Leonardo returned to his home in despair. He could not bare the thought of having Penelope married off to someone that she doesn't have affection for.
His mother was relieved to see him after his captivity in the palace. She embraced him as he came closer to her.
"Leonardo! I was terribly worried about you!" His mother spoke in worry.
Leonardo turned his face and smouldered with anger.
"I refuse to let that Prince marry Penelope!" He stated.
"Leonardo, princess Penelope is none of your concern. She is bound to marry Prince Alez of Kanarua."
"Don't you comprehend when I say that she doesn't want to be with this man? I have obliged myself to save her."
"Leonardo, if the king finds out, he will surely have you assassinated for it. Leave the princess be. Why do you care so much about her?"
"I love her. And I want her to be happy, even if she's not with me, mother."
"After meeting yesterday!? That's too soon. Isn't it, son?"
"Love is undeniable."
"You remind me of your father and our past life. Our parents never approved of our marriage since he was a commoner and I was born to a wealthy family. But I abandoned my family to be with, and live with my lover on the farm till today."
"That is a true love scenario. I'm also willing to take risks for Penelope."
"I understand you, son. I won't try to interfere in your love life ever again."
Leonardo's mother kisses him gently on the forehead before leaving him alone.
Leonardo has made his choice to deliver Penelope from her unwanted forced marriage.
Penelope has isolated herself in her room being filled with grief about the marriage.
Her father had ordered her to put up with it and act jovial on her wedding day. Despite her being utterly against it.
Her maids would come and check on her every now and then from outside her door, and they would ask about her well-being or needs.
Penelope was too upset to speak to anyone, especially if it was Alez that was to come and talk her out of wanting to not get married to him.
Penelope suddenly couldn't stop thinking about Leonardo. She thought to herself, "That was the only time someone had truly expressed that they cared about me." She felt bad about having to speak to him like the way she did before he left. She wanted to make ammendments, she had to see Leonardo again.
At her moment of regret, Alez came into her room without even trying to knock.
"Penelope, how are you feeling? I'm sure you're excited about our wedding tomorrow..." Alez spoke carelessly. He didn't think about how Penelope would feel.
Penelope glared at him and snapped back at him in her anger.
"How dare you ask me about the wedding!?" She yelled. "That is the thing I just wish I could forget about or didn't have to be driven into marrying you! Alez, you were one of the things I cared about the most in the past... Until you turned into this person that I can't even recognise anymore."
Alez chuckled hysterically.
"Oh, Penelope. Yes, indeed I've changed. But my love for you remains. Is that not a good thing? I would hate to see you getting married off to some commoner. Your father would hate it too, that's why he forbids you from marrying that street boy, because he loves you." He stated.
Penelope is deep in thought. Alez took this as an opportunity to manipulate her and take control of her feelings towards Leonardo.
"You see, I have no idea if you really love the commoner or you're just trying to save yourself by lying. It won't work. Think about it. If that boy sincerely loved you, wouldn't he have come back by now?" Alez said in conviction.
Penelope was still silent. Then thoughts sank into her head. "He's just a stranger i met in the night. So why should I be so worked up about him? Maybe this union with Alez may be for the good of myself."
Alez smiled at Penelope and pulled her for a kiss. Penelope didn't try to restrain herself from Alez's kiss. She thought, "Maybe I should give Alez a chance."
The next day was Penelope's wedding ceremony. Everything was made ready in a matter of sufficient haste.
Many royals, nobles and high society people were invited to attend Alez and Penelope's wedding ceremony.
The wedding hall was decorated splendidly with flowers, the admirable statues which were carved out of bushes, a fountain, the runway for the bride and other exclusive decorations.
Penelope was in the room getting dressed with her mother for her wedding. She was quite nervous about it, and her mother could see through her with the expression given on her face.
"Penelope, dear. Are you stressed about the wedding?"Queen Amber asked her daughter.
"No, mother. Everything is going to be fine." Penelope replied.
"Are you still thinking about that boy you claimed to be in love with?"
"I'm not in love with him nor have I known him for a year. We just encountered eachother one night."
"You don't feel anything for the boy at all, do you Penelope?"
"I-i am not certain. I'm marrying Alez so that i can please my family and for the sake of Luopetia too."
"You're a thoughtful flower, Penelope. I admire the sacrifices you make for the sake of Luopetia and our family. I know your father expresses it by force, but he really loves you. I just hope you'll find a place in your heart to forgive him. I have nothing against you loving that boy if you truly like him."
Tears began to foam in Penelope's eyes.
"Thank you, mother! I love you." Penelope spoke.
She hugged her mother right before they announced for the bride to come out as the ceremony had already been in place.
She walked out gracefully on the aisle clothed in her stunning white wedding gown and her face covered with a veil.
Alez looked pleased to see her as they both stood on the alter as the priest did his sayings.
"Do you take princess Penelope to be your wife?" The priest asked Alez.
"I do." He said.
"Don't you take Alez to be your husband?" The priest asked Penelope.
"I do." She said timidly.
"You may kiss your bride." The priest declared.
But just as they were about to be officially wedded, they were interrupted by the sudden unanticipated entrance of Leonardo.
And before any guards could stop him, he filled the wedding hall with sleeping gas and while everyone was coughing and Alez was trying to fight the sleepiness, Leonardo ceased the opportunity to carry Penelope away.
Penelope was unconscious by the affect of the sleeping gas as Leonardo carried her off with speed into the forest. He layed her on the ground as soon as they were far enough to take a break, and then he continued his journey with her.