I found a phone in my room later that day, magically delivered while I was under the covers 'sleeping', and with the texts from several different numbers. I had to assume they were the Princes given the names they'd assigned themselves.

They wanted to know what had happened.

I pretty much told them what he'd said, all two words of it, and then gave up listening to the phone after that. I was busy. I did what I supposed most girls did... I just lay there, depressed beyond belief, trying to think about where it had gone wrong.

Then I'd try and stop that.

What had I ruined, exactly? What? Was I angry or was I sad?

I had no idea!

After lunch- I assumed that was what that meal had been about- I'd been seriously tempted to just pack up and leave. I wasn't going to do that, of courre I wasn't, I felt a kind of commitment to see Prince Glenn get his life back somehow.

It hadn't helped though when I'd overheard the maids whispering about the 'second group date' for Roberto and his women. Great. Maybe I'd been wrong. Maybe he really had wanted to pick one of them. I mean... why not? They were beautiful, accomplished, well bred, and despite their nasty streak... there must have been something good in them if the King had chosen them. Money?

I sighed for what was probably the thousandth time, sitting on the ground as I stared out the window at Otis, but any joy at his antics were no longer giving me any joy.

"Sophia..."

A voice murmured beside me and I twisted around to see Wilifred entering.

"I did knock." He knelt beside me, brushing something soft against my face, concern on his face.

"Sorry. I probably look... not so good." I tried to smile. It didn't work, my face just cracked, and I turned back towards the doors. I felt a finger gently brush hair back.

"The sadness doesn't suit you."

"Uh huh." I didn't agree, just shut my eyes, as his finger continued to stroke my hair. "Can I... help you?"

"Please excuse him but... Alberto explained what happened. Please- don't feel angry towards Joshua. He means well, even if he doesn't show it, and I genuinely think he doesn't understand why he crossed a boundary." Wilifred's hand dropped and he went to sit on the ground beside me, reaching out as Otis circled back to shower us with his love, his eyes gazing down at the puppy. "I'm a little confused myself."

"Just confused? I... I feel like an idiot." I breathed out as a wave of emotion washed over me. I didn't blame Prince Joshua. But what had happened? Had it been one sided? Had he only felt like a friend and I... got swept away in it all? In being rescued, more or less, in being doted on, and... ruining it?

"No, please, don't..." Wilifred hesitated. He went quiet again and grasped my hand. "I don't think you're an idiot."

I shut my eyes. "No, I … I promised to view him as Prince Roberto. Didn't I? But I … I stopped, like I did with you, and probably Glenn, and everyone. So it was my fault."

"I'm glad you do." Wilifred's eyes were still on Otis. "At least when you're alone with us."

He didn't seem to know what to say. Neither did I.

"I didn't know he was getting married."

"It isn't something he was feeling any joy over. Roberto seems to have changed a little." It hurt, even just to hear Wilifred mention his name, but I turned to look at Wilifred as he stared down. "He's facing those women and his duty. He hasn't run."

"How long has he got? A month? How much longer can he run?"

I didn't want to talk about him. I was sure I was going to cry. How had I … Argh, and I was doing it again. "Enough about that. You hear about my arranged marriage?"

Wilifred flinched at that, his hand vanishing from mine, and he nodded slowly. "With it on the news, yes."

"Yeah. I'm not sure why he's decided to do that."

"I do." Wilifred gave Otis a gentle shove and looked to me, finally. "You're now a household name in most households in the six kingdoms- the kidnapped fiancee of Orien's crown Prince. It's unlikely you'll go somewhere in public now without being recognised."

"I guess so. So... it's his way of trying to locate me." I got it. "It must be hard for you."

"I don't know any other way of living. That marriage..." Wilifred seemed to pause, as if considering his words, and frowned. "...although he is not the real Prince Glenn, it's an official engagement announcement now. You may find yourself struggling to end it without causing trouble for yourself or Glenn."

I went silent at that. I hadn't even considered that aspect of it. We had seen it on the news, okay, and Glenn hadn't mentioned that...

Was he planning on calling it off?

"I hope it doesn't do that." I muttered. "Cause trouble for him."

"As do I." His eyes stayed fixed on me a long time.

I just stared ahead as I tried to keep 'numb'. Don't think about it.

I fell silent and sighed once again, shutting my eyes, devastation flooding me as Roberto's face flooded my head once again. It was mad. I … had barely known him. It had to be because he'd been so nice to me. That was it. I'd misread his … his intentions.

"Prince Keith wants to leave a little earlier." Wilifred said after a while. He'd sat there that entire time, silent, his presence comforting. "But if you're not ready..."

"To be bait? Guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

Wilifred nodded. He stood up slowly, stretching, and then helped me onto my good leg. "Please. Don't do anything risky. You can send me a message at any point you've changed your mind and want to cancel this. And-" He stared down at my leg, frowning, uncertain, "-you can ask to stop. We all agreed. Your wound can't be pushed any more than you bear. If it hurts. Send me a message."

"I'll do my best. I'll send you a message." I wasn't sure I could keep that promise though. "I hope it does help Glenn out a bit."

It wasn't long before I was helped into 'appropriate' clothing by the maids. It ended up being a pretty normal looking outfit, considering who'd organised this, just some jeans and a light bare armed top with a light jacket. Nice summer outfit. I did notice that they made me keep this new phone inside a concealed pocket inside the light jacket.

Once again no wheelchair. I was escorted to the front door where Prince Keith waited. He didn't look like he was going out somehow. He was dressed in a suit. I was... in casual. It made it pretty obvious.

"You're not coming." I guessed and he shook his head.

"Another ...party."

I knew immediately what he meant. Another 'date' he had to share with Roberto. Prince Keith seemed regretful that he'd even mentioned it. I was surprised that he was... he'd always seemed so distant and scary.

"Ah well. Good that I'm going out then. Right?" I tried to be bright and happy... tried.

"Mm. Focus on your situation. Let us handle this other situation." Keith moved closer, nearly close enough to touch, as he muttered, "You'll be given opportunities to escape."

"And I'm going to take them?"

He nodded, his emerald eyes focusing outside at the car, arms crossing. He seemed to he thinking about something- he was standing in front of my exit- and I waited until Prince Keith continued, "The evidence could suggest that you were an unwilling participant of the escape."

"Unwilling?" I wasn't quite sure I understood- honestly, waking under a building wasn't the clearest way to start an escape.

"You went to visit the Princes, something many girls of your station would do, am I right?" I wanted to roll my eyes at 'of your station' but nodded, thinking it over, and realised. As embarrassing as it was... he was right. A lot of girls would probably sneak down to visit the Princes. Prince Keith continued, "Then you were rendered unconscious by a butler, who was apart of the escape effort, and carried off. Shot, which naturally would frighten you into keep running. I believe the reason your father hasn't just tried to shoot you is for that reason alone. He is, as I might, considering the possibility that we were taking you for our own advantage. Which is true."

I knew part of the reason they'd taken me was for their advantage but to hear it said so bluntly, after Roberto's... before, I shut my eyes a moment. Was that what he meant? Ruined it. How many times was I going to replay those words? Probably... for a very long time. I shuddered and felt a hand close on my shoulder, squeezing, Prince Keith's eyes now seeking mine. There was almost a sympathy.

"Please, Miss Sophia, concentrate. I... understand what has taken place today must be distressing, but-" His tone surprised me. I stared at him and Prince Keith flushed, staring off, adding, "-but I have Prince Glenn's needs, and that of Oriens, to consider. Open war with Oriens is the last opition my father wishes. Your strength is more important than your hurt."

I nodded and breathed in, slowly, as he let go of my shoulder and strode forward. Prince Keith touched the door handle a moment before he added, "If ... if you should find yourself taken, you must be sure to plead to talk to your Father, and tell him everything that happened. That Roberto seduced you, your injury, having to hide in your Father's own home during the storm."

"You'll let me be taken?"

"No. There will be protection at all times. The ideal situation is that we prevent such a thing from taking too long. " Prince Keith fixed his eyes in me. "But your Father needs confirmation that your departure from his care was unwilling. When you find yourself alone, do not question it, but run."

Oh. "I get it. You want me to put on a show. Really try and escape."

"Exactly. And when you are captured, the bodyguards may pick you up, they may be a little forcefil-" I shivered at that, "-but I have ordered them to be careful. Bruises are to be avoided. They'll give you the word Otis to let you know it's them."

"Won't he find it weird that I'm out?"

"You will be on guarded tours as if you are a forced guest. You don't have to enjoy them. Or you will be taken to parties, nightclubs, to match your earlier behaviour."

I flinched. Prince Keith had clearly heard my reputation. If he knew that was insulting and/or hurtful he didn't let it on.

"At least you don't think I'm on his side."

Prince Keith's face softened somewhat and he shook his head. "If Prince Wilifred, Prince Glenn and Prince Joshua have spoken to defend you, as has Claude, Yu, Jan and Alberto then I accept it."

Prince Joshua had as well? I was surprised by that. He hadn't mentioned Roberto though.

"Roberto refused to even answer the question." Prince Keith seemed to understand what I was thinking.

"Okay. Time to go make a fuss about running home to daddy." I straightened up.

"Enjoy it as well." Prince Keith called as I went to open the door. He grasped my hand suddenly and pushed something into my hand. A credit card? "Spend what you want... but on one condition."

"What's that?"

He hesitated, face reddening, looking a little awkward all of a sudden. "Buy every last thing related to dolphins an... and send it here. To the Manse. The bodyguard will take care of the arrangements."

"Dolphins?" Did Prince Keith have a secret love for dolphins? I stared at him.

"Don't ask questions!" Prince Keith turned suddenly, embarrassed and angry, and stormed off again.

"I'm sure I'll love your country, Your Highness." I waved one crutch at him and eased myself into the car. "Right. Dolphins."

I was dropped off with just one bodyguard at an aquarium. It was crowded today, couples on dates, families with their children, friends there, probably all escaping the summer heat outside by staying all day inside the air conditioned aquarium.

It was pretty impressive. I stood there gazing at my map, stunned, finding myself staring at a comprehensive map of a five story building complete with a garden on the roof which boasted award winning koi ponds and cherry trees- both donated from Oriens as the map boasted- and six restaurants across the four floors. Jellyfish exhibit. Fish native from all six kingdoms. Seals. Otters. A 'touch and learn' area for children. Shark tanks, ray tanks, penguins, tropics, cold water, kelp forests... and even a beauty clinic that looked into the largest aquarium tank.

On top of that they had three floors underneath, mostly dedicated to marine research and training, but also to act as a hospital for the marine animals and outside, several large pools for dolphins, seals and otters.

"Only in Liberty." I muttered. Richest country out of the six kingdoms. Built just a few years ago, apparently, state of the art everything. I gaped as I saw a dolphin zoom through the water under my feet. "Wha... was that real?"

"There's underwater tunnels for the dolphins to use." The bodyguard seemed amused as he gazed down. He'd dressed casually as well, I'd noticed, probably to make us look like... I didn't know, he was a date. Or an older brother.

"I just ...want to move in." I felt some of my depression lift as wonder filled me. I couldn't help it. I was in love with this place and we were still in the entrance foyer surrounded by screaming kids and loud voices.

"Where would Miss Sophia like to visit first?"

"I don't know!" I was so overwhelmed. This may have been work, sort of, but Prince Keith had said enjoy yourself. He'd also requested as much dolphin merchandise as I could get my hands on. "We better go to the shop first... get that done."

The bodyguard nodded and we headed in that direction.

I fingered the card and felt a little bad suddenly. It had my name on it and everything, sure, but … he had said to do it. And I didn't want to spend anything, really. I wondered if I really should get everything related to dolphins... Prince Keith probably had no idea that at least half the shop was related to them. Half the shop. Literally.

As I stood there, gazing awkwardly around, the bodyguard moved closer once again and said softly, "Is there a problem?"

"Well, I've been ordered to buy all the dolphin merchandise, but..."

"Ah. I understand." He stood back and gestured to one of the staff, one of the supervisors who clearly was in charge. The bodyguard flashed something at her... a card or something... and demanded, "Send every last dolphin related merchandise to the Manse this afternoon. We'll pay..."

"I have this." I held up the card.

The woman looked at the bodyguard's card and at my shiny flashy gold and silver card, bowed low, and responded, "Of course, My Lady. Please- take a look around as I work, this may take some time. If I may borrow the card..."

I handed her the card.

While she worked I wandered around the shop, watching the DVDs, amusing myself with the cute objects, fingering squeaky otters, crowns that were made of sparkly fish, waddling penguins, happily distracting myself. Some of the stuff was naturally cheap, but other things were higher quality, and I found a seat to sit in as I gazed at several amazing large books that were basically just giant full coloured photos. Patted a blob fish plushie as big as my pillow and a jellyfish 'friend'. Put on a Dumbo Octopus hat.. and grinned at my own silly reflection. They had all these amazing hats. I was so tempted to get one of each for the Princes, fingering them, amused.

This place was a wonderland for adults as well.

Then I picked up a giant seal plushie with a big stupid grin, one that apparently doubled as either a body pillow or a cushion to sit on, thought of Roberto, and came crashing down to reality.

Oh yeah.

Time to work. I wasn't so much in the mood for souvenirs anymore.

I stood up slowly, gazing over to see if the woman was done yet, and she typed a few last things into her computer before she nodded over towards me. When I retrieved the card we continued onwards into the aquarium. I hoped Prince Keith was ready for a truckload of dolphins. He was going to get it.

Now that I'd come crashing back to reality about Roberto, it was hard to feel the same excitmeent I'd felt earlier, and I wandered around half caught up in my own depression. It took me a few minutes to realise I was alone after the bodyguard said loudly, 'I'm going to the smoking area for a smoke, stay put' and to remember.

Oh yeah.

This was my chance to run.

I hobbled back towards the entrance, ensuring that I didn't run into the bodyguard, not having to pretend at all that I was actually a bit depressed. Because I was. My arms were chafed over the crutches, my leg hurt, the dolphins weren't awesome anymore, and Roberto said I'd ruined everything.

As soon as I was out the exit I headed down the street and 'pretended' to stay more or less hidden. It was kind of hard to do that on crutches and when you were in a crowd of people who didn't seem to care if you were crippled or not, I more or less got shoved along with the crowd anyway.

It was about twenty minutes, felt like an hour for my leg, before I realised that I really was being followed. I couldn't explain how I knew. Prickles on the back of my neck? When I'd stopped to admire flowers I'd seen a car pull up nearby... but I wasn't sure if that was it, or if I was being paranoid, or …

I felt pretty nervous all of a sudden. What was I doing? I'd been walking for so long that my leg already hurt badly and ...my nerves gave way.

Tugging the phone out, my fingers sliding across the screen, I did what I'd promised I'd do. I let Wilifred know that I was too sore to continue- my leg hurt. I wanted to be brave. Be the hero! But at the same time... now I was done with that. When it had successfully sent I sighed with relief. Okay. It felt right. We'd try again tomoro-

Of course, as soon as I'd decided this, someone had grasped me and more or less shoved me into a car, sending the phone flying into the flowers.

My heart raced as I struggled, genuinely struggled, the crutches taken away, completely confused and overwhelmed. Was... was it the bodyguards? Was it ...the other people? My Father's people? I waited for the keyword, heart in my throat, fear rising as the seconds stretched out. I wasn't ready for this.

As I was thinking this, waiting desperately for them to reassure me with the keyword 'Otis', I saw a familiar face outside, as the car turned around in the street, his eyes wide open under his hat, jaw dropped. Wilifred. I'd know that face anywhere.

Fear really ran through me then, real genuine fear, the kind that meant I forgot to breathe. Who were these people?