Tristan stood around the strategy table with Samuel. It was here that they planned battle tactics and manoeuvres when faced with hard times. At present they had no use for it, the land was peaceful and quiet. But Tristan had his own battle to face now.

The morning light streamed in through the windows, highlighting the dust mites in the air and turning them gold. He would have enjoyed the sight and pleasant warmth of the sun if he was not so tense.

His valet had woken him earlier than usual with warnings that there were rumours of a tryst between the Prince and a maidservant named Keira. His valet had not known all the details, but had summarized that supposedly Tristan had forced himself onto the girl and later refused to marry her. Tristan groaned to himself. He had done no such thing, but eradicating the rumours would be a long and frustrating task. Samuel leaned over and slapped Tristan on the back, his chosen method of encouragement.

"Do not worry, Sire. It will work out in the end," Samuel said. Tristan grunted his agreement but did not answer. He would have to find a way to prove the rumour was not true. And then there was Rose. She would have no doubt heard of the rumours already. How could he convince her it was false? She was likely to be hurt and confused. It was still very early, he assumed most people were still asleep. He probably had a few hours to decide on a plan to sort everything out.

"I despise these situations," Tristan muttered.

"Aye, I know, but this will pass over soon enough. Your father will support you, this is not the first time the people have woven tales to try and get what they want. And I can obviously vouch for you - you were with me and the other scouts that night. This girl's story is flawed and will be proven so easily," Samuel assured him. Tristan sighed and leaned on the table, staring blankly at the map of the land.

The door to the room burst open suddenly. Tristan whirled around in surprise to see Rose. She had flung the doors open and was standing in the room. A few tears were glistening on her cheeks, but she wiped them away hurriedly. Tristan's heart broke at the sight of her, she looked completely shattered but she was clearly doing her best to act strong. Tristan opened his mouth to try and speak and calm her down, but she spoke before he could utter a sound.

"How could you?" She asked through her tears. She turned and ran from the room, her blonde hair fluttering behind her. Tristan bolted from the room immediately without pausing to excuse himself from Samuel.

"Rose!" He called as he rounded the corner. She was running towards the back exit of the castle. "Rose, wait!" Tristan pushed himself faster, forcing himself to lengthen his strides. He caught up to her just as she ran out the exit. Tristan reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop.

"Let go of me," she demanded, trying to peel his fingers off. Tristan only tightened his grip on her, doing his best to remain gentle so he would not hurt her. He was grateful it was so early as no one was about - he did not have to worry about another rumour starting concerning yet another servant. "Unhand me at once," she spat out angrily.

"Rose, stop. Listen to me," he begged as she stubbornly turned her head away from him and stared at a tree. "I did not touch her, Rose. I do not even know the girl, you must believe me," he begged. His heart squeezed inside his chest. What would he do if Rose refused to forgive him? He could not bear the thought of losing her affection. "These rumours are false, I swear it." Rose did not look at him, though she stopped pulling on her arm. "I swear by the all-seeing, all-knowing God. I never touched her," he promised. Rose hesitantly turned her head to look at him. Her startling grey eyes were rimmed with red and glistened with unshed tears.

Help me, God. Let her believe me.

"I would never hurt you like that, Rose. I would never accost an innocent maiden," he murmured.

"How can I believe you when Keira was so upset? She was crying all night. How could anyone fake such pain?" Rose asked. Tristan pulled her one step closer.

"You can believe me because you know me. You know the type of person I am; you know I would not make unwanted advances on a woman. Samuel was with me that night and can vouch that I could not have been where this maiden said I was. Besides, I could never be interested in the affections of this woman. My mind and my heart belong to another," Tristan said softly as he gazed at Rose. Rose wiped away a tear with her free hand.

"You really did not touch Keira?"

"I promise I did not," he assured her.

"But... but why would Keira lie like that?" Her eyebrows were furrowed in deep confusion as she met Tristan's gaze.

"This is not the first time I have been accused of a situation like this. You must remember that I am the Prince, the next King. There are many women who have tried to claim the position of the future Queen. If Keira could prove that I had dishonoured her then I would have been forced to marry her - to protect her, you understand. Other women have tried similar tactics, but none have succeeded. I am not the type of person to accost a maiden. You must believe me, I would never do something so obscene," Tristan explained. "Please believe me, Rose," he begged. "Please."

"I... I believe you," Rose said after a moment. Tristan sighed in relief as his fear faded. He released her arm from his grasp. Rose lowered her arm and looked at the ground for a minute, her chin quivering. Tristan opened his arms slowly. Rose looked up at him and without a word she stepped up to him and accepted his embrace.

Tristan held her tightly, revelling in the feeling of her in his arms. Thank you, God, thank you. She had believed him even though she had felt so hurt. Rose was clutching onto the front of his shirt as she rested her head against his chest.

"I am so sorry, I never wanted you to be hurt," Tristan whispered to her. She nodded, the top of her head tickling him as her stray hairs brushed against his nose.

"I know. I am sorry too, I should not have made my conclusion without talking to you first," she said, her voice slightly muffled against his shirt. Rose pulled her head away a little so that she could look up at him. "It was just so hard. Keira seemed so distraught I thought her words must be true, but I did not want to believe them." Tristan reached up and brushed his thumb along her cheek gently. His breathing practically stopped as he touched the smoothness of her skin. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever known. She was undeniably precious to him, just the thought of losing her made his heart flop in his chest.

He loved the way she was strong yet gentle; the way her eyes lit up when she saw him; he loved the way she spoke her mind; he loved how she was generous and selfless. He loved everything about her. Loved...

I love her, he realised in wonder. It was if the clouds had dissolved in his mind and everything had become clear. The wonder faded into a sudden, enthusiastic joy. He wanted to shout it to the world that his heart belonged to Rose Culbert, the most perfect maiden of them all. There was no other that could steal his breath away and make his heart race. Exultation raced through him. I love her, God, I love her so much.

He looked down at Rose. She was staring up at him with those beautiful, vulnerable eyes, unaware of his sudden realization. He longed to kiss her and tell her he loved her, but he held back. Not yet, not yet. Tristan dropped his hand from her cheek and instead settled for holding her. Rose rested her head back on his chest and sighed quietly. He wondered if she could feel the rapid pounding of his heart. He held on to her tightly and tried to imprint every detail of their embrace into his mind.

What would happen now? He did not want to spend another moment apart from her. His father would be angered, but perhaps if Tristan went about it carefully then the King could be subdued. He would need to be careful. For now, Rose and Tristan would have to continue the way they always had. He could not let scandal break out, it would hurt Rose too much. He would keep his revelation of love to himself for now until the time was right. Tristan reluctantly let Rose go when she started to pull away.

"Shall we go for a walk before the day's duties begin?" Rose asked.

"Of course," Tristan agreed with a nod. He held out his arm and Rose took it. They wordlessly began walking towards the palace gardens.

"What will happen to Keira?" Rose asked.

"That," Tristan said, "is for the King to decide. I cannot say, though I imagine she will be relieved of her duties. My father does not tolerate troublemakers, particularly ones who fabricate tales about our family." Rose was silent but Tristan could sense an emotion she was trying to hide. "Does that please you?" He asked with an amused grin. Rose ducked her head with a sheepish expression.

"I know it should not, and I would not wish misfortune on anyone. It is just... I am glad Keira was lying," Rose admitted. Tristan chuckled.

"As am I," he responded with a wink.

They walked together silently for a few minutes. The gardens were, as always, perfectly tended to.

"You said you could not find evidence of a threat in the forest when you were with your Knights?" Rose asked carefully after a moment.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"I... think I saw something in the woods last night. It was very late and I was tired, perhaps my eyes were only playing tricks on me," she began. "But... well, it looked like there was a fire. Not a large one, only small, and I could barely make it out through the trees. I wondered if it was a campfire, though I could not think of any reason why someone would be in the forest at night." Tristan frowned deeply at her words. A campfire could confirm the rumours of a rebel group forming. Or it could simply be sign of wandering vagabonds, or perhaps a poacher hoping to catch the forest wildlife.

"Thank you for telling me. I will ask my sentries if they noticed anything. It could be nothing, or it could be something. In the meantime, will you promise me something?" He asked gently. Rose nodded, her expression serious and honest. "Do not go into the woods - not even during the daytime, not even if you have someone with you. There are too many dangers in the forest, not just wolves."

"I promise," she whispered with wide eyes. "I shall not go near the woods."

"Good, I do not want anything to happen to you," he said, squeezing her hand on his arm gently. Rose's only response was a soft smile.

They walked through the gardens until they could hear the sounds of the world waking up. The noise of voices in the distance; the laughter of children; and the footsteps of the gardeners nearby. Tristan silently huffed out a long breath when he realised he would now have to face the day and confront Keira's lies.

"I suppose we should be leaving," Rose said regretfully.

"I suppose so," Tristan affirmed. They stopped walking and faced each other.

"Will you be okay today? Everyone will be talking about you."

"Of course, I can handle people whispering about me. It will just be tiring and difficult to prove I am innocent and cease the rumours. I do not look forward to responding to all the accusations."

"I will be praying for you."

"I thank you. I may not be able to talk to you for the next few days, I cannot be seen alone with a servant otherwise people will doubt my word. I shall look for you soon, though," he promised, already smiling at the thought of spending more time with Rose. Rose did not smile, she did not even blink. "What is wrong?"

"You cannot be seen with a servant. You can never be seen with me, because that is what I am," she said miserably.

"That is what you are, but it is not who you are. There is so much more to you, Rose. I see it, I wish you could too," Tristan said as he lightly took her hands into his own. "I am not ashamed to be seen with you. I would walk with you by my side into the castle now if it were not for the rumour concerning Keira. You would be hurt, people would say and assume awful things. I cannot bear it for you to be in pain, I am doing this to protect you."

"Next to you I am like a bug next to a boot. I never thought being a servant would cause me to be so self-conscious," Rose said with a bitter laugh.

"You are not a bug to me; you are the most priceless gem. There is no other who can compare to you." A deep blush formed on Rose's cheeks in response to his words. Tristan chuckled and released her hands. "We should go."

They left the gardens and parted ways, though Tristan found it hard to tear his gaze away from Rose as she retreated. He entered the castle and walked back towards the room he had left Samuel in. He burst through the door, jubilant, and scanned the room quickly. Samuel was the only person there. Tristan shut the door firmly.

"I love her!" He cried out exultantly, forgetting his earlier promise not to tell anyone. Samuel's eyes grew so wide Tristan was afraid they would pop out of their sockets.

"What?" Samuel asked bluntly, his eyes still wide. Tristan wanted to laugh at his friend's shocked expression.

"My heart belongs to Rose," Tristan rephrased. Samuel stared at him blankly for a moment, the only sign of his shock was his raised eyebrows. Samuel stood still for a moment as he processed the news. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, as if trying to find the words to say. His expression abruptly changed into amusement and he roared loudly with laughter. His shoulders shook and tears formed in his eyes as he laughed. Tristan stood there quietly, confused, as his friend tried to contain his amusement. "What is so entertaining?" He asked, dumbfounded. Samuel took another minute to calm down.

"Nothing," he said innocently.

"Samuel!"

"Okay, okay," he said with a snigger. "I find it amusing to imagine what the kingdom will say when their future King declares his love for a servant, especially after all the rumours circulating presently. Not to mention, how amusing it is that you fell for a servant, of all people, after years of refusing to look at a woman more than once. And that servant was, out of everyone, the one servant who despised you with everything in her."

"It is not that amusing," Tristan grumbled.

"No, I suppose it is not. I apologise, my lord, for laughing at you. It gladdens the soul to see you so... different. You have a light in your eyes that I have not seen since... since..." he trailed off into silence.

"Since my mother and sister died," Tristan finished grimly.

"Aye," Samuel muttered. "Forgive me for bringing up such cruel memories."

"It is no matter. I do not dwell on the pain of the past."

"Does Rose know how you feel?" He asked, changing the topic. Tristan instantly felt a smile form as Rose was mentioned.

"No. Not yet. I have to be careful with the current rumour circulating."

"The King will not be happy."

"No. But he cannot tell me who my heart may or may not love."

"He is the King, he can tell you anything he wants," Samuel said with a chuckle.

"Yes, but he is also my father. He may be hard and serious at times but he loves his children, he wants us to be happy."

"What if he refuses to give you his blessing?"

"I love Rose and that shall not change - whether my father approves or not. I will not accept anything but her. He cannot force me to give her up, and he will not force me to wed another if my heart belongs to Rose - it would be cruel to the other woman."

"I suppose your stubbornness is a blessing, but I hope you are prepared to fight for her."

"I am more than prepared, I would fight the world for her," Tristan assured. The doors to the room swung open again. Tristan and Samuel both turned to see who had entered. A manservant bowed to them.

"The King has summoned you, Your Highness. He requests your presence in the throne room," the servant said.

"Thank you," Tristan said, nodding his head once. The servant bowed again and left the room.

"Will you tell him about Rose now?" Samuel asked.

"No. For now I must deal with the situation with Keira. I will not aggravate my father more than necessary. He will not be in a good mood with the current gossip." Samuel nodded his head once in response. Tristan left the room and headed towards the throne room.

The guards opened the doors and he entered. The throne room was big and ornate. It was commonly used for the King to hear petitions, sit in council, or for ceremonial purposes such as greeting foreign guests. Tristan walked in; his father was seated on the throne with an aggravated, tired expression. Tristan walked to the throne and bowed in respect, as expected. His father gestured with his hand for Tristan to rise and come closer. Tristan stood up and took a few more steps towards the King.

"I despise these situations," the King muttered, echoing Tristan's earlier words. Tristan smiled in amusement.

"Likewise, Father."

"I grow tired of having to dispel rumours concerning the morality of my son. If you took a wife this would not keep happening," the King said, sending Tristan a sharp look.

"I know, Father. I am working on it," he promised, his thoughts immediately drifting to Rose.

"Very well. I do not enjoy asking, but these rumours regarding the maid, Keira, are they true?"

"Of course not. I would never do such a thing," Tristan said firmly. "I have never even spoken to the girl."

"I suspected as much," the King sighed. His face grew dark as he shifted on the throne. "I am angered that a servant would dare to spread false tales about you. Do you know the details of her accusation?"

"Only that I supposedly forced myself onto her and later refused to wed her."

"I heard the same. I will summon the girl here to face my judgement, perhaps she will confess the truth when faced with the King."

"What do you plan to do?"

"If she confesses I shall remove her from her duties. If she continues to lie the consequences will be far more severe." Tristan blinked; the King's expression turned curious. "What would you have me do?" The King asked. Tristan hesitated and thought over his words. Keira had wronged and tried to manipulate him, she had upset Rose, she had lied to the other servants in order to gain fortune and fame. But... he could not blame her. A servant's life was no easy one. Tristan finally spoke, though he did not know how his father would react.

"Show mercy, good King. She is only a servant, her prospects in life are limited," he said gently. The King's face grew angry.

"Mercy, you say? Mercy to one who has spoken against the crown and dared to disgrace the name of my son? I do not have mercy to those who weave tales for their own gain."

"Father, do no-"

"Bring the girl to me!" The King roared angrily to his guards who raced out to find Keira. "Let her face the mercy of the King," he said with a terrible glint in his eyes.

"Father!" Tristan cried out angrily.

"Tristan, a good King does not show weakness if he wants to prevail. And mercy will always be seen as weakness."

"Mercy is not weakness, it is kindness."

"Bah! Kindness! When you are King you will feel differently."

"I do not think so."

"I say you will."

"I disagree."

"You will."

"Nay."

"Yes."

"No." Tristan and the King stared at each other stubbornly. Finally a smile quirked up on the King's lips. He stared at Tristan in amusement, Tristan could see pride in his eyes.

"At least you are your own man, that is good. A worthy leader makes his own decisions; he does not allow others to dictate to him who he should be. You will be a noble King."

"Thank you, Father." Tristan could ask for no higher compliment from his father.

The doors swung open and the guards announced the maidservant had arrived. Tristan moved to stand by the right side of his father. The girl entered with wide eyes. A guard gestured for her to go forward. She timidly walked towards the throne. She curtsied to them as she lowered her gaze to the ground.

"Rise," the King said after a moment. Keira stood up and clasped her hands behind her back. She refused to raise her gaze from the floor. "Do you know why you have been summoned?"

"Yes, my lord," she said, her voice no more than a squeak.

"These... allegations against my son do not please me. There is more than enough proof that Tristan is innocent of your claims. I am not to be trifled with and I will see that these rumours are dispelled. Do you still hold to your accusations?" The King spoke calmly but Tristan could see his jaw was clenched tightly. Keira gradually raised her eyes and looked between Tristan and the King. Her eyes glistened with tears and her hands shook.

"N-nay, Your Highness."

"Why did you lie?" The King said, his eyes blazing with anger as he stared at her. Tristan flinched from his harsh tone.

"I th-thought that if I c-could be - could be Queen then I would h-have enough wealth to support my family," she stuttered, a tear falling from her eyes. It was clear the girl had realised she had made a grave mistake.

"Wealth," the King spat. "As always, it is the same reasoning. Wealth or fame or power. Always people are led by their vain desires. Always they manipulate in a bid to achieve their selfish desires. I find your reasoning unsatisfactory and insufficient. You will be punished," the King declared angrily.

"Father," Tristan warned, fearing the wrath of the King.

"The people must learn to respect the higher classes, Tristan. If you let one person be pardoned without reason, then the people will act rebelliously without the fear of punishment. I will not see this kingdom fall into chaos," he said quietly so that Keira could not hear. "You will be stripped of your duties here in the palace," he said loudly as he glared at the maidservant. Keira gasped as fresh tears flooded her eyes.

"No!" She cried. "My lord, please! My father is ill; I am the only one able to provide an income."

"Perhaps you should have thought of him before you decided to speak lies against the crown," the King answered nonchalantly.

"Please, he is sick. He will die if I cannot support him," she begged, the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her gaze flickered to Tristan desperately. The King merely stared at Keira indifferently. "Please, have you no compassion?"

All at once her words brought back memories for Tristan. The story of Beth and how Tristan had ignored her, leading to her death, echoed in his mind. All she had needed was compassion, it would not have cost him anything. There were beggars and orphans on the street hoping that one day the crown would care for them. There were people who needed support. If Tristan allowed his father's punishment to continue, would Keira truly lose her father? What would become of Keira? Would she grow to become bitter and angry as Rose had once been? Grief was enough to change a person.

Tristan remembered his mother and sister, the people he had loved the most dearly. When they had died Tristan had changed, he had grown cold and distant, uncaring and selfish. He had let people down and hurt others without thought. His heart pounded forcefully. He could not stand to see another person suffer through a situation he could have helped.

Tristan looked at Keira. She was crying with true, deep pain, as she realized she would lose her father to death.

"I pardon her," Tristan mumbled. The King immediately snapped his head to Tristan, his eyes angry and stubborn.

"You will do no such thing."

"It was I who was spoken against. I am the one who was targeted, not you, and I am the one who may forgive her. I pardon her for her crime against me," Tristan said firmly. "I will not stand by and watch a girl lose her father because I refused to show compassion."

"I will not accept your pardon for her," his father said angrily.

"If I do not have a complaint against her then you cannot charge her. She is forgiven," Tristan insisted. The King and Tristan exchanged an intense stare. Tristan refused to yield. With a sigh the King turned his head and clenched his hands into fists.

"Mercy is weakness," he muttered.

"Mercy is kindness," Tristan responded simply. Keira was looking at him with wide, amazed eyes. Tristan winked at her and nodded his head once.

"Keira," the King said reluctantly. "Your actions were selfish and deceitful. I am disappointed in your behaviour." Keira blinked and visibly swallowed as she listened to the King. "However, I hereby pardon you for the lies which you spread. You are to tell everyone that your words against Tristan were false. Thirty percent of your monthly income will be taken from you as punishment for six months. That leaves seventy percent of your wages for the care required for your father. But Keira," he said sternly. "See to it that this never happens again - I will not be so forgiving next time."

Keira cried out in relief and fell to her knees, her hands covering her mouth as she wept.

"Thank you, my lord, thank you," she repeated over and over again. Tristan smiled as he watched the girl cry. It did not matter what his father thought, this was, to Tristan, the sign of a worthy monarch. It was far better to spare a life and show love, than to rule others with fear and disdain. His thoughts flashed to his mother briefly. If she could see Tristan now, he knew she would be proud of him.

This only do I pray; that I may love the unlovable, rule with mercy, protect the defenceless, and show compassion for all my days.