My parents and I spent the next few weeks catching up on all the paperwork and meetings, that were set aside, to allow my remedy to be priority. Thanks to Zen's announcement in the waiting room, no one bothered Shirayuki either. I felt like a prisoner, but at least this way, I could make up for all the trouble I put everyone through. I will never play with herbs again. I don't know how she does it, but Mother has a way with herbs, I will never understand.

Other than a single opportunity to go to the tavern with Kat, I have done nothing else. I didn't even get to train. I realize my parents do this work, all the time and one day, so will I. The day my parents believe that I am responsible enough to shoulder it, anyway. But what's the rush. The Second Princess of Clarines, has to have some fun.

I hadn't let myself sleep for a while and was getting to my breaking point. I was exhausted, but for some reason, I was determined to do more work than my Father. I had to show I could handle it. After all that humiliation, I felt like I had a lot to live down. My attendants of course, pleaded for me to rest, but I just wanted to get this over with.

My eyes were pink like my hair and my eyelids were already quite dark. I was too tired to stand. I had got a lot accomplished. I was proud of that. But I didn't want anyone to see me in my current state, either. My head got too heavy and finally my eyes refused to stay open. I passed out.

Desti picked me up bridal style, then placed me gingerly on my reading couch and covered me with a blanket. He gently caressed the side of my face, concerned as he always seemed to be, lately. But he was disrupted by my fidgeting and distress. This wasn't normal for me to have nightmares, at least, since he has become my attendant. I shot up, hyperventilating and sweating, barely getting any sleep. Okay, maybe I was in denial. There was more than one reason, why I avoided sleeping. I tried to stand, but Desti helped me back to the couch.

"I'm fine. I can work." I managed to calm down.

"No. Do you not see how tired you are? Your body needs rest." He insisted.

"I-I no, I can..." After I stood up again, I fell and he caught me.

"Your body is weak from exhaustion. Please?" He gave me his tender caring look, that always seemed to make me melt.

I was scared, although, I didn't want to admit it. In every dream, I was alone. I have either done something, didn't do something and suffered severe consequences for it, or I felt weak and powerless in the hands of ruthless people. The nightmares that are even worse these days are involving my future sibling too. It always ends with something bad happening to them, something I fail to prevent and some, reliving the past, only it is my sibling and I am nowhere to be found.

I really thought I accepted the hope in a normal baby being born, but the endless possibilities plague my mind. The baby wasn't even born and I was already scared for its well being. I wondered if this was how my parents felt, when they discovered my pink hair at birth. I was beginning to understand them. Although, that doesn't change anything.

Was I going to avoid sleep forever? I don't see how that is possible.

"You are having nightmares?" It wasn't really a question. "Is that what this is all about?"

I should have known he would figure it out. I have known Desti for so long. He pretty much knows everything going on with me.

I remained silent. Desti knew that translated into 'yes'.

Desti stood up and picked a book from my shelf and sat next to me. "'Brave'." He read, and proceeded to open the book and read out loud. "In a far away land, there was a beautiful kingdom... The bear king had a..."

I tried to stay awake. I knew this story. It was about... ah... princess..th..t...

He stopped reading for a moment when he saw my eyes closed. Then he continued to read to me in a gentle voice. I don't know if it was because his voice was so soothing or if it was because my consciousness was constantly reminded of his presence, but I finally managed to get a good rest.

Later on, Prince Zen entered my office, accompanied by Kat. "How long has she been asleep?"

"She just passed out about a half hour ago." Desti answered.

"She's been pushing herself pretty hard." Kat added. She pointed to the pile of papers on my desk.

"She did all of this?!" Prince Zen had a slight expression of surprise.

Kat nodded. "And that's only from this morning."

"She's taking a well deserved rest." Dest explained. "I don't think she's been sleeping well."

"So I see."

"mmmmm...mmmm..." Since Desti stopped reading, I fell into another nightmare.

They were all alerted to my distress.

"Miko?!" Zen found me drenched in sweat.

"She has been experiencing nightmares."

Zen placed his hand on my forehead. "How long has she had this fever?"

Desti ran over to me. "It must have just started."

"noo... stop...pleasseee...not...herrrr..." I whined in my sleep, under my breath.

"I am going to get Shirayuki. Watch her and as tempting as it might be, don't wake her up!" Zen left the room, hastily and returned with Shirayuki.

"How long has this been going on?" Shirayuki asked.

"It has been slowly building up. But it only became a problem today."

Shirayuki examined me and pulled my eyelids back for a moment. "Her eyes are pink... she has a fever... nightmares... cold sweat... anything else?"

"She hasn't allowed herself to rest." Desti expressed his remorse.

I woke up abruptly, hyperventilating again.

Shirayuki used a soft comforting voice. "Miko relax! It's just me. Take a deep breath!"

"Mom? Dad? What are you...?"

Zen burst at me. "What were you thinking? How could you let yourself get this tired?!"

"Zen..." She looked worried and Zen pick up on it, immediately. Shirayuki look at me sternly. "I need you to tell me the truth! Did you leave the castle grounds, after the incident?"

"Yes..."

Their mouths both fell open in horror.

"Did you come into contact with anyone?" Zen blurted in a premature panic.

I knew what he was really asking. "I saw a cart of bodies... but I didn't go near them."

"Are these the same symptoms, Shirayuki?!" He was in a full out panic.

"Yes, but there could be other explanations for these symptoms. If she hadn't come in direct contact, then I would not jump to that conclusion. If it were that easy to catch, then these castle walls wouldn't do us any good. But I can't rule it out either."

"Please don't panic!" I didn't want to tell them the real problem, but I knew this would only escalate, if I let it go on any further. "It isn't a plague. I'm... just worried I guess."

They both exchanged concerned, yet confused looks. "About what?" Shirayuki knelt down next to me.

"Desti! Kat! Could we have a moment!" They both bowed and left as requested.

I let out a sigh. "A-about being a sister..."

Zen took a seat next to me. They clearly knew this was going to come up, sooner or later. "It may seem scary, but it will be fine. It really isn't anything to be afraid of."

"But what if this baby is born like..."

"We think about that all the time." Shirayuki smiled. "But we are still so over joyed to be having this child."

"Even if the baby is like you or your mother, we will do what is necessary to protect it."

Like lock the poor kid up in the castle walls, like I was? I'm not sure that will go over very well.

Shirayuki figured I had most likely thought about possible regrets, so she decided to explain further. "I never once regretted having you, and neither will I, with this child."

"What if something happens to 'm, like with me. Taken far away... or..."

"We will make sure it doesn't, together!" Father assured me.

I rested my head on Father's shoulder and closed my eyes. I fell deep asleep. Zen carried me to my room and Shirayuki tucked me in.

I slept like a rock. No night terrors. I guess talking about it really helped. When I finally woke, I was refreshed and ready to go back to work.

The days went by and not a single nightmare since. We were nearly caught up with all our paperwork. I was so relieved this would finally be over. I already started to plan my next trip outside the gates. I had my meals served to my room, so I wouldn't have to leave my work, even for a second.

Hours later... Done! Yes! I sunk back in my chair, with a satisfied grin. I asked Kat to deliver the last stack of papers to my Father.


I decided to pay my Mother a visit and I went to see her in the medical wing. I noticed no one was there besides her. "Wow! It's so quiet. Before it was full of patients."

"You have your Father to thank for that."

"Oh?"

Shirayuki didn't answer my question, however. Instead she gave me a glance. "You look so much better today."

"Yes. I haven't been having any nightmares, as of late."

"That's good to hear!" Shirayuki smiled enthusiastically. "I have some good news as well." That perked my interest. "The outbreak was a result of a contaminant in the water supply for the surrounding areas and I hear it has been resolved. They also found an antidote and everyone is recovering quickly."

"You mean like a toxin, possibly from an herb?"

"No. It was a bacteria, from a new type of fish, that has been trapped in the lake. It is an unfamiliar environment. I am not sure how it got in there, though. Until it can be confirmed that they all have been removed and re-located, they will be getting their water from the town's supply."

"Does this mean?"

"Right. The court herbalists will be returning."


When I thought everything was going to settle down, I was asked to meet my Father in his office. I entered and saw my Father was stressed, but it didn't seem like it was because of me.

"You wanted to see me, Father?"

"I have received a message from the King." Zen clearly was trying to calm down, but was still upset. I was in turn, getting tense. "He wants you to go to the Wilant Castle."

I was exasperated. No! Why?! Please tell me, he's joking! I was not sure what the King wanted with me, but I couldn't imagine it being good. "By myself?"

"And your attendants."

I wasn't sure if that was a relief or not. I remembered the last time we were in Wilant Castle, I couldn't wait to leave. And now, I am going to be their prisoner! "It's an order...?"

"Yes. I don't like it, either." Zen was definitely not happy about it. I could tell the moment I walked in.

I gave him a sad smile.

"You will leave at first light. Also, I would like you to send word, when you arrive."

"Alright! Please permit me one condition!" If this must take place, then I am going to do it my way.

"And what would that be?" He seemed rather curious.

"That I may ride Beauty. Not in some carriage."

He seemed reserved, but eventually agreed.


I returned to my office, heart in throat. I was very tense and very nervous. I planted my hands on my desk, muttering under my breath. "I can't go... what does he even want with me... I don't want to..."

"Miko? You're starting to scare me. What's going on?" Kat sensed my distress and made her nervous too.

I turned to face her and tried to compose myself, before answering her. "Don't freak out, but... we're going to visit the King..." I braced myself for her reaction. I know she doesn't fancy being around my Father, so I can't even imagine what she is going to think about seeing the King.

"WHAT?!" She grabbed me by the shoulders. "PLEASE TELL ME YOUR JOKING!"

"I really wish I could." I knew the feeling.

Kat fell and Desti caught her, helping her to a chair. Her hands covered her face.

I need some air, so I walked over to my balcony and zoned out.

"Miko, how are you enjoying Wistal?" The King asked. What does he mean by that? Does he know about me leaving the castle. It seemed clear to me, that my Father was just as surprised.

"I am not really sure."

"Oh?"

"I guess as much as I can."

"What do you like the most? It is a beautiful city, don't you agree?"

"What are implying, Lord Brother?!" Tension rose in the room. I could see whatever was going on, my Father saw right through it.

Ignoring Zen, he continued. "Not many prefer to be alone, but I hear that is the way you like it."

I stayed silent. I didn't know how to respond. He caught me square in the face. "I guess."

"You should tread more carefully dear. We wouldn't want a repeat of last time."

"How did...?"

"Just because I live here, does not make me blind to the situation in Wistal."

Queen Rin must have told him. I can't believe I thought I could trust her.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to see our country."

"Yes, but you need to remember the importance of your Title. You have a responsibility, that comes with it."

"MIKO!" I was alerted to Kat, not knowing she was standing right next to me, for who knows how long.

"Huh. What is it?"

She huffed in exasperation. "When. Do. We. Leave?"

"First thing..." I put my hand to my face.

"TOMORROW?!"

"uh huh..." I mumbled it.

"Well f***!" Kat blurted, with no holding back.

"Kat! Watch your language!" Desti put her in her place.

"Sorry! It couldn't be helped!" She defended.

"Why does this have you two so worked up, anyway?" Desti's comment was only met in silence. "Seriously?" He raised an eyebrow.

I let out a sigh. "We should probably get ready." I was acting out in defeat.


I was going alone! By myself! My parents won't be coming with me! Me and King Izana! Just us! AHHHHHHHHHH! This can't be happening! Come on! Get a hold of yourself! He will notice if you show up a complete mess. I put my hand to my face again. I sat down on the grass in the forest with Ru Ru, trying its best to comfort me. I sprawled out. "UGGHHHHHH!" I stared into the clouds, trying to get lost in them. I was so tried, but I didn't sleep at all. The sun would be rising soon and our journey would begin. I finally picked myself up and walked to the stables.

I placed my hand firmly on Beauty's muzzle. "It is going to be alright. I'm just being ridiculous, aren't I?"

She responded with a snort.

I lead her out of the stables. I met with my attendants and we mounted our horses. Here goes nothing.

We rode for two days in silence. I could now see the castle and I got even more nervous then before. Okay. Last chance to gather my nerves. I can do this. When we arrived at the castle, we were greeted by the King and his family, naturally. I bowed my head in confidence, and my attendants did the same. We were then welcomed into the castle and then, shown to our rooms.

After I sent Ru Ru home with my message to my Father, I was to meet everyone down at the dining room, unaccompanied by my attendants. This was worrisome. I dressed in a nice dress and did my hair in my usual bun. When all necessary preparations were done, I made my way there.

They were family, but I couldn't help but feel like I was on trial, when I entered. I took my seat and waited patiently, for us to eat. I remained in complete silence.

"I have some matters to attend to, outside the gates. I would like you to accompany me to Karebi." King Izana broke the silence.

Me and King Izana... ALONE!... My mind panicked. "..."

"I am surprised you're so quiet. I was under the impression, that you wanted to see Clarines."

"I-I do..."

"Great. Then we shall leave tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty." I bowed my head in courtesy. He was up to something. This wasn't just a little holiday. Why else would he want me to come and not Keno.

Keno was even more quiet than usual. Did he already know why I was here or where King Izana was taking me. The rest of the meal, I ate in silence.


I returned to my room, to let my attendants know where I was going. I need some air and wanted to be alone. I left by myself outside and quickly discovered, I wasn't alone. Keno was following me. "What do you want?"

"Your scared of my Father, just admit it!" Keno was being a pest.

"What makes you say that?" I said rather annoyed.

"The fact that you were silent the entire time."

"Maybe I just didn't have anything to say."

"Oh come on. You wouldn't stop talking about going outside the gates. Now you finally have permission and your acting like a dog with her tail between her legs."

"What did you say?!"

He was really getting under my skin. "Your SCARED!"

"mmmrrrrrgggg..." I mumbled under my breath, as I clenched my fists.

"Your not denying it." He smiled cheekily, in his victory.

I started to make my way back to my room, realizing it was pointless, to even try to get some time by myself. I grabbed a glass of water on the way. But by the time, we were close to my room, I noticed he wasn't going to leave. I pretended to trip and I spilled my water all over the floor.

"Don't worry, I got it." He ran over to the maid closet and as soon as he fully entered, I closed the door, causing it to lock.

I was excited to finally be alone and walked back outside to ponder my predicament. In doing so, I completely forgot about Keno. It was after hours too, so the maids won't find him until morning, either.

I cringed at the thought of being alone with the King. He was my uncle, but he was resourceful, cunning, intimidating... I kept on listing all the reasons in my head, as to why this was going to be a miserable trip. Think about the positive Miko!... I am positive he is going to interrogate me! Okay... That wasn't what I meant. I am going to be fine... I'm going to die... This is going to be over soon. I mean how long are we going for anyway... HOW LONG ARE WE GOING FOR?! He never said... Maybe it is just a day trip? What if it isn't. My nerves can't take much more of this.

It was getting really late now and I needed to get my rest. I hadn't slept in two days. I headed to my room and both my attendants were there. I told them about my trip and that they couldn't come. It seemed that Kat was relieved to hear that. Thanks a lot Kat. I'm glad I have your support. Desti seemed disappointed, but maybe that is because he hasn't had a meeting with the King, yet.

We heard some strange noises coming from, what it sound like, the next room.

"Is someone gettin' busy in your room, Desti?" Kat asked very curiously.

"Not that I am aware of." He replied in disgust.

Kat got up from the chair and leaned against the wall, banging it with her elbow and making some weird noises.

Desti slapped his hand across his face in embarrassment.

"What is she doing?" I was confused. Who makes noises like that? I have never seen anyone do that before. I hope she hasn't gone 'mad'. Not that I could really blame her, based on how much stress we're under. But why is she so nervous around royals, anyways?

"You don't want to know." Desti insisted.

I accepted his answer and leaned my head on his shoulder.

Kat left the room, to investigate the noises.

I was alone with Desti in my room, which was considered inappropriate, but I was too tired to care. I didn't want Desti to leave and I didn't want to be alone with King Izana. Desti had a way of calming me down, that no one else could. I finally fell asleep. He tucked me into bed, just as Kat entered with a sheepish look on her face.

"Did you find out who it was?"

"It was Prince Keno..." She reluctantly admitted.

"You've got to be kidding me. The King's son with a..."

Kat slapped her hand over his mouth. "No! He was just locked in the closet." She pulled her hand away.

"Well, don't you feel stupid!" He grinned.


"You locked Keno in a closet?" King Izana asked intensely, at least in my opinion.

I completely forgot. If I wasn't in the audience of the King and Queen, I would slap myself across the face right now. "Y-yes..." I answered. Ready to accept my punishment, but was taken back by their reaction.

It started as a snicker then burst out to full on laughter. The King and Queen were actually laughing. I couldn't believe my eyes.

I relaxed some. Although, could I really let myself hope, that things were going to be chill, from now on. I hardly think that's possible.

"How did you even get him in there, anyways?" Queen Rin asked.

"I don't know. It happened so fast."

"On that note, are you ready, Miko?" Great, the King was turning our conversation back to this venture. I shouldn't be surprised.

"I am." I kept my composure, knowing that performance is everything, with King Izana.

"Then let us be on our way."


We both mounted our horses and the others bowed, watching us leave.

Things were pretty quiet between us, like a deafening silence. I couldn't take it anymore. If he wasn't going to talk, then I was. "Where are we headed?"

"In such a hurry? That's fine. We are headed to a distant town on the east side of northern Clarines."

Did he say DISTANT?! That means... NOOOOOO!... We are going to be gone for a while... At least, I can be grateful that King Izana didn't make me wear a dress. I did find that rather surprising.

With all this performance, I could see that Beauty was restless, not being able to run casually, like usual. I had to keep up my appearance, so I tried to comfort her. Beauty always liked to run around like a rambunctious filly, just as much as I did. Perhaps, that's why we get along so well. We have so much in common.

"Deston. Katsumi. Those are the names of your attendants, am I right?"

"They are." Why is King Izana bringing them up?

"Is there something you would like to tell me?"

I preferred the silence. Why did I have to open my mouth? "Not much to say."

"Do you really believe that?"

"I'm not sure what you mean..."

"I think you do."

"..."

"You seem very close."

"They are my attendants. They are supposed to be, aren't they?"

"That depends on the nature of your relationship."

"What are you implying?" I grew defensive.

"Perhaps you haven't even admitted it to yourself."

"Admitted what?" I gave him a confused look. This isn't the conversations that I was dreading.

"I see. You haven't."

Forget it. I was done talking about this.

We came across a secluded part of the woods, where we stopped to make camp. "Aren't we going to find an inn?" I thought royalty wasn't supposed to camp in the woods. Wasn't it too dangerous?

"There isn't a town anywhere near here. Tomorrow, we will stay at an inn."

Come to think of it, King Izana was doing everything unorthodox. We don't even have escorts.

"Is it really okay for us to stay here?" I shut my mouth after I said that. How could I question the King!

"I don't see why not."

This was going to be a long night. The fire was blazing and we had our dinner, while we were sitting around the fire. His eyes did not leave mine.

"How are Zen and Shirayuki doing? I suppose they didn't take your experiment very well."

Of course he would know. He is as resourceful as my Father, if not even more so. "No, they didn't."

"She never ceases to impress me."

I didn't know he thought that highly of my Mother. I thought he was always against them being together, since the beginning.

"I am rather curious as to why you tried to make your own treatment, when Shirayuki was right there."

"I just didn't want to bother her. She had her hands full with the other patients."

"You could have just waited around, but you didn't."

"I couldn't wait much longer. I had to get back to work."

"The nightmares, were they side effects?"

"Not exactly." I didn't know what he was getting at, but I didn't want to offer up any more information than I had to.

"It seems very strange, if you ask me. To have so many nightmares and for no particular reason."

"I guess."

He studied my face, for signs of distress or anything else that would give away, that I was withholding something. I decided to be bold and also wanted to divert the conversation in a different direction.

"How has Prince Keno been doing?"

"You didn't ask him, yourself?"

"I had a lot on my mind." How is it, that no matter what I do, I am always on the defence. Argh...

He seemed interested, when I said that. I mentally slapped myself for saying that. What was I going to say? How would I get out of this? How could I have been so stupid to admit that!

I resorted to yawning. I was tired, seeing as I was struggling with sleep these days. I don't think he's going to let this go. But at least, it might buy me some time.

"I will take the first watch."

I would not argue with the King, so I got into my tent and wrapped myself in my blankets. I tossed and turned all night. What if he tries to get information from me about the baby? That isn't my news to tell. I could only imagine, how upset my parents would be with me.


The next morning, we were back on our horses. I wondered to myself, what kind of business could require the King's attention so much. What were we set out here to do? What help could I be required for? It was too bad I was spending so much time, worrying about this. Clarines was passing by me, without drawing any of my attention at all. What a waste. I wonder if my Father has even been this far.

The further we went, the colder it became. Then I saw snow, for the first time. I completely forgot about everything that was bothering me. I stared at this winter wonderland. My pink hair was glazed with a serene white powder. My smile erupted. I rode around forgetting about my composure. Laughing and giggling with amusement as the snow sparkled in the air, gently falling all around me. I watched as the snow took the shape of my horses shoes, in the ground beneath us. Beauty was enjoying it as much as I was. I flicked the snow off each branch, as I rode passed it. Then I suddenly, came face to face with King Izana and my smile slid off my face.

"This is the first time you have seen snow, isn't it?" He wasn't upset with me?

My smile returned. "It is."

I turned my horse around to face the right direction. We rode passed a frozen lake. I had never seen such magnificent ice formations, especially when we trotted past a cave with the icicles hanging off of its mouth and the sun reflecting off of them. It was amazing.

I never thought something so beautiful could lash out with such vengeance. The snow pelted my face in the brisk wind and the temperature dropped lower than I could bare. I was wrapped in the warm cape that I brought with me, but even that wasn't enough. I looked over to the King, to see that he was hardly bothered.

We finally made it to a town and I was relieved to check into the inn. Of course, we received separate rooms. I made my way to the baths. I couldn't wait to warm up and be alone too.

I spoke too soon. There were a few women and some young girls too. I felt incredibly uncomfortable. I tried to cover myself up. I was the only one with my hair in a bath cap, too. Of course, no one else has to conceal their hair colour. I could hear the women talking about their travels. One girl's attention drew to me. "You come from a long ways away? You haven't been in the baths before, have you?"

My face turned a shade of pink. "Ha-ha-ha..."

The girl giggled at me.

A woman was attracted to her child's laughter and all their focus was turned towards me. "Where are you from, sweetie? I haven't seen you in these parts before."

"I-I am from..."

"You don't need to be so nervous, dear. We are all ladies here." Another one smiled.

"From Wistal."

"Wow! That is a long way from here! What brings you this far north?"

"Still trying to figure that out." I replied sheepishly.

"You don't even know? Did you come with somebody?"

With all the ladies here, why am I the one, everyone wants to interrogate? "I did."

"Is it a man?!"

My face went really red at that question.

"I bet it is! Just look at her! Who wouldn't want to be with such a pretty thing?"

"You probably have all the boys drooling over you." These women didn't want to mind their own business.

"I don't think so..." If they knew this was the King they were talking about, they wouldn't say a word. "It is a man... but..."

"I knew it!" She claimed her victory.

"It is so good to know your not alone, dear."

"If you can't get someone, there sure isn't any hope for the rest of us!"

Whatever! Let them think what they want. I am done arguing about it.


King Izana and I met up in the dining room and were served tantalizing dishes. I waited for the King to take the first bite and began to consume the food served on my plate. But I still stood on ceremony and ate small bites, like a lady.

One of the women from the baths, walked up to us. "Is this your man? He is so handsome!"

My face turned red and I leaned my face in my palm. NO! THIS CANNOT BE HAPPENING!

"Thank you very much." King Izana responded.

My mouth flew open and my face was frozen in shock. Did he just...?

"She is a lucky girl, but you are a very lucky man. I would hold onto her, if I were you or someone else might try to snatch her up."

"She will be well looked after, you have my word." The King assured her.

"I don't doubt that!" She smiled before she left us alone.

"I-I... That wasn't..."

King Izana mused. "I see you ladies had a lot to talk about."

"It wasn't like that, Y-your..."

"No formalities here. You may call me Lowen for now."

"O-okay... Lowen." I continued to eat.


After, we retired to our rooms. His room was next to mine. I went to bed but couldn't sleep. My cheeks turned red, every time I thought over the past events. I figured it was useless and walked over to my window. I looked out to see that the snow was falling more gently. It looked so peaceful, so I decided to go outside for a moment and enjoy the snow. I couldn't really do that with the King watching over my shoulder.

I heard the snow crush under my feet. I picked up the snow in my hands and before I knew it, I was pegged in the arm by a ball of snow. I looked in the direction, the snow ball came at me from. My eyes landed on a group of young men. I formed a ball of snow and threw it back at them. We were now engaged in a huge snowball fight. I took shelter behind a post and only came out to throw another snowball, each of them skillfully hitting their mark. I once again retreated behind the post. "Ha! You can't get me! Take that!" I threw another one.

I heard snow crushing behind me. There is no way, they're going to get the drop on me. I twisted around and pegged the guy in the face with a snow ball. KING IZANA! OH NO! I put my hands to my face and let out a gasp. My eyes were widened.

He simply wiped the snow from his face. "We have a long journey tomorrow. It would be wise to get some rest."

"Yes sir."