Hey guys! Hope you're enjoying this story. Just wanted to give you guys and heads-up that I will be very busy for the next week and a half, and might have trouble uploading every day. I had a pretty big backlog of chapters, but it still might be difficult for me to post. Thanks for your patience :)

Enjoy!

Rin was pleased to awake the next morning to Luka, and Luka only, opening her curtains for her. As stubborn as Miku could be, the princess was glad she had decided to listen and rest.

Rin marveled over her clothing options for the day. Each dress was much more decorated than her usual picks. She did not like being the center of attention and would have no choice but to do so wearing any of these dresses.

Luke sensed her discomfort as the princess took extra time pondering her choice. "The queen wanted to make sure you looked your best in the presence of the Kagamines," she informed her.

Rin nodded. "I understand. This one will do," she said, running her fingers across the tulle skirt of her choosing. It was another shade of light blue, this time with gold lining the bodice instead of white. The skirts fluffed out beneath the waist. She disliked dresses that were so large, they were a pain to walk in. And sit down in. And stand up in.

Nevertheless, she emerged from her chambers thirty minutes later wearing the puffy dress. Luka guided her through the halls, listing Rin's events for the day.

"With the Kagamines here, the king and queen wish to attend breakfast and dinner every day with both families in the Grand Hall. That is where we will head first."

Rin frowned. She was not thrilled with the Kagamines seeing her wearing this oversized pillowcase.

"Elmira wishes to see how your sewing has progressed, so you will see her after. Then, violin, and lessons after. I have lunch scheduled for you on the veranda near the southern gardens." She smiled back at the princess, who covered up her frown quickly. "I know how much you love it there."

"I do," Rin agreed, happy that something in her day was going to be pleasant. It was hard to be optimistic when every movement sent cascades of blue silk flowing down her arms and legs.

"After lunch, you are free today."

Rin raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Wonderful." She could change, then.

"Dinner is at sunset." The two had come to the doors leading to the Great Hall. Luka gave her princess one last smile before pushing the doors open, their noisy creaking announcing her arrival without words.

Rin stepped into the room, embarrassed to find everyone already seated. It was often purposeful that the princess arrived last when she dined with her parents, but with guests, she felt it was not as polite. There was only one open seat for her between Kokone and Lenka, which she was happy to occupy. Lenka watched her approach with that same childish wonder as the day before, and Kokone looked slightly more relaxed, much to Rin's relief.

"Good morning," she said to the room as she took her seat.

King Brighton nodded towards his daughter, then continued his conversation with Ken, who sat directly to his left. The queens occupied the opposite end of the table, also gossiping happily. Rin couldn't help but notice the prince's seat, right in front of her. He paid no attention to her, instead choosing to stuff his face with the feast laid out before them.

"Good morning," Kokone answered, the only one responding to her greeting.

"How are you feeling?" Rin asked her.

Kokone smiled, dabbing at her mouth neatly with a handkerchief. "Much better than yesterday," she answered honestly.

"I'm glad to hear that. I was worried."

"You don't need to worry about me, princess," Kokone answered with a small smile. Not all of her unease was gone, it seems.

Rin laughed. "Please, call me Rin. We are friends."

She gave her a single nod. "I'd like that."

Rin opened her mouth to respond in kind, but the king cleared his throat loudly at the head of the table, signaling silence.

"I hope everyone slept well," Brighton began. "Now, there are some matters we must discuss."

"Is everything alright?" Kaori asked from across the table, setting her chalice down softly.

"For the most part, yes," the king answered. "However. Several of the townsfolk approached the Keep today with some… complaints."

"Complaints of?" Lily asked.

Ken, sitting next to the king, remained quiet. It seems they were just speaking of the matter privately.

"They were unhappy with the citizens of Acacia Falls. There is some… conflict at the construction sites."

"What kind of conflict?" Kokone questioned.

The king took a deep breath, deciding to skip the formalities. "The citizens of Acacia Falls do not want to assist in the construction of these new homes."

Rin sighed. "I cannot blame them. They have been traveling for so long, they need rest."

"They won't get to rest unless they have homes," Brighton pointed out.

"There must be some way to convince them," Kaori narrowed her eyes in thought. "They may be tired, yes. But my people are not stupid."

Ken sat up straight in his chair. "They need guidance. Someone to open their eyes to the situation." His gaze fell on Rin. "I told you that my people wished to meet you, princess. I think now is the time."

She smiled.

"If you were to travel to the sites and speak to them," he continued. "We might be able to bridge this divide between our people."

"I would be honored to," Rin answered proudly. "When should I go?"

"This afternoon," her father answered. "After lunch. The sooner the better."

There went Rin's free time, though she didn't mind much. At least she would get to spend it doing what she loved most.

"Len should go with her," Kokone blurted out.

The table fell silent. The prince locked eyes with her, his venomous stare burning holes into her. But she didn't budge.

"The people would feel much better seeing that their future king has struck a friendship with the princess," she continued, her eyes never leaving her brother. "They will be much more likely to work together if they see that our families have become friends as well."

And to see that the incident yesterday has been forgotten, Rin thought, admiring the girl for her clever tactics. She was able to strike a great argument and enrage her older brother at the same time. Now more than ever, Rin wished to get to know this girl better.

"Y-yes," King Brighton said, drawing Rin's attention. "That is a smart plan." He flashed his daughter a warning look.

A silence filled the table before Rin realized it was her turn to say something. "I look forward to it," she said, addressing the prince directly.

His eyes flickered to her for a moment before returning to his smirking sister. Without a word, he continued to eat his food, much slower now.

"Do you think she'll like it?" Rin asked her maid, holding up the first few square inches of her knitted blanket.

"She'll love it, princess."

"Do you think she'll just say that she likes it, then use it as a floor mat or something?"

Luka let out a laugh. "I'm sure she will genuinely love the blanket, princess."

Rin wasn't so sure. Sitting criss crossed on her bed, she looked over her work so far with a dissatisfied frown. She was not the best knitter in the kingdom, and the blanket lacked any eye-catching features besides the soft blue thread she had chosen from the market in town a few weeks ago. But she wanted something to give to her friend while she was recovering. A hand-made gift was the best option of all.

"The prince should be here any minute," Luka muttered, folding the last of her morning dress and stowing it away. "Hopefully he decides that retrieving you isn't too polite for his taste."

Rin had long since changed out of her tent and was now wearing a much more comfortable dress, designed to show off her riches while also making it easier to walk through the streets. She said nothing in response to Luka's ill words, also silently hoping that he did what he was told.

Their worries were washed away with a knock only a few minutes later. Rin set her knitting aside, standing up to smooth out her dress, while Luka waited for her signal to open the door. Once Rin felt she was presentable, she nodded, and her maid turned the handle.

The prince stood in the hall. Guards, donning the colors of both houses, stood on either side of him. Their escort. The prince himself seemed almost bored, the way he glanced casually around Rin's room as the door opened. His eyes stopped on her.

Every time she came into sight of the prince, he had the habit of looking her up and down, like he was sizing up an animal he was about to hunt. She wondered if this was a habit he made with everyone unfamiliar he came into contact with, but it didn't help her feel any more comfortable with his prying gaze.

His examination only lasted a fraction of a second. "Are you ready?" He asked with a blank expression.

Rin nodded. "I am ready."

"Well, let's get this over with, then." He started down the hallway without waiting for her to follow.

Rin glanced back at Luka one last time. She scowled, shaking her head at the prince. "I will be here when you return, princess."

She gave the maid a smile, before briskly walking after him in an effort to catch up.

The two walked silent, side by side, through the halls and out into the courtyard. The only sound present in their walk was the clang of metal from the following guards.

The prince widened his eyes at the courtyard. "This place is much bigger when there aren't thousands of peasants crowding it up."

Rin frowned. "They are not peasants."

"What are they then?"

"People," she retorted.

He let out a laugh and said nothing in response.

Rin snuck a glance at the prince as they walked. She could not help but feel annoyance at the mere sight of him. His inconsiderate attitude was beginning to break down her otherwise cool composure. How dare he come to the home of those helping him only to blow them off in front of their own citizens? Her father could have turned them away and let them die in the wilderness like wild dogs. But he hadn't. And this is how he is treated in return?

Rin took a deep breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Just as her instructors had taught her when she was younger. Being a princess is a tough job, little one, her nanny, who she remembered fondly, had told her. Remember to breathe.

So she did. Her anger was beginning to best her and she could not let that happen. Plus, her legs still itched from the tulle fabric of her morning dress. It was not helping her mood in the slightest.

They crossed the courtyard on the same marble path the Kagamines had arrived on, passing through the gates into the city. As soon as they were free from the walls of the palace, Rin felt better.

The fast-paced lifestyle of the city was more than enough to distract her from her less-than-pleasing walking partner. Near the city, tall, tightly-knit buildings housed noblemen and women, with homes on the upper floors and shops often on the ground floors. Peeking through the windows, Rin spotted shops with jewelry, others with fine silks and laces, as well as sweet-smelling bakeries.

The guards kept the townspeople at bay, but the sight of the Khaesea princess and the Acacia Falls prince walking together was enough to earn looks from all over.

Rin smiled at anyone who caught her gaze.

As they traversed further away from the palace, the neat buildings slowly gave way to small, one-floor shops, taverns, and homes.

They entered the square, a large, circular opening in the city crowded with townsfolk. A tall fountain depicting a statue of Rin's grandfather stood proudly in the middle. It was the most crowded section of the city so far, but the crowd parted easily at the sight of the royal pair.

The prince eyed one of the taverns, mentally noting its location.

"It's a beautiful day," Rin spoke, realizing they had not exchanged a word since they left the courtyard nearly twenty minutes ago. She had been distracted, and he was not one for small talk.

He merely grunted in response, taking in his surroundings carefully.

Rin frowned at him. "Do you wish to walk all the way to the construction sites silently?" She asked, letting her annoyance creep into her voice.

"I figured you would be too busy kissing the people's asses to speak."

In through the nose, out through the mouth. Rin didn't even remember the last time she had heard a curse word. "It is very difficult for me to imagine you growing up in a palace."

"Why do you pretend to care about them?" He asked, leaning closer so she could hear him over the growing cheers from the people. "You act like you're happy to see them."

She tried to keep her composure with all of these eyes on her, but the prince was making it very difficult. "I do not act like I am happy to see anyone."

He let out a disbelieving laugh. "Right. Just like you did not act happy to see me."

"I am happy to see anyone who has survived the horrors of war," she snapped, finally looking him in the eye. Although she had surrendered to his glare several times before, her pride would not allow her to do so now.

He fell silent, letting his shock and anger flow through his stare. It was him who finally looked away, having no response.

The princess quickly collected herself. She resumed her waving and smiling, though a foul mood now lingered in the back of her mind. She had angered him, and her guilt manifested itself immediately.

Pushing her worries to the back of her mind was all the princess could do now.

They finally reached the construction sites with a following of townspeople, eager to catch a glimpse of Rin. The scene at the sites was not a surprising one.

Having left the stone roads behind a few minutes ago, the path that stretched before them was nothing but a dirt trail, perhaps ten feet across. On one side of the path, several wooden foundations stood, though nothing more. On the other side lay great piles of lumber, foraged from the wilderness extending before them. Families clothes in rags sat on the piles. Rin's men walked around the foundations on the other side of the road, casting angry glances in their direction.

It was a very obvious divide.

At the sight of the guard, the idling families stood. Rin furrowed her brow at their hasty movements. It was is if they were afraid, caught doing something they shouldn't have been doing.

For a few moments, Rin was unsure of how to address them. This is what I am meant to do, she reminded herself. I must reason with them.

Waving off her guards, she approached one of the men sitting with his family. She walked alone.

The prince held his ground, watching as she began to speak with the bald man. Len looked around at the other builders, appalled at how quickly they abandoned their work to hear the princess speak. She spoke loudly so all could hear. The bald man was unwavering in his decision to abandon the idea of making a new home here. He believed he would return to his real home soon.

How foolish, Len thought.

No one had spoken about the attack since he had arrived, and he loathed that fact. Pretending that those monsters in purple and black had not stormed his home while he was sleeping, pretending he had not pulled his sisters out of their rooms as the fires burned their palace, and pretending that nearly half of their people had been killed or captured did not help anything. Pretending the attack had never happened only seemed to deepen his anger and mourning.

But finally, finally, someone had said it. The princess had proven to him that she had not forgotten the things he went through, the things his family had gone through. The horrors of war, she had said. They were horrors indeed, and Len hoped that she, her family, and her people would not experience the same fate.

For only a moment, his anger faded, and he almost felt at peace. They had not forgotten. No one had forgotten.

"We wish to help you," Rin continued to plead with the bald man, who seemed to have taken leadership over the few families arriving in Khaesea. "But we cannot help you heal if you are not ready."

"I will not abandon my home," the man argued, earning even more dirty looks from the men across the street for arguing with their beloved princess. "This is not my kingdom, these are not my people, and you are not my princess. I will not so easily forget what has been taken from me." The people behind him nodded.

"I am not asking you to abandon anything," she answered, clasping her hands together as she always did when she spoke. "Nor am I asking you to forget what has happened to you. I understand that healing is not an overnight process. It may take weeks, months, years, but it will never happen if you do not let it."

Len was surprised to see the man unable to argue with this logic.

"I am not asking you to heal," she continued. "I am only asking you to begin the process."

"She is right," the prince heard himself say.

Rin cast him a glance over her shoulder. Everyone in earshot was surprised to hear him speak, but none more than her. She had been so caught up trying to convince the man to help that she had nearly forgotten the prince was with her at all.

"We cannot undo what has been done," he continued, using his princely tone of voice for the first time in what felt like centuries. "But we can decide what happens to us from here on. You will never feel welcome in a city where you don't have a roof over your head."

From the awe in the prince's people, Rin wondered how often, if ever, he had addressed them before.

The bald man pondered his words, then slowly kneeled as the prince stopped next to Rin. "Aye," the man said, looking at the ground. "We will build."

The smile on Rin's face arrived without warning. Her anger and annoyance were washed away in an instant.

The prince could not help but notice. "Once you are housed," he continued, prying his eyes from her gleeful smile. "The townsfolk will help you find jobs." He looked at Rin for confirmation.

She nodded. "Of course!"

The man stood, nodding towards the princess. "I apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive," she answered, too overjoyed to even remember his curt words. "Please approach the palace if there is anything you need."

"Yes, princess."

Before long, the duo was back on their way to the palace. They walked in silence once more, though there was little-to-no tension in the air between them. A fine alternative to their walk to the sites.

"Thank you," Rin said, smiling the entire walk back to the palace. She had succeeded in serving her people once again, but only with the prince's help. "For backing me up down there. I don't think he would have listened to me without you."

The prince thought for a moment before responding. "And thank you," he finally said. "For not forgetting what has happened to us."

"I will never forget," she promised. "I… I wish we could have met on better terms."

The prince did not know what to make of these words.

"Me as well," he finally admitted.