Chris twisted the piece of grass within in his fingers and fought the urge to escape home but then again home held his brother and he wasn't up for that emotional rollercoaster. He sighed feeling trapped. Annika's mother was kind and outgoing, it was her brother that......annoyed Chris. Maybe annoyed wasn't the right word but Chris wanted Annika to feel free and loved but he felt as though Penton kept getting in the way, -But he's her brother, he'll always be in her life and I can't stop that- Chris sighed and stood up he walked towards the car, started it up, and guided it towards the nearby store. Entering a store he bought a bouquet of white tulips, paid for them, and placed them into the car before making his way back towards the castle and Annika.

Annika talked with Scarlet for a while before she had to leave. Ann stayed in her room, but it felt too cramped. She stood, her coral colored dress bobbing long as she skipped down the stairs. She wanted to see if her mother was finished yet but when she went towards the gardens she was gone. Annika turned and watched the barns for a second. She could hear Champ pawing at the floor so she headed that way.

---

Champs head finally faced forward, his ears pricked forward as a voice echoed through the barn. "Penton?" Annika called. Champ nickered to her and she came up to his head. Penton couldn't see what she was doing, but based on the way the stallion tilted his head he was getting ear scratches. "hey" he said quietly. Harp bumped him and he smiled, leading her to the spot behind Champ. Annika ducked under the leadropes and threw her arms around Penton. "I hate when we fight" she whispered. "I do too. Lets vow to never do it again" he chuckled. Ann playfully smacked his arm and Harp tossed her head as if cheering her on

Chris threw of his shirt and wadded into the water. The clear cold crystal water felt refreshing. He layed in the water floating on his back thinking about all that was to come. -Maybe I should ask for Annika's hand in marriage, that way it'll be a bit nicer and not like we're being forced.- He swam towards the shore picked his t-shirt up and walked towards his car, opening his door and turning the car on he guided it back towards the castle.

Annika left Penton after a few minutes to go sit in the gardens while Pen put the horses back. He went to his room and closed the door, turning on music and practicing walking. Annika watched the sun dip a little and the sky turned a vibrant pink and orange color

Why am i nervous :0 xD

-

Chris pulled up into the driveway and exited the car. He noticed Annika sitting outside so he smiled and walked over towards her. He sat down with her and stayed quiet for a while before finally gasping out, "I need to tell.... well more like ask you something" Chris knew that this question meant nothing as their parents would still force them to get married but he felt as though it was an important part in any relationship that the lady gets asked. He knelt down on the green grass the afternoon dew his hair lay flat on one side his piercing blue eyes looking directly into her's, his shirt sticking to his body as it was wet, "I don't know how to say this, never had to do it before but ummmm...... Annika...... will you marry me?" There it was out, nothing but everything could change. They were still destined for the same lives but Chris was determined to make it different, to make it (hopefully) there lives together different, to be incharge of their own lives and not trying to live in the shadows of someone else.

(Awwww! That's soooooo sweet!)

---

Annika noticed a figure coming up to her and she soon recognized it as Chris. She stayed quiet, waiting for him to speak. When he didnt, she gave a brief shake of her head and leaned back on her hands. When his voice finally broke the silence, she turned toward him. "yeah?" She gaped at him when he kneeled to the ground. "Chris..." she covered her mouth with her hands, but her cheeks were bright red, the crinkled under her eyes giving away the smile on her lips. "If you had asked me this a week ago, I probably would have slapped you and been mad cause ere already arranged, but now..."She stood and stepped forward, her hands still over her mouth. "Now i say yes. Now I don't care that is was arranged. Now I'm glad it was arranged!" she jumped up and down then threw her arms over his shoulders, kissing him

Chris smiled and draw her in closer. He breathed out a sigh of relief and held her in his arms for awhile before slowly letting go, "It's getting dark, we better go inside" he led Annika by her hand into the house and followed the smell of food, "I'm starving" he laughed and walked into the dining room bowing slightly at the presence of Penton and Annika's mother.

Annika smiled when his hand grasped hers. "Yeah we probably should" she walked, her steps slow and easy. She was in no rush to end the day. She giggled at Chris's statement. "I am too!" she agreed. She gave a curtsy out of respect but neither of them paid any attention to them. They were both staring at their food, so Annika winked at Chris and walked to her mothers side. "Hello Mother" she said, flicking her hands as she leaned down to kiss her mothers head. She sat down beside Chris and across from Penton who looked to be in a particularly snappy mood

Chris turned his gaze towards the food staying quiet, both family members seemed a bit annoyed and so Chris thought it best to remain quiet. He smiled at Annika and finished his meal. -I better let them catch up- "If you'll excuse me I might just chill in my room" he bowed slightly and left the room walking up towards his bedroom.

Annika sat in silence for most of the meal. She accidentally bumped Penton with her foot and he didnt seem to notice which pained her greatly. When Chris left, she was about to seak to her mother but she left without turning back. "Okay what is wrong with yall?" she asked, motioning toward the door. Penton sulked, thrugging and leaving her at the table all alone