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[Rose Swan]

Amelia gave her son a tight hug before they rode off, watching them both with a sad fear in her eyes. Melody remained by her side, hugging her tightly. Neither of them liked this plan one bit, Amelia especially. And watching her love and her brave son ride off into the unknown where she had no idea if she'd see them again scared her the most.

[Taiylor Wallace]

Later in the evening, Espera came to Melody when she was on her own. "Evening," he offered a smile, coming to sit by her. "You haven't seemed so happy today, and I know why, but... things'll turn out."

[Rose Swan]

Melody sighed. "Mom's terrified for them both, and so am I. It feels like I just fixed things with my dad and now I might lose him. She asked if he'd be alright and he didn't even answer. She's really shaken, but she won't let me be with her simply because she doesn't want me to be like that too." she said sadly. "And he hasn't been very okay since he came back either. He misses Ben. Mom feels partially responsible." she added.

[Taiylor Wallace]

He scooted closer to hug her, offering what comfot he could. "You two aren't the only ones who are uneasy... everyone's worried. But like I said, it'll all turn out." He then kissed her cheek, just as he had before.

[Rose Swan]

Melody blushed again. "You don't know that. No one knows that. I could end up without a father, or a brother. Maybe both. Or even without a mother too. I'm terrified of losing my family. It means I have to rule on my own, or at least with some Regent like Mom did when she was younger and her parents died. If they even picked one out. Who knows?" She leaned on his shoulder, tears stinging her eyes.

[Taiylor Wallace]

"All we can do is hope for the best, and plan for the worst... But I promise, no matter what happens, I'll be here by your side," he vowed. "I won't leave you on your own."

[Rose Swan]

Melody almost immediately looked up at him in partial confusion. She understood perfectly what he said, but more than anything she wanted to know why. "You've been acting different lately. Almost more... Affectionate, I want to call it. Why?" she asked him.

[Taiylor Wallace]

"Because I care about you, why else?" He answered with a kind smile. "You're... probably the only real friend I've ever had, and you've got no idea how happy I am to have you."

[Rose Swan]

Melody smiled as well. "I'm glad to have you too. You're my best friend who isn't related to me. I care a lot about you too." she said as equally if not more kindly.

[Taiylor Wallace]

Espera's smile softened even further if it was possible, and before Melody knew it, he was kissing her. It was a simple, adoring kiss that let her know of his hope to be more than just her best friend, but he didn't force it at all. He pulled back slowly, giving her a chance to register.