The next morning, the sound of birds chirping fills my chamber. I open my eyes and immediately sit up, unsure where I am. I look around the events of the day before crashing down on me. That's right, I'm the Princess elect, it wasn't a dream after all. I sigh and get up. I go through my closet and choose the simplest dress in there. It was a simple black dress with a red sash, red lace edges, and some red flats. There was a ruckus outside my door.

"It's the King! Hurry!" I hear Nico call.

I get up, open my door and look around, trying to figure out what was happening. I see Nico in the hallway.

"His Majesty, the King, has—" Nico pauses when he sees me. He presses a finger against his lips then walks down the hallway. I quickly follow him to the King's room.

"There was never a more inopportune time for his Majesty to fall ill."

I gasp quietly. The King has fallen ill?

"My dear liegemen, I apologise for worrying you so." Someone calls out. I realise it must be the King. "Though appreciated, your concern is turning into panic. Have you forgotten the new princess elect?"

My eyes widen, he means me! I try to steady my breathing as the weight of being the princess hits me.

"Forgive my brazenness, Your Majesty, but the severity of the situation eludes you." One Bureaucrat says.

"Should the worse come to pass and the throne be rendered vacant, Stein is certain to strike!" Another calls.

If Stein attacks, what would happen to everyone? Alyn would have to go to war. I have to protect everyone, that's what my role as princess means. But can I do that? I glance to the side and see Leo headed my way. He smiles and wraps an arm around my shoulders.

"What's wrong, Nixie?"

"Huh?" I look up at him startled. "Oh, it's nothing. Can you let me go?"

"Aww, and here I was hoping you'd fallen for me," Leo smirks.

"Not now, this isn't the time." I frown. "Why didn't anyone tell me the king was ill?"

"The king, huh?" He smiles softly and runs a finger across my furrowed brow. "I know the king's sick and, but if you keep your face scrunched up like that for too long, it might freeze that way." He lets out a small chuckle. "That whole diplomatic mess has nothing to do with you."

"But it does!" I exclaim.

"You're technically the princess, but only in name. So far, anyway. Leave the difficult stuff up to Giles, and you'll find most things work themselves out." Leo says.

I shake my head. "That's the easy way, I don't like that. I might be new, but I won't sit back and leave the tough stuff to others. That's not the kind of princess I intend to be."

"You've grown up so much," Leo whispers.

Taking a deep breath, I fling open the door to the king's chamber and make my way inside.

"I hope His Majesty will forgive this sudden intrusion." I hold my head high.

"What the–" Alyn starts. I glance over and meet his gaze.

"Princess!" Giles exclaims.

I ignore him and the rest of the bureaucrats, instead focusing on the king.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. My name is Nixie." I speak clearly. "Being chosen princess elect is an honour I accept with great humility. I pledge to do everything in my power to help and serve Wysteria and its people. I swear on my life I will protect this kingdom." I kneel down in the most formal curtesy I knew.

"A splendid introduction. And delivered with the eloquence fitting for a true Wysterian Princess."

I look up at the king.

"I expect great things from you, Princess Nixie."

I smile, stand up and glance around, not everyone seemed to agree with him, but no one dared speak out.

"With such a strong princess to take the helm, I practically have the privilege of collapsing at my own leisure." The King smiles.

"Your Majesty, now really isn't the time to make such jokes." Giles chides.

"Oh, come on, Giles. Laughter is said to be the best medicine." The King chuckles.

Giles lets out a small sigh at the king's words. "Friends, though your concern is appreciated, His Majesty requires peace and quiet for a speedy recovery."

The grumbling flock of bureaucrats proceed to exit the king's chamber. I stand off to the side, observing the procession. Alyn approaches me.

"Hey, Nixie." There was a defiant light in his eyes. "I don't like people who are all talk and no action. What I don't like even more is the idea of putting my neck on the line for them. You'd better prove yourself." He turns and begins to leave.

"And when have I ever been like that Alyn?" I call.

He pauses and looks back at me. "I don't know, a lot changes in 12 years." He smiles and leaves with a swish of his cape.

I watch him go, surprised. He remembers?! Louis crosses my vision, and I blink, watching him leave.

"Princess Nixie." The King calls.

I look over at him, and he beckons me over. I make my way to his bedside.

"I have a question about your introduction."

"Oh?" I nod.

"The last part. It seemed similar to a Knights oath. Why did you choose that?" He asks.

"I guess because when I was little one of my friends was becoming a knight and I wanted to do that but I couldn't. So now I want to do all I can to protect everyone." I say.

"And your friend? He was Alyn, was he not?" The King questions.

"I— how'd you know?" I ask.

"Your behaviour with him. You act like you knew him before coming to the palace."

I smile. "I did. We were good friends until... My mother died, and I moved away. He saved me when I was 16. I ran away from home, and he helped me. Now it's my turn to help him."

"You deserve this." He reaches up and places something atop my head. "Now you really are the princess."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I smile.

"My lady, this way please." Giles leads me to the door. "Marvelous show, Princess."

"What? Oh." I glance down, my cheeks flushing.

"A strong spirit is the mark of talent this shall make the task of teaching you all the more enjoyable." Giles lifts my chin, a small smile crossing his face. "The tiara upon your head is proof that you are capable in His Majesty's eyes."

My eyes widen, I really am the princess now.

Giles backs up. "The palace chamberlain is tasked with the princess elect's education. I rather look forward to our lessons together, don't you, my lady?"

"I suppose."

"I should have liked to begin our curriculum today, but with the Kings health, as it is, I must attend to him. You're free to pass the day as you like." He smiles then calls down the hall. "Nico."

Nico, who had been patiently waiting in the background, comes forth.

"Please tend to the princess for the rest of the day."

"Understood." Nico nods.

Giles promptly turns around, vanishing back into the King's chamber. Nico watches him go, then turns to me.

"So how about that bold declaration in front of the King and palace officials?" He asks.

"I think 'bold' might be an exaggeration," I mutter. "But thanks to the king's blessing, I'm starting to feel up to the task of being the princess."

"That's... good." His response lacks his characteristic enthusiasm. "but Your Highness– What about your life before the palace. are you really okay with leaving that all behind?"

"I guess, but there is one thing. Maybe you could help me with something, Nico?" I look up at him. "Tonight, and only tonight, I need your help to sneak out of the palace."

"I don't agree with this Your Highness," he sighs. "But I'm here to help."

I smile and explain my plan.

The moon towers high above in the midnight sky. I silently slip out of my chamber into the deserted hallway. The sound of the midnight bells reverberates throughout the castle. I hastily descend the crimson-carpeted stairs, lifting my skirt so as not to trip. Nico was waiting for me outside with a horse. I get out and look at Nico.

"Thank you for doing this Nico. I know you don't like this. But don't worry I can protect myself." I smile at Nico then reach out and pet the horse.

"I know you can." He smiles. "Just be careful."

"I will." I start to mount the horse.

"What are you doing here, Princess?"

I look over, surprised to see Alyn.

"And here I thought you had accepted your royal duties. Are you trying to escape?" His voice and eyes were cold.

"I wasn't trying to escape," I reply, bringing my foot down from the stirrup. "I wanted to give a message to the child who asked me to search for something." I show Alyn the letter I had written for Lilly.

He watches me carefully. "This thing you were searching for... Was it what you snuck into the palace to find?"

"I didn't sneak in, you let me in. But yes, that's it." I huff. "I couldn't find it, so I wanted to apologise to her."

"Are you crazy?" Alyn frowns. "Don't get the palace staff caught up in your personal affairs."

"Would you rather me go without telling anyone?" I ask.

Alyn ignores me. "I believe you told His Majesty that you would fulfil your duties as princess."

"Yes, but–"

He cuts me off. "Then don't get sidetracked or involve others in your personal affairs. Otherwise, no one will accept you as their princess."

I know he's right, but I still need to do this. "I'm sorry," I bite my lip. "But I need to do this. I won't do it again, but I need to help her. I won't let her suffer like I did."

Alyn sighs. "Just for tonight, understood?"

"What?" I stare up at him. "Really?"

"Yes, really. Now let's go before Giles finds us." Alyn mounts and holds out his hand. I take it, and he pulls me up. I get settled behind him and hesitantly wrap my arms around him. He glances back at me before riding off. I look back at Nico, he gives me a small wave then heads inside. When we get out of the palace grounds, the roads become much rougher. Even though I have been on horseback many times, I find it tricky to stay on with the bumpy roads.

"Hold on tightly, or you'll fall." Alyn glances back at me.

I roll my eyes. "I know what I'm doing Alyn."

Just as I say that the horse gets spooked by something and rears up. I lose my grip and slip off the saddle. I brace myself for impact with the ground, but it never comes. Instead, I feel a hand grab my wrist and yank me back. I look up surprised and stare at Alyn.

"You saved me." I murmur, breathless.

Alyn frowns and looks away. "That's my job isn't?"

"Yes but still..." I glance down at my hands, they were shaking slightly. I quickly hide them in my lap, I can't let him see how shaken up I was.

Alyn stares at my hands then takes them and wraps them around his waist. "Hold on tighter this time. I thought you said you knew what you were doing?" he flashes me a teasing smile.

"I do!" I let out a short breath of air to show my annoyance.

Alyn shifts in the saddle. His eyes widen as his gaze falls on something around my neck. "Where'd you get that?"

I look at him confused then raise a hand to my neck. My necklace that held the key he gave me had slipped out from under my blouse. "It was given to me."

"I— never mind." He turns back around.

He keeps silent the entire ride to Lilly's house. When we arrive, I dismount, and Alyn finally looks at me.

"I don't know how long this will take. You can go back if you need to." I tell him.

Alyn just stares at me and keeps his mouth shut. Without another word, I turn around and head to the house.

It's nearly dawn before I leave Lilly's house. As I walk out, I stare at the sky. Dawn was always so pretty. I love being out at night.

"Geez, how long does it take you to deliver a letter?"

I jump slightly and turn around. Alyn is still here, holding the reins and glaring at me slightly.

"Alyn you're still here?!" I wince at the loudness of my voice. "I didn't think you'd still be here. I'm sorry it took so long, Lilly and I had a lot to talk about."

"Did you explain everything?" he asks.

I nod. "I did. I also promised to bring her some medicine for her mother. I can at least do that for her."

"And how do you plan on getting it?" Alyn questions.

"I'll ask Giles; maybe he can give me some." I shrug. "She seems pretty happy with me though."

A smile creeps up on my face as I remember Lilly's response when I told I was the princess elect.

"Really? That means you won't have to work hard for food anymore." Lilly grins at me. "You can finally spend time doing other stuff you wanted to do. Like finding your knight in shining armour."

I laugh and smile at her. "I think I already found him. It might just take a little for him to get to know me."

"He will Nixie, he will."

"You look happy," Alyn comments, bringing me out of my daze.

"Yes, I'm okay now." I smile.

"You're 'okay?" He pauses for a moment before speaking again. "Are you really sure about this? About becoming Princess? You seem to like Lilly."

I cock my head at his words then think about it. I look down. "I don't know. I love Lilly with all my heart, but I couldn't do anything to protect her. Now I can. I will not let her suffer the same sadness that I did."

"So that's why you agreed." Alyn gives a small smile. "You wanted to protect her."

"Yes, I wanted to protect the ones I hold dear." I nod. 'But you seem to be able to protect yourself now.' I think, fighting a blush. "I want them to have a better life than I did."

His smile widens. "I see." he steps towards me. "In that case, I'll protect you. It's a knight's duty to keep his princess safe." His eyes shine brightly, and his smile was warm. "If you're really serious about this I will protect you with my life. So make sure you give it all you've got, all right?"

"I'm looking forward to your support." I meet his eyes.

He searches my face then smiles at what he finds.

"I think you'll do fine," Alyn says softly.

The sky was already light when we arrive back at the castle. I glance at the castle while Alyn puts his horse away. I look back over at him, he meets my gaze.

"Thank you for your help, Alyn. Be careful sneaking back inside, okay?" I head for the door.

"Wait, are you planning to head back inside by yourself?" Alyn asks.

"Yeah," I nod

He gives me a look of disbelief. "You think you can make it without the maids spotting you?"

"Maybe I can. You never know." I shrug.

"You wait here. I'll stop by my room and come right back." He starts for the door.

"For what?" I ask.

"I need to change. I'm too conspicuous in these clothes." Alyn leaves.

I sigh and look around the stables. I walk over to Alyn's horse. I pet his nose. "Thank you for taking us out. You did really well. I don't blame you for my fall, it wasn't your fault."

The horse nudges my hand. I laugh and run my fingers through his mane.

"My goodness, this is a tangled mess!" I exclaim. I go grab a brush and begin to comb out the tangles. "It's alright, I won't hurt you. I just want to comb your mane."

He watches me carefully, unsure about me. "It's alright. See you're fine." I finish his mane. "Now you're free of tangles."

"I'm surprised he let you do that," Alyn says from behind me.

I turn around. "Why's that?" I put the brush away and walk over to Alyn's side.

"He doesn't like having his mane brushed," Alyn replies, walking out of the stables.

"I guess he just likes me." I smile.

Alyn chuckles and leads me through the palace. We carefully pick our way through the hallway, making sure there was no one around. We make it to my bedroom. I breathe a sigh of relief as I close the door.

"Looks like we made it," Alyn says.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." I smile at him.

"I suppose this is part of my job. See you." He puts his hand on the doorknob just as there's a knock.

"Princess Nixie?" Someone calls, I couldn't tell who.

"Shit," I mutter. If someone finds me like this, with Alyn, I'll get him in trouble, and they'll know I left the palace.

Alyn pulls on my arm. The next thing I know, we're behind a curtain. And Alyn is embracing me. I gasp, and I can feel my heart beating fast, I'm sure he can feel it too.

"Alyn?" I murmur.

"Quiet!" He whispers.

I shiver at his low voice in my ear. I nod silently and try to calm my heart. The door creaks open, and Alyn holds me tighter.

"Your Highness? Are you there, M'lady?" I recognise Nico's voice.

It was only Nico, he knows we left the palace, but we can't come out, not like this! We stay as still as possible, hoping Nico will leave. I glance up at Alyn, he's watching Nico, calm despite our situation. Suddenly I feel his breath blow past my ear. I tense up, feeling my face grow red.

"Guess she isn't back yet," Nico mutters to himself.

Only when the door closes I let out the breath, I didn't know I had been holding. After a moment Alyn carefully peeks around the curtain.

"He's gone." He says.

I nod silently and step away from Alyn. He steps back and looks at me.

"Is your face alright?" He asks, his tone teasing.

I look away and bring a hand up to my cheek. "Damn it," I mutter under my breath.

"Well, I'm heading back."

"Hmm, oh yes. Thank you very much." I break out of my daze.

"Don't worry about it. Bye." Alyn leaves the room.

As soon as the door closes I feel the fatigue set in, I'm suddenly exhausted and flustered. I walk over to my bed, bury my face in a pillow and just screamed. He couldn't do that to me, cradle me in his arms then just leave. I roll over and stare at the ceiling. Why does he make me feel like this? I run a hand over my face. I have duties as the princess, I don't have time to deal with things like this. I lay there for a little while longer until Nico returns.

"Princess Nixie, you've returned!" Nico let out a sigh of relief.

"Sorry I took so long." I smile, sitting up on the bed.

"Not at all, M'lady. What matters is that you're home safely. Breakfast will begin shortly. Do you think you're up to it?"

"Up to it?" I tilt my head.

"Well, I'd imagine that staying up all night would affect your appetite," Nico says.

I couldn't help but smile at Nico's caring gesture. "Thank you, Nico. I think I'm up for it."

Nico gives me a smile in return and leads me to breakfast. I sit down and eat a little. Giles approaches me with a warm smile.

"Well, your Royal Highness, are you ready for today's schedule?" He asks. "We'll begin with regional languages, history, and imperial studies, followed by a light lunch. In the afternoon, we'll go over etiquette, practice your regal walk, and then take a short rest..."

My eyes widen, this was all in one day?

"...And that's it, your Highness. I look forward to assisting you with your new duties. From here on out, I am at your service."

"Yes, thank you." I nod absentmindedly.

"If I may, my lady?" Giles speaks up again.

"Hmm?" I look up at him.

He reaches a hand out to me. His fingertips brush my cheek, tracing around my face. My cheeks flush.

"You look rather pale, my lady. Did you sleep poorly?" He asks.

My eyes widen slightly, and I look away. "I'm fine. I just had trouble falling asleep last night after everything that happened yesterday."

"Of course. No need to worry." He smiles. "By the time you finish today's curriculum, I guarantee you'll sleep with no trouble."

"Basically I'll be exhausted," I mutter.

"Remember, a princess doesn't live a life of leisure. Nor does she do whatever she please. I've made sure of that with this schedule." He gives me a different smile.

My face pales. He couldn't possibly know about last night, could he?! "O-of course."

Giles nods, a satisfied look on his face.

Before I knew it, we were halfway through the day. I decide to use the short break Giles permitted me to take a walk outside and shake off my fatigue. I wander through the garden when I hear the clang of metal. I follow the sound to the Royal Wysterian Guards' training hall. I stand to the side watching the Knights practice. I spot Alyn among the Knights.

"You there! Keep your legs steady!" He calls.

"Yes, Captain!" A knight corrects himself.

I watch Alyn, mesmerised. I make a note of everything he says, keeping it in mind for when I practice.

"Oh! Isn't that the princess elect?" A knight calls.

"It is!" Another agrees.

Oops, I had been spotted. The Knights all pause their training.

"Focus, men!" Alyn yells.

The knights hurry back into formation. I bite my lip and start to head back, but Alyn approaches me. He didn't look very happy.

"What are you doing here?" He asks.

"Giles gave me a short break, so I took a walk," I reply.

"They let you wander around alone?" He frowns. "At least get someone to accompany you."

"I can take care of myself. You know very well I can take you on in a fight." I huff.

He gives me a small smile then pauses. "Your eyes are red."

I blink. "Oh, really? Well, I haven't slept in a day. What about you? You were up all night too."

"I'm fine. I can handle it." Alyn replies.

"Oh! If it isn't Nixie."

I turn around and spot Leo.

"Good afternoon, my lady. You're looking lovely again today." He smiles.

I roll my eyes. "Oh shut up. You know I don't. I'm a mess." Then I notice Alyn tilt his face to hide his expression. I frown and open my mouth.

"I need to get back," Alyn says and turns around.

"Alyn—" I start then stop. I sigh then head back to the palace, Leo following behind me.

"Leo?" I call softly.

"Hm?" Leo smiles at me.

"What happened? Why don't you two get along anymore? Alyn used to be so playful." I whisper.

Leo smiles playfully. "The two of us are alone, and Alyn is still the only one you talk about. A guy could get jealous." He pulls me towards him.

I look down, backing up slightly.

"No need to be shy, Nixie." Leo murmurs.

"Answer my question, Leo." I give him a pointed look.

Leo sighs. "He changed after you left. I don't know why."

"But what happened?" I press. "You two used to get along."

"Nothing happened. Nothing you need to worry about." Leo gives me another smile.

I frown and look away. I know that smile means the topic is closed, but that still doesn't answer my question. I mean they used to have fights, but they would still get along. Was it only because of me? What happened?

"You seem quite concerned," Leo says softly.

"What?" I look up at him.

Leo grabs my arm, backing me against the corridor wall. He places both arms against the wall behind me, trapping me.

"Leo?" I meet his eyes hesitantly.

He smiles down at me, caressing my cheek. "You were always so kind. Choose me as your suitor, and I'll tell you everything. You want to know what happened, don't you?" His breath dances across my lips.

I suck in a breath and stare into his eyes. Leo laughs and backs up.

"You really are adorable." He smiles. "I suppose I'll leave it at this for today. See you soon, Nixie." He turns and heads down the hall.

"Damn it, Leo!" I yell.

He just laughs and continues down the hall. I let out a scream and throw my hand up.

"Why does this happen to me?" I mutter.

"Princess?"

I look up and see Nico standing before me.

"Oh Nico," I blink in surprise all my previous frustration gone.

"Are you alright?" He asks.

I wave the question away. "I'm fine."

Nico eyes me suspiciously. "Okay. Giles wanted me to get you for your next lesson."

I nod, and Nico leads me away. The rest of the day passes rather quickly. That night Giles summons me to his study. I open the door and let myself in. The first person I see when I enter was Alyn. My eyes widen, but I don't say anything. My cheeks flush as our eyes meet. My mind automatically goes to the events of this morning. The way his strong arms so carefully held me makes my pulse quicken.

"Your Highness?"

I break out of my daze. "Oh, uh yes?"

"I imagine your highness would like a break from all this studying." Giles smiles. "Would you like to go outside for a bit?"

I cock my head. "Outside?"

Giles continues. "Starting tomorrow, your highness will be trained in the equestrian arts, horseback riding and such." He turns towards Alyn. "Your teacher will be Sir Alyn."

I immediately look towards Alyn, who's leaning against the wall. Alyn will be teaching me? Alyn seems just as surprised as me at this.

"Excuse me?" Alyn asks. "My duty is to protect the princess elect, not to teach her how to stay on a horse."

"Yes, but what if something were to happen and her highness needed to know the basics of riding?" Giles questions. "Who better to teach her than the man most likely to be there in her time of need?"

Alyn pauses before speaking up again. "As a knight, my principal duty is to guard the palace." He turns towards the door starting to leave.

"Alyn, wait!" I call.

"You'd probably prefer someone less strict to teach you anyway." Without another word, he opens the door and disappears.

"You weren't before." I murmur quietly.

Giles sighs. "Sir Alyn doesn't seem to realise that this is an order."

I look away from the closed door. "Giles, I wish to do something about this."

"We can work on it, your highness." He nods.

"Why did you want me to learn how to ride?" I ask.

"There will be many people at your coronation ceremony, which could be dangerous. I thought it best to teach you how to protect yourself, both mounted and on foot." Giles sighs and glances at the door. "Other than the captain, I can think of no suitable candidate to instruct your highness." He gives me a small smile. "Perhaps it would be best to focus on the upcoming ceremony instead."

I nod. "It's probably for the best. I know a little self-defence."

"For now let's get some sleep." Giles smiles at me. "Goodnight Princess."

"Goodnight Giles."