The ball was in full swing, with lots of dancing, laughing, and surprisingly some updated music. I was still stuck on the throne as I've shaken hands with so many people and listening to all of them pledge their loyalty to me, it was a little overwhelming, but worth seeing the faces of the ones I'm going to protect.

As the line has dwindled down to the last few people, the council is allowed to go join the dancing. I decided I needed to get some air, walking to the nearest balcony I saw, closing the doors behind me. Walking out to the ledge and leaning my elbows on it, I take a huge breath, I can still hear the music, but not as loud, and I take my few seconds of solitude for granted until I hear a throat clear.

I didn't notice him in the corner, seeming to need air himself "It's a beautiful night" Buford said.

Deciding not to be sarcastic "Yes, it is, I needed to get some air, it's tough being in there with so many new faces and new traditions to me, even though I'm not exactly alone, it feels like I was up there, I guess I should be used to it"

Suddenly I'm being spun around, and landed into his arms. He is looking down at me with a serious look, oh why does he have to be so sexy. "I told you, I will always be here for you, and I will always be there to protect you" I look at him for a few seconds, then following my feelings, I kiss him.

Oh, how I missed his lips, I put my hand on the back of his head, he wraps his hand around my waist and neck, as the kiss deepens. Pouring my feelings into the kiss, hoping he understands them, and hoping he feels the same, we kiss deeper.

Then he untangles himself suddenly from me, both of us breathing heavy, as he starts pacing on the balcony "I can't do this, I promised it wouldn't happen again, what was I thinking?" talking to himself.

"I started it, it's ok, I know you promised but it's ok with me" I watch him pace.

"No, it's not Acadia, I promised myself, and I promised other people, you don't understand, you don't understand any of it" he says louder

"Then help me understand, who else did you promise? Was it your mother? I know she doesn't exactly like me, but I just don't understand, you have feelings for me, I have feelings for you, why can't it just be simple" I yell at him.

He stops pacing, and with one last sorrowful look at me, he leaves with the last words "You just don't understand".

That arrogant, secretive, oh so sexy, but rude and intolerable man! No, I don't understand why he just won't love me back, what is so wrong with me? Love... I can't be in love with him, can I? No matter how much I deny it, I believe it's true, I know it is. With our nightly dinners, silly conversations, training, and everything in between, I fell for him along the way, Damn me.

Standing up straight, putting my pride and hurt away, I walk back into the ball determined to have a good night despite what happened with Buford. A few glasses of wine, plenty of dancing, conversations with strangers, and my best friend enjoying herself as well with Kelvin, it seems like tonight was mainly a success, not noticing the brooding Buford in the corner watching me the whole time.