Shirayuki looked over the wound, carefully and then she relaxed.

Swethyna entered the tent and sat next to Miko on the bed. "How is she?"

Shirayuki stroked Mikos' cheek. "The wound is healing, or I should say is responding well. Her body seems to be frozen in time. It isn't actually improving nor is it getting infected or worse. Nothing is happening."

"I thought so. But given the treatments, she will recover when she wakes, is that correct?"

"I believe so." Shirayuki slid down to her knees, resting her head next to Miko's on the bed. "Swethyna, I want to know about who we were in this world. I can't help but wonder. If being a product of true love is all that is required… then how come there aren't more of them out there?"

"Marriage laws were in place."

"But if that is true, then how is it that Zen and I were able to marry in this world. I would have been a commoner."

"Prince Zen was betrothed to another. The prince wasn't above this law." Swethyna made herself more comfortable. "Alright. I will tell you what I know."

Shirayuki sat up straight and awaited Swethyna's information anxiously.

"This world wasn't always a land of peace either… There were people who wielded magic for selfish purposes and their hearts became black as night. Even back then, love was not very common in the world of status. The king was furious that he was not born with light magic, but he wasn't going to allow the darkness inside of him. He was a well respected king but wasn't able to protect his own people against the darkness. The darkness in people caused them to rise up and they were going to take the kingdom by force. One man had been raised with the light magic within him, born of true love. He used it to overthrow the dark forces of our world. But something in him snapped when he was rejected the princess in marriage because of his status. The darkness consumed him and then he took the princess and defiled her. The king had his armies attack him. Once he was dead, the king made a decree that there was no magic, light nor dark. Anyone who was guilty of it, was put to death. Laws were put in place to prevent love from existing, if it had, by arranging their marriages from the time they were infants. Prince Zen was betrothed to Ezria Lamota. Princess Shirayuki, I would assume, was also betrothed. She was forced to flee from Tanbarun. When she came into Clarines to seek refuge, she had encountered Prince Zen and chose to work as an…"

"Herbalist."

"Yes. Prince Zen fell for her. Prince Izana knew by law that their love couldn't be tolerated, so he did what he had to. Prince Izana ordered Shirayuki to be married to the Prince of Taurialle, for an alliance to be made. It appeared that their prince was not concerned that she was a commoner. He was taken with her, at first sight. Prince Zen got wind of it and immediately abducted Shirayuki before the ceremony. He made an enemy out of Taurialle and defied the elder prince's orders. Prince Zen had experienced something that couldn't be explained and he wasn't ready to give it up. Love has a magic of its own, that can't be explained. Ezria mysteriously became ill and then she died. Everyone thought that it was the prince who killed her, or Shirayuki, so that Prince Zen would be free to marry who he choses. Prince Zen took it as a threat to Shirayuki's life. A war came to Clarines, and Tanbarun headed the battlefront alongside with Clarines. Shirayuki was presented an opportunity to save Prince Raj's life and in that, she was honored with a title. At that moment, she became eligible to marry Prince Zen. Prince Izana couldn't refuse it any longer, after seeing what power their love held."

"Now it all makes sense… Miko was born of that love. It sounds like love in this world is far purer and holds more power. Could it be an illusion? Love is a fantasy, so it would feel more powerful when it actually occurs?"

"You are in love. You tell me."

"I would do anything for Zen and I know Zen would do anything for me… but starting a war for my sake, just seems too extreme, even for Zen."

"Or maybe the Prince Zen from our world is different from the Prince Zen, you married." Swethyna insisted. "Are you saying that our prince made the wrong choice?"

"I don't know… You wouldn't hear me complain about my life choices, nor my husband's… but I would feel terrible if Clarines went to war because of me."

"Then perhaps the Shirayuki in this world was not the same person as you are. Or you've changed more than you realized. To be young and naive."

"No… I still don't think so."

"It is what it is… sorry, but that is our history. Prince Izana managed to pacify the Prince of Taurialle with the promise of Princess Shirayuki's first born in marriage to his descendant. Prince Zen refused and Mitsuhide took the fall. Queen Kiki took over the kingdom and we were taken by a new kingdom, Cariparell. That way, Queen Kiki had the freedom to make her own laws and the old laws were forfeited. It was the only way she could nullify the old decrees."

"Have you found a way to lift the curse on Miko?" Shirayuki didn't want to discuss their past anymore.

"It is impossible. Princess Miko, couldn't have had a plan and her faith in us, was misplaced. I have studied magic for years and even with the new resources, there is nothing that can lift the curse, besides true love's kiss." Swethyna's aura grew heavy and Shirayuki's did in response.

"What about Deston? Desti and my daughter were a match, maybe we can give it a try. We don't have anything to lose, by doing so."

"It won't work, but it is as you say… there is nothing to lose by trying. I will fetch him for you." Swethyna left and then returned with Deston.

Shirayuki stood up abruptly. "Deston, if there is any hope, it is you. Please share a true love's kiss with Miko. Maybe it will do something."

Swethyna had already explained the power that is reflected in true love in this world and they weren't exhibiting it.

Deston complied and hovered over Miko. "Miko, please come back to us." He started to cry, when he felt Shirayuki's words sink in. "Come back to me." He placed his lips on hers. He felt something he had never experienced before, but when his eyes opened, there was no sign that anything had changed in Miko.

The pendant still glowed and her still form, held strong.

"It didn't work…" Shirayuki started to cry. "I could have saved Zen… Kat was right… if she had used it on Zen, I would have lifted the curse… Now she's lost…"

Deston's eyes filled with tears. "No… she can't be…"

Swethyna cringed. "Pray that someone finds a way, before she must suffer an eternity in the dormant form."

I found that the further we went into the forest, the stranger it got. The land was crying out. The trees were shrivelled and the ground looked unhealthy. There weren't any plants to speak of and there was a disgusting stench coming from the lurking swamps.

I heard a roar and all of our attentions turned to the sky. "Dragon?!" How was this even possible? Dragons don't exist!

"Take cover!" Zen ordered and we all tried to get somewhere that would conceal us.

The dragon blew flames around them and the forest caught fire.

Kat was on an island, surrounded by pirates and many pirate ships were docked at its ports. She saw their plunder in massive heaps around their camps. The makings of taverns and shops lay unfinished, but not abandoned.

"Cap'in! Thiz our island! We 'ave our home, just like ya said we would!" One of the crew cheered.

Kat looked at her attire and she saw that she was wearing an unfamiliar black coat and a pirate hat. Kat's eyes were then drawn to a group of ships massing around their ports, from the hill she was stationed. She immediately recognized the flags. Clarines navy. She panicked and barked out orders, but the docks were overrun by Clarines soldiers.

Kat found herself fighting them off the best she could, but then, who should emerge to face her, other than Prince Zen himself.

Zen looked furious and gave her a deadly glare.

Kat swallowed hard. "Prince Zen… I know I should have told you… but…"

"I should have known you were a pirate. You will not be spared." Zen held his sword towards Kat's throat with intensity, but it wasn't his blade that absolutely terrified her, it was his fury that struck harder than any blade.

"Please, I don't want this!" Kat yelled out to no one in particular.

"Get down!" Zen held out his sword at the ready, but his last attack on the dragon proved to be ineffective. "What are you doing?! Don't just stand there, Kat! Get in there!"

Katsumi tensed and her grip on her sword got tighter. No one ever met a dragon and lived to tell the tale. She knew better than to charge in.

"This is no use. Nothing we do, seems to phase it!" I called out. I held out my hand and tried to blast the dragon out of the sky, but even that proved to do nothing.

"We are no match for this beast! Miko said that we couldn't stand a chance against it, and I am beginning to agree with her!" Kiki roared as she dodged an icy breath attack from the dragon as it flew past her.

"Fall back for now! We need to regroup!" Zen ordered.

"How are we going to shake it?! It seems pretty insistent on attacking us!" Desti tried to distract it from attacking me.

"Miko, summon a portal! It shouldn't be able to follow us there!" Zen suggested.

Kiki hesitated for a moment, looking in the direction of the mountain that the dragon came from.

I did as he requested and we fled immediately.

Kat was in Miko's office, at least, she thought she was. She was sitting in Miko's desk, but wasn't quite sure how she got there.

Miko entered with a stack of papers and placed them on the desk. Desti entered behind her. "I have come here to remind you that your presence is required at the ball this evening, Your Highness." Miko bowed to Kat.

Kat's jaw dropped. "Don't mess with me."

"Whatever do you mean, Your Highness?" Miko played innocent far better than usual.

"Alright, you had your fun. You don't need to talk like that anymore." Kat smirked at her.

"Very well. I have set out your dress. It is in your room. Will that be everything?"

"You aren't serious… A dress? You are kidding right?" Kat couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"What else would you be wearing to a royal ball?" Miko continued her act.

"Just give me the d*** dress and let us get this over with…" Kat grumbled.

Kat was escorted to a room that had been set up very similar to Miko's and she saw the dress laid out on the bed.

She was left to the maids to dress her. She felt so confined by the corset and could barely breathe. She looked into the mirror to see that she was wearing a beautiful blue dress and her hair was done up in the royal jewels. "This has got to be a joke…"

There was a knock at the door and Kat was soon addressed by none other than Prince Zen.

"You look beautiful, as always." He smiled tenderly.

Kat froze, with her cheeks bright red. "Th-thank you…"

Zen took her hand in his and he started to lead her through the corridor, down the stairs and to the throne room. Kat quickly spotted King Izana and Queen Rin sitting in their thrones. Zen took the one next to his brother and then he stared at Kat curiously, as if, expecting her to take the one next to him.

Kat tensed and slowly made her way to the one on Prince Zen's right. She sat down and everyone cheered for them. Now Kat had no idea what was going on. "Prince Zen…?"

Zen gave her a weird look. "You don't need to be so formal, Kat. Not with me." He seemed a bit concerned.

"Sure…"

The festivities started and then music played.

King Izana escorted Queen Rin to the ballroom floor. Kat panicked when Prince Zen offered his hand to her. She nervously took it and followed him, to join him in dance. She wasn't a great dancer, but the worst part was now, that she would have to dance with the prince. This was turning into a terrible joke.

After stepping on Prince Zen's toes a couple of times, he grew concerned. "Is everything alright?"

Kat locked eyes with his and they were full of compassion towards her. "Where is Shirayuki?"

"The Chief Herbalist? Do you need to see her?" Zen grew even more concerned. "Are you not feeling well?"

"What? No. It's not that." Kat's eyes went wide. "... chief herb-alist…?... wait..." She mumbled to herself. Kat did start to feel nauseous, after all.

Prince Zen stopped dancing and led her to the side.

King Izana came over to them. "It is time."

Zen nodded.

King Izana called for everyone's attention. "Prince Zen and Princess Katsumi have an announcement!"

Everyone grew very eager to hear what it was.

Kat swallowed hard. "... an-ounce-ment…? P-prince-ess… Kat-sumi…?"

Prince Zen took Kat's hand gently and led her in front of everyone. "Thank you all for coming to celebrate this evening, as we are proud to announce that we are being blessed with a child."

Kat's mouth dropped open wide. 'No, no, no, NO, NO, NO! This can't be happening! NOOOOOOO!' She placed her hand on her belly and felt something move. 'I AM MARRIED TO PRINCE ZEN?! AND I AM PREGNANT WITH HIS KID?! GET ME OUT OF HERE, NOW!'

Kat left the ballroom in a hurry, as the people cheered her and Zen on.

Zen reached out and took her by the arm after she made it into the corridor. "What is the matter? You had said that you were ready. I didn't mean to push you. Do you need to see the Chief Herbalist? Please tell me. I am only trying to help."

Kat saw genuine increasing concern on his face. She had to put him out of his misery. This was only going to escalate if she allowed it to drag on. "You and I aren't married, alright! I'm not a princess and you are in love with Shirayuki!"

Now Zen was concerned for her sanity. "What are you talking about? That is nonsense. You are probably just stressed. I will accompany you to the medical wing."

"I don't need help! You aren't my husband and I am not your wife!"

"Kat, I think you and I should have a little chat. I think you might be getting too much sun."

"Sun isn't the issue here. Shirayuki is your wife and Miko, your daughter." Kat tried so desperately to reason with him.

"Miko? You think your attendant is my daughter?"

"She is!"

"That was a mistake. I promise that she means nothing to me."

Kat felt like Zen was betraying his own self in saying that. "How can you say that?!" She defended for Zen's sake.

"Kat, please get some rest and we can talk more about this later. Getting so worked up, isn't good for the baby!"

"ENOUGH! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" Kat cringed and fell to her knees on the floor, with Zen quickly rushing to her side.

Queen Kiki watched closely at Kat's frozen expression, through the translucent cocoon. "Enjoying yourself yet?" She mused. "I really did need this, Mitsuhide. It is the most fun I have had in years." Queen Kiki laughed maliciously. "Let's switch things up a bit."

Kat opened her eyes finally, fully expecting to be picked up into Zen's arms or something crazy like that, but instead, when she opened them, she saw Apollo at a desk, doing paperwork.

"Kat, please make yourself useful. I have a lot more work to do. Why don't you see if the kids are ready for the inspection. Prince Zen is going to be here tomorrow. I will not put my predecessors to shame."

Kat lost all words. She quickly removed herself from his presence. "Oh heck no! There is no way that I would ever have married that blowfish and bore his children!" Kat stormed down the corridors. "That's it! Queen Kiki! Come out! I know this is your doing!" Kat clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. "Get out of my head, WITCH!"

Queen Kiki's mouth dropped as Kat's eyes shot open. "I should have left you in the comfort of Prince Zen… I will remember that for next time."

"There won't be a next time!" Kat roared in anger. "I know that you are evil, but that was-"

"Enjoyable." Queen Kiki cut her off.

Anger only continued to rise in Kat. Especially since there was currently nothing she could do either. "Nightmares is the best you can do?" Kat spurned.

"Nightmares? Hardly. New realities. You might be surprised how changing one tiny detail in history, can change your entire existence. I just showed you a couple possibilities. There is a whole world of changes to be made, if I so chose."

Kat cringed at the implication. "How can you change the past? The past is set!"

"That will change. You will see." Queen Kiki looked into sweet little Amari's eyes. "Count on it."

Kat shuddered upon this new knowledge. What exactly does the queen plan to do with Amari?