Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Author's Note: Hope you all enjoy.

Preparations

As Syd lay in bed she pondered about last night. Could Z have really meant that? Really? Her sister was just fine with everything? No. Maybe it was a bad dream? Yeah, that was it. It was a bad dream and besides her Father had given her that horrible news yesterday as well. All of it was just a bad dream. She would get up and await her sisters' return and she would tell Syd how ridiculous the betrothed thing was. Nodding to herself she sat up believing that it would work out that way.

However after she got down to breakfast she saw that she was far from right; Z was sitting and silently eating, she hadn't even waited for Syd.

"Morning Z." The blonde princess quietly said before sitting down across from her sister.

The brunette looked up, a look of sadness was in her eyes but was quickly gone as Z smiled at her, "I went to get you earlier, but you were still sleeping."

"Earlier?"

"Yeah, well Jack and I…we would get up earlier, you know…to talk and such." She shrugged, "So when I went in and saw you still sleeping I figure I'd let you sleep more…on your own."

Syd was puzzled, Z was never this unsure when she spoke. She always knew exactly what to say, and she never lied to her, well almost never. "Oh, well, thank you."

Z smiled at her and continued eating. After another few minutes Z looked back up, "So, did Father tell you who you are engaged too?"

Her sister looked like she was actually on her side again, "No, but he's far away Z, so far."

"Syd, don't worry, you'll be here alright. I'll be the one moving away. And…I will still want to see you. You know that?" Z leaned closer to Syd, "You're my sister and I love you, that doesn't change alright?"

"Z, what's go—"

"Morning Father." Z replied looking up and smiling behind Syd.

Turning she saw that their Father was indeed coming in, "Morning, I trust you both slept well?"

Syd nodded, "Yes Father."

And then she watched as Z smiled sweetly, "Yes, of course. Although I did miss seeing the mountains that were outside my window at Jacks…" she looked off in the distance.

Syd watched as her Father smiled, "Well soon enough my dear, soon enough." He turned his attention back to Syd, "You see Sydney, Elizabeth even agrees. You will be as happy as she is."

"Father?"

He turned back to his older daughter, "Yes Elizabeth?"

"Would I perhaps be able to go for a ride later today?"

"Of course, after lessons and such."

"Lessons?"

"Yes, I know your age, but it is still something that you can learn."

"I just thought that perhaps I'd be able to not worry about the lesson seeing as I am older and I will not be here for too much longer."

"What?!" Syd exclaimed, unable to contain herself any more.

Both her Father and her sister turned to her; her Father raised an eyebrow, "Sydney, some restrain please. Now please word your response more appropriately."

She took a deep breathe, "You're getting married soon?"

Z nodded and their Father spoke, "Of course she is. Surely you did not think that we would wait much longer? Your sister is already of age and quite ready for marriage."

A slight blush came to her cheeks, "I know…I suppose, I just didn't realize…think, I didn't think that they time had come so fast."

Her Father smiled at her, "I understand. It does seem like you both are still my little girls."

Z nodded, "I can understand that Father, I really can. Now, I think I am quite finished with my breakfast. I feel like I should…write a letter."

"A letter to whom?" Syd asked truly curious.

"To Jack, I haven't seen him for a while, and I wish to make sure that he is well."

"Yes, of course Elizabeth."

"Thank you."

Z stood and left before either Syd or their Father could say anything. Syd sat and continued on her breakfast. Z was acting so weird. It wasn't just her wanting to marry Jack all of a sudden, which was weird in and of itself, but it was also the way she spoke. It was so…not Z. It sounded more like when Z would make fun of those other princesses, but here at the table? It just didn't add up.

"Now Sydney, do you see how accepting how things are going to go will only help make things easier?"

"But Father," She watched as her Father raised an eyebrow and she contemplated for a minute, "I know, I just…you just told me yesterday and Z has known for years. I don't understand."

"The deal was made when you were born. Part of the deal was that King Anthony would choose the son. He finally did and he sent me a message. The reasoning behind his choice is his and his alone. You will do well not to bring it up to him."

"Well do I get to meet him or spend time with him?"

Her Father put down his utensil, "Sydney, the contract between you and King Anthony's son is different than the contract with Jack and Elizabeth. I am sorry, but please do not resist me in this."

"May I go to my room?"

He nodded and Syd promptly left.

She fumed as she began walking. It wasn't fair. At least Z knew and liked the guy she was going to marry, well before now. Syd remembered when she used to think that being betrothed was such a wonderful thing, and now her sister agreed with her. What had happened to Z? Syd changed directions and headed in the opposite one from her room, she had no desire to go that way, none at all.

The blonde Princess was so upset that she didn't pay attention to where she was walking for a long time. By the time she did look up to see where she had gotten to she realized that she had absolutely no idea where she was. Turning around and looking in all directions she realized that she had never seen this part of the castle before. As her heart began racing in fear she started to go back the way she came, if she just retraced her steps…

She came to a fork in the road and looked down both ways; they were both the same. The Princess headed down the right hallway. Halfway down she realized that it was only getting colder so she turned and headed back to the hall she had just been in. At that point she realized that there was not only the additional hallway that had been in the fork but there was another one just a little way down…perhaps that was the way?

After she made it to the end and went up a set of stairs she realized that it was a room, a dead end, so she hurriedly went back to the hallway. As she stepped forward she heard a giddy laugh.

"Z? Is that you?" She really hoped it was, but there was no answer. Swallowing she took a tiny step forward, "Who's there?" Still nothing. "Answer now."

A chilling voice crept over to her causing her to shiver, "Perhaps you wouldn't like the answer."

Her eyes widened and her heart began beating so fast that she was sure that her chest would not be able to contain it. Turning around she ran back up the stairs and went into the small room and closed the door. She looked behind the different tapestries that hung around the room and to her surprise and joy found a door. As she opened it she heard the door to the room being opened. Quickly she got in and shut the door.

All she had to do was wait until that person left and…she froze. Someone was in there with her, "You didn't really think you could escape that easily did you?"

She knew that voice. But before she could place it she felt a cloth cover her mouth and the person's free arm circle around her arms and chest holding her against the other person's body. She tried to struggle, but soon found herself running out of air.

Drew looked around the room; everything was going to look well. His princess would love that; she was Princess after all. Smiling he stepped forward and looked over at his Father, King Anthony.

"I think this will be good for her."

King Anthony nodded, "I believe it will be too."

"Everyone will be here for the wedding right?"

"Don't worry. Of course they will be. Do you know where your brother is?"

"Jacob? He's out riding; he'll be back soon enough."

King Anthony nodded, "You are lucky you know."

Drew thought about his brother for a minute and then nodded, "I know, and I do say thank you. It has meant a lot, even with all that has been going on."

King Anthony smiled and touched his son on the shoulder before leaving. Drew watched his Father leave before he went up over to one of the chairs and sat down. His lovely bride would be very happy with all this. He looked around at the decorations in pink and red. All girls loved those colors. And even though he had known many girls to know that he now had one and that would be enough for him.

He frowned as he looked down towards the door, Jacob wasn't there yet. Sighing he got up and went to look for him.

Sky woke up and looked around. It was peaceful. He liked that. At least there weren't any loud noises to bother him. Life was just him, just nature right now. Getting out of bed he went down the stairs and got himself breakfast. Afterwards he picked up his book and sat down to read for a bit.

His mind wandered as sat there not really reading the pages. He enjoyed being out here alone. He was unsure of why he would have to endure that horrible problem. It hadn't been his idea. If he had his way he would be left alone except for those interactions that mattered.

And meeting certain people was completely ridiculous. He just didn't see why he should subject himself to their…idiocy. He had much better things to do with his time.

Sighing he looked back down at the book. He hadn't read the whole book yesterday, only about thirty pages, but it was a start. To be able to read the whole book again without any pointless interruption would be a joy. He knew that he couldn't spend all day reading. Sky wanted to get some meat for that nights' dinner, and hopefully more. It all would just depend.

He could finish this section of the laws and then he would go and hunt. And with that thought he settled and continued in his reading.