Chapter 18 (Rosie)~

"Good morning," I greet the twins in Greek as I enter their quarters with a platter filled with some of the best breakfast food Costa Luna has to offer – fresh fruit, flaky pastries, fresh squeezed guava and orange juices, and of course, piping hot coffee. Petros and Megrin barely notice my entrance, their attention glued instead to the big screen television mounted on the wall of the sitting room.

We were able to tune the TV to Belissimarean channels and it's currently playing the local news. Two pictures die by side, one of Prince Petros, the other of Princess Megrin, both with their blond hair.

"Today we mourn the death of our future king and queen, who were confirmed dead yesterday after the unfortunate kidnapping incident that occurred during their eighteenth birthday ball," the news anchor reports. "The identification of the kidnappers is still unknown, but the investigation remains open. Our queen and king would like all the citizens of Bellissimare to know that they will not rest until those responsible for the death of the prince and princess are brought to justice."

Petros grabs the remote and shuts off the TV.

"Do you think they actually believe we're dead?" Megrin asks, buddle up in a fluffy pink robe over her short silk nightgown.

"Maybe." I set the breakfast tray on the table. "Or maybe they're just trying to draw you out. The man who took over my country ran a fake news story claiming he was getting married to my mother. I turned myself in over it and would have been captured if it wasn't for Carter and her dad."

"But we're safe here?" Petros questions.

"For now," I answer honestly. "My people understand that they owe their peace and happiness to Princess Protection, so the few that know your true identity are sure to keep the secret. As for the others, they're smart enough to realize turning you in would involve a reward. Some of them might be willing to do so."

There's a long silence. Petros pours him and his sister a cup of coffee, then makes Megrin a plate of food and hands it to her before fixing one of his own.

"So what are we supposed to do while we're stuck here?" Petros teases.

"Lay low and be as touristy as possible." I hand them a list of popular spots and fun things to do around the island.

"What if we don't want to do the tacky tourist thing?" Petros asks as Megrin turns the TV back on and scans the channels until she finds her favorite soap opera. "Is there something we can do to help out?"

I shake my head. "You guys are my guests."

"You and Carter saved our lives," Petros argues. "The least we can do is pull our own weight while we're here."

He's got a point, I guess, but still…

"Please," Petros interrupts me before I even start to protest a second time. "What about Carter's party? That's gotta be a ton of work for someone trying to run a country."

"Actually, it has been weighing heavy in my mind for a while," I admit. "I want to make it perfect for Carter, but I just don't have the time to focus on it."

"Worry no longer," Petros assures me. "Megrin was famous for her parties back home and I don't like to brag, but I am a bit of a magician chef. Give us a list of Carter's likes and dislikes and we'll take care of everything."

"You cook?" I try not to act too surprised.

"A prince has gotta find something to do until he's old enough to assume the throne." Petros shrugs.

"I mean, if you guys really wanna help…" I glance over at Megrin, but she's completely absorbed in her soap opera and chocolate croissant.

Petros follows my gaze and for a moment, a dark shadow passes over his face, but then it's gone.

"Yeah of course." He smiles. "We'll take care of everything."

"You're letting THEM plan my party?" Carter screams when I tell her a couple hours later.

"Keep your voice down," I urge. "They need this. With everything going on, they need a distraction."

"Then they can take up knitting." Carter snaps. "I didn't even want this stupid party."

I flinch and Carter seems to remember the ball was my idea.

"I didn't mean it like that," her voice softens. "But you're my best friend. You know me better than anyone. We just met these guys a week ago and no offense, but the whole masquerade Vietnamese waltz isn't really my thing."

"It's Viennese waltz," I correct her and she shoots me a look.

"Don't worry." I laugh. "I'll still be in charge of all the big decisions. I'm just letting them do the busy work."

Carter crosses her arms, but doesn't argue. I think deep down she knows, same as I do, that this will be good for the twins. She knows what it's like to need to stay busy to keep your mind from wandering. Hopefully Armando will be enough to keep Carter from worrying about her dad.