The drive was a short time going from their kingdom across the land and through the Prospitiant security which wasn't much considering they only asked who the party was and only smiled and waved them through as if they were any other resident of Prospit.

Things in the kingdom of Prospit were, as it had seemed, very relaxed. Even their jail treated their inmates as royalty and served them gourmet food at every mealtime. Often times people would commit crimes to get into jail it was so nice. Very rarely were there escapes.

When they came to the entrance of the castle, two pasty white guards were waiting for them.

"Welcome." They sung together as the group exited their vehicle. Their uniforms matched the accents of the castle golden embroidery with the symbol of Prospit. One of the guards puffed out his chest. "Please follow me to meet the king and queen of our humble kingdom."

The oligarchy of royalty followed in suit behind the guard. Dave nudged Rose as they walked the halls. "What if your prince is bald? Or has dorky glasses?" He whispered. Rose shot him an annoyed look.

"This is not the time, Dave. We're about to find out. I hope you're princess is so lovely you won't know how to speak with her."

"Don't you dare curse me with your witchcraft, wench." Rose nudged Dave and their parents both looked back as hushed them. Rose gave Dave another irritated look.

***
"Let's walk arm in arm to meet them." Jade suggested.

"Why?" John groaned.
"To show that our sibling bond is more powerful." Jade shrugged.

"So now you're gung ho about this meeting?" John sighed.

"I just enjoy walking with you, Jonathan!" She batted her eyelashes at him, to which he groaned again.

"Whatever Jade, let's just go."

"Are you not excited to meet her?"

"I'm just nervous. Leave me alone."

Jade poked his side. "Don't be. You have a nice face. Plus, this is an arranged marriage, remember? So there's no way out, really."

John rolled his eyes. Of course it wouldn't matter.

Shedding Light on the subject

The two houses of royalty met within the comforts of the main area of their castle. All bowed to each in respect and both queens had broken the silence at the same time.

"Welcome to our " said Jane.

"It's good to be " said the queen of Derse.

"Oh well you first." They both said.

"Welcome, king Dirk of Derse. We are glad you and your family could visit." Jake interjected.

"Thank you for your invitation. Now, shall we discuss business while our children get along?" Dirk inquired.

"Well, seeing as our children are grown and can get along fine, let us discuss it over tea and classical music." Jake waved for the royal couple to follow him and his wife to the living space, leaving the four young adults alone.

"It is a pleasure to be here. My name is Rose, and this is my brother Dave. Thank you and your parents for inviting us into your lovely home." Rose curtseyed and Dave bowed.

Jade nudged John but he didn't utter a word. She sighed and spoke up. "My name is Jade, and this is my brother John. Welcome to our home."

Dave spoke up. "Now, shall we discuss business while our parents get along?" He mocked the tone of his father.

John laughed and added, "Well seeing as our parents are grown and can get along fine, let us discuss it over chess and cool music."

Dave slid his shades down slightly, revealing his red eyes. "You are in good company, my friend."

John nodded. "Follow me, dude." And the two boys left the Two girls on their own.

"So... there's this.. Vampire? who's really cool... She lives in our kingdom and we're good friends. at least, I think she's a vampire. She glows sometimes. Wanna meet her?" Jade attempted to find something that Rose would be interested in.

"A... Vampire you say? Count me in. Creatures like that have always fascinated me." Rose perked up an eyebrow and looked at Jade expectantly.

"That's awesome! What kind of paranormal lore do you delve into?" Jade inquired.

"Oh, all kinds tickle my fancy. It depends on the time of day. Right now though, meeting a vampire would be quite interesting. Do you think we would be allowed to meet with her at this present moment?" Rose dusted at her skirt with her palms.

"Of course. We do have time to kill until dinner. Let's go right now, in fact. I'll text her and let her know to expect us!" Jade waved Rose to follow her. "Follow me."

"...So do you really want to play chess?" John looked for a response through Dave's sunglasses.

"I'm down for it and some idle chitchat. As long as we can play my kinda music." Dave held up his iPhone. "Gotta port?" Dave spotted a port immediately next to a speaker and hooked up his phone.

John grabbed his chess set which was modeled after the two kingdoms. Dave gasped.

"I have the same exact chess set."
"Mine was a family heirloom." Said John. "Mine as well."
"I got it from " John started.
"Dad." They both said and burst out laughing.

They began their game of chess, John using the golden pieces, and Dave using the amethyst pieces.

"So, we're marrying each other's sisters." John attempted to keep dialog minor with their game for concentration's sake, but it was hard when Dave was so interesting to him.

"That's our parents plan." Dave huffed. "I'd like to have a say but obviously we have no other way to symbolize unification."

John shrugged. "There are far more rook to C5 ways we could symbolize unification. The prophecy just says specifically as if marriage is the only way. At least, that's what the blind prophet Terezi says."

Dave sighed. "That was a bad move, John. This will be an interesting match."

When they came to the good sized golden roofed house, Jade knocked softly. "Kanaya, I've brought a guest."

The door creaked open, and a pale woman with yellowed eyes stared at the girls. "Oh, Jade dear. And... A guest? Would this be the princess of Derse , Rose?"

"It is an honor to meet a lady of the night such as yourself." Rose curtseyed.

Kanaya glanced at Jade and waved them in. " fear for what you've informed my guest of, princess."

"Nothing I would lie of, I assure you." Jade say down on a couch in what looked like a medium sized living area.

"What would you like to drink, darlings?" Kanaya glanced at Rose of an answer.

"Would you happen to have Earl Grey within your cupboards?" Rose responded.

Kanaya nodded. "And you?" She guestured at Jade.

"Raspberry lemon has piqued my interest lately." Jade relaxed in the couch. "Do you need help?"

"No, that's alright. You have a guest of your kingdom, please, take a seat, miss Rose."

Rose took a seat next to Jade. Jade smiled at her.
"So, what's it like in Derse?" Jade began.
Rose contemplated the question for a moment. There were so many

differences she had read about in the two kingdoms. She wanted to give her a good impression of it, but she also didn't want to lie about her home.

"It's dark, unlike here. But it's a peaceful kind of dark. The people are kind enough but we have a lot of crime. It's kinda rough, but at the same time it's... Calming." Rose sighed. "It's unlike your kingdom though, that I am for certain."

Jade sighed. "You should be more elaborate in your descriptions. Tell me more of Derse."

Kanaya brought in the tea. "I would like to hear of this as well."

Rose continued talking of Derse, being as descriptive as she possibly could.