It seemed that word and rumor in Corona always knew how to spread like wildfire as people gossipped about what had happened that day. That a giant had saved the princess from certain death, or that there were mysterious visitors from another land that came to the castle, or just nonsense of what they could be doing in the kingdom.

Honestly, Caine didn't care to listen in or pay attention to the gossip as she toiled in the fields with other criminals. In fact, she had even witnessed the carnage started by the princess' friends and she would be lying if she said she hoped that the construction of the guard tower would crush Rapunzel. But alas, some things are too good to be true.

Nearly a year ago, Caine and other criminals around Corona had been placed on a prison barge while those who weren't even from the kingdom were also thrown aboard from whatever port had held them. Yet it seemed like 'Miss Perfect' had to save the day again as Rapunzel had ordered that those imprisoned from Corona would be returned in hopes of redeeming them. Of course, the kingdom obliged to indulge in her delusions even if they didn't believe in their princess' ideas but what it was all said and done.

Thus, Caine and her crew, along with others who were captured again, even after Rapunzel's darling lecture about 'stealing was wrong', had been put to work in expanding Corona's land and fields. If anything it felt like cheap labor and the more Caine remained under the sun, the angrier and more bitter she became as she watched Rapunzel leave to the castle with a group of strangers. Unaware that she was being watched herself.

Later that evening…

During dinner, there had been more questions about the kingdom of Safira along with the preparations for the journey. While the coronation for the Empress would take place between late-spring and early-summer, it would be a seven week ordeal of planning. There wasn't much need to worry about provisions as Safira would send well stocked caravans once Rapunzel had selected her party. Still, there were many things to take into account such as the drastic temperature, unpredictable weather, and also proper clothing for the kingdom. From the sound of it, the travel to Safira appeared shorter than that of the Dark Kingdom, even when taking account of the setbacks that occurred.

Safira was a well-hidden jungle oasis in the desert and safely protected from the outside. Blistering days that could drop into freezing nights, heavy sandstorms, and while beasts also aided in keeping the land from being overtaken by those who sought to expand their influence. Only a few actually knew where it lies and Rapunzel's party will be trusted with that knowledge, swearing to never reveal the location of the land once she steps foot in the kingdom. Before, the empire's borders were open to provide merchants to come in and out of the land along with providing sanctuary to those who wished to start a new life. Now the borders are reopened in hopes of establishing old and new alliances, with thanks to Corona which shall be it's first to accept the open arms of friendship.

Thanks to the aid of Tamaa, tailors and cobblers were told which materials to use in order to create light formal attire. All that was needed was for Rapunzel to select which companions will be making the journey with her, familiar faces so that she wouldn't feel too homesick about. It was already decided that Nigel and Eugene would be going, but what was the harm in including some more friends.

First on the list was the ever so lovable Lance Strongbow and his adopted daughters, Keira and Catalina. What's a journey without Lance? He was eager to take the invitation for an adventure, along with aiding the king and queen in finding the perfect, and possibly most expensive, coronation present for the empress. There was also encouragement that the girls could be brought along as they would be protected under Safirian hospitality laws and neither could pass up the idea of going along on a fun adventure. Besides there were some jokes that they would've snuck along the journey or would follow closely behind either way.

Next on the list to bring was Varian. Regardless of the past, Rapunzel wanted him to come along as one of her friends and gave her word to Quirin that Varian will be safe. It was all honest words that she trusted Varian to come along to Safira and perhaps with his alchemy and machinery, he would be a great aid to Safira. Another thing that seemed to solidify Varian's interest was that Samson had seen his sister do similar things as Varian with beakers and magic potions, sometimes working with more herbs than formulas. Soon both Samson and Varian began to butt heads over the importance of alchemy and magic properties, with the prince merely dismissing it as nonsense while Varian was clearly passionate about his work.

"Boys will be boys! Especially teenagers who don't know how to keep their mouths shut." It was Tamaa who gave more attention to Samson's attitude and wished to stop anything from escalating.

"Well he started it...with his magic potions."

"It's still no excuse," Tamaa continued. "As a prince and ambassador for the crown, you still need to act civil. We are guests here."

Just the sheer idea that the giant merely pouted and rubbed his arm like a child after being scolded was a bit unnerving for some. If this was how Samson acted now, what about in the future? This gave a whole new meaning to 'looks can be deceiving' and filled Rapunzel with some dread. Would this mean he'd continue to grow larger? Was Sinclair the same way? She'll have to speak with Samson much later, that is if Rapunzel was able to get him alone away from Tamaa. The elder cousin clearly preferred to be by the younger's side at all times, always overbearing and scolding and criticizing whatever the other did.

In regards to the animals, the Safirians had made things clear that some of the northern beasts may not be suited for the journey. With Maximus, there was some back and forth as horses were not uncommon in Safira, they were merely kept to show off as luxury pets rather than being put to work. The Marzu Goats which were used to pull their caravan, were commonly used for the heavy lifting and fast travel throughout Safira alongside camels due to them not needing as much water like horses. Yet Rapunzel was persistent. Maxiumus was just as strong and a valuable member of the team for his loyalty and dedication to get a job done.

Of course, Pascal would be coming as Rapunzel's ever loyal companion and given his size, it would be easier to pack him along in the caravan. In fact, it was more of an odd thing for Tamaa and Samson to see a chameleon so far in the North, commenting that they were familiar with the little beasts.

There was more conversation when the conversation shifted towards Ruddiger and Hameul as they were not native animals found in Safira, let alone beasts that looked similar, and even more strict rules about ensuring that no animal from outside of Safira would enter the kingdom.

Once all was settled, Tamaa had excused himself for a moment, claiming that he would construct a letter in preparation to send to Sinclair. This was the chance Rapunzel and Eugene were waiting for as they moved out to carry out their plan. Both of them would speak with the Safirian princes and uncover what they could.

With the day ending, important things prepared and organized, Rapunzel had found Samson observing the hallway paintings and knick-knacks that decorated the passageway. Carefully, he avoided any floorboard that made a noise under his feets, walking around them, and continued to look at the art.

"Prince Samson!" Rapunzel called out in a cheery tone.

Or perhaps a little too cheery as Samson jumped a bit and wound up backing into a knick-knack off its pedestal. Luckily, he was able to grab a hold of it before it fell and placed it back where it belonged. Quickly, Rapunzel ran towards him. "Are you alright? Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Oh! Heh. That's fine." He averted his eyes a bit. "Wouldn't be the first I was yelled at."

"I didn't mean to yell."
'Right, right. Maybe, startle is the best word for it? I don't know. Let's change the subject. You wanted to talk or just say hello?'

"I actually have some questions for you if that's okay?"

"Of course! Feel free to stop me anytime, I've been told I talk too much."

Perfect.

"So, sixteen. Wow! You're very...tall for your age."

"Yeah, I guess it's just in my blood. In two years, I'll be eighteen."

"...Two years? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, I was born on the twenty-ninth of February, which is a leap year according to my sister. But not many in the kingdom kept track of my age and we didn't celebrate a birthday."

"Not even once?"

"There wasn't really anything worth celebrating during 'The Tyrant's' reign. But after Sinclair came back, she was able to dig into the archives and figure out my age. So we've counted every day before my birthday and my actual birth date is promised to be a big party. Plus I got this neat job of seeing the other kingdoms, even if that old killjoy Tamaa is there to boss me around."

Now it began to make sense. Sometimes Rapunzel saw Tamaa tug on Samson's arms and scold him. It was just keeping a very talkative child well-behaved in front of guests, like any parent would, and like how Nigel at times would try to lecture her about being a queen at times. Maybe, even as thankful as she was for the help, Rapunzel was taking things for granted at times.

"Samson, something has been on my mind ever since you two came to Corona. About your sister... If Sinclair overthrew the Tyrant and is to be an empress, what happens to you and Tamaa?"

"We just stay as royal princes' and could be given our own territories to rule in Safira or wherever Sinclair thinks is fine for us to give us. So long as we follow the new laws and keep the people happy, we're practically kings over other areas."

"I guess I still have a lot to learn about kingdoms and empires. Isn't Tamaa older than you two? Why doesn't he rule as emperor of Safira?"

"Birthright. Our grandfather was the oldest and thus he became emperor, then our father, and since Sinclair is older than I am, the crown belongs to her. Then me. And then Tamaa." Samson shrugged. "That's how it's always been done to keep things simple… Well, technically, Sinclair is my elder half-sister, but rules are rules."

"And you're fine with this? Even before she came back to Safira?"

"I wasn't really interested in running a wasteland and Sinclair proved herself that she was next in line. Proved it by fighting our father and the people wanted her as their ruler over me. So I stepped aside and my life has been better ever since. She's very popular and I kinda like this job."

"And what is Sinclair like?"

Samson looked around before leaning in close. "Between you and me, I think she's vicious and mad. But I've heard stories about what 'the Tyrant' had done before I was born and frankly they were far worse than what he ever did to me...Still, Sinclair works hard to make sure others in the land get help and puts a lot of work in making sure our people are able to stand on their own. It's pretty smart as her power keeps everything and everyone together."

"Does the Jewel of Safira have anything to do with her power?"

"Pfft. No. The Jewel-..." Samson's joy had changed into shock and outrage, almost offended as he faced Rapunzel and as his tone became dark, narrowing his golden eyes and baring his teeth at her. "How do you know about that?"

Despite her internal fear at the giant glaring down at her, Rapunzel did not back down. "Do you really want to know the truth?"
"Better to tell me where you heard it, that is if you want to stay out of trouble, princess. Who told you this? None outside of the homeland knows about the jewel." He hissed at her. Could it be that perhaps Samson was this threat?

Taking a deep breath, Rapunzel answered. "I have received a message about this Jewel of Safira from a reliable source. It was from Vigor-"

"Who's that?"
"He used to be Lord Demanitus who saved Corona once from the evil Zhan Tiri and as he grew older he switched minds with a monkey called Vigor, so he calls himself Vigor and lives with a woman known as Madame Canardist and they- ..."

"..." Samson merely gave Rapunzel a look of disgust.

"...You know," She sheepishly laughed. "That made more sense in my head. But you'd have to be there to believe me-"

"You're crazier than she is."

"It's the truth!"

"Whatever, you're no different than her. Talking to fortune tellers and spiritualists who would say anything to get a quick coin. Keep your madness away from me." With that Samson stormed off either to find Tamaa or just avoid Rapunzel as she called out to him in vain. But the words he said bothered Rapunzel even more than Vigor's warning.

Between you and me, I think she's vicious and mad...You're crazier than she is.

Rapunzel turned to her shoulder where Pascal stayed and rested her head against him in comfort. "Come on Pascal. Let's go find Eugene." Maybe together they could try and make sense of this.

Little did either know, a heavily cloaked figure watched from the shadows, overhearing their conversation before making themselves scarce. Avoiding the patrolling guards and the servants who carried on their nightly tasks, the mysterious figure stalked down into any opening that led through the sewers until reaching their destination.

There, many of the prisoners that had been brought back from the prison barge or were already incarcerated had made themselves comfortable in Lady Caine's hangout as she sat on her makeshift throne. A majority of them were unhappy with the new laws that the 'merciful and beloved Princess Rapunzel' convinced her father to pass on as a way to 'redeem the criminals and bring out the good deep inside'. It was utter nonsense to them and they weren't too keen in doing Corona's dirty work of expanding the kingdom.

While some of them rested, ate whatever wasn't taken from the rats, or drank from stolen barrels, Caine was speaking with a cloaked figure who spoke of a great urgency to her. Honestly, she had tuned out most of the conversation as it didn't spark her interest until another cloaked figure had knelt before them.

"Have you brought anything worth sharing?" Their cloaked leader asked.

"I bring news from the castle. The princess of Corona has accepted the invitation and will be leaving for Safira soon."

Now that had sparked Caine's interest. With princess Rapunzel gone, far away from the safety of her home and helpless without the magic of the Sundrop, she would be under Caine's mercy.