"Um...What just happened?" Kurt asked, staring after his Dad.

Blaine laughed lightly, putting his hand on Kurt's shoulder, "I think he's decided that I'm well enough to be without you."

"Without me?"

"I don't need my nurse anymore," Blaine chuckled as Kurt rolled onto his back and curled up next to the Slave again.

"Nurse?" Kurt laughed with him, "You think I'd make a good medic?"

"Yeah, definitely. You're so sweet and caring," Blaine smiled and cupped Kurt's face with his good hand.

"So I can go and see him?" Kurt checked, "You'll be okay?"

"Of course. Is that they guy you were dancing with before?"

"Yeah."

Blaine nodded slightly, "He really did look nice."

Kurt mirrored his nod, "But I love you."

Blaine smiled, "I know that. Don't worry about it, really."

"If only we could make you a Prince," Kurt pressed a kiss to Blaine's nose, "But you know, you've always been a Prince in my eyes. My Prince."

Blaine blushed, kissing Kurt's lips gently, "And you're mine."

Kurt smiled softly, gazing back into Blaine's eyes for a few seconds before a huge smile broke out over his face.

"What?" Blaine asked curiously as Kurt sat up.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about how Kathy would react if she saw that conversation," Kurt grinned, slipping off the bed onto his feet.

Blaine chuckled, "Something like 'Ew' and a comment about her throwing-up."

Kurt gave a little nod of agreement, "I'm going to take a shower in case Sky can make it over."

OXOXOXO

"Sure you'll be okay?"

"Uh-huh," Blaine nodded, sat up on the bed with the magic book rested on his lap.

"I'll only be a few hours," Kurt reminded him, pulling on his new buckled boots.

Blaine chuckled, looking up from the book, "I know Kurt, you worry too much."

Kurt blushed, smoothing down his coat and walking back towards the bed, "I know, I'm sorry."

"It's cute," Blaine smiled, "Just, go have fun okay?"

Kurt nodded, "I'll try...how much of that book have you read?"

"Only about a quarter," Blaine sighed, "It's so long, and all the spells have different outcomes depending on so many factors."

"You don't have to read it you know," Kurt told him, reaching forward and running a hand fondly over Blaine's good arm that he used to turn the thin pages of the book.

"I know, I guess...Well if I stop I'll feel like I've given up," Blaine bit his lip, looking up into Kurt's electric blue eyes.

Kurt smiled softly, "I know," He sighed, he looked towards the door and then back to Blaine, giving the Slave a soft, caring kiss on the lips, "I should go."

Blaine nodded a little, "I'll see you later."

Kurt nodded in return before he left, if he was completely honest with himself he was looking forward to seeing Sky again. He was a nice guy, and although he loved Blaine more then he could even describe; it was kind of nice to talk to someone else for a distraction from the whole situation. All the halls of the Palace were deserted, and the Prince had a strong feeling that it might have something to do with his Dad wanting him and Sky to have time completely alone.

It was so obvious how much his Dad just wanted this thing over. For his son to be married with someone to support him. When Kurt was married he'd officially be in line for the throne and be able to take his place as King when Burt retired. Kurt understood that, the King just wanted his kingdom to have a safe future and for his son to be settled down.

Kurt made his way down the halls, realizing he didn't even know where he was meant to meet Sky and that there was no one to ask. That's just great. He wondered around for a little bit, his thoughts mostly revolving around how adorable Blaine currently looked sat up on his bed looking through a book filled with magic spells. His heart welled in his chest at the thought that Blaine was his, he just loved him so much. Although he spent most of his time when he was away from Blaine thinking of the Slave, he often found himself swallowing around a lump in his throat when he was looking for someone else to marry.

When he was younger he'd read books about Prince's meeting in the woods and falling in love, something would happen that would tear them apart for a little while but then everything would be fixed, they'd get married and live happily ever after. Why couldn't his life just be a children's love story?

OXOXOXO

As soon as Kurt left the room Blaine pushed the book to the side, a long sigh escaping his lips that he'd been holding in for a while. Kurt was always so sweet and gentle with him, asking him how he felt with everything before he made a move. But how could he tell Kurt how jealous he got. It was ridiculous, and he just had to get over it because pretty soon Kurt would be kissing his new husband at the end of the aisle with a wedding band around his wrist. Preparing to be King with his new partner while Blaine cleaned the fireplaces.

That's what his nightmares had been about. Kurt's marriage. Kurt's life without him....Kurt forgetting about him. That's what really scared him, the idea of Kurt walking through the Palace halls, as a king, maybe with a child of his own and not even reconsigning the slave, who's still in love with him, scrubbing the floor.

He couldn't tell Kurt though. He knew he would stop looking for a husband and spend the whole day convincing Blaine otherwise. Kurt was under enough stress, he shouldn't have to worry about Blaine's pathetic fears too.

OXOXOXO

"Hey, Kurt."

"Oh, Hi," Kurt had walked all the way down to the front entrance where he saw Sky waiting for him, his uniquely colored eyes bright and excited and his brown hair in the same simple cut framing his strong, masculine features. His skin was a lot darker then Kurt's...not that it was hard to be; but Kurt got the impression he spent a lot of time outside playing sports. He was relived to see Sky was only wearing jeans and a shirt and not some kind of suit. He wasn't even wearing his crown.

"How are you?" Sky asked, walking forward and holding out his hand.

Kurt shook it with a smile, "I'm great, how are you?"

"I'm shocked. I didn't think you'd actually request to see me again," Sky bit his lip, giving a small, awkward laugh.

"Of course I did," Kurt grinned at how cute and shy Sky was.

"So...should I tell people that if they want to get your attention they should stand on your foot?" Sky grinned.

"I guess so, it worked for you," Kurt winked and Sky's cheeks flushed red, ducking his head.

"So...um, what-what do you want to do?" Sky stuttered.

OXOXOXO

"Hey, has Kurt left?"

Blaine looked up in shock but soon relaxed when he saw Kate walking into the room, "Uh-huh," He nodded.

"Good, I didn't want to have to hunt him down to...Are you okay?" Kate tilted her head to the side, walking further into the room and perching herself beside Blaine on the bed.

"Wha-? Yeah, of course. I'm fine," Blaine nodded, folding his arms across his chest and looking away from the women in front of him.

"Really? Then why do you look so glum?" Kate asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I-I don't," Blaine shook his head.

"Come on Anderson, what's up?"

"It's nothing," Blaine shook his head.

"Nothing to do with the fact your boyfriend is currently with another suitor?" Kate asked, putting a comforting hand on Blaine's knee.

Blaine sighed and let his head fall back against the headboard of the bed with a dull thump, "Maybe."

"I know it sucks, this whole situation sucks," Kate squeezed Blaine's knee lightly, "But...you know Kurt loves you, I can see it just in the way he looks at you."

"I love him too."

"I know," Kate nodded softly.

"Kurt wants to tell his Dad," Blaine told her, "He keeps hinting at it."

"Er...I don't know if that's the best idea," Kate commented, "I know he's accepted that you and Kurt are friends, and he's a really good guy. But he grew up in a situation were Slaves were Slaves, I don't know if he'd be quiet as welcoming. And it's not like he could do anything about it without telling the governors anyway, and they definitely wouldn't approve."

"I know," Blaine grumbled, squeezing his temple between his thumb and index finger, "I...There's nothing I can do, I feel so helpless. I just...i don't know, I just want there to be a way."

"For you and Kurt to live happily ever after?" Kate asked.

Blaine nodded, "Exactly."

"Blaine, Honey. This isn't a story, it's real life. Sometimes...things just don't work out how you want them to. But we just need to make the best of what we're given," Kate shrugged.

"It's not fair," Blaine grumbled.

"I know it's not, but...you have a nice life here don't you? You're treated well, we look after you. You have friends, it could be worse," Kate reminded him.

Blaine blinked at her, "...Now I feel selfish."

"Blaine you're anything but selfish," Kate disagreed, "There's nothing wrong with wanting love."

"I have love. I just don't want to loose it," Blaine replied a little harshly, "Oh...Kate, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

"It's fine Love, I know. You're angry at the world," Kate reassured him, "But things work out in the end. You'll be happy, I promise."

"What about Kurt? Will he be happy?" Blaine asked, "That's the most important thing."

"I'm sure he will be."

"But...Do you think...maybe that he'll forget me?" Blaine mumbled.

Kate's eyebrows shot up on her forehead, "No, of course not. He'd never forget you."

Blaine nodded, "I'm probably keeping you from something..."

"No, it's fine. I'm not busy right now," Kate settled herself more comfortably on the bed.

"Are...Are you like-like friends?" Blaine asked, chewing on his bottom lip.

"I like to think so," Kate nodded.

OXOXOXO

Sky was sweet and quiet. He blushed and laughed a lot, he wasn't unattractive, he was tall and sporty...the completely opposite of Blaine. He was unsure about how to act around Kurt some of the time, and that reminded Kurt of Blaine in the early days when he'd first arrived at the Palace and was small and adorable. Kurt's heart ached at the memories of him slowly gaining Blaine's trust, and how strong and confident he was now. He'd grown up so much in a short amount of time.

"Um...Kurt?"

"Oh sorry, I just kinda zone out sometimes," Kurt laughed, turning his attention back to the boy beside him where they were sitting on the grass in a hidden part of the garden.

"I wanted to...I mean, my Mom told me I should just go for it."

"Go for what?" Kurt asked, his eyebrows climbing his forehead.

"She even gave me...this," Sky reached into his jean pocket and pulled out a ruby-velvet box.

"Sky...Wha-?"

"Can I just...do this, please?" Sky asked, his cheeks heating up until they were impossibly red.

"Er, yeah...Okay."

"I know you want to marry someone you love, and the situation that you've been put into isn't the best. But...I like you, and we have a good time together right?"

"Y-Yeah, of course." Kurt agreed, starting at the rectangular box that Sky was holding delicately in his hand.

"And...I promise, that if you agree to this, I'll do my best to make you happy. I'll support you, I'll be there for you every step of the way. You'll never feel lonely or unwanted."

"Sky," Kurt squeaked, realizing where this is going.

Sky bit his lip, "I know we don't know much about each other. But everything I do know about you, I like. And I want to learn more."

"I-I..."

"Kurt Hummel," Sky's voice shook and he opened the box, presenting it to Kurt who stared at the beautiful silver wedding bracelet that was inside, decorated with simple emerald jewels, "Will you marry me?"