The day was going by slowly, Morris and Alexander sat in a room with glass windows and fireplaces in every corner. They were playing chess and Morris was failing miserably at it as she could not grasp the concept of how to win. She was also fighting an itch to ask about the rose, she wanted answers, but she did not want to see Okeen hurt or worse, dead.

"Check mate." Alexander said. She glared at him

"I think you're cheating." He laughed

"And how would I be doing that?"

"I don't know. But you've won all five times." She said putting her chin into her palm

"Well, I have had lots of time to practice. You'll get there over time."

"I suppose."

"Do you want to do something else?"

"Like what?"

"Do you like music?"

"Yes."

"How about I teach you to dance?"

"For what reason?"

"Never know when the queen is going to throw a ball. You will want to be prepared."

"Maybe."

"How about piano?"

"You play?"

"Occasionally." He said blushing slightly.

"I'd love to hear you play."

"Okay." He rose and held out his arm. She took it and together they walked into a room which was filled with mirrors, it was creepy to see herself in so many frames. In the middle of the room was a big white piano. A gold bench sat in front of it. He made a motion with his hand and a black wisp trailed across the room to a chair, he pulled it forward until it stopped just to the right of him. She chuckled nervously as she took a seat. He took a seat too and flexed his fingers, then he placed his hands to the keys and began to play a melancholy song filled with deep rich sounds. He looked so peaceful and determined as he played. It was hard to imagine him as nothing more than kind. Morris couldn't imagine him as evil, though yesterday she maybe had witnessed a bit yesterday with the slap. But maybe it was because no one had ever stood up to him before. Whatever the reason, it had soon evaporated from her mind and she did not hold a grudge against him since yesterday's kiss. He was an odd fellow for sure and she was still trying to figure him out. Should she be afraid of him? She didn't know. Alexander finished the song and his face became peaceful

"That was beautiful."

Thank you. Do you want to learn?" Morris didn't want to. She wanted to keep her distance as best she could.

"Maybe later." she said with a smile.

"Sir?" A voice came. A man entered, one Morris had never seen.

"What is it?" The man went to Alexander and whispered in his ear.

"Really? Are you certain?"

"Yes sir. I am."

"Go and ready my horse." The man bowed and left. Morris rose slowly.

"What's wrong?" Alexander Shook his head

"It's nothing." He walked forward and kissed her temple then he left. Before she could think more about what he was doing, Thryn bounded in.

"Do you want to go play outside?"

"Sure Thryn. I think a spot of fresh air will do us some good." He clapped his hands eagerly as he pulled her to the front door where Stant and Cellion held their capes and gloves. They put them on.

"Would you like a guard mum?" Morris thought on it, there would be no danger around.

"No thank you. We will be okay."

Are you certain?"

"Ys. I am." She ushered Thryn out and he immediately rushed to the snow, rolling around in it giggling in glee.

"Don't get too cold."

"I won't. Do you want to make something?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know. We could make you, me and Alexander."

"We'll have to find something to put on them.

"We will. But that comes after." Morris laughed

"You're very right." They set to work, Thryn rolled the smaller and medium sized balls and Morris rolled the bigger ones. Then they stacked them on top of each other and used a spoon to carve out the eyes and mouth. For the eyes, Morris cut out circles of wood and for the mouth they used raisins. Buttons went to five down the tummy. Morris and Then went inside and grabbed an old shirt, pants and cape for Thryn. Then Morris grabbed one of Alexander's shirts, pants and cape. And for herself, she grabbed an old tattered dress that had stretched out over time. And a cape. Going outside, they dressed the snowman and stuck sticks into the snowman to make the sleeves stick out. They stood back and admired their work, Morris hoped Alexander would kike it and not get too mad about using his clothing to dress the snowman. Feeling chilly, the two went in for lunch and a hot drink. Entering the kitchen they found quail soup and bread waiting for them. They ate with the staff, something they enjoyed doing when Alexander was gone. After lunch, Morris walked Thryn to his room.

"Do you think he will be happy?" He asked sleepily.

"Who will be happy?"

"Alexander. About the snowman."

"Oh yes, I think he will be quite pleased by it."

"Good." He said with a yawn. Morris smiled softly as he climbed on top of the bed and she covered him with a blanket. She pushed back his hair and kissed his forehead.

"Have a restful nap Thryn." She whispered before slipping out the door. Morris retired to her room, she worked on her needlework as she sat by the fire, which a maid had started for her. A clinking sound began on her window. Looking out she saw Nyle down below, with urgency she went downstairs and out the door unaware that someone was watching her every movement.

"What are you doing here! Do you want to get caught?" She shouted as soon as she got to him.

"No but I had to see you."

"Why?" She asked as she grabbed his arm and brought him around the corner.

"Because I need to confess something."

"What's so important that it has to be now?

"Well, I wanted to tell you that Poppy asked the queen to put us together because she thought we'd be a good match."

"That's why you go mad when my mother put in the request."

"Yes. That's why."

"Is that all you have to confess about?"

"No."

"What else?" He drew forward and kissed her on the lips. Once again Morris felt comfort and safe. When they pulled apart, he was blushing

"I-I love you Morris

"You love me? Why are you just telling me now?"

"Because I have to. It's only right."

"How long have you loved me?"

"Since we met."

"On the white bridge?"

"That's right."

"Oh Nyle, if only you hadn't agreed then we could've been together."

"I know. I was stupid and I'm sorry. There is one more thing I have to ask.

"What's that?"

"Will you hide me from the Heretic?"

"Hide you! Where!?"

"I-I don't know right now. But please meet me tonight. In the woods when the moon first rises."

"O-okay. I will. Now go before someone sees." But of course it was too late for that, for hiding around the corner was Yenda. He ducked inside as she walked in.

"Ms. Rossa?" He said coming out of the shadows which made her yelped

"Oh it's you." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "What do you need?"

"You have a dress fitting."

"Thank you. I will show myself." Yenda nodded his head as he watched her with careful eyes walk to the fitting room. As soon as the door had closed, he paid a little visit to his number one. Morris entered the room and stood upon the stand then Nasha came out and helped her undress and put on her new dress. A creamy white dress that was cut out in the middle near her waist and down to her feet to reveal a blue silk underneath. Nasha put in a few more pins, which tigheted in the waist. Morris sucked in a breath

"Does it have to be that tight?"

"Yes Mum. It's the new style."

"Oh." Morris said feeling light headed.

"There, that should do it." Nashsa stepped back and nodded her head. She had Morris turn in a circle. She pinned a little more, then satisfied, she had Morris take off the dress. Nasha had just gone through the curtain when Alexander stormed in, a furious expression all over his face

"You, me, let's go."

Where!?"

"To the woods."

"Have I done something wrong?" She asked as they went outside and began walking. "Alexander! Have I?" He whirled on her

"You dear lady are sneaky and conveying. It's a wonder I haven't killed you yet."

"What's that supposed to mean!"

"You'll find out in due time." He said as he gripped her arm tightly as they trudged through the snow

"I want to know now. What is it?" She asked, stumbling over a fallen tree branch hidden by snow.

"I found out that you have been in contact with someone you shouldn't be in contact with."

"Who!?" She was thrown to the ground and someone was pushed on top of her. The person rolled off and she came face to face with Nyle

"Hello Morris." He said softly, as he put a finger to his lips and shook his head. She got the message

"Nyle! Hello! Where have you been?"

"I've been away. I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner."

"Cut the crap" Alexander said as she was pulled away from him. Nyle was brought over to a tree and chained to it.

"What are you doing!?" Alexander turned to her

"I'm showing you what happens to people who double cross me." He hissed.

"No! NO! I'm not going to let you do it! Please!" Se fell to her knees begging him

"Get her back." He told the Inferni that was with him.

"Yes sir." The inferni grabbed her by the armpits and held her as she screamed and wriggled, tears pouring down her face. She watched as Nyle breathed deeply, took a deep breath and faced Alexander.

"I love you Morris!" He said just as the wisps encircled him and blood spattered across the snow as his body was pulled apart to pieces. Morris wailed out falling to her knees as she folded herself in half rocking back and forth in the snow. Her friend was gone.