Laughter echoed through the King's Wood. Lavinia dashed around a holly tree, the leaves catching in her dark tresses. Tugging to free herself, she could hear the heavier steps of Eric's boots as he chased her. Giggling she ducked down, squeezing her slim body beneath the low shaded branches of the holly.

Today she would not heed the whispered admonitions of her mother that told her to mind her skirts and the mud. Today was special. Today was magic.

Eric's boots entered the small clearing. Lavinia held her breath as he paused by her hiding spot.

"I heard you!" he called out, his voice breaking on the last syllable. "Just come out so I can end this."

Lavinia smiled as she heard the grin in his voice.

The dappled sunshine played across the deep green of the wood while a robin sang his clear song from far above. Here beneath the holly, the heat and humidity of the summer's afternoon calmed Lavinia's beating heart. She sank her fingers into the damp leaf mulch, the earthen smell dragging her deeper into the spell of the day.

Eric's brown leather boots took several steps away, vanishing from her sight as he circled a massive white oak. Backing farther under the branches, Lavinia gained freedom from the holly's shadow, leaping to her feet and leaving Eric to continue his search. A final laugh escaped her lips.

A cry of discovery followed her. "I've got you now!"

Lavinia sped, the exhilaration of the chase spurring her on. The sound of his pursuit came closer and closer. She thought she could hear the cries of the Royal Guard lost in the narrow trails, as well. She paid them no heed. There would be time enough for walking sedately through the castle halls and sitting patiently at court. This moment was for....

Arms wrapped around her. Eric's sturdy warmth bore her to the ground, twisting at the last moment to spare her the shock. The pair rolled over and over, her skirts twisting in his leggings. They came to rest at the crest of a small hill that overlooked a vast meadow. Drinking deeply of the still warm air, they watched the sun and clouds pace across the heavens in silence.

Eric's hand held hers. The friendship offered a comfort to the upheaval of the past month.

"When is the wedding?" he asked.

Lavinia kept her eyes on the sky. It was easier to retain the detachment she sought from her impending vows. Swallowing she replied, "In two days."

She felt him turn his head. Lavinia blinked and turned to meet his brilliant blue gaze. "And when do you leave?"

"In three days. The King wishes for his heir to remain with the Prince of Soth until he has a chance to beget a son."

Lavinia sat up, wrapping her arms about her knees. She pulled a strand of hair from her mouth. "I don't feel like a mother." She looked back down at Eric, his blond locks disordered with bits of grass in it.

"I don't feel much like a prince." His mouth twisted into a grimace. "But I suppose it's time for all princes and princesses to grow up."

Lavinia glanced down at her bodice. Her body was only just beginning to blossom. So much would happen to her in just two more days. So much more would be denied.

"Will you miss this?" she asked him.

Eric was six years older. Nearly nineteen. Maybe he really was ready to take on the responsibilities of a prince. Lavinia was not so sure about being a queen. She studied his grim face. Eric understood. There was so little time left of innocence and whimsy.

He cracked a crooked smile. "Miss what? This?"

Lavinia's laughter rang out again as he launched a vicious tickle attack. She would miss this ... and Eric's friendship.