Have a Heart

"Right," said Daniel. "Why?"

The king gave Ellona a subtle glance. She was standing on Daniel's right. "Let's try a trust exercise." He stated "Both or you hold out your arms, straight ahead of you." He stated.

Ellona gave a sigh and did it right away.

"Close your eyes as well"

Daniel followed the instructions, wondering what the point was. One thing he did like about his family: their instructions were clear.

The king pulled a pair of thin modified shackles from his pocket and snapped them around one of their wrists. Daniel's right and Ellona's left.

Ellona's eyes snapped open and she gaped at the shackles. "What is this about? Daddy take it off!" she stated, horrified at the thought of being attached to the hero.

"You two will remain like this until either the wedding or until you can get along." The king stated sternly.

Daniel studied the cuffs with mild interest. These would be awkward to wear on the wedding day. What a fuss people would make of them too. Especially the other Gales.

Ellona glared at her father. "And what about sleep? What are supposed to do then?"

"I would assume you share a bed." The king replied without sympathy.

(Danny boy's uncles still there?)

(nah, they left about a week ago, though they might be coming back to check on things later)

"I am more concerned about the bathroom," Daniel replied.

"You can either not look or blindfold the other. It isn't like you won't see each other naked soon enough. The shackles will only be removed long enough for you to change clothes or bathe."

"This isn't fair" Ellona protested

Daniel had to agree, but had the sense to keep his mouth shut. If he had been his old self he would have been yelling and screaming along with the princess. Emotions were overrated.

"I suggest starting to get along." King Tornell stated

Ellona glared at her father and turned on her heel. She tried to stomp away, only managing to jerk the chain.

Daniel was nearly jerked off balance. Awkwardly he walked over to Ellona.

Ellona pulled Daniel along, the chain only about two feet long between them. "I hate you." She snapped suddenly.

Daniel sped his his pace so he wasn't dragged all the way. "I didn't ask for this either."

"Its your fault!" Ellona snapped. She led him right to her room, kicked the door open and flopped face down on her bed, burying her face in a pillow.

"My fault for beating you?" Daniel guessed.

"Your fault for coming here!" Ellona yelled into the pillow.

"I didn't have any say in that," Daniel replied. "Blame my family not me."

"Shut up!" Ellona screamed. It sounded like she had started to cry.

Daniel tried to think of what to do. He couldn't exactly leave and give her space. He sighed and sat down next to the bed.

"I guess this is what we get for being born into royal families. No say whatsoever."

Ellona's shoulders shook and she let out a thick, muffled sob.

Daniel fell silent, letting her cry. He wasn't close enough to her to be able to do any real comfort.

When Ellona was done crying, she just lay on the bed quietly. It didn't look like she was going to move anytime soon.

"...I heard about what happened to your previous fiance," Daniel finally spoke. "My condolences."

"I wish it had been me." Ellona replied hoarsely. "He had a real future as a knight."

"It sounds like it," Daniel replied. "I suppose I should make this clear then. I know he was the one you loved. I don't expect that kind of attention from you because I can't replace him."