Love. A fairytale. Something not for royals. No matter how much you mattered to the royal family. Love was for the commonfolk, a mere fairytale for the royal. In a royal family you married for power or an alliance, or both. If you did marry for love it did not last. Ruina had heard that some royals hated each other at the beginning but then began to fall in love. But she didn't believe that. She believed love was a fairytale, for commonfolk. Until she started to fall for Enzo. And then all her views changed.

Despite the fact that Enzo was refraining from laughing or even teasing her more. Ruina was still red. Perhaps she could have worded it better. And she could not lie, she was thinking about the physical side of the relationship. but, she was more focused on the other aspects. She didn't want a relationship based on a physical one. She wanted more then that. Sure the physical part was nice, but so was being close in terms of emotional and well just everything. Being able to talk with your boyfriend (or in some cases girlfriend) and just being able to be there for each other. That is what she wanted. The physical stuff could come later.

For the first time in her life, Ruina was completely happy with who she was. Because Enzo said he had fallen for her. Not her title as a princess or a warrior. But for her. And that made her actually happy with who she was. Of course she was still probably unhappy with something about herself, but in that moment of time she was just happy. She wanted to be with Enzo and she sure as hell would fight for it. She didn't care what it would take. As long as she got to be with Enzo, she would do it. Unless he wanted otherwise. She would do whatever he asked. If he asked for her to leave him alone, then she would, even if it broke her heart. Whatever Enzo wanted, she'd give.

The light in his eyes made Ruina practically melt even closer to Enzo. She was falling deeper every second. "I would have never kept you waiting that long." Ruina smiles again, teasing him,"I would hope so. It's not polite to keep a lady waiting." And then he leaned back towards her. And when their lips connected again, Ruina just completely melted into him. God, she hoped that feeling would never go away. Everytime he kissed her, which hadn't been much... yet, it felt like someone had released butterflies in her stomach and they were just flying around. Her arms stayed around his neck, though she was definitely leaning against him more. Her lips curving up at the edge. Her head tipping sideways to lean against his hand that was cupping her face.

She'd heard somewhere that someone's first kisses were not very good. Just like everything else, it needed practice. But yet she felt in perfect sync with Enzo. Was that love? Was that just proving that the two were suppose to be together? She hoped so, because it felt so damn good to be with him. Kissing him was incredible, but she was just as damn happy just being with him.

She had no idea what time it was, but she knew they needed sleep. But she didn't want to leave, she just wanted to stay here with Enzo. In his arms, with him. His skin against hers. She didn't even care if they just stood there holding each other. She just wanted him. It made her wonder, how much would she do for him? Anything and everything, without hesitation. When he pulled away, she couldn't help but want to just lean against him. But she just took a deep breath in, she felt breathless. Her eyes stayed close for a few seconds before they flickered open. The smile still on her face as she holds Enzo's gaze.

"I don't want this to end." She didn't either. Perhaps it was what people called puppy love. Regardless of if it was, she wanted to hold onto this puppy love. "I don't either." Her voice, a whisper, was filled with fear and a hint of desperation. No doubt Enzo was thinking the same thing. But Ruina was scared of ending up like their parents, their love fading. She couldn't ever imagine this fading. She just couldn't explain how she really felt. She just knew she didn't want it to end. None of it.

The smile curves up again as Enzo's arm returns to her waist. "Is it too early to say, I love you?" Those words were spoken shyly, her eyes dropping. She was scared for what he was going to say back. They had literally just had their first kiss a few minutes ago and she was already saying, I love you. What if he thought it was too early? What if he didn't say it back? If he didn't say it back, well, it would still be a nice story. She would probably just skip over this part. But, Ruina truly felt like she loved Enzo. And she hoped that love would only grow and grow.

Even days ago, if the topic of royals and love had been brought up in Enzo’s presence, the responses he had given Ruina in the hall prior to now would have been his same belief. It’s rather difficult to jar oneself out of such a mindset, especially after observing and experiencing a lifetime of disappointment on the matter. Enzo could have spent the entirety of his lifetime clinging to those views if he would have never felt what he’s experiencing for Ruina. A lifetime of sorrows, bitterness, and loathing all avoided because he fell in love with one person. The person. It’s difficult for him to fare on the optimistic spectrum of things, but he so badly wanted to believe Ruina was the one. The rumored ‘one true love’ people find. It is exactly how Ruina made him feel though, as if she was that person for him. Enzo would lower himself to his knees and pray to the All Father, or any and all gods that would care to hear his wishes for Ruina to be the one for him. As above and so below, if it ever came down to it, every realm would come to hear and know who Enzo is pledging his love to; Ruina Agarvran.

In time, Enzo was looking forward to the evolutions of their relationship. Although after his last, there is no part in this he wanted to rush with Ruina. Every moment he wanted to savor from here forward with her as if it would be his last. As a young male, of course he could soon drift to the ideas of… other aspects a relationship can provide, though Enzo still desired a deeper connection to tether them. Everything would fall into place for them, and if it didn’t, Enzo would make it fall into place for them both. It would be unwise to underestimate his stubbornness when he’s hell bent on something, and he wants Ruina.

“I would hope so. It's not polite to keep a lady waiting.” A quiet chuckle escaped Enzo before a small smirk crept onto his face. “You’re rather lucky you’ve caught the attention of such a fine gentleman then.” In Ruina’s eyes, Enzo could clearly see the reflection of the man he wanted to be. For her, and in general. The man responsible for her smiles, the man behind some of her most treasured memories, the one who gives her a shoulder to lean on, and the one that finds success in all of her triumphs. And in any of her defeats, he’ll be the one to catch her before he ever lets her fall. All of these things he would do and be. If Ruina asked for the world he’d find a way to give it to her. If Ruina desired a star, he would shoot one out of the sky to let it fall into her hands. Anything and everything. Her wish is his command.

Enzo knew it must be decently late, but he hardly cared. If the two of them were to even lower to the floor in this very hallway, Enzo’s embrace wouldn’t let up. Perhaps an odd thing to think about, but Enzo could imagine himself gently stroking Ruina’s -somewhat- untamed hair until her breathing turned steady enough to signal she was asleep. From dusk to dawn he would stay at her side, maybe even one day he’ll be there to soothe her anxieties from any nightmares. If he could ward those kinds of things away one can bet that he would. Especially if their future is going to be a bit difficult, Ruina wouldn’t be alone. Isn’t love something that stands tall through its trials, refusing to buckle under the pressures the world places onto it? Real love will stand, and Enzo firmly believed that’s what they had. "I don't either." Her tone was something that made Enzo desire to hold her closer to show that he wouldn’t let her go. The amber eyes that bore down to her communicated that plenty though. Despite his fears, he would not let go.

“Is it too early to say, I love you?" Enzo was admittedly a bit surprised at those words. The three words he’s heard from people that should mean them, but never did. And from a person who wore them out too many times over. Truth be told, it was not Amber who said “I love you” first once upon a time. It was Enzo, at a naive 14 years of age. When he bore his heart on his sleeve, seeking validation and craving the affection of someone. Anyone. He chose wrong as he had obviously come to learn, but he still possessed the ability to love so deeply it blinded him. “As long as it’s not too early for me to say, I love you too.” He said quietly, but with a soft passion. Enzo believed he loved Ruina. He knew he did. It’s not something he can conceal now, even if he did try. Though he can’t imagine trying to hide it. So what if he loved her? Enzo didn’t mind making that clear to anyone.

She knew from their conversation in the hall a few nights ago, when they had been nothing more then friends, that Enzo did not believe in love. From what she had gathered from the conversation, he did not believe it could get any better than Amber. Which had made Ruina sad when she had heard it. But here they were now. And perhaps while Ruina had never experienced the kind of sorrows, bitterness, and loathing that Enzo had. She had faced her own challenges. There was no doubt that the two of them were bringing their burdens into this relationship. But, Ruina was willing to give it a shot.

A relationship had to be fifty-fifty. And she was willing to do it. She wanted to be there for Enzo, the one he could dump his burdens on if he needed to. She wanted to be able to help him with anything that he needed help with. She never knew she could feel this way about anyone, but here she was. Love had been the one thing that Ruina did not want to try, she did wish for it, but she had grown up in the life of parents who did not love each other. Her siblings had no significant others, she did not know love. She knew family love, but not actual romantic love. But yet, Enzo made her want to try. To strive for something more. Something more then she had ever seen royals get.

It would be an interesting relationship though. Both were incredibly stubborn and that could cause them to clash. Ruina could only hope that they could work through it. She was willing to but, she could only hope Enzo was as well. She would hate to fight over them being stubborn. Regardless of what they were being stubborn over. She did see a little bit of fighting, or perhaps she would not call it fighting. Perhaps just disagreeing. But the biggest issue she saw was Amber. The werefox would no doubt be furious. She'd want revenge, and no doubt the werefox would do anything to get it. But Ruina was ready, she'd already put the bitch in her place once already, she'd do it again.

"You're rather lucky you've caught the attention of such a fine gentleman then." Ruina smiles, she was lucky indeed. To have found someone like Enzo. He may keep his walls up, but she had seen who he could be. And she wanted to be the one who brought out his true self, the side that wasn't hidden behind walls scared of getting hurt. She wanted to be the one Enzo could turn to, the one who would fight beside him or for him. To make him happy when all he wants to do is lay down and cry. She wanted to be anything and everything for the wereleopard. And if he asked her to bring the continent to its knees, well, she may just do that. Of course, she didn't see Enzo asking that of her, but still. She'd do anything for him. Except for murder... She was no murderer.

Ruina couldn't help but wonder what time it was. They surely could not stay in the hall all night. But Ruina couldn't make herself pull away, if anything she just wanted to lean closely. What if they were too lay down in the hall? She could see herself in Enzo's embrace, or even Enzo in her embrace. The two of them falling asleep together. Comforting each other from nightmares. Perhaps even being the remedy to nightmares. She'd never wanted to fight for something so bad. She wanted to defend what they had, she wanted to let it grow. See it grow from what she considered puppy love. She truly believed they could break the chain. They could be the exception. They could be real. And staring into those amber eyes.... she just believed that much more.

Ruina started to grow a hint nervous when Enzo did not respond. He surely was shocked at the words, she shocked herself with the words. And yet, she could not bring herself to look back up into his eyes. She did not know what expression he would wear, but she did not want to look up and find out. "As long as it's not too early for me to say, I love you too." And then the smile was back, blossoming across her face as she tips it back up to meet his gaze again. The words had been spoken back, and she could tell from his tone of voice, he wasn't just saying it. He meant it. And she had meant it too. Love was a crazy thing, but it was addictive too. She could see why many craved it. Hoped for it. And even seeked it.

Enzo too would have his concerns about some of his and Ruina’s stronger personality points clashing a bit. Although, Enzo understood what give and take is. The wereleopard understood compromise where it’s needed. Not just in relationships, but it’s an aspect having been drilled into him from a leader’s standpoint. That didn’t always mean he would budge happily, but where it matters, he can drop his stubborn hold. With that said, it is a trait he struggles with… letting go. Never would he blame Ruina for standing her ground on something, because Enzo believes in standing for what you believe in. However, he also tends to have a nasty little habit of giving a cold shoulder when he feels he’s been wronged. It’s the behavior he’s displayed with Amber countless times; walking away, ignoring her, and so on. It’s not that he means to do this to upset the other person necessarily, but it is something he learned from watching his own parents. When they were done with each other, they didn’t exist to one another for a little while. Enzo didn’t want that with Ruina though, and he certainly didn’t want to behave that way. But everyone’s a work in progress, right? He may be a crown prince, but Enzo does not wish to be regarded as perfect.

For love though, he would change some of his less than attractive behaviors and habits. Perhaps not all would disappear, but love isn’t about changing a person to fit a mold. Enzo could never change himself to fit a mold for someone else, too many people have tried to force that onto him. Change only comes when one aspires to change, for themself, and for the better of those around them. For Ruina, any part of him that could hurt her, he would change. Disagreements, even petty squabbles, they would come and go. But his love would remain. Enzo is certainly the kind of man that will refuse to go to bed angry with Ruina should they argue, and while he may struggle with communication, he wouldn’t rest until she vented her peace. Too many times has he watched his parents go to bed in separate chambers, fuming with one another, and the palace would be enveloped with an icy air for days. Their anger left Enzo alone, too. And Enzo wouldn’t let even his angrier side get the best of him to the point he would ever let Ruina feel alone though.

Looking at her now though, he didn’t want to think about the bad. Right now, there’s so much good. Naturally one must take the good with the bad, but Enzo didn’t foresee unhappiness even with the bad. Ruina was everything to him right now, and in this moment, he felt like he was everything to her too. There is no feeling greater than loving and being loved back just as equally. Enzo could attest to that. Her smile at hearing him say the three magic words back to her only made him believe it more. His eyes did move to the floor in thought though for a moment before he looked back up to her. “I said I didn’t want this to end, and I’m sure we could both use a little sleep,” he started, feeling his palms warm up from his subtle nervousness, “would you like to come back to my room? No funny business, I promise, just sleep.” He assured, smiling into the last part. If she declined, well, he wouldn’t let his deflation show. Even if she did pass on the idea, it’s not like she was a million miles away from him. And he would see her in the morning before class, and in class, and at lunch, and after school… he wouldn’t be short on seeing her basically. But if he could control keeping her closer for just a little while longer, he would.

Now, Enzo was far too ensnared by the idea of him and Ruina finding a peaceful sleep within each others arms in his own room. It’s a beautiful thought. Except one certain wereeagle is notorious for being the early bird in terms of getting Enzo up in the morning, because by now the entire group is probably well aware Enzo would sleep until noon if he could. So, Ikaris has a job five days a week. Yell something absurd as he busts through the door, and more often than not, he has to dodge objects the wereleopard throws at him to get him to go away. Enzo put this thought very far back though, perhaps because he was a little too tired to think over the small consequence of inviting Ruina to sleep with him. Although, just because Enzo wasn’t thinking about it, doesn’t mean it wouldn’t happen.

Compromise. It was something her parents did. Perhaps there was no love between the king and queen, but they were still powerful rulers. They clashed often and rarely ever slept in the same room, but they made compromises. They understood their kingdom and their children were the most important things. Most likely the only thing keeping the king and queen together. Ruina had learned of compromise from her parents, however had rarely had to exercise it. She made no major choices to affect the kingdom. She helped trained the soldiers, but no one had ever truly questioned or challenged her methods. So, she had never really had to find a new method. But she was all for compromise, especially in a relationship.

Ruina knew a decent amount about Enzo. She'd been friends with him for a while, and she knew of his.... lesser than attractive qualities. However, she too had her own lesser than attractive qualities. But she had been working on it. She'd worked a lot to control her temper as well as the beast side of her. She just hoped Enzo would not completely change himself for her. She loved who he was. A little change perhaps would not be bad, but she loved Enzo for who she knew him as. And she had seen the true side of him. She didn't want a relationship like her parents. There was no love between the two and there never had been. Ruina, the youngest, the night she'd been conceived was one of the last nights there had been true love between the two.

She wanted a real relationship, and being here with Enzo, made her want it more. She wanted them to work out. And so far, it was. There was so much good happening.... but Ruina couldn't help but worry about the bad. She was scared, and she would admit that. Ruina watches his eyes dart to the floor. "I said I didn't want this to end, and I'm sure we could both use a little sleep..." Suddenly she was sad, she didn't want to go. She knew they had to, they needed the sleep, but still... She was scared if she went to sleep, she would wake up and it would all be a dream. "Would you like to come back to my room? No funny business, I promise, just sleep." She hesitates, would she? She believed him when he said no funny business, and that way they didn't have to separate.

"Yes. I'd love to." She returns his smile. She would. Would he help keep her nightmares away? Would she help keep his nightmares away? Was this all a dream? It felt so real, but so did that dream that she had told Enzo a few nights ago. What if this was just another dream? But... She was willing to risk it. She liked the idea of falling asleep, the two of them holding onto each other. She'd never slept in a bed with anyone else, she'd always been by herself. Even when she was young. The closest she'd ever gotten was the nanny sleeping in the chair beside the crib. But that was it.

Enzo was certain, at best, what he has learned from his parents will make him a better ruler. Although, he’s the one that has consciously put in the effort to be a better man. Not one ignited by greed, not an individual lusting for power wherever he can get it, and certainly not a man that will place what he loves to the side as he busies himself with other things. The King and Queen of Ritha, as with most royals would, compromise and make sacrifices for the sake of their kingdom. This Enzo learned. However, their kingdom may very well be considered their child with how much nurture and devotion they place into its well being. As for their actual child, Annika viewed her son as a piece to the kingdom. An heir, and she treated him as such, but not akin to the way a mother would treat her child. Annika wanted an individual fit to rule the throne, not a soft hearted knee buckler. And Saxon, well, the King had once enjoyed boyish activities with Enzo. The wereleopard does not believe his parents truly know what love is though; for each other, and for their kin. Enzo wanted to change that. And it all started with Ruina. His love for her was real, and for as long as he draws his every breath in the world, it will stay real.

Over the years Enzo has known Ruina, even before he had loved her, the crown prince had always admired her. In the sense that she wasn’t like any other princess, or most girls, he had ever known. She did not fit the mold of a prim and obediently proper lady. She was a fighter, a warrior, but not in the way that made her frighteningly unapproachable. Ruina was still kind, very much danced to the beat of her own drum, and Enzo appreciated that about her now more than ever. He’s seen moments of imperfection, and tempers flare, but he’s seen far more memorable good moments that showcased her defining, and amazing, qualities. Everyone had their moments, good and bad, but Enzo was looking forward to them all with Ruina.

For now, they were entangled in one of the best moments of Enzo’s life. He could say this confidently as he reflects on all of the things that’s made him truly happy since his childhood, and this moment was definitely very much one of his absolute best. Maybe even the best. “Yes. I'd love to." Enzo’s eyes lit up with a flare of excitement at her acceptance. “Really?” He asked a little too loudly than was necessary, though he caught his volume mistake. “Sorry.” He smiled before eagerly unwrapping his arms around her waist, and allowing one hand to find one of hers. “Come on, it’s not far.” He smiled before excitedly leading her down the hall he had come up from. Now that he was thinking about it, he didn’t think any of the Truhan’s had ever been more than just outside of his door before. Ikaris, and Amber previously on occasion, were the only ones he ever really let in. A small wave of self-conscious fears enveloped Enzo as he walked though. What if she didn’t like his room? What if his bed was uncomfortable for her? Or gods forbid, what if he accidentally kicked her in his sleep during a dream? He’s done that to Amber before, though maybe that was because not even his subconscious liked the werefox.

Brushing it all off, Enzo paused to quietly open the door to his room before gesturing for Ruina to enter first. It was a simple act, but Enzo was mannerable. Following suit, he stepped into the room and closed the door behind them. One would not be able to tell that royalty lived in this room. Not because it was scarily messy or unkempt, but rather because it was so neatly organized, and Enzo only surrounded himself with simpler things. The absolute fanciest the prince’s room got was his variety of plants around the room that he adored. They brought a liveliness to the place in his eyes, and it added to the simpler, cozier aesthetic of his room. The only thing astray in his room was the books he had open on his desk, which he walked over to close before setting them on their rightful shelf. These books were not ones he would read out of though, rather they were what he called his ‘burn books’. Most nights he would fill a few pages just to be able to channel his troubles into something. Eventually, when he’s compiled enough of them completely filled from cover to back with his written words, he takes them home to Ritha to burn them. It’s a way to release negativity for him, and it works.

Walking back to his usual side of the bed he sleeps on, which would be the left, he ran a hand through his hair while looking at Ruina. “I only sleep with one blanket because I warm up far too quickly, but if you happen to get cold, I have a spare blanket in my closet. Or you can sleep on top of the blanket if you get too hot.” He offered, trying to accommodate to any needs she might have. Deciding to not allow himself to nervously ramble about his room or the bed though, he moved his blanket down before climbing in and loosely pulling it over him. The wereleopard was in a better mood, and his sleeping positions believe it or not reflect his moods. Most nights he curls up on his side, but most nights he usually doesn’t get to go to bed happy. Leaning back onto the pillow so he could fall asleep on his back, Enzo watched Ruina with more of a childish nervousness to his features. What if she changed her mind about staying? He wouldn’t mind, but it would sting.

Enzo’s future, to a point, was determined long before he even existed. As a Verlice, regardless he would have been condemned to royalty. As the only child to the current throne holders though, his future title as King is something he has been preparing for since he was four years old. As defiant as the wereleopard could be when it comes to being forced into things, Enzo felt a natural responsibility for his kingdom. Even if he wanted to find a way out, could he trust whoever he appointed could run his kingdom as well as he dreams to? No, Enzo didn’t trust anybody to that extent. For some time he had truly envisioned Amber being seated beside him as his Queen, the person he was expected to rule alongside. However, Enzo would have never trusted her to rule Ritha, and she would have only been Ritha’s Queen by name, but Enzo would not have given her the power. Regardless, Enzo’s future was to be a King. It would be a lie to say Enzo wasn’t concerned about how that and his relationship with Ruina could be affected.

The future would always be waiting, Enzo knew this, and some of it terrified him. The uncertainty of it all… he hates it. But to be able to look forward to a future with a person that could make him happy, well, it gave him a sense of content to envision it. If this current moment with Ruina is to be the indicator of the good that’s yet to come, then what’s not to look forward to? Even through difficulty, it truly is incredible to feel as if he could face any future trials as long as he had Ruina in his corner. She had an empowering kind of energy to the wereleopard, and an energy he never wanted to feel wane.

Enzo’s room on campus hardly varies from his room at home, with the exception of the size of course. The prince’s chamber in the Ritha palace is quite extraordinary in terms of size and architecture. Although when it comes to style it’s very similar to his cozy style within his school room. Enzo probably wouldn’t be able to tell a single soul where or when his desire to surround himself with a few plants started, because he didn’t know. The prince just knows he enjoys them and their silent yet peaceful company. For whatever reason, having Ruina in his room with his plants on display made Enzo nervous. Why? Well what if Ruina despised plants? Or didn’t like a specific variety he had in his room? These things, Enzo decided, were hardly important. No matter how many times those thoughts pestered and bothered him.

As he watched Ruina in the room, he did his best to not allow her evident nervousness to reflect in his own eyes. If she’s nervous, should he be as well? Enzo wasn’t really bothered at the thought of sharing his bed space with Ruina, it was what could happen that bothered him. Something embarrassing, such as talking in his sleep. He’s never had a problem with it before, but wouldn’t it be just his luck to have that problem now? Yes, he fully believed that would be his luck. It’s really only because he knew this was all real that it filled Enzo with some anxiety. Yet, he wanted this. It made him nervous, and yet he wanted Ruina here with him more than he wanted sleep itself at the moment.

As Ruina climbed into the bed, Enzo held his breath for just a second, as if he was afraid that drawing out a breath would scare her away. She’s not a timid deer, he reminded himself, so he quietly exhaled as she settled beside him. Angling his sight down to meet her gaze, Enzo returned a quiet blink. Then, a smile upturned at the wereleopard’s lips as he gave a light, amused huff. “This isn’t how I thought my night would end, but I’m glad that it is ending like this.” He said quietly while moving his hand to rest on top of the blanket near Ruina. How was he supposed to sleep while feeling so happy? It felt unnatural to be so joyous before going to bed. Then, a ripple of uncertainty crossed his face next as his eyes darted to the side before back to Ruina. “You won’t… rethink or regret everything you said by morning, will you?” Enzo asked with a trace of genuine fear. While he fully believed she meant everything she said in the moment, what if some of the concerns of being together made her rethink it all? He didn’t want to lose Ruina to reconsiderations, not when he just got her.

Did the werewolf expect to die for her kingdom someday? Yes. That is exactly how she imagined her death, dying on the battle lines fighting for Truhan. It was an honorable warrior's death. She was never one to sit idlely and even the idea of being someone else's Queen to just sit there and be a placeholder, it disgusted her. She was never meant for that kind of thing, sure her mother had made sure she could rule, but that never meant that the crown had to touch Ruina's head. It was always the biggest thing that her and her father argued about.

The King of Truhan wanted power, and he believed he could get it through alliances, through marriages. He was already trying to marry off Ruina's brother, Ayduin, off to some mortal princess of some powerful mortal kingdom. The king figured he had plenty of allies in terms of wereanimals and had decided to expand his power and reach into the mortal world. Ayduin was not a big fan of the idea and was thwarting their father without ever saying a word to his face. Yet the king was desperate for power, it disgusted Ruina. Power was not everything. Power destroyed the world. Power made people evil. And power destroyed families.

Of course, with everything happening with Truhan, she was no longer sure what that arrangement was anymore. The king probably had shifted his whole attention to the disappearing citizens. What did Truhan's future look like? Were their citizens being dragged off into the sea? Drowned beneath the waves and left to decompose under the waves? It was funny, and ironic, how the Truhan had learned to be masters of the ocean and now the ocean was the one who was taking the citizens, possibly. The future terrified Ruina, but she was ready to face it. She knew she would have to and did so with a steady hand. She trusted in her heart and her friends. And now, she hoped, Enzo would become something she trusted when it came to facing the future. She knew that if everything worked out for them, she could trust Enzo to be there for her. And she would be there for him for anything that dared to challenge them.

Ruina loved the plants, she was always a big fan of nature. It was the one place she knew she could completely escape everything, her royal duties and her duties as a warrior. And the fact that Enzo had a part of nature in his room, well, it made her love him even more. The smell of plants soothed her as well, she could not explain it. But yet, it did. It made her feel relaxed and reminded her of all the times she roamed the wild. Both in human and animal form, moving through the woods like she'd lived there her whole life. The stupid things she'd done that had earned her about a quarter of her scars. But yet, every scar had a story, and she was not ashamed of them. There were some embarrassing stories though.

"This isn't how I thought my night would end, but I'm glad that it is ending like this." Ruina smiles, she couldn't disagree. "You and me both." She murmurs, her hand drifting to rest on his. She was tired, but she didn't think she could fall asleep. It was like her heart was racing so fast that it would keep her up. But she was so damn happy and she just couldn't help it. She studies his eyes as the uncertainty crosses his face. Continuing to hold his gaze even as it darts away briefly. "You won't... rethink or regret everything you said by morning, will you?" The fear in his voice reflected how she felt. She felt the same way, of course she also believed she was dreaming. No way she'd gotten so lucky. She murmurs,"As long as you promise me that you won't rethink or regret either." She'd hate to wake up and find out that he'd changed his mind.

Now that would be a story, an embarrassing one. She knew in her heart that she wanted Enzo, and she wanted the best for Enzo, so she would go with little argument if it was what he wanted. She would do anything for him, even if it broke her heart. But she truly did hope that Enzo would not change his mind. "I hope I'm not dreaming." A small smile curves up,"This is a hell of a dream if I am." God, what if she was dreaming? The fear of that came crashing back and for a second all of the happiness faded away. If this was all just a dream, could she bear to even be in the same room as Enzo when she woke? When she had to go to class? Knowing that in her dreams they had kissed... That they had confessed their love to each other. That just made her wish even more that all of this was real. That she would get to wake up beside the wereleopard the next morning. With no regrets from either of them.

Enzo truly didn’t believe his life was something he would have to give for his kingdom, or really for anything. Of course he would should it be for the greater good, or for the right reason, but Enzo will not go easy. It’s his stubborn nature though that’s responsible for his philosophy of his own death being by his own hands, simply because he won’t let anyone or anything else have the satisfaction of killing him. Perhaps it’s a dangerous blend of being stubborn and prideful, but it is what it is. As a King, the wereleopard was not keen on being a ruler that sits back and just orders people around, declares rules as he sees fit, and so on and so forth. He wanted to be very involved with all aspects of his kingdom, and he wanted to be a King the people could rely on. The people of Ritha mattered to Enzo more than power, but of course his power was necessary to provide for his people. So overall, Enzo desired balance in his kingdom. It’s being run well currently, but it will be run efficiently when he steps into power.

But where would that leave Ruina in his future? Regardless of what he does, he will be a King to another kingdom. If Ruina chose him, should she accept a future with him, she could very well be seated as Ritha’s Queen. That could mean a solid alliance with Truhan, yes, but Ruina would be expected to pledge her allegiance and loyalty to Ritha. If she became Queen, even with the very low possibility of Ritha and Truhan ever going to war, Ruina would be expected to support and express her loyalty with Ritha. These are things Enzo had to think about as well, even if he didn’t want to. The wereleopard would never put Ruina in a situation that made her feel as if she ever had to choose between the two kingdoms, but if that pressure was placed by outside sources, what would happen? If something happened one day should they be together to endure ruling together, what would come of that kind of pressure? Would Ruina choosing one kingdom over the other create a rift between kingdoms, perhaps even their relationship? These were potential complications Enzo was hard wired to mull over, but he was disregarding them, simply because he loved Ruina.

There were so many ways a relationship with Ruina could be good, or bad, politically. For power, alliances, future conflicts, there were ups and downs. But Enzo loved Ruina, and that meant he wasn’t looking at the ways it could benefit him or his kingdom, he just wanted to be with her because he loved her. Should hardships arise, obviously he’ll stand by her, no matter what Ruina chose. If it’s him, and a life with him, then he would never be without happiness. If one day she chose a life with him isn’t what she wanted, then he would respect her decision and wish her well. That would destroy him, but he wouldn't come between her and happiness. These aren’t things they would need to consider more than likely for a very long time, but when it comes to deciding their path one day, Enzo will not waver in standing by Ruina. No matter the decisions made.

"You and me both." Enzo was able to smile at her response. Feeling her hand rest on his, he shifted his hand a little to be able to gently grasp hers. It’s a small and simple action, and yet he found so much comfort in it. As he carefully studied Ruina’s face, his grip tightened by just a fraction as if he was afraid she would pull away from him. "As long as you promise me that you won't rethink or regret either.” A small sigh of relief pushed past the wereleopard’s lips, and then a subtle seriousness engulfed his features. “I swear I’ll do neither.” Enzo said firmly, but the only thing greater to Enzo than a promise is swearing something. If the wereleopard swore himself to something, then it would be honored. He just can never bring himself to break what he swears himself to, it’s very much against his entire making. It also happens to be a Verlice family thing, but it meant a great deal to Enzo just because he wanted his words to be meaningful.

"I hope I'm not dreaming. This is a hell of a dream if I am." Enzo furrowed his brows slightly, pondering whether this could be a dream. No, it couldn’t. He’s pretty incapable of dreaming about pure happiness, which made him appreciate his reality much more than any dream. “You’re not dreaming.” Enzo smiled before shifting to be able to place a gentle kiss to her forehead before he settled back into place. “You’ll see when you wake up in the morning.” He said, but when she wakes up, she would see that he was still beside her. While the wereleopard did find it hard to desire sleep, he knew if he didn’t then it would be impossible for him to get out of bed in the morning. Besides, he had a lot to do in the morning, they both did he supposed. The official ending of Amber and his arrangement has yet to be announced… maybe he could get away with writing a letter to his parents versus seeing them in person, though he doubted he would get that lucky. School in general they both had, not to mention whatever kind of things Amber would desire to start once she’s made aware about Enzo and Ruina’s new relationship.

Still keeping his hand in lock with Ruina’s, Enzo shifted just a little closer so he would know her presence was still there when he did fall asleep. For a few moments, Enzo simply admired Ruina. Her facial features, her hair, her entire existence. When he was done, the wereleopard faced his sights up towards the ceiling before closing his eyes. A sense of real peace washed over him, allowing his entire body to relax in the bed, and he listened to the sound of their breaths. “Goodnight Ruina.” He whispered in a tone that was just audible enough to be heard, and then the wereleopard fell completely silent.