I looked down at my dress. I looked like a pretty decent pirate. I smiled at myself in the mirror and skipped out of my room, only to run into James on my way out. He looked so handsome dressed like a ruthless pirate captain, complete with kohl around his eyes and facial scruff. My heart nearly stopped for a moment, but I controlled myself and got it back to normal.

He stopped in front of my and his eyes were wide. Obviously I must've had something wrong with my outfit. He stared at me for a brief moment, then smiled.

"You look fierce, Jade," he smiled. I blushed and looked away, fiddling with a sash on my skirt.

"Thank you," I replied. He offered me his arm, grinning.

"Shall we? Zandar and Sofia are waiting for us," he said. I took his arm graciously and we headed to the courtyard. Outside, on the lake, a perfect replica of a large pirate ship was constructed there, almost as though it was done overnight. It took my breath away. Every detail was perfect, right down to the gangplank and the ropes.

"Shall we board, first mate?" he asked, standing aside. I curtsied and walked up the gangplank where Zandar and Sofia were waiting for us. He was dressed as a ship captain from a royal fleet, and Sofia as his first mate.

"Avast! You pirates dare board our ship?" Zandar exclaimed, commencing our fight.

That night at dinner, I had switched from pirate to lady in amazing time. I had donned a dark purple gown with cap sleeves as well as three quarter length sleeves. I brushed out my hair and let it hang down my back in a cascade of ebony waves.

As I left my room, I met Sofia and Amber on their way down as well and added myself to their party.

"I had fun today, how about you?" Sofia grinned, looping her arm with mine as we walked.

I nodded and smiled. "As did I. Amber, how did you spend your day?" I asked, turning to the other princess.

Amber, who had mildly distanced herself from us, huffed indignantly and fanned herself delicately. "I didn't do much, the heat really bothered me," she said with a melodramatic tone. I looked at Sofia and we both chuckled. It hadn't been that hot of a day for us, but maybe that was because we were on the water.

Still giggling, we sat down at the dining table in our normal seats, where the king and queen were waiting, along with James and Zandar. Apparently he had been invited to stay for dinner.

Amber caught a glimpse of Zandar and, though she tried to hide it behind her fan, blushed. Sofia and I caught this and giggled even more. Amber's eyes darted to us and she looked at us furiously. Her secret was now out of the bag. She had a crush on Zandar.

Frankly, I didn't blame her. He was extremely handsome. He had really grown up since I had seen him last, about six years or so ago.

We all turned as Baileywick cleared his throat at the door. I felt my heart drop as none other than Prince Hugo stepped into the room, grinning conceitedly. We all stood as he sauntered into the room, and stood directly in front of me. He swooped low in a similar bow, kissing my hand.

"Prince Hugo, what a lovely surprise," I said, completely baffled at his presence.

"Yes, my darling Jade, a lovely surprise. Your delightful king and queen have invited me to stay here for a time," he said. I turned to Roland and Miranda who shrugged and then I looked at Amber. She too, looked innocent. But when my gaze came to rest on James, I was shocked. His eyes were blazing and his jaw was clenched so tightly I could see a nerve twitching there, and at his temple. His fists were clenched on the armrests of the chair, and I just noticed that he hadn't stood when Hugo came into the room.

"We are delighted to have you stay with us, Prince Hugo," Miranda said in surprise, giving him, and the rest of us, a cue to sit down. He grinned and took a seat next to, to my utter dismay, me.

As dinner was served, James glared at Hugo the entire time, and Zandar's gaze lingered mostly on Sofia.

"Jade," James said after a time. I started and looked up. Actually, all of us did. For him to address me like this, so suddenly, we were all surprised. "May I speak with you?"

I was at a great loss of voice, but agreed nonetheless. I stood and left my chair, but Hugo grabbed my wrist.

"I will sorely miss your company, my lovely," he said, his voice falsely syrupy sweet. I gave him a brief, disinterested smile and left the room with James.

"What is he doing here?" James demanded. I gaped at him.

"Are you accusing me of inviting him here?" I asked, baffled. I folded my arms tightly over my chest and glared at him.

Now was his turn to be at a loss of words. "I uh...No I...that's not what I meant," he spluttered.

I frowned. "Well that's what it seemed like you were doing."

His face morphed from embarrassment to defense in seconds. "Jade, listen to me. I would never accuse you of anything," James said. I searched all over his face, but he was telling the truth.

Taken aback, I tried to come up with an exit excuse to return to the hall. "I did not invite Hugo here, and that is final. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a guest to entertain," I said, walking back into the dining hall.

Standing in the hallway, speaking in hushed tones, we were having what I thought to be a lover's quarrel. I watched her walk away and my heart fell. I was so sure that she had feelings for me as well, but Hugo was here, paying her so much attention that I wasn't sure anymore. I wanted to believe that she had feelings for me, maybe even loved me, but it was a fool's dream.

I stood there, my heart in what felt like pieces in my hands. I would never get the way she looked at me out of my head. She looked disappointed in me. That I would foolishly accuse her of something. Something I knew she would never do, but he was here. How was he here? Obviously my parents didn't invite him. But he was a prince. You can't exactly tell a prince to get out.

I took a deep breath and walked back into the dining hall, and took my seat. Hugo was speaking to Jade in hushed tones, eyeing her hungrily, making my stomach churn.

Hugo regaled me constantly with his long-in-the-tooth, dreadfully self-consumed stories of his heroics and bravery, and daring agility. I tried to be somewhat interested but almost everything I found to be boring or too self-indulgent. I kept leaning further and further away from him, trying to enjoy my dinner without him breathing down my neck, but to no avail. I had a conceited parasite drawing out my attentions and an ignorant crush who, despite his blindness to my feelings, was well-deserving of them instead. Seeing no other way out, I sighed and excused myself from dinner.

"Jade, are you not feeling well?" Miranda asked, concerned. I smiled at her as genuinely as I could, but still feigning sleepiness and mild irritation.

"I have a headache," I lied.

"I shall escort you to your room," Hugo said proudly. I saw James glare at him and I smiled falsely.

"Thank you for your offer, but I will be fine on my own," I said. He looked crestfallen, but complied. I walked out of the dining hall and down the hall. From there, I headed for the gardens where I did most of my thinking. It was a peaceful place, filled with fireflies and nightbirds. Silver moonlight poured into the gardens and I smiled. I laid down on a bench and stared up at the stars, still grinning.

But my heart felt heavy. James thought it was my doing that Hugo was here. I thought for sure he loved me. I was counting on it that he did. But then there was Hildegard. She wanted him and the throne, and I was sure she wasn't going to let a village girl stop her.

I covered my face with my arm and sighed. Everyone was in love with someone, and they were all the wrong person. Sofia loved Cedric, Zandar loved Sofia. Amber loved Zandar, and I loved James. But Hugo seemed to have other plans. And James, I didn't know who James loved. At first I swore it was me, but now Hildegard was seemingly in love with him.

"Uuuuaarrrgh!" I cried. Some birds took to the skies, surprised by my angry cry, but I didn't care. I was too confused right now. There has to be some way to work it all out.

The next morning I woke and it was pouring rain. I glared out the window, and flopped back into bed. As I wasn't royalty, I had no obligations to attend to, and I could sleep in. At least, for a little while.

"Rise an' shine, Lady Jade!" a maid chirped, bursting into my room not ten seconds later. I groaned and threw my blankets over my head, burrowing deeper into my warm bed.

"Princess Sofia has a big day planned for ya!" she said, grinning. I poked my head out from under my blankets and narrowed my eyes. The maid put her hands on her hips and smiled at me.

"C'mon, up an' attem!"

I groaned once more and dragged myself out of bed reluctantly. Once I was out of bed though, I didn't feel as much sleepy as I did excited for the day. Sofia and I were going to do stuff together today and that made me happy. I finally got to spend the day with my best friend.

I dressed in a red gown and tied my hair back. I ate some of the breakfast that had been brought up for me, but quickly headed to Sofia's room immediately after that.

But instead I ran into Hugo.

"Good morning, my darling," he said, swooping low in one of his ridiculous bows, once again, kissing my hand. I huffed and shook my head. He took my hand and wrapped it around his elbow, leading me in the other direction than Sofia's room.

"Hugo, dear," I said sarcastically. He turned to me and grinned.

"Yes?"

"I have an appointment with Princess Sofia," I said plainly. I took my hand back and excused myself before he could protest. I quickly ducked into Sofia's open door and shut it, leaning against it in relief. I lifted my head and opened my eyes to see Sofia grinning at me broadly.

"I heard everything. Was that Hugo? What'd he want?" she pestered. I smiled.

"He is so incorrigible!" I exclaimed. We both broke out into fits of giggles, leaning against each other.

"Oh, by the way, I hope you don't mind that I invited Vivian," Sofia added. I grinned.

"When have you ever known me to mind you inviting anyone else?" I said, hugging her tightly. We headed down to the gardens where we waited for Vivian to arrive.

"What are we going to be doing, may I ask?" I asked. Sofia looked at me and grinned. Vivian climbed out of her carriage and rushed over to us, dodging the raindrops and hugged us tightly.

"Oh it's wonderful to see you again!" Vivian exclaimed. We all embraced, laughed and headed inside. As we made our way in the direction of the conservatory, I hesitated.

"Jade?" Sofia asked, looking at me with curiosity. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh. Yes," I said, turning away from the doors. "I just learned a new song is all. I was hoping to play it for you." Vivian and Sofia gaped at me.

"Of course you can!" Sofia exclaimed. She and Vivian dragged me to the conservatory and practically threw me at the harp.

"Play for us!" they exclaimed. I laughed and nodded, sat down and opened the book. I started to play and soon, Vivian had picked up a mandolin and Sofia a flute and they joined me. I smiled, being in my element, and felt comfortable enough to start singing.

After our song, the others set down their instruments and I put the harp back to its standing position.

"Wow, Jade, I never knew you could sing like that," Sofia said in awe. I blushed and turned away.

"It's a gift," I said humbly. Something near the door caught my eye and I looked in that direction. I felt my breath catch in my throat and my face grow hot as I saw James standing in the doorway, peering in inconspicuously. Sofia caught sight of him too and beckoned him into the music room.

"James! It's nice to see you," Sofia grinned. "Want to join us today? We were on our way to the ballroom when we got ever so delightfully sidetracked."

James looked taken aback and blushed, casting a sideways glance at me sitting on my small chair. I turned away when his eyes met mine, completely embarrassed, yet hopeful that he'd say yes.

"Sure, I'd love to. Then maybe when the rain stops we can go for a ride on some of the flying horses," he suggested. I looked up at him and immediately regretted it. He was smiling at me, his gaze on me though he was facing Sofia and Vivian.

"Oh that sounds wonderful! What do you say Vivian? Jade?" Sofia exclaimed.

"That sounds like fun!" Vivian smiled.

I smiled weakly. "I'd like that, yes," I said, feeling completely stupid. I stood and Sofia and Vivian marched ahead of me as James stood back, seemingly waiting for me.

"Care to accompany me?" he asked, smirking. There was a sparkle in his hazel eyes that made my heart flutter. He offered me his arm and I took it tentatively. I jumped when I felt his hand over mine and looked from his hand to his face, but relaxed instantly. He was smiling calmly at me, making me realize I had nothing to worry about.

"What do you think we should do about you-know-who trying to woo you?" he whispered, leaning close to me. I looked up at him and shrugged.

"I could let him down gently. But he seems too proud to understand I'm not interested at all," I said generally. James stopped abruptly, pulling me back slightly.

"You're not?" he asked, as though e was relieved to hear me say this. I looked at him dumbly.

"Well of course I'm not. He's too shallow and egotistical," I said. Something about James's demeanor in that instant changed, and his eyes seemed to grow brighter.

"James? Is everything okay?" I asked curiously, peering at him. He smiled and led me forward again.

"Everything is just fine," he smiled. "Actually, it's perfect."

That night I sat in my room, staring out my window, draped across the windowsill. There was a light knock on my door and I turned to see Queen Miranda slipping into my room, still in her gown from dinner.

"Jade, is everything okay? You haven't been yourself these past few days," she said gently. She walked over to my window and sat down next to me. I sat up and folded my hands in my lap, sighing.

"Can I tell you a secret?" I asked. She smiled at me and put a hand on my knee.

"Of course you can, sweetheart," she said, smiling.

I took a deep breath, contemplating where to start, but felt my mouth moving with words I had for so long held tight.

"I think I'm in love with James," I said. She looked at me with surprise, but her face softened and she chuckled.

"I kind of figured you were already," she grinned. I blushed and turned away from her.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked nervously. Once again, she grinned, and this time she chuckled, taking my hands.

"To a mother, yes," she smiled. She leaned in and kissed my hairline and ushered me off to bed. She blew out my last candle and said her good nights before closing the door and leaving me in the dark with only faint moonlight filtering in.

I rolled over and stared out the window, tucking my hands under my head and pillow. Sighing, I closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep.