Rin POV

I traced the shingles on the castle roof. "I... Let's just say, I got into a whole crap load of trouble for falling in love a while ago."

"And," He chuckled. "You're gonna get into an even bigger crap load of trouble if you don't get down there."

I laughed and gestured for him to follow.

"Sure, but I'm dragging you down with me!"

"Hey, wait-!"

I dragged him into the sky, and then did a dangerous nosedive, skidding easily into the grass and uplifting some tufts.

"What was that?" he gasped, his turquoise eyes bright and lively. "Were you trying to kill us?"

"Nah." I shrugged nonchalantly. "Just you."

He rolled his eyes and followed me into the castle. I smuggled a few flowers from the vase by the door. Kuo (I am really lazy- Mikuo is too long) shot me a confused look, and I just smiled at him irritatingly.

"Rin!" Mom shot out of her seat like that time I accidentally burned the couch underneath her, and Len scowled at me expectantly.

"Sorry all." I shrugged apologetically. "I was just picking some flowers." I held them up. "Kuo found me in the forest."

"Rin, my careless child." Mom shook her head. "Ses orte Rin!"

I sighed and sat on the couch next to my already-arranged fiancée. Kaito Shion took my hand and kissed it lovingly.

"Princess Rin, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."

I stifled a yawn and smiled at him. "Ditto."

"Ditto?" Mom frowned. "Really, Rin, do not conjure up these silly words."

"Mom, it just means 'same'."

Kaito chuckled. "I find her quite the lovely picture."

I raised my eyebrow. "Who now?"

Len groaned and started mumbling about what to pack when he headed to the forest. I grimaced and sat up, determined to make a better effort.

"I'm sorry." I said, not feeling very sorry. Kuo leaned back and started a conversation with Len.

"LEN!" A voice thundered from the kitchen. Len grimaced and got up, heading towards Rimi's crying.

"Come, Prince Kaito." I offered him my hand. "Let's go to the dining table. We have quite the feast prepared in your honor."

He perked up.

"Okay!"

His warm hand slipped over my own, yet he was the one dragging me to the dining room. Kuo followed hesitantly behind, but hastily caught up when I shot him a get-your-butt-over-here look.

"Lady Rin?"

My maid, my favorite one at that, Luka Megurine, stepped into the room.

"Rin, Rimi burned herself. Len asks of your assistance."

I pushed my chair back and followed her. Kaito followed me, as did Kuo.

I cradled the young baby in my arms, and Mikay, Len's wife, eyed me suspiciously. She was beautiful in an odd way. Her dress was made of dragon scales, and she could breathe fire. She had large green eyes and fiery red hair. Her scaly wings were wrapped sturdily around her.

Rimi's tiny fist waved in the air as she bawled. Her wispy reddish blond hair flopped into her eyes.

"Where did she get-?"

Mikay's clawed hand tenderly lifted up the baby's foot to show me that her toes were bright red, as was her sole.

Tears sprung to my eyes as I imagined the tiny child in my arms in pain. My tears fell from my cheeks and onto the sole of her feet. Her sole shimmered, and Rimi gurgled in happiness. She cooed happily, and Mikay tugged her gently from my protective grip.

"Thank you, Princess."

Her voice was somewhat rough, and I nodded, and then shot a glare at Len.

"Len, take better care of your daughter."

He shrugged sheepishly and Kaito took my hand. "Hey Princess... Aren't you the only one who can cry phoenix tears?"

I nodded, feeling uncomfortable as an almost greedy, hungry, look appeared in his eyes.

"How much is a crystal vial of your tears worth?"

"Kaito-nii!" Kuo punched his brother as an almost ashamed look appeared on his face.

"S-Sorry about that."

Kaito scowled, and then turned his eyes to the table, where luscious food awaited. Fresh bread was carefully piled into baskets with paper around each stick. Teto, my chef, made the best bread in the kingdom. I took a cinnamon raisin studded piece and inhaled its fresh, appetizing, smell.

"Mmmm. Oh, Teto dear, you've outdone yourself." I curtsied to the pink haired twin-drilled girl, who giggled and shook her head at my attempts to joke.

"Rin- please escort Princes Kaito and Mikuo to the kitchen sinks, lest they want to scrub their hands."

"Kay Mom!" I nodded, and she cringed at my lack of polite etiquette.

"So." Kuo gestured to the crystal everywhere. "You guys are good uh, decorators."

"Um... thanks." I giggled, confused.

He turned somewhat red and his voice was careful. "Um... I mean we have everything made in, like, caves and stuff. It's nice to be in a more brighter and cheerful area."

"Yes." Kaito agreed, running his hand over a polished picture frame with my dad, King Leon, in it.

"D-Don't touch that." I took his unwilling hand off my father and smiled at Dad.

"Hey." I said softly. "I promise I'll do what's right."

He smiled down at me, a bright, merry, twinkle in his eyes.

"Anyways!" I pointed at the restroom. "Uh, there it is, so, if you wanna, you know, wash your hands..."

They disappeared inside and I waited, looking around the halls. Miniscule traces of where I had accidentally burned furniture and the walls with my carelessness popped out at me.

I crossed my arms and Kaito popped his head out of the restroom, then his body followed.

"Mikuo's finishing up."

I nodded and leaned against the wall.

I promise I'll do what's right.

Mikuo POV

"So... Excited about marriage, Rin?" I heard Kaito ask her.

Rin sounded forced when she laughed. "What is there not to be excited about?"

I came out of the bathroom and smiled at Rin. "I'm ready. Let's go."

She smiled briefly and led us back to the dining room.

After a hearty meal, she smiled at her mom, who groaned.

"Every time, dear. Every time you smile like that, I know you're up to something."

Rin smiled wider, and her teeth shined in the light.

"May I go for an after dinner flight please please please?"

Her mother sighed and daintily wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Fine, but take the young prince with you."

Rin grabbed my hand and pulled me out the door.

"Wait! I meant Kai-" I heard her voice call, but Rin pulled the door closed.

I chuckled.

"Either you're in love with my dashing good looks," Rin shot me an amused smile. "Or you really wanna get away from my brother."

Rin winked and stuck her tongue out at me.

"In your dreams for the first one."

I smiled.

"And in yours too."

She kinda blushed and took off into the air. I laughed and soared after her.

"I love your wings!" She shouted down to me. I flew up till I was at the same level as her.

"Thanks... I share them with my mom."

My voice took on somewhat of a melancholic tone as I remembered her.

"Is she dead?" Rin asked, somewhat outgoing-ly.

"Yeah."

"Oh, so is my dad." She sighed. "What can we do? That's what fate chose." Then she held up her fist. "But I'm gonna do my best to do what would have made him happy!"

I quietly admired her ability to always be cheerful.

"Yeah... that is a great thing to do."

She closed her eyes and tilted her face to the multicolored sky.

"I have an idea." She proposed, throwing her arms out to embrace the warm air. "Let's watch the sunset."

"No!" I protested. She frowned. "They only do that in cheesy romance movies."

She stared at me, and I was afraid that I'd said something to make her really unhappy. Then, she burst out laughing.

"Okay then, what do you suggest?"

I grinned evilly.

"I'll show you."