RONAN

five

Zara woke up bright and early as she took Johnson with her to walk her down to the village. Zara smiled seeing the little girl that she helped run up to her giving her a hug.

"Oh my I missed you so much!" Zara said with a huge smile as she heard the little girl's adorable giggle.

"Princess Zara! I'm sorry if she's causing trouble." The little girl's mom came rushing in. Zara shook her head with a smile. "No trouble at all, I just needed to take a walk, and visiting the village makes me happy."

"Well you are always welcome, and if you ever need anything, my family and I are here for you."

"Thank you so much for the kind words. I'll keep it in mind." Zara smiled and waved as she continued her walk with Johnson behind her. Zara heard that there was a beautiful lake nearby so she wanted to take a seat near it and enjoy the view. As they were reaching closer Zara stopped and raised a hand. "Johnson, I appreciate your loyalty to my father and I, and I also appreciate you protecting me but I would like it if you stopped here, and give me some space. I promise I won't run away, I just want to be close to the lake and be alone for a bit." Zara waited for his answer praying that he'll say yes and let her be even just for a minute.

"Usually I would say no, but just this once I'll allow it. If you need something, I'll be right here."

Zara turned to look at him and smiled gratefully. "Thank you Johnson, really."

Zara walked closer to the lake now alone and found a beautiful path of daisies. She took a seat next to the flowers and looked out at lake peacefully. She lied down and closed her eyes.

Everything was peaceful until she felt a shadow blocking the sun. "Johnson, please just a bit more time-" Zara opened her eyes, but instead of seeing Johnson, she found Ronan.

"Princess, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at your castle?" Ronan grumbled in annoyance.

Zara frowned at his words. "Well then shouldn't you be in a prison?" Ronan glared at Zara and Zara glared back.

"Why don't you just leave, I'm sure your fiance is waiting for you?"

Zara rolled her eyes and stood up to properly face Ronan.

"Why don't you disappear again? You're good at that." Zara started to walk away from Ronan annoyance clear on her face.

"Listen-."

"No you listen. Do you think I chose to be betrothed to Jakob? Do you actually think I would do that? I want freedom, I want the freedom to be with someone I love! To be free and walk around without a shadow! You once said that you've observed me, but it seems to me that you're blind!"

Zara took a breath and looked at Ronan one last time. "I wanted things to be different. . . I'm tired of being a marionette."

Ronan looked at Zara with conflicted eyes, and a sad frown written across his lips as he stared at the princess. He was completely wrong, and he regretted every word he ever said that made her upset.

"You're right. I was blind, and I am sorry Zara. Although I wasn't blind when I said you had a a heart of gold, you truly are beautiful on the inside and outside." Ronan whispered as he looked at Zara with admiration.

Ronan walked closer to Zara and wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her close to his body. He leaned down to give her a kiss on her temple.

"Can I visit you tonight? I want to see you again."

Zara conflicted bit her lip and nodded. She heard Johnson calling her and her eyes widened. Zara quickly leaned up to kiss Ronans left cheek and ran back to Johnson.

Ronan was left standing there smiling like a fool and feeling determined . "I won't let you be with Jakob, the only person you'll be with.. is me."