When the sun has fallen on the west border of Neptunia, snow began to rain down slowly across the land. The breeze was chilly but the sensation of snow was a favorite to the citizens of Neptunia especially when royalty are holding a party.

The Palace was beautiful, made of gold and silver with ice windows that never melted and inside were bright and pure yellow with astonishing colors of gold and silver with tile floors of the ball made out of marble and pillars designs made of pure copper and iron. Many of the guests: wealthy and royalty, workers and farmers even the poor arrived to the palace with colorful gowns and uniforms: some wore costumes and masks while others plain but formal suites.

The ball room filled with bright and glossy decorations, guests danced with grace and care among the golden floor with music playing with a strong but soothing rhythm, filled with passion and love. Dorocche couldn't believe his eyes. He been to many parties including his own family gatherings but this one has to be the best out of ALL of them. He could watch the beautiful scene all night if he has to.

…

Meanwhile, the rest of the Mousinov family was ready to present themselves to the party guest. Dominick, wearing his royal uniform and cape with a deep filling of dark red, decorated with golden laces and woven yellow lightning bolts alongside a silk blue sash that matches his crown gems and a large red feather in tact to it. To represent his role, he wore a precious heirloom that been pass down from generation to generation, the Mousinov Bell, which he often kept around his neck. But for the moment, the host was unpleased at the moment.

"Where is my son? Where is Dorocche?" He called out, quietly but furiously at the servants who were still on the search for, knowing that the king is strict and deadly serious when something gone wrong. The some of the servants went looking for the young prince while most returned to the party, leaving one remaining and that servant was Honey.

Honey knew that the prince, Dorocche has a habit of not showing up until the last moment but tonight was the big night for the family and he is nowhere to be seen…she began to observe the royals.

The Queen, wearing her velvet sky blue dress with sleeves that reach to her wrist that flows at her every movement, her glittering slipper taps quietly on the hard floor with silver gems on her seam. Her crystal crown decorated with sapphire gems-stones was becoming concern for her child. All her children: Orlando, Napoleon, Lutheran and Pearl were present except Dorocche. The three brothers were becoming agitated, concern and worried for their little brother. The all wear the same attire as their father but with different color themes and symbols:

• Orlando wore uniform and cape, similar to his father only that excludes his color theme which was royal blue and dark blue, decorated with silver small stars and laces. His own crown has the marking of a silver star; connect with blue feather, standing up high and proud, on top of the silver holder.

• Napoleon's uniform is the same color as his father only brighter, copper laces and sun seams. Unlike his father, mother and older brother, he doesn't wear a silk sash but wears his favorite sun pin on his chest. His crown was deep red with the markings small suns and his wild feather was burgundy.

• Lutheran uniform was the color green in different shades but has a bronze color laces and pine leaf colored deigns on his attire but not on his cape for it is plain green. His crown was light green with leaf designs and his feather, flowing and wavy, was deep green.

And finally there was Princess Pearl, wearing silver white dress made of pure silk with small silver diamonds on the bottom of her dress matching her snow flake tiara. With each step she takes her dress follows her, being drag across the floor with grace.

Honey knew the look on the young princess face. Pearl seems to be the most concern for Dorocche, she worries about the celebration since this to her is her first big party and she wants her big brother to be by her side.

The little servant girl heard the Queen call her name, "Honey! Honey dear, can you please come over here?" She then rushed to the concern queen side and waited until she knelt to her, "Listen, dearie, in 10 min. we are about to present ourselves to our guests but Dorocche isn't here! Would you please find him?" Honey bowed her to the desperate queen and mother, "Yes your highness!"

And without hesitation she zooms down the hallway.

...

Honey started upstairs to the 2nd floor and was hoping that Dorocche would be there…and he was…after she crashed into him around the corner!

The two were completely dazed for only a moment, with the world moving weird and slowly around them. The little prince was the first to come to his senses for his visions began to be clearer and the first thing he saw was a servant girl on the floor with him. Dorocche groaned at his luck, just when he realizes he was about to be late for the presentation of the royal family, he runs as fast as he could to be downstairs and he bumps into a servant. But this servant seems familiar…He pushed it aside for now. Dorocche rose to his knees and placed his hands on her shoulders, shaking vigorously as he spoke out loud, "Hey…Hey! Snap out of it!"

Honey was able to get her senses back but she wasn't expecting to be two inches to the prince own face. "Are you alright?" He spoke with concern. Honey felt herself froze on the spot gazing at the young prince in his royal uniform. His attire is the same as his older brothers including a crown with a feather. His color theme was ripe red with gold laces and copper seams of broad designs of bells, decorated on his uniform and crown while his cape just plain red. The feather that rest on top of his head was dazzling red with a tint of orange. Every inch of color, design and texture matches Prince Dorocche himself, just like the rest of his family.

Honey was unable to speak for moment but her voice somehow made it through, shaking with words not coming out right, "Y…yes…I…I…fine…I mean…well…I mean…" Dorocche was stumped but glad she was able to speak. He would've called her weird if she didn't look so familiar, "Hey...your one of my ma's servants and you also help my sister out when she got sick with the spring fever, right?" Honey was shocked…He still remembers me? She would often stay in the background whenever the prince appears and not say one word, but he knew about her, even in the darkness. All she could now is nod, trying to avoid his glittering scarlet eyes but could never stop her undying heartbeat and her unavoidable blushing.

Dorocche couldn't help but smile at her. He often watches her when she's nearby and would sometimes wave at her just to get her attention but as always, she would hid behind the nearest person or object just to avoid him and when nothing around for her to hid, she would just run out of sight. Dorocche finds her very cute when she blushes! That is until he realizes something….

"Oh no! The introductions…!" The frantic prince quickly grabbed a hold of Honey's hand and helps her up on her feet, "…Look, I know my ma sent you to look for me but now that you found me…I need to back to my family…before my pa KILLS me!" And with those word said he quickly began to sprint down the hallway to the stairs, dragging Honey with him. She was surprised that the prince was able to run this fast, especially something THIS important!

Still, having to hold his hand…is another story…for now she must keep with him!

…...

The two little duos arrived back to the family in time for Dorocche to be relieved by his mother and sister but scorned by his father and brothers. They all agreed to forget Dorocche's foolishness for tonight much towards young prince relief, but promised to never let it happen again. Honey was just watching from aside.

The party was quiet and silence emerges; an authority voice then called out, with echoes that can ring your ears, "Ladies and Gentlemen! Today is an honorable achievement for our city and beyond! For tonight we celebrate for the royal line whose brought peace, balance and tranquility to our nation, presenting the royal family of our city and nation!"

Just before the large solid doors opened, the royals position themselves from tallest to smallest: Dominick, Elise, Orlando, Napoleon, Lutheran, Dorocche and Pearl; all were silence when the large door slowly opened; bring forth a bright light leading to the ball room. The voice then began to ring once more, bring out the first royal monarch, "Presenting his majesty of the royal line, King Dominick Nicholas Mousinov!" And that, letting Dorocche's father step forward into the ball room, with his head high and firm as he strolled down the tiled floor while the guest parted out of his way. Then the announcer called out the next royal, "Next, Queen Elisa Alexa Mousinov!" The Queen emerged from the darkness and strolled 4ft behind her husband; unlike the King, his wife smiled gracefully.

Meanwhile, the young prince waited patiently behind his older brothers for his name to be called when he felt a small hand touch his own. He turned to face to see his mysterious hand holder, only to reveal to his little sister; her expression was nervousness and her rosy-red eyes were filled with fright. He smiled warmly at her as he place his other hand on her thin shoulders, "Don't worry Sis, everything is gonna be fine! I'll hold your hand once we go out there, okay?" The meek princess eyed her brother for a moment then smiled warmly once more, Dorocche given his sister a peck on the forehead and smiled to her even wider.

Watching such a touching scene between such loving siblings made Honey smile herself, wishing she could be with her family but sadly never seen again after the 'incident'. The thought of unable to see her family again made her own heart sunk; not wanting to ruin the family moment she turned to leave. Honey felt someone touching her hand, gently but firm. She turned to see the prince; Dorocche Dominick Mousinov, youngest son of King Dominick Mousinov, was holding onto her hand!

"Y…Your Majesty…!" She squeals a little loud, shivering as her face flushed with the color red. Dorocche was taken back by her sudden reaction but sigh heavily, shaking his furry grey head. She could've gotten use to him by now; still, she is cute. "You shouldn't keep freaking out EVERYTIME I'm around. You needn't to be worry about anything and besides…" His face leaned closer to Honey's making her little heart beating twice as faster than before, giving her the most warming smile she has ever seen him given, "…I already know you like me! So, I'm gonna tell you my secret." He closer towards her ear and whispered four single words…

"I….Like…You…Too…."

Honey eyes widen, both filled with pure shock. She felt light-headed and would of fall onto floor if the prince hasn't caught her on time. He guides her to the closest chair, letting her sit down then smiled casually, "Try and take it easy, okay? Don't want you to strain yourself or you might collapse!" Then the announcer called out, "Finally, presenting the youngest members of the Mousinov line…Prince Dorocche Dominick Mousinov and Princess Pearl Aynastia Mousinov." Dorocche looked back at Pearl who was meekly smiling then faced Honey, "Well, that's our cue, I'll see you later!" With that final sentence the Prince did the unexpected…He placed his own nose onto Honey's then turned and rushed to his sister side…did it all in 3 seconds!

Dorocche grabbed Pearls tiny hands then guided out of the door slowly and delicately, disappearing in the light, leaving the stunned Honey alone in the great halls…

...

Meanwhile, the night was still young and snow continued to fall, a golden carriage trolled to a stop. The driver leap off from his seat and strolled towards the decorate door, with the turn of the silver knob, the door opened as he bow to the Grand Duchess, Maria Catherine Olden.

Maria was a woman in her early fifties, standing gracefully up in the loft; her light grey fur was ruffling themselves with grace as her movement. She wore a long lavender dress, with sleeves that went down loosely to her wrists, and red flats on her dainty feet. Her hair was silver and was wrapped in a bun that was covered by a matching beret. Her eyes were bright scarlet which matched the ruby necklace.

Maria is the mother of Queen Elise, mother-in-law of King Dominick and grandmother of the Mousinov children. She has traveled from Camelot, to see her beloved daughter and her family including her wonderful but mischievous nephew, Dorocche. Every-time she arrives at the palace, Dorocche was always the first to greet her, hoping she would stay longer and her last trips but sadly Maria would have to return to Camelot for royal matters. At her last trip, she promised him she gives him a present to help him feel better and now that she returned she'll be able to give it to him.

The Grand Duchess traveled into the grand palace, the grand doors were opened for like magic. The large ball room with glitters of the color of yellow and gold as she waltz towards the front on the crowd, sitting on her throne which was made for her use. The elderly duchess gazes at the surrounding crowd of dancers, hoping that she'll be able to find her family. And she did, there in the center was King Dominick dancing with her daughter, Elise though it was temporally interrupted by the youngsters, little Pearl and her beloved nephew, Dorocche; the loving siblings was dancing together, Dorocche grabbed both of his sister's hands and begun to swing her around in a circle! It brought warmth and happiness to the Grandmother's heart.

Dorocche paused his dancing for a moment when caught a glimpse at an elderly women, seating her-self on one of the eight thrones: 3 were on the highest point while the rest were on the second step on top of the platform. Dorocche heart leaped for joy as he called out to his family the news…

"Mama! Papa! Pearl! Grandmama's here! She's finally here!" The King and Queen stared ahead and smiled causally, "So she is…" "…Dorocche, why don't you go on ahead and meet your grandmother while we get the rest of the family!" Dorocche turned his mother and smiled," Okay, Mama!" The hyper-active prince rushed over through the dancing crowd. Once he was through, he stopped in his tracks, placing his hand into his pocket and took it out with a neatly folded piece of paper. He unfolded it gently, revealing a picture of prince riding a horse then he rushed up the crimson carpet stairs. "Grandmama! Grandmama! You came!" Dorocche embrace his dear grand-mother, who hugged him back with the same passion. The two looked at each other's eyes, "Look, Grandmama, I draw a picture for you!" He handed her the picture, the grandmother stared at the drawing for a moment then smiled at her nephew, "Oh, Dorocche, I love it, you certainly have a talent in art!" Dorocche grinned proudly to himself," but I have a special gift to give to you…"

The prince smile faded away leaving a surprised look on his face. The royal grandmother reached deep within her purple handbag then brought forth a small rectangular box, clothed in red silk and has a golden symbol of two bells and tiny stars line all the edges. Dorocche gasp in awe, this present to him was unusual but lovely. "Whoa…is this for me?" Maria placed the beautiful box in his hands as he observed it closely," Is it some sort of jewelry box?" The grandmother couldn't help but chuckled at her nephew's remark, she took back the box onto her hands then smiled," No, Doro, watch closely…." She slowly placed one of her claws on one of the tiny stars on the edges then a soothing song began to play. Dorocche recognized the song," It plays your and mama's lullaby." "Yes, and you can play it along with Pearl at night before you go to sleep and pretend it's me singing it to you…" She stated warmly.
As the music plays, the grand duchess/ grandmother began to sing…

Through the storms
Cross the snow
Hear this song and remember…

Dorocche sung along…

Soon you'll be
Home with me
Once upon a Winter Night

Both of them giggled happily while Maria lifted the velvet box higher to Dorocche's eye level. She smiled gently as his mother would smile," Read what it said…" Dorocche drew his eyes at the yellow printed words, hidden inside of the box and reads,"…Together…in…Camelot." He gasps at the thought of going to Camelot with Grandma or maybe when he's old enough he'll visit her, someday. Dorocche grinned happily," Oh grandmamma, thank you! I'll treasure it, always!" The two hugged each other as the elderly duchess chuckled happily.

Then they both heard a deep but warming call," Well, I see you two are enjoying yourselves on this lovely evening…"

The two turned to face the rest of the Mousinov family: Dominick in front alongside with Elise, carrying little Pearl in her arms; Orlando, Lutheran and Napoleon behind them and they were accompanied by an unknown female mouse.

Dorocche broke the embrace from his grandmother and stood aside while the grand duchess stood with arms spread wide with her wrinkled face, grinned happily!" My daughter! My family! It's so good to see you all again!" The Queen placed her delicate daughter in the King's arms then rushed over to her dear mother," Hello, mother, it's wonderful to see you again! You look wonderful tonight!" The Grandmother just giggled warmly to herself as she approached the rest of the family.

"We are all happy you able to arrive on this special day, mother…" Dominick greeted his mother-in-law with a warming smile on his harden face. Maria gave her son-in-law a hug," And I'm happy to be here with my family" she gestured," I am delighted to be here with my family again, after being in Camelot for so long, I was getting a bit lonely." Lutheran raised an eyebrow as he politely entered," But, isn't Cousin Sofia also living in Camelot? I thought she was keeping you company." Maria couldn't help but giggled at her grandson's remark," Yes…yes, she is, but there is time when she could a little…."she paused for a moment as if trying to find the right words then blurted out simply," Ditzy."

Then the whole family burst into an engaged laughter!

Meanwhile, Honey assisting some of the servants that handing out food on the tray to the guests at the banquet hall of the party, still, Honey couldn't focus on her work cause for what happened earlier. Those words: I… Like….You, were still fresh in her mind. And the sudden kiss on her pink nose was a greater surprise to her than anything else; she thought of it made her blush deeply until she heard laughter from outside of the halls. The corridor led down towards the ballroom where the party is being held although this laughter belongs to the royal family.

Curiosity got the better of Honey as she travel down the halls. She didn't stop until she came into the light, nearly blinded her. When it cleared, she gazed at the royal family, laughing whole heartily with one another. She slide behind the thick cotton curtains and watched them, even though she knew it was wrong to spy, she would really like to know the family a bit more.

While the Royals were able to settle down their warming laughter, Dorocche gazed down at his gift from his beloved grand-mother, admiring its sacred beauty of designs of red fabric and a trail of small stars decorated on the edges of the lid. This treasure was truly special and somehow felt that it will play an important role in his future….but what sort of future is ahead of him.

"Once again, the little gremlin is in another world…!"

Dorocche mind snapped back as he looked up at his older brother, Napoleon accompanied by a very pretty girl. This girl was pretty but very unusual, her smooth fur was colored of blackberries with a tint of dark grey that fits perfectly to one another; her hair was pitch black and long enough to reach to her thighs. One of her eyes was colored silver and it was bright while the other one was covered by her bang. She wore of strapless midnight blue dress and black slippers, both decorated by tiny diamonds.

Dorocche found her smile was very welcoming to him but still felt embarrassed of being called that name towards other people, a habit that his brother enjoys just to get the look on his face which he did. His little brother was glaring at his ambitious brother with both of his cheeks red with his small white teeth clutching together. Napoleon couldn't help but grin at Dorocche's face, it was menacing in a cute way as he patted on his head, purposely crushing the red feather. "Aww…what's the matter, gremlin? Don't like that nickname?" Dorocche growled angrily and slapped his brother's hand away. How could he embarrass him like that to this girl he brought with him!?

"Oh, Napoleon, stop teasing your brother like that! Besides…I think it's kinda cute…." Dorocche blinked for a moment in question. How could anyone find that name cute? This girl is certainly strange indeed. Napoleon rolled his eyes and smiled playfully at the girl," You are certainly one unusual girl, Nocturnal…but that's one of the reasons what I like about you!" Napoleon wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a peck on the cheek. The one called Nocturnal's cheeks turned frigid and giggle," Oh, Leon….not in front of your little brother," "Oh, he'll get use to it!" Leon!? Nobody ever calls his brother that except for his comrades, not even his family including himself calls him that!

Napoleon raised an eyebrow at his brother, who mouth is open and eyes were as wide as a marble. " Bro, you need to close your mouth, you'll get insects living inside there," He stated blankly while Nocturnal was containing herself from laughing, seeing how silly he looked. Dorocche clamped his mouth shut, feeling even more foolish then before; his brother than grinned friendly manner," Bro, this is Nocturnal….'The girl of my Dreams' I told you about!" Napoleon's girlfriend kneeled to Dorocche's eye level and smiled," So your Leon's little brother, huh?" She giggled a bit," Leon told me all about you and how much of a trouble-maker you are but still a big brother model to your baby sister!"

Dorocche cheeks turned even redder then before, only to react to her compliment in positive approach. He chuckled in delight as he rubs the back of his neck," Thanks…"

"Napoleon! Come and met you grandmother!"

The self-absorbed prince huffed underneath his breath but smiled," Well, if you all excuse me…I've got to make my introduction to my granny." And like any other prince would present to depart his guest: he would hold onto his lady's hand gently and kiss it then bow, turn heel and left. Nocturnal giggled quietly than face the younger prince," You have such a sweet brother who cares about others then himself, most of the princes or young dukes aren't very sensitive, or sweet or caring as Leon…" She stated dreamily. Dorocche was surprise by her words that describe his older brother. Napoleon is usually a proud, stingy brother who often picks on his younger siblings for enjoyment and would often try to act impulsive and sly to draw attention towards him. But Nocturnal spoke about him being a kinder person. Is this the same brother he knew? Or is this a different side of Napoleon that he never shows to anyone but to her…Dorocche felt guilty to have judged his brother like that.

"I…I never knew Napoleon was like that…" Nocturnal turn her glittering eyes to the young prince and smiled sweetly, almost matching to his younger sister," Well, you should try to get to know him more. After you're lucky to have strong and noble parents, three kind and decent brothers and a sweet and loving sister…not many royals are too attached to their family members like yours" Dorocche said nothing, staring down at his music box then back at Nocturnal, smiling," I guess I am lucky…." Her smile spread even wider and patted his head then removed it and stared at the floor in deep thought," I wish my sisters were the same…" Dorocche moved in closer to her, unable to hear her response," Excuse me…" Nocturnal looked back at Dorocche and stood up, fixing her hair nervously," Sorry, I'm….heh….it's been a long night for me before I arrive here, sorry…" Dorocche nodded, watching the nervous Nocturnal shift aside to remove the small tears that rolled down her cheek before Napoleon walking towards her with a concern look on his face but went away after a moment after she nodded.

Dorocche felt a tap on his shoulder; he turned and saw his little sister, smiling joyfully with both hands behind," Do you like Napoleon's new friend? I like her; she seems sweet and so nice…." The young turned their faces towards Nocturnal then back to each other, Dorocche smiled thoughtfully," Yeah, She is nice, better than the previous ladies he met up with before…" Pearl smile grew wider in delight as she nodded vigorously.

The Queen of the Winter Palace guided her dear mother, back to her throne and let her sat. Dorocche and Pearl walked over to their grandmother and stood right beside her." Are you enjoying the party, granny?" The young princess grinned as she gently tugged on her sleeve, the grand duchess turned to her youngest grandchild and smiled brightly," Yes…yes I am, my darling." Dorocche tapped her next ," How long are you staying this time?" He questioned. The elderly grand duchess simply said to the eager prince," Only for a while longer, if I'm lucky, my mischievous grandchild, and do not worry….like I said before we will always be together…" Dorocche smiled gleamed brightly...'Together forever'….with his sister, his three older brothers, his parents and his beloved grandmother….The young prince wished this happiness will never end.

Then something ominous happened….