There was a point in the travel where Peasley got exhausted but wanted to get to the Waffle Kingdom in one trip. He struggled to stay on his feet, and I ended up cradling him for a few hours before he whispered that he could walk again. We had made it about halfway before I finally agreed and set him on his feet again. He took off one of his gloves and held my hand, our fingers intertwining. He smiled at me, but it diminished when I sighed. He kissed my hand and held it against his lips, waiting for me to speak.

"I just worry for you." I whispered.

"Why?" he asked concerned resting our hands. "I can perfectly defend myself."

I faced him. "You're sounding a lot better."

"Well it is because I am farther away from home; can't turn around and head straight there now. I'm not mad at you…just concerned."

"I know." I looked away, knowing that I couldn't hide it anymore. "Peasley…the reason I worry so much is that the Waffle Kingdom has…well, it's changed a lot in the last year."

"In what way?"

"It got to a point where it was too dangerous for me to enter the Kingdom. I still risked it to see Mom, but it is unsafe." I faced him again. "But…let me worry about that. You have an alliance and other things to attend to."

He nodded and thanked me for finally telling him. We walked in silence, listening to the sounds of the night. I stopped, and Peasley looked at me in concern. I pulled out his blue sweatshirt, draping it over his head and saying that it was cold. He put his arms through the sleeves and thanked me as he smoothed out the front and back. I also handed him his sweatpants and he put them on as well. He mentioned that he had an extra sweatshirt and that I should wear it, but I countered that I was perfectly fine in what I was wearing. He put his glove back on and we held hands again. I felt him gently lift my arm and traced the letters of my Mom's name on my wrist. He also fingered the ring and I felt my heart flutter. The sensation traveled through my fingers, and they trembled slightly. He laughed and placed my hand against his face for a few seconds before holding it again.

The night was still and peaceful. The only sounds around us were the sounds of crickets chirping and the grass under our feet as we walked. The dirt path we had started on turned into a worn down grassy path that lead into a forested area. I knew these forests well from growing up when Dad was still around, and I had reassured the Prince (and myself) that nothing bad was going to happen if we went through it. We had finally gotten to a small clearing and we decided that it was best to set up camp for the night. I set everything down and Peasley got the flint from his pack as I grabbed a few nearby sticks. Rolling my neck, I set the stick in a pile and warmed up my fingers. I struck the two pieces of flint against one another until sparks rained from them. One of them caught the pile and soon a small fire was started. I babied it until it grew to the point where I could keep it under control without it going out on me. I held the flint in my hands until it cooled down and replaced it in the pack. Peasley was sitting close to the fire, trying to stay warm as I pulled out the seasoned bread we had gotten from the Mushroom Kingdom. I also grabbed a small metal container we had and placed the bread in it. Gently I held the box over the flames, trying not to char the living daylights out of it.

"I like seeing you in that ensemble." I spoke as I adjusted the height of the box.

"Really?" he asked softly. "I don't get to wear it often. This is the outfit I wear when I don't want to deal with royal duties and all I want to do is relax and read or sleep."

"You look very sexy in it. I've always liked men who let their appearance go once in a great while and I get to see what they truly look like."

"I'm not the most attractive Bean in the Kingdom."

"To me you are…and that's all that matters."

He glanced at the box. "What are you doing?"

"I'm reheating the bread." He eyed me in confusion. "What? I like warm bread."

"I've never seen that done before."

I shrugged as I turned the box in my hands. "It's a trick I learned from when Mom and I were living on the streets…although we used scrap tin foil instead of a box."

"I keep forgetting about that." He whispered. I felt the sudden mood change, and I glanced up. Guilt and sadness was written all over his face as he stared blankly at the flames like he did the first night of the quest.

"I wish I could forget it sometimes…but I don't mind it now. I look back and realize how much I have grown and fought in order to get where I am today. If I had never lost my home, I would have never made the sacrifice of selling my soul to the Teacup. I would have never been sent on that mission that almost ended me and I would have never met you." I turned over my shoulder to look at him. "We would have never happened."

"Well, since you put it that way."

I smiled at him as I turned the box once more. "One of the things I always told my Mom was that I would take time for myself only once she was happy and healthy and I was away from Captain Syrup…when we would have that small house and I would help her as much as I could to pay bills so we wouldn't fall under the same poverty we were at when I was a kid." I realized that I had started daydreaming and fell silent.

"No, please continue." Peasley stood up and held my hand once I set the box down to cool and let the bread bake for a while. "There's a certain tone in your voice that you have when you talk about your Mom and your past and your dreams. I love that voice. Please don't stop."

I sat down, and he rested right in my lap. He leaned his head against my shoulder and looked at me, waiting for me to begin. I got a case of stage fright, and he told me that he would talk about his dreams as well if that helped me. I got the bread out of the box, tore it in half and let it cool for a second before I gave him his half. We ate a light dinner of bread and water as I spoke and daydreamed about my future and the ones I had when I was smaller. When I told him that I wanted to be a dancer, he responded that I should pursue it once I am free from Syrup.

"But I have a bigger dream." I whispered. "One that…if it comes true, the one about me dancing would die."

"Can you not have both?" the concern was strong in his voice.

I shook my head. "Both of them require a lot of time commitment, and my dancing would have to take a back seat if I got the other one."

"Which is?"

"…to get my Mom out of the Waffle Kingdom. I want to move to Beanbean to be closer to you."

I took a deep breath and only planned on telling him that I wanted to spend as much time as I could with him, but I ended up spilling my heart and losing myself in my dreams. I told him about the older dreams I had about him; the ones where I wanted to tell him I liked him and the ones where I debated when to have the first kiss. As I caught up with the time where we were at in our relationship, I closed my eyes and was completely gone. I explained in vivid detail about how I wanted to be with him for the rest of my life and live in a small house together; either that or the Castle. I told him everything I had felt, everything I had dreamed and longed for… I opened my eyes and realized I had basically explained what I had expected in our relationship. We were standing at this point, and I turned away as my face burned with shame and regret. I covered my mouth with my hands as he approached me. He stood in front of me for a few seconds, and I had no idea what was going through his mind. He took my hands and held them for a few seconds before embracing me. I blinked in confusion.

"I love your dream." He spoke as he held my hands again. "I want to be there as well. Everything you described…I just don't know what to say. There was a smile in your eyes and on your face. You are a really sweet man; I'm glad we met. You have a way with words that makes me realize how lucky I am to have you in my life."

"I'm not nearly as talented as you." I answered as my face cooled down.

"I was trained; yours is natural. There is a really big difference."

"Public speaking is what you were trained in. When you talk about me, it's different."

He smiled. "What can I say; I'm a romantic."

"More like a hopeless romantic."

"…true."

He held my hands and spoke about the dreams he had. Most of them I could predict; the ones about how he wanted to lead hid Kingdom into prosperity and be known for that and not his sexuality. He explained how he was one of the biggest political figures in the Kingdom not only for his status but where he stood on certain subjects. One of the biggest ones is his stance for the homosexual community, which was small. Sadness filled his eyes when he told me that he helped a lot of couples achieve their dreams of being together, and that concerned me. I tiled my head slightly like a dog would, and he sighed as he closed his eyes.

"One of the best compliments I got from the community was from the reverend himself." He said. "He told me that he admired my willingness to help others get their dreams to come true of lives with their loved ones. I responded that I did it not only for them but for myself; that there was no way I could be with the man I love because of political stances and all that drama, and that I lived my happiness through each person I helped." He looked up at me, and I dried a tear from his face. "He told me that no matter who I choose to love that he wants to meet him so that he and the people I have helped can return the favor and help me."

"Would they be offended that I am not a Bean?" I asked. "Not only the community but the Kingdom as a whole?"

"We are in strong relationships with humans; the only physical difference is skin color. Relationships between Beans and Humans are common nowadays, so I think they would be fine that we are together…it's the small detail that we are both male that's the issue."

"I wouldn't be concerned about that, my Prince. I am more afraid of how they will react when they discover that I sold my soul to Captain Syrup."

"Well you didn't sell your soul to her. You said you had a contract and that you could leave once your Mom got a better life. It'll be the past by then, and that will be the issue to deal with. But, I have faith that the Queen will listen and take your sacrifices into consideration."

I kissed his forehead, and asked him to continue talking about his dreams. He answered that he basically had the same dream I had; to be together. I glanced over my shoulder and realized that the flames were dying and I turned to get more sticks. As I did, I watched as he looked up to the sky. I glanced up as well and noticed that it was completely decorated with thousands and thousands of Stars twinkling and dancing in the night sky. Deciding against my plan, I set the sticks down and allowed the fire to die completely. I wrapped my arms around him and he whispered that he had never seen the sky like this before. Getting an idea, I went back to our packs and grabbed the small sleeping bag. I unzipped it and Peasley looked at me in confusion. I unfolded it and laid it flat. I also grabbed my quiver of arrows, and gestured to him, silently telling him to join me. He took off his sweatshirt and sweatpants in the process, revealing his princely attire once again. I told him to lie on his back. Concern filled his eyes and I reassured him that I wouldn't hurt him. As he did, I rested my quiver under his head and I stretched out next to him, staring at the sky.

"Wow…" he breathed. I glanced over, and his eyes were wide in amazement as he looked at the Stars. "I have seen pictures of Starlit skies, but that is nothing compared to this."

I rested my hand on his as I rested my head on my other free arm. I smiled to myself, knowing that Peasley was awestruck at the sight. Memories of my young life before Dad died danced in my mind and that smile grew, knowing that he passed on and was watching me.

"When I was younger…when the skies used to be filled with Stars like right now, Mom Dad and I would lie on our backs and try to count them all." I whispered.

"Where do I even start counting?" he laughed.

"Wherever you want. I used to draw pictures with them…kind of like connect the dots."

"Are the skies like this when you are sailing?"

"Sometimes. My favorite kind of nights when sailing are cloudless night with a full moon. The light dances off the smooth surface of the ocean and the sea breeze is nice and crisp. When the crew is asleep in the barracks and it was only Brian and I watching in the Crow's Nest, he would draw by the light of the moon and I would either watch in interest or try to count the Stars. It was before you taught me the violin; when those nights come, Brian isn't on the crew now so it is only me. I play slow ballads and lullabies as I watch the moon and Stars."

"I hope I get to experience that someday."

"I'll make sure you will. It's truly magical."

"Look!" He suddenly pointed straight in the air with his free hand. A single Star shot across the sky. "A Shooting Star!"

"Make a wish."

"…what?"

"Have you never heard of making wishes on Shooting Stars?"

"I have, but I never understood why people did it."

"They believe that the Shooting Star is a Wishing Star. You saw the first Shooting Star, so there is a chance that that was a Wishing Star. They usually streak across the skies at this hour of the night. Don't say it out loud, though; wish with your heart."

I watched him close his eyes, thinking. He opened them after a few seconds and told me that I should wish on a Shooting Star as well, saying that we could share the wish. I was about to tell him that I had to have a Shooting Star of my own, but another shot by. I closed my eyes, and wished with my heart that I would be able to save my Mom once and for all. I opened my eyes again, and there was a smile on his face as he turned to look at me. I gently brushed the hair out of his eyes, and we held hands in silence. He closed his eyes and began to relax. I sat up and fed the dying flames another stick. I sat up and watched the darkness to make sure nothing would try to jump us as he was sleeping.

I watched the skies lighten up and I stood, stretching my legs. Peasley woke up at my touch, and he whispered that he didn't sleep very well; that he tried but couldn't relax. We gathered our equipment and I tossed him the bottle of pills Rose gave us before we left for Sarasaland, advising that he take them now. He read the instructions and asked for water. I handed the bottle to him and he took one pill slowly. He thanked me as I replaced everything in the bag and we continued forward. The morning rays of the sun danced around us as we walked through the thin forested area. I was counting my steps, and when I counted to 100, I grabbed Peasley's wrist and dragged him off course. He started to fight back, but a look of seriousness from me stopped him. He caught up with me and I held his hand with the same force I was when I was holding his wrist. He didn't ask me anything; he followed silently and the only time he spoke was to ask if he could take some of the stuff from me. I told him that I wasn't mad but determined, and he exhaled in relief. He took some of the supplies off of me and continued to stay silent as we weaved our way through the uneven path.

I pulled some branches back, and a small secluded village appeared in front of me. Peasley glanced over my shoulder, and sent me a concerned look. I continued into the village, and he tried to break away from my hand. I reassured him that us holding hands was safe, and he nodded. I got to the heart of the small village and turned left, walking into the small hotel. The clerk at the desk saw me, and a scream erupted from her throat. Peasley blinked in confusion as she came out. We hugged each other for a few seconds.

"It is so good to see you!" she cheered.

"Always good to see your smiling face." I responded. "How's business?"

"Fine. Need a room?"

I nodded and wrapped my arm around Peasley. "You've heard of Prince Peasley."

"I have." She bowed to him. "I am Alexandra."

"The pleasure is mine." He answered.

Alexandra walked back to the desk and said that she could get us the best room she had available. I started to pull my coin purse out of my pocket, but she insisted that since Peasley was here on the Trial that we shouldn't pay. I tried, but she mentioned my Mom and I froze.

"Is she alright?" Peasley asked.

"I have no idea." Alexandra responded. "She isn't here; she's still in the city."

"I told her to get here." I whispered.

"You know how she is."

"…that is true."

She laughed and handed us our key. I thanked her and held Peasley's hand again as we made our way towards the room.

"Fiamo." Alexandra stopped me.

I turned around and she slightly tilted her head at me. I nodded and she sent me a concerned look.

"I'm really lost." Peasley whispered.

"I'll explain later." I answered. "Go on and find the room; this place is perfectly safe."

"I'd get lost; you know how I am with directions."

I laughed and Alexandra was a few feet away. I turned to her and sighed. Peasley held me and asked if everything was alright. I saw Alexandra's face light up in genuine happiness at his reaction. I nodded both to Peasley and Alexandra and she rested a hand on my shoulder for a few seconds before returning to the desk. Peasley and I continued through the building and found the room we were staying in. It wasn't anything like the room we stayed in in Sarasaland, but it was a decent size. It had the same basic layout as the one we stayed in earlier. I closed the door behind me as Peasley started unpacking his things.

"So…I'm not trying to be rude," he spoke facing me, "but is Alexandra a transvestite?"

"Drag Queen." I answered. "We were really good friends in grade school and she helped us out when times got tough for Mom and I."

"So a guy in a dress?"

"Basically…she's happy, though so I'm not stopping her."

He smiled. "I find that really amazing."

"You should tell her; I think she would like that."

"But what was with the silent communication between you two?"

I sat down on the side of the bed. "She was asking me if we were dating." He blinked in confusion. "My last relationship was…to put it lightly, terrible. She was there for me when times got really hard and she got scared that you were as bad as he was."

He sat down next to me. "What did he do?"

"…I'd rather not say."

"Okay." He stood up and we shared a short kiss. "Why are we here and not the city?"

"I want you to discover that on your own. I suggest you change into something more casual; people will tend to answer you more truthfully if you look like one of them."

"…I'm a Bean."

"What difference does that make? They get Beans here once in a while, but they are not too keen on Royalty. That's why I want you to dress casually." His eyes lit up, "Yes, that means you can wear a cardigan."

"I like this place already." He cheered as he went through his clothing bag again. "Now the question is color and style."

"Nothing too fancy."

"…then my grey one with a white shirt and jeans it is." He faced me. "This is as casual as you will see me; take advantage of it. I know I will."

"I saw you in your big blue sweater."

"That's when I'm cold."

He grabbed his new clothes and walked into the restroom to change. I stood up and made sure I looked alright in a mirror that was hanging on the door. Other than the fact I looked exhausted, I fixed my hair and Peasley called through the door, asking if he should lose his gloves. I answered that it was up to him since it was getting colder outside due to the approaching winter season, and he thanked me. He opened the door and was buttoning the top buttons on his cardigan when I saw him. He looked up and smiled at me. I kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear that I was lucky man. I felt the chills go through him as he hugged me. He kissed my forehead as we parted.

"You do look nice." I spoke softly.

"Thank you." He responded. "Do I look too fancy?" he stepped back.

"I don't think so."

He nodded as I offered my hand to him. He took it and we walked out of the room in silence. He locked the door and placed the keys in his pocket. As we walked out of the hotel, the sun was in the sky. The wind was a little chilly, but we both managed. I said hello to some of my friends and Peasley was silently observing. Some people approached me (I knew them) and asked about Peasley. In those moments he got to show his true personality and it warmed my heart to see him smiling and laughing. We ran into Alexandra again, and she complimented his cardigan. The reaction he had, which was pure amazement and happiness, made me smile. She was on her break, so we decided to have a light lunch at a picnic table. It wasn't much, but I could tell that Peasley really needed the break where he could be himself in casual clothing.

"Alexandra…can I ask you something?" Peasley brought up.

"Absolutely." She answered.

"…where am I? Fiamo said that he wanted me to discover on my own."

"Which I see why." She answered facing the Prince. "You are in a small refuge where the lucky ones that escaped live."

"Escaped?" his voice was filled with concern and fear.

"Have you heard of the Clean Sweep Act?"

"There was talk about it earlier in the month, but I was in Sarasaland at the time. I knew that it was a bill when I was still in Beanbean, but I don't know what it is. Can you explain it?"

I switched placed with her, and she rested her hand on Peasley's. She leaned close to him.

"It was passed not too long ago." She explained in a whisper. "I have no idea how it did, but it did… To put it in the simplest of terms, the Kingdom is getting a "clean sweep" of the streets and houses, running out the homosexual community."

"Why?" the horror possessed him.

"Shh…don't raise your voice. No one really knows. The Queen is insane and is blaming all of the issues on us."

"Wait. People are getting killed?"

"Hush, child. I think the term you are looking for is 'hunted'. There are people still in the city, hiding and trying to make a living. When they are discovered, they have two choices: they leave the Kingdom all together or die. Some people fight for their lives, but there hasn't been one who has survived."

"I…I just can't wrap my mind around this. Are you safe here?"

"We are safe here, child." She soothed him. "The Queen is completely nuts, but our Princess is wise. She was the one who made the refuge and she lives among us. She doesn't separate classes with us; her goal is to save as many of her people as she can."

"Princess Éclair was always concerned about the homosexual community." I stated. "She is straight herself, but that doesn't stop her from trying to help them out."

He nodded. "What about Victoria?"

"As long as she stays in the prostitution house and stays silent like she has been, she'll be safe. She is a strong independent woman who won't let a man touch her. Last week, she broke a guy's nose because he had pinned her to a wall."

I smiled.

"That should teach him." Peasley answered. "…I think that's all I have."

"You can always ask me anything about this; I can take a break whenever if you have any more questions."

He nodded, and I mentioned that I wanted to risk going to the city to see Mom. Alexandra snapped at me, saying it was suicide. We bickered for a few then she gave up. She warned us to be careful and to let her know when we got back. We thanked her for her time and walked back to the hotel. Peasley got into the room and grabbed his brown traveling cloak, putting it on. He pulled his hood up when we got out of the building. He said goodbye to Alexandra, thanking her for her help. We held hands as we left the refuge and walked side-by-side when we arrived at the gates. Peasley reminded me that I was smart, brave and doing this for my Mom, and I nodded thanking him. He followed closely behind, barely making a sound as I cautiously maneuvered my way around the city. It was dead silent the only sounds that could be heard other than the wind was our footfalls and the footfalls of the guards as they patrolled the streets. I turned down an alley, and Peasley stayed behind me.