There was something about the salty tangy breeze after a rainy day that stood out. It filled my nose and burned my eyes with it's musky scent, reminding me of my tears from earlier. I couldn't believe that just earlier I felt as if my world had came tumbling down. The night was so calm and beautiful and it made me realize that with every storm there's always a serene peace that follows. I couldn't help but giggle thinking about how silly it was to think my world had ended when it was barely beginning. I skipped along the boardwalk listening to each squeaky step until I came to a shack with it's door wide open. I saw my father with his long teal beard and his eyes that squinted as he wrote with his dainty quill. He must still be working on that encyclopedia he's planning on getting published.

"Permission to enter, captain?" I shouted as my father looked up and smiled.

"Permission granted." He answered as he stood up and opened his arms that greeted me warmly as I ran to them.

"Oh father, I love your hugs."

"You're too sweet." Alphonse said between chuckles as he sat me down and headed towards the stove. "You're in luck, the cocoa is about ready to serve." He said as he took the kettle and pour it into the cup in the other hand.

"Why thank you. I can always rely on your cocoa to cheer me up." I responded as I took the hot porcelain cup that warmed my frigid palms.

"Oh...is it another one of those boys?" He said with a pause as he set the kettle down and looked back up with a smirk. "I told you, just give me a name and place and I'll teach them a listen. Everyone's scared of your mother the monster carver when they should all be scared of me; 'Alphonse the Worthy'.

"Oh father, don't be silly. None of those boys have a chance." I said between chuckles.

"Well, Clipsey. You know that I hate seeing my little rosebud get her sweet heart hurt."

"I know, but don't worry about it. Boys will be jerks that you have to walk away from and girls will only grow and eventually rise to power."

"What? Is this your way of saying that on your coronation day I'll have to wear black? Because of all the funerals of those boys that messed with the wrong Clipsey?" He said as he hugged me and snuggled his scratchy teal beard against me.

We both laughed as we shared our cocoa and joked around for the rest of the night. I adored being in my father's presence since he always knew how to comfort me and make me forget my worries. The clock ended up striking midnight and I gasped in horror. I hadn't been keeping track of time and I knew mother most likely wouldn't worry, but that didn't justify being out so late. I exchanged my good nights with father and hurried as fast as I could to Butterfly Castle.

After a refreshing warm bath of lavender the bed felt more welcoming with each minute as I yawned continuously.

"Eclipsa, darling, can we talk?" My drowsiness was interrupted with a quiet voice. I quickly turned around and saw my mother towering among me in her red pajamas and pig-goat slippers.

"Oh mother! Of course we can." I answered immediately as I held open the door to my room for her.

"Thank you. Look, I heard you had been crying earlier. A few of the maids and servants reported it to me when I arrived from the war meetings an hour ago." She explained as she took me into her lap and played with my hair.

"Oh that? It's okay, it's nothing to worry about anymore." I assured her as I brushed her hand away.

"That's the problem. I'm not there when you need someone. We can't have that anymore. I've been so preoccupied with these war meetings that I haven't had much time for you." She said as she set her hand on mine. "I'm now allowing you to join me at these meetings. You'll be getting the wand soon. So, I figured it be a great time to get a head start on your queen duties."

"Oh...so this means I get the wand soon?" I asked curiously yet filled with excitement as I jumped off the bed.

"Yes, it does technically mean that. But hold on." She said as she grabbed my hand and pulled me back to sit down. "I think you need to learn the ropes first. Then I'll give you the wand." She explained as I shrieked with joy.

We continued speaking catching up with each other. She gave me updates with her meetings while I told her how I saw my father leaving out the details of my failed relationship. It's not that I trusted Alphonse more, but just the mere fact if I were to let the Monster Carver know her precious daughter was dating a monster would literally cause her to flip. She'd probably go berserk and be so disappointed and angry with me. If anything, she may blame my Uncle Jushtin since he's so nonchalant with who he associates with. Ugh, I forgot about my planned visit with uncle tomorrow, which was actually technically later that day now. I said my good night to my mother and went to bed immediately. I was beyond exhausted and just wanted to sleep forever.