I looked out the window carefully. Jaiden had been back every night this week, but I was wondering just how he got into my room. It wasn't like my room was low down. I was on the third story. I wouldn't exactly call that easy access.

"Mina! Mina!" May called, bursting into my room.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I just came from the kitchen," she said, "They're doing little tests for you birthday."

I pulled a face. I didn't really care about my birthday that much.

"What's so exciting about that?" I asked.

"They let me have some of the samples," she said, "They're in little containers in the fridge right now and it's so cute. We can go on a picnic!"

I grinned at her.

"I'd love to go on a picnic," I said, "Drew can come too!"

May rolled her eyes.

"Of course Drew just has to come," she said, groaning.

"Come on, you enjoy it more than you give on May," Drew said, leaning in the doorway, "face it, you love my company."

"And vice versa," I added.

Drew looked away slightly and cleared his throat.

"Mina, your uncle wants to see you," he said.

I groaned.

"Really?" I asked, "right now?"

Drew nodded.

"That's so not fair," I said, 'Wait for me guys, I'll come after I've seen what my uncle wants."

I walked out and down the hall to my uncle's study.

What could he possibly want?

I knocked on the door.

"Come in," he called.

I carefully opened the door and then shut it again. I walked over to his desk.

"You wanted to see me, uncle?" I asked.

He looked up at me.

"Ah, Carmina, look at you," he said, "Every day you grow closer to being 18. How do you feel?"

I shrugged.

"It feel likes it'll be just another birthday," I admitted.

Like usual, there would be a big party inside the palace. My uncle would sit down and watch everything while I giggled in the corner with May and Drew about some of the silly outfits some of the servants were supposed to wear. Then we'd take snacks from the table and hide under the table and stuff our faces until we could eat no more.

It wasn't going to be any different.

"It won't be just another birthday," he said, "This one's special."

Right…My coronation.

"Uncle, do I have to?" I asked, "I don't think I'm ready."

He took my hand on patted it.

"You'll be fine, Carmina," he said.

I just nodded. I guess there wasn't any point in arguing with him.

"What did you really want to see me for?" I asked.

"There have been several attacks this week," he said, "they're getting close. I need to pull out all my forces. I'll have to steal Drew away for a while to help out."

More attacks? Several? Sounded like they really didn't want me to rule.

"Uncle, do they really dislike me that much?" I asked.

My uncle didn't answer.

"This means you can't go outside this week," he continued.

No going outside? At all?

"Uncle, may I please go and fight with them? Drew's been teaching me a few things," I said.

He shook his head.

"It's dangerous," he said, "Especially if they recognise you."

"I can wear full armour," I added, "No one will have to know who I am."

"It's too dangerous," he said, "Carmina, you could be killed very quickly. I wouldn't be able to handle that."

"Uncle, I can't stay cooped up inside all week," I said, "I just can't."

"Carmina," he said sharply, "My decision remains."

"I can't do it!" I exclaimed, "Being inside for too long is too much. At least let me go out in the yard."

Uncle shook his head.

"You are not to go outside this week," he said, "It is too dangerous. I'm gone talking about this. You may leave."

He didn't need to tell me a second time. I stormed out, infuriated.

"He can't keep me locked inside forever," I muttered.

I felt better once I was outside. The breeze of the day was brushing over my face. Kitala was having a wonderful time, exploring the same yard she always did, yet she always managed to make it fun.

May had brought her Torchic with her and it was nestled in her hands. I laughed slightly as I watched it look over at Drew and flap it's little wings as if it were trying to fly to him.

"Looks like he wants his dad," I teased.

"He can't fly," Drew said, "He's a flightless Pokémon."

"Stop just calling him a he," May said, "he has a name you know."

Right. May had decided just to name him Torchic. She really didn't get very creative.

"Look," I said, "Here's a good spot."

I tugged on Kitala's lead and sat down underneath the single tree here. It was an old tree and really big. I named it Alfred, but Drew had called me crazy for wanted to name a tree.

"How are you Alfred?" I said patting the tree trunk.

Somehow, I always felt more peaceful when I was around Alfred. Even if he didn't talk or anything, I felt like he could understand me.

"He doesn't talk," Drew said.

"I know that you idiot," I said, "But that doesn't mean I can't talk to him. He might get offended."

"Oh great, Alfred really has become alive," Drew said.

May set down the basket that she'd put all the containers in.

"Looks good," Drew said, reaching in a hand.

He pulled it back out, holding a raspberry cupcake. Before he could put it in his mouth though, May slapped his hand.

"Those are for Mina," she said sternly, "And you have to eat dinner first."

Drew frowned and put the cupcake down again.

"Why does Mina get all the raspberry ones?" he asked.

"Because that's a test for her cake," May said, "Besides, Mina loves them and you know she'll go nuts if you eat her raspberry stuff."

"I don't go nuts," I protested.

"Well, then what do we have to eat?" Drew asked.

"There are little samosas," May said, bringing out the first container, "and some party pies. We made mini spring rolls and there are some hot dogs. There's carrots and avocado dip. Oh, I also made some spicy chicken strips. They taste really good, so dig in. Then for desert Mina has the raspberry cupcakes. Drew and I get apple turnover and chocolate mousse. And I just brought water to drink."

I liked my lips and grabbed a piece of spicy chicken.

"Mmm, thanks May," I said.

"Thank you," Drew agreed, "The way to a man's heart is through good food."

"I believe the correct quote is the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," May corrected.

Drew lightly went red.

I giggled behind my palm. I wasn't even sure Drew knew how cute they were going to be when they finally got together.

It hadn't taken that much longer for us to finish us the food May had brought. It had all been very good. I'd absolutely loved the raspberry cupcakes. We were definitely having raspberry swirl for my birthday, not that I had doubted it in the first place.

Now we were all in my room. I lightly ruffled Kitala's fur as she yawned. My little Vulpix was close to falling asleep.

May had Torchic in her hands and he'd already gone to sleep a while ago.

I wondered what would happen tonight. True to his word, Jaiden hadn't brought Paul again. He'd come completely alone.

"Do you think Jaiden's in love with Mina?" May asked suddenly, "he always looks at her in a special way."

"No, I don't think so," Drew said tensely.

Oh, well if Drew said so then he must be right. Drew would definitely know if he could see another guy who was in love. Besides, if I really was like his sister, wouldn't he have been happy for me?

"That's a shame," May said, "They would really look cute together."

"Who would look cute together?" Jaiden asked, jumping in, "What's the gossip."

"Don't try to be part of a combination you're not," I said, "That's eavesdropping."

"Hello princess," he said.

I didn't answer. I just swung my sword at him, starting out fight.

Then things went wrong. I jabbed my sword in a quick stroke to the left. Jaiden momentarily looked distracted and that's all it took. His reaction was delayed and by the time he'd blocked the blow, it had already wounded him.

He cried out and dropped his sword.

I also dropped mine.

"Jaiden"! I exclaimed, rushing to him as he collapsed on the ground in pain. His hands classed his side and I felt sick when I could see blood oozing through his fingers.

"Jaiden, I'm so sorry," I said, "I didn't mean to. I'm really sorry."

I brushed his sweaty hair out of his face and cupped his chin, making him look at me.

"It's ok," Jaiden wheezed, his breaths sharp and shallow, "It was an accident. My fault for losing focus."

"What happened?" I asked, "I thought you'd block it."

I held my hands over his, trying to stop the blood that came from a wound I'd given him.

"I'm sorry," I said.

Kitala jumped from my bed and come over, whimpering as she put her head on Jaiden's knee as if she was also apologising.

May knelt down by Jaiden.

"Let me see," she said.

Jaiden shook his head, but I pulled his hands away, holding them in my own. Both our palms were slick with his blood, but I clenched his fingers as tight as I could as he tensed while May checked his side.

"It's pretty deep," May said, "I'd say that needs to be attended to quickly or you might lose too much blood."

Jaiden slowly stood up, his hands slipping from mine.

"I'll go now," he said, "I'll see you again, princess."

"Wait!" I called.

It was no good though, he'd already limply walked to the window and clumsily jumped out.

I stared for a moment at all the blood stains and the blood covered swords.

"Mina?" Drew asked, "Are you alright?"

"You look little pale," May said, putting a hand on my shoulder, "Maybe you should lie down for a while."

I shook my head.

"I think I need to be alone," I said, "I want to go to sleep."

"Will you be alright?" Drew asked, "May and I could stay."

I shook my head.

"I'll be fine," I assured them with a weak smile.

May and Drew both looked at each other and then me.

"Alright, but don't hesitate to call us if you need," May said, "try not to think about it too much,"

I nodded and they both walked out.

As soon as the door was closed, I collapsed on the ground, a few tears pouring from my eyes. What had I done?

Me: WAH! I was crying! POOR JAIDEN!

Jaiden: yeah, why do I get hurt here?

Me: Because you cut Mina the first night, so it's only fair you get one back...right? Actually, it's just in plan so this had to happen.

I have now past 20 000 words. I am just over 40% done with the word count.