Author's Note: …Oh my goodness. How long has it been? Five and a half months? *prostrates self in front of readers* Forgive me!

This chapter was a tough one to write. Finding the right words to express the ideas I had for it was difficult, but I have finally worked out most of the kinks. It could probably still do with some tweaks, but it's finally finished and I'm happy with it for now.

Look out for an Easter egg! It's right near the beginning, so it shouldn't be too hard to find! :D

Chapter 13.

Lakeside Encounters

Over the following weeks, Serenity settled into life at Tristan's palace, and became used to responding to her new name. Everyone grew accustomed to seeing her at mealtimes, or accompanying Tristan as he showed her around the palace itself. The young king took care not to overwhelm her, and would escort her back to her room after an hour or so of orientation. She spent several hours alone each day, knitting, and would often stay up late doing the same. Without fibres to spin, and with her hands healing due to not gathering nettles regularly, she had finished two more tunics in the time it had taken her to complete the first one, and although she knew she did not have enough yarn to keep this up, she was pleased with her progress.

She had also made several friends. Lady Mai and Téa often invited her to their apartment, and talked enough for all three of them. Valentina the cat became used to Serenity's presence, and was soon following her back to her room when she returned there, and keeping her company, occasionally allowing herself to be stroked.

Ellie, the seamstress, had also taken an interest in the young princess, and often went out of her way to visit her, sometimes bringing new dresses to see if they would fit her. Serenity soon had more gowns than she knew what to do with, and her modest wardrobe had to be exchanged for a more capacious one. Ellie would also encourage the girl to take her knitting out into the gardens, and the two of them would sit in companionable silence by one of the fountains, their hands busy with their respective needlework.

Three weeks after Tristan brought Serenity home with him, a delegation from the island nation of Shen Gong arrived at the palace. Among them was the lady Vivian, who was a friend of Mai's. Despite the marked difference in their appearance, Serenity was reminded of Miho when she first encountered the dark-haired young woman. She gushed over the princess's gown and how pretty she was, and quickly joined Rebecca in teasing poor Tristan about her. Still, Serenity would soon be glad of her presence, for if Vivian had not been there, things would have turned out very differently.

Rebecca liked Mai and Vivian as individuals, but there were times she wished they didn't get along so well. Once they started talking, they seemed to be in their own world, and nobody else could get a word in edgewise for hours. Rebecca never really felt comfortable in the palace. There were too many people running back and forth for her to concentrate on her reading for very long, and Mai had been the first person she met who played Duel Monsters. The palace was even noisier now that they had guests, and since Mai was preoccupied with Vivian and her endless chatter, Rebecca had decided to take a few books and leave without telling anyone. The last thing she wanted was for someone to insist on escorting her safely out of the city. She was sixteen and could take care of herself, for goodness sake!

She wandered along the shore of Lake Honda, looking for a quiet place to read. She found an ancient willow and sat down beneath it, looking out at the peaceful waters. She noticed several white forms floating out towards the middle of the lake, and smiled. Swans were not a common site in these parts, but she had seen them several times over the last few weeks, though they never came too near the shore. Once or twice, she had glimpsed something glittering around the neck of one of the birds, but she had dismissed it as a trick of light and distance.

Rebecca loved reading, and tended to get lost in a book if there was nobody around to stop her. So it was that she didn't realise how late it was getting until there was not enough light for her to read by. She looked up in surprise, and saw that the sun was setting. She was not anxious. She had been out this late before and nothing untoward had happened. Laying her book aside, she turned to face the lake. The sunset over the water was always a sight to behold, and she relished every chance she could get to witness it.

Out on the water, one of the swans lagged behind as his companions swam away to the stretch of shore where a hidden campsite lay. When the others were too far away to prevent him from making his move, he began swimming in another direction, toward the place where the girl he had noticed several times before sat, unaware of the unusual events she was about to become involved in.

Rebecca did not notice the approaching swan until it crossed her line of sight. She held herself still, watching the bird draw steadily nearer. The fading light glinted off something green and silver, and her eyes widened as she realised she was looking at a small pendant resting upon the white breast of the swan.

"What in the world…" she whispered, staring at the silver trinket.

The bold creature continued its approach, finally coming up onto the land and waddling over to stand beside her. She could have reached out and touched it, it was so close.

The bird stood there for several minutes, looking at her fearlessly but making no other movement. It seemed to be waiting for something.

Then the sun set, and Rebecca gasped in disbelief. Nothing she had read could explain what she was now seeing.

The swan's feathers drifted to the ground, its body glowing with a strange inner light as it grew and changed. In a few moments, Rebecca found herself looking up into the face of a handsome young man, the now larger silver pendant glimmering upon his chest.

"Don't be scared," he said before she had a chance to speak.

"Who said I was scared?" Rebecca snapped back, scrambling to her feet so that she could look him in the eyes. They were rather nice eyes, she thought, but she wasn't about to say so now. "Who are you and what just happened?"

The young man stood up a little straighter and did not look away from her.

"Prince Noa of Domino at your service, fair lady."

Rebecca blinked. Then she stared.

"What—How?"

"You've heard of me?" Noa asked in surprise.

Rebecca nodded slowly, still staring at him.

"My grandfather travelled a lot when he was younger," she said. "He used to tell me stories about his adventures every night before I went to sleep. He knew King Solomon. They were really good friends and they told each other about their families." She narrowed her eyes. "You'd better not be making this up."

Noa took a step back.

"I'm not, I swear!" he said quickly.

Rebecca decided to take him at his word.

"I'm Rebecca," she told him. "Now we both know each other's names, so would you mind explaining why you were a swan until a couple of minutes ago?"

"Can I ask you a question first?"

"Aside from the one you just asked?" At Noa's nod, the blonde girl sighed. "Go on, then."

"You came from the palace, didn't you?"

"Yes," Rebecca said slowly, wondering why he was asking this.

"Have you seen a girl there? Red hair, pretty, doesn't talk?"

Rebecca stared at him again.

"You know Shizuka?"

"Is that what you're calling her?" Noa asked in slight surprise.

"Grandpa suggested it. It's a name from one of the eastern isles—I can't remember which one right now, but I know it means "Quiet one"."

"That makes sense," Noa murmured.

"How do you know her?" Rebecca asked, intrigued in spite of herself.

"She's my sister," Noa said simply.

This revelation left Rebecca speechless for almost a full minute. Her mind whirled as the pieces fell into place.

"Princess Serenity?" she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It's probably better that you keep calling her Shizuka, but yes," Noa confirmed.

"Why would you want her name hidden?" Rebecca asked. "What's going on here?"

Noa sighed.

"Sit down," he said. "This is going to take a while."

Rebecca listened in amazement as Noa gave her a brief account of the events leading up to the enchantment being laid on him and his brothers, as well as how Serenity had come to be with them. He finished by explaining that their sister was the only one who could release them, and what she must do to achieve that goal.

"If I hadn't seen you change, I wouldn't believe any of this," she admitted when he had finished. "I thought things like this only happened in old stories."

"So did Seto before Gozaburo cursed us," Noa said with a wry smile. "He'd probably still think that way if it hadn't been shoved in his face."

Rebecca looked up at the sky, noting with some dismay that the moon was rising.

"I really should be getting back," she said apologetically. "Grandpa will start to worry soon."

"Wait," Noa said hastily. "I have a favour to ask you before you go back."

The blonde girl paused.

"All right," she said, hoping she would not regret this. "What do you want me to do?"

"My brothers and I are camped on the eastern edge of the lake," he told her. "If you could bring Serenity down here to see us some time in the next few days, we'd all appreciate it."

Rebecca sighed inwardly. She should have known this was what he was driving at.

"How am I supposed to convince her to come out with me if I can't tell anyone about you?" she asked.

"You can tell her if no-one else is around to hear," Noa assured her, "but if you need more proof, give her this." He reached into his tunic pocket and withdrew a long chain from which a silver pendant set with diamonds glittered. "This is Serenity's. She left it back in the cave when Tristan took her. We wanted to get it back to her anyway."

Rebecca took the star-shaped pendant from him, and tucked it into her book-bag for safe-keeping.

"I'll see what I can do," she promised. "Now I'd better get back to the palace, and you'd better get back to your camp. Do your brothers know where you are?"

Noa flushed slightly.

"I…kinda didn't tell them what I was doing before I came over here." He grimaced. "I'm probably going to get yelled at when I get back. They couldn't stop me when I separated from them because of the time limit."

"I hope they're not too angry," Rebecca said sincerely. "I'll tell Shizu—Serenity about this as soon as I can get her alone."

"Thanks," Noa said, smiling again.

"Thank me when I get her here," Rebecca said before turning and walking away toward the city.

Noa watched Rebecca until she was out of sight. He hoped he had made the right choice. He would certainly be reprimanded for this, but if she brought their sister to see them, the others might forgive him.

He scanned his surroundings to make sure nobody else was within sight of him, grateful the land around the lake was relatively open and people could be seen from a fair distance away. Once he had ascertained that he was alone, he reached up to his pendant.

"Pearl!"

The white dragon materialised in a flash of light, and looked down at him expectantly. He scrambled up onto her back and gave her some quick directions. As she took off, flying low across the water, he braced himself and opened the mental link, which he had kept firmly closed throughout his conversation with Rebecca. He may as well get it over with now.

NOA!

The mental shout reverberated in his head, and he clutched at it with a barely suppressed moan of pain. Several voices had screamed his name at once, and one angry brother yelling at him telepathically was enough to induce a headache.

Is that any way to thank me? He asked when he had recovered somewhat.

What. Did. You. Do? Seto asked, his mental voice hard as iron.

I just arranged a meeting with Serenity.

You what?!

Noa groaned aloud.

Don't shout! He pleaded. You've already given me a migraine.

Serves you right, Seto snapped. How could you be so reckless?

She was alone! Noa protested, wincing as the volume of his own mind-voice made his head throb. She can't tell anyone about us except Serenity.

She? Several voices asked at once.

We'll discuss this later, Raphael said, as much to the others as to Noa. We know where you are now, so you can close the link again. You should have a chance to recover before you reach camp.

Noa obeyed gratefully, resting his forehead against Pearl's cool scales as she flew onward. Slowly, the pain eased until it was no more than a dull ache. By the time Pearl settled to earth once more, he felt almost normal.

As he dismounted, he noticed Alister and Raphael waiting for him in front of the weathered stone that marked the location of their hidden camp. Alister's face was unreadable, although Noa was sure the redhead had been one of those who had shouted at him when he first opened the mental link. Raphael's open features did not show anger, however, merely slight disappointment and concern.

"Noa, you'd best tell us what you did now," he said in a tone that made it clear he was not going to accept anything less.

"I'll show you instead," he responded. "Maybe then you'll understand that I didn't screw up as badly as you think."

Raphael gave him a searching look before nodding.

"Go on."

Rebecca took the shortest route she knew back to the palace, and arrived just in time for dinner. Her grandfather was relieved to see her safe and did not question her beyond asking where she had been. Throughout the meal, the blond kept shooting furtive glances across the table at the auburn-haired girl whose name was now known to her. Serenity caught her looking between courses, and raised an eyebrow questioningly. Rebecca looked away, her cheeks flushing, and made a pretence of studying the embroidered tablecloth. There was no way she could tell the princess what she knew while they were surrounded by hundreds of people.

She was among the first to excuse herself from the table once the feast was over, and returned to her own room to collect the star-pendant from where she had hidden it after arriving back at the palace. With the precious token tucked into her bodice for safe-keeping, she made her way to Serenity's chamber, stationing herself just outside the door. This, she had decided, was probably the best way of getting the princess alone. The nearest guard was two corridors away, at the top of the staircase leading to this floor, and could not possibly overhear.

It was not long before Serenity came around the last corner, caught sight of Rebecca, and stopped, a puzzled frown gracing her features. After a moment, she approached more slowly, coming to a halt a few paces from the blonde. Rebecca shifted awkwardly. Now that the moment had come, she found she did not quite know how to proceed.

"Uh … Hello," she said at last. "Nice meal, wasn't it?"

A second later, she mentally slapped herself for the inanity and insensitivity of the question. It wasn't as if the girl could answer her.

Serenity nodded, but now she was frowning in suspicion. Plainly, she had seen through Rebecca's attempt at small-talk.

"I'm sorry," the blonde said after an awkward pause. "I'm no good at this." She took a deep breath. "I know who you are. I met one of your brothers down by the lake, and he explained everything. He also gave me this." She produced the silver star-pendant and held it out to the wide-eyed princess.

Serenity took the pendant from her, holding it gently between her hands. She gazed down at it for a long moment, turning it so the diamonds caught the torchlight. It was beautiful in its simplicity. Eventually, the grey-green eyes rose to meet Rebecca's again, and the princess beckoned toward the bedroom door. The silent invitation was clear.

The following day, it rained so heavily that there was no question of attempting to go down to the lake. Serenity accepted this, and spent the day knitting in her room, with Rebecca keeping her company. After the initial nervousness of the previous night, the blonde girl began to open up to her new, silent friend, and Serenity learned a few things about her. She was extremely clever and always eager for more knowledge. Her grandfather had been a scholar before he was appointed Chancellor, and had taught her a great deal when she was younger. She told her of the friendship between Arthur and Solomon, and Serenity inwardly commended Noa on his choice of confidant.

The next day, Mai insisted Serenity accompany her and Vivian to the marketplace, and since she could hardly explain why she would rather be elsewhere, she went with the Marchioness. Mai insisted on buying her five new gowns, having learned her measurements by now, and then bought her hair-ribbons to go with them, and three pairs of shoes, and some make-up, and a few simple pieces of jewellery. Their attendants were loaded down with their purchases by the time they returned, and Serenity was too exhausted even to knit that night.

The third day, however, was quiet, and the clear blue sky seemed full of promise. Serenity bathed, combed and braided her hair, put on one of her new outfits, and went out to meet Rebecca in the gardens.

The blonde girl was sitting on an ornate bench, toying with the strap of the bulging bag beside her.

"I packed some provisions," she said, grinning as Serenity approached her. "You look nice. Did Mai pick that dress for you?" Serenity nodded. "Thought so. That woman has excellent taste. Better than mine, anyway. If I wasn't friends with her, I'd still be wearing things that went out of style when my grandpa was young in colours that clashed horrendously." Rebecca rose to her feet, hoisting the bag onto her shoulder. "If we go now, we should be able to find their campsite before sundown."

As she led the way toward one of the lesser-used entrances, Serenity almost skipped after her, her excitement shining from her smiling face. If she had not been bound to silence, she might have started humming.

"Is that Shizuka?"

Mai turned toward the balcony railing against which Vivian was leaning, her eyes on the lawn below them. The blonde woman came to her friend's side and looked where she had indicated. Sure enough, she spied a red-haired figure, made small by distance but still recognisable, following a fair-haired girl toward the boundary wall.

"Yes," she said, "and I think that's Rebecca she's with. I wonder where they're going."

Téa poked her head around the door that led to the balcony.

"Rebecca was in the kitchens earlier," she said. "She told Linda she was going down to the lake again and might be out late."

"Did she say anything about taking Shizuka with her?" Mai asked.

Téa's brow furrowed.

"Not that I'm aware of," she admitted.

"They're heading for one of the side-gates," Mai observed, her gaze returning to the retreating figures. "Becky usually leaves through the main entrance."

Vivian's eyes lit up.

"Ooooh, a mystery!" she said excitedly.

"I wouldn't call it that," Mai said, scenting trouble on the wind and trying to avoid it.

Vivian ignored her.

"Oh, do let's follow them, Mai. I want to know what they're sneaking off to do! Pleeease?"

Mai took one look at her friend's face, and sighed. She knew when Vivian was not going to back out of one of her hair-brained schemes. She tried to ignore the small part of herself that was just as curious, telling herself firmly that she was acting in her friend's best interests.

"All right," she said. "I'll go and get ready. Don't leave the apartment without me."

As she made her way toward her bedroom, Téa way-laid her.

"Don't think you're leaving me behind," she said in a fierce whisper. "I don't know what's happening, but I want to make sure Shizuka's safe. I trust Rebecca, but she's only sixteen and if something happened to them… Well, I'd rather nothing did."

Mai sighed inwardly, and nodded.

"I could use the support if Vive gets out of hand," she admitted, and Téa smiled.

The three women were almost out of the palace when they ran into Ellie.

"Isn't it a bit soon to be going out shopping again?" she asked. "I saw how much you brought back with you yesterday."

Vivian spoke before Mai had the chance.

"Every day is a good day for shopping," she said brightly, "but that's not what we're doing."

Ellie's eyebrows rose.

"What are you doing, then?"

Vivian leaned in conspiratorially.

"We're conducting an investigation," she stage-whispered.

Ellie's eyebrows rose further and she turned her attention to Mai.

"What is she talking about?"

Mai suppressed a groan.

"Vive saw Rebecca and Shizuka heading for one of the side-entrances and insisted on following them to find out what they're up to," she explained.

"And if we don't hurry, we'll lose the trail," Vivian added with some impatience.

Téa covered her mouth to smother her giggles.

Ellie's expression became amused.

"First lesson of tracking, Lady Vivian," she said solemnly. "If you want to keep your activities a secret, don't tell the first person who asks you what you're doing. They'll either want to stop you, or join you." She smiled. "I happen to be one of the latter. Would any of you object to my presence?"

Mai sighed.

"All right, but Vive does have a point. We'll lose them if we wait much longer."

Ellie smoothed down her plain dress.

"I'm already dressed for the occasion," she observed. "Lead the way."

As they left the building and made their way across the lawn to the gate the two girls had been heading for, Mai wondered why Ellie had decided to play along. Perhaps, like Téa, she was concerned about Shizuka.

Rebecca sighed.

"I'm sorry, Serenity. Maybe they hid the place too well."

Serenity sat down on a rock and looked out at the lake. It was an hour before dusk, and they had yet to come upon her brothers' camp. She gestured at the bag Rebecca still carried. They had left after the midday meal, but all the walking had made her very hungry indeed.

"All right, we might as well eat something," Rebecca conceded, rummaging in the bag.

The meal was simple, but welcome. As Serenity bit into an apple, she noticed something white moving out on the lake, and hope flared within her. She waved to get Rebecca's attention and pointed.

"Is that…?" Rebecca's surprised question was answered before she finished it as the forms of several swans became more distinct. Then she was on her feet, waving her arms wildly and shouting. "Over here! We're over here!"

Serenity felt a mixture of alarm and a desire to burst out laughing. Both were forgotten as a blessedly familiar presence brushed her mind.

Ren! Ren, is that really you over there?

Joey!

She would have cheered if not for her pledge.

One of the birds shot upward from the water and flew toward them, quickly followed by the others with him. There were only five in this group, but five of her brothers were better than none, and Serenity's smile returned brighter than ever as they glided down to her.

Serenity! Yami's thought was tinged with surprise and relief. You're looking well.

I've been fine, she assured him. Everyone has been so kind to me.

You can tell us all about it once we're back at camp, Ryou said. We will lead you. We chose a place out of immediate sight of the shore. Raphael took no chances.

Rebecca was looking around at the birds, her eyes lingering on each of their pendants. When she didn't see the one she was expecting, she looked somewhat disappointed.

"Guess Noa's still out there somewhere," she murmured, half to herself.

Joey made a strangled noise that Serenity guessed was the closest he could come to laughing aloud.

It looks like he made quite the impression, Mokuba observed, also sounding amused.

Come on, Yugi urged. We don't have much time left before we lose our wings for the night, and I'd rather fly than walk.

Between Serenity's gestures and the swans' actions, they managed to get the message across to Rebecca, and the seven of them set off. The girls had to retrace their steps a little way before the princes flew away from the shore, leading them down a rocky path to a clearing hemmed in by trees. Several tents had been pitched around the edges of a large, open area, in the centre of which a pit had been dug and lined with stones. The ashes in the bottom of the pit made its purpose plain. Two more swans flew to greet them from the far end of the clearing, one of them swooping straight for Rebecca, who shrieked in surprise and ducked, nearly falling as the mostly-full bag over her shoulder threatened to over-balance her entirely. When she had righted herself, she looked down at the swan, which had landed in front of her. His blue eyes and the emerald pendant he wore made him unmistakable.

"Noa! You scared the life out of me! Don't do that!" she scolded.

The bird looked down apologetically, and Rebecca's surprised anger faded.

"It's all right," she said, reaching down to stroke his head. When he didn't resist, she moved her hand down his neck, the feathers softer than she had expected. "I just wasn't expecting you to fly at me like that." She scanned the flock, making a quick head-count. "Aren't there supposed to be eleven of you?" she asked. Serenity and several of her brothers nodded. Rebecca opened her mouth to ask where the others were, then closed it again when she realised that the swans could not answer her, and due to her vow, neither could their sister. She looked up at the sky again. There was about a quarter of an hour of daylight left. She supposed she could wait that long.

"Did you hear that?" Mai asked, tilting her head to one side. The sound had been faint from distance, but the stillness of the air had made it just distinct enough.

"The scream?" Téa inquired. "Yeah, I heard it." She pointed inland, and Mai saw the recent tracks in the sand that covered a narrow, rough path leading away from the water.

"Look," she said, pointing out her discovery to her friends.

"Do you think Rebecca and Shizuka went that way?" Ellie asked.

"Only one way to find out," Mai said, turning her back on the lake. "Come on."

The four women moved quickly along the path, trying to make as little noise as possible. The light was barely strong enough for them to avoid the rocks in front of them, but they managed, and reached the end just as the sun had begun to slip below the horizon. They left the path and moved quietly around the edge of the tree-circled space they had glimpsed, until they found a large clump of ferns, which they used as cover, crawling underneath the fronds until they could look out between them and the trees.

From her position, Mai could see both girls clearly enough to identify them in the fading light, though they had not noticed the slight disturbance she and her companions had made. Shizuka was sitting against a tree, and Rebecca was seated on a rock nearby. There were also several large, white birds in the clearing—one standing beside Shizuka, one with its head in Rebecca's lap, and four or five more clustered together between the two. The blonde girl kept glancing up at the sky, her slight impatience evident in the jerk of her head.

Mai stared in wonder. The birds were swans … but wild swans either fled from humans or attacked them viciously. She had never seen any that were tame enough to be petted. Nor, she observed as another oddity caught her notice, had she ever seen any who wore fine chains around their necks.

It was not long before the last traces of daylight left the clearing, and Mai nearly gave herself away as a new light flared, strong enough for her to see the swans change, their forms flowing upward into a more human shape. The light faded to reveal seven young men whose features she could not see clearly. She heard Ellie give a tiny squeak of surprise. One of the swan-men made a gesture toward the centre of the clearing, and a strange fire sprang up there, the red and gold flames shot through with violet. The light filled the space, and her eyes found the man who had so recently been the bird closest to Shizuka. Blonde hair gleamed in the firelight, as did a dazzling smile and warm brown eyes.

She saw him for only a moment before a sudden gust of wind swept the ferns aside, and a pair of strong arms wrapped around her from behind, their owner dragging her out of cover. A large hand clamped over her mouth to muffle her startled and indignant yell.

"Didn't your parents ever teach you not to spy on people?" a low, threatening voice said very close to her ear.

"She was probably encouraged," said another voice to her left. Mai turned her head as far as she could, and caught sight of a tall, slim, red-haired man who was holding Vivian tightly against him. The Shenese woman was twisting and thrashing in her captor's grip, but he remained impassive, grey eyes hard as flint.

"We should reserve judgement until we can question them," said another voice on her other side. Mai could not turn her head that way thanks to the hand over her mouth, but he sounded slightly more friendly than the others.

"You'd be wise to answer truthfully," the man who held her said quietly. "My brothers will know if you don't." His grip tightened painfully and a steely edge entered his voice. "And if you've led anyone else here, you'd better hope they don't mean any harm to my family."

The commotion beyond the tree-line caught the attention of those in the clearing before any pleasantries could be exchanged. Serenity could sense Raphael and the other three missing princes beyond the boundary and her mind reached out to them.

What's going on? Where were you?

Alister's response was curt.

We have company. Wait there. We're coming around to the entrance.

"Company?" Yugi said in confusion. "What did he mean?"

What did who mean?" Rebecca asked, looking just as confused as the younger twin.

"The others are back," Noa told her. "Apparently, they're not alone."

Rebecca's face cleared.

"Oh. The mental link. I forgot about that."

It was not long before the four eldest princes filed into the clearing, each holding a woman before him. Rebecca gasped. Serenity sprang forward, surprising her brothers, and projected a message toward Raphael, though all the princes heard it.

Let them go!

"They went to some trouble to keep their presence secret," Raphael told her. "We watched them conceal themselves."

They're my friends. I don't know how they knew I was here, but they're good people.

"You haven't known them very long, Serenity," Alister pointed out. "How can you be sure they're trustworthy?"

Mai shot the redhead a sidelong glare.

Let them explain themselves, Serenity pleaded.

"We were planning to do that anyway," Raphael said. He turned toward Alister, Duke and Seto. "There's no harm in releasing them now. They won't be going anywhere unless we let them leave."

The redhead seemed reluctant, but he complied, as did his brothers.

As soon as Mai was free, she rounded on Raphael, eyes flashing.

"I don't know who you think you are," she said fiercely, "but if you harm a hair on Shizuka's head—"

"I have no intention of hurting my sister," Raphael informed her coolly. "If you don't either, you have nothing to fear from us."

"I'd never hurt Shizuka," Mai said, looking Raphael over. "She doesn't look anything like you, though, so forgive me if I don't believe you're related."

"Believe what you will, but it doesn't change the truth," Duke said, stepping forward. "Now, Serenity tells us you and these others have befriended her. Is this true?"

Mai turned to stare at him.

"She hasn't said a word! She's mute, you dunce!"

To his credit, Duke did not respond to the insult.

"Is it true?" he repeated evenly.

"I'd like to think so," Mai said, looking toward Serenity, who smiled and nodded.

"Then why did you deem it necessary to follow her and watch her from hiding?" Alister asked baldly.

Mai rounded on him.

"I'd appreciate it if you showed a little more respect," she said coldly. "Vivian and I are both high-ranking nobles."

"Unless you're queens, which I doubt, we outrank you," Alister told her bluntly. "I'll show you respect when your actions have earned it."

"He's right, Mai," Téa said quietly, attracting everyone's attention.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Mai asked, her expression softening into one of concern as she faced the younger woman. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Téa had indeed gone rather pale. Her eyes were flicking from one face to another, round with apparent surprise.

"I know them," she said after a brief pause. "Most of them were still children when I saw them, but given the circumstances…" She trailed off, tugging nervously on a strand of her brown hair. She turned to Yugi and Yami, who were standing together. "Your hair tipped me off. There are only two people I've ever seen with hair like that. My family performed at Queen Coraline's wedding. I saw all of you there, but I remember the two of you more clearly than any of the others." She curtseyed gracefully. "Forgive us for intruding, Your Highnesses. We meant no harm to anyone—Vivian was curious when she saw Rebecca and Shizuka leaving, and Mai went with her to keep her out of trouble. Ellie and I came for moral support, and to make sure Shizuka was safe."

Mai looked stunned, and could only stare around at Serenity's brothers as if seeing them with new eyes.

"I knew it!" Vivian was positively beaming. "I knew something exciting was happening! I've never been right about something like this before!" Her eyes sparkled. "So many gorgeous specimens of manhood, and they're all princes!"

Valon and Noa snorted in laughter. Several of their brothers blushed. Alister, Raphael and Seto exchanged unsettled looks.

"If these men are really the princes of Domino," Mai said, looking around her, "how did they end up in Sevatlos? And why were they swans until just now?"

"I think we'd all like to know that," Ellie said, speaking for the first time.

Noa turned to Rebecca.

"Do you want to fill them in? You can now."

Rebecca shook her head.

"It's your story."

Yami gestured toward the merry, violet-tinged fire.

"Come and sit down," he invited genially. "I will explain how things stand while our meal is being prepared."

"Isn't he charming?" Vivian said almost dreamily, her dark eyes lingering on the older twin's face. "If you're free later, sweetie, maybe we could take a walk along the lakeshore. The moon is almost full and I love the way moonlight looks on water, don't you?"

Yami blushed slightly, but shook his head.

"I appreciate your invitation, but I must decline. My sweetheart would be most displeased if I were to accept."

"Oh," the Shenese woman said, looking slightly crestfallen as she moved away toward the fire-pit. As she passed Seto, her face brightened again and she turned toward him. "Perhaps—" she began, but the brunette quickened his pace and did not acknowledge her with glance or word.

"Seto's also spoken for," Duke explained, coming up beside Vivian.

"Of course he is," she said with a sigh. "The good-looking men are always taken. I suppose some lovely maiden has won your heart as well."

Duke blushed.

"No, actually. We don't really get out much. Yami and Seto are the lucky ones."

"And Alister," Noa piped up. "Don't forget about him."

"Noa, stop talking now," Alister snapped from behind them.

Vivian looked over her shoulder at the redhead.

"Someone's interested in him?" she asked with a look of contempt. "That's a surprise. If he hadn't said anything, I'd think Shizuka had a sister, and the way he styles his hair makes his head look like a mushroom."

Valon's face contorted as if he did not know whether to laugh or grimace. Everyone else stared at the Shenese woman in utter silence for a long moment.

"Oh no she didn't," Noa said softly.

Alister's eyes were flinty as they locked with Vivian's. There was no need for him to say anything. His expression bespoke his anger. At length, however, he turned and stalked away toward a cleared space near the fire-pit and began making hand-motions with unnecessary force.

"You're lucky," Duke said. "If Serenity hadn't vouched for you, he might have attacked you for saying that. I know amazons who regretted making slights against Alister's appearance."

Vivian's eyebrows rose.

"Amazons don't exist."

Duke smiled.

"You have much to learn, my lady," he told her. "Now, come and sit down. Alister's going to take longer than usual over dinner by the looks of things. I hope he doesn't decide to poison anything."

It was impossible to tell from his expression whether or not he was joking.

After the story of the princes' curse was retold and they had partaken of a meal which had, thankfully, not been tampered with in any way, the group dispersed throughout the camp. Duke and Vivian sat beneath one of the trees, the latter chatting animatedly while the prince listened with astounding patience. Yugi and Téa had also taken themselves off to a quiet corner of the clearing, though the occasional burst of laughter could be heard from their direction. Mai had told Joey and Valon that she played Duel Monsters during the meal, and they, Ryou and Rebecca were now in deep discussion on the topic. An observer would notice that Valon wasn't doing very much talking, merely gazing at Mai in clear adoration. He was not the only one looking at the Marchioness that way. Most of the other princes were gathered around Serenity, and none of this group was speaking at all, though their expressions shifted noticeably every now and then.

Ellie was a part of none of these groups. She sat by herself with her back to the fire, staring at nothing. Her mind was processing everything she had learned about the girl she had, until now, known only as Shizuka. The story was extraordinary, and she felt out of her depth surrounded by these enchanted princes who had magic of their own and could summon beings she had thought were only images on cards. The seamstress had not expected Vivian's impulsive expedition to lead them to this.

She was unaware of the person approaching until he sat down beside her and spoke.

"Eleanor, isn't it?"

Ellie started in surprise and turned to meet the gaze of Serenity's eldest brother, Raphael. The blue eyes were considerably gentler than they had been earlier.

"Please, Your Highness, call me Ellie. Everyone does, even the king, and I prefer it."

Raphael smiled. The expression made him even less intimidating, and she found it rather appealing.

"Only if you drop the formalities. I haven't been called Highness in more than ten years, not even by our informant."

Ellie returned his smile.

"Very well, then. I'll call you Raphael. It's a fine name."

The blonde coloured slightly at the compliment.

"Serenity told us you're a seamstress," he said after a moment.

Ellie nodded.

"Most of the gowns Shizu—Serenity owns were made by me."

Raphael's mouth quirked at her self-correction, but he did not comment on it.

"I was wondering…" He shifted slightly. "Most of the clothes my brothers and I have now were conjured, but they're all practical, durable garments. None of us have anything formal—we haven't needed it. We don't have much casual clothing either."

"Would you like me to make you something?" Ellie asked, already measuring him with her eyes. She would need a lot of cloth, but she had that already.

"Not just for me," Raphael said almost too quickly. "My brothers all need formal suits as well, and some other things."

Ellie smiled warmly.

"I would be honoured to help you," she said. "Name your requests and I will do my best to make them up."

Serenity smiled as she looked around the camp. The evening had turned out better than expected, given how it had started, and she was pleased that her brothers and new friends were getting along so well. However, it was getting late, and even from here, Serenity could tell Rebecca's weariness was getting the best of her. The other women seemed to be faring better, but the princess was not close enough to be certain of this. Through the mental link, she could tell her brothers were also growing tired. It seemed unfair to put this off any longer.

We should get back to the palace. If we're there in the morning, we'll arouse less suspicion.

The clearing fell silent immediately. All the princes had heard Serenity's thought, and their expressions told their female companions they were not to be interrupted.

Can't you stay the night at least? Joey asked plaintively. Serenity suspected he wanted to talk with Mai a little longer. She knew his concern for her had grown no less, but he had not been exposed to any women of this world in ten years, and she had learned enough about how young men could lose their heads around pretty girls.

If I stay until morning, people will wonder where I've been, and rumours spread fast. Mai and the others left seemingly on a whim, and that will only arouse further suspicion. We have to be back before sunrise at least. If we're careful, no-one will be any the wiser. I won't risk your safety any further. You've already put yourselves in danger staying here as long as you have. I want you to leave tomorrow.

There was a short silence as the princes considered her words.

If you're sure about this, then we should at least get you as far as the palace boundary, Raphael said. We can't escort you there personally, but… Serenity felt him nudge Yugi's mind gently. They were too far away from one another to exchange a significant look.

The younger prince turned to Téa and began to explain what had been discussed to her. Those nearest the other women did the same, and the various smaller groups returned to the fire.

"Thank heavens you suggested this," Mai said when she and Serenity were close enough for her to speak normally. "I didn't relish the idea of sleeping on the ground. I don't need any more bruises." She shot Raphael a pointed look. "I know he's your brother and all, but I won't be able to wear sleeveless gowns for a week thanks to him."

"There's a tragedy," Alister muttered.

Mai glared at him, but Téa stepped forward to intervene before another argument could break out.

"Yugi's going to summon his partner," she said. "He said she would be powerful enough to transport us to the palace gates."

"I hope we can choose the entrance," Ellie said. "We shouldn't enter by the main gate or that will defeat the purpose of returning early enough to avoid questions."

"You can ask her in a moment," Yugi said before raising his hand to the gold pendant gleaming on his chest. "Mana!"

There was a flash of golden light, and a blonde magician materialised, smiling at Yugi.

"What is it, prince?" she asked.

"We need you to transport Serenity and her friends back to the king's palace," Yugi explained. "Set them down just outside one of the gates. They'd cause a stir if they materialised in the building itself."

Mana nodded before turning to the girls.

"Which entrance should I send you to?" she asked, catching their attention.

"The one in the south wall," said Rebecca. "It isn't used often and it's hidden from the outside, so not many people know about it. It shouldn't be guarded."

Mana nodded.

"Very well. Join hands."

As the six women moved to obey, Joey's mind touched Serenity's.

If we return here in a couple of weeks, will you come down and see us again?

Serenity sighed.

We'll need to plan things more carefully, but we should be able to manage it. Don't come up to the palace, though. Send a messenger if you must.

We need a better way to communicate, Noa said in slight annoyance. How are we going to get a message to the other girls?

We will research the matter in the interim, Yami promised.

Serenity did not join the circle until she had embraced each of her brothers. Mana waited patiently for them to be finished, a sad little smile on her lips. When the princess had taken Mai and Rebecca's hands, Raphael moved forward, his face stern as he regarded his sister's friends.

"You have been entrusted with a powerful secret tonight," he said. "You would do well to remember that. Betray my sister's faith in you at your own risk."

"Is he always like that?" Mai asked the princess as Raphael turned his back.

Serenity shook her head. She could not elaborate, but Yugi did.

"He's protected us for a decade. It's in his nature to be wary of intruders. Give him time—he'll warm up."

"Are you all ready?" Mana asked.

The women nodded.

Mana raised her staff and warm light streamed from it, surrounding the small group and blotting out the campsite. There was a brief sense of vertigo…

And when the light faded, they were standing near the specified gate, the moon shining down on them as if welcoming them home.

They stood together for a long moment, their minds full of the night's events. None of them had wanted it all to end so quickly, but all understood the necessity.

"We should go in," Mai said at last. "I'm glad the moon's out. I wouldn't want to cross the grounds in the dark."

They moved swiftly and quietly through the gardens and in at one of the doors the servants used. They split up once they were in the main building, each making her way to her own bedchamber.

None would know for quite some time that a pair of aquamarine eyes had followed their progress until they disappeared into the palace's shadow.

I don't like this.

It's been done now, Alister. We can't change it.

I know, but I still don't like it. Court women gossip. What if they let something slip? They may not be able to tell everything, but it would only take that Vivian telling one of her friends about the 'gorgeous prince' she spent the evening with and…

Vivian has more sense than that.

Duke, no offense, but you're biased.

You just don't like her because she said you looked like a—

Enough. We're all tired and Serenity's right. We should leave tomorrow. We can talk about this later. Right now, we need sleep.

But—

Good-night.

End Notes: 8000 words. I thought I'd make it extra-long to make up for the profound lack of a chapter. I broke my record for longest wait for an update, but not my one for chapter-length. Ch5 still holds the trophy for that one.

I hope I did Vivian's character justice. I haven't seen her episodes, but I think I handled her personality well enough from what I know of her.

The canon references are subtle in this chapter, and if you picked up on any of them, say so in the review box!

Not much more to say, really. I'll try and get another chapter out before the end of the month, but Camp NaNo is on again in July and I have a finished manuscript to edit. I've been using finishing this chapter as one of the things to distract me from doing that. Please, dear readers, be patient with me.

Lots of reviews make authors happy and feed their muses. :)