Garalt bowed gracefully to the woman and then knocked softly on Aylia's door.  Immediately it opened and the smiling face of the Princess was revealed.  Garalt could only smile back.  Alyia invited the young knight in, and as he walked through the door, Alyia quickly closed it behind him.  Before Garalt could speak a word Alyia's arms were around him, her head on his chest, she was weeping.
    "I was so worried for you, Garalt."
    "I was worried for you, too Alyia," Garalt slowly wrapped his arms around her.
    "Don't tell me you're going out with Father to fight Ethelred..."
    "I.... I am."  Alyia began to cry even more.  Garalt slowly sat down on the edge of her bed and held her close to him.
    "Please, don't go, stay here with me."
    "I cannot Milady, I must go where duty calls me to."
    "Even if I give you an order as the Princess of Ikros?"  Garalt nodded slowly.  "When do you leave?"
    "In the morning."
    "What will you do till then?"

      "I was hoping a young Princess would enjoy the company of an unworthy knight."  Garalt smiled at her, lifting her chin with his finger.  As he looked into her eyes, his heart melted.  And then it happened, Garalt could no longer control himself.  He leaned over slowly and kissed her softly, and his kiss was met by hers.  The two wrapped their arms around each other and kissed for what seemed like an eternity.  As they slowly parted and looked into each other's eyes, they seemed to be having a conversation all their own.  Garalt could read a thousand words in her eyes.  They spent the evening together, gazing into each other's eyes, talking like they had in Garalt's home.  When it came time, the Queen knocked on the door and reminded Garalt of his ride in the morning.  Garalt thanked her and took his leave of the Princess, kissing her once more, away from any prying eyes.