"Where could your papa possibly be taking us, Marie?" Clara cooed. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top her daughter's head. "What mischievous plan does he have hidden up his sleeve?"

Eric smiled and released his horse's reins, allowing the animal to graze in the field they were in. He walked over to Clara, who pulled her mare to a stop. Strapped against Clara's chest was their infant daughter, whose blue eyes immediately brightened upon seeing her father approach. Marie thrust her hand through the winding cloth keeping her tied to her mother, waving at Eric.

"Pa!" she cried out happily. "Pa!"

Eric's smile broadened as he reached up, helping Clara undo the cloth securing Marie. Once she was free, Clara handed her to Eric.

"Hello, love," Eric said cheerfully. He kissed Marie's cheek, eliciting a giggle from the child. "Are you ready for your surprise?"

Marie let out a happy cry, grabbing at Eric's finger as he tapped her nose.

Clara dismounted her mare. "Alright," she said. "Where to now?"

Keeping Marie propped up against his hip with one arm, Eric took Clara's hand. "This way."

They wandered to the edge of the field, which was bordered by a large grove of trees. Most of the trees had apples dangling from their branches, the red of their skin a pleasing contrast to the rich green of the leaves. At the base of some of the trees were ginger plants with scarlet flowers a few shades darker than the apples above them. The mingling scent of the two, enhanced by the magic they had been planted with, blanketed the grove in a comforting atmosphere.

Clara released Eric's hand to let him handle Marie more easily. Her gaze flitted towards the western border of the grove, which sloped upwards to form a long hilltop. Faintly, Clara could make out the sound of waves slapping against the shore of the beach hidden on the other side of the hill. She looked back at Eric and Marie, smiling as she watched Eric lift Marie so she could grab one of the apples. Eric let Marie prod at the fruit for a few seconds, then reached up to tug it loose and hand it to his daughter.

Immediately, Marie lifted the fruit to her lips. She tried to open her mouth wide enough to fit the entire apple inside, but quickly realized the futility of such an endeavor. So she settled for gnawing at the apple's outside with as much ferocity as she could muster.

Eric laughed. "I'm afraid you don't have enough teeth for that, love."

Marie worked at the apple for a few more seconds. Then apparently deciding that it was the problem, not the size of her mouth, she let it drop from her grip. It rolled between her side and Eric's arm, and Eric gave his arm a shake, tossing the apple onto the ground. Marie gigged at the jostling, grinning a nearly-toothless smile up at him. Eric smiled back and bounced her again, prompting an explosive laugh to escape her. She threw her head back as she laughed, then froze, staring with wide eyes.

Marie made a curious noise, pointing upwards. An unintelligible stream of sounds sputtered from her lips, though her excited tone was easy to discern.

Eric followed her gaze, and a satisfied smile curved his lips.

Peeking out from behind one of the leaves of the tree branch Eric had picked the apple from was a flower fairy. A crown of tiny roses encircled her brow, and miniature lilies had been weaved into her wavy locks of brown hair.

Marie gave a cry of excitement, making grabbing motions with her hands as she stretched her arms towards the fairy. "Up! Up!"

Eric nodded to the fairy. "Hello there," he said. "I hope we aren't bothering you."

The fairy tilted her head, staring curiously at Marie. Recognition flickered over her face as she looked at Eric and Clara, and her wings fluttered upwards in a happy greeting. Stepping out from behind the leaf, the fairy bounded gracefully across the branch and leaped into the air, gliding over to land on Eric's upturned palm. She wore a dress made of yellow and lavender flower petals, though her feet remained bare.

Marie immediately swiped at the fairy. Alarm flashed over the fairy's face, and she launched herself into the air to dodge the hand.

"Marie, no," scolded Eric. "You can look, but don't touch her. Her wings are very delicate."

Marie scrunched up her face in confusion. Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout, and she gave a frustrated sob.

"It's alright, Marie," soothed Clara. "You just startled her, that's all."

Marie struggled in her father's arms, emitting a series of discontent noises as she reached for the fairy. The fairy hovered just out of Marie's reach, watching with fascination. Then, raising her head, the fairy opened her mouth and released a series of bell-like sounds. Not a moment had passed before dozens of fairies began peeking out from their hiding places, emerging from behind apples, the inside of tree knots, and the tangled leaves of ginger plants.

The fairies flew to join their companion. Marie's eyes widened at the sight of them, and she bubbled out a gasp of excitement, clapping her hands. The fairy who had originally appeared waved to her companions, uttering a question of some sort. The others nodded, readily agreeing to whatever had been asked.

The fairies turned back to Marie as one. Then they spread out, twirling in different directions as they began to perform a dance for the infant princess.

Marie giggled and cried out gleefully as she watched. Clara moved closer to Eric and wrapped a hand around his arm, drawing his attention. They exchanged a smile, and Clara pressed a kiss to his shoulder.

At the end of the dance, the fairies threw their arms upwards. A cloud of colorful flower petals exploded into the air, cascading down upon the king, queen, and princess. Marie laughed in delight, clumsily snatching at what petals she could.

Looking very pleased with themselves, the fairies gave delicate bows. Clara and Eric bowed back, and the brunette fairy twittered out something.

Eric grinned and looked at Marie. "Did you hear that, Marie?" he asked. "They say you're beautiful."

Marie let out a string of joyful half-words that jumbled together nonsensically. But the fairies smiled adoringly, seeming to understand.

Eric gently tickled Marie's stomach. "Say goodbye, Marie," he prompted.

"Buh...bye!" cried Marie, waving wildly.

The fairies chimed out pleasant laughter. Then they flew off, disappearing into the treetops.

Marie shook her head, sending petals flying from where they had landed in her golden locks of hair. She made a sound of amazement at the shower of colors and grabbed the front of Eric's shirt, tugging excitedly. "Pa! Pa!"

"Yes, I see them," said Eric. "Very pretty."

Clara reached up and pulled a rose petal from Eric's hair. "You look lovely too, dear," she teased.

"Thank you," laughed Eric.

Clara tapped the petal against Marie's nose. Then she let it fall back into her palm, and she blew softly, sending it whirling past Marie into the summer breeze. "Shall we walk along the beach, Marie?" asked Clara. "Maybe we'll find some seashells to take home and show Aunt Elizabeth."

Marie puckered her lips and sputtered out a puff of air, mimicking Clara blowing the petal away.

"I think that's a yes," said Eric.

Clara laughed and took Eric's hand once again, leading him towards the sloping hill of the grove.

The Sea of Storms was no less dangerous then it had been when Clara had first traveled to Parthenia. But that was only once one sailed past the cove that the grove bordered. Near the cove's beach, the waters were as gentle as any other sea's would be, and neither Clara nor Eric were concerned about letting Marie explore the shoreline.

"Are you sure she'll be alright while we're gone?" asked Clara worriedly.

"She'll be perfectly fine," reassured Eric. "We'll only be at the conference for two days. Besides, Elizabeth is more than capable of watching her."

Clara nodded, relieved that her aunt's visit to Parthenia had coincided with the political conference she and Eric were to leave for tomorrow. Of course, there were other castle staff members who could watch Marie, but Clara certainly wasn't about to object when her aunt offered to do the job.

A few feet away from where they sat was Marie, who stumbled happily along the shoreline. She was already clutching a seashell in each of her hands, but she continued to search for more, emitting sounds of fascination whenever she found something of interest.

"Shell!" Marie waved her hand towards a large pink seashell, which was sticking halfway out of the sand. She began to walk towards it, her footsteps unsteady as she struggled to move through the wet sand.

"We had better help her," said Clara. "Before she realizes she can't hold any more shells without dropping the ones she has."

Eric grimaced. "You're right." He stood and helped Clara to her feet. "Marie," he called as they followed after their daughter. "Marie, hold on."

Marie cast a quick glance back at her parents and waved. "Shell!"

Clara flashed a smirk at Eric. "I hope you know that it will be your jacket pockets we'll be using to transport the shells back to the castle."

Eric exhaled a mock sigh. "I suppose I should have expected that."

Clara took Eric's hand, pulling him towards Marie. "Marie, darling, hold on. Why don't we give the shells you already have to Papa? Here, give them to me, love..."

/

"Major!" exclaimed Tommy wearily. "Major, you have to help me. She won't stop crying!"

Major Mint grimaced, sympathy in his eyes, but he did not reach for the wailing child in Tommy's arms. "Where is Lady Elizabeth?" he asked instead. "Is she not in charge of the princess until the king and queen return from their conference?"

"She was. But she and Masha left an hour ago for the market, as Masha said she needed help. Though I have no idea what could be so important," grumbled Tommy. "So Aunt Elizabeth insisted that I watch Marie. She said it would be 'good for me,' or some nonsense. Why would she have me take care of a one-year-old baby? Aunt Elizabeth should know better." Marie gave a vicious twist as she screamed, eliciting a cry of alarm from Tommy as he struggled to keep a hold on her. "Marie was taking her nap when Aunt Elizabeth left. But she woke up a little bit ago, and I can't get her to stop crying!"

"Oh dear," muttered the major. He looked about frantically, then gestured for Tommy to follow him. "Here, come with me."

The major led Tommy down the corridor a short ways before ushering him into a small study. Sitting at the desk was Captain Candy, who was writing something on a map covered in intricate notes. Upon hearing the rather loud entrance of the three newcomers, Candy snapped his head up.

"What in the world –" he sputtered. He pushed himself to his feet. "What happened?"

"You have to help us!" pleaded Tommy. "She won't stop crying!"

Something akin to both pity and humor flickered over the captain's face as he took in the distressed expressions of Tommy and Major Mint. "Did you check to see if she's wet?" he asked.

"Yes," Tommy said in exasperation. He looked both offended by the question and disgusted that he had to do so in the first place. "She's dry."

"Is she hungry?"

"She won't eat!" said Tommy. "I tried."

"I'm not surprised; she's probably still full from lunch," mused the captain. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, looking surprisingly relaxed despite Marie's screaming.

"Don't you have any useful suggestions?" snapped the major.

Candy glared at the major. "I don't see you doing anything helpful," he retorted. He gestured to Tommy. "Here, give her to me."

Tommy was all too willing to do so. He quickly – but carefully – transferred Marie to Candy's arms, then stepped back, as though distancing himself from the wailing child might help the situation.

Candy focused his full attention on Marie. As he rocked her, he began to sing softly in a language Tommy didn't understand. If they were in Tommy's home world, he would have assumed the language to be of South Asian origin. But here, Tommy had no idea what it could possibly be. Regardless, he found the words to be rather comforting.

Apparently Marie did as well. At first, she seemed too distressed to even notice that the captain was singing. But he persisted, and as the minutes passed, Marie grew more aware of the song being sung to her. To Tommy and Major Mint's amazement, she slowly calmed. After a few minutes, her crying had ebbed completely, and she simply stared up at Candy. Yet Candy did not cease singing or rocking her. Eventually, Marie drifted off to sleep. Only then did the captain fall silent.

"That was incredible!" whispered Tommy. He stared at the captain in awe. "How did you do that?"

Candy smiled. "I have four younger siblings, and helped my mother often when I was a boy." He shrugged, careful not to jostle Marie. "Sometimes it just takes a calm voice to soothe them."

"Well, of course it does," huffed Major Mint. He straightened, holding his head up in a dignified manner. "I was about to try the same thing myself, but I wanted the captain's opinion before trying my method."

Candy and Tommy exchanged exasperated looks.

"Anyway," continued the major briskly. "Now that the princess has been seen to, I must take my leave. The king and queen are due back from the conference tonight, and I want to be sure everything is in order for them."

"Of course," said the captain, a hint of sarcasm underlining his tone.

The major excused himself, and Candy glanced at Tommy. "Shall we put her back in bed?"

Tommy nodded in relief, following Candy into the corridor.

"I heard you celebrated your birthday recently," said the captain. "How old are you now? Forgive me, but it's been some time since your last visit." He kept his voice quiet, cautious of waking Marie again.

"Sixteen," replied Tommy.

The captain nodded. "And are you still in school?"

"Yes."

"Do you enjoy your classes?"

Tommy shrugged. "I suppose. I'd rather be out doing things though."

"Like what?"

"I don't know," admitted Tommy. "I wanted to sail when I was younger. Then for a while I wanted to be in the army. Now I'm not really sure."

"Hm," mused the captain. "Well, if you still hold an interest in the army, I would be happy to talk to you about my own military experience."

"Really?" asked Tommy, interest lighting his face. "You would?"

"Of course," said Candy warmly. He glanced about before giving Tommy a mock warning look. "Don't tell the major though. He'll insist on telling you about his military career as well, and that would be a mistake with disastrously boring consequences."

Tommy smirked. "I promise."

"Excuse me, Captain?"

Tommy and Candy turned at the soft voice. Standing behind them was a girl who looked to be about a year or two younger than Tommy. She had a pretty round face, and thick blonde hair draped over one shoulder in a long braid. She wore a coral blouse tucked into a pink and white striped skirt that reached her shins, over which was tied an apron. Looped through her right arm was a basket covered by a white cloth. She was clearly a worker of some kind, though not of the castle, as she did not wear the mandatory white and blue the staff did.

"Ah, Miss Pepper," greeted Candy. "I was wondering when you would visit next. How are you?"

"Fine, Captain," said Pepper cheerfully. She looked affectionately at the baby curled up in Candy's arms. "Of all people to watch the princess, Clara and Eric entrusted her to you?" She teased with a laugh. Her smile widened, showcasing the dimples at the corners of her mouth.

"Fortunately, they are a bit wiser than that," chuckled Candy. "Lady Elizabeth is the princess' current caretaker. We are watching Marie only for a few hours."

"I see," said Pepper. She glanced at Tommy. "I'm sorry, I don't believe we've met." She shifted the basket further back on her arm and dipped into a curtsy. "I'm Pepper Rosecurry."

"I...uh, I'm Tommy. Thomas," stuttered Tommy. He bobbed a quick bow, his face flushing as he stumbled over his words. "Thomas Drosselmeyer. But everyone calls me Tommy."

"Ah," said Pepper. "You're the queen's brother, then!"

"Er...yes. She...does she talk about me often?" asked Tommy.

"She's mentioned you a few times. Though I imagined you a bit differently."

"Oh." Tommy looked vaguely nervous at that. "How so?"

Pepper shrugged, a glimmer of humor flashing in her eyes.

There was a moment of silence between the three of them, and Candy cleared his throat to break it. "So, Pepper," he said. "What can we help you with?"

Pepper blinked and snapped her gaze back to the captain. "Oh," she said. She gestured to her basket. "I'm simply dropping off the usual baked goods Clara buys. I work in my mother's bakery in the Gingerbread Village," Pepper explained to Tommy. She looked back at the captain. "Though I had been hoping to speak with Masha. My mother had sent me with some money; she wanted to buy some of Masha's cider. That's why I was out here." She waved at the corridor they were standing in. "Masha wasn't in the kitchens."

The captain nodded. "She's at the market. She won't be back for a few hours."

"Oh," said Pepper in disappointment. "Unfortunately I can't wait that long. I need to head back soon."

Tommy immediately spoke up. "I could deliver the cider later." Pepper glanced at him in surprise, and he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, well, I've never visited the Gingerbread Village during my past visits to Parthenia. So...this gives me an excuse to go."

"Are you sure?" asked Pepper.

Tommy nodded. "Of course. I'm spending the entire summer in Parthenia, so I have plenty of time to do so."

"Well...thank you," said Pepper, fiddling with the cloth draped over her basket.

The captain raised an eyebrow. "Right then," he said, looking rather amused. "I'm sure we can arrange that. Pepper, why don't you put the money and a note of what you want in the basket, and leave it in the kitchens. Tommy can deliver the cider tomorrow."

Pepper nodded, casting a quick smile at Tommy. "Alright. I suppose I'll be heading back then; my brother's waiting for me." She leaned forward, gazing adoringly at the princess sleeping in Candy's arms. "Bye, Marie!" she whispered. She turned and made her way back down the corridor, pausing to wave at Candy and Tommy. "It was nice meeting you, Tommy!" Then she was gone, disappearing around the corner of the corridor.

Tommy raised his hand in a half-wave, staring after Pepper.

"Tommy?" Candy shifted Marie carefully in his arms. "Shall we put Marie to bed?"

"Hm?" Tommy glanced back at Candy. "Oh," he said, flustered. "Oh...yes."

Candy gave a light chuckle. "I suppose it was rather good fortune for Marie to wake up from her nap when she did."

Tommy blinked at Candy in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, never mind." Candy let his gaze drop back to Marie. He began singing again as they walked, barring any further questions from Tommy.