Ajo was alone in the woods, furiously scribbling a new poem.

He was trying to describe the way he felt when he danced with Galeia, but was having trouble finding the right words.

A rustling from the trees stopped him, but he did not look up from his writing.

"You still think you can sneak up on me?"

"Worked the first time," a high-pitched voice said.

"It was a one-time trick." Ajo closed the book and looked up. "Come out."

The Gretch fell from above.

"Let's swim today," she said but Ajo shook his head.

"I have to prepare."

"For what?"

"It's time I tell Galeia of my love. In less than a year we'll announce our betrothal."

"What's betrothal?"

"Marriage."

"Oh." The Gretch's voice was soft. "She told you she loves you."

"Not those words exactly, but yes." He paused. "My friend, will you show me your true face?"

The Gretch bristled. "Why?"

"Well for one...it will be improper for you to keep the face of my intended wife. We've known each other for so long, it's odd that I've never seen the real you."

"I told you before—"

"You think you'll frighten me, but you won't. I've told you all my secrets. There's nothing you don't know about me. I've trusted you, and it's a shame you continue to hide from me."

He was testing her, trying to rid himself of the last shred of doubt over who the Gretch was.

If she was Galeia, it was time to bring her game to an end.

And if she was truly a spirit of the woods, it would be all the better to know he had a friend who was, in some ways, closer to him than anyone else in the world.

Even Galeia.

Galeia was the one who held his heart, but the Gretch was the keeper of his secrets, and he loved her greatly. Had circumstances been different, the Gretch might have even been—

No. That sort of thinking was neither proper nor possible.

"Show me your true face," he pleaded, "and we'll never keep anything from each other."

The Gretch thought over his request, and for a moment Ajo believed she would oblige him and put an end to the question that had plagued him for so long.

But the Gretch only asked, "Aren't you afraid?"

"Afraid of—your face?"

"That she won't love you back."

"That will never happen," he said firmly.

"Why do you love her?"

"What sort of question is that?"

"Do you love her because she's a princess and you're supposed to—or do you love her because of something more?"

"I love Galeia because I love Galeia. It's that simple."

The Gretch grunted. "Almost too simple."

"All right. I love the kindness in her. Galeia is ferocious, almost savage at times—and that makes her moments of affection and gentleness all the more special. But I love her wildness, too. She's bold and fierce. And even when I feel my despair could never be lifted—all it takes is a word from her to prove me wrong."

"Is that all?"

"I love the way she holds a fork and the way her writing is slightly messy. I love her voice and the thoughts she gives it to. I love the way she smiles when I say something that pleases her. And her eyes, with their beautiful color, remind me of a storm. And when she is angry, her fury is like winter's cold. Yes, I love her anger, too, for it is wholly unique."

"You should say these things to her."

"I intend to."

"You have to write it all down first?"

"No, this will be a gift. So she'll always know how much I treasure her."

"She shouldn't need a book for that."

"You don't understand."

The Gretch clucked her tongue. "I don't. You place too high a value on her. She'll feel burdened trying to live up to your dreams."

"She already does. It's effortless for her. I know she's not perfect—but that is why she is. To me."

A long silence followed. Ajo thought to open his book and craft what he had spoken into a new poem. In the end he didn't, deciding to let the words exist in that moment alone.

"Play a game with me," the Gretch said.

"We're getting a little old for games."

"Never say that."

"Only one game?"

"Yes."

"All right. What game will it be?"

"The only one worth playing. 'Bodies'."

Ajo grinned. It was an innocent, albeit nonsensical, game.

"Who goes first?" he asked.

"You."

He pointed to his nose. "What part is this?"

"Your nose."

He looked at her, trying to decide a place to touch.

"What part is it touching?"

The Gretch giggled. "My ear."

"Where has this nose been?"

"In a book."

"Where's it going to go?"

"It will be carried through the woods. And come evening it will land in front of a meal worthy of royalty."

He pulled away. "You are more than welcome to join. Anytime you wish."

"I know. I don't want to."

"I wish you would."

"It's my turn now." She pointed to her face. "What part is this?"

"Your mouth." She grabbed his arm and pressed it against her lips. "It's touching my arm."

"Where's it been?"

"In the woods, talking to me."

"Where's it going?"

"Well, it talked of eating...so I imagine it's going to find food."

"Wrong. You lose."

Ajo raised an eyebrow.

"This isn't a game of winning," he said.

"But you didn't correctly guess where it's going to be."

"All right, tell me. Where's it going?"

The Gretch leaned forward, closing the distance between them. In a flash, Ajo foresaw their next moment together.

Her lips pressed against his.

His heart fluttered.

If she was Galeia, this moment could be the happiest of his whole life—

But if she wasn't?

"No," he said and turned his head away. "You're not Galeia."

"What if I am?"

He gave her a hard look. "Then you would tell me the truth. Right now."

The Gretch shook her head. "I am the Gretch and no one else."

"And I love Galeia."

She gave him a withering glare. "What if she doesn't love you?"

"She does love me," he said indignantly. "As much as I love her. I've seen it. And we will spend the rest of our lives proving it to each other."

"But if she doesn't?" The Gretch's words were like a knife in Ajo's stomach.

"Why do you keep saying that? Why would you put such an awful opinion into words?"

The Gretch shrugged. "Because the world is vast, my prince. There are many paths in life. And we have little control over it."

"There is no other path," he hissed.

"But if she doesn't love—"

"THERE IS NO OTHER PATH!"

Ajo stood, his fists clenched in anger. Tension fell over them.

"I shouldn't raise my voice," he said as he steadied his breathing. "But you...you hurt me with those unkind words."

The Gretch's face was blank.

"Maybe I wanted to see how you would take them," she said. "I wanted to see how the future king would receive...an unkind possibility."

"There is no possibility of that. You're being nasty—but you're wicked, so you probably can't help it."

The Gretch gaped at the insult.

"I don't know if you're my friend at all," he spat.

He began to leave, but could not help from imparting more bitter, desperate words.

"I would never say something like that to you. I would never wish to provoke your misery or anger. But you—you seem to revel in mine! To put these horrible thoughts into my head!"

"I didn't mean to—"

"You did! And look what it's done!"

He ran his hand through his hair and tried to stifle rising tears.

"I don't wish to see you again," he said without thinking.

"You don't mean it!"

"Leave me and never come in my sight again. That's an order from your prince."

The Gretch opened her mouth to argue, but the fight left her and she gave a defeated nod. With a swish of her moss and mud-caked cloak, she was gone.

Ajo was instantly remorseful. He wanted to call her back and apologize.

"No," he said out loud to the woods. "She should seek my forgiveness."

But how could she do that when the Prince of the Wood commanded her away from him forever?

He was caught between guilt and seething anger.

For the Gretch to even suggest that Galeia did not love him—

Something changed in Ajo.

A fear that had never been there before ran through him. The Gretch had bloomed doubt into his heart.

What would happen if Galeia didn't love him? If she refused their betrothal?

"Impossible," he said to himself. "Galeia will never be that cruel."

***

Ajo was hidden in the shadows.

He'd spent a childhood mastering the art of manipulating light to cover himself. Galeia may have believed he wasn't adept at concealment, but he'd used it countless times to follow her through the woods as they grew up.

And that talent proved vital many times, including now.

His mother and Galeia were speaking privately in the Queen's personal chamber.

"What's 'attraction'?" Galeia asked.

"Where did you hear that word?"

"Isolam. He said he felt it for the doe he's courting. He acts so bizarrely around her. He said...it makes him want to take care of her, or even have a family with her."

"That's a good way of describing it."

"We heard the birds talking about it all the time, and it used to sound so funny. But now—"

"It doesn't sound funny, does it?"

"No. It's confusing."

"I've no doubt it is. Like an invisible pull towards another that cannot be described in words. Only feelings." She paused. "Have you felt such a pull, Galeia?"

Ajo waited with held breath.

"I don't know," Galeia said.

"It's all right. You will feel it one day."

"How will I know? Will I become like Isolam, clumsy and tongue-tied?"

"You might. Or you might act differently."

"There have been times...when I think I do feel it."

The Queen leaned forward slightly.

"When?"

Something held Galeia back. It was unusual for the girl who always spoke her mind.

"I can't remember," Galeia said nervously.

"And...is there anyone you've ever wanted to kiss?"

Galeia balked. "I kiss you."

"I mean a different sort of kiss."

"Oh." Galeia thought about it. "No."

It was an obvious lie.

"Keep your secrets," the Queen said playfully. "I will not pry. But if there is someone, someone special, you do not need to hide it from me. There is no shame in the feeling, and I will not be angry with you."

"I know, mother."

Galeia left shortly after, and the Queen looked towards a corner of her bedroom.

"Did you hear what she said?"

"Yes," Ajo answered.

"It's time. You should tell her of your love."

The doubt the Gretch had placed within him rose up.

"What if...she doesn't feel the same?"

"She loves you," the Queen assured him. "All you need is the courage to admit it to each other." The Queen smiled at her son. "Do you have the courage? Are you ready?"

Ajo nodded.

"I'm ready."

***

He was ready.

Ready to declare his love to Galeia.

It had been a few days since the Gretch spoke those awful words, but he pushed them aside, trusting that all would be well.

What did the Gretch know of Galeia's feelings anyway?

Unless Galeia was the Gretch—

He couldn't allow those vile ideas to ruin everything.

They were leaning against each other under the tree from their childhood. Ajo was reading poetry and Galeia was watching the clouds as she listened. What she didn't know was that the book he was reading from, and the poem he was currently reciting, had been written for her. Ajo had shielded the green covers with brown paper so Galeia would not recognize it as the book he always wrote in.

When the time came he would rip the paper away, like a gift, and hand it over to her care.

It would be a token of his love, but not proof.

He would spend the rest of his life committed to that endeavor.

"Ajo," Galeia interrupted his reading, "let's run through the woods."

He frowned. This was not part of his intricate plan for romance, which began with poetry and ended in a kiss. He was supposed to charm her with elegant words before revealing they were meant for her, and then declare his eternal love.

It had all been plotted, down to the last emotional beat.

But Galeia always had other plans.

And Ajo would always indulge her.

There were many different paths this day could take, as long as it concluded with a kiss.

It was a lovely day and the wind felt cool against Ajo's skin. Galeia's suggestion for a run did him a world of good, for it calmed the anxiousness within him, and gave his body a way to expend its energy. They laughed as they went, and when they came to the cliff that overlooked the beautiful lake there was no hesitation from either of them in leaping.

After swimming they continued their run, and somewhere along the way it became a playful chase. Ajo was pursuing Galeia, and she was using all her tricks and knowledge of the woods to evade him.

Ajo decided that when he caught her, he would kiss her.

It would be the perfect moment.

In the distance ahead, Galeia stopped running. Ajo caught up and wrapped his arms around her.

His heart was pounding.

"Caught you," he said and leaned in to press their lips together.

"Ajo—" Galeia's concerned tone stopped him. "Look."

Disappointed, Ajo turned his gaze forward.

A boy, a human, holding a bundle of chopped wood in his arms, was staring at them with wide eyes.

Goose pimples rose on Galeia's skin.

The trio looked at each other for a long, silent moment.

No surprise to Ajo, Galeia had the first word.

"Hello."

The boy's mouth fell open in wondrous awe.

"Hello," he greeted back.

He lost his grip and a log tumbled from his arms. He scrambled to pick it up but only succeeded in dropping the others, putting on an embarrassing display of clumsy calamity.

Galeia giggled. Ajo's grip on her tightened.

"That's a human," he said. "Let's go."

He pulled her by the arm, and she gave no resistance as he led her into the trees. When he felt they were a safe distance away, Ajo stopped and turned to her.

"Galeia, I want to tell you—"

"Why was he in the woods?"

Ajo's face fell. Galeia's mind was a hundred miles away, and all her focus was on the boy.

The perfect moment for love was gone.

"I'll tell mother of his presence—"

"No," Galeia said quickly. "He's not hurting anything."

"You don't know that."

"We should leave him alone."

The gruesome memory of what happened the last time Galeia was in the woods with a human flashed in Ajo's mind.

"You're right," he said. "You don't want to hurt him, do you? Like last time?"

"No." Galeia's voice was small.

"So we'll stay far away."

"Yes," Galeia mumbled. "I don't want to hurt him."

"Let's find a place to rest for a bit."

They found another tree to lay against and took some time to calm their breathing. The chance for a kiss had been stolen by the human's presence, but Ajo returned to his previous plan of reading poetry, hoping the romantic mood would return.

But Galeia squirmed as he read, and it became clear that her attention would not be held by elegant words. Her focus had shifted, and her mind was no doubt turning over what she saw. Ajo realized her distress must have been caused by the lingering memory of when she had almost purposefully killed another human.

"Don't be worried," he comforted her. "I know you wouldn't hurt anyone."

Galeia's brow was set in anguished thought.

Ajo closed his book.

Tomorrow would come, he reasoned, and with it, another chance to tell Galeia everything, once her thoughts had settled.

"We should return home," he said.

"Yes," came the stoic reply.

But alas, the perfect moment was never destined to arrive.

The Queen was waiting for them at the castle gates.

"The time has come, my son. Your King's Trial begins this hour."

Ajo returned her greeting with shock.

"My what?"

He looked at Galeia, who was equally confused.

"Half of a king is born," the Queen explained, "but the other half is made. Before you sit on the throne, you must prove to your subjects that you are worthy of it."

Two servants appeared at her side.

"You will be stripped of your title and sent into the world to seek your glory. You will prove yourself in tests of wisdom and courage."

"I don't understand—"

"This is not a bad thing, Ajo. It's a moment I've long waited for. You are so close to your destiny, and I am eager to see what will become of you."

"But—I've not prepared for any trial!"

"Just as no one is prepared for the world. Yet we all must venture into it."

"What am I to do?"

"You will leave. You will learn and survive. And when you return, you will be worthy of this kingdom."

"I—how long will I be gone?"

He looked at Galeia once more and found her expression filled with worry.

"For as long as fate designs." The Queen turned to the servants. "Begin."

Ajo was separated from Galeia and taken to his private rooms, where servants bathed him. 

As he was scrubbed he was given a small portion of bread to eat, and he was encouraged to consume all of it, for he would be offered nothing more before his departure. It was embarrassing to be cleaned by others, something Ajo hadn't experienced since he was a small child, but the servants were quick and respectful. He was dressed in plain clothes that itched his skin, and every last trace of finery was taken away.

As this proceeded, the Queen stood by and read from a scroll.

"No song or feast will be had for the one who ventures forward. You are not a king and will begin your trial as less than a prince. As all others before and after, from this moment you are no one. You will find your way or forfeit your claim to the crown."

"But...I'm going to be king within the year!"

"No, Ajo. Only when you are worthy." The Queen lowered the scroll and looked at her son. "I am sorry, but you could not be warned."

Ajo huffed. "Did you have a trial?"

"I did."

"And...what was it like?"

"I cannot tell you anything, Ajo. Every journey is different. All I can do is hope that your lessons have prepared you well, and wait for your return."

"When will I return?"

"There will be no proclamations. You will feel it and know you are ready."

"What if I never feel it?"

"You will. And when you come home we will have a great celebration. You will be announced king, and your betrothal to Galeia—"

"Did she know of this?"

"No."

"I haven't...I haven't told her of my love."

Concern painted the Queen's face. "You should do so before you leave."

"Where is she?"

"The throne room. Waiting to say goodbye."

Ajo brushed past the servants and his mother, but he paused at the door.

"We saw a human in the woods today." He wasn't sure why he told her.

"That should not concern you now."

"I don't like the way she looked at him. I worry Galeia might..."

He couldn't finish his thought.

"You have always been there to guide her intentions towards good," the Queen said. "In your absence, Galeia will have challenges of her own. Like you, we can only wait and see what happens. Go and tell her of your love, and let that be the final word before you part. Leave her with hope and a promise."

Galeia was not alone in the throne room.

By her side stood the guard, once a mortal man and now one of her dearest friends, with his hand on her shoulder.

The guard was wearing plated armor, polished to a shine, and at his hip was a beautiful sword.

"Guard," Ajo called in a friendly address, "will you keep Galeia company while I am away?"

The pair turned to him and the man flashed a grin.

"Aren't guard no longer," he said with pride. "Her Majesty saw fit to raise me to knighthood, and not just tha', I've been named Protector!"

He was beaming from ear to ear, and his mood was so enchanting that Ajo could not help but feel it, too.

"Wonderful news," Ajo congratulated. "How far you've come, from the human who dared enter mother's court."

The knight blushed.

"After all these years," Galeia added, looking at her friend with great love, "you truly belong in the woods."

"And go to begin my quest," the knight said, " 'til She calls me home to make me roots."

"Quest?" Ajo asked.

"He's asked mother for the honor of being a castle tree," Galeia said.

"Can't think o' no better place than forever watchin' after the one who saw me to glory. Only after me good deeds is done, a'course."

Ajo looked at the walls of the castle. They were formed of white stone but bolstered by the tall, thick trunks of enormous trees. It was well-known that the trees which held up the castle were all once heroes who had been granted the Queen's special favor, to remain as immovable giants that watched over her home.

The first, it was said, was a centaur prince who had given up his noble title to become the original Protector of the Wood. When he grew old and ready to relinquish his position to a younger hero, he begged the Queen to transform him into a tree to hold up her castle, so he could continue to serve her kingdom. The Queen obliged, and he remained the oldest and most revered spectacle in the castle.

Every tree had a story, and each of those stories was told and heard with great awe and respect. Instead of passing and fading with time, these vessels would stand for the length of the world. Those heroes lived on, and the Queen would often speak with them, to learn of things happening in her home, from idle chatter about daily routine to potentially sinister gossip whispered by visiting dignitaries.

The trees were a council of sorts, and the Queen loved them dearly. It was the highest honor one could ever hope to receive, and it was only granted after a long, faithful service.

"But ser knight," Ajo said, "when I return home, I will take the throne. Are you content to serve another—or does your duty end with my mother's reign?"

The knight shook his head.

"Queen's blood is in yer veins, prince. To serve ye will be as great a' honor. If it be not the Queen who brings me back, I'll wait for the call o' her son. And serve those tha' come after, the generations who will carry the same blood—" He looked pointedly at the pair before him, "—will be loved by me. I'll be proud to hold up this castle, to protect and advise the royals within."

Relief washed over Ajo.

"And Her Majesty's not going anywhere," the knight added. "Unless you exile Her, a'course."

All three laughed at the thought.

"I wish you fortune and glory on your quest," Ajo said when they settled.

"I hear ye got a quest o' yer own," the knight said.

"Yes. I've come to say goodbye."

Ajo looked at Galeia, and the knight's eyes flickered between them.

"Well...'spose that's my hint to leave," the knight said.

He bowed and left the throne room. The knight took all the mirth with him, and now the pair were left in miserable silence.

This would be their last moment together for an immeasurable amount of time. Perhaps even forever.

"Your clothes," Galeia noted. "I've never seen you dressed so plainly."

"I'm not a prince anymore. I'm going into the world as no one."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know. But I don't wish to be away from you." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I will return as soon as possible. I promise."

Galeia remained silent.

"It's an honor to take this journey," Ajo explained, wanting to break the awkward tension between them. "I will prove that I'm fit to rule."

It was difficult to believe his own words, and felt ridiculous to place importance on something he'd known about for barely an hour.

But the Queen promised it was necessary.

"I think you're already fit to rule," Galeia argued softly. "Are you scared?"

"I haven't had time to be. But no, I'm not." He moved closer to her. "There is nothing in the world that will keep me from coming back to you. I must do it, Galeia. Please don't think ill of me—"

"I don't think ill of you." She sighed. "I've been forbidden to follow you, even a little way into the woods. I...don't like to think of you out there alone."

"Am I not capable of looking after myself?"

"You are, but...I'm going to miss you very, very much."

He reached out and brushed his finger across her cheek.

"I will miss you more."

Galeia took his hand from her cheek and gave it a tender squeeze. He pulled her close and held her tightly against him. He was desperate to speak, but his tongue would not move to form the words.

The Queen told him to proclaim his love before he left—

But now, with Galeia shivering in his arms, it didn't feel right.

There was a cloud of sorrow above them, and it would not go away with a kiss or words. To speak of love now would only enhance their misery, and Ajo felt it terribly unfair to tell her the truth of his heart, just to leave her minutes after. He was relieved he hadn't spoken of his love the previous day, either. He almost wished he could find the human that interrupted them and thank him.

Ajo buried his nose in her hair and inhaled the scent of the forest.

"You will be gone for so long," Galeia whimpered.

"Galeia, I—"

"I have something for you," she said in a cracked voice.

She broke away from him and held out her hand. A delicate stem sprouted from her skin, opening at the end into a beautiful bloom.

A purple lily. The flower of a victorious royal.

Galeia picked it with a small wince and offered it to him.

"It's my favorite," she said. "It's not for luck. It's a promise that you will have a successful journey and return home."

"A lovely spell," Ajo said and held the flower to his nose. "You've been practicing."

"Go now, and come back as a king."

And make you a queen, Ajo wanted to add.

The door to the throne room opened.

The Queen was waiting with a small band of guards.

"We'll see you to the gate," she said.

With great difficulty, Ajo removed himself from Galeia's side to follow his mother.

As the room emptied Galeia said something—

"Don't leave me."

—but no one heard her.