We came to the gilded palace gates, and a guard looked into the carriage. He squinted his eyes at me, and I stared down at my lap. I must've looked very plain and tousled in what seemed to be seen as "rags" around here. It was a shame, really; these were the most expensive clothes I could afford before my trip. I wish I might've been in better condition on the ship, or was able to wash and change before coming to the royal home.

But the Prince - Phil - smiled in the guard's direction. "Is that you, Kenneth?"

I looked up at the guard and saw him nod, and then answer, "Yes, Your Highness."

"This is the esteemed Doctor Howell." And he told Kenneth the same he'd told Arthur, so he would let me through. My face went red and I hid it from the man standing just outside. After hearing of my position, Kenneth nodded and tapped his staff against the gate. The sides swung open and the horse whinnied, pulling us through.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and turned my head to see the Prince smiling at me. "If anyone here gives you any trouble, you come to me, alright?" He smiled softly, and my face only went redder. I had to be grateful then for his blindness. "I couldn't let anything happened to my only hope to see again."

I laughed nervously and thanked him softly. As we rode along, through a path lined with luscious trees, he spoke again. "Look out; the palace really looks incredible at this hour, and very few ever get to see it."

I nodded and looked through the small window. The trees soon cleared up, and the sight took my breath away. The high walls glistening in the low sunlight were more than I could've anticipated. Rows upon rows of open windows stretched across the palace front. It was one long, wide building surrounded by green grass and rose bushes. I stared at the marvel of it and felt humbled by the sheer beauty.

"Welcome home, Doctor."

We pulled up right to the front door of the palace, and Arthur got down to help Phil out of the carriage. "Thank you, kind sir," he smiled, and I got out behind him on my own. Prince Philip stepped forward and ran his hand along the enormous door in front of him, opening it up easily.

"Arthur's very exact with where he pulls up when I'm riding," he noted, giving me a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He headed inside and I followed him cautiously, always being sure to stay a step behind. "Doctor Daniel? Would you like to see your new chambers?"

I nodded, and then remembered and voiced my answer. He smiled and moved to the long spiral staircase. I trailed up behind him, and it was when we came to the third story that we turned down a corridor. We passed many fancy doors before coming to one that looked like all the others. I wondered how he could tell that this was the one he was searching for, but I thought I could hear him counting off his steps under his breath.

"Here we go, Doctor."

He opened it up to more than I deserved. The room itself was extravagant, and filled with extravagant furniture. All the majesty of the palace, and everything inside, was almost too much for me to handle in such a short time, and I found myself collapsing down onto my new bed.

"Are you alright?" the Prince asked me.

"Yes, your Highness," I assured, not about to let him worry over me. "I just need a moment to rest. I'm rather weary after such a long voyage."

He nodded and chuckled. "I can imagine. My mother and father will want to speak to you soon, probably in the ballroom. They're meeting with officials and representatives from a neighboring island, though I couldn't know what about. Would you like to meet my sisters?"

I sighed and tried not to deny the offer.

"Or would you rather rest a while?" I nodded. "I'll assume that's a yes." He laughed a soft, pleasant laugh. "I'll retrieve you myself when they're ready for you. In the meantime, rest well, and I'll see you this evening." He smiled and slipped out the door. I couldn't imagine where he might've been going.

I felt a bit ill for leaving him to wander through the enormity of the palace. Yes, it was his home, and he was probably used to walking around it in his personal darkness, but I still felt ready to head out after him and be his escort. My legs, however, did not agree with such an idea. I couldn't bring myself to stand again, and quickly fell asleep against silk and feather pillows.

I awoke to a soft knocking on my door. Had I not always been a light sleeper, I might not have awoken at all. A fairly familiar voice came from the other side. "Doctor? Are you awake?"

"I am now," I laughed softly, sitting up, well rested. "How are you this evening, Your Highness?"

"Phil, my name is Phil." I heard a soft laugh, and it felt odd having a conversation through a slab of finely polished wood, but about as natural as it could be when it was with the young Prince.

"My mother and father are ready to speak with you. They want to assure you know what you're being paid to do." His voice grew in pitch and volume, as if he couldn't contain his own excitement. The anticipation in his voice struck anxiety to my heart.

"I'll be out in just a moment."

"Do you mind if I come in, sir?"

I almost dared to correct him, and tell him he shouldn't be calling such a lowly person 'sir' for any reason, but the words didn't come out. "Yes, come in."

He entered and closed the door behind him. I watched as he counted his steps over to my large wardrobe and opened it up, running the tips of his fingers along the garments inside. At last he lifted out a shirt and pair of bottoms, clothing unlike I'd ever worn before for their delicate and beauteous appeal. "I'm sure these would look lovely on you. They belonged to the island and palace doctor before he passed away a couple of months ago."

I swallowed hard. "Was that why I was brought in? Because the palace needed a new medic?"

Phil shrugged. "I'm not sure. I can imagine your claim to heal or cure anything under the sun certainly caught their attention." He gave me a smile and I went white as my new sheets. "Well, put it on!" he urged, handing the clothing off to me. As I put them on, I tried to ignore the possibility that I may be residing in a dead person's room, wearing a dead person's clothes. The thought made me slightly ill.

"Okay," I said as I finished up, dressed in the itchy clothing of the deceased doctor.

Phil smiled and ran a hand down my torso, and I blushed as the contact. "I'm just making sure you're wearing it right," he laughed, and removed his hand. "I'm sure you look fantastic. Come on, I'll show you to the throne room. The King and Queen are waiting there already, and they don't like to be kept long."

I nodded, understanding, and took his arm as he instructed. We walked briskly but evenly, and I found myself looking back at his face. What was probably most odd about the prince was that there was nothing particularly princely about him. It was as if the title alone was what brought him to higher status, because everything else from his features to his attire was rather plain. Plain in a very handsome way, but not what I'd expect from the only son of the King.

He turned his head slightly toward me, with a small smile on his face. "Doctor Howell, are you staring at me?"

I swallowed hard. "Yes. I'm so sorry, Your Highness."

"Don't be," he said with a small laugh. "I've never been given that kind of attention from a man before. The men here all see me as their Prince, someone they must protect, but not something of any value besides the crown. Is that what you see in me, Doctor?"

I immediately shook my head even though I knew he couldn't see it. "I don't see you as simply the son of the King. I know you're a person besides that. A kind and caring person, at that."

"How do you know? You barely know me at all."

He was right. We hadn't met more than a few hours earlier, most of which I was asleep. I didn't know this young man very well, but I also knew I'd like to. "I enjoy your company, and the courtesy you've shown me, and the companionship you've so far offered me. I am very grateful for that, when I don't deserve it."

"We've discussed this, Dan. You're doing too much for me to be ungrateful for, and I will show my gratitude how I please, which is how it will please you. If there's anything else you desire, please tell me."

I didn't quite know what to say. I'd like to at least be friends with the young man at my side. Could that be my request? "You've been so kind to me. I have nothing and no one here but a job. I would like to enjoy your company, if you'll allow it."

He gave me a smile that gave me the answer I needed. "You're very sweet. I'd very much like your companionship, as well." He held on tighter to my arm. "From now until the end of your stay - should that ever come - you will stay by my side, by order of the Prince." He laughed and I laughed with him. I saw a rosiness rise to his pale cheeks, and couldn't help but smile softly. He was plain and handsome, and sort of beautiful. I had a strong feeling then that these next few months would be much less lonely than I'd thought.