The first thing that struck Winter about New Beijing was the humidity. It was hot, but not just hot. It felt thick, heavy, muggy. Winter didn't have words for it. On Luna, the climate was always controlled, and it was only humid in some of the agricultural sectors. Winter was sweating before she even stepped off the ship. Above head there was a rolling roar. She looked up in wonder.

"Thunder." Jacin explained. "Looks like you might get to see rain after all.

The Eastern Commonwealth was the last stop on their tour of Earthen capitals. Just two more days and then they would be headed back to Luna. And they should be fairly easy days. A visit from Princess Winter couldn't do much to improve goodwill between the two nations' leaders. Instead, Emperor Kaito was hosting a ball to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Bremen and in honor of the heroes of the Lunar revolution.

The second thing that struck Winter in New Beijing was Scarlet. As soon as she stepped off the ship, a blur of red ran toward her and slammed into her, pulling her into a crushing hug.

"Scarlet-friend!" Winter hugged back.

"Hey Crazy," she said affectionately. "Did you miss me?"

"Of course I did! I even tried to delay our trip so we could visit your farm."

"You would've beaten me there. I've been stuck with these losers," she jerked her head back to point across the tarmac where an American cargo ship sat. The rest of its crew: Captain Thorne, Cress, and Ze'ev were walking over to them.

"Princess Winter, you're looking beautiful as always," Thorne mockingly bowed to her as Cress and Scarlet simultaneously rolled their eyes.

Cress gave Jacin an awkward hug, and he patted her on the back.

"I'm glad to see you haven't gotten yourself into too much trouble," he said.

All of Winter's new friends were here for the celebration, almost.

"But where is dearest Selene?" Winters bright smile turned into a pout.

"Oh Cinder won't make it until tomorrow night," Thone said. "Something about having to run a country or whatnot." He shrugged. "Don't worry. She'll be here for the party."

Members of the palace staff took their bags and escorted them on a tour.

"I suppose we shouldn't mention that most of us became intimately familiar with the layout of the palace when we were plotting to kidnap their Emperor," Jacin smirked.

"Yeah, we probably shouldn't remind them about that." Cress said. "Although, Kai's said he's forgiven us."

Thorne snarked back, "That's easy for you two to say. I didn't actually get to see any of it. Because I was blind."

They walked around the palace like that, making snarky comments and reflecting on their adventures together. Thorne told a particularly funny story about what happened when they were stranded somewhere along the North American coast, because someone didn't realize they were out of fuel. Scarlet and Thorne proceeded to bicker over whether checking the fuel was the responsibility of the captain or the pilot. Cress was giddy as she and Winter exchanged descriptions of all of the new things they'd seen on Earth, while Wolf and Jacin discussed the changes that had been happening on Luna in their absence.

Just two more days and she would be back. Winter didn't even know how to feel or what to expect. While they'd been gone, Cinder had abolished the curfew and allowed free travel between the biodomes and ended the strict censorship, allowing everyone to have access to Earthen networks until Luna could establish their own. She'd begun trying all the members of Levana's guard and court, and although they all pledged loyalty to her, she had dismissed all of the thaumaturges indefinitely. She had visited all of the sectors and was working to arrange an election, so that each district could send representatives to discuss plans for a new 'd sent more batches of letumosis antidote to Earth and was working on a rehabilitation program for the shell children who were being released from suspension. Winter was amazed at how much she had accomplished in such a short time, but overwhelmed with how much she had still left to accomplish.

Would Cinder want her help again? During the first few weeks, She had relied on Winter to explain things, who was who and how things worked. But thing were so different now, she wasn't sure what use her knowledge had. As a princess under Levana, her duties had been to make an appearance at court and other royal functions and to not cause trouble. Cinder had asked more of her than Levana ever did, but she had asked. She knew Cinder wouldn't force her to do anything.

What would happen if Winter said she didn't want to be princess anymore? She wasn't really qualified for anything else. She could work as the palace gamekeeper. She could become a seamstress, like her mother. What would Jacin do then, she wondered. He wouldn't stay a palace guard. Would he go to medical school? She knew he still wanted that, and she wanted it for him. Would they have an almost normal life in the suburbs? Not the princess and the guard, just the doctor and the seamstress.

Winter knew it wasn't possible, even if that was what she wanted. Even if Cinder didn't ask her for more help, she was still beloved by the people, and she had the only functioning bioelectricity security device. When she returned to Luna she would need to help them develop more. She would travel to the sectors to boost moral. And Jacin would still be by her side.

Winter was walking around the palace gardens, enjoying their serenity, so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't notice someone else walking by until they almost collided.

"Princess Winter, I'm so sorry."

"Emperor Kaito," she bowed. "The fault is all mine."

He laughed, "There's no need to be so formal; frankly, it's weird coming from another teenager. Just call me Kai."

"Only if you call me Winter."

"Of course. It's great to see you again. How have you been liking Earth?" he asked, as they continued through the gardens together.

"Earth is beautiful. Although, I must admit it is a relief to be here, surrounded by friends, rather than political enemies."

"I should have warned you that some of the Earthen leaders would . . ." Kai hesitated a moment, choosing his words, "take awhile to warm up to Lunars, even under new leadership. We've lost many lives, both to letumosis and war, and centuries of separation and distrust can't be done overnight."

"I understand. It is difficult for us Lunars, as well, to rethink everything we know about our leader, about power. It's not enough to change the person who sits on the throne, we have to change the entire way our society operates."

"I have every faith that Cinder can do it, though. Especially with your help."

"And yours."

They walked in silence for a few moments, before Winter added: "I'm sorry Cinder can't join us tonight."

"It's ok. She'll be here tomorrow. And we've been keeping in touch via comms."

"You miss her a lot?" Winter asked, but it wasn't really a question. Anyone could see that he was crazy for her.

Kai nodded, "Yeah, but we both have our duty. Even before she knew she was a queen, Cinder understood that. She'll sacrifice her happiness for everyone else, every time."

Winter nodded solemnly.

Kai smiled smally, "It's a little funny. Growing up, I never thought I'd have another friend who understood what it was like, you know, to be royalty. It's a lot of pressure, but you don't want to complain about it, because, well, you're very fortunate compared to a lot of people. So I didn't complain about it. I have no siblings, no cousins. The United Kingdom has a royal family as well, but there's two decades of age difference between me and their youngest.

"Now all of a sudden, I have two new friends who happen to be royalty." He smiled at Winter, "And both of you seem to enjoy the job about as much as I do."