Chapter Two -The Sentry-

The townspeople drifted away as the ship passed out of sight.

"Another year," Alex mumbled. "Another damn year."

Slowly, she made her way to the stairs by the dock, ready to head home, when a sentry approached her.

"The King has requested an audience with you," the sentry said. "You are to travel to the castle immediately."

"Oh...alright." Alex bit her lower lip, knowing what this summon was most likely about, and watched as the sentry disappeared.

"Heeheehee! I heard that you wer called to the castle, Alex," said a voice from behind her. Turning, Alex saw Maribel standing by the door to her house.

"I'm going with you, alright?"

"Um, why?"

"They're selling lots of cute dresses in the town around the castle," Maribel answered, flipping some of her hair back over her shoulder. Alex sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue.

"...fine."

"Let's go!" Maribel said cheerfully.

Sighing again, Alex started to lead the way. It was realitively silent for a few steps.

"What's wrong, Alex?" Maribel asked.

"Huh?"

"You've been strangely quiet."

"..." Alex looked at Maribel with a level of surprise. Normally the girl never noticed any of her moods, and if she did, never mentioned them.

"Listen, if you want to talk, fine, but not when so many people are around. I have an image to maintain."

Biting her tongue to hold back the comment that it had been her who started talking, Alex just shook her head. It wouldn't be worth it to be on Maribel's bad side again.

"Just don't abuse the privilege of being able to talk to me. There's a fine line between being sociable and being annoying."

"Yes, yes...I'm gonna step in to see Mom a bit before we head out."

Walking down the beach to her house, Alex opened the door, holding it so Maribel could enter.

"Oh, Alex. You were with Maribel all this time? I was wondering where you went," Mollie said. Maribel smiled.

"Oh, hello!" Maribel bowed slightly, causing Mollie to giggle.

"Maribel seems like such a level-headed young woman...unlike a certain girl I know around here." Alex clenched her fists, managing to stay silent as the two laughed at her expense. Always the scapegoat...

"Oh, speaking of which," Mollie continued, "have you met the King's Sentry yet?"

"Yes," Alex replied.

"You'd better hurry on over to the King."

"Yes, Mom," she nodded, heading for the door.

"Remember," Mollie called after her, "always mind your manners around the King and Prince Kiefer, even if you and the Prince are friends."

"Yes, Mom."

"Oh, here! Don't forget to take this with you!" Mollie went over to the stove and returned with a small package, which she handed to Alex. "This is Prince Kiefer's favorite, so make sure to give it to him! Off you go now."

"Bye, Mom." Alex said, putting the package into her pocket.

"Bye, Mollie!" Maribel waved.