"Just living is not enough," said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." ― Hans Christian Andersen


The chirping of the birds echoed through the woods as Lien positioned herself on a branch of a tree. For almost two hours, the petite woman had waited for anyone to pass through the forest.

Her golden eyes wandered from tree to tree, watching every move of the leaves, while her ears perceived every sound. At first she had not believed the rumours of the villagers – the enchanted woods, they called it, after she had asked for directions. They told her that no human soul would enter the woods, only when they were dared to do so or drunk. And she could only confirm their statements, because no one had crossed her path. No footsteps were leading her to her destination; the rain must have washed them away days ago. Receiving an urging letter written with a penmanship she did not know, was unsettling her greatly. The content of the paper had raised the uncomfortable feeling in her gut; something had happened to her sister.

Lien knew that something was off, and after arriving in the woods, her instincts had warned her immediately.

A soft touch on her right shoulder broke the thoughts in her racing mind.

"Oh," she whispered, observing a small robin looking curiously at her. The small bird settled itself on her cape and the female was left with the thought why the animal felt comfortable with her presence.

'Must be used to humans,' she thought, contradicting her earlier concept that the woods were not inhabited. The frown on her face deepened . . . Indeed, this place was strange.

The bird on her shoulder suddenly chirped excitingly before taking off immediately, leaving the bounty huntress on her own.

"What is it?" Lien mumbled before a new sound presented itself in form of a human voice and a huffing of a horse.

"There you are, Robin."

The voice was of a curious and light-hearted nature. Characteristics that Lien had long forgotten. Such traits rested in her memory. As a child, she had possessed them; when she had been hopeful about her future . . .

Slowly, the hiding female moved forward, looking for the invader of the woods.

Light sandy hair reflected the rays of the sun, but his back was turned towards her. "Have you missed me?" he asked excitingly, listening to the bird's happy chirping. "Of course you did."

Finally, the blonde man directed his mustang forward, giving Lien a perfect view of him.

'A soldier?' she asked herself, analysing the uniform and badges on his attire, recognising the insignia of an ancient Kingdom on the hilt of his sword.

Why would a member of the royal guard of the Kingdom of Whitefort patrol through foreign woods?

"I need to visit my brother; I don't know if you have seen it but they have imprisoned a bounty hunter. Can you imagine?"

It was pure luck that he was speaking loudly with a bird, disclosing his intentions and the fate of Sakura, leaving Lien no choice but to follow the man. The only problem that occurred was that he was quicker on horse than she was on foot. She had only one chance to pursuit his steps.

Waiting for the perfect opportunity, he slowly – but luckily – trotted under the tree where Lien was hiding herself. He descended from his horse, probably giving the animal water and food.

The huntress jumped from the branch, landing with a thud behind him.

"Wha–"

A small knife was pressed against the man's neck, before he could twirl around for surveying his attacker.

"Bring me to the mansion!"

Dumfounded, the addressed person remained silent, until Lien repeated her words. Minutes passed and she waited.

"No," he replied, less happy than he had sounded minutes ago when he was speaking with the bird.

"You will."

"Are you one of them? Trying to kill my brother for money?"

Lien possessed a fair amount of patience, but when it concerned the welfare of her family, she did not have the time to dally around.

"They have my sister."

The soldier stilled in his movements. "Sister?"

It was clear that he was rather impressed by that disclosure.

"If they will execute her . . ."

Quickly, the man answered her with such a sincere voice that Lien felt sorry for holding him in her dangerous grasp. "They won't, I promise."

A relieved expression passed over the huntress' face, before her face hardened again. "Fine, your life for hers."


Two days had passed since Sakura and Eliza had arrived at the mansion. During their first evening, they had been left alone by everyone – after the adventure they needed a good rest.

The second day, they had refused to leave their personal room; not out of fear, but due their planning on escaping the building. They had suggested and changed ideas only to come up with one solution: there was none.

Now they had received the order by a servant that they needed to go to the hall. Both were accompanied by a small blonde boy – everything looked the same at every corner and the two females where not familiar with the paths and stairs that would lead them to the main hall. Sakura needed some time and was not fast with the crutch that supported her wounded foot.

Another person met them shortly afterwards, only this time both recognised the uncommon silver hair that suddenly entered their periphery.

"Oh no," Eliza murmured next to Sakura, observing the man approaching them with a determination in his eyes that unsettled the barmaid.

"I will bring both to the hall."

"Of course you will," the brunette woman snorted, crossing her arms and glaring at the man in front of her. Even in this situation, Eliza's eyes flashed with anger – he had brought her in this mess, he had anesthetised her and the day they had met years ago, he had underestimated her as a barmaid. Not to mention his intense staring that was always making her feel self-conscious – even if she refused to openly show it.

To her wonder, he stopped in his tracks, wearing a softer expression on his face.

Gilbert wanted to say something but decided against it; he turned back around before leading the way to the hall.

It was the first time Eliza thought he looked a little hurt, but she claimed that it could not had been her comment, could it? She shook her head, supressing those thoughts.

Unbeknownst to her, the brunette was influencing his mood – especially his guilt. He was having difficulties showing his usual demeanour whenever she was near him. Her eyes were always judging him, silently cursing him for her situation. Gilbert had never wanted her to be caught in this mansion and he blamed himself for it, but what choice did he have? She hated him and it broke his heart.

It did not take them too long to arrive at their destination. The grand doors opened, giving the two guests an opportunity to closely observe the ornaments that decorated the silver walls. Pillars were adorned with roses, which functioned as the main eye catcher in the room. The cursed Prince sat on a majestic throne that supported his powerful stance; It controlled the atmosphere of the room. Both the women asked themselves how much more his demeanour would influence the ambience in the room if his form and face would not be hidden by a cloak.

"Finally," he spoke clearly, the architecture of the room causing his words to echo strongly through the main hall. It was an indication that both had taken longer than he had wished for; and he did not like to wait. He was familiar with this role – being the one to form orders, demonstrating his capability as a Prince or a future leader. His aura was the same as that of a King, even if this position was denied him. Since he had been a child, Arthur had taken sessions in order to be prepared for this occupation. One that he had always thought would be his future. Until that eventful and ridiculous incident that had changed his entire life.

Arthur had been too lost in his role to notice his mistake of criticising them: The female hunter's foot was bandaged and she was supporting her weight on a crutch. She was not able to walk faster . . . How could he have forgotten? He noticed her blinking brown eyes focussing on her injury before glancing back at him. Instantly, and despite his authoritarian act, he cursed to himself. The beast shifted in his seat, earning questioning glances from Ludwig and Gilbert, who stood near his grand seat. Thank God his hood hid his face.

"W-Well," he cleared his throat, "I have come to decision."

The echoes silenced after several seconds and the man was surprised that neither of the females had reacted towards his spoken words. The barmaid glanced at Gilbert, a stubborn expression crossing her face before her eyes focussed on the Prince again.

Eliza was frowning, "Indeed? How do you know we are going to accept your deal? And if this takes any longer than a few minutes, you should offer Kura a seat."

Taken back by her words, Arthur stood from his chair. "I do not like repeating my words, but you do not have any other choice but to accept it. It is a generous offer. I could have thrown you in a cell."

"There is always a choice," Eliza replied.

"You should be thankful that I am giving you this offer!" Now the beast was walking towards her, but the brunette was not impressed. Her eyes were clearly challenging him.

"I have seen how thankful you were," she commented, pointing to Sakura's leg.

The stuffing tension was rising, just like Arthur's temper, as his steps mirrored the sound of his voice – he was approaching the barmaid as fast as his feet could take him.

To his dismay, he had not expected the huntress to position herself between him and Eliza – an altruistic act, because she had already witnessed his magical power. Thinking about that incident again, he stopped in his tracks while his eyes wandered to the crutch she was holding.

Gilbert and Ludwig had already run to the quarrelling party.

"Don't," commanded Arthur, blocking both the siblings' way, as he observed the petite huntress in front of him.

"Give her a chair," he lowly ordered with a softer voice, leaving everyone else in the grand room stunned.


[A/N: Vietnam is a badass just like her sis. America talks with animals, because the thought of it seems cute. I chose the bird Robin, because 1. They are just so fluffy and adorable, 2. It is the unofficial national bird of Britain (voted by the population). And choosing a Mustang as Alfred's horse does not need to be discussed does it? (As a child, I loved the Disney movie Spirit).]

Reply to Review:
FlyToStars : Thank you :D I am glad you love it :). I agree, both can kick arses ;)