Adish jumped on his horse wearily, and wiped his sweaty forehead. They had been traveling all day and were probably going to have to do the same tomorrow. 'At least the battle's over.' They ahd fought the centaurs and won, getting the town back into place. Now, finally, he was able to go back to the palace. Leaves were turning colors and even more leaves were falling. It was chilly out, but Adish was sweating.

"Tired, any?" Asked one of the Own behind him. It was Keladry. She was nice enough for a lady squire, but Adish didn't approve. He just tried not to scowl and replied with a blunt "Yes.".

"I just can't wait to get back. You know, they say that the Queen has been planning a ball for after we come back."

"Yes, I heard." Adish said as sweetly as possible. He urged his horse on so that the girl, Kel wouldn't talk to him anymore. He was tired, hungry and grumpy. All he wanted was to go home.

For the next few days, Kaden waited and waited for the Own to get back. She also tried to avoid Allan at all costs. He was always with the Ambrose girl. She saw them flirt in the courtyard and cringed. Kaden ran down the hall to her room where she picked up a quill and a piece of parchment and started to write a reply to their letter to her.

Duke Nash and Dutchess Sada of Blue Harbour,

I would probably have called you 'ma and da', but I stopped myself. I don't want to get carried away.

How are things at home? How are the twins and Fianola? Did Lalita, Markus and Galen make it back? I hope they made it safely.

I am fine, don't worry. I don't know exactly how I'm going to work out finding my parents, but I know I will find them. Somehow, I know.

I miss you all terribly. Please come visit soon.

Sorry for the short letter. I love you all!

Kaden.

There was a knock at the door after dark. She hadn't gone to dinner. She wasn't hungry. Actually, she hadn't left her room all day, and she was bored. Sitting on her bed, she jumped up to answer it. Then she remembered it would probably be Allan and Ambrose, ready to cheer her up. Frankly, she wasn't in the mood to see either. She opened the door.

"Kaden, you weren't at dinner." It was only Allan, which was a luxury to her; she usually only saw Allan with Ambrose, and now that she was around all day, Allan seemed to forget about her.

"I wasn't hungry."

"Making excuses won't get you out of trouble. Something's wrong. I know it."

"Maybe. Maybe not. Now, I have some reading to do, so, if you please?" She actually didn't have any reading to do, but she tried to close the door on him anyways. It didn't work. He used all of him muscle to push it back open. "What do you want?" She asked, exasperated.

"I want to know what's wrong. Please tell me."

"You courted her, didn't you?" Kaden asked after a moment of silence. Allan hesitated.

"I courted Ambrose, if that's what you're asking, but I'm not now. Why?"

"You've ditched me for her! I thought you were supposed to take care of me?" She turned around, the familiar sting of tears in her eyes.

"I never did that! You just never hung out with us! Look, Kaden, you're my friend. I would never ditch you. I promised to take care of you, no matter what. I still am."

There was silence after his comment. Kaden stuggled not to cry. Instead she fiddled with her fingers.

"Kaden..." He turned her around and saw the tears. Then, he took her to the bed and he hugged her. She didn't struggle, but she let the tears fall. Silently, she cried her problems away, and Allan held her. When she finally calmed down, she was half asleep. Allan stood up and she woke up. She stood up with him and smiled.

"Thanks, Allan." And with that, he leaned in and kissed her timidly. She kissed him back. His lips were soft and warm. She wanted him to kiss her forever, but when he finished, he slowly left the room. Kaden smiled to herself and slipped into bed.