Part Three

Mayah sat where she promised she would be, on Sae's bed waiting for her, when Sae finally found her way back to her chambers. Perhaps it was the emotional conversation they had had before, or perhaps it was because of the current look on Sae's face, but the first words the maiden received from the maid were, "My dear, sit down and tell me your troubles."

Sae sat herself down promptly and began. "I had meant to speak with you about Roderick, but I admit my mind is preoccupied with a newborn puzzling matter."

"Something new?" It was the first time that night Mayah looked disoriented. "What ever could that be?"

"His royal majesty the King spoke to me—told me such singular things."

The maid's posture became upright at once, her eyes alarmed. "The King has told you what, Sae?"

"He's warned me." Sae confessed, gripping the edge of her bedding. "Warned me not to trust anyone in this palace. He claims I've been told complete lies. He even went so far as to suggest that the royalty I have met are not genuine."

"Outlandish!" Mayah exclaimed.

Sae smiled weakly. "If in fact you were all playing a part I suppose as a servant Mayah you would be liable to feign ignorance, so I expect that sort of answer from you. However, the idea alone has spawned such strange notions on my walk back here. Is it such a coincidence that Prince Sevastian has bright green eyes, not hazel, the famous Fu Naru royal hazel, and yet someone like Sir Lisario who is only a cousin has the correct eyes?"

"You my dear are making paranoid connections. Not everyone in the Fu Naru family has hazel eyes. Why, the very Queen herself does not have them. As for Sir Lisario, he is a cousin to the direct royal line, so it is not surprising he may share family traits. He is no prince." Mayah rebuked lightly.

"Yes…I suppose so," Sae frowned. "And the Queen's eyes are green, just like Sevastian's. But then…the King suggested that even the Queen herself was not the real one."

"Simply preposterous!" Mayah's eyes widened at the very suggestion. "I'm astonished you would listen to the rantings of our old poor King who is not well in health or spirit."

"I'm not sure Mayah…it seems all too suspicious to dismiss. Doubtless you are forbidden to tell me the truth if it is so. I admire your loyalty to the Queen, but it certainly has got me thinking."

Mayah stood up from her seat and faced Sae, patting the young maiden's shoulder. "My dear, I want you to listen to me when I tell you that the king is not in good health, and the knight is the knight, the prince is the prince, and if you truly do love the Royal Advisor, you should not try and distract yourself with these foolish falsehoods, but instead be brave and face your fears. You should tell the Queen you are resigning from the competition, and then explain your feelings to Roderick and hope for the best. You may end up marrying someone in this palace after all."

"Hah. I already told him my feelings, and I was promptly rejected Mayah!"

The servant looked at her thoughtfully. "Were you now? What exactly did he say?"

"I cannot recount his exact words. At first he was silent, then he told me that I was forgetting myself, and…he explained that it would jeopardize both of our situations, which I knew was his way of being a gentleman. He wouldn't embarrass me with his true meaning. He does not care for me."

With a disproving tut Mayah responded, "You are too rash in making assumptions my dear. For now let us just place a question mark upon whatever his feelings are for you. Presently there are other things that require your focus. Sae, above all you should be honest with the royalty, and tell Prince Sevastian about this matter as well. I think he'd rather know your true feelings and would be honoured if you confided in him."

"Perhaps…" Sae bit her bottom lip. "I doubt he would be upset, for I do not think Sevastian has come to love me, as I have not come to love him. We are simply too much of a platonic pair."

"Good. Now, it's time you get to bed and rest your mind from such troubling hearsay. Believe me when I say the King is indeed ill. You can trust in the royalty of Fu Naru."

o-o-o

The next few days were meant for Sae to relax, before she would have to worry over the sixth task. Her lady's maids were going out of their way to distract Sae from her disconcerting thoughts. They were not very successful. Sae was being pulled by two very strong resolutions: the first, to act on Mayah's orders and tell Sevastian everything, then tell the Queen, and lastly try talking to Roderick about her feelings one last time. The idea frightened her so much that it seemed easier to stick with the second resolution, the one Roderick told her to do; focus on the tasks and be true to the Prince she was trying to gain the hand of.

Her heart wrenched at the thought of marrying the Prince. He was everything she could look for—in a brother. For a husband, she scarcely could believe it of herself, but she wanted the burning passion, the intellectual connection, and deep understanding her soul felt for the Royal Advisor. There could be no mistake in this any longer; she loved him with all her heart and knew not what to do with her unrequited feelings.

"Those palace rascals Cornelia and Whitmark have been eager for you to start exploring the halls again. They want to play a new trick on you. Don't you want to catch them at their own game?" Beda suggested.

"I'm not much in the mood for that Beda, thank you."

"I've spoken to Condor this morning. He says you haven't been out to ride lately. Isn't this a lovely day for a gallop in the park Sae?" Alesia countered.

"Not today, I'll visit the stables another time."

"Sae, the apples have begun to grow ripe for picking out in the orchards. Shall we go pick some and ask the cook to make apple tarts for us?" Phélie used her cheeriest voice.

Sae hesitated, then agreed, "All right, I do love apples…and I admit I am growing tired of sitting in this room."

All three maids sighed in relief, and wasted no time in preparing Sae for an afternoon out in the delicate sun and fresh early autumn air, among the changing leaves and growing ruby apples.

Later Sae dined with the Queen and silence was the song of the evening. A few times during the meal, Sae attempted conversation but could not bring herself to speak. She was sure that if she dare, the wrong ones would tumble out. Those words of course would be Sae's confession and resignation from the tasks. Sae could not bring herself to do such a thing, regardless of Mayah's motherly advice, and so she kept her tongue bottled up that evening. With the Queen being a quiet woman herself, silence ensued.

After her days of tormented relaxation had passed, Gallagher appeared at her door one afternoon and in his rude fashion announced that she was to present herself in the Royal Advisors' study within the hour. Sae braced herself and followed his orders.

She found Roderick behind his familiar big oak desk waiting for her.

"It is time we discuss—" He began and she took a deep breath, "—your final task."

She exhaled. Though she knew this was exactly what he was going to say, she still felt a pang of disappointment.

"It is called 'The Ruling Test'. You must prove yourself to be what a ruler is made of. Namely, you must show a commanding presence, and display the ability to reign over the people of Fu Naru."

"But…how?"

"The test will be what it is. You must focus on preparing yourself for it, however the Queen decides to test you."

Sae was at a loss. Of all the tasks she had little inkling on how they would test her for this one. The history test was knowledge, the children rearing task was with children, and the social one was proving herself in society. But a ruling test? How could she prove that without actually ruling first? And how was this any different from the justice test, when she had to make ruling decisions between subjects of the kingdom. Was that not a demonstration of ruling her country?

"This seems the most obscure of all the tasks presented to me. Can you not give me more information?" She enquired.

He looked at her for a moment, as if unsure of what to say, but answered her thus: "I'm afraid it was designed to be obscure, for this task is not one you can study for in any way. Of all the tasks, it is closest to 'The Justice Test' for you will be asked to call upon your own beliefs and make your own decisions when you present. That is all I can give away. I suggest you choose your assistant wisely."

"Thank you Roderick," She said, sitting across from him and wondering if now would be a good time to confess her feelings once again.

He gave her a brief nod then turned his attention back to the papers on his desk, saying, "If you have no further questions, then you may go."

By his indifferent attitude she knew now was not the best time for a love confession, so she got up and opened the door.

"…and good luck Sae." He added, just as she closed the door behind her.

o-o-o

By the suggestion of her maid Alesia days ago, Sae woke up early and went out for her first horse ride in the past seven days. Her object was to encounter Prince Sevastian, and she didn't fail.

"It is good to see you out and riding once again." Sevastian said, slowing his horse's stride to match pace with hers.

"Yes, poor Ivy was getting restless in her stables, so Condor was telling me. I am happy to be riding with her again."

"And I am grateful for the company." He gallantly countered.

"I confess though, Prince Sevastian, I did not just come out here for morning exercise."

"Oh? What was your other purpose? And please, as always, just call me Sevastian."

"I have a favour to ask of you." She smiled sheepishly. "If you would be willing, I'd like you to be my helper for my final task."

"Oh, grooming yourself for the final task already, are we?" He chuckled.

"Yes, the sixth one, 'The Ruling Test'. I'd like a ruler to prepare me for this, and you are just the person."

"Well Sae, you made an effort this morning to catch me, how could I say no? Shall we adjourn for the morning and after lunch meet in the west drawing room to begin?"

"Oh thank you Sevastian, yes."

"Not at all milady." He beamed back.

Later the Prince and Sae began a discussion on what she faced.

"You must understand, Sae, none of the ladies before you had reached the final task; I have not the slightest notion on how the Queen means to test you. Therefore I can only prepare you by my own ignorant design. If you will put your faith in me though, I will give you my full might."

Sae's face lit up nonetheless. "I knew I could count on you Sevastian! I must confess, when I asked for your help I feared you would decline. I know the Queen herself isn't allowed to be my assistant, that would conflict with her own interest as the judge, but I did not know if you would be allowed to aid me. After all, you are the very prince I am aiming to marry by defeating these tasks."

"There is truth in those words, and yet, I am not the one testing you, so why shan't I serve you if it is in both our wills? I suppose in some light it can be construed as a conflict of interest for me as well. The prize should not be helping the contender, but I do like you Sae. I feel that we've become fast friends. Also, I acknowledge that when someone asks for assistance I can not bear refuse them."

"You've satisfied my conscious on that regard. Now, how shall we commence?"

"I've ideas to start with." He grinned and stood up from his seat. "You must first come with me. I wish to show you something."

They left the drawing room and the Prince led Sae up a flight of grand stairs to a familiar hallway she had once ventured through during the early days of her visit at the palace.

"Have you walked through here?" He enquired, and when she answered favourably he added, "And have you set eyes upon the portraits that hang here?"

Once again she admitted to it, though she clarified, "I confess I did not pay much attention; a passing glance is all I gave these paintings. I prefer landscape art to portraits."

"Aye, as do I, though I want you to take a moment and look into the faces of my ancestors, the great past rulers of Fu Naru. Peer into the eyes of these sincere rulers who wanted the best for their country, and I want you to see yourself in them, draw an inspiration from these imperfect, though dedicated kings and queens of yesteryear."

From the windows across, faint light spilled into the narrow hall and cast half shadows on each portrait. Sae placed herself in front of the first painting and look earnestly at the Ancient King Montagne. He had been known for two things: the kindness he had demonstrated to his subjects in a time of poverty, and his rather lovely ginger beard. His intense grey eyes flashed back at her through the painting, though the softness of his face, and the crinkles on the edge of his eyes and the sides of his mouth told Sae that this was a great King of old.

"It's strange," she noted after a long pause, "but just by looking at this portrait, I feel I can read in his face the kind of ruler he was."

"The history books do not lie, nor do the legends. He was a good man. I am proud to be related to him, however slightly it is."

Sae looked away from the painting and towards the prince. "I wouldn't say it's slight. No matter how couple centuries ago it was, you are still a direct descendant from him."

"Yes, that is true." He said it so quietly she barely heard him, but then he continued with more enthusiasm. "Now, onto the next portrait. I'd like to introduce you to Queen Darina the Valiant, his daughter."

That night Sae went to sleep with spirits that were considerably higher than they had been in days. The Prince just seemed to brighten her mood, and was that not a good enough reason to marry him? Putting the thought aside, for it would surely ruin her current frame of mind, Sae instead thought of all the portraits she had examined as she drifted off to sleep. Though at face value it did not seem to have a tangible connection with preparing her for the task, she understood why the prince had done it. After looking into the faces of all the past rulers, she recognized a sincerity to do the country justice in each of them. It inspired her to put forth her best efforts for the kingdom, and she was now more eager than ever to start her real training with Sevastian.

o-o-o

"You've seen their faces, and you've read about them in historical text. Now I want you to contemplate deeply, and discuss with me what they did for the country. What made them great rulers?"

They were seated in the west drawing room, and Sevastian was doing his best to aid his companion with her impending task.

"Their greatest achievements, you mean?"

"Those, as well as the insignificant everyday things they were recorded as doing. A ruler isn't just great because of the few big contributions they have made, though those are very notable. Instead, they are greater still for the small, mundane things they give of themselves, which go unnoticed until they have left us. It is the small miracles that add up and become what really matters, though legends deceive us, for all that will be remembered a century later are their big achievements. Ask the people of those times, and I am sure the ones situated by the ruler would tell more of the simple things their majesty had done."

"Though we have no way of knowing many of the little things." Sae countered.

"That is both true and false. The general texts written years later will give us vague idea, but the scribes of the time, persons privileged to know their ruler, will give us more detail. The text exists; you only need find it."

"Shall we then to the library? That is where I suppose such text to be accessible."

"Yes, to the library, but only after we have a discussion on my great ancestors. I wish first to know what knowledge you have of them and their accomplishments. From there we will uncover simpler truths."

And that was how Sae found herself spending the next two days, expanding her knowledge on the ancient kings and queens, and figuring out what it meant to be a ruler of Fu Naru.

As for the remainder time until the task, Sevastian had something else planned for her.

"Now that we've covered the past rulers, I want you to think of yourself, and how you fit into this Sae. What kind of ruler do you want to be, and how would you will this country? Think about all you've seen; your experience in the villages, when you were getting to know the people during the harvest, or looking after their children. Think of all you know of this country, its assets and flaws, and how you would work with those. Also, be mindful of your position. You would be a queen consort to a king, that is, you would rule beside him. You must remember that your vocation is to council and advise, and not often make the final decision; that is the King's right. However, as a Queen you do have power with the law and protection of the people, so be mindful of that."

It was a lot to ingest, but Sae was serious about becoming the future ruler. She knew though her heart wasn't in agreement with marrying the prince, it was drawn to the position of Queen, and she felt deep within that this was something she was meant to do.

So, Sae thought long and hard about the country and her place within it, what she had seen and what she wished to see. The Prince questioned her over many things, and was pleased with the results.

"I think come tomorrow's task you'll be fine."

"Oh Sevastian, that is sweet of you to say. I am mentally fatigued though, and long for fresh air. Would you accompany me in a walk through the rose gardens this evening?"

In response he held out his arm for her to take. "Let us, dear friend."

o-o-o

Sevastian insisted on escorting Sae to her rooms once they left the gardens. They were walking down the cobbled path back to the west doors, the sun having almost completely set, when out of the corner of Sae's eye she caught quite a sight.

Half concealed by a tree, she could still make out Alesia pressed up again the trunk, with Condor leaning over her, speaking and brushing the hair from her face. Though he wasn't as tall as Sevastian or Roderick, Condor did have a substantive height over Alesia, and his face was bent close to hers; his words must have been whispers. Sae could not make out Alesia's face but knew it was her from her red locks. She could see Condor's face, his expression both pained and forlorn. Yet he was touching her so intimately!

Sevastian caught her line of vision and halted, then began to tug Sae's arm forward. "We should not be seeing this."

"Yes, of course!" Sae responded, embarrassed, and so curious she thought her head might burst.

The Prince delivered her to her rooms, wishing her pleasant dreams, and keeping his lips sealed otherwise. She dared not bring up what they had just saw, but could hardly contain herself. Prince Sevastian probably knew nothing of his servants' love lives, so he would prove useless should she probe him anyhow. It was not her right to ask Alesia or Condor, so she must exercise her restraint to forget it for the time being. It was time to focus on the test.

The morning before the sixth task Sae received a letter from home. To her surprise this was neither from her sister, mother or father, but her younger twin brothers, Evart and Josef. Still inseparable, they had even chosen to write to her as a pair.

Dearest sister Sae,

You'll be happy to know that mother and father are pleased with us for I Evart haven't said "ribbit" like a frog since you've left—and I Josef haven't buzzed like an insect either. We explained to our parents what you explained to us before you left, that if I were a frog—and I were an insect—then it would mean that I would be eating Josef—and I don't want Evart eating me sister, as frogs eat insects. So instead we've decided to both be monkeys, though we've never seen or heard a monkey before. Last week an exotic merchant came to our lands. From the tales that merchant brought back from the east we guess that monkeys make a sort of screeching sound like a mix between those annoying birds that clutter around our river banks at home, and father's blood hound when he is yapping for his lunch. Yes, we are sure that must be close to the sound. Mother and Father are not happy with us when we try out our monkey sounds at dinner, though Mealina seems to find them funny enough. Anyway, we are writing to you because Evart misses you terribly—I do not! Josef is the one who suggested we—anyway, it doesn't matter. Actually it was Mealina whom we stumbled upon writing to you not a week ago, and after some thought decided we should like to try it ourselves. But I've really got nothing left to say—neither do I—and so we hope you are having fun sister, and that you have played at least one decent trick on the Prince so far, or maybe even on the Queen—though we've heard she is a very clever lady so maybe that won't be so easy. So, that's all for now, see you soon, hopefully for our thirteenth birthday next month—you'd better be there and not be stingy on a present just because your away at the Palace—goodbye for now sister.

Cordially,

Josef and Evart.

The letter, unpolished as it was, gave Sae a great lift in spirits. Her brothers were writing to her, and it could only mean one thing: they missed her, though they did their best to hide the fact, the message was clear. It brought small tears to her eyes, though she did not shed them, and with renewed strength to take the day on, she decided on going down to the stables for another morning ride.

o-o-o

Gallagher summoned Sae most uncouthly from her rooms when the task was to begin. Her lady's maids held her hands and walked with her to the throne room, telling her again and again how much of a pleasure she was to serve and how sure they were she would pass this task too. By the looks on their anxious faces however, Sae could sense there was something they were not telling her. Maybe, she thought with a pang of insecurity, they were just trying to build her courage up, but really didn't think she could do this. Sae checked her moment of weakness and pushed herself to walk on.

Before they had even entered the throne room Sae was overwhelmed by the sound of a large assembly. As the doors were opened for them Sae's ears were proven correct. The throne room was filled with people: a collection of nobles and commoners, noblemen sitting comfortably in the first half of the throne room, and as the walls stretched back, commoners crowded the remainder. Sitting on the throne was the Queen, Prince Sevastian was sitting next to her, and beside the Prince stood his Royal Advisor, and behind the Queen stood her oldest friend and first lady's maid, Mayah. As Sae travelled past the crowd of people and towards the front of the throne room, she passed Sir Lisario sitting near the front.

"Good luck Lady Sae! You are capable of winning this." He whispered loudly.

She rewarded him with a brief smile and pressed on. Her lady's maids waited at the back near the door. They took hold of each other hands, willing Sae to complete this task.

Once directly in front of the Queen, Sae came to a halt and gave a graceful curtsy. "Your Majesty."

Queen Ryona cleared her dry throat and addressed not just Sae, but the whole assembly of people.

"Today is the day we find out if this young woman has the people's confidence, in being a ruler of Fu Naru. Today Lady Sae, you will give a speech to these people, address a handful of loyal subjects of Fu Naru, and you must prove yourself to be the best choice for their future Queen. There are two others who will also make their case." At her words two young ladies in the front stood up and came to stand on either side of Sae.

The Queen's voice dropped barely above a whisper, so that only the people close enough to her could hear, including Sae. "These women are travelling performers, and have been instructed with what to say to these people. You must give a speech alongside them, and if the people choose you, then you will have proven yourself worthy."

The girl on the right side of Sae gave her a challenging smirk; the girl on her left displayed a friendlier smile.

"Now," continued the Queen louder, so that the crowd could here her once more. "We shall have three speeches today, and you, my loyal subjects, shall choose with your display of cheering, which girl you find most earnest and dedicated in her wish to be Queen. We shall go in order of how they stand. May the girl on the farthest right please take a stand over here on the raised floor, and tell us what she means to do for Fu Naru."

The smirking girl walked over to the platform, positioned herself in front of the assembly, and with a sweet fake smile began her speech. She was dressed modestly yet elegantly, with a morning gown made of soft pink folds. The girl tucked a loose stray of her brown curls behind her ear as she smiled at her onlookers and spoke with polite, intelligent words. Sae could tell by her eloquence that this girl was a seasoned performer. At the end she curtsied delicately to the crowd and they cheered her on.

"Lady Sae, you are in the middle and second. Please proceed." The Queen bid as the first girl reclaimed her spot next to Sae. She gave Sae an even bigger smirk, but the girl to Sae's left said, "Don't mind her; you can do even better than that."

Sae nodded her head in thanks and met with the Prince's eyes just then. He tilted his head and smiled. She smiled back and moved into position. Sae cleared her throat, stood straight and tall for all to see, and thus spoke;

"I bid the loyal subjects of Fu Naru welcome to this majestic palace. My name is Sae Adelyn Eldree, daughter of Count Arland Eldree of the west county and the late Countess Elena Beltran, my mother. Now, to some of you my linage may mean something, but to many of you this will not equate with the kind of ruler I shall be for you. I only mean to address, dear gentlemen and gentlewomen, and the loyal people of our kingdom, the simple fact that I am a true Fu Narian, born and bred. I carry with me the pride of my glorious nation, and the knowledge of its history, where it's been, and what it is capable of achieving. From my time here at the palace, my gracious hosts have opened my eyes to the potential of this country. I have lived a sheltered life in the western regions. However, I have known the farmers in my father's county. I have been acquainted with the lives they live, what they depend on. Since coming here, I have learned firsthand the life of a villager, of families not as fortunate, and what our land has to offer by hardworking hands."

As a Queen I think my foremost ambition would be to connect more with the people. I find it strange that it has taken me this long to meet villagers and see a harvest first hand. I think it would be prudent for all noblemen to see first hand what the backbone of this country is. I would invest my time and efforts into seeing that this nation thrives through its agriculture, for our rich lands can supply all if tended to correctly. Also, as a queen I would contribute to securing peace with our neighbouring nations. It would take anyone a simple read through our history to note that Fu Naru has had its most prosperous times when it has focused on peace with its neighbours. We do not need to conquer and expand; we need to stabilize our own country, so that if there are any threats we have the greatest defence. It should never come to that however. Our relations with our neighbours are impeccable and as a ruler I would see to continuing them."

I would also improve the law system, so that subjects miles from their ruler would not have to travel a long journey to settle simple matters of cattle and property. Neighbouring lords would be given certain small privileges so that they may settle the matters of their region. If the issue proves more problematic than that, the common folk would then come to the palace next. This way, the people of Fu Naru will not have to waste too much time and effort unless it is of extreme importance, and the lord given minimal jurisdiction will be compensated for his troubles."

Lastly, as a queen I know my sole role is to provide aid to my king and give him an heir. I plan to perform my duty as queen consort proudly, and I would raise a son who would know the strengths and weaknesses of his country, be connected with all people so he would consider them in every decision he makes, and be taught that peace is the best state for prosperity to occur. Even with all these promises I am, however, a mere girl; I cannot move mountains and part the sea. I need the help of each and every soul in this country, to aid me as a ruler, to make this nation thrive and blossom into the next century. With your help good people, I wish to be your queen and I promise I will put my heart completely in it." This she said most sincerely, for it was then that Sae decided to choose her country over her heart. She wanted to be queen and help her country more than she wanted love. Or so she thought.

There was a dead stillness in the air for a lingering moment. Then the assembly broke out in a tremendous cheer and Sae felt her cheeks grow hot. She looked over at Prince Sevastian and he was beaming. Taking this as a cue, she stepped away from the platform and walked back to her place between the two performers.

The girl who had not gone yet raised her eyebrow in compliment and smiled encouragingly. Sae grinned back, ignoring the girl to her right. Lastly, when the cheering died down, the Queen motioned for the third girl to go. Sae was feeling so anxious post-speech that she didn't hear a word of it, though she noted the third girl sounded even humbler and honest than the first. When the girl finished and was cheered, the Queen stood up and addressed the crowd.

"Loyal subjects, you have heard these girls speak. Who do you find the most earnest? Who do you believe in? The first lady?"

The crowd cheered for her mildly.

"How about our second lady?" Queen Ryona drawled and the assembly began to cheer, while from the corner a couple of voices began to chant "Queen Sae! Queen Sae!"

The Queen then attempted to call for the third girl but the cheering turned into half the assembly chanting. "Queen Sae! Queen Sae!"

The assembly had spoken.

"Well, it is clear you've won this one Lady Sae." The Queen said, turning her green eyes back to her. "Congratulations, you have now completed task six. Now if you will please, it shall take a couple hours to clear the throne room. Present yourself back here at six sharp, before we dine tonight. May I suggest a nice long bath to cool your nerves?"

Sae was speechless. She had defeated all six tasks, she would be Queen.

As she met with her ladies in waiting it slowly started to sink in. She had won. She had done it. The impossible tasks had been defeated. How was it possible? She thought at this point relief should be washing over her…and yet, she was apprehensive. Her heart wasn't in this, she realized. It longed to be queen, but not Prince Sevastian's bride. She must force herself to accept it.

"Simply marvellous, Lady Sae." Beda patted her on the arm warmly and had a sincere look of joy upon her face.

Phélie ignored maid protocol and threw her arms around Sae. "I'm so happy! I knew you could get this far! Did you hear them chanting Queen Sae! They want you for our Queen! Now you just have to—"

Alesia cut her off by grabbing her arm and saying, "Let Sae breathe Phélie! You did wonderful Sae, truly, we couldn't be happier. We were rooting for you, in case you didn't already realize."

Sae laughed. "That would have been difficult not to notice, especially as all three of you have been telling me so for the past month now. But Phélie, what do I have to do?"

Phélie blushed. "Oh Sae, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything, really. Trust me, I meant nothing by it. I mean, you're done, aren't you?"

Phélie was not a good liar, Sae came to realize that moment outside the throne room. "There is something you are all hiding from me."

Beda and Phélie looked away and Alesia looked her straight on and said, "Whether we are or aren't, it is not our place to say. You will soon find out, and when you do, we will still be rooting for you."

So, there is something else, Sae thought. The King had mentioned something a week ago about a seventh task, but Mayah had claimed that the King was soft in the head. The maid had told her not worry about it, so Sae had put it out of her mind. Perhaps he had been telling the truth. She couldn't blame Mayah for covering it up. After all Mayah was a servant to the Queen, and just like Sae's lady's maids she too would have to keep the secret. The King had spoken of disguises too, and fakes princes. Could that mean...?

Just then Prince Sevastian popped out of the throne room. "I'm glad I caught you Sae before you departed for your rooms. The assembly is going to leave soon and we should clear the hall. But before that I just wanted to commend you on a job well done. You did better than even I imagined."

"Thank you. Sevastian, may I ask a question?"

She noticed her maids cringe from the corner of her eye but they made no attempt to stop her. So when the prince smiled and bade her to continue, she did. "Are you really Prince Sevastian?"

The young man standing before her shook his head and said kindly, "I am a Sevastian, but I am not Prince Sevastian, dear Sae. I hope you can find him before it's too late." Then he leant down, gave her a brotherly kiss on the cheek, and went back into the throne room.