That night, after Will said those things and I became sure I would never lay eyes on him again. Reyna had come running out, telling me the party was over and my father was looking for me so I could bid farewell to the guests and to Ethan. When I'd looked back to where Will had been, intending to say some kind of goodbye, he was already gone.

Now, almost three months later, Reyna came knocking at my door. I had gotten out of bed to take a book back with me to read in bed so I was close enough to the door to open it instead of just yelling at her to come in, "There's someone here to see you."

"Someone?" Who could it be? My other close friend, Jason, had been really preoccupied for a while now, all I'd gotten from him in months were letters. So, I highly doubted it was him. Last I heard from Jason, he was still stressing about planning the perfect engagement party for himself and his fiance, Piper. Well, his to-be fiance. He was planning on asking her to marry him at the ball in question.

Her lips curled into a smirk. "A Duke. From Caelum."

My heart sped up as Will came to mind. Really? Could it be him? And why the hell was I so... Jumpy. Why did it matter if it was him? I knew almost nothing about him. I decided to blame it on nerves for seeing a person. I wasn't so great with those after all. "I'll be down as soon as I get dressed."

Reyna nodded and was turning to leave before she stopped and looked at me asking me if there was anywhere I should send him so we may meet there. She was still smirking like she expected me to send him a flower while she was at it. Maybe even a whole bouquet and a love note. Please. I don't even know what love is. At least not in a romantic way. I've never felt that way towards anyone.

Although, a couple years ago, there was someone. I thought I was in love with him for the longest time. I later realized it wasn't love that I felt. It was a simple crush, bordering on infatuation. When I realized this, I couldn't have been happier. I was so glad I wasn't in love with someone who was in love with someone else. After realizing it, it became increasingly easier to move on. Of course, we're still what I believe you can call friends and I don't mind. I'm just happy I'm not in love with him.

Anyway, I thought over Reyna's query before deciding on the library.

Reyna nodded again at my reply and left.

I dressed as quickly as my body lets me and paid no attention to my hair, I mean, it wasn't any official business, what did it matter?

Once I was standing in front of the library doors, I decided maybe my hair did matter a little and attempted to brush it back. It definitely had nothing to do with whoever I was about to see. I pushed open the doors and there stood the freckled god.

Will stood with his back to me at the very back, looking through the books. His hand landed on a purple one and he pulled it out. I watched as he paged through it and read what seemed to be the first chapter. He hadn't yet seemed to realize I was standing in the doorway. I cleared my throat. Will jumped and stuffed the book back where it'd been like he'd been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to. He turned to look at me with a blush on his cheeks. He nodded in greeting, "Prince Nico."

I smirked, amused at his embarrassment. "Duke William."

His eyes met mine and he composed himself quickly. "I came to return something to you."

I raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

He pulled something out of his pocket and held it up to the light. It was a skull ring with red ruby jewels as eyes. My ring. My mother had given me the ring on my birthday before her death. Since then, I'd had it resized at least three times. When had I lost it? I entered the library, letting the doors close and made my way to stand in front of him. "Where did you get it? When did I-"

"That night, when I left, I found the ring. Later, I remembered hearing rumors that the Prince of Inferos was always seen wearing a skull ring. I figured the rumors were true after I found it." He took my hand, "May I?"

He didn't grant me the chance to respond before he slipped the ring on my ring finger.

Still holding my hand, he continued. "I would have come sooner but I had a lot of royal matters to attend to."

I pulled my hand back, blushing, and looked away before he noticed. "It's quite well, as long as you returned my property. Is this all?"

Will turned away as well and scratched the back of his neck, "I'll admit, I was hoping you'd spend some time with me. Maybe take a walk? A picnic?"

I didn't even hesitate before answering, which surprised me. I usually tried my very best to avoid human interaction. Why were my rules suddenly flying out the window when it came to this golden blond? I didn't know him. That seemed my best defense against Ethan but when it came to him, I found myself blurting things before giving it a second thought. "Sure. Should we head out now?"

Will looked startled as well like he'd been expecting a fight. "Uh yes, why not?"

"Let's leave through the servants' exit. I don't want my father to know."

Will nodded and followed me into the kitchens. I felt Will's eyes on me as I said hello to the staff on our way out. I also asked them if they could please act like they hadn't seen us unless Reyna or Hazel asked but to tell them not to tell my father. I rather he thinks I was out on my own or hiding somewhere then out with someone. He'd think I was "cheating" on Ethan or some other bullshit. If only Ethan didn't exist.

The blinding sunlight that hit us when we stepped outside brought me back down to earth instead of imagining how amazing life would be if Bianca hadn't died and Ethan was never born. Although, if he had not, no doubt Hades would have found some other simple fool to marry me off.

Will was standing next to me, waiting for me to lead him out of the castle. He looked beautiful. His hair looked like woven sunlight and his eyes shone as blue as the sky. I finally took more notice of his freckles, hidden under a very nice tan. Will must spend a lot of time outside. And I must have been staring for longer than I realized because he cocked his head sideways and asked, "What? Is there something on my face?"

I scowled at him like he said something annoying, which he hadn't, but I didn't want him knowing I thought he was anything other than irritable. "No. Nothing. This way." I led him out through the front gates.

At that point, there was basically no chance Hades would catch us. And he didn't. Together we made our way out. We walked until we reached the town square. Will then led me to sit at the fountain. I waited for him to say something. Maybe what we'd be doing. But before he did, people started recognizing me and were starting to point. Fuck. I totally spaced on the fact that I could be recognized by the citizens. Soon, most who laid eyes on me was approaching us.

A woman holding the hands of a little blond boy and one with black hair bowed before speaking. "Your highness. I'm Nelly. It's wonderful to have you in town again. We hadn't seen you here in six years." Her kids were hiding behind her skirts, wary of the Prince they'd only seen from far away.

After Bianca's death, I hadn't bothered to leave the castle unless I was heading somewhere for official business. Now, seeing the crowd around me, it made me feel like I'd abandoned them. It wasn't just me who had lost her. These people had too. They'd loved their princess. Bianca had come often to see her people. And at even such a young age, she had always looked after them and made sure any new rules or taxes had been fair to them. And I'd abandoned them. Reyna had attempted multiple times to convince me to go out and see them but I refused. It was never the same without Bianca. I was surprised the people didn't hate me for it. Ethan suddenly sprang in my mind. Now due to him, I'd be abandoning them without a say in it.

I nodded and cleared my head of those thoughts. I didn't want my people to see me irked. "Thank you."

She smiled, "My nephew and his best friend have always wanted to meet you. Would it be alright if they..."

I stood and tried my best to return her smile, "Of course." I neared them slowly, as to not startle them, "What are their names?"

"Vladimir and Henry."

I crouched and smiled gently at them, they looked about seven years old, "Hey little dudes." They poked their heads out from behind her legs. "I'm Nico. Which one of you is Vladimir and which is Henry?"

The blonde one fully emerged from behind her after he decided I most likely wasn't evil and held out his hand. "I'm Henry McMillan. Pleased to meet you."

I laughed and shook his hand. "Pleased to meet you as well Mr. McMillan."

Then he elbowed who I guessed was Vladimir. "Vlad! Say hi too! C'mon! I did it! What if he never comes out again?"

What if he never comes out again?

His words struck a chord in me. I was abandoning them. Just seeing them after six years, I'd be leaving them for good.

Vlad cautiously came out from behind the skirts as well and nodded, his squeaky child's voice took me out of my thoughts. "Hi, Prince Nico. I'm Vlad."

"Hi, Vlad. I like your hair." I smiled and at the compliment, his lips formed a smile as well.

Then, Will finally came up behind me. "Pretty charming, isn't he boys?"

Henry cocked his head, looking at me and ignoring Will, "I heard your sister's really hot. Can I date her?"

Nelly gasped and pulled Henry behind her again, "Henry!" She then looked at me, "I'm so sorry your highness. Please forgive him, kids these days say whatever they hear anyone else says."

I cracked a smile and wondered if he even knew what that meant. "It's okay. Don't worry about it, my sister is quite beautiful." I looked at Henry, "And sorry to disappoint you but she's got a boyfriend." I mean, maybe Frank and Hazel weren't dating. Not yet. But he was still so totally her boyfriend.

Henry pouted, "Aw okay."

Then, a man with a horrible purple top hat approached them. His eyes widened as he saw Nico but then bowed quickly, "Your highness."

I nodded. "Hello."

Nelly saw his arrival as some sort of notice and bowed again, "If you would excuse us, your highness, we'll take our leave now. But before we do, I'd like to tell you that we'll be having town games and food at the park in an hour. We'd be honored if you and your companion were to join us."

I looked at Will, who grinned and said, "There's nothing else we'd rather do."

After Nelly, her nephew, (I never did find out which of the boys was her nephew. None of them really resembled her) and his best friend were out of sight, I shot Will an accusing glance. "You did that on purpose."

"Did what?" He scrunched his eyebrows in a puzzled manner.

"You knew I hadn't visited the town since Bianca died." I paused. "You wanted me to see the people again."

Will shook his head but grinned like he couldn't believe I'd guessed his intentions. "All I wanted was for you to see the people need you here. Not in Vindectae with Ethan." He looked at me with pleading eyes. "Nico, find a way to break off the engagement. Find a cure for Queen Nemesis. Introduce someone else to Ethan. You marry someone else. I don't know. But I really think you should stay and not have to marry someone you aren't in love with."

I shook my head, glaring, "You don't understand."

He didn't. He did not understand that my father would never change his mind. He wanted me gone. And he would do what was needed for me to leave. I hated it, but there was no way I could think of to change the outcome. I would marry Prince Ethan and there was no way to go around it.

Will made a growling noise in his throat. "Fine. Let's go to the festival." He started on the way to the park. I guessed he wasn't exactly happy with my reply. Nevertheless, once we arrived at the park, his eyes lit up with excitement, our earlier discussion is forgotten at the sight of food stands and games being set up. Most were already up and running, only waiting for the ones who were late.

Will grabbed my hand and pulled me toward a food stand that was already forming a line. The people were refusing to serve until the festival officially began. Will looked at me, hopeful. For what, I did not have a clue. "Have you ever tried enfrijoladas?"

"En what?"

Will shook his head, dismayed. He was probably hoping I had. "It's only the best food in the world."

"Is it now?"

"You'll try it soon enough." He smiled, "My treat. After all, can't have the crown prince paying for his own food."

I rolled my eyes, "Just because I'm the Prince doesn't mean I can't buy my own food. In fact, that just goes to prove that I can."

"Okay, then..." he pondered something for a moment, "I can't exactly have my date pay for his own food."

"Your what?"

Will smirked, "What? You didn't know it was a date?"

I glared at him. "In case you didn't know," I lowered my voice, not wanting to say it louder than I had to, "I'm engaged, Will. I can't possibly be on a date with you." No matter how happy that statement had made me. I remembered to be surprised at the thought. Happy? To be on a date with someone I'd only seen twice now? How ridiculous of me.

Will's voice took on a mischievous tone, "Who said anyone had to know? It's just between you and me."

I shook my head, and I would have told him that everyone around him had most likely heard him call me his date but the stall owner chose that moment to start serving food and people had started shoving, hoping to get closer and buy the food first. Instead, I settled with throwing another glare in Will's direction, especially because he'd gotten me into a mess of a line that wouldn't quit shoving into me and I hated being touched. He only grinned in response. Fucking bastard. It's not like he knew of my dislike of human touch but still.

After about an hour of torture of waiting in line and being shoved, we got our food. Will led me to a little table that'd been set up and waited for me to take the first bite. His eyes shone in anticipation, "Well? Go on. I want to see your reaction."

I shrugged and brought a piece to my mouth. As I chewed, Will watched me like a hawk. At some point, I realized it was delicious and ate all my food, not minding Will's stare. Will noticed and smiled, "You enjoyed it."

I nodded, "If I hadn't, I wouldn't have continued eating."

His smile widened into a grin and he proceeded to eat his own food. As soon as we finished, someone, not too far away, got on a stage with a megaphone and started shouting into it. "ATTENTION EVERYONE: FESTIVAL GAMES ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLAY, MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE CENTER GARDEN."

Will shot me an excited glance before taking hold of my hand and pulling me in the direction of the central garden. His intentions were crystal clear: he wanted us to play. "Will! I am not playing any games!"

He didn't reply and kept tugging me along. At first, I tried resisting but obviously that wasn't working so I gave in and let him pull me along like a donkey. Once there, he eagerly pushed forward in the crowd to hear the announcer a little clearer.

"-THREE-LEGGED RACE UP NEXT! EVERYONE GRAB A PARTNER, SOME ROPE AND LINE UP AT THE STARTING LINE. THE RACE SHALL BEGIN WITHIN THREE MINUTES!"

Will pulled me some more until we were at the stand handing out rope, he pushed to the front and took some rope from the person behind the stand then proceeded to take me to the starting line, where he stuck his left leg next to my right one and began tying them together, eager, like his life depended on it. He didn't even bother asking if I wanted to.

"Will! Get the fuck away from my leg!"

"Oh c'mon Nico, don't be a party pooper!" He tugged a couple of times on the terrible knot he'd made and stood. I doubted that knot would last for long. "We could win whatever prize the winner gets!"

"You don't even know what that is!"

"So what! It'll be fun!" Just then a horn blew and cheering erupted amongst the crowd. The race had begun. I didn't really want to play but the sooner this finished, the better. And maybe I was a little competitive, not that I'd admit that out loud to Will, we'd just win. I took off with a huge step and Will followed.

"WOULD YOU LOOK AT THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! IT LOOKS LIKE THE CROWN PRINCE DECIDED TO JOIN OUR RACE FOR THE PRIZE!"

The crowd erupted into another round of cheers when they noticed me. I guess I was missed more than I'd originally thought. Panting, Will voiced his similar thoughts, "See! Your people love seeing you here!"

And then the rope snapped and Will tumbled down. The crowd let out a collective gasp.

"Will!" I looked down at him briefly enough to notice he'd grabbed onto my ankle and didn't seem hurt. "You're slowing me down! Let the fuck go!"

"I'm on the ground and that's what you're worried about?!"

"Just let go!"

"We have to win together!"

"Will, you need to let go or so help me..." I growled.

"What are you gonna do?"

"I'll kick your damn face in!"

"Please, you wouldn't-" He was interrupted by my boot making contact with his face. He recoiled from me and held his face. I gave a short manic laugh before running on. Soon, I'd crossed the finish line in second place. I probably wouldn't have gotten a prize had I not been the prince. So I took a seat at a bench after collecting my prizes.

I didn't know how long it'd been until I saw Will stomping through the still running pairs to get to me. Before he reached me, someone rang a bell, signaling another pair to cross the line, more sounding of bells following. By the time he reached me, the last pair had already crossed the finish line. I was calmly sitting on a bench, smirking at him as he neared me. Will stood before my smug face, crossed his arms and tapped his foot on the floor.

I held up a ribbon and a slip of paper. "I got second place and a ticket for five fresh bagels the next time I shop at Kelly's Bakery."

"You kicked my forehead!" Will waved his arms around.

I smiled like it was no big deal, "You wouldn't let go of my leg, I did what had to be done."

Will was vexed, I knew. But I also noticed how he struggled to keep a smile off his face. He must have still had fun. Even with me kicking his forehead. I smirked. He should have let go. Like I said, I was simply doing what had to be done. Had he let go when I asked, I probably would have won and he would not have been kicked.

At last, he huffed angrily and parked his butt next to me on the bench. "I am never racing with you again."

I shrugged, "Fine by me, I would win anyway."

"I never said anything about racing against you."

I eyed him, he didn't look very athletic. But then, appearances could be deceiving. Before I said anything else, I heard him mumble, "You didn't even want to race in the first place and look at you now."

I pretended I didn't hear a thing and I sighed as I stood. It might be time to be heading back, I didn't trust my father not to catch me if I was out longer. I told Will this. He nodded and stood. We started on our way back.

"Will you still marry him?" Will asked after a few strides.

I didn't answer until we started on the path up to the castle. "I don't have a choice."

Will shook his head, "Everyone has a choice. I don't understand why so many believe that! There is always a choice. Even if it is not a choice you think is the right one."

"What could you possibly mean by that?"

"I mean...you could run away." Will clucked his tongue. "Look how easy it was to leave today. Could you not do it again but not return for good?"

I pondered this. I frowned when I came to a conclusion. "I have nowhere to go and no way of keeping myself alive," I remembered I'd thought of this before. And again I'd come to the same conclusion.

Will wasn't one to give up though, "I could help you."

I kept quiet again until we reached the castle gates this time. "I won't be needing help." I opened the gates and slipped through, leaving him on the other side. "You can take your leave, Duke William."

I was almost out of his sight when I heard him one last time, "Contact me when you are ready to leave. Send a letter to Lou Ellen of Caelum. Use another name. I'll know if it's from you."

I ignored him and continued inside. I couldn't run. I didn't want it but maybe my father was right to name Hazel the heir. She would be a good ruler. She was strong, fair and kind. The people were in need of someone like her. Not someone who would abandon them so easily. Not me.

I entered through the kitchen only to find it empty of servants but my father. I froze.

"Consider this your last day of freedom, my son, you won't be leaving this castle again until your wedding." He looked at me for a second, his eyes were cold and hard, and then he walked away. He didn't even wait for a reply.

I waited until I heard his steps fade to make my way to my bedroom.

A/N

Disclaimer: Otis Otis, Nelly, Vladimir Tod, and Henry McMillan belong to Zac Brewer.

Also, why is the fandom just gone? They're AMAZING. BRING THE FANDOM BACK!

And I got the kicking thing from Tumblr! Credit to cherry and sisters! They came up with it! I give them complete credit! If by some miracle they read it and want me to remove it, I will.

Yours in demigodishness and all that, Izzy

PS. Sorry, I was rereading and couldn't help adding them.