"Uh, your highness...your highness!"

Namian looked up from his book and saw a large copy of Gnomish History wobbling around on a tiny pair of legs. He smiled and got up from his desk,

"You should have told me it was too heavy for you, Jack," He lifted the book off of the ten-year old's hands and set it down on the table. Jack, being the little boy that he was, tried his best not to look out of breath,

"It wasn't heavy, sir, I lost my balance."

"Right," Namian nodded, "Well, if any other books make look like they'll make you lose your balance you let me know."

"Yes, your highness," the boy nodded enthusiastically, chestnut hair flopping from one side to the other. He pulled his small frame on to a stool next to Namian and sat forward with his elbows propped on the table to support his head. He pretended to be reading the same book the Kyrrian prince was, but Namian knew the boy couldn't understand Elfian. He pointed to a page,

"This is an Elfian comedy. It's about a couple that want their daughter to find a good husband, so they send a messenger to a nearby village to find one. They tell him, 'Find a man who wants a wife of good stature.' Except the messenger is an idiot, so he gets the message wrong and tells the men of the village that they're selling a statue."

Jack giggled.

"One of the men decides that he would like a statue for his new home and goes to meet the parents. They sit with him and talk about their daughter, but he thinks they're talking about the statue. So when he declares, 'I'll buy her! You can tie her to the back of my pony.' They throw a bowl of fruit at him and toss him out of the house!"

The boy laughed, grinning ear to ear. Namian grinned as well. He'd known Jack since he was born to Jana, one of his mother's maids, and liked to talk with him sometimes. The child's brutal honesty kept him in reality and most often from doing stupid things.

Jack calmed and looked at him, "How long will that lady be here?"

"Who, Princess Tiana?"

"Yes."

"Why do you ask?" Probably the same reason I ask.

"Begging your highness' pardon, but she's mean."

Namian snorted, "I know, I want her to leave too."

"Then why don't you have her hung?"

He laughed, "Uh, it doesn't exactly work that way, Jack. I can't hang everyone I don't like."

The ten year old looked disappointed. So am I, thought Namian, but he mentally slapped himself, that's a terrible thing to think. Tiana isn't...she doesn't...she's a royal brat.

Just then voice called from beyond the library, one that was incredibly feminine and demanding. Speak of the devil.

"Namian? Namian where are you?"

He nudged Jack off the stool, "The mean one is coming. I'd run if I were you."

Dead serious, the child leapt away from the desk and ran for a separate exit, leaving just as Princess Tiana made her entrance. She put on a beautiful faux smile once she saw him,

"Hello, Namian, I've been looking for you."

"So I heard."

She giggled in a very feminine way and glided over to him, "What are you reading?"

He snapped the book shut, "Nothing. Can I do something for you, Princess?"

She smiled in a way that made his stomach flip over—not always a good thing. Her eyelids lowered slightly, giving her a very mischievous look. She looked as lifeless as a china doll, "Nothing our elders would approve of, darling."

"Ugh, Tiana!" he stood up abruptly and picked up the book to put it back, disgusted, "why must you do this to me every time we're together?"

"Because I know you like it." She was behind him suddenly with a hand on his shoulder. He shoved it off,

"I don't! Stop playing and just be yourself, that's what I want from you."

She blinked, glancing at her scorned hand. The lovely smile from her face was melting off, replaced with something actually human looking: frustration,

"Why do you hate me, Namian?" Her face was suddenly cool, composed. She pretended to check her nails, "Many men would kill to have me, you know."

"Then why don't you marry one of them?"

"Because I don't want them," she gave him a sly smile, "I want you."

What the hell is so special about me? The prince crossed the room to put away one of the books, but mostly just to put some distance between them. She closed it. She didn't touch him, but if personal bubbles had been real things, Namian's was long gone by now. She cooed and smiled sweetly at him,

"Won't you give me a chance, Namian?"

"I've given you several."

"Oh yeah? Since when?"

"Since every time I see you," he backed away a step and this time she didn't follow, "You play and pretend to be sweet and innocent around me and my parents, but anyone who is one station below you is treated inferior."

She looked at him like he had just told her it would rain tomorrow, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything! As king I have to take care of my people, how can I do that with a queen who hits her own servants?"

"Oh, please," she rolled her eyes, "You are talking about your kingdom, what I do with my servants is my business alone."

Namian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no way anyone could be this ignorant, "Servants are part of the kingdom too."

"Namian, stop babbling."

She really is that ignorant, he thought. She cocked her head to one side,

"Do you think I'm pretty, your highness?"

He blinked at the sudden change of topic, "What?"

"Do you find me attractive?"

"Now I'm lost. What are you talking about?"

She stalked towards him, forcing him to walk backwards, "A lot of my suitors think I'm pretty, and they would marry me in a heartbeat. But I want to know if you like the way I look, because if you do then that's a start."

Namian was very close to being disturbed. The woman was obviously used to getting her way, but that was going to stop with him. He held up a hand to stop her,

"My lady, you're very pretty I admit that," she smiled at this, "but I don't want you for my wife, I never will. I'm sorry."

What was that look in her eyes? Namian couldn't tell. She had become a lifeless china doll again, staring at him looking empty inside. Then out of nowhere a gloved hand struck him hard across the face,

"You'll change your mind," said Tiana through clenched teeth. She was seething. Then, suddenly, she was perfectly fine, "I'll see you at the banquet, and tomorrow...you'll save me the first dance, won't you?"

He stared at her with his mouth open. She smiled politely at him and twirled on her heels, seeming to float towards the exit. Something felt so horribly wrong about this.

Alone in the library a few minutes, he gathered his wits and walked towards the exit himself, but his mother walked in and stopped him,

"Hello Namian.... what happened to your face?"

He touched his still burning cheek, but shrugged it off. No need to upset her, "Book fell from one of the bookcases."

She raised an eyebrow, "Funny, I didn't know books made hand shaped marks. What did you say to the princess to make her slap you?"

He almost laughed, "Just my usual grace and charm."

"Ah, the royal charm, always a winner," she grinned and walked up to him to examine his face. She touched the red hand print tenderly and blew on it, the way only mothers can, "Listen to me, Namian, I know as well as you that that entire family is a horror but you have to try to remain civilized with them until they leave."

"It's more than they have done."

"Mmhm, I agree," her hand left his face and took his hand, "The redness is not so bad now. No one will notice at the banquet. Come."

They walked down the corridor towards the Great Hall. Red and orange beams of sunlight poured in through the windows as the sun set in the west, adding a lovely glow on the white marble floors. Already sounds of the diners chatting away could be heard, waiting for the royal families to enter. Namian was just about to tell the announcer to declare them when a small noise caught his attention.

He stopped and looked behind him.

"What is it Namian?"

He didn't answer right away. It was far away and faint, but someone was definitely crying.

"Namian?"

He looked back at his mother, "Go ahead without me, I need to do something first."

She looked confused, but nodded and let him go. He walked back the way they had come, turning down the hallway where the crying was becoming louder. No one was in the corridors, but the sound of not one, but two voices were becoming louder. He turned the corner and found...

"Stupid little whelp, where is my firewood? I sent for it an hour ago!"

Tiana was towering over someone who had fallen on the floor. It took him a second to realize it was Jack, with a nicely sized hand mark on his face. Jack looked up at the angered princess, terrified, not yet having spotted Namian.

"My lady, please, I didn't know—"

"That's no excuse! I want my firewood before the banquet is over, understood?"

"But, my lady, it isn't my job to get firewood."

Tiana looked furious, "You dare talk back to me?" She raised her arm to hit him again. Namian was there in an instant, grabbing her wrist to keep it from swinging.

She yelped a little, startled, and turned around. Upon seeing him, her face went pale as a sheet,

"Namian! I thought you would be at the banquet."

He still held her wrist tightly, "Well, I guess I'm not going now," he looked down at Jack, "Jack, go see the Lady Mandy about your face."

The boy didn't need to be told twice. He was out of the corridor instantly, leaving the prince and princess alone. Namian dropped her hand as if it would give him the plague.

"How dare you hit—" He couldn't finish, he was so angry. Tiana quickly put on a calm face,

"Darling, I was just a little upset. The boy will be fine—"

"Never call me that again, Tiana."

One more moment with her and he was going to sink to her level. He started to leave.

"I don't understand why you're so mad. It was just a servant."

He didn't turn around and continued walking, "Enjoy the banquet, my lady, I won't be there tonight."

Tiana watched his retreating back. She was livid. How could the boy's head be filled with such nonsense?

---

Though normally she would have laughed at such a ridiculous cliché, Téa couldn't help but acknowledge that she did, in fact, feel like a princess. Tanya had been nervous about using magic to size down the dress at first, but after some coaxing from Bowen and Hannah she had tailored the dress to perfection. Téa looked in the mirror and tried her best to suppress a grin.

The dresses she had always seen on nobles were often hideous, with incredibly fluffy lace everywhere and puffed up sleeves that gave her the impulse to lose her stomach. But the older nobility had always worn them, the people she stole from the most. The woman in the mirror looked like a noblewoman, but none that she had ever seen before. The gown was a dark red satin that pooled in crimson waves at her feet. With Tanya's modifications, the neckline plunged low and scooped at the swell of her chest. The sleeves were her favorite part, not starting at the shoulders but at the halfway point of her upper arms, opening at the elbow and hanging halfway down the dress. Tanya had been careful to cover up as much of Téa's back as possible to hide her still aching cuts, and Hannah covered up the rest with a powdered brush, receiving an "Ouch!" for every time the brush touched her sister's skin.

"Hold still, you insufferable woman!"

"What are you putting the powder on with, a hedgehog?"

"Now, now girls," Tanya grinned, putting on the finishing touches with her magic. She walked over to the wagon and grabbed something from a small wooden chest.

"What's that?" Téa looked up from giving her sister threatening glares to investigate the object in the fairy's hands. In her open palms lay a beaded necklace with some crystals in various places.

"They aren't as fine as the diamonds the other ladies will be wearing," she said as she draped the beads around Téa's neck, "but it's the most we can give."

The beautiful display of generosity moved her, "I can't accept that, you were going to sell it."

"Nonsense!" Kyros appeared from behind the wagon, "To refuse a gypsy gift is an insult, you know."

Téa grinned at him and looked down at the adornment on her neck. The necklace was simple and hardly took up any space on the bare skin above the hem of the dress. The beads were made of finely made glass with some dark blue crystals hanging from them, lovelier than any diamond necklace she had ever seen. She stood up and hugged Tanya tightly.

"Thank you for all of this."

Bowen grinned, "You have to warn the royal family and save the country, you honestly think we would say no?"

Tanya hugged her tighter, careful to avoid her back, "Don't think twice about it, you are a friend of the gypsies and we shall always come to your aid."

Téa released her after a minute, "You could come with me you know."

"And risk being seen by another fairy? I'll pass."

"Eh, I thought it was worth a shot," she shrugged and resumed her hugging goodbyes with Bowen, Kyros and with Hannah the longest.

"I'm never going to lose you again," Téa rested her head next to Hannah's on her shoulder, her eyes shut tight and wishing with all of her heart that she could just forget any of this had ever happened. Hannah caressed her hair,

"Mother and father would be so proud of you."

A traitorous tear coursed Téa's cheek. She had spent so little time with her sister since their escape from the underground city, and now she was the one who was leaving. Hannah gently pried herself from her sister's arms and kissed her forehead,

"Your cuts can still reopen, don't let Calla go too fast or you'll get blood all over the back of your dress."

Téa's eyebrows connected, "That's all you're concerned about, my dress?"

"Hey," Hannah grinned, "It's a nice dress."

Feeling left out, the white horse behind her whinnied and shook her head from side to side. Téa turned and mounted her, taking care not to get her dress caught in the saddle.

Kyros took the reins and walked them out of the camp, "Stay on the road and you should make it to the palace by ten o'clock."

"But the ball starts at six! I'll only have a few hours to get him alone, much less talk to him!"

"Look on the brighter side, my lady, you'll be fashionably late."

Téa growled at his back but said nothing, wondering if Calla could maintain a gallop the whole way there. As if reading her thoughts the horse shook her head from side to side again before Kyros handed her the reigns and gave her a cloak to keep her dress from being soiled.

"Calla will speed your journey, don't concern yourself with that," Bowen grinned, "but don't kill her."

His hand met the horse's right flank and they were off, leaving her four companions alone to wonder if they had just sent her to her doom.

---

Namian stood in front of a full-length mirror, absentmindedly fiddling with a gold button on his dress uniform. The guests had begun to arrive in the Grand Hall, and the orchestra was already tuning their instruments. The prince pulled on the front of his top again, attempting to straighten it more but accomplishing absolutely nothing as it was already pressed to perfection. The uniform was pitch black with a dark red sash hanging from his shoulder to his hip, the formal uniform of the royal family. His father would be wearing something similar, except his would include three gold bars on each shoulder: the symbol of the head of the military. One day Namian's uniform would adorn those same gold bars, but he hoped that would not be for a very long time.

Mandy walked into the room with a brush in hand, ready to attack the mess of gold ringlets that was Namian's hair. The Prince was the kind who could take a beating with only a minor flinch. He had almost had his ear cut off and never made a sound. He could probably take a knife in the stomach with a smile as well. But he was male, and when anything male was faced with something stupid like a brush, they turned into whining infants.

"Ouch! Do you have to pull so hard?"

"Hold still and keep your mouth shut, love."

"That's hard to do when you're trying to scalp me."

"Namian," Mandy stared at his reflection with a warning tone in her voice. He immediately stopped and faced forward, lest he be subjected to the fairy just pulling harder on his hair. She was purposefully making this painful for him, he was certain of it.

"Do you know what you're going to do if she doesn't show?"

"She will."

"Namian, love, be realistic."

He exhaled and pretended to check his nails. He didn't want to consider the possibility she wouldn't show, that would be too painful. Or worse, she could be dead somewhere, which would kill him.

"She has to come."

The fairy sighed and finished her brushing, "Just remember who you are, Namian. I know how you feel for this girl, but how you act upon them will affect many people. Be sensible."

"Yes, Mandy."

She studied him for a moment to see if he was taking her advice seriously. Most likely he wasn't, but she let it go.

"Alright, I'm going to find your mother," she turned to leave but stopped last minute and planted a kiss on his cheek, "You're as handsome as your father, love. She'd be crazy not to come."

Namian gave her a bare smile at the compliment and watched her leave the room. The minute she did he rested his head so it was touching his reflection in the mirror.

This was going to be a long night.

---

The Great Hall looked magnificent. Tapestries cascaded high from the ceiling, inviting guests to gaze in awe at the grand scale of it all, the great hall being twice as high as most or their homes. Dark roses lined the floor where it met the walls, following the hall all the way to the main ballroom. The ballroom itself was completely surrounded by beautiful glass windows that reached from the floor to ceiling, depicting scenes of Kyrria from hunting to court life. The floor was totally clear for dancing except for the orchestra and the three empty thrones placed high on a stage so all could see the royal family when they arrived.

The Ballroom filled to the point where no one could even see the floor, and most of them were women. Tiana and her family had been given a special view from one of the balconies close to the stage, but they wouldn't be there for long.

An announcer walked into the room, taking his place on the platform where everyone could see him. In his exceptionally loud voice he announced the royal family of Kyrria: His royal highness King Charmont, his wife Queen Eleanor and the Crown Prince Namian. The room broke into applause as the trio entered the room.

Ella was the first to enter, looking radiant in her blue silk gown. She took the throne on the far left, followed by Namian who sat on the far right. King Char came last, smiling brilliantly to their guests. Some of the women giggled.

"On behalf of the royal family and Kyrria, welcome to our home." He bowed deeply to them and took the middle throne, signaling the beginning of the ball. The orchestra struck up the music: a foreign dance that only a few new. Those few walked to the middle of the room and began to dance, the rest of the crowd cleared a space for them, watching from the sidelines or going to the next room for refreshments. Namian had specifically told the conductor to start with the dance so he would have time to prepare before he would have to take his place in front of the stage where he would receive the young women.

Char leaned over and nudged his son, eyes still on the dance in front of them, "Are you ready?"

"Of course not."

Ella giggled, "I'm feeling such déjà vu right now."

"Just remember your manners," the king said firmly, "and for goodness sake don't say what's on your mind."

"That's going to be hard."

"You wanted this ball, Namian," said his mother, "Somewhere in this crowd is a girl who will make you very happy. Just be patient until you find her."

Namian nodded to his mother and looked back at the crowd, coolly looking for a familiar red head. Téa wasn't in the room at least, but he was already starting to feel uneasy.

A messenger walked up on the stage and bowed to Char, who returned the greeting with a nod.

"Begging your pardon, your majesty, but King Malik would like a word with you in private."

"Now?"

"Yes sire, he's waiting for you in the library." The messenger scurried off, and Char rose from his seat.

"I'll be back soon," He gave his son a warm smile, "You had better take your position, Namian, the dance is almost over."

He left the room, leaving Ella and his son alone on the platform. Namian breathed deep, attempting to ready himself for what was sure to be several dull hours. He rose from his seat and kissed his mother's forehead,

"Time to put my neck in a noose."

"Go forth and be conquered, darling," Ella replied with a smile. Namian stepped away from his throne and stood in front of his mother. In front of him were four steps that lead to the floor, he walked down two of them and stopped. It was always important to remain higher than your subjects—or so some rule stated somewhere.

A line of women had already formed before him. In front was a lovely girl with black hair and a yellow dress, whom he smiled to as he took his place in front of the line. He could already tell that she was much too young for him, but he continued to smile. She curtsied while he bowed.

"What is your name, Lady?"

"Lady Anya of Frell, your grace."

She seemed pleasant enough; he smiled and kissed her hand formally, "It's a pleasure to share the first dance with another Frellian, shall we?"

She blushed and continued to smile, nodding slightly. He took her hand and led her to the dance floor—or tried to.

"Namian!"

Ugh, no. It's too early.

The entire line of ladies turned their heads to see a young woman making her way quickly to the front. Some bowed, some didn't, Tiana didn't seem to care. Her dark green gown matched her personality perfectly: seductive and simple. A beautiful silver crown held up her hair in dozens of blonde curls. Jewels covered her from head to foot, so much so that Namian was sure that if she were dropped in the ocean she'd go straight to the bottom.

"You promised me the first dance, Nam."

Namian frowned at the nickname. Lady Anya looked devastated already. Somehow Tiana managed to smile at him but glare at her at the same time, and the frightened girl let go of his hand, stepping back quickly.

The entire line and some spectators were watching. Namian simply raised his head in a princely way and looked down at her, "I'm sorry, my lady, you'll have to wait your turn."

Some of the onlookers gasped. Tiana continued to smile,

"You know very well those rules don't apply to me, come." She held out her hand to be taken. He didn't take it. Instead he took Lady Anya's hand again, smiling to reassure her as he led her to the dance floor. Tiana glared at him as he passed her,

"As I said, 'wait your turn'."

Her hands balled into fists at her sides in an effort to calm down.

He was going to pay for this.

---

"Calla, don't worry about me, just go faster, please?"

Whatever Kyros had taught the horse had definitely worked, because the brilliantly white mare wasn't going to go any faster than she already was, which was a steady canter. Téa chewed on her lip, steadying a map in her hand so she could determine her location. One more hour and she would be there.

The ball had started three hours ago, what if Namian had chosen a wife by now? Téa would never have admitted it aloud, but the thought of all those women wanting dance with him just get a proposal made her a little angry...okay, it made her really angry.

She shook it off, "Don't be stupid, you don't love him."

Calla whinnied in response.

"Oh, shut up!"

The wind was getting colder as the moon rose higher, doing a toll on her skin. Great big clouds loomed in the distance and threatened to ruin the lovely moonlit landscape with rain. Tanya had enchanted her makeup so it wouldn't smear or mess during the ride, but the unfamiliar stuff still felt heavy on her face. She slowed Calla at a crossroad, taking the opportunity to wipe some perspiration from the back of her neck. Her fingers accidentally rubbed a cut hidden just under her gown and she winced, pulling them away to find blood on them.

"Damn," she uttered and stuffed a handkerchief where the cut had reopened. No one would notice since the gown matched the color of blood, but nevertheless she had to be careful not to draw attention to herself. The cuts were already complaining from the ride, and the one she had reopened stung worst of all.

The image of Namian dancing with other women entered her mind again, and wouldn't go away despite her best efforts. Why did he have to do something so stupid? He knew she would hear about it, and if he had done it to spite her he was going to learn it wasn't wise to make her angry.

She stopped mid-thought. He knew she would hear about it.

They turned right towards Frell and Téa leaned forward to whisper in Calla's ear,

"You've been a good horse, Calla, but now you need to obey me. Go faster."

She pressed harder on the horse's sides, and the mare got the message. She shot into a full gallop and they sped towards Frell.

---

"Would it really be so terrible to have me as your wife, Namian?"

He loosened his grip on Tiana's waist, not wanting to be any closer to her than he had to, "You honestly expect me to answer that?"

"Yes! What have I ever done to make you hate me? Just because I was disciplining one of the servants..."

"That was not discipline," Namian hissed through clenched teeth, "You backhanded a ten year old boy. If not for our country's alliance with yours I would have thrown you out on to the street."

Tiana assumed her usual suggestive smirk, "For punishing a servant? Come now, we both know what this is really about. This ball is pointless because we're both going to be married anyway."

"What are you talking about?"

"My father is talking with your father at this very moment. Think of it, darling, a marriage to permanently unify our two countries and secure our alliance," she closed the already small gap between them, "If your father is as smart as he looks, he'll accept the offer."

"And if your intelligence is the opposite of what you look, you'll realize that arranged marriages don't happen in Kyrria anymore," He released his hold on her waist, fully aware that the dance was not over yet, "This is all a waste of my time!"

If Tiana's look could kill, Namian would be all over the floor in little bloody pieces. He didn't care, though; Téa was nowhere to be seen, which sent him into a foul mood. He marched past the scores of people staring at him and the young woman he'd just left alone on the dance floor. The next woman in line was a beautiful natural red head, gorgeous in fact, but far too old for him. He didn't care; he just needed an excuse not to dance with Tiana. He bowed to her.

"My lady, shall we?"

She curtsied, giggling at an extremely high pitch, "Of course, your majesty." They danced where he had left the princess, but now she was nowhere to be seen.

---

Thanks to Calla's gallop, they had made it there in half the time. Téa gazed up at the giant castle looming before them, never actually having seen it before. This was where Namian lived? No wonder he was spoiled.

The wind was biting and cold, and it had begun to rain icy layers down the windows outside the palace. Luckily Téa had managed to keep her dress and hair from getting wet with a cloak Bowen had given her, but that luck wouldn't last for long if she didn't get inside soon.

A man in uniform kindly offered to take her horse for her, which Téa readily agreed to as she dismounted. Her legs were sore from the long journey, but she could stand it. Her back, however, was a different matter entirely as it stung all over almost instantly. She watched the gentleman take her horse and ascended the steps, pulling her skirts up so she wouldn't trip. Light, music, laughter filled voices and most importantly warmth poured out from the inside, and she was anxious to become a part of it.

Two men stood at the top of the steps. They were obviously guards, and she smiled to them as she approached, but they stopped her as she tried to make her way past.

"You're far too late, miss," One said.

"Excuse me?"

"No more guests will be excepted," said the other, she mentally named him Two. Of all the things that could happen this evening she hadn't even considered this possibility. One glanced at Two, as if commutating telepathically. She didn't have time for this.

"Please, I'm just one person. Surely it won't be breaking protocol to let me in? You can't just send me back out in the rain."

"I'm sorry, my lady, but no more guests are to enter."

Téa fought the overwhelming urge to smack him one, but the emotionless looks on both of their faces told her that she was going to get nowhere—not without some severe sweet-talking.

She put on her best innocent face, "I need to get in there, please. My father spent all he had on this gown, and I've come such a long way. This is my first ball, can't you understand that?"

No dice, they weren't budging. She tried again,

"I don't even want to dance with the prince, really. I just wanted to see the grand majesty of the castle and the beautiful gowns and this isn't working is it?"

One shook his head, followed by Two. She sighed,

"Would a bribe be in order then?"

Neither said anything. She pulled out what few coins the gypsies had given her and split it between them. They accepted them with the enthusiasm of two pieces of wood, not bothering to stop her when she walked past.

---

Music poured in through the opening at the end of the great hall, and she could see the couples waltzing by, happy as could be. If there had been time, she probably would have stopped to admire the grand marble pillars on either side of her and the beautiful tapestries that hung from the ceiling, but there was no time. Téa quickened her pace and reached the end of the hall, joining the crowd watching the dance.

"Hello there," a man spoke next to her. She turned to see an elegantly dressed man somewhere in his mid forties. She nodded to him, but turned her attentions back to the dance.

"Would you do me the honor of a dance, my lady," he swept her a formal bow, one that she never would have thought to be directed to her. She shook her head,

"I'm very sorry, sir, but I'm only here tonight to see one person."

"That blasted prince," the gentleman sighed, "I'd advise you to give up such a foolish notion, lady, everyone knows he's betrothed to Princess Tiana."

"Princess Tiana?"

"Yes, the royal family that's visiting. There's a rumor spreading that he'll announce their engagement tonight. No point in placing your bid in for the crown now, you won't get it."

Téa nearly rolled her eyes, "I don't want that stupid crown."

He looked surprised, "You don't?"

"No! I just need to talk...to someone here. I don't intend to dance with the prince. Excuse me please."

She brushed past him and made her way through the crowd. Some of the men tipped their hats to her as she passed, some even asked her to dance. She ignored them all, she wasn't here to have fun. She was probably the only woman in the room not scheming to marry Namian, and thus the only woman secretly mocking them in her head. From the looks of it the ball was a great success, all the more reason to crash it. She asked a man next to her where the Kyrrian prince was, and followed the point of his finger to a stage on the other side of the room where three thrones sat.

Then she saw him, standing formally with his feet apart and hands behind his back. His yellow ringlets framed his face wonderfully, most of the strands falling into his eyes. He smiled to one of the women, a flash of brilliant white against a fair face. Téa cringed a little, why did he have to be so good looking tonight of all nights? It wasn't making this any easier for her.

She made her way towards him, standing at the end of the line. If she cut in front she would bring attention to herself, and she really didn't need that. The line was short, but it was going to take forever.

---

Namian smiled at the girl in front of him and thanked her for coming. Inside he felt dead, and he didn't want to do this anymore. During the course of the night he had chatted with hundreds of girls and danced with many of them, but none had sparked an interest. They had either pretended to be the girl of his dreams or severely lacked the talent to act. He still had no idea how he was going to get out of this mess.

The last girl in the line approached him. Thank the Creator. He nodded to her, not really looking at her but through her as he had with most of them. His mother had left some time ago to find out what was taking his father so long, so now he was the only one standing on the platform. He bowed and she curtsied.

"Welcome, lady. Where do you come from?"

"From the deepest circle of hell, your majesty, where miscreants like myself wallow in mud just waiting for a handsome prince to rescue them."

That got his attention. Shocked, he looked at her for the first time and instant realized who it was. Téa stood before him, looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her in the gown he had seen her steal back in Bast. Her hair was no longer crimson red but a very dark brown. He probably wouldn't have recognized her were it not for the casual smirk gracing her face.

"You came."

"As you obviously knew I would," She said with a grin, "Miss me?"

"Like a knife wound."

"Liar."

He smiled, "I didn't think you would ever come."

Her grin slowly faded away and she breathed deepl. She had to tell him or it was never going to happen, "Namian, I have something very important to tell you."

"Téa—" He began, but she interrupted him.

"Spare me whatever sappy thoughts you have on your mind. I mean this, I need to talk to you now."

Namian stifled a laugh. This was definitely Téa. He walked towards her and held out his hand,

"Dance with me."

"I told you, I have—"

"Dance with me, Téa."

Téa stared at him for a moment. His eyes were icy blue, the determination in them sending a shiver down her spine as if someone were running a piece of ice down it. It was the first time in their relationship that he had ever intimidated her. She took his hand and he walked her to the dance floor, the orchestra immediately stopping the dance and waiting for him.

"I'm impressed," said Téa, actually meaning it.

"Don't talk," he told her under his breath. They reached the middle of the dance floor and stood in front of each other. Namian's hand raised hers in the air, while the other slid around her waist and pulled her closer to him.

Téa took a deep breath, her stomach flipping over inside. The music started and they began to dance, it was slow but kept at a steady pace, and soon others began to join them. Her cuts began to complain under the pressure of his hand, but she ignored them.

"Now we can talk," he told her. The music was loud enough so no one could hear them.

"Namian, you're family is in danger."

"What?"

He pulled her closer, and she almost yelped at the pain in her back. He leaned forward so he could talk in her ear,

"What are you talking about?"

"Russell is alive and plans to attack the castle," she told him, "but he's not the one behind it all."

"Who is?"

"A woman named Rhiannon. She claims to be a queen of this underground city in Westova. She's an apothecary of some sort; I think she had your grandfather poisoned. She was rejected by your father twenty years ago and now she wants revenge. She wants to take over the country."

"How do you know this?"

"She told me."

Namian took it all in slowly, not knowing what to think. Téa in the meantime was starting to breathe more heavily, the cuts in her back becoming so painful she couldn't think straight. Namian wasn't pressing that hard on her, but she was beginning to realize that pushing Calla into a gallop probably hadn't been the best idea. It felt like they all had reopened, and she was starting to feel dizzy.

"What happened?"

"A few days after you left I found some men who worked for Russell. I followed them but they found me and I was captured. I was taken to the underground city and put in the same cell as Hannah."

"How did you escape?"

"Simple chemistry," she smiled and winced a little, her vision was starting to blur around the edges, and she had no idea how much longer she was going to be able to stand, much less dance.

"And all this happened after I left you," Namian sounded as though he was angry with himself, but he calmed down, "I'm glad you escaped. Is Hannah all right?"

"Yes, she's with the gypsies," the pain suddenly shot up her back in several waves and she gasped, "Namian, we have to leave the room, now."

"Why? Are they coming tonight?"

"No, you idiot, I'm going to feint."

The prince now saw that she was beginning to sag in his arms. She stopped dancing and stepped back, wavering a little. He reached out to steady her, and saw that his hand was covered in blood. Téa's blood. Some of the women screamed and the dance stopped completely with all eyes on the two of them.

"Téa! What happened to you?"

"I...I really need to lie down," she said, her legs giving way beneath her. Namian was by her side instantly, arms around her waist to keep her from falling.

"Téa? Are you all right? Answer me!"

She didn't, she was out cold. He placed one arm around her shoulders and the other he slid under her knees, lifting her up. Several guards had broken through the crowd by now and he turned to them,

"One of you find the lady Mandy and tell her to meet me in the infirmary."

They saluted and one of them ran off to follow his orders. Still holding Téa in his arms, he left the room full of shocked guests.

---

A/N: bahahahahahaha! Behold, you cannot stone me to death this time, for I have put up the chicken wire of justice that protects noble authors such as myself! (Chicken wire breaks) Crap!

I'm really sorry I always take my freakin' time to update. I'm in college now, which is way worse than high school when it comes to schoolwork (oh my God, I've just realized that I've been writing this story since I was a sophomore, ahhhh!). But, I have found a way to pass the time in my boring classes by writing new chapters for my stories, so hopefully this will speed up the process. I love you my readers and I'm endlessly sorry for taking so long to update. I doubt my word is good anymore, but I will try to update soon. All who review shall receive a brownie and a hug for the torment I have caused.

The palace infirmary was composed of white washed walls and white marble floors, so bright that it felt like morning even at night. Beds made with white linen sheets lined the walls, some of them filled with sick servants and soldiers injured on duty. The healers wore dark blue robes, a sharp contrast against the white, so they could be easily spotted if the infirmary became crowded.

Namian walked in through the arched entry, still holding an unconscious Téa in his arms. She was still bleeding and now his sleeve was soaked a dark red. The train of her gown dragged along the floor, so he had to be careful not to trip as he approached a nearby healer, who bowed when she saw them.

“Your majesty, the lady Mandy is waiting for you in the next room.”

“Thank you,” Namian made his way to a door in the far side of the infirmary. It was a room reserved specifically for royalty in times of emergency, and the last time Namian had been in there he had received a deep gash in his arm from fencing practice. That had been two years before he had met Téa.

The door was fixed so it could swing both ways, so all Namian had to do was push through, but Mandy beat him to it and opened the door wide for him.

“Bring her in, love.”

He did so and Mandy shut the door behind him. The room was completely white as the room outside, but much smaller in comparison. It had only one bed off to the right side, cabinets containing medical supplies on the left, and a tall, long table in the middle.

“Can you lay her on her stomach?” Mandy asked. The prince nodded and laid Téa on the long wooden slab, gently turning her over so she lay face down. Upon looking at her back, the only indication that she was even bleeding was the dark spot on her dress where the blood had moistened cloth.

Mandy approached the table holding a pair of scissors. She cut along the spine and opened the back of the dress, revealing Téa’s back to be completely covered in bloodied cuts and bruises. The fairy touched one of them tenderly.

“These wounds are deep, the must have used cat tails on her.”

“Cat tails?”

“Hooks attached at the end of the whip. Meant for extremely permanent damages.”

Namian shuddered and had to look away for a moment. Whoever had done this to her hadn’t meant for her to leave alive. He could feel his anger rising in his throat, but had to force it back down when Mandy placed a soaked cloth in his hand.

“She’s alive, Namian, that’s the important thing. Now, clean.”

He nodded and gently began to sponge at her naked back. Within minutes the rag was soaked through with crimson, but the condition of her skin began to improve. The cuts were more clearly visible with the blood wiped away, and her skin was left in a light rose color. Meanwhile Mandy had been preparing something by the cabinets, and finally finished brought a bowl over to the table. It was full of an almost metallic blue liquid, which Namian identified as something strictly fairy-made. She dipped a sponge in the stuff and began to wipe over each individual cut. Téa was still unconscious, but she flinched and began to whimper a little.

“Is it hurting her?” Namian asked.

Mandy smiled a little but continued to work, “She wouldn’t be singing songs if she were awake, that’s for certain.”

-

Téa was in darkness, yet again. Nothing like a little time to yourself. She was fully aware of why she was there, but she also knew there was nothing she could do to wake herself up.

Arleta…

If Téa’s subconscious had been in solid form, it would have jumped.

Mother?

No, Arleta. You’re mother and father are dead.

A sensation overwhelmed her then. It was like anger, but anger was easier to describe then what she was feeling now.

Get out of my head, Rhiannon!

And why would I do that?

Téa tried to mentally block the underground queen, but Rhiannon’s presence was overwhelming. It rolled over her mind like a warm lip of water. The woman had never struck her as anything other than human, so Téa concluded she must have been using one of her gnomes to communicate with her.

Don’t call me Arleta.

I can do what I like, you are under my command whether you like it or not. What you fail to realize is this, Arleta. I let you escape. My spies were with you the entire ride to Frell, and you are in that castle because I arranged for you to be there.

Liar!

You think I would go through all this trouble just to lie to you? You are naïve and stupid, girl. I used you to infiltrate the castle, and now I will use you to destroy them.

If Téa could laugh, she would have, Well, if I were as naïve and stupid as you think I am, I would help you. But you underestimate me; I will never do anything in your service. I have Hannah now, so you have nothing to make me do it. Nothing.

Even watching Namian die?

Téa just lay there, floating. Nothing was real, and she couldn’t speak. Rhiannon laughed. It was cold and cruel.

So I was right, you do love him! Understand this, Arleta, I will get into the castle with or without your assistance. Without will only take longer, but I will get in. And when I do, the first person I find will be your handsome prince, and the last thing he will ever see is his blood on your face.

Téa felt something warm and wet on her cheek. Could you cry while you were unconscious?

But, if you do as I say, I will let him live. You both can escape the castle and none of my men will stop you. You can live the rest of your lives together, but only if you do as I tell you. So what is your decision?

Téa didn’t respond, but Rhiannon knew her answer.

One of my men is already in the castle with you, his name is Aldren. He will find you and give you a pouch. At sunset, two days from now, pour its contents into the drinks of those guarding the gate. When they are dead open the gates. After this, you and your prince may escape. Wake up, Arleta.

-

Téa’s eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the brightness.

The first thing she felt was warm, then safe, and then entirely confused. She was lying on her side facing a wall, her face so close to it she could see the grooves and shadows where the trails of paint overlapped each other. She continued to stare at it, breathing deeply so her heart would slow down.

Something landed on her cheek, and thinking it was a bug, she reached up to brush it away. Her fingertips were wet when she pulled them away. So she had been crying, had the dream been real too? It had felt as though Rhiannon had been there inside her head, whispering in her ear. Téa didn’t know what to think.

After having her fill of the wall, Téa decided to take in the rest of the room. Her back twitched in anticipation of the pain she was going to feel, so she moved slowly and carefully. But to her surprise, no pain came. It was as if nothing had ever happened.

Lifting the white blanket slightly, she could see the sheets were perfectly white and unstained by blood, and to her ever constant shock, she could also see that she was barely wearing anything at all. From her navel to the tops of her breasts she was wrapped in bandages, and the only thing covering her modesty below was a sheet wrapped several times around her hips. Téa felt like one of those eastern gypsy girls, the ones who wore barely anything to cope with the heat.

Still staring at her new attire, she let her left hand slide behind her back to feel for the scars, but could find any.

“Fairy medicine can be a powerful thing.”

The blanket instantly flew up to her neck, and Téa looked up for the first time. Namian was sitting on the other side of the room in a chair. He was still wearing his formal uniform she’d seen him in at the ball, but he had taken his jacket off and hung it on the chair. On his face was a sly smile and there was no mistaking the fact that he was enjoying himself.

She regarded him with a cautious eye, “How long have you been sitting there?”

“Since the minute I brought you in.”

“The whole time?”

His smile grew wider, “Every glorious minute.”

The ex-thief couldn’t decide whether to get up and hit him or to burst out laughing. His smile was so endearing and humiliating at the same time, it was hard to make a decision. She sat up, keeping the covers securely pinned to her neck as she did so.

“What time is it?”

“The clock struck half past three a few minutes ago.”

“Well, isn’t it past your bedtime, your highness?” She crooked an eyebrow at him, which he mirrored.

“That’s half past three in the afternoon, Téa.”

She had been unconscious for almost an entire day? “Oh.”

His face fell back to its amused expression, but this time Téa was ready for it. Lifting her head high and smiling right back, she let the blanket fall and swung her legs over the edge of the bed to stand up. The sheet stayed blessedly where it was on her hips, but her shoulders were completely bare and a good portion of her stomach was showing. Namian was now staring at the floor, his smile gone.

“Don’t be embarrassed, your worship,” Téa walked past him towards the cabinets, making sure to put an extra sway in her walk, “It’s nothing you haven’t already seen.”

“You’d be surprised,” he replied. Out of the corner of her eye she could see him no longer staring at the floor, and she shocked herself when she realized that she didn’t mind it. She opened the cabinets and let her hands roam through all of the objects.

“What are you looking for?” She sensed him get up from the chair and come to stand next to her. He was close, really close.

“I, um,” she stuttered slightly. Pull yourself together! “I’m looking for a mirror so I can see my back.”

She turned to see if he had the answer to where it was, and it was suddenly very evident as to how close Namian was standing. He’d taken off his jacket, and despite the fact that his tunic was loose fitting; Téa could plainly make out the curves of his shoulder muscles. And when she looked up, she found his mouth. It was so close to hers…

When she realized what she had been looking a little too long, she forced her head up and looked him in the eyes. His face held no emotion, but his eyes were a different story.

“You don’t have any scars, take my word for it.”

“But how is that possible?”

“I told you, fairy medicine. The scar the ogres gave you is gone to.”

Téa held up her right arm to check, and while she did she felt her stomach twist in knots.

Did he have to stand so damn close to her?

As though he read her mind, Namian left her side to retrieve his jacket. The tension of things unsaid was so heavy in the air it was suffocating. Téa couldn’t stand it anymore.

“This can’t work, Namian.”

He turned to look at her, “What can’t?”

“You and me. It won’t happen, you know that right?”

The look he gave her was one of hurt mixed with anger. He stood up straight and looked her in the eye,

“No, I don’t. Why don’t you explain it to me?”

“You’re something in this world, I’m nothing. I always will be.”

He watched her for a moment, eyes pleading for an explanation. She wished she didn’t have to look back.

“You’re something to me, Téa.”

She stared at him in disbelief, “Don't give me that. You’re the crowned prince of Kyrria, do you have any idea what an amazing gift that is? And because of me your life is in danger. Because of me your family could die!”

He walked up to her, slowly, making sure she would let him. When she did nothing to stop him, he placed a hand on either side of her face,

“Because of you, I have you.”

She stared at him, not sure what to say. He stopped touching her face and took her hands in his.

“Téa, tell me you don’t love me, and I’ll walk out that door and you’ll never have to see me again. But please, stop talking about what I am, it means nothing to me.”

He left it there, but the words still hung in the air like a mist. Téa looked at him, then down at her hands wrapped in his. She wouldn’t have traded the past few months for anything in the world, and for the first time in her life, she couldn’t think of anything to say. Instead, she leaned forward and kissed him, softly, on the lips.

That was her answer, and after a moment she pulled away with a small smile. But Namian quickly closed the gap again, pressing his mouth against hers and wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her in closer. She draped her arms behind his neck and kissed him back. Everything that had happened to her, her pain, her suffering, was suddenly gone, and she didn’t care if it ever came back.

They parted, and Téa rested her forehead against his, “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

“Neither will I.”

The door opened then. Still holding each other, they both looked to see Namian’s fairy godmother with somewhat of a surprised look on her face. The two teenagers instantly separated. Of course, that would fool her. Mandy put her hands on her hips, though she couldn’t hide the amused look in her eyes.

“I see the lass is feeling better.”

A little embarrased, Téa tried her best to curtsy, “I am. Thank you, my lady.”

“Call me, Mandy, love,” she winked at her, then produced a basket she had set down in the other room, “I brought you something to wear. Namian…”

He nodded and left the room, but not before giving Téa a quick smile. Once he had left, Mandy walked up to her and began unwrapping the bandages.

“Thank you for all you’ve done,” said Téa, “Did Namian help too?”

Mandy smiled, “Don’t worry, sweet, I made him leave the room.”

Téa grinned back, “That’s all I needed to know.”

-