A week passed, and I could tell my parents dreaded every second they had to spend in this house, but my sisters and I were having the time of our lives.

Our beds were huge, soft, and didn't have to be shared (even though the first few nights Hannah slept with me).

Plus, the fact that we didn't have to clean them ourselves was a bonus.

We also had bathing rooms with wells and stoves in them, and we were allowed to explore the grounds as much as we wanted.

Our former home in the kingdom of Hacilith was small with only two rooms, and it lay between a butcher shop and a cobbler, so it often smelled of raw meat and tar.

My mother still hadn't explained what she meant the first night we arrived, but I wasn't one to pry; I knew that she would come to me when she was ready. She and my father went to the market every afternoon, and I was sure it was just a reason to get out of the house.

My sisters and I had asked many times to go with them, but we were always met with an "it's safer here" or "don't you have something to clean?" so we finally gave up on leaving.

The sun was almost to its highest point in the sky as I sat on the marble staircase braiding Laura and Hannah's hair.

The weather had finally decided to cool down enough that we could lazily soak up the afternoon sun without the fear of dehydration.

I was about to announce that it was time for lunch when a boy around my age appeared out of the forest on a beautiful chestnut Haflinger horse with a pure white mane and tail.

It looked like an equestrian goddess, shining and shimmering in the sun.

"Good afternoon," he exclaimed, waving at us energetically.

"Girls, go inside and ask the cook for lunch. I'll be along shortly," I whispered, ushering them in and facing the stranger. He had short blonde hair and bright emerald green eyes on a statuesque face; he was exceptionally handsome.

He was also in nice green riding clothes, so I knew he had to be someone important.

"Good afternoon, may I help you? I asked, not moving from my spot as my sisters made their way inside quietly.

"My father sent me to inquire about purchasing this estate. Are your parents available?" his dashing, toothy smile never faltered as he climbed the stairs towards me.

"I'm afraid you've just missed them; they left for the market a short time ago. However, I will pass along the inquiry, who is your father?" I smiled politely, smoothing my dress as I stood up, waiting for his reply.

"You don't know who I am?" he asked, shocked, and I shook my head.

"I'm afraid I don't know anyone; I haven't left Nightingale since we arrived a week ago," I replied shyly.

"I see. Would you allow me to escort you to the market to find your parents?" he asked with a mischievous gleam.

"Um…I would love to, but my parents have made it very clear that I am not to leave the estate…but you can wait here if you want!" I blurted out, feeling a blush creep up my neck.

I wasn't sure why I didn't want him to leave just yet.

I bit my lip as he searched my face with his shining, emerald eyes.

"Okay, I'll stay, but only if the lady agrees to give me a tour of the property," he winked, and I mustered up all of my willpower not to grin like an idiot.

I found myself excited that he seemed to want to stay as well.

"Can we come too?" Hannah and Laura called hopefully from the doorway.

"Girls!" I hissed, "what have I told you about eavesdropping?"

"Please, Sister, can't we come help give the handsome boy a tour" Hannah giggled, skipping to my side before I could answer.

"Good afternoon, blonde sir, my name is Hannah, and I'm 13," she stated in the uppity voice she had used while picking out a room and extended her hand to the grinning boy, who shook it softly.

"Oh, why not" I heard Laura laugh as she joined us, "my name is Laura, and I'm 15. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, green eyes" this time, he extended his hand first.

All three of them looked at me expectantly.

"Unlike my rude sisters, I will begin by asking your name," I smirked, and they stuck their tongues out at me.

"My name is James, I'm 20, m'lady, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance…" he stopped awaiting me to give him my name.

"My name is Sophia. and I'm 18. Whatever necessity it is to give ages upon introduction," I added, throwing my sisters a quizzical glance, and they shrugged enthusiastically.

"Well, now that we are all acquainted, what are your intentions?" Hannah demanded, standing on her tiptoes, trying to look intimidating.

"With the tour or with your enchanting sister?" James asked seriously, not taking his eyes off me.

I looked at my feet, pretending to be interested in the stone beneath them.

I hoped my face wasn't as red as it felt.

"The tour, of course! Are you planning to buy our house?" Hannah demanded, squinting her eyes.

I'm sure she thought she looked menacing, but she just looked adorable in reality.

"Well, my father is interested in making Nightingale a sort of inn for his esteemed guests," James admitted tossing Hannah's braid over her shoulder.

She lost her concentration and landed on her bare feet in a huff.

"I hope he doesn't," Laura whined, "I don't want to go back to Hacilith."

"Now now, girls, we knew this was only temporary. Let's not make our guest uncomfortable," I motioned towards James, who had a concerned look on his perfect face.

"So, if my father buys the estate, you're leaving?" he directed his inquiry towards me, but Hannah nodded violently.

"Yep! Once the house sells, it's back to the land of blood and tar!" she exaggerated, holding her nose and neck.

"Please don't mind my sister. She wants to be an actress; it's too bad she's not. That. Funny" I glared at Hannah, who was now hiding behind Laura.

Before the conversation could continue, my mother called to us from the clearing.

"Girls! Come help me take in the food-" She looked at James, awestruck, and my parents fell to their knees "Your Majesty, what do we owe the honor of your visit?"

My sisters and I looked at one another wide-eyed and then at James.

"Your," Hannah whispered.

"Majesty," Laura and I finished in amazement.

We all knelt in front of James, but he was quick to get us all back on our feet.

"That isn't necessary, especially not for the family of Reginald and Julianne. Please stand," he instructed, pulling me up by my elbow.

I took in how soft and firm his hands were, "I am just here to check on the esteemed guests of Enchancia," He winked at me again.

I cocked my head to the side, hopeful that he wouldn't talk about the estate just yet.