The utter silence of the night frightened Rose.

Usually, you could hear someone else in the castle stir, or the crickets outside chirping. But tonight, as she lay on the dark, cold tower room floor, she could hear nothing. It gave her a bad feeling, like the whole world had shut down because of something terrible. And then, finally, a noise. The steps leading to her chamber were creaking. They only did that when someone was walking on them... Rose sat up quickly.

"Rose?" a voice said, as the door squeaked open.

"Who--who's there?" her voice shook.

"It's me...Nick." "Oh Nick!" Rose said, relieved. "Come in!" As he entered the room, Rose fumbled around, and finally got a candle lit. "Hello Rose." Nick said.

"Hello Nick," Rose grinned at him. But her grin quickly faded as she saw how solemn Nick's statement was. "What is it?" she asked. Nick said nothing, but pulled her close, and embraced her. He caressed her face. No words were exchanged between them for several minutes. "Nick--"

"Hush now. Please, just be with me." Nick said, his eyes full of saddening secrets.

"Of course." He tilted her chin upwards, and pressed his lips to hers. His kisses were soft and savoring. It was as if he didn't want to stop, for fear he wouldn't be able to kiss her again. "Nick," Rose finally said. "Why are you here in the middle of the night?" Nick sighed.

"Rose, I--I must tell you something." Rose looked at him intently, and braced herself for his words. "I don't want to, it wasn't my decision but...I will marry Princess Mandy one week from today." Rose's face crumpled. Tears ran down her cheeks. "No, no, don't cry Rose. Please, try to be strong..for me." He held her hands tightly and looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Of course." She said for the second time that night.