"Falling"

You're Doing What?

For the following two months, Jensen barely had any time to breathe. Between getting the soldiers ready, discussing strategies with Josh, sending messengers to allied Kingdoms warning them of the incoming war, making sure everyone will be safe within the Castle's walls, and that they have enough food to last them for a good while, it was a miracle he hasn't completely lost his mind.

The one thing that kept him together was Bella. With all that he has to do, he doesn't have as much time to spend with her as he would want, but the little time he does have, is all spent with her. This usually means quick kisses stolen in side corridors where no one can see them and late night meetings, where they discuss their future together, even if they don't know when that will be. It still amazes him how understanding Bella is being through it all.

It's just another afternoon and he is in his study with Jared, studying the best way to keep the Castle and the war camp fully supplied with food and weapons, making sure that the supply lines are never compromised, when Jensen decides that they have done all they can, having gone through the same information for the hundredth time. All they can do now is wait until it's time to go to the battlefield.

Jared sits on a chair, across from Jensen, and watches Jensen while he is still giving the map in front of him one last look. Jared can see the tension still on his friend's shoulders and thinks that he doesn't envy his responsibilities right now.

-"How is Bella dealing with everything?" - Jared gets his attention, seeing him letting out a breath as he sits down.

-"She has decided to learn how to clean and bandage wounds so she can help the healers when the time comes."

-"And how do you feel about that?" - Jared is surprised by this, since Bella is technically still a Princess.

-"I'm proud of her for wanting to help, but there's no way I'm gonna let her anywhere near the war camp."

-"You really think you can stop her?" - Jared scoffs, amused.

-"If it means she'll be safe, I'll throw her in the dungeon until this is all over."

-"I doubt that that will stop her." - Jared chuckles.

-"Me too, but I'm not about to let her risk her life, even if she hates me by the end of it."

-"Listen, Bella has already shown that she is brave and not afraid to do what is right. You should give her a little more credit. After all, it is thanks to her and her letters that we are going to be able to surprise her father."

-"I know. I just don't wanna lose her." - Jensen shoulders sag at the admission.

-"Have you told her that?"

-"I have. We talked about it the other night, but she is determined to be on that war camp, helping the healers and nothing I say changes her mind. She feels guilty for whatever reason and that this is the only way for her to try and correct what her father is doing."

-"Then, there isn't much you can do. Look, overall, she will be safe. She will be in the middle of our camp and surrounded by soldiers. I very much doubt any harm will come to her."

-"Logically, I know you're right, but that doesn't mean something won't go wrong and she might end up getting hurt."

-"All you can do is support her and make sure she is as safe as she can be. Maybe teach her how to use a knife or a dagger, something that will help her defend herself until someone can get to her, just in case."

-"That's actually not a bad idea. I might just do that, even if just for my own peace of mind."

-"I just pity anyone that tries to hurt her. Every single man under your command will do everything in their power to protect her, since it is no secret that the two of you are together, even if you haven't officially told anyone." - Jared smirks.

-"That's going to change soon enough." - Jensen gives him a sheepish smile.

-"What do you mean?"

-"I'm going to ask Bella to marry me."