"No Beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart."
- Unknown

/Inspired Song: Quen A Omagen/ Erutan/

Ben's POV

I open my eyes from the sound of birds fluttering from the outside window.

A distant instrument being played sounded in my ears as my fuzzy senses started to come back to me.

I glanced over the area I was in to remember where I was.

The fire from the fireplace had gone out with smoke still wafering, almost invisible, from it.

The torches that were once lit around the area of the library were also put out.

When I went to face where Rey was I expected my eyes to land upon a peacefully sleeping maiden.

But instead a vacant space was filled where she had once been.

I got up a bit weary from just being awake from a deep sleep.

Once I gained my ground again and situated myself I followed the distant instrument being played as it gave a slight echoing sound.

As I got closer a clear but soft voice sang words of an unknown tongue.

It sounded celtic but I was only guessing.

I sat quietly, allowing myself to hear the rest of her song before clearing my throat.

I did not wish to startle her. But some part of me wanted to for humors sake.

She sat back in surprise as her cheeks reddened as a rose.

I tried my best to keep back a chuckle.

"Did you hear all that?"

"Yes I did. It was delightful to hear."

"Mm. Thank you." She settled her instrument beside her, combing stray flowers from her hair.

"Why do you remove your flowers? They are quite pretty on you."

"Oh...the other ladies in the court think me ridiculous for doing so. Wearing flowers in my hair is apparently very distraught in the eyes of them."

"Do what your heart tells you not what others think or say of you." I picked off a well bloomed  flower from its stem, making my way toward Rey.

Once I had placed the flower behind her ear it had complimented her roasted chestnut hair so well I almost couldn't breath.

"There, you look stunning Malady." I bowed, earning a soft laugh from her.

"Well thank you kind Sir."

"My pleasure." As I sat beside her I tried my best to bring up the question I wished to ask.

"So. You speak and know of another tongue? Celtic is it?"

"Yes I think so. It's a lullaby that has always been there. I don't know who taught it to me, I was too little to remember much."

"It's a beautiful song although I have no idea what the words are."

"Me neither. Sadly we don't have books that would teach the Celtic language here. Trust me I looked and searched for days once. But nothing it seems. But no worries, I've long past my wanting of finding out what that lullaby ment...even the person who sang it to me."

"Perhaps once we leave this place, in time, we could travel to where you could learn it and maybe even find who sang it to you." I suggested.

"As much as I wish to know I'd prefer not. Some things are better left a mystery. But I do appreciate the offer of learning."

"My offer still stands if ever you change your mind."

"Of course. Thank you."

"Happy to. So? Breakfast?"

"That does sound like a delightful idea." She gave me a smile as I offered my arm to her.

After she took my offer she wrapped her arms around my arm as we went throughout the castle.

Once we found the entrance to the dining area she released her grasp and we, instead, walked beside each other.

Rey's POV

As we entered the dining area and took our seats to be served breakfast I was startled by a sudden grip on my shoulder.

"I see you've been out a lot recently. Where were you last night missy."

It was Cordelia and she scared the living delights out of me.

"S-sorry Cordelia. I um....was busy reading a book and happened to fall asleep in the library."

I whispered for only her to hear as she sighed.

I did not know whether it was in relief I wasn't dead (or even kidnapped) or if she was disappointed I had wondered off and not come back this morning to greet her.

"I can see you sure were 'busy'. Just don't do anything foolish. I also wish for you to sit with me. No objections to the matter either."

What she had implied left my face a bit blushed but I was also quite shocked she'd even mention such a thing.

Especially in front of Ben.

As I was about to say something, glancing toward Ben he only nodded for me to go.

He gestured that it was ok for us to be apart for a little while.

"Yes mother." I followed her to the other side of the dining table as we were served sweet cream and fruit for breakfast with a bit of sausage.

"You need to mind your space with that man."

"I have not done anything wrong and neither has he done anything to offend."

"It's not about the 'doing wrong' or 'offensive' matters. It's what will happen if your with him too long in an area where your both alone. Trust me, two that are in love will have very little to hold back if given the chance to be alone. I just don't want you having heirs before your married."

Although she whispered to the point where I almost could not hear I was now blazed the deepest shade of red.

Marriage? Children? What was my mother saying!! Why was she implying such a thing?!

I was not prepared to hear this at all!

I mean I was at least considering marriage but children! She could not have taken this subject matter into a more private space?!

I grumbled slightly as I rubbed my temples.

"Please. Why must we speak indecent topics at the table? Can we for once just enjoy our meal mother."

She gave no protest and instead she chuckled.

"Of course my dear. No need to be shy about it though, it's normal. And it's nice to see you've finally warmed up to him."

I only gave her a slight glare as she backed off.

After moments of silence Cordelia spoke and I hoped this time it was not something foolish or embarrassing.

"Well what do you want?"

"Pardon?" I said, not catching what she meant.

"Your birthday is in a few days is it not? What do you wish to receive?"

"I'm not entirely sure. I had honesty forgotten about my birthday."

As we started to eat Cordelia continued to speak.

And without realization I had locked eyes with Ben from across the table where I sat.

Once he smiled it only made my heart race a bit more than usual.

I turned back to Cordelia who had said something I had no idea of.

"Sorry, what was that?" She rolled her eyes at me as she repeated what she had just said.

"I'll give you three days to think about it. If you don't know by the third night I'll have to pick something out myself for you."

"Of course, yes." My last word turned into a murmur as Ben caught my attention again.

This time he was making a face that had me, for some odd reason, laughing.

I had nearly chocked from the expressions he was forming on his face.

Tears brimming my eyes from so much laughing.

After he was done he gave me a big smile as I smiled back.

"The two of you will be the death of me. Are you even listening to what I'm saying girl?"

Again, I turned back to Cordelia as she gave me an annoyed look.

I tried my best to stop my laughing and recompose myself.

And after a few more moments I finally managed to act more like a lady again.

"Would you like any gifts at all? Or just a small celebration?"

"A small celebration will do." I finally said as I had just finished my meal.

Once breakfast was done Ben and I walked down the halls together, making plans to meet later for a stroll in the woods.

This time we'd stay closer to the castle in case anything else decided to come up out of no where.