It was decided. I needed to investigate the man from the market, since Kaylem would not be stupid enough, to have a high profile, here in Clarines, after what he did. I could not believe, that I still hadn't bothered to ask the man his name. That was going to make my investigation much harder. Perhaps, he will be in the market place? I bet if he was trying to keep an eye on me, he would be very closeby. First things first. I will send Ru Ru to the Tanbarun border crossing, with a request for all the names, of everyone who crossed between the time I saw him in the market, till now. I bet my Father already had them put on alert for Kaylem, but he doesn't know about the bandit, I am looking for. I glanced back at my decorative sword, leaning against my desk. I wrote my note, and signalled Ru Ru. As Ru Ru took to the air once again, I heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." I greeted, formally. Fully expecting it to be Desti, but it wasn't. Keno entered my office.

"I am sorry about what happened." He seemed sincere.

I know everyone, is trying to be sensitive. But I have been hearing these words from everyone I saw, it was starting to get annoying. "Don't worry about it. I am fine, okay." I gave him the best smile I could muster. I guess, I was a little distracted.

"I was hoping you would like to get out of the office for a bit. We could spar if you want." He seemed to know how that seemed to always get my mind off things, and make me feel better.

"Sure. I have got some time."

He took my hand and led me down the corridors, towards the training court. My hand was in his, and it made me feel a bit awkward. I knew what his intentions were, after what he said to me at Wilant.

I saw Desti walking towards us, he seemed pretty shocked, and my face went red. Desti seemed confused by us holding hands. Of course, I never told him about the arrangement, with King Izana, either. I felt kind of bad, at first, but Desti was my friend, he would understand. Desti's eyes followed us to the court, before he took his leave.

When we got there, we didn't waste any time, before getting down to it. My skills were far too superior to Keno's, but he didn't seem to mind it. I really did appreciate this, however. I was able to blow off a lot of steam, that had been building up.

After, I asked him, if he wanted to go for a walk through the castle grounds. He seemed to ecstatic about it. So we walked, in an awkward silence. He took my hand in his, which made me roll my eyes. He was my friend, and my cousin. How could I possibly think of him, in any other way? Even though, he was 'courting' me, I don't think I would ever choose to be with him. It was just too weird. But a deal is a deal, and when it comes to King Izana, I can't questions his orders.

"Would it be alright, to kiss you?" He seemed really nervous. He was being very courteous about everything. I had to give him that. He was quite a gentlemen.

"No... That would not be appropriate, at this time." Still. I had no intentions, of being with him in the future. I came up with an ingenious plan. "How would you like to play a game of Stealth?"

"How do you play?" He didn't know of this game, because it doesn't exist. That's right, I made it up, as a way to get away from people, like Obi. Which by the way, it was Obi's least favourite game.

"You have to give me a head start and then you have to catch me. I will run and hide and stealthily move around the grounds. When you do catch me, by using any tactics necessary, it is then your turn to run. Other than that, anything goes. Are you interested?" I taunted him, cheekily.

"Okay. Do I have to close my eyes?"

"It isn't hide n' seek. You can do whatever you what. It is my job to lose you. And you will need to do the same, after you catch me."

He nodded, so I took my head start.

As soon as I was out of his sight, I climbed a tree. And watched him, as he ran right passed me. I sat in the tree for a bit and then made my way to my room, through the open window.

I climbed in and realized I wasn't alone in the room. "Oh, Desti? I didn't know anyone would be in here."

"Having fun?" Desti was curious to see that I was alone.

"We were playing a game, but he wasn't very good, so I got bored."

"That is probably, because you have an unfair advantage."

"Yep, but don't tell him that! I actually find it quite amusing, that he tries so hard."

"I know who that reminds me of." He teased.

"If your talking about me," Which I so clearly knew he was already, "then I have to disagree. I am not an amateur. I have been doing this longer than I can remember. Not even Obi can keep up with me." I spoke out of pride.

"I've been meaning to ask, what is with you and Obi? You don't seem to get along very well." Desti has seen enough to know that, I guess.

"It isn't that we don't get along, it is just that he can be... annoying. He works for my Father and I think it has gone to his head. He treats me like a little kid, even though, I am the Princess!"

"It doesn't have anything to do with him being your attendant?" His eyebrows raised. He seemed rather interested, in what my answer was going to be.

"An attendant that works for my Father. Perhaps. You work for me, so it's cool." I didn't know where he was going with this, but I wanted to make sure, that he knew, that he was not part of this category.

"So I do." He mused at that remark. "How long are you going to torture the poor guy?" Clearly he was referring to Keno.

"Just want to see, how long it takes him to realize, I am in my room."

"That could be a while." I agreed with Desti on that one. If people thought I was naive, then he certainly was. I felt a bit cruel. I rationalized, that it would be good practice for Keno. It isn't like I was trying to avoid him completely.

A knock on the door, pulled me from my thoughts. "Yes." Keno walked in. "Looks like you found me."

"You were here all along?!" Keno panted.

"I did say anything goes." I rationalized.

"So, does this mean, it is my turn to run?" Keno asked. Well he technically hasn't caught me yet, but I should give him credit for finding me here.

"Sure, why not. I will give you a head start." I gave Desti an apologetic look and exited through my window. "Ready or not, here I come."

I returned to my room, exhausted.

"You've been gone a while, did you find him?" Desti was intrigued by all of this and had to know, why I was so exasperated.

"No. I found out he was hiding in the men's bathhouse." I sat down on my reading couch, letting gravity pull me down onto it's lovely cushions.

"I thought you said 'anything goes'?" He teased.

"I guess, but that was a cheap trick. He knows, it is improper for a lady to go in there. I spent my entire day, looking every inch of the castle grounds. I even sought the help of Ru Ru, when it came back. What a waste of an entire evening." I complained.

"Where did Ru Ru go?"

I hadn't mentioned anything to him about that and wasn't planning on it, either. "On an errand." It was true. I just didn't specify, what kind. That reminds me, I have a message to retrieve from Ru Ru, with a list of names, that I will need to look into. I will have to wait till tomorrow, to go to the market place. I had to work on this quickly, it won't be long now, before I start having royal duties of my own.

The next day, I got up very early. I signaled for Ru Ru and took the list from 'm. Accompanied by my feathered friend, I left for the Wistal market place. As I was walking through the forest, I scanned through the names. I didn't know, who was who, but I had something to go by. I told myself, if I saw him again, I would try to get his name. However, it was doubtful that he would even give me his name. He could be going by an alias, that would make things harder too. I strolled through the markets, but nothing. He has to be here. He knows who I am, where I reside and that I am alive. He would be keeping tabs on me, for sure. I didn't see anything, that seemed familiar, being sold there either. Was this really a dead end? I headed back to the castle, before they knew I left.

I saw Kat, stationed at the front. She looked like a boy, upon my suggestion. I figured, I would come up and talk to her.

"How is the new job, 'Pretty boy'?" I just had to call her that, after I heard the name circulating around. To be honest, I would have come up with it on my own, if I hadn't already heard it.

"Agh, not you too." It was pretty funny. She always seemed, less than thrilled, when I teased her.

I turned to her fellow guard. "I hope you're not giving him a hard time."

"No, Your Highness. We're just playing around." Nosuke smiled.

"That's great. Your shift is over soon, right Kat?" I smiled innocently at Kat.

"Yeesss...?" Kat seemed to be wondering what I was up to.

"Great, then I will see you for lunch." I winked at her.

Nosuke was shocked at my invitation, to his partner.

I left them there and secretly watched their reaction. It was amusing, to say the least.

Nosuke was over the top, jealous. I over heard him shriek, "It's an honor to be invited to lunch with the princess! I'm surprised you're not more thrilled! I don't know anyone who wouldn't kill to be you right now!" I was surprised to see Kat so calm. I know I usually had an effect on people around me... wanting to be with me, for my hair or my title. I knew at that moment, Kat didn't care that I was a princess. She treated me like any other person. If anything, that made me want to get to know her, even more.

"Still! I would love to be in your shoes right now!" Nosuke was still raving about it, not that I am surprised. I couldn't help but giggle to myself. Kat was just taking it, but her expression was priceless. This was something I could only read in books. It was entertaining!

"Are you telling me you're not the slightest bit attracted to her?!" I snickered. Nosuke was crossing the line... if only he knew she was actually a girl! This was awesome! I couldn't contain myself and left, before I gave myself away, in laughter.

I ran back in towards the castle and found some guards standing near the court.

"I have something, I would like you to look into, can you do that for me, Shikito?" I was making a formal request, so he couldn't say no.

"What would you have me do, Princess?" Shikito answered.

"Shikito, I would like you to investigate the names on this list. I need to know who they are and any useful information on them." I handed him the piece of paper.

He seemed rather curious, that I wasn't asking the attendants first. But agreed to do it, nonetheless.

I knew it was around time, for my wake up call, so I climbed into my room. Ru Ru took the back of my chair. It wasn't long, before there was a knock at my door. Time for the day to move on like normal, as I would anxiously await, Shikito's findings.

I visited Mother in the medical wing, right after breakfast. Naturally, Father was there too. She was looking better, but still needed lots of rest.

"Upon hearing the news, Prince Raj asked to pay a visit. He was really worried, when he found out something bad happened to you, once again, in Tanbarun." Zen informed Shirayuki.

"Prince Raj is coming here?!" I startled my Father. I guess that he didn't know that I was here.

"Yes. He was confused that you both came directly here, after your visit in the mountains. When he received the report, he thought it would be important to see for himself, that you're both okay." Zen inspected Shirayuki's face, for some kind of reaction.

Shirayuki smiled. "That's sweet. When will he be here?"

"Later, this afternoon."

I had no idea, that we would be having guests at the castle today. And being a prince, I would have to dress up and be on my best behaviour.

Chief Garak entered. "Great, you're both here. Shirayuki will be fine, after some more rest. A few more weeks and she will be back on her feet."

"That's a long time..." Zen pointed out, in his disappointment.

"These things do take time to heal." Garak was not happy about it either, but she knew it was necessary.

Zen slid Shirayuki's bangs away from her face, so he could look her in the eyes.

"Don't worry about me, Zen. You heard the chief, I'll be fine."

"You know I still will. I can't help it." Father was hopeless.

"Did you get to thank that girl for me, Zen?"

"Yes... kind of. I offered her a position, here at the castle, but I haven't heard from her since." Zen really didn't know, that Kat was working as one of our castle guards. It was really quite amusing. She was dressed like a boy, but I seriously thought Father paid more attention to detail. It felt pretty cool, to have this fun little secret.

"I see. I was hoping I would get the chance to thank her, too." Shirayuki sighed at the lost opportunity.

Garak tried to encourage her. "You still might get another chance. But you should rest now, Your Highness. Especially, if The Prince of Tanbarun is coming to visit." We all nodded and left the room

"Father. She is going to be okay, so you really don't need to worry." I knew all too well, what it was like for people to always worry about me. I figured, Mother probably didn't want Father to worry about her, either.

"I know." He smiled at me. He appreciated my concern. "You will need to get ready for our guests and this time, please be presentable." He teased.

What is he talking about?! I only showed up to one garden party, in the wrong attire. That was only one time. He can't just let that go? I won't make that mistake a-ahhh! I completely forgot! I was going to meet Kat for lunch!

"Right... Of course, I will dress appropriately, well I got to go, seeya..." I turned around, hastened out of the medical wing and made a break for the kitchen, leaving my father completely dumbfounded, back there.

I ran over to the spot, where I met Kat last time. There she was waiting for me. I sprinted till I stood next to her, panting heavily, resting on my knees, to gather my breath. "Sorry I am late, Kat. I had to- something came up." I really didn't want to get into any of the details. I sat down next to her. I pulled out some food, from my satchel. "I brought you some lunch." I handed her a sandwich.

"It's okay. Life get's like that sometimes." Kat took a large bite out of it. "Do you always eat food this good?!"

"I grabbed whatever I could find. Is it that good?"

"It's better than anything I get, back on my ship."

"If you think it's that good, maybe I'll get you something even better, tomorrow."

"Sure, as long as it doesn't cause any trouble." Kat spoke casually. She certainly doesn't get as excited as I do, but then again, I am pretty good at hiding my enthusiasm too.

"So, how do you like it here?" I wondered if she thought this was really dull, compared to living on a ship. Being a guard, in my mind, has to be the most boring job, in the world. But, I also hadn't paid any attention to them, until now. Why would she give up everything, for this?

"It's fine. I've had a hard time sleeping though." Kat answered genuinely.

"Why is that?"

"It's almost too peaceful. Ya know what I mean?" Interesting thought. Of course, I could relate. Peaceful is 'boring'.

"All too well."

Kat finished her sandwich, but I had finished a while ago. Food is just not that important to me.

"So, where is the furthest you've gone? How many countries have you visited? What exactly are the activities, you have on the ship? What did you actually do?" I had been thinking about these things, ever since I learned she was part of a ship's crew.

"Let me stop you there, Pinkette. My life on my ship, is private. I won't talk about details, but I'm willing to answer your questions about other countries. Now, one question at a time."

"Sorry, I just got a little excited. I-I..." I was interrupted by a 'DONG', coming from the court clock. It got my attention. It is that time already? "I got to go, can we meet the same time tomorrow? I won't be late this time!" I didn't even wait for Kat's response, before standing up and taking my leave.

Prince Raj would be here soon and I wasn't anywhere near looking presentable. I dashed towards my room, with great haste. I was running behind, all day so far. Perhaps, I am too distracted. The maidens immediately, saw to my hair and attire, since I had not left anytime for the bathhouse. They dressed me up, in another fine dress, decorated in my royal jewels and dressed my hair in a beautifully braided bun, just the way I liked it.

I looked at the time, I was running late again! I ran down the corridors in my dress, I know that wasn't appropriate. Things will be worse, if I am not standing next to my Father, when he greets our royal guest. I saw my father standing there, giving me a quizzical look. Well, at least I made it! I stood next to Father and my cousin, just in time for the gates to open. Prince Raj and his attendant, Sakaki, stood there, ready to be greeted. My Father invited them in and the first thing they did, was go visit Mother. Not that I was surprised of course.

As I was walking with my cousin down the hall, it seemed I was being hailed by Shikito. So I gave my cousin a quick, yet completely vague, explanation for my parting. I met up with Shikito and joined him for a casual walk around the grounds.

"Did you find any useful information?" I got straight to the point. Afterall, I didn't want to be gone too long. I had to get back before I was missed.

"Your Highness. I found that most of these names, are good respectable people, some are travelling salesmen and traders. They all check out, as good honest people." Shikito informed.

"And the rest...?" I urged, anxious to know more.

"The group of names here." He pointed to them on my list, "They all came through, at roughly the same time. There is no records of them to speak of."

I knew it. They are here in Clarines, afterall. Kaylem's name, wasn't on the list, so he must have chosen an alias. "Thank you for this information. Please forget about any of this. There is no telling, where this information, could be leaked."

"Is it alright, if I ask what this is about?"

I smiled mischievously. "Just a dumb game, I'm playing." That was sort of true. I am playing a game, a more or less, dangerous one. One, that everyone would think I was being dumb, for playing. I reasoned in my head. Shikito believed me. I was known, for doing things to entertain myself.

As for this information, I now had a few leads. I didn't know what name belonged to who, but I was sure, all of them worked for Kaylem. That means, I could follow any of them and still get where I want to go.

I saw my Father, and Prince Raj, exit the medical wing, talking about who knows what. I left Shikito and headed to their location.

Their eyes met mine. And I gave a curtsy to Prince Raj, as a formal greeting.

Prince Raj seemed distressed. "I am so sorry that this happened and in my own country. Maybe coming to Tanbarun, hasn't been such a good idea."

"Not at all. I was very pleased to see, such a beautiful country, apart from my own. What happened, was unfortunate, but it could have happened anywhere." I reassured him. "There are people, that have ill intentions everywhere. If you want to blame someone, then blame me."

"It is no one's fault here. But we should be mindful of this in the future. Prince Raj, will you assist me, in finding the culprits?" Zen did not want to ask this of Prince Raj, but to find them, it would require co-ordination with Tanbarun.

"Yes, I will contribute all I can to the investigation."

"Thank you very much." Zen handed him a bell, made from the walnut stone. "This will allow communications, to be easier and more swift, among our countries."

Prince Raj graciously accepted the gift. "I will give you an update, as soon as I can." Prince Raj left with Sakaki towards the gates.

"Father, is he leaving already? Didn't he just get here?" That seems like a long journey, just to turn around and go back.

"He has business to attend to in Tanbarun, so he must. He has done, what he came here to do. No need to prolong his visit."

I understood. It just seemed like a shame.

As long as Mother was in the medical wing, things were going to be busy, for Father. He had a lot of work to do. "Father, I am a Princess of Clarines. I could help, take on Mother's royal duties, while she is recovering."

"I would really appreciate that. Thank you!"

I would need to prolong my investigation for now. My Father had a huge work load. I wanted to help him out.

After bidding Prince Raj farewell, I entered my office, to see a pile of papers left on my desk.

"Looks like you have your work, cut out for you." Desti stood next to the desk, intrigued by the large pile of papers, for me. This was going to be a long couple of weeks.

I sat down and started to take a look, just in time for the door to open. Kiki walked in with another large stack of papers. "Think you can really handle this? It is quite a lot." She placed the new stack on my desk, in front of me.

I zoned out for a second. Kiki was about to ask if I was alright, but I snapped out of it, in time. "I got this. Don't worry about me!" I assured her with as much confidence as I could muster.

"Just let me know if you need anything."

"Sure will, Kiki." After she left, I got down to work. This was my first royal duty, it was not living up to my expectations.

I worked for hours, but I didn't seem to even make an indent in the piles of paperwork.

As the weeks went by, my days consisted of meetings with mostly Lord Haruka, a visit with my mom, lunch with Kat, paperwork, courted by Keno, paperwork, training with Kiki, and then,... paper work. I was so relieved, when it was near the end. Chief Garak mentioned, that Mother would be released. I was glad it was over and I could not believe they did this every day. Granted, this was work that had piled up, during our trip, it wasn't the usual work load.

Finally, putting the last few papers aside, I informed Desti, I was going down to the medical wing.

As I was headed to the medical wing, I happened upon my parents making out. My face turned red at the sight. This was really awkward. "Don't you have a room for that?" I teased.

I surprised them and they broke away from each other. Zen smiled at me. "You act like you've never seen anyone kiss before."

"Aside from the two of you, I really haven't." I decided to change the subject. "I guess, your feeling better, if you're out here."

Shirayuki nodded. "I am. Although, I still have to take it easy, for a while." Mother must have been really bored, for these last couple of weeks. It is no wonder, why they were wanting to spend time together.

"I will give you some time alone." It didn't take long, after I left, for their eyes to meet.

Zen and Shirayuki, went for a walk through the gardens, to talk.

"Miko has really impressed me, lately. She did all your paperwork and settled many meetings with the Lords. She isn't the same little girl anymore." Zen felt the pride in his words. "Maybe I was wrong about things between her and Desti too. It seems like they are just friends."

"Zen, why are you so against him? If she loves him, I would be happy for them."

"If she did love him, I would be, also. My brother wouldn't be too happy about it, though. You know what it was like. It would be better, if she loved a noble." Knowing how much trouble it would bring, to be with someone that the people don't agree with, would make things difficult, if not impossible.

"No one can choose their feelings. Anyone who thinks they can, is just fooling themselves." Shirayuki reasoned. And she was right, afterall. The heart will choose who the heart will choose. "She isn't a little girl anymore. You can't always protect her from the world, forever. She is going to need to learn these things for herself."

Zen realized she spoke the truth. If anyone knew that, it would be him. After all he went through, to marry Shirayuki. He was only given that privilege, because she received a noble rank. The outcome might not have been the same, if it hadn't been for that. "I have been keeping her on a leash, haven't I? It is hard for me, though. I guess, I could let her off the hook, but I would feel better, if she had at least one more attendant."

"One she wants or one that can keep up with her?"

"Maybe, both."

"You are looking for a needle in a haystack, you know that right?"

"I can dream, can't I?"

That night, after everyone was asleep, except for the night guards, it was time to renew my investigation. I took my sword in hand and took my slip of paper, with the names on it. I snuck outside the gates and found Beauty, that I had strategically, sent to a blacksmith for shoeing. We rode into the forest and scanned the ground, for any kind of footprints or evidence of a camp nearby. But it had been hours and nothing to show for it. I rode up into the mountains, but still nothing. I kept on my search throughout the night. I was sure, they would have a close eye on me. Watching my every move, like a hawk. I stared into the trees, wondering if they were following me, but there was no one there, either. Was I wrong? Could it be that Kaylem, doesn't know that we survived? Surely, he would have expected a report back and would have grown suspicious, when his men didn't return. Who was I really dealing with? I know for sure, he knows that I am the Princess of Clarines. That man from the market, has told him. Count on it.

I saw the sunlight, forming on the horizon. It was time to go back, before anyone knew, I was out here. When I got back to the blacksmith, I had to groom Beauty myself, to lower suspicions, before I went back to my room.

Upon arrival, I snuck in through the window, got out of my royal attire and headed to bed, just in time, for Desti to knock on my door and wake me up. No... I am not going to get any sleep, at all. But I am so tired.

I attended my morning meetings and joined Kat for lunch, as usual. We had already been getting really close. Later, I went back to my room, to get a nap, when there was a knock at the door. Keno entered.

"Hey, if you have the time, I would like to show you something, you will love, Miko!" Keno asked with excitement.

"I guess..." I reluctantly left my room again. Desti was left in my room alone again. I sure had been spending a lot of time away from him, for someone who is supposed to be my attendant. It couldn't be helped. A lot of my meetings and being courted, didn't leave me that much time for him, to accompany me.

We ran into the forest. I was following Keno, through the grounds and then we stopped. He smiled, "Girls like butterflies, right?" He asked like an innocent child, as he pointed to a large group of majestic butterflies.

"Butterflies are here all the time. Don't tell me, you haven't seen any, till now! But they are pretty." I came all the way out here, so I may as well, enjoy it. I lay down on the grass. He lay beside me and before too long, I drifted into a nice slumber.

"Ahh, Miko? Are you asleep?"

"... beautiful butterflies..."

He could not help, but stare at my beautiful face, as I slept. "... She is even more pretty, when she is asleep. She is so serene... like an angel..."

Hours went by and it started to get dark. I woke up, rubbing my eyes. I shot up when I realized, how late it was. I looked at Keno, angrily.

"Why did you let me sleep, Keno?! I had other appointments today. Father is going to kill me!" I made a mad dash to my office.

My Father was standing there and as expected, he did not look happy. "Where have you been?!" I don't think he actually wanted to know where I was, more like, what was more important than my duties.

"Keno and I were..."

"There is better times for that! I was counting on you to deal with these meetings!"

"It was an accident. I fell asleep. Won't happen again." I had to be careful, to not make careless mistakes like this in the future.

"I had to postpone your meetings till tomorrow. You can thank me later."

That means, I'll have double the meetings tomorrow. Great... I suppose I should let Kat know, I won't be meeting her for lunch tomorrow.

After Father left, I entered my room and sat at my desk. I still could not stop thinking about last night. Am at a dead end? If I don't find them, before Father does, I know what Father will do. That's why, I need to figure this out, as soon as possible and can't risk involving anyone else in this, either.

Desti was pondering whether he should ask me what was bothering me, but decided against it, believing I would tell him, sooner or later.

I made my way to the gate, in the morning, to inform Kat about missing lunch today. I walked around, to where I knew she would be stationed. I could not believe my eyes, when I saw Kat, making out with her fellow guard. At first, my face flushed and I felt my cheeks heat up, as I quickly, hid behind a pillar, before they saw me. Kat, I didn't know you had a thing for Nosuke. I was excited to know that I could tease her about it, later. My lips curved into a smirk and I left back to my office, forgetting why I had been there, in the first place.

The meetings dragged on. My day was longer, than any other had been, in ages. I finally got a moment of peace. Tomorrow, I was going to scour Wistal for clues. My plan was to ask people about the several names, I was investigating. Deep undercover of course, which would mean, that not even just my black hood, would suffice. I had formulated a plan in my head, before I left to go to bed.

Early morning came, and I set my plan into motion. I walked through town, asking people many of questions, but turning up with no results. Nothing. I knew I didn't have that much time. I asked people about a suspicious jewelry merchant, but still nothing. Well, besides the town jewelry merchant, but that wasn't helpful. I was starting to think, this was a lost cause. Maybe, they did stay in Tanbarun. It is no wonder, Father needed to work with Prince Raj. He must have known all along, it would be foolish to come into Clarines, after the incident. They must have known the penalty. Seeing as I can't investigate in Tanbarun, I guess this is it. What did I really hope to gain, by all of this, anyways. This was all just a colossal, waste of time.