The secret walk spaces were pretty spooky. I realised this only now, as we made our way through them, really seeing them properly. There were spider webs, yes, but there was also that smell that came with ...well, little furry squeaking creatures. The walls seemed to have no specific distance- in some areas they were wide, very wide, and in some areas the walls suddenly crowded in on themselves. It made moving on crutches pretty difficult.

It was also very dark in there. If it wasn't for the bodyguards behind us with their little flash lights I might have felt a bit freaked out. Darkness could be fine... except when it was so dark that you couldn't even see your own nose. That was the kind of darkness I couldn't stand.

Surprisingly, for all that, it still had tiled floors and what was probably once painted walls. Maybe they were once the servant's passageways- they seemed extensive, I realised, as Roberto led us through a little twisting route that seemed to circle around several rooms.

They also seemed to have no specific rule about sound proofing. Some rooms seemed to have the thinnest walls between them and the secret walkways- I could hear everything in the other rooms as maids or servants worked. Other areas were so well soundproofed that it was only when I passed by a little air grate up high in the passageway wall that I realised there was a room there at all.

Our path, once we'd circled around ten or so rooms, brushed the edge of the building all of a sudden. I could see the garden outside a little metal grate. This was where a set of heavy stone steps suddenly twisted upwards and back into the castle itself, away from the shafts of light from the grate, and it took me some slow movements to get up there. Crutches and narrow stone steps... they were barely wide enough for two feet side by side... did not make for a very happy climb.

Luckily Edward's room was right at the top of the stairs. Roberto waited for me at the top, yanking me up the last few feet with an easy tug, and with one arm under my arms, he started to feel the wall. With one hand. The same hand that was holding the flash light.

"Want me to hold it?" I was holding onto the crutches but... "The light? Or I can stand. I'm fine."

"It's fine..." Roberto muttered. He continued to prod the wall with one hand, flash light in the same hand, feeling across the wood. "Stay put. It's here somewhere..."

Someone approached us as Roberto searched. I froze but he took one glance at the tall man and seemed to show no panic.

"Another Black Fox." He explained very softly. If the bodyguards heard... they pretended not to.

"Oh. Hello."

"Hello." The man, with short brown hair and the same dark clothing as the others, seemed to smile a genuine smile towards myself and Roberto. He tugged the flash light off his forehead and held it up for Roberto. "I'll hold the light up. You find the right knob."

Wow, a nice guy? Good to know. Roberto and the man searched without speaking anything else to each other. There was a sudden movement in the wall.

Like the one in my room this secret entrance was a panel. This one, however, seemed to have a mirror attached to it and led into a far fancier wardrobe, gold plated, a piece of artwork on the other side of the wall, and a slightly startled looking Butler who was ironing a shirt at one end of the reasonably sized room. The funny thing was that he stood there in just his pants and a shirt, sleeves rolled up, a jacket hung neatly over a chair nearby. For most men that'd look formal... but for a butler? It looked really casual.

Louis? Or Luke? I was still trying to remember their names.

"Prince Roberto, Miss Sophia." The butler lowered the iron, flipped a switch off, and carefully slid the perfect looking pink shirt onto a hanger. Within seconds he had rolled down his sleeves, slid the jacket back on, and suddenly was back to his usual look.

"Louis, is Ed around?"

"He's resting." Louis responded.

"I' was merely reading." A voice came as the wardrobe door slid open. Edward smiled to us both as the bodyguards moved past him and into the bedroom. "Come on in."

I was sure his voice wavered at the sight of my face. It made me self-concious. Woops. I really should have worn make-up to hide it. He turned away as if he couldn't even bear to look at it.

Once again I found myself in an incredible bedroom. I'd started to see so many of these fancy rooms that I was feeling a little numb about it. Sort of. As the Black Fox moved past to enter the room, more or less guarding it in the same way the bodyguards were, Roberto led me to the bathroom.

"You go ahead, darls." Roberto kissed my forehead suddenly as he grinned down at me. "I'll go second. Tidy yourself up." He took about three seconds to decide a forehead kiss wasn't good enough. Seconds later he kissed my lips, a long lingering kiss that Roberto made me stand there for- he had his hands on my arms. "Or should we shower together?"

"Hey, don't do that in public." I muttered and prodded his stomach. It was kind of embarrassing with the bodyguards, the Black Fox and Edward all watching. "Honey."

"She calls me honey now." Roberto looked over me, ignoring my protest, as he grinned at Edward. "Did you hear? Honey."

"I heard, Roberto." There was a soft laugh from behind us both.

"Go shower. Loony." I gave him a gentle shove as I readjusted my centre of balance on the crutches. "Go on."

"Really? You don't mind if I shower first?"

"No, go ahead." I had showered earlier that day anyway. Not that I minded the idea. It was a warm day and I'd have loved to get under the cold water again. This morning I'd showered in a pretty anxious state so naturally I wasn't going to argue with another shower.

Besides- I needed to sit down a moment. My leg hurt. With a soft sigh I relaxed onto a chair and let the crutches rest on the edge.

Roberto didn't take long. He emerged, wet haired, in fresh clothing and when I entered the bathroom I found that someone had left a gift bag in there with my name on it.

Ignoring the gift bag a moment I took a few minutes to inspect my face and leg.

My face looked spectacular. No wonder why Edward had seemed so unable to look at it earlier, the bruising made the entire 'injury' seem ten times worse than it actually was, and I felt kind of guilty about that as if it was my fault for … bruising too much? I didn't feel so much physical pain now- more shock, because this was the first time Father had done something like that to me.

My leg was also improving. The swelling had gone down and I was now able to put a little weight on it again, like I had before yesterday's 'incident', so nothing seemed to be that big a deal. Not physically anyway.

Deciding there was nothing much else I could do, I put those aside, and went to inspect the gift bag waiting for me. Once I'd unpacked it onto the bathroom bench I understood why Roberto had suggested I shower. It had nothing to do with my 'smell'.

In the gift bag I found all these things from Prince Keith's Manse- a fresh block of soap identical to the one I'd used there, clothing I'd left behind, a hairbrush that I'd left behind, several dolphin things, even my Dumbo Octopus hat. Had Alberto done this? Or Roberto arranged it? Was there some secret nice side to Prince Keith? Who knew.

All I knew was that I found myself very grateful, because the smell of this soap, and the voices outside the bathroom door... Roberto and Edward... only reinforced the fact that, even for where I was right now, I was still safe. My spirits rose at this as I dressed, sliding on a dolphin ring and bracelet, and tying the dumbo octopus hat to one crutch. This was better than armour. It was 'post-Father' style.

"Okay!" The man from the Black Foxes announced as I appeared. "We're ready downstairs."

"Downstairs?"

"In the little hideout." Roberto explained. "What's for lunch?"

"Pork noodles. Don't ask." The man's eyes rose a moment as if some private joke was there.

I didn't get it. What was funny about pork noodles?

No answer was forthcoming. Instead we quietly filtered into the secret paths and I focused on getting back down those scary narrow steps.

I was distracted from all thoughts the moment I entered the little 'hidden' room. It was impossible to not feel like openly gawking- because the moment I entered, I was confronted with the faces of four handsome men in dark suits and leather. I couldn't deny that that- even with Roberto standing right beside me- and I had to admit they looked pretty good in leather.

Hey, I could admire them while still being completely and hopelessly in love with Roberto. Nothing they could say or do, stripping clothing off included, would ever change that. Maybe I had a thing for people who didn't quite follow rules.

Like thieves. And, more importantly, like Roberto. I grinned at him and he gave me a very odd look. Had I stared a little too long for him? Oh boy.

There were also bodyguards- obvious simply by their posture- who stood around the edges of the room waiting for the meeting as well.

"Please allow me to introduce each of them." A voice came from the corner I'd yet to be blinded by. Prince Glenn moved forward. He still was stiff on the side he'd been injured, though he had clearly become a lot better even in the time we'd been apart, and he smiled a faint smile. "These are the Black Foxes, of whom I will honestly admit I am grateful to know. Their Leader, Atsumu-" He gestured to the oldest of the group, complete with an odd little beard thing and glasses, "- Takuto and Kenshi. This is my cousin, Sophia. I will repeat this for all to hear, although I have already made it clear to all staff, but the moment this is finished, we all forget them."

Cousin Sophia. I liked the way that sounded. I bowed, using the crutches, and was sure that I saw a pleased smile cross Glenn's face at that. It was true I'd found the Oriens customs a little strange but with my family... it was probably not so surprising that I'd felt a little hesitant to adopt them. With Glenn as new 'family'... suddenly I wanted to know more about my Oriens heritage.

Starting with the bow.

"I'm honoured to meet you all- even if it is only until Prince Glenn returns to where he belongs." I offered. The formal words and behaviour seemed odd and I flushed, suddenly, embarrassed. "Please let me help in any way I can."

"You'd just get in the way."

"Takkun..." Atsumu scolded. He stood up and grasped my hand, very sudden, kissing it as be bowed. "It's nice to meet you too. So cute!"

This was apparently too much for Roberto. He grasped me suddenly, whisking me off my feet and into his arms, and announced, "She's also my Princess."

"Put me down."

"No. My Princess." Roberto nuzzled the side of my neck, a childish grin on his face, and I wondered... suddenly... if he was jealous. Probably. I had to try my hardest to stare less at cute men from now on. Looking might be harmless but I bet it bugged him. It would have bugged me as well.

It was the first time he'd used the P word though. I was kind of flustered by that, because he looked so happy when he'd said it, and my willpower kind of drained away in the power of those big happy puppy eyes. So what if everyone was watching? I could just...

"Roberto." A voice cut in through the awkward silence Roberto had created, the kind of sharp voice that only one Prince had the balls to make, and this suspicion was confirmed when a pair of emerald green eyes flashed in our direction. Yep. Prince Keith. Flanked by two more men.

"This is Hiro and Riki." Glenn added, quickly, gesturing to the red head and the dark haired man. "Tonight, brother and sister."

The younger man, who'd been cross dressing, and the dark haired man who'd been with him on the camera. Hiro and Riki, hm? Okay then.

Roberto dropped me carefully to the ground and I took a seat on one of the couches with him perching on the armrest beside me.

Once everyone was seated the meeting began.

I really didn't have much of a role in any of what was being discussed. I supposed my involvement involved 'being rescued', which I was grateful for, but as I listened to them discuss certain things with Glenn... about the security, the castle, the maids, and so on, for the most part I was left out. The only times I was asked questions was about my own Family.

It also seemed as if most people, myself excluded, already knew what the plan was. The discussion was so fast, moving from one plan to another, with so few questions that I could only assume that everyone had already discussed this before they'd even entered Oriens. This probably made sense- why enter a dangerous country without a plan?

What I could gather from the discussions though was that tonight, rather than allow it to get to the engagement announcement, they were intending on making sure that my Father confessed somewhere between this afternoon and evening. He wouldn't announce it before the 'major' guests arrived, Prince Keith was certain, and major guests rarely arrived on time. Late was fashionable.

This was something he must have discussed with the two on the 'floor'- Hiro and Riki- as they didn't discuss much about how they'd get Father to talk. They went on to Prince Edward's role.

"What about Hiro's wardrobe? Are you able to pull it off again?"

"Of course!" Hiro responded cheerfully as he held up a peace sign. "No problemo. Leave it to me!"

"You were … nice enough to be convincing... earlier, I admit." Prince Keith cleared his throat. He looked a little uncomfortable about men cross dressing... it was kind of cute how he was getting a little flustered. Maybe he liked red heads. "Tonight, Mr. Hiro, is a ball of the elite and the respected. We require you to reach a higher level than 'nice'- you must look every bit the cultured respected young lady that is expected. We cannot have you stand out to a single person as a commoner."

"Ow." Hiro shot a glance at me, shaking his head a moment, like he'd hoped I was an ally in this.

"We understand." Riki smiled this smooth smile.

"Shouldn't a woman assist Hiro in achieving such a look, even one with your upbringing?" Prince Keith shot a look at me, suddenly. Oh. Was that what he was getting at? I wasn't sure if I was flattered or insulted.

"Relax, dude! I got it." Hiro was still smiling but it'd gotten a little strained now. He was a professional, right? I felt sorry for him.

"Never the less- I expect Sophia to assist."

"I don't know if I know enough ..." I started.

"Okay." Hiro agreed as he held up his hands in self-defeat. "Okay. I start getting ready at five."

"It's settled."

Okay then. Apparently I'd been overridden. I hoped Roberto would protest but when I looked at him, he didn't seem to even realise that I'd be helping a man get ready, so I decided to let it go.

Security was discussed again. Once again I got the feeling that they'd already discussed all this beforehand- this was just repeating everything. It was while they were on this topic, talking about code names and whatnot, that I finally saw Alberto for the first time since earlier that day. He came with food. Hot potato chips with fried fish. Not particularly classy, sure, but everyone went for them anyway.

Over chips it was agreed that once they got my Father openly confessing it that it would be left to the bodyguards to deal with him.

"Safety is a priority." The oldest of the group explained. "We've already had discussions about it- no one, not even our 'guests'-" He glanced at the Black Foxes, "-are to do much more than react. Prince Keith and Prince Edward must remain close to their guards, but behave normally, and we'll ensure that protective care is taken for Hiro-"

"Don't worry about him." Riki spoke up. "We have it."

The bodyguard nodded.

"We'll make the arrest when we're certain all parties are in a safe position- not before- and when we can cause the least amount of panic." The bodyguard continued as he gazed at each of those going in later. "We'll require someone to take the imposter Prince out of the picture."

"We've got that as well." Atsumu, their older leader, glanced up from his laptop with a smile. "Trust us. The garden will be deserted."

"Perfect."

"Why?" I asked, blinking. It was summer. "Don't balls in Oriens usually happen in the gardens?"

"Traditionally, yes." Glenn agreed. He seemed pleased with me and once again I felt pretty happy that I had some Oriens heritage in me. "This time of the year is perfect for dancing under the stars. But there's a thunderstorm overhead."

"Tonight?"

"For the next six or seven hours. Another storm." There was a flash of something on Glenn's face at that, concern, as his mind went somewhere else. I wondered if it was another serious storm. That'd be bad news- two bad storms in a row.

"We can't hear it from this deep in." Prince Keith was impatient, waving his hand, adding, "Such an important event won't be dampened by a storm."

The bodyguards confirmed who would be guarding who. Two for Prince Keith, two for Edward, two in the background for 'arresting duty' and backup, and two remaining behind to make sure that Roberto, myself and Glenn were safe.

"It's not ideal." One of the bodyguards confessed, softly, as they confirmed their schedule with the room. "Three targets but only two of us. We're prepared for it though."

"I'll remain in here as well." Atsumu responded as he gazed down at some of the equipment he'd borrowed. "Takuto is..."

"Car outside." The blonde Takuto responded, straight off, without a hesitation.

"Just in case of a need to leave quickly." Riki added, "We understand we're being ignored, after this, but we're still prepared."

"We mean no offence by that..." Hiro added, quickly, as Prince Keith shot a look at them. He held up his hands. "We're not leaving till the job's done. Right, Riki?"

"Right."

"Understood." Glenn got in before Prince Keith. He gazed up at Prince Keith, this maturity in his face that stunned me, and added, "I do not expect you to risk yourselves any more than you're willing to face."

"Prince Edward and myself will be within the ball." Prince Keith had clearly decided to not comment after all. He was still standing, tense as ever, eyes on each of us in tern. "We can handle ourselves."

"Of course we can." Prince Edward agreed. He'd taken a seat nearby on the couch and when he met my eyes, he smiled reassuringly, adding, "You need not look so worried, Miss Sophia."

"Just … be careful, okay? All of you." I was reminded right now of the fear I'd had at the start of this... that Father might think it was a good idea to throw the other six kingdoms into chaos. The best way to do that was to remove one of the Princes- something he'd failed to do.

Actually- I was kind of glad Roberto wasn't going in. That was a relief.

"It warms my heart that you take such pain in your worry. I will not allow anyone to harm me, out of fear that it hurts you further." Prince Edward was so genuine in his words, not a trace of sarcasm, that it kind of annoyed me when I heard one of the Black Foxes snort suddenly.

"Good. Just be safe. All of you." I meant it.

"It's an order." Roberto added, squeezing my shoulder, but he wasn't kidding now. "She's right."

The meeting continued on to emergency exit plans, or strategies, all kinds of stuff that for the moment I could barely remember. Too much information! For us the task was pretty simple- wait here with the Black Fox Leader, Atsumu, stay quiet and watch. Riki and Hiro, who was still playing the 'blackmailed woman', would work on Father before and during the ball.

Prince Keith and Prince Edward were also going to occasionally take Hiro on a dance, away from the fake Prince Glenn, which I suspected would bother Father a little. Edward didn't mean it but … well, he was a bit flirty with his language.

Once everything was eaten and discussed... everyone vanished- Prince Edward and Prince Keith to their rooms, Hiro and Riki to their rooms, bodyguards leaving with their respective charges, Black Foxes vanishing once again. They'd mentioned needing a private meeting as well... so I had to assume that was what they were up to. They hadn't shared much of their plan with us.

Fair enough, I supposed, they were probably keeping their distance just in case someone did decide to back stab them.

Suddenly. We were alone, just myself and Roberto, sitting there.

My brain felt fried. I stood up, stretching on my crutches, and gave Roberto a playful shove when he went to hug me.

"My brain's dead. Too much information." I complained, rubbing my temple, as I tried to stretch my sore leg without hurting it.

"Want to watch a movie?" Roberto stood up as well.

"I guess so." I flopped down on the couch. Roberto bounced onto the couch beside me and grabbed for the laptop left behind. We may have as well gotten ready for a long night sitting in here. Doing nothing. A long peaceful night of watching others do the hard work while we watched movies and ...make out like teenagers.

Nothing would happen to change that. Right?