“I’ll take good care of you,” Leolo vowed, tenderly stroking Rose’s hair.  “I’ll make sure you always have enough sunlight to blossom, and enough shadow to sleep.  I’ll tend to your roots so you grow strong.  And when you thirst, I’ll call the rain down from the sky to water you.  No other flower in my kingdom will be as cherished.”<br/><br/>Things were happening much faster than Leolo had anticipated.  He’d planned on taking Rose back to her place, talking with her for awhile, and then slowly revealing the truth.  But with the mark pulling so fiercely on them both, they were in danger of ripping each other’s clothes off before the taxi arrived.  And, while making love to Rose in the backseat of her car might be enough to break the curse placed on him, it seemed like a very shabby sort of seduction.  Definitely not worthy of Summer’s King.<br/><br/>“Rose?” Leolo murmured, temporarily ignoring her suggestion to put her down.  “You said that you felt comfortable around me.  If that’s true, if you really do trust me, then close your eyes and hold on tight.”<br/><br/>Summoned by Leolo’s will, a glowing gold portal opened up in the parking lot.  And, still carrying Rose, Leolo stepped into it.  It was harder than his passage here, since he was bringing a mortal with him -- magical energy tore at Rose’s body, attempting to drag her back into the human world where she belonged.  But Leolo brought them safely through to the other side.<br/><br/>Now they stood in the palace garden.  It was night here, but much warmer than the night they’d left behind.  Blood red roses bloomed everywhere, filling the air with their rich perfume.  And nearby, a fountain shaped from glistening crystal made delicate music as water flowed over its various tiers, before dropping into a pond where waterlilies spun on the current like tiny dancers.  Gently, Leolo set Rose down on her feet.<br/><br/>“You can open your eyes now.”