Lady Katrina Claes did it. She wasn't sure whether or not she would, but she actually did it. Once a way had been found to send the other Katarina back to her own world Katarina packed her bags, said her goodbyes, and joined her other self in making the trip.

Most people were actually rather happy to see her go, the only ones who would really miss her were Sienna, her best friend who chose to stay behind for her family, and Anne, who had joined her in making the trip over.

And that is how she currently found herself facing several very familiar, and yet oh so different, faces. She had already heard about it from the other Katarina, however coming face to face with Gerald Stuart, Alan Stuart, Mary Hunt, Sophia Ascart, Nicol Ascart, Keith Claes, and Maria Campbell was quite nerve wracking.

In her world most, if not all, of these people held a grudge against her, and though she knew they held no ill-will towards her she was still afraid of making a bad impression on them as they were her beloved's important friends.

"Well then everyone, this is Rina! Rina, these are my friends!"

Katarina Claes kept her manners in mind as she gave the perfect curtsey and introduced herself, "Greetings. I am Lady Katarina Claes of the Duchy of Claes. Or I suppose it's 'Rina' now."

"A pleasure," Prince Gerald greeted back with a proper bow, "I am Gerald Stuart, third prince of the Kingdom of Sorciere."

The others all proceeded to introduce themselves to her in the same fashion, even Maria Campbell. This version was surprisingly well versed in noble etiquette, it seemed, as opposed to her own world's version.

"Alright!" the other Katarina suddenly exclaimed, "Now that you've met everyone we should have a party! Anne?"

"Yes?" both Annes instinctively intoned simultaneously.

"Err, my Anne."

"Yes my lady?"

"Come help me get snacks for everyone from the kitchen."

"Of course my lady."

Katarina Claes desperately wanted to tell off her counterpart for doing some as unladylike as going to gather snacks herself when she could simply send her maid for that, however she also knew from experience that this Katarina was just as stubborn as herself, thus she made a concession.

"Anne go with them."

"Yes mistress."

Anne bowed to her before moving to join the other Anne in following after the other Katarina who had already gotten a head start. Katarina couldn't stop herself from staring longingly at her counterpart for as long as she could until she disappeared from view.

Once the other Katarina could no longer be seen someone loudly cleared their throat, catching her attention. She turned back to the others to find them staring at her with mixed looks of understanding, pity, and, in some cases, annoyance.

"So," Prince Gerald starts, "She's charmed you as well then?"

"Pardon?!"

Katarina winced internally at her outburst. Was she really that easy to read? Then the most important part of that question hit her.

"Wait. As well?"

"Indeed." he confirmed, "Everyone here has been influenced by her in some way and, as a result, has fallen in love with her. I assume much the same can be said about you?"

"I-" Katarina thought about denying it for a second, but realized that there was no point in trying to hide it, "Yes. I don't even know why. One day she just, quite literally, dropped into my life and completely changed everything I ever thought I knew."

Upon hearing this everyone seemed to be all smiles.

"Yes, that's Katarina for you. While she may be rather strange sometimes-"

"Most of the time." Keith interjected.

"All of the time." Mary argued.

"Yes, well, while she may be strange," Gerald continued, "That is simply a part of what we love about her. That's what has saved all of us. And as you are the newest member of our little group it is only fair to warn you that it is every man-"

"And woman!" Mary interjected again.

"Yes," Gerald agreed, "And woman, for themselves. You will find no help here, only rivals, and we will not hold back simply because you entered the race late."

Katarina felt a smirk working its way onto her face at the prince's challenge.

"Good. I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, a victory is meaningless if there's no challenge."