Chris smiled at the family, hiding the pain in his eyes. He guided the car out from the driveway, looking away.

An hour or two had passed and he pulled up into his driveway. No cars were parked anywhere and so Chris assumed his parents, and hopefully brother, had all gone out. Walking into the house he paused and scanned the room. It was all quiet, too quiet. He walked up towards his bedroom and flopped into bed awaiting the arrival of his family

Annika sighed as he left, turning and going to the gardens. to her surprise, no one followed her. her father would be arriving in a few hours to pester her family and make plans for her happy day. Ann gazed down at the ring on her finger as a tear slid down her cheek

Oh gosh i wrote too much, I was bored xD)

-

Chris shot up with the hearing of his name. His brother made his way through and laid a suit on the bed, "This is for the wedding" he scolded. Chris rolled his eyes. James messed with the bed and sat down, "This is so stupid you know, being forced to marry just so you get the crown" Chris looked into James eyes the pain of youth filling both, "I'm not being forced into anything, and I’m not doing it for the crown, which doesn’t surprise me that you brought it up it’s the only reason you’re here. To try and get the crown for yourself” James sent one of those creepy and cheeky smiles, “You’ve finally worked out my plans, it’s taken you long enough” Chris knew what James could do and he wasn’t going to let Annika get hurt, “You break off your engagement with Annika cause I’ve seen it’s not force anymore but rather a choice you both made or I’ll hurt the both of you” Chris sighed and fell to the ground, “I won’t let you blackmail me again or destroy my life” James walked over and towered over Chris pinning his arm as he did, “You have no idea on what I’m capable of doing, tell her tonight or else” James left Chris as fast as he had came in, “I can’t do that….. I…I can’t see her get hurt by him though….” Chris sighed and picked himself up from the ground, his piercing blue eyes danced around the room looking for answers, “If it means saving her…..” grabbing his keys and an apple he made his way back towards the car. He was surprised to find it open and more surprised to his brother sitting in the passenger seat, “I’ve come to make sure you do it and don’t mess anything up” -Great now no way of escaping- Pulling the car out he guided it along familiar roads and towards his fate. Reaching their location Chris parked the car and walked up to the door. He knocked and the guards let them both in. Chris noticed Annika walking his way and resisted the urge to run to her. James had a grip on Chris’s arm now and it was everything he could do to try and not scream out in pain. Chris only hoped the pain he felt in his heart wouldn’t show in his eyes. Without saying hello he got right to the point, “I need to speak to Annika…….alone…”

Annika studied the flowers in the garden, suddenly interested in their beauty. they werent being pulled away from their loved ones. they didnt fight with anyone. They brought peace. Love. Patience. everything Annika strived to be as a princess. Everything her mother had told her to be as a young child. Annika wiped away the tears, composing herself as she slowly walked along the path, her hand gliding over the silky petals. When she reached the door she heard a guard speaking "hes back" the man said in a hushed tone. "yeah and he brought someone with him" Annika perked up. Was he back? Was everything alright? Who was he bringing? Was it a friend of his? She lifted her skirt a bit so she could move faster down the hall. She turned the corner and her face brightened, though she couldnt see his expression yet. She smiled and was about to speak when he did instead. "um... okay?" she took in the man beside Chris and bit her lip.

Chris watched as his brother was escorted out from the room and the two were left alone. He paced the room and looked toward Annika, "I....I... can't" he fell down to his knees and looked up to Annika, "James my brother is trying to force me to break up with you and if i do not do it harm will come, he is wanting the crown and will do anything for it....... I can't see you hurt" his let his voice hang for a moment before saying more, "I don't know what to do.....I can't break up with you, I can't break your heart but I can't see you in physical pain....If only running away was an option..."

Annika rounded on him just as he fell to the ground. She got down beside him and held his nead in her small hands. She listened to his words and looked down. She didn't know the man was that insane. "Why isn't it? Why can't we run away?"

"Well who knows when we could come back, or when you'd be able to see your family next.....but I guess it beats being hurt... or worse" Chris shot up and looked around the room. A small window opened slightly provided the perfect escape route, "I have to escape from here, just for a little while, come with me Annika, we'll work something out so that we never have to see him again" he pleaded.

Annika trembled as the weight of their situation finally struck her. "it's not just you that needs to run. i have to as well." tears stung at her eyes and she bolted towards the window

Chris followed closely behind watching the door as they went, "I'm so sorry.....It's my fault...." he paused at the window and waited till she had jumped before following her.

"Its not youre fault. Were together, and thats all that matters." She kissed him before grabbing his arm and racing toward the barn. There was a trail behind the pastures that she had wandered down when she was younger. She didn't remember much, but she knew she had gotten lost and the stable hand had to rescue her before her father found out.