I distinctly remember where I fell asleep. I was facing the window, my arms crossed around me and a small blanket covering my legs. Peasley was behind me, and he was facing the opposite direction, so I don't know how he was sleeping. I fell asleep pretty fast; I was exhausted from the past two days, and it was the first time I got to sleep in an actual bed in almost a year. I probably snored; it wouldn't surprise me if I did. If I am that exhausted, I am a heavy sleeper. I could never get a good night's sleep on the boat because of the waves. I was always really irritable when I awoke the next morning.

This morning…I was just confused. I awoke with a start, and then I remembered the last few days. I tried to relax again, but something struck me as odd. I was still tired, so it took me a while to register that I wasn't on my side of the bed anymore. I blinked a few times, and rubbed my eyes. Once I opened them again, I was more confused than I was in the beginning. Somehow, we (Peasley and I) had rearranged our sleeping positions to where he was sleeping on his back, and I was on top of him, using his chest as a pillow. There was nothing sexual about the position we were in at all; it looked like we were snuggling and I decided to use him as a pillow. He had wrapped his arms around me like he was protecting me from something, and there was a soft smile on his face as well. I smiled, knowing that he was happy, and it made my heart feel warm. I rested my head on him again just as he opened his eyes. He grunted softly, and rubbed his eyes. I felt his body jolt with shock.

"No worries; I was just as confused as you are a few minutes ago." I whispered. "Good morning, by the way."

"It's not morning." He answered. "It's 2am." I moaned in disapproval, and he chuckled. "Something must have woken us."

I shrugged, and snuggled deeper into his chest. "Wake me when we leave."

"You can continue sleeping." He said as he gently pushed me off. "I have to work on the contracts and map out the Kingdom order." He stood up and rolled his neck.

"Technically it is morning."

"To me, morning is when the sun is up." He turned on the desk lamp and rubbed his eyes. "Man, I despise this Trial. I just want to sleep in my own bed."

"I would like that as well."

He snorted, and a smile lit his tired face. "You would. It's very comfortable and big enough for two or three." Our door opened slightly, and a Toad came in with a teapot and mugs on a tray. Peasley took it from him. "Thank you."

The Toad bowed, saying that it was coffee and left. Peasley poured himself a cup, and turned over his shoulder, saying that resting was a better option for me.

"I don't even want to know why you know that." I said relaxing again.

"…know what?" he asked turning slightly.

"How three people can sleep in your bed?"

He shook his head, trying not to laugh. "I'm not like that, heavens. I just never can decide if I want to sleep on the side, middle or on the other side." He realized what he said too late, and we both lost it. "I hate you."

I stood up and kissed him. "You love me and you know it."

"I know. Get rest, please."

I nodded, and stretched out on my back. "So…I have a question." I felt him look at me. "Do I get anything for going with you?"

"Why?"

"Something to pay back Syrup with. I just ran off without a note. She forgives the men if they do her a favor. But since she knows I go for the other team, I usually have to sweeten it a bit more in order not to do what the other men usually have to do…which means money and jewels. Besides, if I have enough, I might try to buy my way out of the crew." I faced him, and he stared at me, waiting. I clenched my jaw. He tapped his finger against the desk. Frustrated, I sighed, and instantly saw the pain in his eyes. "It's a long story…but I need it. Please…believe me."

"You lied to me!" he exploded. "You're just like everyone else! I thought… God…"

He turned away from me and started crying. I sighed softly, rubbing my temples, trying not to snap. That's the last thing that needs to happen. After taking a few deep breaths, I decided that I had to tell him…or at least hint. I walked over to our stuff, and not only grabbed a handkerchief for him, but a small box. I sat on the bed again, and asked him to let me explain. He turned to me, and I handed him the cloth. He took it and gently dried his face as I opened the box. Memories flooded my head, and I wanted to throw the box across the room and watch it shatter. I fought with every fiber in my being not to. I slowly removed a newspaper article from the box, and handed it to the prince without making eye contact.

"Who is this?" he asked softly.

"My Dad." I answered. "He died in the hospital when I was really young." I felt Peasley's soft stare as I showed him another piece of paper. "It's runny because of how old the paper is, but it is a notice of evacuation."

"Evacuation?" the fear was apparent in his voice and eyes.

I nodded. "The bills got out of control, and Mom couldn't keep track of them. We lost everything…I joined the pirate life to try and make some spare money. The little bit I get goes straight to her so that we could get our lives back together." I crossed my arms, trying not to fall apart. "I was there not too long ago, and I discovered that a lot has changed since last year. Our old Kingdom is no longer safe…she could get killed. My sacrifices would mean nothing."

My silence said the rest. Peasley gently replaced the papers in the box and got it off my lap. He dried a single tear from my face and held me. "I'm sorry for assuming." He whispered softly. "But, to answer your question, yes there is. If you want, we can make a deal." I looked at him. "You don't have to take the money; we can just take your Mom into Beanbean and take care of her so she'll be healthy and safe, okay?"

"And once she is, I am burning that box." I said sharply.

"I honestly thought you were going to throw it out the window."

I chuckled. "That wouldn't be as satisfying. I'd much rather throw it against a wall."

"Tell you what, go ahead and play the violin a little; I want to hear how much you improved over the last year. It'll take your mind off things, and it will relieve me of heavy paperwork."

We kissed and went to work. After I had changed (and fixed my hair), I sat down on the bed again and softly tuned the instrument. I stood up once it was tuned, and tapped my foot softly, feeling for the beat. Once I found it, I closed my eyes and started playing. I'm not nearly the performer Peasley is: he can walk around and do all kinds of things while playing. I get too distracted. I sway with the music once in a while, but it's mainly me tapping my foot along with it. I wasn't playing any song in particular. I played for a few minutes, and then decided to sit down. It threw me off dramatically, and I found my beat after a few seconds.

"We'll practice performance." Peasley laughed as he was reading.

"I can't multitask yet." I responded breaking the song. "Hey, I've been meaning to ask you; what Kingdoms are we going to?"

"That's what I am working on."

I tilted my head in confusion. "I thought you were sorting them out. I didn't know you had to contact them."

"Forgive me." He rubbed his eyes and drank from his coffee. "I am arranging them. I thought you were asking me what order."

"Nope. No real order."

"Well, there is Mushroom Kingdom, Waffle Kingdom, Sarasaland and Beanbean. If there are any others, we can try to make alliances with them as well."

"Why do you have to make an alliance with Beanbean?"

"They have to accept me as their future leader. Think of it as an alliance on a more personal level; I will lead them to prosperity if they give me their loyalty and faith." I felt my face drain. "Is there a problem?"

"I am from the Waffle Kingdom. They're not very nice."

"In what way?"

"…I'll tell you later."

He nodded, and went back to work, sorting out the different Kingdoms and trying to figure out the best order to do them in. He explained that he had to end his Trial in Beanbean, or they would not have any faith in him. I never really did fall asleep, but I relaxed and helped Peasley decide what kingdom we were going to next. Each had their own set of trials and terrors that Peasley was required to do and achieve in order to win the alliance. We decided that the next best Kingdom to visit was Sarasaland since Peasley was close friends with Princess Daisy on a personal level. He finally got the Kingdoms in order, and he rested his head on the desk, groaning.

"Does My Prince have a case of homesickness?" I asked softly.

"A bad case." He answered.

"Lie with me for a while; we still have a few hours yet." He lifted his head, and I could see the struggle in his face. I stood up, and gently stood him up as well, embracing him. He wrapped his arms around me and a soft sob escaped his throat. I sat down, and he climbed into my lap. "Close your eyes, and think about what I am telling you. Imagine the word 'home'. What comes to mind? Tell me."

"A lot." He answered falling apart. "The Castle, the rolling fields, the citizens, my study…everything. I want to go home. I haven't been able to sleep because I'm so scared. Fi…I want to go home."

I held his hands and pressed my forehead against his. "Now focus on what I am telling you. I want you to see with your heart."

He nodded softly, and I dried his face with his handkerchief. Gently, I removed one of his gloves, and held his hand for a few seconds. Slowly, I lowered his hand down my arm, letting him feel the muscles.

"You never left home; home followed you." I started. "Your castle is right here…do you see it?" he shook his head. "My voice is the voice of the city; the ones that believe in you. My eyes are your study; the dark Oak wood that makes your desk and the shelves. How they have that glow when light shines on them. They never left. Right here…always with you. Do you see them, My Prince? Do you hear the voices of your people? Do you see your study?" I wrapped my arms around him. "The castle walls will protect you on your journey."

"No." He whispered trying not to cry. "I see nothing…"

I smiled softly. "Home never left you." I placed his hand over my heart, letting him feel my heartbeat. "And there I am. I'm your castle, the voices of home cheering you forward, the good book you read on a cold rainy night and your favorite cardigan sweater on days that you can wear them. Home is a person…and I want to be home to you. Do you see it now?" He choked on a sob and nodded. I kissed him briefly. "Do you feel the kiss of wind? How it is tender and sweet?" I cupped his face, finally pulling away and he looked at me. "Don't be homesick; home followed you here. I'm your home, My Prince. I'll protect you and praise you just as the citizens do in Beanbean. Know that you are not in this fight alone; you have a lot of people who care for you. I love you, Peasley; there's not much else I can say. Home is never too far away as long as I am here, alright?"

I held his hands again. He kissed my hands, thanking me for my kind words. I nodded and then put on my shirt that was torn off the night before. Grabbing my old outfit, I walked into the restroom and changed. Once I looked appropriate, I walked out, and Peasley was packing his things. I gathered the little stuff I packed, and picked up his cape. I wrapped it around him and pinned it.

"Will you be alright?" I asked.

He nodded. "Once we get moving, I will be fine, promise."

We returned the room to its original setting, and turned out the light. Peasley thanked the Princess for her hospitality, and she accepted it, saying that she was more than happy to host us. A few fresh rolls were given to us for our journey, and after saying farewell; we headed out into the morning towards Sarasaland.