"Prince! Prince! Wake up!"

Two pairs of tiny hands were grabbing and shaking his arm, startling him awake. Keith found himself disoriented, unable to recognize the sofa he was sleeping on, or the two little girls pulling him upright. Their excitement to see him awake was evident, and they reminded him of his younger sister, Mirelle, who had a similar exuberance when she was their age, though she never outgrew it.

"Will you play with us now?" One of the girls asked with big, innocent eyes that made it hard to refuse. "We can go outside now with the chickens!" The other chimed in, leaving Keith to wonder if he was on a farm. "Can you turn me into a princess first?" The first girl tugged at his left arm, while the second girl tugged at his right, each claiming she was the one who was going to be the princess.

"By the Goddess, shut up! He can't turn anyone into princesses, and he certainly wouldn't turn you little trolls into one if he could," an older girl suddenly appeared to whisk the younger ones away. "Stop pestering him!"

"No! They're not pestering," Keith leaned towards them with an awkward smile. He could see their enthusiasm waning, and it troubled him. His hands reached the tops of their little heads, and he reverently patted them. "I'm so sorry… Here, I declare you both princesses of this farm. Don't let anyone say otherwise," he said, expecting to cheer them up, and the way their faces lit up told him he succeeded. "Now, do you want to show me the chickens, Your Highnesses?"

The older girl rolled her eyes, and the little ones went back to tugging at his arms with renewed excitement. Keith found himself chuckling, the warmth of the moment embracing him. The air carried the comforting aroma of baking bread and heather tea, blending with the cheerful voice of the children. It was a feeling he hadn't enjoyed in a long time. Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the doorway, making the scene even better. "Why don't we all go for a walk? The morning is lovely, and the sun feels warm."

Keith looked up to find Maeve gazing intently into his eyes, her own eyes wide with surprise at his awakening. His smile couldn't be contained. She seemed different, her hair braided, and her dress colored in celestial blue. And most importantly, in her arms, she cradled a baby with a tenderness that melted his heart. It couldn't be… No, definitely not. He hadn't been asleep for that long.

He looked away bashfully at the thought, almost apologizing out loud for that.

"Eileen, can you do me a favor and tell your mother we're heading outside for a bit? Just so she knows we're okay," Maeve asked the older girl as she walked toward Keith. Eileen seemed unsure. Maeve kept going, her voice friendly, "We'll keep an eye on Lucy and Lizzie for you," Maeve hummed and gave her a wink, and suddenly, Eileen looked more ready to go inside than a moment ago.

Maeve then put her free hand on Keith's shoulder, and he felt how much he had missed her touch. They exchanged a smile, the moment feeling almost magical, as if they were the only ones around, despite the two little girls trying to win their attention and the baby staring at them with big, curious blue eyes.

"Mae–"

"Andie!" She cut him off, her voice low and with a small awkward laugh to poorly mask their lie. Right, they had talked about her needing to hide her real identity in case someone from Caisteal asked about her later. He just didn't know what name she had picked. Andie was a curious one. "Come on! The girls are super excited to show you the chickens, and I want to help Eileen with some herbs before we leave."

"To… help Eileen? Before we… leave?" Keith echoed, confused. Now, Maeve was also pulling him towards the door.

"I'll explain everything," she reassured him, her smile warm in a way that the sun outside could never match.

Innes's eyes were nearly the same shade as the amethyst she cleaned with a skill only possessed by Una's daughter. The Lady of Néart observed her quietly for a while, both of them tending to the crystals and arranging them under the sunlight of the courtyard to recharge their energies. The sun and moon had journeyed the sky together for some time, but now the moon was gradually slipping away, meaning that the early hours of the day were once more ruled by the sun only. It also indicated that the moon was transitioning into its Crescent phase, on the path to becoming Full.

Though there wasn't any news of the prince stag and the oracles remained silent, things were progressing more smoothly than the Lady had anticipated. The court seemed increasingly willing to accept the possibility that Keith might not return, at least not honorably. Declaring him dead due to a tragic hunting accident appeared to be a more acceptable option than admitting he had fled, thereby avoiding Néart's anger. And it was such a positive outcome. In her mind, she could already see Fintan being acknowledged as the true Horned One and becoming Innes's consort.

This was how it should be.

She took the amethyst crystal carefully from Innes's hands, about to place it alongside the others in the courtyard. The Crescent moon also reminded the Lady of another minor concern.

"Do you also miss Maeve, my dear? She's like a sister to you," she asked Innes, her tone casual.

"I do miss my sister, milady," Innes replied, her gaze meeting the Lady's. Innes had a way of subtly voicing her opinions, as delicate as a breeze; a presence you couldn't quite grasp, sometimes not even notice.

"Per your predictions, we should hear from her soon. I wonder how she's doing on her own," the Lady mused, her shoulders giving a slight shrug. Her fingers idly danced around a lapis lazuli crystal, casting intriguing shadows. "This one is ready," she decided, changing the topic suddenly and finally touching the crystal to place it under the garden's protective canopy, beyond the sun's reach.

Unbeknownst to both women, an almost imperceptible crack had formed on the surface of the lapis lazuli she held.

"This is the right amount, see? I need you to memorize that because if you exceed the dosage, you might poison them," Maeve had found some calming herbs and roots during their morning walk, a walk shorter than he thought it would be before Lorraine called them in for breakfast. And right before they left, she made a point of sitting with Eileen in the kitchen to teach her how to properly prepare them. Maeve had slept in the room the girls shared and had noticed that the twins had problems sleeping, which was affecting their big sister's rest as well. Keith knew those herbs were safe, and the amount needed to poison someone with them was highly improbable for a girl to obtain in her yard. Nevertheless, he understood Maeve's worries.

Being cautious around herbs was always a wise choice.

"Mom already tried to give them tea but… not in a blend like this. How do you know it'll work?" Eileen's eyes were wide open, paying attention to everything, filled with wonder at the promise of a good night's sleep. Her young inquisitive nature was still apparent, and Keith smiled softly at the scene. He knew she would be surprised, for he was confident that it would work. "Are you a priestess or something?"

"No! I…" The question caught Maeve off guard, and she seemed a little exasperated.

Before the girl could become suspicious, Keith intervened. "I'm sorry, but I was the one who showed her those herbs. She was having trouble sleeping while we were lost, so I taught her how to make this special tea," he said with a smile, sitting beside Maeve. "Studying herbology is a hobby of mine."

"I'll say it again, you are a strange prince," it was actually the first time Eileen was saying it to him, still Keith nodded with a gentle smile. Being recognized as a prince was enough to make him legitimately happy, and he could never deny being an odd one. "But you're not bad."

Maeve reached out for his hand under the table. She was beaming when he looked at her, and he knew it was her way to silently approve Eileen's words. His face tingled at the notion that she also didn't think he was bad and was fond of him enough to touch his hand unprompted.

"Aye, lovebirds! Are you ready to go?" Brendan appeared at the doorway and hurried them along. His reluctance to even step into the kitchen made it abundantly clear that he was rushing them.

Maeve had arrived at Brendan's farm with just her flower crown in hand. Now, Lorraine was filling her arms with a large bundle of food. The warmth still lingering in the loaf of bread made her heart swell with appreciation for the care they were extending to her and Keith.

"It won't be a long ride, I don't think we're going to need this much food…" Maeve chuckled, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the generosity. It wasn't that she wanted to decline the delicious treats, but she knew Lorraine was going above and beyond.

"You never know what awaits you on the road, Andie…" Lorraine placed her hands on Maeve's shoulder in a maternal gesture. "Besides, the prince is too skinny and he needs to regain his strength if he's going to participate in the ceremony. You can't do that without eating well, and you've got to make sure he does!"

Maeve exchanged glances with Keith, and she could tell by his awkward smile that he had heard it. He was with Brendan, saddling the horse just beside them. A mare, to be precise, named Poppy, the eldest one on the farm and slow enough that she wasn't needed for farm work, so her absence wouldn't be felt. Still, Brendan had made it clear that he would be in Caisteal to deliver his grains before the ceremony, and he hoped to take Poppy back with him. It seemed fair. Maeve was certain that she would be well taken care of in Caisteal's stables.

"Yesterday I asked you how I could apologize to you kids for my brazen words," Brendan suddenly said to Keith, drawing Maeve's attention. The twins were now tugging at her skirts, wanting a share of that attention, but this was something she wanted to hear. "You told me to remind you not to take the main road because the druids are watching all the entrances to Caisteal, and you might want someone from the royal court with you when facing one of those tricksters."

Brendan shrugged. It was clear he didn't fully grasp the request, but he understood its importance. He had talked with Keith's other face the previous night, and he wanted to ensure this crucial information reached the Keith standing before Brendan now.

"Thank you, sir. You've done more than enough for us," Keith replied, even though he wasn't entirely aware of what Brendan had said last night. Nonetheless, he went along.

"I'm sorry, lass," Brendan turned to Maeve with a somewhat ashamed expression. "I hope you'll find happiness wherever life takes you. You're both good kids and deserve to be happy."

Maeve nodded with a reassuring smile. He had made her cry last night, yes, but what he and his family had done for them was priceless. And the fact that he was able to recognize his mistake meant a lot to her. "Thank you for saying this, Brendan."

"Andie!" Lizzie tugged at the skirt of Maeve's dress so forcefully that she couldn't help but lean down toward her. She laughed at the little girl's excitement and soon found herself giving both her and her twin sister warm farewell hugs. Eileen also joined in to bid them goodbye, cradling baby Ollie in her arms. She awkwardly inquired if they would ever visit again. Maeve wanted to ensure it happened as soon as possible, and although she was uncertain about Keith's availability due to his royal responsibilities, he assured the girl that they would meet again.

Lorraine offered her the same advice once more. To feed, to rest, to take care of one another. It was clear that both she and Brendan were concerned about Keith's success in Caisteal, and knowing they believed in him and supported him filled Maeve's heart with happiness. She loved Caisteal and Néart, that much was undeniable. And it was her love for her people that drove her to hope for Keith's success, for it was the best outcome for everyone. She knew it.

When she looked at him, she saw the most honorable king Jade could have: the King stag, the Horned One. His gentle eyes couldn't seem to ease the violent feelings that welled up in her chest every time she drew near him. His soft, chivalrous manner as he assisted her in mounting Poppy, and his warm arms securely encircling her as they set off on their journey at a leisurely pace, made her feel like she was right where she belonged.

As Brendan's farm faded from view and they entered a wooded area beside the road, where birds chirped happily and sunlight filtered through the leaves, Maeve glanced up at Keith. The mare's steady pace didn't quite match the rapid thump of her heart. This feeling brought a warm, uncontrollable smile to her face, making her feel a bit silly. Yet, she couldn't help but be captivated by the fact that they were still together.

Being in his arms was a relief.

"Are you alright?" Keith asked when he noticed her looking at him. She saw his cheeks turn slightly pink as he returned her gaze, and his lips curved into a smile, much like hers.

Maeve nodded quickly.

"I'm good, don't worry," she rested her head against his chest and focused on the serene unexplored path ahead, guided by his skilled hand on the reins.

"I'm sorry for making you change your plans, I… I didn't want to cause you any trouble but it seems like I keep burdening you…"

"Keith…" Maeve touched the hand he kept around her waist, trying to prevent him from continuing. "I won't lie and say it'll be easy for me, but I'm glad I'm going with you. Come what may, I believe in you."

"Maeve," he squeezed her tighter in her arms, and his nose nuzzled against her hair, causing her to sigh and shut her eyes. She swore she could feel his heart beating as fast as hers. He chuckled softly. "It's good to say your name again. May I ask why Andie? I've been curious all along."

"Short for Andromeda. He was the one who made the choice," she answered with a smile on her face, but this time her happiness didn't quite reach him.

"Oh…" Keith pulled away, and she looked up at him again, confused by his apparent dismay. "Andromeda is the constellation next to Pisces, named after a princess offered as a sacrifice to a sea monster, only to be saved by a hero who made her his queen. I wonder if he believes I am the sea monster, and he's the hero. It actually… Makes sense," Keith smiled sadly.

"No! No, it doesn't," Maeve was quick to deny such absurd thoughts, reaching out to kiss his face. "This is nonsense! I'm sure he hadn't thought of it so deeply, and if anything, you both are my heroes."

"You do love him, don't you?" He asked, his sweet eyes shining in a beautiful color under the sunlight. She could tear up with that divine vision alone, and his words and the pain behind them only made it certain that her eyes got hazy.

"Keith, I… I love you, too…" she said in a soft whisper, and then again to make sure he heard it. "I love you. And this is as wrong as me being here now, but I love you both. Please, don't tell me I have to choose."

"Are you sure you love me? I'm nothing like him, Maeve," Keith sighed, and she looked away, feeling her heart sinking at his self-depreciation. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to doubt you."

"Keith, I love you for who you are. I love your sweetness, I love your chivalry, I love how gentle and kind you are, and how much you care for everyone. I love him for who he is, too. He's different from you, but believe me, there's nothing about you that I couldn't lov–"

Keith held her chin and sealed her lips with his before she could finish the word. Maeve leaned against him, giving in to that kiss even more. When they pulled from it, they looked into each other's eyes in a silence filled only by the mare's hooves against the fallen leaves and the birds around them.

"I…" he finally broke the silence, his voice barely louder than the birds. "I love you too, Maeve."