Josephine smiled gently to him as he left, then turned to Alyxander. "Your rudeness was unearned by him. He means naught but good." "He is untrustworthy and troublesome. He would turn you over to his father in the blink of an eye if you let your guard down." "He would not! He had his chance to do that last night, but instead he protected me from the guards. He could have given me over to the king, but instead he hid me out of sight until it was safe to come out. What do you say to that? Is he still untrustworthy?" "He's using you, he is nearly of age to take the throne himself. He could act like he wants to help you, but when his father is overthrown you will be killed. It is better to go without his aid than with it, Josephine!" Josephine, seeing that there was no reason to continue arguing, returned to her room. But this time she did not weep, for she had hope. 'I promised Raoul nothing would keep us apart. I intend to uphold that promise.'<br/><br/>That night, a little later than expected, Josephine snuck out of the home through her window. A tree hung down close to the window pane, which she used for her escape. With the rest of the family asleep, she hurried off into the darkening shadows, down the path and towards the clearing of white roses. Initially she did not see Raoul, as he blended in with the darkness of the forest. "Raoul?"