You were mine.

Stranger

*Dario's POV*

I have arrived in Wendlyn, for the mate ball. I shall not participate in this ball though, for that is not my intention, but I would like to be a suitor to one of the princesses. I have heard about this one princess, Delilah, she is incredibly strong to herself, she would make an amazing tribute as Queen to my coven one day. I have heard that she is twelve, which means that she can not smell her mate yet, which is why I have to intrigue her so that she will marry me at the age of seventeen. But if she backfires, I could also try Princess Arthemis, but I highly doubt after tonight, she won't be pursued by her mate. 

As I stare into the sky that is beginning to fall to a brilliant orange pink, while the sun sets, I hear the door shutting of my chamber, and very faint crying. I walk inside, closing the balcony door behind me, my gaze lands upon a maiden, her head between her knees, quietly sobbing. I could not see her face, but she was wearing a plain pastel blue gown, with her blond locks falling over her arms.

I froze in place, no knowing what to do in this situation... That is until I decided to clear my throat . 

She looked up, acknowledging me for the first time. She looked very startled and afraid while apologizing for her presence in my chamber. It was as if I was paralyzed,my mouth wanted to speak to her, my arms wanted to wrap around her... yet, seeing her tear stained face, it was the most beautiful being I have ever had the privilege to cross paths. Her green eyes looked at my reaction, and I started to speak," I uh- I am Prince Dario. It's no problem at all, I just want to know what troubles your heart, Miss ?" She looked as if she was having a battle with herself. But then I heard her sweet voice for the first time very clearly. "I am Arthemis, Princess of Wendlyn. It is a pleasure to be in your acquaintance Prince Dario."

I could not believe my ears, I mean the information that has just traveled through my brain. "May I ask what dreads your heart Princess?" I eagerly asked. I mean, one could not blame me, for if they have seen this maiden crying! "You can just call me Arthemis, I prefer that. But in other matters, I have a love here in Wendlyn, who's name I'd rather not mention, whom I have to leave behind tomorrow, for he is not my mate.", she choked out, another tear escaped her eye. 

I felt heartbroken for the girl standing in front of me. "What matters have you come to attend here in Wendlyn?", she asked, clearly trying to change the topic. "Well, the Mate Ball is one of them.", I answered. A quiet 'Oh' escaped her lips. I pulled her into a hug, because I know she needed comfort at the moment. I must admit, it felt good holding her close. "Thank you", she murmured , as I could feel my cloak etting wet by her tears. "You have now a friend in me Arthemis!", I whispered. Which was the truth, I intend to be this Princess's good friend.

*Arthemis POV*

I was held close by Dario, my new friend. It felt good to be held, need I admit. Dario's mate will be lucky, for not only does he have a very handsome appearance, he has a kind heart. I realized, it is time to go... which made my body shake with fear... At least I know Dario will be at the dinner as  well,along with all the other guests my Father have invited to the banquet.

Once a stranger, now a friend. Funny how  things work out for a person. As I said my goodbyes to Dario, I wandered along the hallways 'til I saw my mother. She strode to my side, looking as breathtaking as usual. "Arthemis dear, I shall show you your chambers to sleep in. I feel you are going to like it very much.", she said bubbling with excitement! 

And I did. It was a open room, filled with bookshelves, a bed, of course, a wardrobe,washroom and a balcony, that viewed to the forest. But the thing that had my interest the most... was in the corner of my room. It had a piano, a flute, a violin, and a mandarin styled in a way to form a music room. I looked at my mother, then ran towards the instruments. My mother sat on my chair, smiling at me, while nodding me on to play something for her. I picked up the violin and started playing My song. Her eyes closed while she listened to my melody! "You remembered.", I said, smiling . "How could I forget dear", she said with a thoughtful look in her eye. Since I had to stay in my room locked up all the time when I was younger, my mother thought it be best to give me books and instruments. That is all I have done all these years. 

"You should perform something tonight at the banquet for your father! And that dress you have on fits you beautifully! But I dare say it is getting rather late, so you get cleaned up and I'll tell your father you will be performing tonight!", she said with a smile. And with that she walked out of the room. I sighed and got cleaned up. Hung the pastel blue dress in my wardrobe, and decided on what to wear tonight. If only I was allowed to wear my riding clothes.... Riding! That is something I have got to do tomorrow before sunrise! I haven't been to the stables in years! But then I am snapped back into reality when I heard Lily and Amelia knock on my door. They came to help me, because I am useless at picking out clothes. Amelia settled on a Beaded Lace light pink gown. It was more traditional than my other gown, therefore I had to struggle with all the layers of fabric. Once Amelia was satisfied, Lily took over when she did my hair. She braided it into a waterfall braid,exposing my curls and she added a golden leaves headpiece. I thanked them and picked up my violin. I was afraid to be at that wretched banquet, knowing Delilah and Lance will be there to sneer at me, maybe even judge my music. 

"Too late for thinking this now, get on with it", Twilight said encouraging. Everyone gasped at my appearance, then clapped they're hands. I felt the red tinting my cheeks, and I looked down. My father introduced me to the nobility and royalty present, and then announced my performance. Now or Never...

I started to play, my melody enchanting. I saw people starting to dance, which made me smile, and when the song ended, everything started to get better. That was until I saw Lance heading my way. I guess Dario sensed me being in distress and walked relaxed toward me. I saw the confusion on Lance's face, but never the less, he continued walking, for he does not back down.

"Dario, may I please have a word with my sister?", he asked very fakely. Dario nodded, but kept a good distance between us. Lance put his hand on the small of my back and led us to the dance floor. "You think winning Father over with a simple song is going to work? Hah! ", he said. "For your information, I was asked to play for him, I'm not trying to win anyone over!", I said slightly rising my voice. We kept on dancing. "Let me just get one thing straight Arthemis, they had you locked up for a reason, because they don't love you! That is why they are making me the PRINCE!",said Lance. This time, it was my turn to be confused. "They kept me hidden for a reason Lance, because they love me! The-" "Oh please, do you really believe that they kept you locked up for eighteen years. They could've let you out at least a couple of months after the accident. They are embarrassed by you! That is why they are letting you find your mate, to be free from you.", he cut me off.  "Your dead weight to them!", he added. I didn't want to believe him. But it all made so much sense. Twilight howled at the thought of my parents not loving me. "We have to get away", she said. And she was right. I pulled my hands from him, seeing his sinister smile. And ran as fast as I could. I tried to shift. But I have never even shifted in my life before. So I headed to the stables. And there stood my noble steed. Prancer. He was a tall horse, about 15.4 hands high, with a grey dappled coat. I remember riding him as a little girl. He looked very happy to see me, but there was no time to lose! They are coming for me, the whole guard, I could hear them. I quickly put his bridle on, but his saddle would take too much time to put on. I mounted him and quickly ran out of the stables. I looked back to see Oscar's wolf running after me, but Prancer is faster than him. And so we ran into the forest.