A/n: NOW you will see who the princess of France is. Have you guessed it yet?

I don't own Gakuen Alice

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Chapter Eleven: The Princess of France

I sat in the middle of the room with a single candle in front of me. It was dark. I was alone.

I reached out and touched the flame. Fire always fascinated me. My hands weren't burned. Suddenly, the candle fell. It set the rug on fire. I stood up in horror. The place was burning!

I tried to put it out. The fire only spread quicker. I opened my mouth to scream. But before I could, the fire consumed me.

Natsume sat up in bed. Dreams like that only meant that trouble was near. He never told his sisters. In his dreams, fire had two meanings—if the fire never hurt him, it meant good fortune. If he ended up dying because of it, it meant trouble.

"Natsume?" Ruka sat up as well. "Why are you up? It's still too early." Yuu and Koko also sat up.

"I had another dream."

"Oh no," Ruka said.

"Oh no," Yuu echoed.

"Oh no." Koko glanced at Natsume. "You had one of those dreams again?"

"Yes." Isn't it obvious?

"Did you die?" Yuu asked.

"Yes." What do you think?!

"That means trouble," he stated.

"Hn." Obviously.

"Anyway," Koko said, yawning, "It's still four o' clock in the morning. Let's go back to sleep. We'll be in France by mid-afternoon."

But even after his friends fell asleep again, Natsume remained awake.

--

Rhiana slept fitfully. She knew that she was near France already. They would be there by mid-afternoon. Her head was filled with thoughts that kept her awake. They had traveled for days.

For most of the night, Rhiana couldn't sleep. She went out and stared at the sea until she got tired and returned to the cabin. She fell asleep but a troubling dream forced her to awaken again. She stayed awake.

Finally, she became so tired that she fell into a troubled dreamless sleep.

She woke up at five o' clock and couldn't sleep anymore, so she went out again.

"We're very near France already," she said to herself in a voice so unlike her own.

"Rhiana?"

"Hi little brother."

"It's early."

"I couldn't sleep."

"Me neither."

"That makes two of us."

They stared at the sea for quite some time while a contented silence hung over them. Slowly, the sun rose over the sea. It painted the sky blue as it rose higher and higher. Then it stopped and hung in the air.

"Good morning!" chorused some voices. When the queen and the prince turned around, they saw their friends—Lady Sylvia, Lady Mikan, lady Hotaru, Lady Anna, Lady Nonoko. Lord Ruka and Yuu and Koko.

"Good morning," said the two siblings.

"Shall we eat breakfast now?" Anna asked.

"Sure," Rhiana agreed.

When the girls had gone, Ruka turned to Natsume. "What did you say to her?"

"Not much."

"Nothing about your dreams?" Yuu asked.

"Nope."

"Nothing about Alicia?" Koko inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"None."

"Okay." Ruka looked around and sighed. "Let's go now."

And they went.

--

Guns fired, people cheered, children laughed and all were overjoyed.

"Presenting, Queen Rhiana of England!" A page cried out in a loud, booming voice.

Riding in a splendid litter with her ladies, Queen Rhiana waved to the crowd. The people were happier still when Prince Natsume finally showed his face.

And in that manner, they made their way to the castle.

--

Rhiana and Natsume sat with the King and Queen of France, their only daughter at their side. A veil covered her face. So was the custom of the current rulers of France. It was twisted and pointless, I know. But that's how it was with that family.

"Rhiana, you seem to be in low spirits today," The queen remarked.

"Forgive our lack of enthusiasm," Rhiana answered, referring to Natsume and herself. "We are weary from our long journey."

"Yes, I suppose so," said the king. He faced the princess "Why don't you say anything, daughter?"

"Sorry father," she replied in an overly excited voice. She threw back her veil and laughed.

Rhiana looked at her brother who was frowning in disapproval.

"Hello again, Prince Natsume," the princess greeted happily.

Natsume swallowed the cruel words rising in his throat. He somehow managed to bite out, "Hello…Princess Sumire."

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A/n: Okay so how was that?? Short, I know. For everyone who guessed that it was Sumire, you're right! (Obviously)

--Sakura--