.Elementals.

-59-

"You sure have nothing better to do." I said, laying on my side on the elm's root, having escaped my room, I was free from bed rest tomorrow so one less day cooped up in my room wouldn't hurt.

"Well my teachers are given break from their jobs because of the trials and training with the guard doesn't take that long when the men are easily tricked." Audrey said, standing on the ground.

"Oh? The princess has special techniques for men?"

"Yeah it is quite simple, just leaving the tunic just a bit loose you know?" I glanced down, the necklace hanging more then usually, letting me see down it.

I laughed as I covered my mouth.

"You are evil Audrey." She just smiled at me as I sat up. "Such a cheat when you have bosom, I wouldn't say it would work with me." Still as blocky as at when I last mentioned them and even when I took the binds off I was under average, if someone didn't know my and saw me from behind I could pass of as a dude.

"It would work on me."

"Audrey!"

"Hmm? You aren't the only blunt one Mystery, I might not be unless I am comfortable but I can be."

"I noticed." I slipped down next to her. "She took to you didn't she?"

"What can I say? Nix likes me more." She stuck out her tongue smiling as the cat had popped up and rubbed against her, she could always leave the house but didn't like doing so.

"She doesn't."

"Sure."

"I feed her missy she likes me."

"Okay okay don't get butt-hurt"

"Audrey!"

"What? Even butt-hurt is a cuss for you?"

I shrugged as I watched Nix strut away, she is the true queen of this place isn't she? Sassy cat much?

"What can I say Belladonna was adamant with it, you did hear me cuss a few times but far from the peasant way."

I dragged my hand across the root's bark to the trunk and leaned against it.

"Yeah... After tomorrow will be the last trial as you know and there are still so many competitors." She said, following me, standing in front of me.

"I know but who would I be to give up so close?"

"You do realize what happens if you win?"

"When, not if but when, I won't lose."

"Right so when, you realize it? Want it or not you'll be in the spotlight."

"I know but that doesn't matter."

"Does it not?" She was right up in my face.

"Of course it wouldn't, only you do."

"You are too nice too me."

"What can I say? It's in my nature."

"And I sure do love that about you."

"What are you trying to do Audrey?" I leaned my head on the trunk but she was still right in my face despite her being slightly smaller.

"Well we are courting but we haven't exchanged anything..... Personal."

"What should I get you." She sighed softly.

"This is the day I confessed all over again isn't it?"

"With me not understanding what you want? I'd say yes." I agreed with an 'I'm sorry' face.

"Doesn't matter." She reached her hands up, grabbing my cheeks. "I meant this."

She pulled my face forwards as she leaned up, gaze meeting before lips did.

Well riddle me this, I-I'd have never guessed!

I can't even describe the feeling as I had never experienced it and had trouble with emotions already but I liked it.... A lot.

I closed my eyes as I hugged her against me.

"There." I blinked when she pulled away, hands still on my face.

"I would have never guessed." I said as she chuckled, hopping back when I freed her with a smile.

"Well I couldn't let our wedding day be our first kiss could I?"

"I suppose not." I said with a smile, trying to push off the trunk with my hand but was surprised when I felt it shift under my hand and suddenly give away under my back and I tumbled back.

I covered my head as I fell down stairs and splatted on the ground.

"Mystery!!"

"I'm fine!!" I yelled back before lighting a flame in my hand as I sat up, looking around in surprise as the trunk of the elm opened and I had fallen down stairs inside it. "We need to get the others, I think  just found something." I said, looking at the huge room hidden under the roots of the elm.