Chapter 3:

The Lord of the Underworld was in his coal black chariot, guided by his gruesome creatures with wings. The creatures, of red eyes, wailed and moaned, tossing their heads around as they flew. With reasons he did not know. Clouds shielded him from the sun, so the god Apollo could never spot him searching over the earth. His chariot was flying too high in the sky and too far from the sea to be spotted by his brother Poseidon. His chariot flew swift and quick, swaying from side to side, caused by the strong winds. The Lord of the Underworld had business to take care of, here, in this upper world above his own dark kingdom.

Never in all the years that he lived…not one mortal had ever prayed for him. Ever. Who was dumb enough to even do so? Was this mortal terminally sick beyond all question? Suicidal? He did not know. There was no answers yet.

Over the lands, he flew, with his hands tightened on the reigns. The exotic prayer had done wonders to him. In a way he never thought true. His voice was more clear, his dull face more alive-like, the color of his hair strengthened and looked more black, and he felt himself become stronger and younger. He would hope he would find this mortal who had, in a way, helped him so much. But was it help? More and more questions came to his mind, but he pushed them aside for now. Focus, was what he needed. The Lord of the Underworld would search the world if he had to, for this very unusual mortal. This unbelievable mortal.

He lowered his chariot down, near the Kingdom to the East. There, he would search first. Controlling the reigns with tight yanks and pulls, the creatures squealing and obeying.

Like the hound dog, Hades was searching to where the prayer had come from. He could not see it. He could not touch it. But he knew it was there, all he had to do was follow the power of it, and find whoever had folded hands for him. As if sniffing out the aroma of the prayer, trying to touch it through the air, trying to taste where the prayer had come from. He knew it was still there, the power of the prayer lingering in the air like fresh bread from the oven. Through the air his chariot sailed faster than a song bird. His head looked this way and that.

Over the Kingdom of the East, was he. No, the power of the prayer was not here. He had to hurry, because the power of the prayer would die out soon. He would still stay strong if the prayer was gone and nowhere else to be found, yes, but he had to know who did it. He just had to know. So he left the Kingdom of the East in some disappointment, and headed towards the Kingdom of the West. There he would search next. In a way, he thought he lost control over himself, which was not so amusing to him. Never has he ever searched on the earth for such a ridiculous thing as a mortal, no, never. They were less than useless to him.

He slapped down the reigns upon his servant creatures, also taking out a monstrous whip, smacking them on the shoulders to go faster! After mile and miles of constant flying, he arrived upon the Kingdom of the West. His creatures squealed, growled, moaned, whipping their heads around.

His chariot flew in circles over the small lower level of the poor mortals, to the middle class level, and then to the palace where the King and the Queen were. It was not here. The imbecile mortal was not here. But still, there was still a thread of aroma left in the air somewhere. He thought to himself. The Kingdom of the North or the South? Which would he go to next? Which city to chose, before its too late? Thinking quickly, he chose the Kingdom of the South. A choice he was sure of. The sky loomed lonely, he whipped at his creatures once again, but with more force. The creatures coughed up blood, curling out screams of anguish! Going beyond their limits! Their wings flapped a storm! The Lord of the Underworlds soared, almost matching the speed of a lightening bolt! The power aroma was stronger.

He put his nose in the air, shutting his eyes, trying to detect anything in the air, just anything at all. Not using his eyes, ears, nose, or hands…he breathed in the power. What's that there? The Lord of the Underworld might be successful. Yes.

There…

There it was.

There in the Kingdom of the South. He went straight to the palace, since that was the first place anyone would look. He wanted to do his deed quickly. The aroma was now slowly disappearing. Looking around the palace quarters, there was a feast being held. A huge feast, fit for 10 Kings at the most. Music played, mortals danced, great fires were blooming, flowers were thrown everywhere, along with assorted meats, wine, fruits, bread, milk and cheese. Servant women and boys prepared and pampered the well-rested soldiers. What was this celebration for? Had the King finally died? Was this the feast for his son and his new wife? He knew that his son had to wed someone, and they would rule their despised Kingdom together. Was this an anniversary? A day to celebrate someone's day of birth? Did the King want one last celebration to remember before his death? Had the King already died, and this was the feast in honor for him? Or was this the celebration for the King's death, by displaying their happiness that he was gone?

Around the subject of death, the Lord of the Underworld knew everything about. Almost like gossip. If he knew a death was close, he could see everything about that person and its entire history around its family. Why the person was dying. From what. Who was dying. Where the death took place. Everything. Like, somewhere in the East was a settled farm, where a father was ill and dying, about to leave his wife and children to fend for themselves. Possibly, he would die tomorrow. Then his soul would be his, forever.

So, the Lord of the Underworld took a closer look. He perched his chariot on the roof, well hidden. On a cloud of black, he floated down towards the window silently. He pulled his long cloak around himself, covering his mouth, so if spotted, no one would know who he was. Below, beautiful women laughed among each other happily. They sat on a red cushion, wearing gold scarves, rings and necklaces of precious jewels. Sharing milk, wine, and fruit with each other and speaking of some importance. Soon their souls would be his, as well.

"Did you see her, there? She entered with the King… She did, I saw her!"

"With the King? No, I did not see her come in, sister. Who is she?"

"I do not know her name. But, she is truly beautiful. King has chosen her…"

"He chose her? So soon after the passing of his Queen? She? To be his wife?"

"No. For her to be the wife of his son… She's a princess… And she will soon be Queen."

"What's her name? I want to know who this 'fair' princess is! Speak…"

"I do not know… But she sits on the throne, there. Next to the King himself…"

"How can she be a princess and not have a name? What royalty is that?"

"But she has fair beauty… All the soldiers suddenly became fond of her…"

"Of course they would… They're men! All men are dogs!"

The laughed among each other. Teasing, waving their scarves around. No, it is they who are beasts of burden. The Lord of the Underworld grimaced, and entered the palace through the window. His black cloud hanging around his ankles. He searched around, hiding in the shadows for this anonymous princess. Fair beauty? What nonsense that was. To be the wife of the son of King Romptus? That was interesting. What pure gossip this was. He looked down. There was the throne, and the King making a speech and a toast with his fellow people who cheered for him. He was in an honorable moment. Then he spoke of the princess who he pointed to. People cheered. How curious. The eyes of the Lord of the Underworld looked at the Kings pointed finger, leading to the seat of the throne, he followed in that direction.

Then he saw her.

Your POV:

"And here she is! The fair sweet princess, Evey!"

The people in the crowd cheered, as if they all won a million dollar check or the lottery, or a free trip to the Caribbean. Or…free soup. They threw more flowers at my feet, and put more jewels on my lap. Showering me with gifts and flowers. They cheered and applauded! If the King added a large cake with male strippers hidden inside, then it would be a party! Hell yea!

"Let us welcome her graciously! Come! Come! Welcome her warmly!"

Then suddenly these women covered in red scarves came up to me, with a freakishly beautiful crown sitting on a golden pillow or something and King Romptus came up and put it on my head.

"Here! Look! The crown sits upon her head!"

Was I suddenly adopted? I touched the crown above my head, the I could feel the jewels. On the walls, I could see big reflections come off the diamonds. And I knew already that they were real! I couldn't believe this! The diamonds were the size of strawberries, I swear!

"May you wear this crown for all time, sweet Princess…!" the women said, bowing down, showing respect and grace.

"Your beauty shames the shine of the diamonds itself!" shouted the servant women, spreading out their arms and bowing.

"Bless this day! This is all for you, gracious Princess Evey! All of this is for you!" the women chanted.

I never knew that this is how it all went down back in the day. Queens and Kings were pampered silly! This was all too cool! I gotta pay more attention to history! Or movies! Or…whatever. In a way, I felt sorta bad. I told them a small little innocent tiny speck of a lie, and it all blows up of our proportion! But…it'll be my guilty pleasure for the rest of the weekend!

"Wow! This is really…too much!" I giggled.

"Of course not! Nothing is too much for you, beautiful Princess Evey!" laughed the King.

"But…I don't think I can accept this…" I pouted, almost sad.

"What? Of course you can, my sweet Princess!" King Romptus busted out laughing.

"Ok, I can!" I laughed, and I began to suddenly love these people!

I felt like I was voted Prom Queen or something. Or I was a Valedictorian. Or Miss America! I wish this would happen at my birthday party. And if only this party could add a disco ball and a DJ, then we would be good to go!

People laughed and King Romptus clapped his hands together, spinning in a circle, acknowledging his guests. He was quite a cheerful fellow. His soft rosy cheeks and curled golden locks really stood out. I could already tell he was a rabid fan of wine…and grapes. His laugh was loud and echoing. There was something in him that made him close and warm.

"My son! Where is my son! Bring him here to me! Hurry! Hurry!" called the King, laughing.

Servants made way for Prince Marcus, and he was a very handsome young man. He had grey eyes and light brown hair. He had a cute look about him, and he was fit to do a commercial for some sexy jeans. And he had that 'I don't give a damn' look on his face. Almost rebellious. He reminded me of a younger Orlando Bloom or something, he had that movie star good look. He came to his father with a hunched back, almost shy. He didn't look at me. So that meant I had the upper hand. Marcus coughed in awkwardness. I would've coughed too.

"So…what do you think son?" asked King Romptus.

Prince Marcus looked at me. I looked at him. He tilted his head. I raised a brow. He tapped his foot. I almost choked on something. The King waited. Someone coughed.

"Her clothes are strange…"

"Now, son… Be reasonable. She's also a guest? A fair Princess! Come now, shape up, son! And how do we treat our guests? With love and welcomed arms…"

"She has strange eyes…"

"Son! Look at what we've done for you! Are you so unappreciative? You have servants here and there. There's food you eat here everyday. Music is played for your entertainment. There's men in this room who would give their lives for you. Then tell me you're not happy…" said his father.

"You look… weird…" said the Prince.

I narrowed my eyes and looked the other way, now in my own little awkwardness bubble. Wow. Was that his best pickup line? Say that again, and see what happens. I was almost…nearly insulted.

"Well, she's a Princess, son. So…can you accept her into our family? She'll be taken care of most diligently… Can you accept this fair princess into our family, son?" asked the King.

"That would be great!" I said with a smile! It was a fake smile though.

The King smiled graciously at me. Accept me into royalty? Me? Wow! I was going to be the daughter of a King back in time, who…is technically dead back in my time! Awesome! (Writer: Totally oblivious huh?) And who wouldn't want to be a spoiled daughter of a King? And plus, this is a sure way to get me home and back to my own time. Marcus looked at me, rolled his eyes. He might as well better play into the game. He made up his mind.

"Fine…." mumbled the bored Prince.

"HAHA! The ceremony starts tomorrow!" hollered the King!

Everyone went insane! Dancing music began and it was a beat I could jam out to. Someone would expect the women to tear off their shirts/scarves and ravage through the men or something! I laughed.

King Romptus shoved Prince Marcus to me. The Prince was obviously shy. This was our first encounter. King Romptus elbowed him in the back. Prince Marcus had his head down, with his shoulders touching his ears, and his back hunched. Was he gonna hurl? Scream like a little girl? Squeak? Run away? Pee his pants? He might say something stupid! I'll start first.

"Hello, Prince Marcus. I'm…Princess Evey? How ya doin?" My hands were behind my back.

Totally unaware, the King stepped behind me. Looking at his son, and coaching him of what to say by mouthing the words. Prince Marcus looked at his father, and he was stepping on his feet, nervous.

He didn't know what to do next. He wasn't around girls much was he? His father began to mouth the words, I was totally unaware of. Prince Marcus cleared his throat and I had to lean in to what he was saying.

"Hello, good e-evening… P-Princess Evey. It…is…a p-pleasure…meeting you… t-tonight. You w-will live…happily in the…halls of this….P-Palace… We hope are at home h-here," said Prince Marcus with pressed lips.

His rosy cheeks matching the ones of his fathers. His eyes told a very soft story. He was costumed to be shy and alone it seemed.

"Thank you! I'm sure I will…but I have some…business to take care of when I get home. If I ever get home. I have to have a really, really, really long talk with my mother. And then I'll see what happens!" I smiled.

"Of course… Tell…your…mother, the….Q-Queen… We send…our….love a-and respect… W-We hope….she accepts…the ceremony…that…. i-is being….. held tomorrow…with… h-her… full… p-permission with…. love….and r-respect…" replied Prince Marcus, and for a few seconds he wasn't looking at me.

"Ceremony? Is it a ceremony that adopts me into your family? If yes, then I need some time to get ready. And after this whole party, I need to be told what to do at the ceremony so I won't mess anything up. Since this is after all, my first ceremony. And I'm going to be a little nervous…" I smiled.

"Yes, of course….P-Princess Evey. W-We will send…..servants to help you… change into proper attire….and ceremony dressings… They will p-pamper you. Ready you… and t-tell y-you what to do when the ceremony begins…"

"Ok, thank you! I'll see you tomorrow, Marcus. Apparently, I'm sleepy. So I want to go to bed…" I smiled.

"HO! The sweet Princess Evey is tired! Come, servants! Escort this beauty to her room! Ready her for her bed!" yelled the King behind me all the sudden!

He made me jump when he screamed out loud. My heart was thumping! My eyes were wide and I evened out my crown on my head. King Romptus waved his hands forward. Servant women came up, bowing down, and telling me to follow them. I got up from the throne, and servant boys came up behind me and carried my long train of the silk robe I wore. Like I was a bride, about to walk down the aisle.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" I waved back.

"HO! Hear my everyone! Hear me, my faithful guests! The sweet princess! Princess Evey!" he laughed out loud," She goes to slumber!" yelled the King with his golden cup in the air!

Everyone smile brightly. I looked at the crowd and this strange instinct took over me suddenly, and I quickly covered my ears! I used alotta muscle!

"HO!" yelled everyone else in the room with their cups held up high in the air, pounding into my eardrums like sonic booms. Wow! They would make a great cheerleading squad, no joke.

We seriously misjudged these people back in my time! They weren't serious people all the time! Party animals. What was the deal with that? I wonder what would happen if I introduced them to Crowd Surfing, Strip Poker, Lady Gaga, and Monday Night Football.

More servant woman came rushing after me. I felt like I had an army behind me, but almost personal assistants. Everything was all about me today. It was weird. I didn't get this much attention before. In a way I felt so insecure, but then they were so friendly, I was comfortable. It was all in my mind I guess.

Near the throne, the Prince and his father discussed private matters to each other as I walked away.

"Is she all that you had hoped for, my son?" asked the jolly King all happy and puffy.

"I have a confession to make, father."

"And what may that be?"

"She is beautiful…" Prince Marcus commented, his head leaning forward.

"Yes! Yes! She is! Now, the marriage ceremony starts tomorrow!"

"But, father, I have another confession to make," whispered the tired Prince.

"Yes! Yes, my son. What is it?"

"There is no disrespect of what I am about to tell you, Father." Prince Marcus looked away, very unsure, and continued," I don't want to marry her…"

"What!" King Romptus paused for the longest time.

The King stared. His eyes bulging, suddenly. The merry and happy tone of him had turned wicked and solid. His face turned red, and his eyes seemed to have turned red. His face shook. The Prince knew he had done shame. The King did not take rejection well.

"What! What! My son does not accept my most precious gift to him!"

"If you could just-" the Prince whispered.

"Call me father no more tonight!" hollered the King in rage," I'm retiring to my chamber. You will marry this fair Princess. Do you understand me! You will do it! Or so help me…y-you will be living with the rats! And I care not whether you suffer or enjoy living in the slums!" hollered the King, almost halting the entire party. His back was turned to his son.

"You are no King! In a way, I'm even ashamed of calling you a father. You are no King or father. You are a tyrant! Do you hear me! If Mother was here-"

Suddenly in a quick flash, the King turned towards his son. His nostrils flared, resembling an angry bull. His son had crossed the line.

"You're mother isn't here. And neither will I, soon! I am going to die. I am dying! Do you have any idea what will happen to this Kingdom if there is no King? To the soldiers? To the people! To your home! To our home! We die off, like cattle! Like cattle! And if you do not marry, we will be leaderless! The throne will have no reason to be, no more. And what will you do when the Kingdom goes into ruins…!" seethed the King through his teeth," It will be all your fault…"

King Romptus left his son standing in denial. The poor Prince could not escape this. His marriage was definite. He looked towards the Princess that was standing too far to hear their intense conversation. Maybe he should tell her what she was getting herself into. Indeed, she was beautiful, but did she have a clue what was happening? The King, his father. had blinded her with such beautiful gifts, he kept the truth confined. The Prince would retire to his chamber, for now.

"Sleep well, sweet Princess Evey!" called men as I left the room.

"Goodnight! Goodnight, sweet Princess!" called the soldiers.

"A new day starts tomorrow! A new age!" called the boy servants.

I waved back and the servant women guided me to my room. The boys behind me carried the soft train high and made sure it did not touch the floor. The servant women opened the doors and this was my room. It was the most magnificent room that I have ever seen in my life. Everything was SO awesome! This room was glowing, almost. This place didn't even need one of those bright blue fish tanks between the walls just to make the room look cool.

"Dude! This place is awesome! Wow! I want this is my room always! I'm not even gonna say anything else!" I laughed

Even 5 Star Hotels in Vegas would be in utter shame compared to my room in this palace that I was inhabiting at the moment! Servant women put dresses on the bed, opened the windows for fresh air, lit the torches n the room. They put fresh fruit on the table next to my bed, which was 5x bigger than any regular King size bed. They went into another room and lit the torch, which my guess was the bathroom or the washroom. Was it unhealthy to be spoiled like this so much?

"Omg! This is so awesome! I had no idea that this is how you guys live! I am, like, so jealous! Back at my place my room is so small and my mom says, it-Nevermind. How can you guys-"

"Is there anything you need at all, sweet Princess Evey? Anything at all, Princess…?" asked a woman servant with her fingers crossed resting on her chin, with that hopeful smile on her face.

"No thank you. I think-" I was cut off.

"We shall deliver fruits and delightful dishes to your room, if you like Princess Evey," said a woman servant waving her hand to these other servant woman who rushed down the long hallway.

"Oh thank you! But I'm a little full already, so-"

"Sweet princess, would you like us to prepare your bath and wash your hair?" asked another who waved her hand to signal to fill the tub to other servant woman with a bright smile on her face.

"I think I can manage on my-" I turned around.

"Would you like us to assort your jewelries for the ceremony tomorrow, Princess Evey ?" asked a woman with a straight professional expression on her face, that motioned to these jewels on the bed.

"Oh thank you! Do you think-" I was cut off again.

"There's more that we can serve you, sweet Princess Evey…! Much more, Princess!" exclaimed a woman that bowed down to me, with sunshine in her heart, and the promise of thousands.

"I think I'm fine, thank you. And-" I twisted around in a circle, trying to talk to them all at once.

"Lovely Princess Evey, is your room suitable enough for your liking, sweet Princess?" asked another servant woman who looked at the room in a circle, looked at the sheets, and everything else.

"Thank you, it's really-"

"Sweet kind princess Evey, would you like to change your dressings of your room?" asked another servant who touched the curtains, the bed sheets, the rugs, and everything else in the room.

"It's fine, really! Thank you-" I was cut off again.

"We can fix your hair suitable for bed if you like, sweet Princess Evey!" exclaimed a servant who held up a thin-looking comb, and 4 other servant woman who stood around a chair with bands.

Maybe this was really unhealthy. Being spoiled like this. In a way, it annoyed me. I wanted to scream right in their freakin faces that I can be independent…in small ways even. I don't want to be taken cared of, that much! I really, really, really wished I had a phobia for being pampered at the moment. I can bathe myself. I was full, and didn't need anymore food. I can dress myself and don't need any…help, whatsoever. I can put myself to bed without letting them throw rose petals at my feet or something. I don't anything changed about my room. I can chose out my own stuff in the morning for the ceremony tomorrow! Then it came to me. The ceremony. I needed some alone time, and think to myself about the whole thing.

"Ok, um, guys…girls thank you for everything-"

"Princess Evey, you do not need to thank us. It's…not needed.," said a servant woman, speaking for everyone else in the room looking confused. I narrowed my eyes.

"Well, of course it is. Doesn't the King thank you for all you do for him?" I asked, even though I think I knew what the answer was.

"Well-"

"Nevermind. I need everyone to get out. Get out, please…!"

"Of course Princess Evey, and here is your travel bag…" said a servant woman who placed my bag on my bed. She gave one last unusual look at it.

"Ok, thank you. Thank you all so much! Now I need some privacy, please!" I called out to all of them.

They all scurried like rats before a cat! They bowed down to me one last time and closed the door. The door shut, making this loud echoing in my room, signaling that it was empty. Then I can do what I wanted to. For a moment, I didn't know what happened. Then I just stood there, enjoying the silence. I was in favor of the silence, having the feel of being alone. I didn't mind at all. There was a noise in my head that wouldn't stop echoing. Maybe a migraine would grow there. I didn't know. This all didn't belong to me, but they wanted to give. Just give. Give. Give. Give. This wasn't right for them to do, nor I. Soon after thinking about all this, guilt would soon step it to take over. I always couldn't handle that.

Stepping over to my big comfy bed, my thoughts wandered here and there. About what was going on, was the main subject thought. Things popped up. About many things obviously. How my day went so far. The King, the Prince, and the servants. The palace. The party. This all happened so fast. In a way I felt guilty. I lied to them and took advantage of them. But I didn't mean to. All I hope is that it doesn't cause damage to any of them. My stomach did a flip, thinking myself despicable. I wasn't a Princess. There was nothing special about me that they could possibly love so much. Nothing. There was this hate that grew just for me. Then there was shame. Absolute shame.

When I said that I was excited that King Romptus was going to adopt me into his family. I had this voice telling me in my head that that was the most…sickest thing that I would ever do. When the King spoke such a thing, my mom popped into my head. Then…my dad. I jaw straightened, almost in fury. I popped my neck. I didn't want this anymore. This was like spitting on the grave of my dad. I loved him too much to go through anymore of this. All I wanted was to go home.

The sad thing was that I didn't even know what this special ceremony was in the first place. I just had to play along with everything. I didn't have a palace back home. I didn't have a mother who was a queen. Then my mind wandered back to all the compliments I was given by all those people. They said I was beautiful and things like that. I was a normal teen girl who didn't wear makeup, didn't get manicures, pedicures, and didn't get my hair done at a salon. And these people went totally berserk about my whole…self.

In a way, most girls back in my time were being considered silly, if I thought about it long enough. They try their best to look as stunning and gorgeous as they possibly can, but back in this time, they're already seen as pretty. As pretty as pretty can get. Gorgeous. It was a very interesting thing to explore. They all tried to be pretty by wearing pretty expensive clothes and shoes, too. Maybe going overboard. I guess we just tried too hard, or something like that. Maybe we just…lost…ourselves somewhere between this time period and the next.

Weird.

"Something, wrong, mortal?"

I jumped up! I looked around, my room. I looked past the torches, the bed, and the curtains. Feeling insecure, I was about to call for my servants. Keep me company. The reason I felt so much fear now was because I was in a different place. I didn't know what kind of creeps were here.

"Hello…?" squeaked my voice.

"Over here. Look here, mortal…"

"Where?"

I looked at ever corner of the room, but saw nothing. Looking behind my bed. Under my bed. Looking in the bathroom. I even opened the door and saw no one in the hallways.

"No, over here. Look here."

"Where? Just tell me where you are…"

I spun around, making myself dizzy at the most. My eyes then wandered to the ceiling, then saw it was darker up there. The funny thing was that I didn't get a strange feeling from it at all. The ceiling resembled a globe. The light of the torches did not touch up there.

"Hello…?"

I didn't have a flashlight with me. And I couldn't throw a torch up there. I didn't want to set my room on fire or anything. My eyes squinted. I quickly took off my crown and looked closer to the dim darkness that was fixed up there. My head was straight up, and my feet were walking in little circles.

"Why take off your crown, Princess? Shouldn't a Princess wear her insignia at all times, if she is a 'real' Princess…?"

The sound of the voice was more fixated on my left ear, so I looked to my left. I kept looking to my left, until I spun a full circle, and still saw nothing. The fear inside of me grew. Was one of the servants left behind?

"Where are you…? You're scaring me…If you're a servant, I said I needed some privacy. Can you get out, please?"

I turned this way and that, but my first instinct was to get away from the 'bed' and move a little closer to the door. I was using my manners, and was trying my best to be polite instead of scared. Who was this creep? Well, whoever it was, I wanted to show him that I was not vulnerable.

"I'll call back those servants to get you out. I-I'll even call security! I mean- the guards! But first, I'm asking you nicely…! Please, I need some time alone. Can you get out please?"

"Oh, dear child, from this point on… I don't think you'll ever be alone…"

"What are you- What does that mean?" I asked.

I grabbed my bag, ready to hit whoever would come near me. The voice was then fixated my on right ear. I spun around, but saw nothing. I rubbed my ear, because it felt all weird and tingly. This place was now giving me the creeps. Maybe coming to this palace was a mistake, but that ship sailed a long time ago. But there was so many people in the palace, there shouldn't be any reason I should be scared.

"What help will they do?"

"What do you saying- They'll kick you out of my room. Please, leave. I don't want any trouble, from you, ok? I'll make sure they escort you out, nicely. And I'll make sure they don't kill you…or whatever. Please…?"

"Kill me, you say. Not if I don't kill them first…"

My blood was shaken up. It got cold under my fingernails. This world was too creepy for my liking. A shiver ran down my arms, putting alarm into my systems. My heart was beginning to feel cold. I rolled down the sleeves of the sweater, which signaled I was getting nervous. My instinct was to keep spinning around, look for this stranger. My feet felt like concrete, thought. Was he right behind me? I spread out my arms, waving them behind me and spinning around. My fingers touched nothing. No. He wasn't behind me.

"No… No… You can't. Just…don't…" I breathed, feeling nauseous.

"Can't what, Princess?"

"Don't…kill…"

The voice changed into a deep chuckle, not from a form of amusement, but from something else. I wish I had a stick or something, or maybe I could use the alter candles that stood around my bed. This stranger was beating time on my head. Who is this person? Who creeps in these corridors and doesn't make a sound?

"Hello?"

The hairs on my arm stood up. My toes curled, and my arms were sucked in on themselves on my chest. I looked this way and that, and at the same time I began to memorize the room in a way.

"Hello?"

Some sort of grasp came upon me, like an invisible cloud of softness wrapped around me, about to carry me off to the moon and never return. That was the heaviness to this conflict. My eyes were in complete focus thought, and I saw no such force. My hands began to sweat.

"What is the matter, mortal Princess? I'm not hurting you. I'm not touching you. I'm talking to you. I'm not harming you as you can see, Princess. You can't see me. But I can see you."

"What are you, a ghost!"

"Oh ho! Not a ghost, mortal Princess…! But…a friend that can help you out of this situation your in… if you would like my help. I can help you escape this place, if you so wish…"

"I…feel…that I don't want your help. I don't know who are you. I don't know where you are. I don't even know what you look like. So my instincts are telling me….No."

"I only offer you this once. But if that is your wish, than so be it. But be warned, you will regret refusing my offer."

\ His voice, flat.

"I'm not….sure I will…"

"Very well. Go to the door."

"What?"

"Go the door, mortal! There, the answer will be revealed to you."

"What answer? Can't you just tell me!"

Nothing else was said after that. The voice was gone. I blinked and shook my head. When the stranger's voice did not say anything else, I had this signal in my head that I was free to move around now. He was gone. Maybe he got up from his hiding place and flew through the wall, I didn't know.

I looked around. I looked all over my body and I looked at my room. Nothing had changed. Nothing was strange. I felt my skin, and the shivers were gone. My arms weren't stiff anymore. I could place my foot out the door and run away and never come back, but I didn't.

From what I observed with hearing the weird voice. It was a male talking, and he sounded like he was older than me. I didn't want to judge so early…but he sounded creepy beyond all comparison.

I rolled up my sleeve more, and I clicked my tongue on the roof of my mouth. I stopped looking around and just gave up. It was a big room, so he could've been hiding anywhere.

"Hello!"

I called through the door and I put my ear against the door. I tried to sense any sounds or vibrations that came from the floor and to the door. I looked down, but couldn't see the shadows below the door.

This fear that was in my spine didn't vibe or shake, so it couldn't be anyone dangerous right? But I just had to be sure. I knocked on the door, my fingertips going all over the door, trying to search for a lock or something.

Maybe I should just grab a chair and push it up against the door knob. Or get some rope and tie the knobs together. And there was no peephole on the door, like they had in hotels. If there was, that would've helped so much.

"Who is it?" I called through the door.

"Prince Marcus, Princess…"

"Are you sure…?" I narrowed my eyes.

"….."

"Yea, don't answer that…"

I opened the door. There stood Marcus, as handsome as ever. But he looked different. It wasn't the clothes. It was how he looked with expression. He wasn't slumped down anymore. He didn't look shy anymore, not when I saw him at the party. He looked attentive. Serious. Like a responsible Prince should be.

"I need to have a word with you…"