Father arrived and sat in his office chair. The construction of the room was similar to the Throne Room, it was made of different cuts of Blackstone. However, there was a slight difference in the making of this room, there was old wood here, aged and with different mana applied to it to give a different color to each side of the room. Red for the Northern side, blue for the Eastern side, green for the Western side and yellow for the Southern side. Along with that, the room was covered in old books and shelves. For the books that were laid all around the floor and on Father's desk as well as the tables at each side of the room, they were both Spell Books and technical books on Antient Spells. My father spoke as I looked around the room I could barely recognize.

  " Yes Sarah, we didn't really think about cleaning in the past few weeks. The timing of the Summoning Spell was very crucial after all. I hope you won't mind the mess, I know how much you value cleanliness."

  " It is fine Father, I understand a lot was put on the back burner to deal with my situation. Again, thank you both so much for your Love and care."

  " You don't need to thank us for Loving our Children, Sarah."

  My Parents both looked at me warmly after My Mother responded to me. After a few minutes of relaxing from... Well, everything that's happened, My Mother opened with the firing shot at My Father.

  " So, My Love, what are you thinking of for our Paladin?"

  " Honesty I'm at a bit of a loss on the Marquess or Duke Ranking. The other 2 are pretty much mandatory for his journey moving forward. He lacks battle experience, but he has the drive to help, as befitting a Paladin. I said that the three of us and Crest will handle his training for the foreseeable future."

  " And you're quite stressed about it, aren't you?"

  My Father began to rub the corners of his eyes and the bridge of his nose with the thumb and middle finger of his right hand. He looked tired for some reason? Tired and stressed?

  " Father, what's the matter?"

  To my question, Father sat back in his chair and looked at me as he began to explain it.

  " The boy, Sarah. John. He... The severity of what we did is finally dawning on me. This won't be easy. I'm no fool, I know that Diablos is still full of Traditionalists. He's not trained in anything, he's smart, clever, but untrained in anything that would help him survive. He's no Warrior, he's not a Politician. He can barely use Magic now at least, but it's not enough. We've brought him to the place that's the most dangerous for Humans to be in currently. Not just that, but it looks like he's far too trusting... And kind. After hearing why we brought him here, instead of anger at our selfishness, he decided to help us. You Mother used the Jolt Method to awaken his Mana. That kind of pain... And he went through it because he knew he could help us... Could help you. And in return, I have no real idea how to keep him completely safe... Hell, I don't think it's possible currently... But I can't let it be that way. I'm going to put my all into protecting that child if it's the last thing that I do."

  " You make it sound like it's hopeless?"

  My Father's ears perked up at my response to him and he was quick to correct me.

  " No. Not hopeless... Just hard..."

  My Father exhaled before he continued speaking to me.

  " I'm working it out... In my head... Slowly... Like I said, John's protection and ability to live is my #1 Priority from now on."

  Taking another breath and then a sip of tea from a freshly served teacup from a Palace Servant that was delivered before we began this discussion, Father continued his train of thought.

  " As for the 1st Boon, the Treasury... There are cursed objects in there, but his Holy Mana should keep them at bay. Sarah, would you accompany him as we attend to daily work and preparing the training regimen for him?"

  Father asked me to something that I was going to ask permission for anyways. Since that was the case, I could answer with 100% sincerity.

  " I would love to."

  " Great!"

  After my response, My Father answered in a happy tone. My Mother launched the true attack while Father seemed to be in a good mood.

  " Dear, as a way to improve his ability to survive, I believe we should Strengthen his Ties to us. Namely through Marriage."

  To my question, Father took a moment before answering with a sly grin on his face.

  " Well, Sandra does appear affectionate, but she's always like that. I wouldn't take stock in her holding him like a child's toy as confirmation of romantic affection."

  My Father answered in a joking manner and continued to speak, despite my glare.

  " I'm sure Sandra wouldn't be too against it bu--"

  " I was thinking a Marriage into our Direct Family line. Namely Sarah."

  My Mother interrupted My Father's idea with the heart of our plan. As she did, I couldn't help but think of our Wedding Day and continued to think of it while I saw My Parents begin to have a spirited debate in front of me. I just enjoyed the glimpse into my future, Until My Mother called my name repeatedly.

  " Sarah, Sarah, SARAH!"

  " HUH! Yes Master!"

  " Now, now. I haven't trained you in a dog's age, but enough about that, you have the table, tell your Father what you want."

  Following My Mother's command, I looked at My Father sitting on the other side of the desk between us, who seemed intent on hearing me out. I begin to plead my case after taking a deep breath.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  " Father, I wish to Marry John! During the time he healed me, I went on a journey in his mind, and I have come to the conclusion that I truly do Love him. I can't bear the thought of him exiting my life! At the dinner table just now, the image entered my mind, and I was devastated! When he is happy so am I. When he suffers, I feel it as if it were me. I want to be his sword, his shield. But none of that truly matters! Because what I need in this life to be truly happy, is John by my side, to be My Husband, to be MINE completely!"

  My Father looked at me then looked at My Mother and then looked down at the desk in front of him and sighed. Then he spoke.

  " I guess that means he's a Marquess then. Sarah go to bed, you have a big day tomorrow considering you're going to be given a Fiancé. Also only refer to him as " John" when only we or himself is present. He wants to hide his identity from the Hero Party. I've already placed the gag order to the Castle Occupants and Staff. And I laid out the punishment that would befall them if it were to leak out. From now on outside these walls, his name is Matthew. He chose it."

  I bowed my head, thanked My Parents and left to my bedroom. While I was lying in bed before sleeping, I stared at the ceiling of my canopy. I smiled, because soon, My Love will be mine! And no one will be capable of taking him from me! None of those pests! Having said that though... My Father made a few good points... I'll be getting what I want... But will that be enough if John isn't safe from harm? That thought swirled in my mind until my eyes felt too heavy to bear for the night. After sleeping well with pleasant dreams of the future, the day arrived.

  / Creak!/

  The sun was shining as I opened the curtains in my room. I was up bright and early. Even before a Maid came to wake me up. I made my way to the Throne Room immediately. I greeted My Parents who were already there, I wondered if they had even slept last night, but before I could ask, they explained what was discovered last night. It was horrible, but I would be lying if I said I thought much of it. Instead, I simply stared and waited, while watching the doors of the Throne Room. Until he finally came in an hour later. He looked absolutely adorable in his clothes, that maid must be given a raise for her fashion sense. I couldn't help but stare. " Soon" I kept thinking. " He will be mine!" When Sandra held him, my jealousy came out, but Mother was quick to remind me to calm down. My Aunt Dorothy was beside herself because of my encounter with death, but how could I possibly be angry at her or Peter? They were victims as much as I was. Hoping to ease Dorothy's guilt, I asked for Father and Mother to explain what had happened. As they did, there he was... Not expecting anything at all.

  " Hehehe..."

  A laugh I've never heard before escaped my lips, but I was able to catch and stop myself. After the explanations, Dorothy was asked to stay with Mother and I. Even though Dorothy was not related to me by blood, she was My Mother's Best Friend and like an Aunt to me, so I had no reason not to explain what was about to happen. She noticed the Love escaping through the words of my explanation. She couldn't help herself and gave me one of her strong hugs.

  " Oh Sarah! Congratulations! But wait! Has he fallen for you already?"

  Dorothy looked at My Love, then back to me. I answered her question before she made things even more obvious.

  " No not yet, but let's just say I have an extreme advantage over my rivals."

  I was thinking of my adventures in his memories. But Dorothy seemed to think I was referring to my looks. My Mother began to gossip about the 4 girls with the hero as she correctly assumed they were the pests I was referring to. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we began to move to the Balcony to address the public. As Status dictated, My Parents and I walked in front of everyone else as we approached the balcony, I couldn't help but take peaks at John as we walked. Ah he has no idea the loop I'm going to throw him through, the announcement is only the start, soon I'll drown him in the swamp of my Love.

  " Focus girl! not yet! You won't have to hold back soon."

  My Mother kept me in line as we walked. Eventually we made it to the balcony and My Father began his speech. I was too busy staring at John who stood a little behind him to really focus on what My Father was saying. "Soon" I thought, as I pictured what was to come, I couldn't help but drool a little and smile. After My Father finished explaining his 3 Rewards, My Mother approached the front of the balcony and began to speak. After her opening statement, the words I have been waiting for since my realization have come. The only way this could've been better is if he proposed to me himself. But I don't blame him, he doesn't know that he will Love me yet.

  As I kept staring at him, he noticed me looking and looked scared.

  " Straighten up! it's time!"

  "The Reward shall be PRINCESS SARAH'S HAND IN MARRAIGE! EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!"

  My Mother's voice echoed in my head. So, I put on the face of a Princess and began to walk after hearing My Mother announce my Engagement.

  " Make it count!"

  " I WILL!"

  After a little encouragement from My Mother, I stepped in front of Our People and said my true thoughts on the matter. And muddying the water with a bit of National Pride shouldn't hurt.

  " I plan to fully support MY FIANCE! I hope you all can give me your full support! I promise to do my best as a Wife! And not to bring shame on Our Country!"

  Everyone was shocked, but Sandra who was in the crowd as an agent for us, worked her magic to create a swell of support. As I bask in the cheers of Our People, My Mother spoke to my mind.

  " He's looking stunned now! Quickly! Earn some brownie points! Look and wink at him with me!"

  I did as I was instructed, after the cheering died down, we decided to head back to the Throne Room. I couldn't wait. I could see in his face confusion and concern for me. Finally, I was given his complete attention today! I won't ever lose it again!

  / Creak!/

  As we arrived in the Throne Room, My Father commanded for everyone but John and Dorothy to leave. Good! My restrains are being released one by one.

  " Not yet! let him try to speak, you want to admit to everything while he is at his most confused. you need to completely invade his thoughts with your Charm as a Woman!"

  My Mother again whispered devilish advice in my mind. I'm thankful for it, but to be honest, it's getting harder to maintain this mask. After his confusion had reached a breaking point, he spoke.

  " Guys, I understand you're grateful for my help. But forcing your newly saved daughter into a forced political marriage is Too mu..."

  How cute! He thinks this is against my will. His attention is fueling me, and I feel my self-control slipping. Finally, My Mother interrupts him.

  " Get him girl! he's all yours now!"

  I don't think My Mother has ever uttered such sweeter words.

  / Woosh!/

  I move faster than I ever had before! AH! The Power of Love on display! He looks at me, surprised at my speed. That look was too much. The restraints are gone. Are there even other people here? Who cares!? His lips are open for the taking. And it would be wrong for a Lady to pass up such a wonderful dessert!

  * Grip! Press!*

  I steal his lips. His defense was weak, I breached his mouth with my tongue... So soft... So warm, just like I thought. Just like I missed. To think I'm like this after not feeling it for less than a day. What a sinful man this Paladin is before me! Never Again! Will I be without this warmth! I finally realized our eyes were locked on each other. I can see him becoming lost in my eyes and I don't ever want to stop this moment between us. After a short amount of time, I was not at all satiated with. It was I who was interrupted.

  " Let him breath girl and tell him the truth from last night. After we allow you to have the room, then you can tell him your True Feelings."

  I give up my rightful prize for a brief moment, to follow the plan laid out by My Mother and after catching my breath and savoring his taste, I begin to speak the truth.

  " The Marriage was my idea... I pushed and fought for it... My Mother supported My Wish. No one else had a hand in it. Just me."

  After speaking, he just sat there confused at my confession. I wondered if he thought that since I was a Princess, a Love could never bloom? Oh, how wrong he was. And to prove my point, I take another taste of My Love. And we both fell into a dazed look as both our tongues met each other once more.