met. They soon became fast friends and many predicted they would be married.

Of course, she remembered ruefully, wishes and reality rarely intercept.

The climax of the song brought tears to her eyes. It was so achingly beautiful. Just like their relationship. Everything was so perfect that of course Fate wouldn't let it be. She had loved him and he her, but their circumstances never allowed for the happily ever after she sought.

Her senses began to overwhelm her. She could hear every step he made, every movement of the skirt she wore. She could feel the cold of the air pressing in on her skin. It was so restricting. She couldn't breathe against her corset bindings, it was digging into her ribs. She could taste the fear she held for him. It was metallic on her tongue. Every careful, measured step she took weighed her down. The precision of her dancing she prided herself on was becoming a chore. She couldn't do it anymore.

None too soon, the dance ended. She couldn't say a word. She curtsied and he bowed before silently leading her to a vacant veranda.

The cold night air froze in her throat. She almost choked. At the moment he had his back turned to her. She fiddled with her skirt, waiting for him to turn around. She almost jumped when he said the first to her that night.

"You know, our marriage wouldn't have saved our countries." He sounded lost, hoping for confirmation of what he just said.

"You are correct. It wouldn't have stopped this war." In the face of death, she reverted to an emotionless machine.

"I loved you. Before all this, you know, started." He turned to face her. Despite his tone, there was no emotion for display on his face. All she saw was an impassive mask. She had seen it many times before, but never had it been used on her.

Her heart, her soul which had been hanging by a thread, shattered. And all at once she was calm. She no longer feared what was to come.

"I do know. And I loved you. Still love you." They both stared at the other for an impossibly long second before reaching for their final embrace. It was sweet and nostalgic. Their embrace reminded her of all the times something in her small world would go wrong and he would be there and would hold hold her through it. She wished it had always been like that.

However, that wasn't to be. Their countries plotted against the other and each fully supported their home. They both were actively involved in the diplomatic war. They both were willing to give up their lives for their country.

Ironically, their final mission was to kill the other. He was the heir apparent to his country and she hers. They would both die tonight. They would see to it.

They simultaneously collapsed to the hard marble floor, blood pouring from the identical wounds inflicted by knives struck to the hilt in malleable flesh. In their final, fleeting second, they both glanced to the sky, to see the sun just coming up over the horizon, bringing with it, a new day.