Sorry for the delay! It's Donovan's time! Hope I didn't screw it up :S He sounds like a guy, right? I don't want him sounding feminine (I usually write from a girl's view).

To -Glad you like it! I don't think it's mean (am I mean for saying that?) because I wanted that little twist. I wanted to write a story that wasn't entirely on looks, like love at first sight. Hope that made it a bit original.

Donovan

"Where are we going?" Layla's soft, delicate voice asked. I could feel the unease coming from her as I lead her down the halls.

A smile formed on my lips which I hoped calmed her a bit. "I thought I'd show you the garden." Her unease still remained, but she seemed hesitant. I couldn't do anything to calm her fears, we only just recently met, but I hoped our kingdom would warm up to the foreign princess. Glacies and Yven were not at fault for this war, but the uncertainty and fear in our hearts. I hoped that her arrival would lead to peace.

Layla breathed in the fresh air as we entered the garden, and I could feel her relax slightly. It pleased me that she liked it. At least someone else could still appreciate its beauty. I could feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the breeze that carried the scent of the flowers, and the sound of the birds singing. But I couldn't see any of this beauty. All I was left was my fading memories and the fact that I had taken if for granted. Sometimes I would miss it, and it was very inconvenient, but I accepted this. I couldn't do anything else, could I?

"Let's sit for a bit," I said, leading her to the direction of a bench.

Let continued whispering instructions and directions in my ear. "Move to the left a bit, or you'll crush a flower. Good, you're almost there…. Stop. She sat on the left side, so just sit down right in front of you." Let was my eyes, and though it constantly reminded of my invalidity, I was eternally grateful to him.

I could feel the heat of the sun leave and knew were under a tree. Leaning back onto the wooden bench, I closed my eyes.

"How are you today, princess?"

"I'm fine." She said this, but her voice was emotionless.

"If you have any concerns, or are in need of anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you." I could feel her shift slightly.

"You might have said something wrong," Let said. "She frowned and looked away." I didn't know what I was doing wrong. Was customs in Glacies really that different?

"Why-" she started, clearing her throat. "Why aren't you the crown prince?"

I hid my frown and puzzlement from her, keeping my face neutral. "What have you heard?" It was best I didn't give unnecessary information. Although I wanted peace, I wasn't naïve.

"I heard Yven had only one prince." I could tell she wasn't telling everything.

"Yes," I replied. She didn't need to know they had been referring to me before. They hid our identities from the Glaciens in case they tried wiping out the blood line. In case I was killed, they had Justin to take my place. Cold, but it was necessary.

"I haven't heard of a princess in Glacies," I casually said, seeing if I could find out more about her. Father was very concerned when a Glacies princess emerged suddenly, and he was worried they had sent an assassin. Hopefully I could find out something that would put his mind to rest, and prevent him from making hasty actions.

"We have a different custom," she said easily. I could hear the lie in it. Apparently she had an older brother who was to inherit the throne. Maybe she was hidden away like Justin.

"Ah, same with us."

"She's smiling. A pretty small one," Let reported.

"I see," she said, amusement in her voice. "My birth was kept hidden for reasons."

At least we were getting somewhere.

"You could say the same for us." I knew I said something wrong when I felt her posture change.

"She has sadness in her eyes," Let said. "They've lost their shine."

"Will I meet the queen?" Layla asked suddenly, slightly hesitant.

I shook my head sadly from the memory. "No, she passed away 21 years ago." While giving birth to Justin.

"I'm sorry for your loss," she said quietly, and I could feel the sincerity. At least mother hadn't died in the war between our countries by the hands of a Glacien.

"We all are," I said, placing a hand on hers. She jerked in surprise at my touch and slowly pulled away.

"She's blushing," Let chuckled. "You've gone and made her all nervous now." She was silent, but I knew she wanted to ask something.

"Were you born like this?" she asked tentatively. I guessed that was on her mind.

"No, I wasn't." I could feel her questioning gaze studying my face. A dozen questions must be going through her head. How? When? Why? Those were the most common anyway.

"It happened 5 years ago, when I was 18. I became very ill and was bed ridden for months. An illness was spreading throughout the land at the time."

"Yes, it came to Glacies too," her delicate voice added.

She didn't seem like she would give up any more information, so I simply nodded.

"And then one day I opened my eyes and everything was dark. I thought it was still night outside, but I felt the warmth of the sun and heard the birds. Then I realized that the illness had robbed me of my sight." It came as a huge shock to the kingdom and father, who all had been expecting me to inherit the crown.

"So that's why Justin is the heir," she stated. The princess was in no way stupid. A blind man couldn't lead a country.

"Yes."

We sat in silence after that. It wasn't exactly comfortable, but I didn't want to pressure her. She was a woman of few words and was very reclusive. She didn't seem to take to people easily either. I heard guards making their rounds and the sound of laughter drift over.

"Is it always like this?" she asked suddenly. With a confused face, I looked in the general direction of her face.

"This lively," Layla clarified.

"Yes." I wasn't sure what she meant. I guess you could say it was lively, but wasn't it normal for this level of noise?

"If you think this is lively, you should see the parties," Let said a bit distastefully. He never liked going to them.

"I'd rather not," she said hastily.

"So she says, but she's looking a bit mystified," Let informed me. This princess couldn't stop me from wanting to know more about her. Didn't all princesses' love parties? What was it that made her so different?

"Are the parties in Glacies different?"

"Very," she said, emphasizing it. "The loudest they get is the noise in Yven's city."

That made me raise a brow. The Glaciens seem to be a very reserve people.

"The streets are usually quiet, but maybe that's just me," she added softly. It seemed to me she had resigned herself to something. Like she'd given in. The wind picked up, blowing Layla's loose hair into my face. They tickled my nose, and I smelled the faint scent of lilies. I moved a few away from my face and held it as the wind died. It felt soft and silky in my hand. I felt Layla freeze beside me and seemed to hold her breathe. I slowly released them, and after a moment she exhaled slowly.

"You've shaken her," Let chuckled in my ear.

"If I may ask," she said suddenly. "May we go take a tour of the castle?"

"Of course," I said, rising. "Whatever you wish."

I extended a hand in her direction, and she hesitantly took it. Then I led her inside, keenly aware of the princess beside me.

"You wish to see me, father?" I asked, closing the door to his study. Let wasn't allowed to enter when father summons me, but I could imagine what he looks like. Tired, dark circles under his eyes, and very weary.

"Donovan, how is everything?" he asked, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"All right. Princess Layla seems to be doing fine." He stiffened slightly at her name.

"Of course," he said stiffly. "That's… good."

"Father," I sighed. "You can at least be less hostile towards her."

"That I cannot do," he growled, removing his hand and paced. "Donovan, if she does anything kill her immediately. I do not care if things escalate. I will not lose you, and it will be a hard blow to everyone."

My temper flared. Did he not even want to try negotiating? Did he not care about peace?

"Father," I growled.

"She's living in the same room as you!" he shouted.

"Only because you forced her."

"I didn't force her! It would have been better if she roomed with Justin! Hopefully then he would be occupied, instead of causing mischief. Losing him wouldn't be such a huge blow either."

"You don't mean that," I said softly, sitting down. Hopefully it would lead him to take a seat also.

Father gave a weary sigh and slumped into a couch nearby. "You're right. He's just not taking any responsibility. I'm not getting any younger. But Donovan, you had been the perfect heir. If only your sight hadn't been stolen."

"There's no use on dwelling on it." It must be one of his bad days. He usually starts reminiscing on those days.

"You're right. But if by some miracle your sight does return, mark my words you will be named my heir in a heartbeat."

I didn't say anything. We both knew that wasn't likely to happen, but it was an entertaining thought. I heard him pour something into a glass cup, probably some alcohol.

"Those damn Glaciens have stopped attacking," he said, downing his glass and poured himself another.

"Probably doesn't want any harm to their princess," he spat. "Don't know what those bastards are planning."

"Maybe they really do want peace."

"Maybe," he muttered. "I can't let down my guard for a second."

"You're going to work yourself to your grave," I warned. "Then where would the kingdom be? We both know Justin is far from ready."

He let out a weary sigh and placed the bottle down.

"I've called in some teachers for the Glacien. Her lessons will begin tomorrow," father announced gruffly. I rose and headed for the door, sensing I was dismissed.

"Donovan," he called, stopping me at the door. "Watch her."

"Good night, father," I said, opening the door. "Do get some rest."