Chapter 15~

As I roll over in my big comfy bed, every muscle in my body screams out in protest. I've never been so sore in my entire life. I guess running in heels, parachuting out of helicopters and sleeping in a tiny submarine bunk can do that to you. I squint at the clock. 5:15. Just enough time for a nice hot shower before dinner.

The shower in the bathroom is amazing, state of the art complete with mini-computer controls for everything from the temperature of the water to the functions of the shower head. I climb inside and sigh as the jets of hot water hit my muscles. Then I pull my hair out of the messy bun and let the hot water rinse out all the grime and the hair dye we used to cover up the colored parts of my hair. We figured it would be easier for me to blend in if no one remembered me and people were bound to remember the girl with brightly colored hair. It's nice to have my blue, pink and purple streaks back. I've missed them.

After my shower, I pull my hair back in a ponytail and go rummaging through the huge walk-in closet for something to wear. I settle on a summer dress in Caribbean Blue, light and airy so it doesn't cling too tight to my sore muscles. I surprise myself but putting on a necklace and earrings too. This being in a relationship thing is turning me into such a girl!

I glide down to the Dining Room in flat sandals. I don't think my feet, ankles or calves would ever forgive me if I wore heels tonight. Ed is the first one to see me and he waves me over to a round table covered in a starch white table cloth, shiny metal silverware and fine china. My, have I missed meal time at the palace.

Petros and Megrin are at the table too, but I have to do a double-take to recognize them with their "Greek" hair – Petros' is super dark in stark contrast to his blue eyes and Megrin's normally curly blond hair is straight and more caramel colored. I hug Megrin and ask her how she's enjoying her stay so far in Costa Luna. She admits she's spent most of the day sleeping, like me. I don't even bother talking to Petros. I just go straight to my seat next to Ed.

"You look nice." Ed smiles.

"Thanks." I smile back. "Where's Rosie?"

"Sitting with her mom." Ed points at the royal table at the center of the room where Rosie's sitting with Doña Sophia and the rest of her advisors.

"So…I'm guessing you're here to stay," Ed questions.

"Yeah," I say quietly. "Rose says she needs me here to help keep an eye on the twins."

Ed smirks as if to say, "I told you so" and I hit him.

"What happens to your hair?" Petros asks me, wrinkling his nose like he smells something bad. "It looks like a bunch of colors got in a fight and threw up on it."

"I think it's hot," a deep voice with an Italian accent interrupts.

Armando slips into the seat next to me and leans in to kiss me on the cheek. "Ciao bella."

I blush. "Ciao." He smells wonderful, like after shave.

"Is this guy giving you trouble?" Armando asks about Petros.

"No." I shoot Petros a glare. "He was just messing around."

"Ciao signoro." Petros offers his hand for a handshake without a second thought as to whether or not Greek exchange students should be fluent in Italian. "Mi chiamo—"

"Peter," I interrupt quickly. "And his sister, Meg."

Armando shakes both of their hands.

"They're Greek exchange students joining us for a couple weeks this summer." The cover story slips right off of Ed's tongue.

"Piacere di conoscerla." Armando nods to Petros and Megrin. "Your Italian is remarkable."

"Studied it in school for many years," Petros semi-lies. "Italian and English."

"Well, I hope you got high marks in both," Armando says, clearly impressed. "Will you two be joining us for Carter's birthday ball?"

"Birthday ball?" Petros arches a dark eyebrow in my direction.

"It's this party Rosie insisted on throwing for me." I wave it off. "It's no big deal."

"When is it?" Petros asks.

"In a little under a month, right?" Armando looks to me for confirmation.

Petros smirks. "I'll be there."

All conversations are brought to a halt by the clinking of silverware on glass. Queen Rosalinda stands.

"My beloved people, it is an honor and a blessing to be back here in Costa Luna. My time abroad was quite enjoyable, but it is nothing compare to being home with all of you."

The Dining Hall fills with applause.

"The people of Bellissimare send their warmest greetings," Rose continues. Petros and Megrin share a smirk.

Armando leans over to me. "I still don't know where that is."

"Off of the East border of Italy on the Adriatic Sea," Megrin snaps.

Armando puts his hands up in mock surrender. "Now I have no excuse."

"I would like to propose a toast to my friends from Greece, Meg and Peter, who will be staying with us for a while," Rosie continues, raising her glass towards our table. Megrin and Petros stand and wave.

"To Meg and Peter," Rose says.

"To Meg and Peter," the Dining Hall echoes, raising their glasses too.

Everyone taps their glasses against each other's. Ed taps his against mine and then I tape mine against Armando's before taking a sip of the sparking cranberry juice.

As if the toast was a signal, waiters pour out of the kitchen balancing silver trays filled with plates of grilled citrus salmon, rice pilaf and steamed broccoli. My mouth waters.

"Where in Greece are you from?" Armando asks Megrin and Petros as we eat.

"Athens," Megrin replies at the same time Petros says, "Santorini." They stare at each other in panic for a second.

"We were born in Athens," Petros says quickly. "But we grew up in Santorini."

Armando nods, satisfied and even I have to admit that was a nice save.

"How's everyone enjoying your dinner?" Rosie stops by our table.

"Everything is divine," Petros replies.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Kiss up.

"Carter?" Rose puts her hand on my shoulder. "You've got a video call."

"Dad?" I stand up in a hurry, knocking over my chair.

Rosie hands me the small video screen and I rush outside into the balmy night.