Cassiopeia’s reaction to his rebuff was to be expected, and Orion hated the fact that he put her through it.  However faint it might’ve been, he held onto a glimmer of hope that she’d understand and casually brush it off as nothing more than a postponement.  No such luck.  She responded like any other woman would under the same circumstances.  The Prince could see for himself, as well as hear and even feel her frustration and damaged feelings.  She was able to mask it all like an expert.<br/><br/>What he hadn’t expected, though relieved nonetheless, was no slap or any other form of physical abuse was forthcoming from the Princess.  He knew she was more than capable of either.  Perhaps that was a sign as to the depth of her wound.  The Prince sighed heavily with a shake of his head at the fractured situation that he’d put himself into.  Clearly, he’d have to make it up to her somehow.  At that thought, the plotting had already begun.<br/><br/>Moving toward the window, he swung it open while breathing in the crisp, early-morning air, scanning the lay of the land from his vantage point.  Moments later, Orion knew where he was, and how to escape this temporary prison.  Bearings led him toward the opposite direction of where Cassiopeia currently journeyed.<br/><br/>Thoughts then drifted toward the Princess.  He was undoubtedly desirous of her.  Orion’s anatomical reactions all but backed that fact up.  If it was up to him, it would have been a raucous time with her in the gardens.  The fragrant scents of nearby flowers, the night air, the still-audible splashing sounds from the fountain, were all the perfect backdrop for romance.  How far that went was anyone’s guess.  That cursed spy photographer then sprang to mind, and he frowned at the memory.  Nice going, Mother, he thought.<br/><br/>With their wedding date seemingly so far off, he was hopeful of sampling the Princess between the sheets prior to their “big day.”  Above the sheets was acceptable also.  As a side entrance to the castle came into view, Orion wondered if Cassiopeia thought and felt the same way, too.