Lucas was asked by Mai to go on ahead and get a good seat. So he rowed towards the side of the palace, which was still very far away, and stopped. The lake surrounded the town and castle like a large, flat, non moving moat, giving plenty of room for the two boats for front row seats. Looking over his shoulder, Lucas could see that the other two were quite a ways behind them.

He turned back towards Elizabeth, who was admiring the view and a small smile appeared on his face. She captivated him in many ways. She was mysterious and cunning, much like himself, but at the same time very open about her feelings, making sure everyone understood her clearly.

She turned to him, reminding him on why he wanted to be alone with her in the first place. He needed to tell her how he felt, but how did he feel? He had only been with her what? Maybe twelve hours? How could he have such a strong bond with her only after so little time?

Elizabeth smiled back at him, noticing that he was thinking deeply about something. So, she let her mind wander as well...So many things have changed over the ten years she had been gone. It was pretty overwhelming. Not only did her best friends change, but the town too. It was much more lively than when she was a child. She had a slight fear that her parents had changed. Or even that her home had changed. She wished that she could go back, but at the same time, she wanted to stay here, in this distant yet familiar land. What was she to do about her nerves? She knew that if she thought about it any longer, her hands would start to shake. So she took a deep mental breath and looked down at the water. The waves distracted her from her thoughts. But then, something else came to mind. She glanced over to the young man sitting next to her. She had only met him early this morning, but she felt as if she had known him a lifetime. And she wondered if he had also noticed the bond she felt between them...

Before the two realized it, the sun had set and the stars started poking out from behind the decreasing light. It wouldn't be long before the lanterns were lit, but that thought escaped their minds long ago.

Lucas looked towards her with a soft gaze, putting his hand over hers, causing her to look back up at him in silent surprise. Having the same staring contest that their two companions shared just an hour ago. This continued as both searched the other's gaze for answers.

Lucas, slowly understanding the answer he found in her eyes, expressed his own emotions by embracing her with his free hand around the shoulders. He wasn't really aware of his own actions until he heard her breathe in sharply, most likely from surprise. But he didn't release her, and she didn't pull away. In fact, she relaxed in his hold and hugged him back. Though the action was small, it filled him with unbelievable joy. At least he didn't have to worry about rejection...

Unbeknownst to them, the lanterns had started to be lit, rising from the castle first before hundreds followed slowly behind, all rising into the sky, glowing brightly as more rose from the town. And from the sky, they slowly fell towards the surface of the lake, which was reflecting each one, making it seem like their boat was being surrounded not only from above, but also from underneath.

The Princess however, was too joyful to notice. She was so very happy that he could understand without needing words. He must feel the same way she does. She could see it in his eyes. That alone was all she needed to know that they didn't have to know each other long to feel this way. Now she knew that no matter what's changed, he would be there, by her side to help her through it.

So she whispered those unbelievably small but large words into his ear, noticing that he had said them at the same time...Just in a mere whisper as the lights floated around them in a sweet symphony.

Just those three little words...

"I love you..."