Heart slamming against her ribcage, Miku struggled to maintain her composure as she linked arms with Kaito and walked with him out of the hovercraft. A white-haired woman with a boyish cut and eyes the same shade of midnight as Kaito's stood in the center while a young woman and a young man stood on each of her sides. She opened her arms and approached Kaito.

"My son is home at last!" Lady Shion exclaimed as she enveloped him in a hug.

Feeling awkward, Miku stepped away from Kaito. She bumped into Juliet CV02, who apologized and expanded the distance between them. Miku looked to the Juliet before looking away, part of her wanting to be polite to Kaito's family and another part wanting to cling to Juliet CV02 as the only familiar thing in this vastly unfamiliar place.

"Mother, Mother, please," Kaito tried to plead as Lady Shion planted kiss after kiss on his face.

When she was satisfied, Lady Shion pulled away and smiled at him. "You didn't make a habit of calling. This was simply my attempt to make up for all the days you left me without at least hearing your voice."

"Message to call more next time received," Kaito replied, smiling apologetically at his mother. "However, I did one thing you demanded of me."

"Demanded is such a strong word." Lady Shion shook her head. "I would rather use requested."

"I did the one thing you requested of me," Kaito corrected himself. He urged Miku to step forward, his shining eyes promising that everything was going to be okay.

Miku swallowed the lump in her throat and moved to stand by Kaito's side. She gathered all her self-control to curtsy low, chin tilted down. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lady Shion," Miku said, careful to speak clearly and respectfully. "I am Hatsune Miku of the Venus District."

To Miku's very surprise, Lady Shion picked Miku up from her curtsy and greeted the younger woman with a hug. Not sure what else to do, Miku loosely wrapped her arms around Kaito's mother in return. The woman smelled of sea salt and cocoa butter.

"Lady Shion is far too formal for the girl my son is courting," Lady Shion said as she pulled away from Miku and offered her a sweet smile. "Please, call me Ms. Yanhe."

"Yes, Ms. Yanhe," Miku replied, her comfort growing at the use of the lady's first name. Miku was so desperate to make a great first impression that she made a conscious effort to not even breathe wrongly. Now she exhaled with ease.

Ushering the other two forward, Ms. Yanhe introduced them. "The beautiful young lady is Kaiko, and the handsome man is Akaito. They are Kaito's cousins."

"That's right," Miku began before she realized she was speaking. "In the Summer Continent, it's tradition for lords and ladies bearing the surname to have a common sound in their given names as well." Face growing red, Miku softly finished, "In the Idun District, it's the kai sound for lords and ladies with the surname Shion."

"Yep, you're right," Kaiko said as she walked closer to Miku and curtsied. Giggling, she added, "Makes picking out a name for our kids easy since we can simply reuse a lot of older names if we don't have the creativity to make any with the kai sound up ourselves."

"The downside is a lot of names end up sounding to much alike," Akaito added, bowing to Miku. "My father was Makaito, Kaiko's was Kikaito, and Kaito's was also Kaito."

Miku frowned. "Was?"

"All three brothers died in a hovercraft accident when the children were young," Ms. Yanhe explained.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Miku looked to Kaito. "I had no idea."

Kaito merely shrugged. "Don't be sorry. It happened a long time ago."

"Still, I can't imagine losing my father. . . ."

"What's with the girl?" Akaito then asked, suddenly changing the subject.

Like everyone else, Miku shifted her gaze to Juliet CV02. She stood a couple feet away, arms behind her back and ready to serve Miku at her command. If Juliet CV02 was intimidated by the presence of so many important people, she didn't show it.

"Juliet CV02 has been sent to act as my shadow," Miku answered, looking back to Ms. Yanhe. "I have a history of fainting spells."

"Wait, she's a Juliet?" Akaito was clearly confused, which in turn confused Miku. However, the subject was not expanded upon.

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry to hear that." Ms. Yanhe ushered Miku and Kaito forward. "Come, let's stop standing outside like a bunch of trees. How about we go indoors for tea and cake? Ms. Miku, do you like cake?"

Unable to stop the grin from growing on her face, Miku replied, "I love cake."

As they followed Ms. Yanhe into the manor, Kaito draped an arm around Miku's waist and whispered in her ear, "I told you my mother would love you."

"She seems nice," Miku whispered back just as quietly.

"It's a good thing you think that." Kaito chuckled. "Mother doesn't waste her energy being nice to people she doesn't like."

While Ms. Hatsune and the Shion family gathered in the parlor to get to know each other, Rin was sent with Miku's bags to the room Miku would reside in during their stay at the Idun District. Keeping busy, Rin unpacked for her mistress and hung the dresses in the wardrobe. The simple chore did not take long, but it took long enough for Rin to temporarily be forgotten about.

In her own bag, which contained a few simple dresses, a nightgown, her pendent, and a bar of soap, Rin pulled out a tablet from a hidden compartment of her bag. Before she left Master Tonio's office, he had slipped her the tablet along with the bag she would be allowed to use for the trip. With the device, Rin was to keep the master updated on everything, whether she discovered something or she hadn't learned anything at all. She knew Kaito was also part of Master Tonio's team, but she didn't know what role he played. All Rin knew was she needed to keep up the simple Juliet front, nothing too difficult for someone nobody ever looked at twice.

After she powered on the tablet, Rin sent Master Tonio a quick message letting him know they had arrived safely. His immediate response was an order for her to explore the town to see what she could find. It was nonnegotiable that she go alone.

Won't a woman be in danger if she's caught walking around a busy town by herself? Rin asked.

Do you wish to disguise yourself as a man?

I wish to not be taken and assaulted. Am I being unreasonable?

It was a moment before Master Tonio answered. See if you can go with the Shion Juliets then. There are strict laws about injury to another's Juliet, but go with a group of others if it will make you feel safe.

I never feel safe, Rin thought but kept to herself. Changing from her travel dress to something a little nicer, Rin slipped the knife she snuck onto Lord Shion's hovercraft back into her boot. She then took an old scarf and tied it in her hair to keep her bangs out of her eyes.

Rin left the room in search of someone to ask when the Shion Juliets were to go out for errands. It crossed her mind nobody could be going out for errands any time soon, but Rin decided to prioritize her safety in a strange new city than to figure out whatever it is Master Tonio wanted her to discover. After all, she would argue, Rin would be absolutely useless to him if she was dead.

Walking into a kitchen, Rin saw a bunch of young girls talking loudly as they cooked that night's dinner, the seasonings a heavy aroma in the air. Their chatter quickly died when they saw Rin. They cast her curious glances.

"Who's in charge here?" Rin asked, disguising her unease. When she didn't get an answer, Rin tried again. "Please, is there anyone here I may speak with?"

The girls leaned close to their neighbor and began whispering. Rin picked up a few comments.

"¿Quien es esa chica?"

"¿Crees que es nueva?"

"Creo que ella está perdida."

They don't speak English, Rin understood, feeling embarrassed. She was about to excuse herself before another voice spoke.

"¡Deja de cotillear y vuelve al trabajo!"

The girls all silently returned to their tasks as a white-haired Alice stalked into the kitchen from another entrance. Her red eyes looked Rin up and down, trying to place her.

"I take it you aren't from around here," she said in a thick accent Rin was unfamiliar with.

Nodding, Rin replied, "I came with my mistress Hatsune Miku, Shion Kaito's companion." Rin couldn't bring herself to call Ms. Hatsune Lord Shion's sweetheart.

"As you can see, they are not here."

"I wanted to find someone to ask if any of the Juliets will be going on errands soon." Rin's heart felt it was going to burst, but she kept up her nonchalant appearance. "After spending so long on a hovercraft, I was hoping to find an excuse to go outside and stretch my legs."

The Alice crossed her arms. "I hate to be the one to disappoint, but Juliets don't run errands in this household. Only the Alices do that."

"Oh." Rin's heart deflated. Wanting to get out wasn't a total lie even if she didn't want to go out alone.

"Wait one moment," the Alice then said. "I'll be right back."

As she waited on the Alice, Rin shifted from foot to foot. The other Juliets looked at Rin and whispered again, although quieter than before. Rin didn't know if it was better or worse that she couldn't understand what they were saying.

"Here," the Alice said when she returned. She had a necklace with a wave emblem on it. "This signifies that you are from the Shion manor. Nobody who doesn't want trouble with the lord's family will touch you."

Rin accepted the necklace and threw the beaded chain over her head. "Is it really that simple?"

"Things must be different in your district. In the Idun District, Juliets who belong to the Shion family are above commoner Alices in terms of status."

Brows shooting up, Rin commented, "That is different."

"Here it's not only what you are but also whom you associate with," the Alice explained. "Anyone who sees that emblem will know you are under the protection of the Shion name and will think twice before so much as talking to you inappropriately. You should be fine."

"I see. Thank you." Rin curtsied.

The Alice waved Rin off. "No need to be so formal. I'm stuck managing these kooky hens every day, so I understand how much the need for fresh air and exercise can get to you."

"I still appreciate it, Miss . . . ?"

"Maika. Now get going before it starts to get dark. The emblem might help protect you in the day, but it's useless at night when all the law-abiding citizens go to bed."

"Understood." Rin curtsied one last time before turning around and walking out of the kitchen in search of the manor exit.

"Wait, you like to paint?" Kaiko stared at Miku with wide-eyed wonder. "I must see one of your works, if you don't mind."

"Perhaps another time," Miku mused, sipping from her tea. "I haven't uploaded any digital copies to my tablet, I'm afraid."

"Oh, such a shame." Kaiko pouted as she stared at her reflection through her own cup of tea. "I can't paint to save my life, but I do admire the works of artists. Tell me, Miku, do you have any plans for that talent? Do you think you yourself will want to paint as a profession?"

"I don't know, I never really thought about it." Miku pursed her lips. "The most I have ever done with my paintings after completing them is give them as a gift to a friend. Otherwise they just pile up in my room, covering every inch of my walls."

"Painting is such a wonderful talent to have," Ms. Yanhe said, smiling at Miku. "It's so therapeutic."

"That it is," Miku agreed, feeling comfortable with these people whom only hours before she was nervous to meet.

"We have a friend who's a painter," Akaito said, finally participating in this conversation.

Miku nodded, face splitting with joy. "Kamui Gakupo, correct? He's my favorite artist!"

"Is that so?" Ms. Yanhe laughed. "He and Kaito have been friends since they were children. Kaito, dear, do you think it's possible to invite Master Kamui over for dinner one night?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to think about that one," Kaito mused. He gently tapped Miku's foot with his own. "I wouldn't want to lose Miku's affections to my best friend and her favorite painter."

"Don't be ridiculous." Miku tapped his foot back. "I only have respect and admiration for Kamui Gakupo. You're the one who has my affections." Realizing she said that out loud, Miku looked away, face burning, and told Ms. Yanhe, "This tea is simply divine! What kind of tea is it, again?"

"White orange blossom," Ms. Yanhe replied. Miku didn't miss her knowing smile. "Anyway, Kaito, do you want to show Miku the gardens? Perhaps she might find some inspiration to paint for Kaiko out there."

Rin hugged herself, twisting and turning to avoid any accidental contact with the Idun District denizens. The brick buildings, pavement roads, and salty ocean air hit her as a stark contrast to the wooden shacks, dirt roads, and animal smells of her village. People in the city were far better dressed than Rin had ever seen of commoners, wearing colorful dresses with lace and pressed shirts with deeply colored coats.

Not even in the academy did Rin so much feel that she didn't belong. At least there she had other Juliets like her to show she wasn't the only one. Here, Rin was a sickly pale figure in a plain brown dress surrounded in a sea of people with healthy tan skin and clothes of the richest blues and brightest greens.

Everyone, from what Rin could tell, was happy. They lived in a rich city by the ocean and had the whole world at their disposal. Walking through the streets, Rin tried and failed to imagine what life here was like for people not like her.

Yet these people were nice to her. Everyone smiled at Rin and greeted her. It was if they either didn't know or didn't care that she was a Juliet. On the one hand, it was a little unsettling for how others treated Rin to suddenly become the opposite of what was normal. On the other, it was nicer than Rin wanted to admit to feel what it must be like to be an Alice.

I need to focus, Rin told herself as she ducked in and out of crowds. I need to find something I can report to Master Tonio. Only . . . what am I supposed to find?

During one of her moments outside of the crowd, someone jumped from between two of the shops and grabbed Rin from behind. Before Rin could so much as cry out in surprise, a rag of chloroform was forced onto her face.

Everything smelled so rich. Miku took a deep breath, committing the scents to memory. Pasta with shrimp and creamy sauce, grilled salmon in lemon juice, cornbread with butter – all delicacies of the Idun District.

As the main course was laid out, Miku continued to eat her salad. The chicken broth soup before was rich in garlic, and the salad was filled with nearly every color of the rainbow. Although Miku never doubted whether or not she was using the right utensils, there was still those thoughts in the back of her head reminding her to be the picture of etiquette while dining with Kaito's family.

While they ate, Kaito's family got to know Miku just as she got to know them. Ms. Yanhe had been widowed for years now, but she upheld the Idun District as well, if not arguably better, than her late husband. Akaito worked as a second-in-command of sorts to Kaito. He was charming in his own right, but Miku didn't fail to notice how Ms. Yanhe regarded him even if she couldn't make out what the woman felt about her nephew. Kaiko had a more humble position: head over the Alices who, in turn, acted as head of the Juliets.

"I like keeping a home looking pretty," Kaiko explained, smiling as if discussing some secret lover. "Why, I picked out tonight's menu and helped decorate the dining area for your arrival. Nothing but the best for my favorite cousin's lady friend."

"I have to say," Miku replied after she swallowed a bite of salmon, "you have remarkable taste."

It was true. The lace tablecloth was such a light shade of blue it appeared almost white, the china was decorated with sea green swirls like an ocean spirit, and even the mint curtains were pressed as they remained open to display the ocean view below.

Kaiko smiled, all of her teeth showing, and told Miku, "I'm afraid I can't take all the credit. My head Alice, Maika, keeps things on a tight leash. She evokes respect from the others while I, unfortunately, do not. My strength is in the aesthetic while hers is in leadership."

"Do not compare yourself to an Alice, my dear," Ms. Yanhe said, brows raised. "It is very unbecoming of a Cinderella."

"It is also unbecoming to not give credit where credit is due," Kaiko calmly replied, taking a sip from her glass.

"What of the Juliets?" Miku asked, unable to contain her curiosity. Ms. Yanhe and Kaiko both looked at her quizzically while Akaito smirked.

"We do not allow them out in the open," Akaito replied coolly.

"Whatever for?" Miku didn't see Kaito signaling her to stop until after the question was out of her mouth.

"They're a sight for sore eyes," Akaito answered. "Their skin is an unattractive shade of brown, and very few of them speak a word of English."

"I think brown skin is quite lovely," Miku commented, eyes narrowing. "My friend Ona has brown skin, and nothing about her stands out in a way that's sore to the eyes.

"You're friends with a Juliet?"

Miku blinked. Her first thought was of Juliet Cv02, but then she realized Akaito had not changed subjects. "Ona is a Cinderella."

"Ms. Miku," Kaito said slowly, leaning close to her so he could speak softly and still be heard, "it's different in the Summer Continent. Here, there are no brown skinned Cinderellas. They are either Juliets or Alices."

Frowning, Miku looked at Kaito and replied, "That isn't right."

"It's the way things are."

"This isn't a choice of the Idun District," Ms. Yanhe cut in, and she sounded somewhat apologetic. "As with the Equinox Continent and the Winter Continent, it's the Sisters who decide if a girl is a Cinderella, Alice, or Juliet. If the stars say a girl is a Juliet, then it shouldn't matter whether she has brown skin or white. Is it fair? Well, that's not my place to say. I wouldn't dare start an argument with a child of the goddess."

"We have a word for that in my district," Miku started, but Kaito stopped her from getting further.

"Please, let us continue in pleasant conversation," Kaito insisted. "Let's save the politics for another time. Preferably never."

Although it seemed everyone would go on pretending that nothing had happened, Miku couldn't deny the tense feeling in the air. For all the Summer Continent's beauty, Miku now had a glimpse at its one ugly flaw. Caste and skin color were practically interchangeable. This was something that had been under debate for many, many years. Those on the Equinox Continent theorized the Summer Continent Sisters were all pale skinned and showed favoritism to those who looked like them. Except there was no proof of this. It was argued in turn that it's not the Sisters who decide this but the goddess, and it wasn't as if anyone, including the Sisters, had a right to argue with the goddess.

For the first time in her life, Miku had no appetite for sweets. When the dessert course was served, she politely excused herself to her room on the reason she felt a migraine coming on. Miku didn't get very far before Kaiko jogged up from behind.

"I respect you for standing up for your friend like that," the female Shion cousin said. "What was her name again? Ona?"

Miku nodded. "I'm sorry. I didn't intend for the conversation to take such a controversial turn."

"Don't apologize. It's not your fault." Kaiko looked Miku over. "You're more than you appear at first glance."

Frowning, Miku asked, "Is that a bad thing?"

"No," Kaiko answered. "I only meant you didn't immediately strike me as one who cares for social justices."

"To be honest, I never believed myself to care for social justice either."

"What changed?"

What did change? Miku tried to find the answer only to realize how sheltered she had been for most of her life. "It was something I never had to think about until I joined the academy."

"At least you are thinking about it," Kaiko said. "Most people simply go along with what they have been told to believe."

"What do you believe?"

Kaiko must have rarely shared the answer, because she stopped Miku where they were, looked around to make sure nobody was in sight, and leaned forward to whisper, "I don't believe in the goddess. As far as I'm aware, this caste system is nonsense. The stars don't define our fate; women who isolate themselves from society and who take turns coming down whenever a girl is born and think, 'Well, we haven't given anyone a blood rose tattoo in a while,' define our fate. Yes, it's blasphemy. No, I don't care that it is."

Pursing her lips, Miku slowly digested Kaiko's words and pointed out, "But you're a Cinderella. You have no reason to dislike the caste system."

"Yes," Kaiko agreed, "but don't you think it's a little odd every Shion woman in the past one hundred years has been a Cinderella while only one out of twenty-five dark skinned girls are at the most Alices?"

"Those are . . . rather questionable odds."

"If they even are odds in the first place." As Miku frowned, Kaiko asked, "What do you think?"

"About what?"

"About the legitimacy of the caste system. Do you believe we're all destined to be queens or servants or something in the middle and there's no escaping that fate?"

Miku thought back to Len and the similar conversation they had all those weeks ago. "I met someone who believes we're all created equal," she said.

Shaking her head, Kaiko said, "Yes, but what do you believe?"

"Oh, well," Miku chewed her lower lip, "I suppose I don't believe anything at all."

"Not to call you out, but that's utter nonsense. Everyone believes something. Sure, sometimes there's the situation of not knowing what you believe, but saying you don't believe in anything really means you believe there's nothing to believe in. Is that clear, or have I lost you?"

"I understand what you're saying. Now that you mention it, perhaps I don't know what I believe."

"And there's nothing wrong with that," Kaiko said as she and Miku began walking back to Miku's room. "Doubt is healthy, and questioning everything means you won't take anything merely at face value."

"With all due respect," Miku began, "why are we talking about this?"

"If Kaito is to marry you," Kaiko said, "I want to make sure you're on his level."

Seeing Miku's raised brows, Kaiko laughed. "Sorry, I suppose you didn't expect me to be so blunt."

"I appreciate the honesty, so no need to apologize," Miku replied. Then, "Do you think Kaito and I are on the same level?"

Kaiko really thought about her answer. "On the one hand, he knows what he believes; but on the other, he doesn't put as much thought into his beliefs as he should."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that although, from what I have seen in the hours I have known you, I think you make a very good companion for my brother and see how deeply he cares for you."

"But?" Miku prompted.

"Forgive me for how this may sound, but you don't stimulate him intellectually," Kaiko slowly replied. "Don't misunderstand, I do like you and wouldn't be against your becoming part of the family, but I always thought Kaito needs someone to challenge him. You, I'm afraid, don't desire to step on any toes."

"Is it wrong to want to be liked, even at the cost of keeping quiet to avoid confrontation?" Miku asked.

"Heavens, no!" Kaiko answered. "I understand it's pressed upon most Cinderellas, if not all, that men only want a quiet wife, but I can see you're more opinionated than society allows you to be."

"'Either be a wife or have an opinion,'" Miku quoted.

"Yes, unfortunately." When they arrived to Miku's room, Miku surprised Kaiko by asking if she wanted to come in and play a game. "I'd be honored."

Yet as they entered the room, Miku felt at immediate disease. When Kaiko asked what was wrong, Miku answered, "Juliet isn't here."

"She's probably exploring, or running errands," Kaiko suggested. "I'm sure she's fine."

When Rin came to, she was tied against a wooden chair with rope that cut through her clothes and into her skin. She wiggled in discomfort. The action only succeeded in irritating her skin more.

"Oh, you're awake."

Suddenly a lamp was lit, igniting the whole room. Rin squinted her eyes and looked away the best she could. As her eyes adjusted, she looked around to find herself in a bare wooden room, sitting in front of a table in which the lamp sat on, and another girl sat on the other side.

Words didn't come to Rin. Her head hurt too much for that. The effect of the drug was also wearing off slowly as Rin did not yet feel the adrenaline of fear for her situation. She merely looked around as if she was in a dream. For all she knew, this was a dream.

"I've never seen a white Juliet before," this new girl said in an accent like Maika's. Despite the orange glow of the lamp, Rin could tell this girl had light brown skin and light brown hair. Her eyes glowed like the light from the lamp. "And with the Shion emblem, no less. How . . . interesting."

"I'm from the Hera District in the Equinox Continent," Rin explained, her words coming out in a slur.

"Any reason you're here?"

"My mistress is Lord Shion's potential fiancée." Somehow simply saying the words made Rin's chest ache. Her heart was probably starting to realize it needed to begin panicking.

The girl leaned back and crossed her arms. "What's your name?" she asked.

"Juliet CV02."

"No, your birth name."

Rin stared at the girl a moment before answering, "Kagamine Rin."

"Rin? I like it. I'm Galaco."

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Rin looked around the room again. It really was as simple as it appeared during her first look through. "Any reason I'm here?"

"Just to ask some questions. No more than that." Galaco leaned forward. "Are the rumors true? Have the Thorns made their move in the Equinox Continent?"

It took all of Rin's feeble self-control to not furrow her brows. "What rumors? I don't know what you're talking about," she lied.

"So, there is no rebellion in your home continent?"

"None I am aware of."

Galaco tapped her chin. "You don't know anything, do you?"

"I don't know anything about what?" Rin pursed her lips. "Is there something going on I need to know about? Is there a rebellion?"

"No, no need." Galaco sighed. Then, "What do you do for a living, Rin?"

"I serve at the Cinderella Academy."

"What are your tasks?"

"Cleaning, serving, preparing. The usual, really. I had more stimulating careers before my father sold me to the school."

"Oh, really? Such as?"

"Farming and tailoring." Rin left out working for the Christian pastor. It was he who taught Rin how to read and write. Although her village didn't like that Rin could read but Mistress Prima found it a reason to give Rin additional chores, the fact Master Tonio found most of his interest in Rin's intellect was reason enough for Rin to choose to keep that information to herself. She didn't know what Galaco wanted, and the more useless Rin appeared, the less Galaco would want to do with Rin.

"How fortunate you are to be sold for your work and not for your body." Galaco shook her head. She then asked, "Do you get out much?"

"Sadly, no," Rin answered, telling the truth this time. The rest was only half truth. "That's why I requested the permission to explore the city on my own. My mistress won't be needing me till tonight, so I tried to make the best of the situation."

Galaco frowned, clearly displeased to go through all this trouble of kidnapping someone only for that someone to have no information whatsoever. She looked past Rin and spoke to somebody Rin could not see. "This girl is useless. Let's return her before the Shion family starts looking for her."

Before Rin could process who stood behind her, another cloth of chloroform was forced onto her face.

I hope this doesn't become a normal thing, was Rin's last conscious thought before she went under again.

When Miku heard that a pale skinned Juliet was dropped off at the front doors of the Shion manor, she didn't care that she was in nothing but petticoats as she bolted from her room and flew down the stairs. She hoped it was Juliet CV02. Even more, she hoped the Juliet was all right.

Miku arrived in the parlor and came to a halt. Juliet CV02 lay on the couch, Kaito, Kaiko, and an Alice all standing over her. "What happened?!" Miku demanded as she rushed to Juliet CV02's side, kneeling and taking her small, frail hand in her own.

"We don't know," Kaito replied. "The gardener saw a group of suspicious individuals on the front lawn and realized they were carrying a body. He sounded the alarms, and these individuals escaped, leaving the body behind. The guards arrived to see the Juliet lying on the grass."

"She will be fine," the Alice said in a thick accent Miku had never heard before, removing a damp cloth from Juliet CV02's forehead. "I looked her over, and she seems mostly unharmed. Whoever drugged her did nothing immoral with her."

"Which begs the question, why?" Kaiko asked.

"Maybe she can tell us when she wakes up," Kaito answered.

"Later," Miku said, rising to her feet. "Take her to my room."

The Alice blinked, clearly not expecting Miku to give her an order. She looked to Kaiko, who nodded. However, Kaito had a different opinion.

"We should put her somewhere she can be watched until she can wake up and tell us what happened," he said.

"No," Miku argued. "She will sleep in my room where she can rest in peace, and when she is ready, then she will be questioned. I will not have her be interrogated while she's recovering."

"Ms. Miku, she could have time pressing information."

"Mr. Kaito, she will tell us such if she sees fit." Miku held the girl's hand tighter. "I trust her."

For a moment, Miku and Kaito stared at each other. It then occurred to Miku that this was the first time she and Kaito had disagreed about something. As they continue to stare at each, eyes narrowing, Miku also realized this was a topic they would not be agreeing on.

"Mistress Prima put Juliet CV02 in my care," Miku pointed out, "and I think that gives me the final say to what we do with her." To Kaiko, "If I may ask for the assistance."

"You may." Kaiko turned to the Alice. "You heard the girl, Maika. Ask any spare guards if they can carry this Juliet to Ms. Miku's room."

"As you wish, my lady," Maika replied with a slight curtsy.

After Maika left, Miku didn't fail to notice how Kaiko looked back and forth between her and Kaito. Finally, she said, "I want nothing to do with this," and walked away as well.

Miku and Kaito maintained eye contact a moment longer before Kaito said, "It is rude to defy me in my own home, Ms. Miku."

"It is also rude to decide what is to be done with my Juliet, Mr. Kaito," Miku countered.

"She is not your Juliet."

"While we are here, she is."

"You mustn't speak out as so," Kaito said. "It isn't becoming."

Jaw set, Miku replied, "Mr. Kaito, I fancy you greatly and am honored you asked me to spend the holidays with you and your family. However, I must admit to you now that if what you want is a quiet wife who will never defy you, then I cannot be the girl you marry. I will not tolerate injustice, nor will I tolerate your deciding how my Juliet is to be treated. Truly, am I asking for too much?"

For the longest minute in Miku's life, Kaito stood there without saying a word. "No, Miku. Your claims are reasonable. I must apologize for my rash behavior. I'm not used to be defied in my own home."

Miku dropped her chin, but only a little. "Apology accepted. Besides, I must say sorry as well. I should not have argued with you in front of your cousin and an Alice. It was disrespectful of me."

"All is forgiven." Kaito sighed. "You really do care for this girl, don't you?"

"Who will if I won't?" Miku slightly squeezed Juliet CV02's hand. She could almost imagine feeling the Juliet squeeze back.

Rin felt trapped. As she came to, she assumed the Thorns were smothering her. She kicked and clawed only to realize she was under a pile of thick blankets.

Feeling foolish, Rin slowly sat up. She was on the biggest, softest bed she had ever laid on. Never in her life had she been covered by so many comforters and quilts. The pillows were stuffed with feathers, and the dress Rin had been changed into felt to be made of silk.

As her eyes adjusted, Rin slowly came to realize where she was. She was in the Shion manor, inside the guest room for Ms. Hatsune. Scanning for her mistress, Rin was surprised to see the Cinderella asleep on a reading chair by the corner while Rin had the massive bed to herself.

Knowing Ms. Hatsune slept like a rock, Rin wasted no time getting to her feet and searching for the tablet. As it turned on, Rin silently cursed the bright light it produced. She quickly jumped back onto the bed and hid under the layers of blankets to keep the light from waking Ms. Hatsune.

When Rin typed her message to Master Tonio, she kept it quick and to the point.

Thorns located either in or near the capitol. I was taken against my will but released when I lead them to believe I had no information from the Equinox Continent. Threat potential: Unknown.

Master Tonio's reply was almost immediate. It might have helped the Summer Continent was six hours ahead. While it was the middle of the night here, it was evening there.

Good job, Rin. I will let you know if there are any other ways you can assist me. For now, enjoy your visit.

"Enjoy your visit." Rin could almost scoff at the comment. She was drugged and kidnapped, and his response was to enjoy her visit.

Quickly Rin turned off the tablet and put it back in its hiding place. Unsure what to do, Rin decided to go back to bed to give the impression she did not wake the entire night. Then Ms. Hatsune's voice interrupted her in motion to the bed.

"Juliet?"

Reluctantly, Rin approached Ms. Hatsune and kneeled by her side. "I'm here."

"Oh, thank heavens!" Ms. Hatsune exclaimed, reaching out through the dark and taking Rin's hand. "I got so worried when we realized you were gone. I was afraid something bad happened to you."

"Wait," Rin furrowed her brows, "you were actually worried about me?"

"Yes. Is that hard to believe?"

"It's just . . . ," Rin muttered, not knowing what she was saying until she said it, "I'm not used to being cared about. I'm not a person worthy of anyone's concern."

"I don't believe that," Ms. Hatsune replied. "Every person is important. Including you."

Rin felt her heart stop. Nobody since Nero had called her important. Nobody since Nero made her believe she mattered. Not trusting herself to speak, Rin kept quiet as she blinked back tears.

"Are you hurt?"

"No."

"Are you okay?"

Rin blinked. "Am I okay?" she questioned.

"How are you feeling?" Ms. Hatsune explained. "Emotionally?"

"Scared," Rin admitted, lip wobbling.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not now." Rin laid her head on the armrest. "Right now, I want to sleep and pretend it was all a bad dream."

"Then sleep."

When Ms. Hatsune didn't stand, Rin said, "I hope you don't mean in your bed. Ms. Hatsune, you lie on your bed and rest. I'll sleep on my cot. I don't need a fancy bed to get proper rest."

"If that's what you wish." Without wasting a second, Ms. Hatsune rose from the chair and began approaching her bed. Then she did something unusual. She turned around and wrapped her arms around Rin.

Rin froze, unsure what to do. Blood rushed through her ears. Then, ever so slowly, she placed her hands on Ms. Hatsune's shoulder blades in an awkward attempt to return the hug.

"I'm so happy you're all right," Ms. Hatsune whispered before she let go and went to bed.

If it wouldn't have given Ms. Hatsune reason to be concerned, Rin would have stood there all night questioning the contact. She didn't know when was the last time she had been hugged. Questions of whether or not it was appropriate for a Cinderella to hug a Juliet popped into her mind.

When Rin lied on her cot and wrapped up in her blankets, she spent all night staring at the ceiling as her mind demanded answers she didn't have to the questions she didn't know why she was asking.