A/N: Yeah, hi, this is a hot mess, and I have rewritten it several times. I probably will not update frequently because I'm terrible like that. Also, I wrote this instead of sleeping so there may be some grammar issues.

Nixie's p.o.v.

I hold my breath as I hide in an alleyway, the knights were after me. I peek out and release my breath, they were nowhere in sight.

"Got ya!"

I yelp but a hand is clamped over my mouth. I struggle but to no avail. I fall limp as they drag me down the street. The knights drag me to the palace and drop me outside the gates. I've never been inside and probably never will.

"What's this?"

I hear a familiar voice, I jerk my head up. Alyn?!

"We found her stealing bread from one of the stalls." The knight says.

Alyn sighs and crouches next to me. "Who are you?"

"Y—you don't know?" I ask, momentarily forgetting that I was a thief.

Alyn frowns. "What do you mean?"

"I—never mind." I look back down.

"Who are you?" Alyn asks again.

"No one important." I mutter.

He sighs. "Tell me who you are."

"No one. An orphan." I whisper.

"Is that why you were stealing?" Alyn questions.

"Yeah," I nod.

"How old are you?" Alyn lowers his voice.

"Sir is that really necessary?" one of the knights asks.

"Who is the captain?" Alyn glares at the knight.

"You are, sir." The knight backs up.

"How old are you?" Alyn repeats.

"16." I whisper.

"Where are your parents?"

I glance up at the other knights. "My Mother's de-ad." My voice cracks. "I ran away from my step father."

"You—" he clears his throat. "Where does your father live?"

"About a days ride from here."

"And you walked?!" Alyn exclaims.

I nod. "Yeah."

"When did you get here?" he asks.

"This morning." I reply.

"And I'm going to guess you haven't eaten." He stands up.

"Nothing." I look down.

"Get up." He says roughly.

I stand up. Alyn looks over at the other knights.

"She's fine." He says.

"You're letting her go?!" the knight exclaims.

"What I choose is up to me not you." Alyn growls.

"Yes sir."

Alyn makes me show him where I stole the bread from, Alyn pays the man and even buys more bread for me. I gape at him but gratefully accept the bread. Alyn leads me to a small apartment and talks to the landlord. Eventually I have a place to stay for a month.

"Now in this month you have to get a job and pay for everything yourself, okay?" Alyn looks at me.

"Yes, I can do that." I smile. "Thank you… Alyn."

He looks surprised, but smiles. "You're welcome."

I could have sworn he said 'Nixie' but I could be imagining things. I head into my new apartment and put away the food. Soon after I found a job as a governess to young children. I also watched them while their parents were out. It was hard but it paid the bills and I got to spend my time with children. This life could work.

four years later*

It was the day of the Princess choosing. I pick my nicest dress and grab a piece of bread. I grab my invitation and head outside.

"Nixie!"

I turn around to see Lilly, one of my students, running towards me.

"What is it Lilly?" I ask.

"Can I ask you a favour Nixie?" Lilly asks.

I nod and she continues. "See these flowers?" she opens her book and points to a white flower. "They say they grow in the palace courtyard. And they grant wishes. That's how I'm gonna make mommy better again. Could you find me one?"

"I can sure look." I smile.

"Thank you Nixie!" she hugs me. "Good luck."

I laugh and head to the castle. I get there just second too late.

"Hey! Wait!" I call but the gates were already closed. "Damn it!"

"It's unbecoming of a lady to cuss."

I look towards the voice. Alyn is leaning against the wall.

"Oh shut up." I roll my eyes at him.

"You need in?" He pushes himself off the wall.

"Yeah that'd be nice." I reply.

Alyn scales the wall and holds out his hand. I raise my eyebrow but give him my hand. He smiles and effortlessly pulls me up. Holding me bridal style he jumps down on the other side. He sets me down carefully.

"Thank you, Alyn." I smile.

"Don't mention it. Now do what you have to. Just don't go making any trouble." He turns towards the palace.

"Sir Alyn! Where have you been?" I hear one of the guards call.

Alyn glances back at me. "I got a little sidetracked. Just don't let Giles find out, he'll never let me hear the end of this."

I smile slightly and head to the palace. I look around, trying to find an exit to the gardens. I hear music and chatter, I glance into a room. It was filled with women in beautiful dresses. I sigh and look down at my own. I know I have no chance, I honestly only wanted to come to see Alyn again and now I need to find a flower for Lilly. I continue my search and find the garden, then I begin to look for the flower. I begin in the flowerbed, carefully looking through the flowers. After several minutes of searching I sigh and stand up. Nothing, I searched the entire flowerbed and there was not a single white flower like Lilly showed me.

"What are you doing here?"

I jump at the sudden voice, I turn to look at the owner. A man with blond hair and blue eyes was behind me. I shift and glance around. Can I pretend to be a maid?

"I asked what you were doing." the man glares at me.

"I—I'm here for the Princess choosing but I needed some fresh air so I came out here." I say, glancing around.

"Then why were you digging in the flowerbed?" the man raises an eyebrow.

"I uh really like flowers?" I cringe at the fact that it sounded like a question.

The man eyes me suspiciously. I shift under his gaze, it reminded me of Alyn's. finally he returns to his cold glare.

"You best leave immediately after the choosing. The palace is no place for the likes of you." he says

I place my hands on my hips. 'Was that an insult I heard?' I think, before I can say anything more the man turns on his heel and walks off.

"Hey! At least tell me your name!" I call after him.

"Louis, but you needn't remember it, for I doubt we'll ever meet again." The man—Louis replies.

I huff and sit down at the edge of the fountain. I look around the garden, I don't see one white flower out there.

"Excuse me miss."

I whip around to see another man behind me. This one has purple hair and eyes. Seeing as he has gotten my attention he continues.

"If my lady would be so kind as to follow me, please. I assume you wouldn't want to return to the parlour with mud on your clothes."

I glance down at my dress and sigh. Of course its covered in mud, that's just the way my life goes.

"I've arranged a fresh change of clothes for you. Please, follow me." The man leads me to a boutique. "Please, choose your dress."

My eyes widen as I look around. There were so many dresses! I choose a simple white one with red trim. A red sash is tied around my waist and a red bow in my hair. I tuck my key under my top. I wash my face and check myself in the mirror. I don't look like me. I take a deep breath and walk out of the dressing room.

"You look ravishing." The man says.

"Thank you." I flush. "But uh is it really okay that I'm wearing…this?"

"Ah the dress, pay it no worry. It's yours to keep." He replies.

"Wait," I take a step back. "Really? Are you sure?"

"I insist," the man smiles. "After all gifts are meant to be accepted."

I blink in surprise. This is too nice for me, none of this can be real. This has to be a dream. Not realising it my shoulders slump.

"Please stand up straight." The man pushes me up. "You are the Princess elect, after all."

"Oh of cour—" I stop. "Did you say Princess elect?"

He just smiles. "There is much to do, Princess elect of Wysteria. Please follow me."

He walks out of the boutique and back to the room where all the women were. There he introduces me as the Princess elect. I smile and shift slightly, not used to all the stares. We leave the room and go down the hall before I stop him.

"Hey um sir—"

"Please, call me Giles." He smiles.

"Oh um Giles, can I ask you something?" I ask.

"Yes, Princess?" he nods for me to go on.

I bite my lip, I definitely wasn't used to being called Princess. "Am I really the Princess elect? Did you really choose me?"

"As advisor to His Majesty, I have been entrusted with the power to appoint and tutor the Princess elect. Meaning, no one can reverse this decision." Giles says.

"But why? Why did you choose me? Any of those other women would be better candidates." I question.

"But I chose you. The girl who didn't want anything to do with a fancy party instead wanders around the garden in search of a flower. For a little girl. The girl who would do anything for the people she cares about."

My eyes widen. "How did you—"

"I know lots of things, your highness." He smiles. "Besides, I did introduce you as the Princess elect, didn't I?"

"Yeah, I guess." I nod. "I'm just not used to all this yet."

"It will take awhile to get used to. But that's okay."

I smile and look down but a flash of red makes me look up. Alyn rounds the corner. When he sees me he smiles. Giles turns around and smiles at Alyn.

"Sir Alyn, allow me to introduce you to the Princess elect." He says.

Alyn blinks in surprise. "Her? The Princess? Are you serious?"

"Quite." Giles replies. "Why? Is there anything you have against her?"

"I—uh no, I don't." Alyn looks at me.

I see a glint of worry in his eyes. He quickly looks away.

"Good." Giles nods.

"Nixie?!"

I turn around to be met by a white-haired male with the same crimson eyes I loved.

"Leo!" I grin.

"Oh great." Alyn mutters.

"Ah Leo, to what do we owe this visit?" Giles asks.

Leo ignores him and comes straight to me. "Look at you! You've grown up! I heard you were in town but I could never find you."

"That's okay. But how did you here I was in town? I got here four years ago." I smile.

"I heard that a girl with brown hair and a crescent moon tattoo was taken in by the knights. I immediately knew it was you." Leo runs a finger over the moon on my cheek. "I looked for you but I couldn't find you and no one seemed to know who you were."

"I tried to blend in as much as I could. My father was looking for me after all. I had to hide my moon." I say quietly.

"But look at you now." Leo wraps me in a hug. "My little Nixie, a Princess."

Giles clears his throat and we separate. "I must ask how do you know each other?"

"We knew each other when we were children. We practically grew up together." Leo looks at Alyn. "Don't you remember, Alyn?"

"What?" Alyn looks startled. "I uh—"

"Sir Alyn!" a knight rushes around the corner.

Alyn turns around. "What is it?"

"We've been looking all over for you. Training was supposed to start 10 minutes ago." The knight sees me. "Hey I know you, you were that girl that Sir Alyn didn't want to punish."

I blush and glance at Giles, he didn't look phased. Leo on the other hand stares at his brother.

"Punish? Alyn what does he mean?" he asks.

"We caught her stealing bread. Alyn took her and gave her a place to stay and food. All from his wages. I don't know why he did that for a commoner such as her." the knight looks at me distastefully.

"It doesn't matter Gabriel." Alan growls. "And watch your tongue, you're speaking to the Princess elect."

"I'm sorry, your highness." Gabriel bows hastily. "I didn't know."

"I—it's alright." I say, glancing at Giles.

Alyn nods, turns on his heel and leaves. Gabriel quickly follows him. I watch Alyn go, sighing quietly.

"You'll see him soon, Nixie." Leo whispers. "You'll see us every day from now on."

"Just like when we were kids." I smile.

"I hate to break this up, but we'll have to bid you farewell for now, Leo." Giles interrupts. "There is still much to teach the Princess."

Leo nods then lightly lifts my chin. "I'll see you soon, Princess Nixie."

The way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. His breath was hot against my lips. My cheeks flush and I duck my head. Leo chuckles and leaves. I take a deep breath and turn to Giles.

"You said there was still much to teach me?"

"Indeed. You're to be thoroughly instructed in all subjects pertaining to your role as Princess elect." Giles replies. "There is more. As you well know, the current King is without heir and you have been chosen as Princess elect to fill the gap. As future Queen, you must choose a suitor to wed, thus safeguarding Wysteria for another generation, if not many more to come."

Giles pauses to let me process the information. I close my eyes for a moment. I have to choose a Prince.

"The Princess elect system exists to prevent infighting amongst aristocrats." Giles continues. "A gentleman such as Alyn or Leo will do. The choice is entirely yours to make."

I glance down the hall where Alyn had disappeared earlier. "How will I know who to choose?"

"The candidate your highness deems most worthy of the role shall be right." Giles says.

I frown and look down. "But can I do that?" I whisper to myself.

Giles lifts up my chin, our faces so close our noses were touching. "I'm sure you'll choose a most capable Prince to share your throne with. After all, if I didn't have faith in you I never would have appointed you in the first place."

Suddenly a cheery voice echoes from across the hall.

"You called, Sir Giles?" a boy with pink hair and eyes.

"Impeccable timing." Giles looks over at the boy. "This is Nico, your personal attendant."

"A pleasure to serve you, Princess." Nico smiles.

"The pleasure is mine." I smile back.

"Anything you need just leave it to me!"

"Princess Nixie will now make her rounds of the palace to introduce herself. Would you be so kind as to accompany her?" Giles asks.

"Yes Giles." Nico replies.

"Rounds?" I cock my head. "I thought this whole Princess thing was still being decided?"

"You're not asking me to believe you came to the palace, invitation in hand, only to turn down the Princess's tiara?" Giles questions.

I look down unable to voice my feelings.

"Come on, Princess! It's time to go!" Nico grabs my hand and whisks me away. Suddenly he stops in his tracks. "How could I forget! If you're going to meet everyone as the Princess, then you've got to look the part!" Nico spins me around and places something around my neck. "Now that's taken care of, your first official task awaits, Princess."

I smile and follow Nico, glancing down at what he put around my neck. It was a beautiful pendant necklace.

Later that night I make my way to the gardens. I sink down on the edge of the fountain. I sigh, finally I could rest. Giles and Nico have been dragging me around all day. I take a deep breath and look up at the sky. It was fading to a dark blue. Hopefully I will have some time to relax before dinner.

"You again?"

Nope, never mind. I spoke too soon. I sigh and look towards the voice. Louis stands in front of me.

"Why are you still here?" he glares at me.

"I was invited to stay." I reply and look back up at the sky.

Louis steps towards me. "Wait, stay still." He brushes a piece of hair that had gotten out of my bun. "There, that's better."

I stare at him, startled for a moment. This wasn't the Louis I saw earlier. This one was softer…kinder I dare say.

"What's that?"

I follow his gaze to my chest. I blush for a moment then place my hand at my throat. He was talking about the necklace.

"Follow me." Louis grabs my hand and pulls me along.

"Hey, what you doing?" I exclaim.

Louis ignores me and drags me to an empty room. as the door shuts behind us, Louis turns to me and places both hands on my shoulders.

"What is this about?" I ask.

"Why are you the Princess elect? Explain yourself." Louis glares at me. "That pendent is a royal heirloom, and is worn exclusively by the princesses who are next in line for the throne. I told you to leave. What ever possessed you to remain?" he trails off. "You. The Princess?" he removes his hands off my shoulders. His next words piercing and cold. "I don't think you've got what it takes to be Princess."

"I—" Normally my temper would take the wheel and I would yell but his words struck something. 'I know, I know. I shouldn't be the Princess, this isn't for me.' I think.

"I suggest you leave the palace before it's too late."

'It already is too late, there's no going back now.' I keep quiet.

"The thought of the kingdom's future resting on a commoner like you makes me sick." Louis says.

"I—" I start to speak, but my voice gives up.

"Princess Nixie?" I hear Nico call.

Louis shoots me one last icy glare before disappearing though the doorway. I take a deep breath and close my eyes, trying not to think about how right he was. I shouldn't be Princess, this wasn't something I could do. Anyone else would be more capable then me. I'm just a poor girl who ran away from home. This wasn't the life for me.

"Princess Nixie?" I hear Nico call again.

I sigh and step out. "I'm right here Nico." I say quietly.

"There you are!" He smiles but his smile disappears once he gets a good look at my face. "Is something wrong, Princess?"

"It's nothing Nico. I'm fine." I give him a small smile.

His grin returns. "Well it's dinner time. You ready?"

"Yeah, I'm ready." I nod.

Nico leads me to the dining hall where an impressive amount of food sits on the table. I gasp, I haven't had this much food since I visited Alyn's house when I was eight. I was served a plate but I didn't really touch it. Louis's words from earlier left an unease in my stomach.

"Is tonight's meal not to your liking, Princess?" Giles asks.

"What? Yes, I mean no, I uh, I'm just not really hungry." I stumble over my words. "Giles, would it be possible to go into town in the near future?"

A sudden silences fell over the dining hall. I immediately knew I said something wrong. My face flushes and I look down.

"You wish to leave the palace?" he questions.

"Y—yes I do." I reply, hesitantly looking up.

"I shall ready some knights and attendants for your excursion." He says.

I frown. "Knights? But I'm just going into town."

"You're the Princess. I couldn't possibly let you outside the palace walls without protection." He replies.

I sigh. There was no getting out of this one.

"I should also mention, your appointment as Princess elect is scheduled to be announced tomorrow. That is why I absolutely cannot allow you to leave the palace walls alone. Even if you did just become Princess elect, I'm sure you're all to familiar with the danger lurking outside Wysteria's border."

"Stein?" I ask.

"Correct." Giles smiles. "With so little known about the country, it's impossible to calculate if and when they might strike. I daresay your selection as Princess elect will become common knowledge within in Stein in no time."

I nod quietly and look back at my food. I eat a little more before dinner is over and Nico walks me to my room.

"This is your chamber, Princess." Nico says. "You're probably exhausted after such a long day. Let's call it a night, shall we? Sleep tight!"

"Goodnight Nico. And thank you." I whisper.

Nico smiles and leaves. I look around for a minute before plopping down on my new bed.
"This is so different from home." I mutter to myself, laying down. As I stare up at the ceiling my eyes slowly close and I fall asleep.