Philip gave Cinderella a sad smile as he brought her into his arms and kissed her gently on the forehead. "I never would have expected to feel happy again after the lost of Princess Aurora," Philip admitted as he spoke into Cinderella's soft hair. "I thought I was broken and unable to love after that, but you've put me back together. I truly love you for that."<br/><br/>Breaking the embrace he looked into Cinderella's eyes his face still marked with sadness but his tone calm and serious. "But please understand that I cannot take you with me. If war comes, and they find you within my castle walls. I cannot guarantee your safety. My people are still rebuilding the damage that Maleficent has caused and a war is something I cannot allow my people to bear."<br/><br/>His eyes went to the ground as each word hurt, the idea of being away from Cinderella pained him. "Hopefully war will not come, and when things settle down. I will come back for you and ask your hand in marriage." This brought a true smile on Philip's lips as hope started to shine in his eyes. "Can you wait for me?"<br/><br/>- - - - -<br/><br/>Nerin walked Jack out of the castle but continued to walk with him, she was curious to why he allowed his emotions to get the better of him. When she found him, he was already in his room packing. He was sick of the place as much as her majesty was sick of him. Hearing the order for him to leave only caused him to laugh, saying that he predicted as much.<br/><br/>Now she watched him as his eyes started to take on a calm look, the fire in them extinguishing. She took the time to ask him about why he disliked her majesty so much to talk to her so.<br/><br/>"I've always hated those who are royal," Jack admitted. "Every one I have met, exception to my friend Philip, had power and abused that power onto their people. I can't stand people like that. I thought that because your queen had more power, her ice magic, I thought that she would be different, more delicate with her power and in control. But I was wrong. She is as rash and reckless as I am, only difference between us is that she has a kingdom to care for."<br/><br/>Before Nerin could step in to defend her majesty, Jack continued, "She never had to make hard decisions. She hurt you during that time you were on a ship. Philip and I were docking during the incident. And her captain of the guard had to remind her to not kill a prince in cold blood before her guest during a ball for her birthday. And now she's ordered you to throw me out instead of having the gall to do that herself."<br/><br/>He heaved in a heavy breath as he fought his temper down and he spoke softly to himself to the point that Nerin could barely hear him, "I don't know what it's like to be called a monster." Shaking his head he looked to Nerin. "I'm sorry, I know that you care for your queen but. . . Can you leave me alone for now. I need some time to think." Without waiting for an answer he walked on without her.<br/><br/>Nerin stopped in her steps willing to leave Jack to be by himself. But when a thought hit her, she went after him to give him a small note. "Ask for me if you need any help." With a nod of her head in a slight goodbye, Nerin headed back for the castle.