Astral's POV:

(Flash):

"Greetings, Your Highness," A middle-aged man with dark brown hair greeted me with a bow.

"Rise, Duke Thesion." I wave a hand as I enter the mansion. "So, what is it that I had to come all the way here for?"

"Ah, Your Highness, about that matter," He hands me a portrait of an 18-year-old girl with light brown hair, dark green eyes, and fair skin wearing a light blue dress with high heels. Where is he going with this?

My eyes meet his. "Was there a reason why you showed me this picture?"

He chuckles. "She's pretty right?"

"Yes, she's not bad looking," I said after a moment as his smile grows wider. Um… what is going on?

"Was this the reason you had me come all the way here?"

His eyes widen. "Your Highness, I am truly sorry but I'm worried about your love life." My love life?

"Why on earth are you worried about that? Don't you have anything else more important to worry about?" I question as he gulps.

I cross my arms. "I don't get why you're so concerned with this, Duke Thesion."

"I'm just concerned that's all. You're The Prince and you bound to have a female companion someday, am I correct?"

My lips curve upwards. "Of course but, my personal life is none of your concern."

I stand up. "I'm afraid I have a meeting to attend to. If that's all you want to talk about, I-"

His eyes widen in panic as he steps in front of me. "Prince Astral, please reconsider. Didn't you say you find the girl in the photo pretty?"

I glance back at the photo then look at him. "Yes, but that doesn't mean I'm interested in her." Plus, I already have a fiancée.

"Waltari," He nods as I walk out of the mansion.

"Wait, Your Highness!"

That was a total waste. And to think it was something urgent. The door shuts as my butler follows behind me. "To think that he was setting me up,"

He chuckles. "He's getting braver each day."

"What do you-"

A girl runs up to me in a maid's outfit. "Your Highness,"

He steps in front of me in a protective stance. "Who are you?"

"Waltari, stand down." He backs away as the girl approaches me.

"Do you need something?"

"My Lady wants to see you." Oh?

"May I know who she is?"

"I'm sorry but if you want to know more information, you have to meet her."

Hm… "Your Highness, I think-"

"Alright, lead the way."

He gapes with his eyes widen. "But-"

"That's great! My Lady is expecting you. This way, if you please."

At her room:

"My Lady is waiting for you in here,"

"Thank you."

"Your Highness, I think-"

"I know what I'm doing." My lips curve upwards. "Wait for me out here."

"As you wish."

The door opens as I step in. An 18-year-old girl with green eyes and light brown hair wearing a red long sleeve shirt and black leggings smiles at me. "Greetings, Your Highness."

She looks familiar…! "Please rise." I help her up by the hand as we sit on the chairs.

"So, what do you want to see me for?"

She pours me a cup of tea. "You're not going to ask me who I am?"

"If I'm not mistaken, you're the only daughter of Duke Thesion."

"Impressive. How did you figure it out?"

"The resemblance between you two and the fact that your room is in his estate."

She sips her tea with a smile. "Yes, my name is Estrella, the only daughter of Duke Thesion."

"Is there a reason you called me here?"

She closes her eyes for a moment and takes my hands firmly. Why is she holding my hand? I stiffen and try to pull away as she tightens her grip. "Lady Estrella, what are you-"

"Marry me."

(Flash)

"What?!"

My fiancée grips my shirt collar with fury pulling me close until our noses touch. "Were you flirting with her? Is that why she said that?"

Flirting? My hands gently pry her fingers away. "Me flirt with her? You're kidding right?"

"Why else would she say that?"

My fingers pry her fingers off. "You're ruffling my shirt."

"Is that all you have to say?!"

My friends and parents back away. Her mood swings are so erratic. "Are you going to let me finish my story or not?"

"Hmph," Her arms cross. "You owe me an explanation."

Great…

(Flash):

"What did you say?" I wiggle my hand free as she clasps my hand tightly.

"I want you to marry me."

How can she utter those words to a guy she met less than 5 minutes ago? "May I ask why?"

"Do you believe love at first sight?"

Love at first sight? A chuckle escapes my lips as I raise a brow. "Love at first sight? Are you saying that since you saw me about two minutes ago, you're growing fond of me?"

She nods. "Mhm. I-"

"What's the real reason?"

"What?"

"The reason that you called me here isn't so that you can tell me that you love me and want to confess your feelings." My legs cross as I stare at her expectantly. "What's the real reason?"

"Why don't you believe my words?"

"Lady Estrella, you expect me to believe that you love me? I only met you roughly 5 minutes ago. That seems a bit fast, don't you agree?"

The woman in front of me bites her lip shifting her gaze. Why does she seem so nervous? "Save me."

My eyes widen as she tightens her grip on my hand. Save her? Save her from what exactly? Her eyes glisten as she squeezes my hand tighter. "Please, marry me."

"I…" Oh lord, what is happening here?

"Please," Her eyes shine in desperation. "Marry me."

"But why?" I hand her a tissue as she dries her tears. "Give me a suitable reason why you want-"

"It's the only way." She sniffles. "It's the only way for me to escape this household."

Escape this household…? What? Why? "Is there something-"

(Knock)(Knock)

"My Lady," A frantic whisper calls from outside as we turn our heads. "The Master is coming this way!"

The woman beside trembles. Her face pales with sweat dripping from her forehead. "Why are you reacting-"

"H-He c-can't see you!" Her hands push me towards the closet. "Hide here-"

"Wait, wait," I stop her with my arms. "Why am I hiding?"

"He can't see you in my room or else he'll-"

(Knock)(Knock)

"He's getting closer!"

Her face pales even more. "Oh no… you have to hide!"

She pushes me into the restroom. "This won't do!"

Her eyes scan the room rapidly. "Where should I- Ah-ha!"

This is interesting… Her hands push me onto the bed quickly untying the canopy curtains. What the- "What are you- mph!"

A hand covers my mouth as she lays on top of me causing my muscles to tense. So… close… "Shh!"

(Flash)

My fiancée glare daggers at me as she pulls me closer. "How dare you get in bed with another woman?!" Uh-oh…

"It sounds bad but it's not-"

"Oh?" Her fingers grip my collar as they turn white. "You and I haven't even so much as to share a bed or kiss since you lost your memory yet you and she hadn't even met for an hour and you already climb into bed with her! Explain yourself, my husband!" She shakes me violently. "Don't you have anything to say to me?!"

At this rate, I will end up as minced meat! "It's not what you think." I started after a few minutes to let her calm down. "I swear, we didn't do anything on her bed that day."

Her eye twitches a bit. "That day?" Her tone rises as she clutches my shirt tighter. "Does that mean you've done something to her another day?"

"What?" I sputter in disbelief as my jaw hangs slightly open. "No! How could you think that I would do such a thing?"

"You were in bed with her." She seethes in anger as I gulp. I got to admit, she's scary when she's angry.

"And I said before, nothing, absolutely nothing happened between her and me."

My fiancée's eyes narrow. I got to figure out a way to dispel her anger. "Getting angry won't be good for the child."

"Excuse me?!" She jabs a finger to my chest as I can see the burning rage in her eyes. Was that the wrong thing to say? "Oh, so now you think of our child huh? Were you thinking about it when you were in bed with her?"

I'm screwed. "I said that I didn't do anything that would indicate a romantic affair." I reiterated as I hold her hand gently. "She pushed me onto the bed as a last resort, that's all."

A sigh escapes my lips as I pull her into an embrace by her shoulders. "I'm sorry, ok? Just calm yourself. Anger isn't beneficial to our child." I exclaim softly as she snuggles closer. Finally!

Everyone lets out sighs of relief. "If it weren't for you, would I get this angry?"

My lips curve upwards as her anger dissipates. "I'm sorry. It's my fault."

"It's all your fault." She mutters.

There goes my pride. At least it's better than dealing with her anger. Note to self: don't get her angry. "Yes, yes, it's all my fault."

(Flash):

What the huh? She lays on top of me as her hand covers my mouth. This is interesting… why is she reacting like this though?

(Bang)(Bang)

"Come on out, bitch!" He growls. "This is all your fault. How dare you lock the door?"

The person on me shivers gripping my shirt with tears dripping. That voice is her father. But why is he addressing her in such a manner?

(Bang)(Bang)

The sound of wood cracking envelopes the room as the woman on my shivers with tears streaming. What am I supposed to do in this situation? I lay limply as she hugs my chest pressing her head against it stifling a sob as he bangs the door violently again and again. With each bang that rings out, her breathing labors.

I don't understand… why is her father like this? "Come on out! It's time for your beating."

Beating? My eyes widen as I look at the person on my chest. By that… does he perhaps mean… My hand cautiously touch her arm as she hisses loudly with a groan. Unless…!

"Move."

She sniffles as the bangs grow louder and louder. The sound of wood cracking radiates throughout the room as she hugs me tighter. "There's nothing you can do to stop him."

"How long has this been happening?" I whisper as she shuts her eyes tightly.

"Y-Your Grace," A small feminine voice calls out from the door.

"Where's that brat?" He growls as he bangs on the door breathing heavily. "I swear, once I find her, she will pay!"

Pay? "T-The Lady has gone out, Your Grace."

"Go where?!"

"Duke Thesion,"

Her father forces a chuckle. "W-Waltari, you're still here?"

"Mhm."

"D-Did His Highness need something?"

"You're quite angry. Are you alright?"

"Oh, no, I'm just happy, that's all!" He lied as I clench my jaw wrapping my arm around her shoulder pulling her closer. Happy? Happy?! How dare he?!

"But why were you banging on the door?"

"O-Oh, w-well it's my daily exercise." Exercise he says? My fist clenches. Oh, if he wants to exercise, I'll show him the real meaning of it!

"Huh… how interesting."

"Y-Yes, so why are you here?"

"Ah, about that, His Highness wanted to apologize for storming off earlier. Truth to be told, he's quite intrigued with the woman in the picture you showed him. I was wondering can you tell me more about her?" Good job, Waltari. You saved us! I should give him a raise when I get back to the palace.

"Of course!" His tone switches to a happy one as footsteps fade into the distance. "Come now, let me fill you in about this woman."

A breath of relief escapes my lips as silence fills the air. What on earth just happened? "Lady Estrella…" My eyes widen as she curls into a ball on my chest with her eyes tightly shut. I pull her closer with my arms wrapping around her body. "You're going to be fine. It's over now. Your father is gone." I card through her hair gently as she whimpers.

"Don't worry, you're safe now."

The door creaks open as she once again trembles with the force of an earthquake. "F-Father, d-don't hit me! I-I'll be good. I promise!"

"My Lady…" The girl stares at us in shock with her mouth hanging open. The key to the door dangles in her hand. "Y-Your Highness, I apologize for-"

My eyes drift towards her. "Don't worry about it. If you don't mind disclosing information, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding this matter."

"Of course,"

"How long has this been happening?"

"Since a year ago when Duchess Emilie died." A year?!

"Why? Why would he do this to his only daughter?"

She sighs. "The death of his wife came as a shock for him. When he learned that his wife died because of The Lady, he started to direct his resentment onto her."

My blood boils as I clench my fist. "Why haven't you told anyone about this?"

"Your Highness, I'm a measly little maid. What power do I have? Besides, if The Master finds out about this, I fear that he would do even more gruesome things to her." Argh! She has a point.

"That doesn't exclude his behavior. Do you know if-"

"Heather," A voice rings out. "Leave us alone and lock the door."

A hesitant look flashes on her face as she nods. "As you wish, My Lady."

She steps out as silence fills the air again. How should I go about addressing this matter? "I'm sorry."

What? "Why are you apologizing?"

"To let you see this and get you involved in my family matter. I'm-"

"Lady Estrella, how long were you going to keep this hidden?" I started trying to not yell. "Duke Thesion, your father, is abusing you! He's torturing you in this household!" My voice raises a bit as she trembles. "Why would you keep this all to yourself? Why not tell others? Why not get help?"

"I… if I tell others then what good will it do? As she said, if my father finds out, the consequences will be devastating. No one has enough power to face him."

No one has enough power to face him huh? He's just a duke! "What about a prince? Surely he has enough authority to condemn him."

She glances up at me with eyes widening. "Your Highness… you shouldn't get involved in this matter."

"Too late. Your father's actions towards you are utterly unacceptable. If I don't get involved and put an end to this, it will haunt my conscience first of all and secondly, it's my duty as The Prince to protect my citizens."

Her eyes drift down as she hugs me tighter. "There's one way that you can help me."

"And that is?"

"Marriage."

Oh. So that's why she… A soft sigh escapes my lips. "Lady Estrella-"

"It's the only way I can think of to rightfully escape him. To escape this household." Tears flow onto my shirt as she sniffles. "I beg you, Prince Astral."

What should I do?

(Flash)

"Wait," My friend holds up her hand. "So, she begged you to marry her?"

"Yup."

"I mean, that's one way to escape him."

"But it's not the best way."

"I agree."

"My beloved," She latches onto my arm. "What was your answer?"

"I refused." Her eyes widen as she smacks my head. What the?

"Did you just hit me?" I exclaim in shock as she furrows her brows.

"How can you be so cold and refuse to help her?"

"I… she wants to marry me!"

"Then accept it. Accept the marriage."

I blink at her. What is going on in her mind? "Did you forget I'm your fiancé?"

"Of course not."

"If that's the case, what fiancée would encourage her fiancé to marry another woman?" I ask after a moment as she giggles. How does that make sense?

"A pretend marriage! On the day of the wedding, she will rightfully leave her household and be 'married' to you. Once that happens, she can stay at the palace as your 'Princess Consort'."

My hand touches her forehead gently. "You think marriage is a game?"

"It's a good plan!"

"Yes, but then her reputation will be ruined. Think about it, if I help her by marrying her, she will be stuck in a loveless marriage with a person who doesn't love her. Do you think that's the life she wants? Besides, who would want to marry a woman who has married The Prince?"

"Oh…" She pouts swinging my arm back and forth. "You have to find a way to help her though."

My hand ruffles her hair with a chuckle. Cute. "Honestly, do you really want me to marry her?"

"Of course not but if it can help her escape then I would offer two thumbs up!" She exclaims happily as I burst out laughing.

She's really something else. Kind and innocent about human nature yet smart and somewhat manipulative at the same time. Manipulative in a good way of course. You know what, she's starting to grow on me.

(Flash):

"Lady Estrella," I lay limply as her arms wrap around my chest. "Marriage isn't the only way."

"That's the only way that I can think of." She sniffles. "I have to escape from this household."

"I understand but marriage isn't the best idea. Look, if we get married, you will be stuck in a loveless marriage since I doubt that you see me that way and I don't see you as a romantic partner either."

"I don't care if I end up in a loveless marriage." She leans closer as her nose touch mine. "I'm sick and tired of living this life. Of being tortured by my own father!"

"Please," Her green eyes shine in desperation as she clasps my hands. "I know it's hard but please, help me."

Her resolve… I slide her hand off mine with a soft apologetic smile. "I apologize but I can't."

Tears glisten in her eyes as they drip onto my face. "I was right, why would you want to help a person like me?" She laughs bitterly as I softly sigh.

"It's not that I don't want to help you-"

"Then why do you refuse? Am I not pretty enough for you?"

"It has nothing to do with appearance." I hastily reply as she gulps. "A marriage isn't a game and I don't want you to do something you would later regret. Also, I have a fiancée so I can't marry you."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" She blinks rapidly. "I can't stay in this household or else my life will be in danger."

This proves to be a dilemma. How can I help her? If only I can get her away from this place…! "Come to the palace."

"Huh?"

"No matter how authority your father has, he won't be able to touch you under my protection."

She nods slowly. "That could work but…"

"After everything he has done to you, you still want to stay here?"

"Of course not! It's just… my mother's death day is in a few days. I want to visit her grave one last time before I leave this house."

My lips curve upwards a bit. What a wonderful daughter. "Are you sure that's wise? Your father will most likely abuse you again."

"I'm positive. After all, I don't think he will do anything out of respect for her on that day." I'm not too sure about that. This is a man that tortures his daughter. Who knows what he might do.

But, this is her decision. I shouldn't interfere with her life any more than necessary. I summon up a silver hairpin with a blue peach blossom flower. Tiny light blue shells dangle off of a gold tassel creating an elegant finish. "Here,"

Her eyes widen in awe as she cautiously runs her fingers across the beautiful flower. "This can protect you."

"How so?"

"I transferred some of my powers onto this hairpin so if he does do you damage, hopefully, it can block some of it."

"Really?" She gasp in excitement as I pin her hair in place.

"Yep, but it only works if it's touching you so keep it close by at all times, got it?"

"Mhm!" She hugs me as I stiffen. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Your Highness!"

I pat her back softly. "No need to thank me. After you visit your mother's grave, I'll take you to the palace."

"Thank you so much!" She sobs as I pat her back. So much physical contact. This is killing me! But on the other hand, I helped a person so I guess it's the price I have to pay.

(Flash)

…

Why is everyone so quiet? "How could he?" My friend growls. "She's his daughter yet he dare abuse her?!"

"I agree, Derek," Brandon said as he looks at the person laying on the bed. "His actions are unacceptable."

"Your Majesties, please have him imprisoned for a violation of rights."

"You don't need to tell me twice, Zach."

"Prince Astral," That voice…! I turn my head towards the sound as my eyes meet green eyes. She's awake…

Her lips curve into a smile. "Long time no see, Your Highness,"

"Estrella," I walk towards her and help her sit up. "How are you feeling?"

A laugh escapes her lips as I hand her a cup of water. "I'm fine. No need to worry."

She turns towards my parents. "Greetings, Your Majesties."

"We know all about your situation." My mother said gently. "Don't worry, you're safe here."

"Thank you for letting me stay. I'm very grateful."

"Nonsense. After hearing what happened, we must let you stay." My father started as my friends' nodded.

Her green eyes turn to me and bite her lips. "Your Highness… I have another favor to ask of you." Oh?

"What might that be?" I sit on the bed as she clasps my hand in hers.

"Can you… perhaps… spare my father?" She's kidding, right? Why would she want to spare him after all he's done?

"I understand how you're feeling but do you not harbor any resentment towards him?"

A sigh escapes her lips. "I would be lying if I say I didn't have any resentment for him but he's the only family I have left…" That's a good point… but…

"This goes beyond personal matters," I slide my hand free as she grips it tighter.

"Lady Estrella, you got to understand-"

"But he's my father. How do you expect me to look at him getting punished?"

"May I remind you that he abused you for a year?" I asked calmly as she goes quiet. "Last time we met, you had a mini panic attack because of him."

Her green eyes drift down towards the bed. "Even though he's your father, it doesn't excuse him for abusing you. It's a violation of rights."

"But… he's still my father. He's the person who gave me life! He-"

"He might be the person who gave you life but he abused you. He didn't treat you like his daughter."

I place my other hand on top of hers to wiggle my hand free from her grasp. "Sorry, but I can't grant your favor this time."

Her lips curve into a slight smile. "Don't worry about it. You've done plenty."

My eyes drift to her hair as I raise a brow. "Where's your hairpin?"

Her lips draw together into a thin line. "My father took it away from me." Ah, so that explains why she got so injured. I should've figured that was the case.

I materialize her hairpin and close my eyes. Slight tingling in my body courses through my fingertips to the pin as I slowly reopen my eyes with a slight smile. "Hold still,"

She tilts her head as I gently place it in her hair. "What are you doing?"

"I'd upgraded the hairpin. It now has twice the power it once did and can protect you when in immediate danger."

"Immediate danger? Like what?"

A smirk across my lips as I chucked a knife at her. Her eyes widen as she uses her arms to shield herself when sparkles omit from the pin into a protective barrier repelled the knife launching it towards the wall. Looks like it works.

"Son," My mother scolds crossing her arms with an expectant stare. "That's highly dangerous."

"Yea, what if it didn't work?"

"Relax, Father, I've got everything under control."

My gaze drifts towards the woman on the bed with her eyes squeezed shut. "Am I dead?"

I let out a chuckle. "Why don't you open your eyes and see?"

Her eyes open cautiously as the barrier surrounding her starts to fade. "Woah…"

"With this, nothing can harm you as long as you keep it on your body."

"Absolutely nothing?" Well…

"I wouldn't say absolutely nothing because there is a certain power limit in this, but it should contain enough of my power to eliminate most threats." Hopefully, that's the case anyway.

My body stiffens as she pulls me into a hug. Great… "Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you so much."

My lips curve upwards a bit. "No need to mention it."

"Oh," She breaks the embrace with a tint of red on her cheeks. "I apologize for being rude to you that day."

I blink blankly for a few seconds as a thought flys through my mind. Ohhhhh… she's talking about… I stifle a laugh. "You know, I was highly taken aback when you asked me that question." Her face grows redder. "And the part where you begged me to marry you."

A laugh escapes my lips as she cups her cheeks attempting to hide her embarrassment. "I wasn't thinking straight at the time."

"Right…" I eye her as she fidgets under my gaze. Hm… "What would've happened if I had agreed?"

The woman next to me gulps. Her face grows to an unhealthy shade of red as my sister sighs. "Brother, that's enough. Stop teasing her."

"Teasing? Me? No way!"

She giggles as my fiancée latches onto my arm. "Honey, when are you going to introduce us to her?" Oh yeah…

"Lady Estrella," I gesture towards my friends. "This is Maria, Star, Zach, Brandon, and Derek."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"I still can't believe your father hit you!"

"Brandon!"

"What?"

"You're not supposed to say that." My friend whispers as he raises an eyebrow.

"Why not?"

"Seriously?"

"It's the truth."

They groan shaking their heads. She laughs. "No worries. I don't mind talking about this."

My sister's eyes widen. "Really?"

"Mhm." She sighs with a distant gaze in her green eyes. "After all, as he said, it's not just a personal matter anymore."

What father would go and abuse their own child like that? Isn't there a saying that a daughter is a father's treasure or something? Her eyes drift to my fiancée who took the liberty of latching onto my arm moments ago. Tell me again, why on earth did I pick such an affectionate fiancée?

"The woman next to me is Lady Liliana."

She looks at me expectantly. "Love, how many times have I told you to drop my title?"

My lips curve upwards at her pout as I poke her forehead gently. "Force of habit. Ahem," I clear my throat. "This is Liliana."

"Love?" She mutters to herself as her eyes widen. "Ah, you must be…" A gasp escapes as she curtsy. "Pleasure to meet you, Lady Liliana." Looks like she made the connection.

My fiancée helps her stand offering her a smile. "Estrella, no need to be so formal. Just refer to me by my name."

"But-"

She giggles. "I'm serious. No need to be so formal."

Her green eyes meet mine as I nod subtly. "Alright, Liliana."

"See? That wasn't too hard now was it?" She looks towards me again. "If only you can refer to me as such."

I raise an eyebrow. "What's wrong with the way I'm referring to you as?"

"You keep referring to me by my title despite me being your fiancée." Oh.

"As I said, it's going to get some time to adjust." I started as she sighs.

"I've got to say," The woman in front of me eyes her critically from head to toe. "No wonder he rejected my proposal. It was because he has such a beauty in front of him."

Beauty? I glance at her as a tint of red appears on her cheeks. "Ah," She waves a hand dismissively. "You're making me blush."

She giggles. "It's the truth. No wonder he rejected me without any hesitation." She mutters looking at me innocently. "Tell me, you rejected me because of your fiancée, didn't you?"

"Well, yes, but also-"

"See? My point exactly!" Huh?

"What point?"

She let's put an exasperated sigh. "You rejected me only because of your fiancée. You love her."

Eh?! Love? "Uh…"

"Oh, another thing I should mention," She winks. "I know about your amnesia."

"What?! How?"

"I thought we…" My mother's eyes widen. "Unless… Waltari!"

We turn our heads. "Sorry, Your Majesties." Seriously?

"Anyway, getting back on topic," Her eyes lock onto mine. "You love her."

How am I supposed to answer this? Do I say yes or no? Most importantly… My eyes drift towards the woman next to me still latching onto my arm. I can't be too harsh with my answer or else… "Perhaps."

The person next to me blinks. "Per… haps?"

"You're kidding right?" They simultaneously groan as I smile sheepishly.

"Nope."

"At least it wasn't a no," Zach whispers as Star elbows him.

"No one will think that you're mute if you don't say something!"

Great… now I feel guilty for saying that. My fiancée tightens her grip on my arm with a minuscule smile on her lips. "I figured that was the case." A pair of lips peck my cheek as my body stiffens causing her lips to turn down a bit. Darn it! I flinched involuntarily.

I bite my lip. How am I supposed to tread? "Be mindful of your actions, Lady…" No… this isn't the way to go. I clear my throat and meet her gaze. "Liliana," I begin softly as her eyes light up. "Please be mindful of your actions."

Is that better? God, I think I made it worse! Everyone around me shuffles out of the room, closing the door gently with a click, leaving us in silence. What am I supposed to do now? What on earth am I supposed to do?