Sunny checked his pocket watch. Eight forty-five. They should be here soon, he thought to himself. As he put his watch away, Sunny noticed a white dog running up to him. The small bull terrier barked, and began to feverishly sniff his shoes. Sunny held out his hand, letting the dog smell it before petting its head.
"Hey boy," Sunny said to the hound, "Where did you come from?"
"Imp!" a voice called out. Sunny looked up and saw Marianne vainly trying to run with her suitcase and carpet bag. She called out again, "Imp!" She stopped before Sunny, dropping her things to lean on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. The dog hopped up on its hind legs and pawed at Marianne's hand, wagging its tail happily. "What have I told you about running off like that!" Marianne scolded. "I'm sorry, Sunny. He didn't bother you, did he?"
"Not at all. I wasn't aware you had a dog with you," Sunny replied.
"Yeah, well, we've been through a lot together and it just didn't seem right to leave the pain in the butt behind," Marianne huffed. Sunny let out a laugh.
"Speaking of, where are the other two?" he asked.
"They're coming. I had to chase after Imp when he ran off," Right on cue, Bog and Roland came running up to the station.
"We really need to get that mutt a leash," Roland mumbled under his breath.
"Well, at least you all made it in time," Sunny said, putting his hands in his pockets. "Come on. Let's get your things inside." Sunny stepped up into the train car, Imp right behind him. Marianne picked her things back up and the three headed inside the train.
The train didn't have compartments, but rather long benches lined with plush cushions. Marianne slid her things underneath the bench before sitting beside Sunny, who had Imp in his lap.
"So, what is Summerfaire like?" Marianne asked.
"It's a lot warmer than Autumnsun despite being only a day's trip away," Sunny replied, "There's a river that runs through it, so water tours are pretty popular. There's several theaters, and Lady Plum is quite the thespian, so I'm sure we'll see a show or two. Oh, and then there's the Summerfaire Palace. It's rather grand. You'll see when we get there." The train whistle blew loudly, and the train began to move. Marianne fiddled with her fingers. Sunny put a hand on Marianne's arm. "Don't worry, Marianne," he assured, "She'll recognize you,"
"I know, I know. It's just…" Marianne sighed. "Sunny, I have a confession. I don't have any memories of my past. I don't know anything about being a royal and I don't know anything about Dawn. All that I learned from Roland. Dawn's looking for her sister, but will I the person she remembers? What if she turns me away regardless?" Sunny silently pet Imp's head, taking in what Marianne said.
"You know, I'm honestly not surprised to hear that," he finally said. "I feel like if you actually remembered me, you would have acted a little differently when we first met. Still, that doesn't change the fact that you are exactly like the Marianne I remember. I'm sure Dawn will see that too."
"I hope you're right,"
"Besides, there's one more thing that sealed the deal," Marianne cocked an eyebrow. "Your necklace. It's mine. It was given to me during Dawn's and my engagement party. I was only, what, seven? I didn't like it because it had a flower on it since flowers were for girls," Sunny smirked. Marianne chuckled. "So, I gave it to Marianne. To see it again after all these years…you had to be her. You are Princess Marianne. And that little key is the proof." Marianne held the key in her fingers, smiling. For twelve years she held on to this tiny key in hopes that it would lead her to her family. Within this necklace of gold was her hope and her dream that she would be united with the ones who loved her. And now she was on a train to Summerfaire to finally meet her long lost sister. Marianne held the necklace close to her chest, eyes tearing up.
"Thank you, Sunny," she said.
"For what?" Sunny asked.
"If you didn't give me this key, I wouldn't be here. I would still be in Winterblood, forever an orphan. You gave me my one shred of proof that I had a family out there. So, thank you." Sunny smiled, putting an arm around Marianne's shoulder.
"It's good to have you back, Marianne,"
The train, thankfully, made it safely to Summerfaire, pulling into the train station just as the sun was setting. The four headed out of the train and were greeted by a delightfully warm breeze. Birds chirped in green trees that lined marble roads. The soothing sound of water filled the air as the Summerfaire river flowed through the kingdom. Marianne was awestruck. Summerfaire was beautiful! Everything shimmered against the setting sun, glowing with bright oranges and pinks.
"Don't worry," Sunny chuckled, noticing Marianne's reaction, "You'll have plenty of time to see all of Summerfaire after you meet Dawn."
"Where will we be staying?" Roland asked.
"At the palace of course! What, did you think Dawn would send her missing sister off to a hotel after meeting her?"
"Well, we're not exactly royalty," Bog replied.
"No, but you are Marianne's guests. That's enough to warrant your stay at the palace."
"Well then let's get going, shall we?" Marianne said, a new found determination in her voice.
The palace was a thirty minute walk from the train station. It was a tall, wide building made out of polished stone. Gold accented the walls and poised statues were carved right out of the stone. It was elegant and glamorous, just like its kingdom. Sunny led the three inside, where they were greeted by two servants.
"Prince Sunny," one of the servants said with a bow. "I assume you and your guests are here to see Princess Dawn?"
"Indeed," Sunny replied. "If you may be so kind as to show these two gentlemen to the guest rooms I would very much appreciate it."
"And your lady guest?"
"Take her things to the west wing. I'll show her to her room afterwards."
"Very good, my lord." The servants took Marianne's things and gestured Bog and Roland to follow. Bog leaned down to Marianne's ear.
"You're going to do great!" he said before following after the servants. Sunny motioned Marianne to follow him.
Sunny led Marianne down the western hall to a sitting room. The last sliver of sunlight was shining through the windows. Imp, who had decided to follow, hopped up onto a reclining couch.
"Wait here. I'll go tell Lady Plum the news. Then we'll go get Dawn." Marianne nodded, gulping hard. Sunny smiled. "You'll be fine," he said, giving her hand a pat. He exited the room, and Marianne took a moment to look around. The walls made out of a dark oak, intricate patterns of flowers and vines carved into the panels. A grandfather clock sat in the corner of the room, ticking away. Marianne sat beside Imp, petting his side as he wagged his tail.
Suddenly, the door to the sitting room flew open, and a young woman with wild blonde hair wearing a gigantic pink dress stepped inside. She gasped at the sight of Marianne.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't know someone was in here. I…" the woman cocked an eyebrow. "You look…familiar. Have we met?" Marianne stared at the woman with wide eyes. That hair. It was like a yellow halo around her head. Something in Marianne's mind clicked.
"Dawn?" Marianne asked.
"Are you the new seamstress?" Dawn asked. She let out a huff. "I've been looking for you for ages! You were supposed to meet me in the western foyer!" Marianne opened her mouth to say something, but was quickly cut off. "Oh, it doesn't matter, I need your help! The skirt of my dress keeps dragging. I think there's something wrong with the hem. Can you check it, please?" Marianne sat there, mouth agape, before she shrugged and stood up. She walked over to Dawn, inspecting the dress. She knelt down and checked the hem. It was sewn rather unevenly.
"Who made this dress?" Marianne commented, "They should get fired for such sloppy work,"
"Is it really that bad?"
"Nothing I can't fix. Obviously I don't have my sewing supplies on me right now, but once I get them I'll have this hem stitched up in a jiffy."
"Are you sure we haven't met before?" Dawn asked. "I swear I've seen your face from somewhere,"
"You might have," Marianne replied, standing up to check the dress's collar. She noticed a gold heart-shaped locket dangling from Dawn's neck. "Ever been to Winterblood?" Marianne asked. Dawn let out a laugh.
"I haven't been to Winterblood since I was a child," she said. "And I don't have any plans of going back,"
"Why not?" Marianne asked.
"Too many bad memories. Well, just one, really," Dawn looked out towards the window, a look of sadness on her face. "I really hope you're out there, Marianne," she mumbled. Marianne put her hands on Dawn's shoulders, which got Dawn's attention.
"Dawn. Marianne is out there. I can promise you that. She may even be closer to you than you think. And no, this isn't some cheesy message about how she's always in your heart." Dawn giggled.
"I've heard that more times than I care to count," Dawn replied. "I mean, yeah, she's in my heart and all, but I want her here. Physically. There's only so much the heart can do…"
"You've been waiting for her for a long time, haven't you?"
"I know she's out there! I can feel it in my gut! She has to be. I refuse to let go of that hope!" Marianne chuckled.
"Neither did I," she said. Dawn gave Marianne a quizzical look. "Maybe this will help rattle your memory," Marianne reached for her necklace, pulling out from the collar of her blouse. Dawn inhaled sharply as Marianne held the little gold key in her hand.
"Where did you get that?" she asked.
"I've had it for as long as I can remember. Which isn't much, I'm afraid," Marianne felt tears surface. "But despite that I never gave up hope. I knew you were out there somewhere, and this key was all the proof I needed. I…" Marianne took a breath. "I hope that you're the family I've been looking for," Dawn's eyes began to tear up. She reached out and took Marianne's face into her hands.
"Marianne?" Dawn asked. Marianne nodded, her tears finally falling from her eyes. "Marianne!" Dawn flung her arms around Marianne, and the sisters embraced tightly. They both began to cry.
After getting their tears out, Dawn and Marianne sat side by side on the reclining couch. The skirt of Dawn's dress took up a good portion of the couch so Marianne took Imp's spot, moving him into her lap.
"He's really cute," Dawn said, petting Imp's head.
"He's lucky he is. Dog's gotten into more trouble than you'd expect," Marianne replied.
"So, you have no memories of me at all?" Dawn asked.
"Not really. I mean, I get glimpses of them in dreams, but nothing solid. Oh! I should show you my dream journal! Maybe you can help fill in the blanks!"
"Of course. Anything I can do to help," Dawn replied.
"Thanks. I know I'm probably not what you expected: an orphan turned seamstress from Winterblood. But I hope I can prove to you that I'm the sister you've been looking for,"
"Marianne, you don't have to prove anything to me," Dawn said, taking Marianne's hands. "I don't care if your a seamstress or a princess or whatever! You're my sister, first and foremost. And that's what's most important. I'm just happy you're finally here!" A look of realization spread across Dawn's face. "That reminds me! We have to introduce you to Auntie Plum! After all, you're going to be joining our little family!" Dawn stood up and headed out of the room. Marianne quickly followed, carrying Imp in her arms.
Dawn led Marianne to the center foyer. The tiled floor was arranged in a colorful pattern, the lights from the chandelier above reflecting off its surface. Dawn headed towards the large staircase at the end of the foyer.
"You are going to love Auntie Plum! She basically raised me and I have never known a sweeter woman. A little eccentric at times, but lots of fun to be around!" Dawn stopped in her tracks when she saw Sunny and a middle-aged woman with platinum blonde hair and light blue eyes coming down the stairs. "Oh! Auntie Plum!" Dawn let out a delighted gasp. "Sunny!" She ran up the stairs and practically tackled Sunny, leaning down to wrap her arms around his neck. Marianne chuckled at the sight; Dawn was much taller than her fiancé. Dawn planted a kiss on Sunny's cheek.
"I missed you too, Dawn," Sunny said, hugging her back. He noticed Marianne. "Marianne? What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Dawn found me by accident," Marianne explained, "At first she thought I was a seamstress, even though I technically am, but then I showed her the necklace and that was that." Dawn stood straight, releasing Sunny. She turned to the other woman.
"Auntie Plum, this is Marianne," Dawn said. Plum stepped down towards Marianne and tucked a finger under Marianne's chin, inspecting her face. Plum smiled.
"You look so much like your mother," She put her hands over the sides of Marianne's face. "Welcome home, Marianne," She pulled Marianne in for a hug. Marianne shifted Imp to her hip and hugged her back, burying her face in Plum's shoulder. Home. She liked the sound of that. Plum then pulled away. "Oh! But where are my manners! I didn't properly introduce myself! Formally I am Lady Plum, Queen of Summerfaire, but you, darling, can call me Auntie Plum. We're family now after all, right?" Marianne smiled.
"Thank you, Auntie Plum," she said. Plum smiled back.
"Now I'm sure you and Dawn have a lot of catching up to do. But if you ever need me for anything, don't hesitate to holler!" Plum turned to Dawn. "Dawn, darling, I still have a few things I need to settle. Why don't you and Sunny show Marianne around?"
"Will do, Auntie Plum!" Dawn replied.
"I'll talk to you two later," With that, Plum headed back up the stairs and walked down the west wing. Dawn let out a squeal.
"Oh my gosh, I can't wait to show you Summerfaire! There's restaurants, and theaters, and ooh! We can go shopping together! You're going to love it!"
"It's beautiful from the little I've seen so far," Marianne replied.
"Trust me, there's a lot to see! Oh, duh! And the palace! Gotta show you around here too! It's not that complicated. Our rooms are in the western wing, guest rooms are in the eastern wing, the ballroom is in the back, dining room to the bottom right," Dawn gasped in realization. "Oh my gosh! We should go out dancing tonight! See a couple shows! Maybe get a drink or two? There's nothing quite like Summerfaire at nighttime!"
"Dawn, maybe we should give Marianne some time to adjust," Sunny suggested. "After all she and you did just reunite,"
"Sunny, I haven't seen my sister in twelve years. Is it really that bad to want to spend some quality time with her?" Dawn retorted.
"Actually, going out tonight sounds like fun," Marianne replied.
"Perfect! I know just the place! It's a dance club called The Golden Rose. Sunny and I have gone dancing there before and it is just delightful! Everyone's real nice and they always have great music!" Dawn was bouncing with excitement.
"I should ask Bog and Roland if they want to come to," Marianne said aloud to herself.
"Who?" Dawn asked.
"They're the ones that got me to Autumnsun. I would have never gotten this far without them,"
"Then of course you should invite them! The more the merrier, as they say, right?"
"Come on, Marianne," Sunny said, "I'll show you to their rooms,"
"I'm going to go pick out my dress. See you in a bit?" Dawn asked.
"Definitely," Marianne smiled. Dawn beamed and headed off down the west wing. Marianne let out a content sigh. She was looking forward to getting to know her sister all over again. Sunny motioned Marianne to follow him as he started towards the east wing. Marianne put Imp down and followed after Sunny.
"Princess Dawn wants to take us out for the night?" Roland asked. He, Bog, Marianne, and Sunny were in the hallway just outside of Bog's room. Roland's room was just a few doors down.
"Yeah!" Marianne replied, "It sounds like it'll be fun. So, you guys in?"
"I'm game," Bog said.
"I figured you would be," Marianne smirked. "Gonna show off those dance moves of yours again?"
"Only if I get very drunk," Bog chuckled.
"Uh, no. I don't think so," Roland piped up. "I'll join you all as well, if anything to make sure no…mishaps happen again," Bog and Marianne groaned.
"Roland, just let it go," Marianne sighed.
"Sounds like there's a story behind that," Sunny said.
"I'll be sure to indulge your curiosity later, Your Highness," Roland replied. Marianne rolled her eyes.
"Whatever," she huffed, "The point is we're all going, so get yourselves ready!" Marianne then turned heel and headed back to the foyer, where Dawn was waiting. Dawn was in a pastel pink sundress with bows on the sleeves. The skirt went down to her knees, but looked loose and light. She also wore a set of sheer stockings and white heels.
"There you are!" she exclaimed. "Are they coming with us?"
"Yep. They just got to get ready and then we can head out," Marianne replied.
"Uh, you're going like that?" Dawn gestured to Marianne's outfit.
"No, I still have to get ready myself,"
"Ooh! Let me help! I have some jewelry you can borrow!" Dawn grabbed Marianne by the hand and led her down the western wing.
They reached Marianne's room and headed inside. Marianne was taken aback by the elegance of her room. A large canopy bed rested against the wall, which was decorated with gold leafing. Marianne saw her things in the corner of the room and began digging through them. She took out several dresses and laid them on the bed.
"Well? Any suggestions?" Marianne asked, letting Dawn look over the dresses. Dawn hummed in thought. She picked up a dark magenta dress with thin, sheer sleeves and a slitted skirt.
"I have some earrings that will go perfectly with this!" Dawn said. She handed the dress to Marianne. "Get dressed. I'll go get the earrings." Dawn left the room, and Marianne changed into the dress. It fit her snuggly, accenting her figure. After slipping on her black boots back on, Marianne took out her makeup kit and sat in front of the vanity. She quickly applied her makeup, finishing up by the time Dawn got back. Dawn held out the earrings. Made out of thin, golden chains, the earrings created an angled shape, and dangled freely. Marianne took them from her sister's hands, staring at them in awe.
"They're perfect!" Marianne said as she put the earrings in. Marianne spun in a small circle. "So? How do I look?" she asked.
"Like you're ready for the dance floor!" Dawn replied. She grabbed Marianne's arm. "Come on! Let's get going already!" Dawn pulled Marianne out of the room and down the hallway.
The sisters made their way back to the foyer, where the three men were waiting. Roland was in a cream colored suit while Sunny was in a dark navy. Bog was wearing a faded white shirt and black slacks. He wasn't wearing a tie, but rather instead an unbuttoned undervest. The shirt made his tan skin seem even darker. Dawn cleared her throat, which caught the attention of the men. Bog's jaw dropped the moment he saw Marianne.
"Well! Don't you both look lovely!" Roland said as the girls headed down the stairs.
"Dawn, I believe it's time for introductions," Marianne put a hand on Roland's arm. "This is Roland," Roland took Dawn's hand and lightly kissed the back of it.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness," he said with a charming smile. Dawn giggled. Marianne then stepped over to Bog.
"And this is Bog," Bog held out his hand, which Dawn took and shook lightly.
"Nice to meet you," Bog said, giving her a sheepish smile.
"Likewise!" Dawn replied. "So, it looks like we're all here. Let's go out and have ourselves a blast!"
Marianne could see why Summerfaire was called the kingdom of light. The lights from the buildings and street lamps reflected off of every polished surface, causing the kingdom to glow against the night sky. The river shimmered, and the roads glimmered. Dawn hooked her arm around Marianne's, grinning.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Dawn asked. Marianne nodded. "I never get tired of Summerfaire at night," Dawn sighed.
"How do you sleep with all of this?" Bog asked.
"That's what curtains are for, silly!" Dawn laughed.
"Oh,"
"Don't worry, Boggy, you'll get used to it," Dawn assured.
"Uh, it's just Bog,"
"But Boggy is so much cuter!"
"Just give it up, Bog," Sunny chuckled, "Once she's decided on something, that's it,"
"Look!" Dawn gasped. "It's just down the street!" She pointed to a large, white building sitting on the corner of two streets. A large, gold painted rose sat above the entry door. It looked much more high class than the clubs back in Winterblood.
"Looks pretty big for a club," Marianne said.
"That's because it used to be a theater!" Dawn explained. "Once the theater went out of business the owner of The Golden Rose took over and redid the entire thing. It's super swanky now! Come on! Let's go!" Dawn began to run as fast as she could in heels, pulling Marianne along with her. They reached the club and headed inside. The large dance floor was covered with guests, all either chatting or dancing the night away. Colorful lights lit up the floor. Up to the right was a stage where a band was playing. A blues singer in a sleek black dress was singing a sultry song. To the left was a fully stocked bar. Dawn squealed with excitement. "Marianne, we should grab drinks for everyone!"
"Got any specialty cocktails?" Marianne asked.
"Yes! Summerfaire Iced Tea! Don't be fooled by the name, that drink is potent, but super delicious!"
"Sounds good,"
"Yay! Come on!" The girls headed over to the bar and ordered five Summerfaire Iced Teas, carefully taking them over to a table by the window. After setting the drinks down, Dawn noticed the men stepping inside the club. She jumped up and down, waving her hand high in the air. Sunny caught sight of her and the three headed over to the table.
"We got everyone drinks!" Marianne said.
"Uh oh. Did you get the iced tea again, Dawn?" Sunny asked.
"What? It's yummy!" Dawn pouted.
"Just drink it slowly this time, okay? You know it goes straight to your head,"
"Don't worry, I learned my lesson," Dawn replied, picking up her glass.
"Sounds like you had quite the experience," Marianne chuckled.
"Ugh. I had the worst hangover ever,"
"Mm, yes, Bog here's experienced something quite similar, haven't you, Bog?" Roland smirked.
"God, Roland, you're worse than my mother!" Bog grumbled. Marianne laughed.
"Hey, we should make a toast!" Dawn suggested. "Everyone grab their drinks!" They did, and Dawn held her glass high. "To being reunited with Marianne!"
"To returning the princess to her rightful place," Roland added.
"Cheers, everybody!" They clinked their glasses together before taking a drink. Dawn was right, Marianne thought, Summerfaire Iced Tea was delicious.
The band changed up the music and began to play a swinging jazz number.
"I love this song!" Dawn and Marianne exclaimed at the same time. They both looked at each other, broad smiles on their faces. They were both thinking the same thing. Putting their drinks down, they quickly headed out onto the dance floor. They swung their hips to the rhythm of the song, shaking their hands wildly. They stepped in a square pattern around each other, moving their arms back and forth. They stomped their feet and clapped their hands, disregarding how silly they looked. Dawn then ran over to Sunny and pulled him out onto the dance floor. Marianne went to grab both Roland and Bog, but Bog pulled back.
"Not yet, maybe in a bit," he said. Marianne just shrugged and she and Roland headed back out to dance. Bog cradled his glass, watching Marianne. She had the biggest smile on her face, and it made his heart melt. He took another swig of his drink. What was he going to do? He knew he had to get some of Dawn's hair, head back to Winterblood, and break the curse, but he felt hesitant. Something was holding him back. Then it clicked. He didn't want to leave Marianne. He knew the moment he returned to Winterblood, distance would get in the way of their friendship and she would move on. He would be alone again. His heart couldn't bear the thought. Yet Master Kaiser was counting on him. Bog was torn. He let out a disgruntled sigh. It did him no good to worry about that now. Steeling himself, Bog finished the iced tea and headed out onto the dance floor. He tapped Roland on the shoulder.
"Mind if I cut in?" Bog asked. Before Roland could reply Marianne grinned and grabbed Bog's hands, pulling him towards her. Bog, feeling a little awkward, decided to let Marianne lead. Bog kept his eyes on his feet, making sure he didn't step on Marianne's. Marianne laughed.
"Bog, relax!" she chortled, "We're here to have fun, remember?"
"Yeah, still waiting for the alcohol to help with that," Bog replied. Marianne simply giggled, wrapping Bog's arm around her waist and turning her body against his. Bog felt his cheeks get warm. Marianne then twirled out, her skirt flying up, showing off her thighs. She grabbed Bog's other hand and spun under his arm. She intertwined her fingers with his, and pulled him in close. Bog gave her a crooked smile, his face flushed. They stopped dancing for a moment, simply looking at each other. Marianne smiled shyly. Tonight was pretty special, she thought to herself. A perfect opportunity to give him his first kiss. She ran her hands up Bog's arms, motioning him to lean down. He did, and Marianne wrapped her hands around his neck. She gave Bog a coy look, indicating her intentions. Bog's eyes went wide, and his cheeks red, but he gave her a nod. He placed his hands on her hips and leaned in, eyes closing. Marianne did the same, fully expecting to feel the touch of his lips against hers. Instead, she felt something yank Bog away from her, nearly dragging her with him. She opened her eyes and saw Roland pulling Bog out of the club by the collar of his shirt.
"Oh no," Marianne said and quickly pursued after the two. She was stopped by Dawn and Sunny.
"Marianne, what's going on?" Dawn asked. "We saw Roland drag Bog outside. Did something happen?"
"Hopefully not yet," Marianne replied as she moved past her sister. She could see Bog and Roland outside the club window. They were in a heated argument. As Marianne got closer, she saw Bog shove Roland hard. Roland stumbled back, nearly falling over. He stood straight and shoved Bog back. It didn't take long before Bog threw the first punch. Roland managed to dodge it, and sent a fist into Bog's gut. Marianne hurried outside of the club where a small crowd had gathered around the two men, cheering on their fight. She pushed her way through the crowd and saw that Roland had sent Bog to the ground. Bog quickly got back up, readying his next punch.
"Stop!" Marianne shouted, running in front of Roland. By the time she pushed Roland out of the way, Bog's fist hit her square in the nose. Bog gasped in horror.
"Marianne!" he exclaimed. Marianne was leaning over, hands over her nose. Blood dripped from her nostrils. Bog put his hands on her shoulders. "Marianne, are you alright?" he asked.
"Get away from her, you brute!" Roland shouted, pushing Bog away.
"I'm just checking to see if she's okay!" Bog retorted.
"You've done quite enough today, Bog," Roland snapped. "Why don't you go jump in the river and cool off."
"Stop it, both of you!" Marianne yelled. She winced in pain as she took her hands from her nose. There was blood all along her fingers. Roland handed her a handkerchief. "Thank you," she said as she wiped the blood off her hands and her face. Bog stepped forward cautiously.
"Marianne, if you'll let me, I can try and heal your nose," he said quietly.
"I would appreciate that, thank you," Marianne replied. Bog nodded, and gently put his hands over her nose. He summoned a green light that warmed her face. The pain slowly faded away. Once Bog removed his hands, Marianne blew her nose into the handkerchief, getting out any remaining blood. Dawn and Sunny came running over.
"Oh my gosh, Marianne!" Dawn threw her arms around Marianne. "We saw the whole thing! Are you alright?"
"I'm fine now," she assured.
"Well, I think we've had quite enough excitement for one night," Dawn huffed, putting her hands on her hips. She pointed a finger to Bog and Roland. "You should both be ashamed!"
"Me?" Roland asked incredulously, "He's the one who punched her!"
"Roland, do us both a favor and shut up," Bog snapped.
"Look, we'll sort this all out when we get back to the palace," Marianne said, hoping to keep things calm. "Until then I don't want to hear a word from either of you. Got it?" Bog and Roland nodded. "Good," Marianne turned to Dawn. "Come on, I'm ready to go back,"
Once they returned to the palace, Marianne insisted on everyone heading off to bed. Roland and Bog silently agreed and headed off to their rooms without a word. Sunny went with them to make sure there weren't any more conflicts. Marianne sighed.
"I'm sorry, Marianne," Dawn said.
"It's not your fault, Dawn," Marianne replied, "Those two aren't exactly on each other's good side,"
"Any reason why?"
"I don't know. I'm hoping to find out tomorrow,"
"Why don't we head back up to your room? You can show me that dream journal of yours," Dawn suggested. Marianne smiled.
"Yeah. Good idea,"
Sunny knocked on Marianne's door.
"Come in!" he heard Dawn call out. Sunny opened the door and saw Dawn and Marianne in their nightgowns sitting on the floor. Newspaper clippings, photographs, drawings, and other various documents were scattered about. Imp was asleep on the bed.
"I can hear you both giggling from the other side of the palace!" Sunny joked as he stepped inside. "What are you two up to?"
"We're trying to bring back some of Marianne's memories!" Dawn said.
"You weren't kidding when you said I was a firebrand, Sunny," Marianne laughed. "I mean, how many princesses do you know threw their cook in the brook!"
"Only one," Sunny smiled. He sat down next to Dawn, placing his hand over hers. "Do you remember anything yet?"
"A few things, yeah!" Marianne exclaimed. "Seeing all this stuff, hearing Dawn's stories; it's like a switch got flipped. It's slowly starting to come back,"
"That's wonderful!"
"Yeah, it is. Oh! I almost forgot!" Marianne unhooked her necklace and handed it to Sunny. "This is yours after all, remember?"
"Sunny, we can open the locket now!" Dawn said.
"That we can. It's close enough to our wedding day. Shall we see what's inside?" The sisters agreed and Dawn took off her locket. Holding it out, Sunny placed the tiny key in the locket keyhole and turned it. The locket clicked open, and Dawn delicately opened it wide. Inside were two tiny pink diamonds.
"Oh, wow!" Marianne said.
"They must be for our wedding rings," Sunny figured.
"Aww, that's so cute! We have to get these fitted into the rings," Dawn declared.
"I'm sure Plum can arrange that. In the meantime, why don't we lock them back up? It would be tragic if we lost them,"
"I think I would cry if that happened," Dawn closed the locket and Sunny turned the key until it clicked shut. He hooked the necklace around his neck.
"Thank you, Marianne," Sunny said with a smile.
"Of course," Marianne replied.
"Well, I'm off to bed. I'll see you both in the morning," Sunny kissed Dawn's cheek before standing up. He closed the door behind him as he left. Dawn sighed dreamily.
"You're a lucky gal, you know that, Dawn?" Marianne pointed out.
"Yeah. I am," Dawn agreed. "Sunny's such a great guy. He's smart, he's caring, and he's pretty dashing if I do say so myself! What more could a girl ask for?"
"I'm happy for you. Both of you," Marianne replied with a smile.
"Thanks, Sis. Although," A sly look grew on Dawn's face. "I couldn't help but notice how entranced you seemed by Roland," A blush grew on Marianne's face. "Care to share?"
"Dawn, have you seen him? He's gorgeous!" Marianne exclaimed. "I think I fell in love the moment I saw him! I mean, his eyes, and his hair! He's just so suave and sexy and-ooh! I think I have it bad." Dawn laughed.
"I think you do too! Marianne, you've got to let him know!"
"No way! He's way out of my league,"
"Don't be silly! You two have been through a lot getting here! Maybe he feels the same way,"
"But, Dawn, how would I even go about telling him something like that?" Dawn tapped her chin.
"Why don't you go on an apology date!" she suggested. "After all, I'm sure he feels really bad about tonight. Make him take you out as a way to make it up to you!"
"You really think that will work?"
"It's worth a shot, isn't it?" Marianne let out a breath.
"Okay, yeah!" she agreed, "I can bring it up to him tomorrow,"
"That's the spirit!" Dawn said. "Now, wanna hear about the time I dared Sunny to lick a frog?"