The day finally waned away down to the beginnings of a burning sunset. Celeste sat in her chamber, staring out into the world beyond the castle. She didn’t allow anyone to bother her, locking the door shut. She waited pensively, waiting for him to come back. But when the sun’s round bottom almost touched the horizon, Celeste knew he wasn’t coming for her. She’d have to find him.

Celeste stood up, and bolted to her dressers and found her riding breeches. She put them on and her sturdy leather boots. She threw all her rings and necklaces off her neck, and ran out the door. She sprinted down the looming hallways, her hurried footsteps echoing off the stone walls. She looked down one hall and saw her father, who in turn gaped in amazement. She smiled, and collided with Brian.

“Where are you going in such a hurry?” Brian asked, flustered. He held her at arm-length, watching her breathe deep breaths.

“I got to find him. I’ll do whatever I can.” And she dashed off.

Brian saw her turn the corner towards the Royal Stables. He trailed the echoed footsteps slowly, and reached the stable just in time to see Merlin’s black tail whip in the wind. Brian turned to go back into the castle. He trusted Celeste, she would be fine. He took a breath, and mounted his horse, and rode after her.

Celeste rode farther and farther to the horizon, traveling to some unknown destination. Where would Nickolas go? Celeste called for him helplessly, but all she received was the whisper of the wind, and the giggles of the trees around her. Celeste rode to the lake. She didn’t see his lopsided smirk anywhere. The tiny plants snickered at Celeste.

Celeste stopped in front of his castle. She looked up at the magnificent turrets, with the shapely crosses sculpted cleverly at the top. Everytime she arrived at the castle, she’d gaze at it and pray. Celeste dismounted her horse and fell to her knees. She clasped her hands together and shut her eyes.

“Please, Dear Lord, guide me to my true love. I don’t want to live on without him.”

Celeste looked up, and noticed the cross casted a shadow on her pale face. She stood up, and turned to her horse. She stopped. Her eyes followed the cross’ shadow. It pointed to a large weeping willow tree yards away. Curious, Celeste glanced up at the cross and then back at the tree. She treaded down to the tree. Nickolas.

He sat next to a dusty, weathered headstone, his head leaning against the cold stone. Celeste crouched next to the grave. She blew away the dust, and read the stone:

Patricia --- May she rest in peace, with the Angels of Heaven around her.

Celeste looked to her right, and saw Nickolas. He had his eyes closed, his blond hair cascading into his eyes. His clothing was caked in mud and dirt. His cheeks were stiff and red. Celeste pushed his hair from his face, kissed his forehead, and sat next to him. He began to stir awake.

Nickolas looked to his side, and saw Celeste, waiting faithfully for him.

“I’m sorry,” he croaked hoarsely.

Celeste smiled weakly, “Don’t worry, Nick. I understand.”

“But, our wedding...”

“No matter. I’d postpone the wedding a thousand times over, as long as I have you. You are the sun and moon to me, Nickolas. It took me forever to realize it, but I love you more than life itself. And I know that Patricia meant a lot to you. But, she wouldn’t want you to stay lonely forever.” She smiled and looked up at the purple sky. “I bet you right now, she is looking down at you, and beaming proudly.”

Nick looked up at the sky quickly, but then set his sight on Celeste. He leaned in and kissed her.

From afar, he watched the two lovers. The sun set against their backs and they stayed in each other’s arms. It seemed the world was right. And with one last glance, Brian mounted his horse and set off.