Hey guys. It's 2:45 am where I live right now, and I'm not feeling great. I have a sore throat and I'm so frickin, stuffed up. I slept for about three hours then woke up again. I'm pretty sure I have strep throat because if I get sick, it's usually strep. I even had my tonsils out a few years ago, and I still get it almost every time I get sick. For the past hour or so, I've been listening to music and sucking on cough drops. So naturally, I thought I'd update! This actually has made me feel better. Sometimes silly things like this do that. Thank you all so much for reading! I'm so sorry for the infrequent updates. School kinda does that, and I hate that it does. :(

Kiren- Haha, I have a feeling we'll never be even. We're always going to upset each other with some sort of plot twist. :) Thanks for the review!

Mhpropp16- I'm so glad you like my story! It really means a lot! Thanks for the review!

Guest- I'm glad you like it! Here's another update for you! Thanks for the review!

enjoy! -ReadLikeYouMeanIt.

Kyle has left the palace. He was still uneasy about leaving, so we sent a few guards with him. We called his parents and made sure everything was patched up with them. I think his mother, Daphne, was happy to have him back and happy that we took care of him for a bit. Kyle called us when he got home, so we know he's okay.

We don't have any news from Chris. I guess he's on his own now, as far as accomplices. I just have a feeling that things will get better very soon.

Nat and I have been hanging out a bit in the afternoon. We've just talked a little bit about random things, mainly. I found out that his birthday is next week. I want to figure out something special to do. He said he doesn't want anything big, so a party is out. He also doesn't want us to fly in any relatives, but he didn't say why. I think I know something I can do, but it'll take me a few days to do.

I'm reading a book called The Book Thief. I really like it, but it's pretty depressing. After a while, I hear a knock on my door.

"Come in." I say.

Matthew walks in. It doesn't look like it's urgent, but it does look like he's very serious.

"Hey," I say, putting my book down. "How are you?"

"I'm alright, but I wanted to ask you something." He says.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Well, you know I haven't seen my parents in a while."

"Yeah. But you decided that they shouldn't live at the palace, right?"

"Right. The thing is, though, I...I miss home." I can see his eyes tearing up the slightest bit.

I take his hand. "Let me guess, you want to visit them?"

"Yeah," he sighs. "I really do."

I smile. "Alright. When do you want to go?"

"I was thinking next week."

Next week, I think. Nat's birthday. "I think we can make that work." I finally say.

He smiles and squeezes my hand. "Great," he leans over and kisses my cheek. "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?" I ask with a laugh.

"Well, you didn't ask questions, you just kind of let me do my thing." He says.

"Well I don't want you to feel trapped. I love you."

"I love you too." He gives me one last kiss and walks out.