*Kent*

"Why are you sorry?"

"It must be really hard on you," Eva explains, "You come home, and your entire world is flipped upside down."

"Yeah," I agree, "It's been... strange. I kind of don't even know who I am anymore. I always thought I was a prince but..."

"You are a prince though. Just because you weren't born one doesn't make you any less royal."

"You really think so?"

She nods and I smile.

"Thank you," I tell her heading for the doors. "I have something to take care of now."

And with that, I step back into the palace.

***

*Alexia*

"Watch your step," Ricky tells me as he leads me down the stoned stairs.

Flowers of all shades, shapes, and sizes loom over us, making a canopy.

"It's beautiful," I breathe.

"Wait till we reach the bottom." He smiles. "It will be even more beautiful."

I say nothing else as we descend the rest of the steps. As we reach the bottom, Ricky says, "Close your eyes, my lady. I will tell you when to open them."

"Ok." I close my eyes, making everything go dark.

A warm hand takes hold of mine once more, pulling me along. Soon, I can feel us veering off the path, grass crushing underneath our feet. The three Plutonian suns shining down on us.

I keep my eyes closed the entire time, trusting Ricky not to lead me into an endless pit.

"Almost there," he says, at last, guiding me a few more steps.

Finally, we come to a stop and he tells me, "Now you can open your eyes."

I do, gasping. "Wow," is all I can say as I take in the sight before me.

We stand before a crystal blue pond, majestic white birds bobbing on the glistening surface. Off to the right is a wooden gazebo, purple budded vines intertwined around the pillars. Flowers surround us, the sweet aroma tickling my nostrils.

I am now in paradise.

Ricky sits down on the orange grass, his long legs crossed before him. "Come sit." He pats the patch of grass beside him.

Gracefully, I take a seat, hoping that the orange dye doesn't leak onto my white dress.

Grass doesn't grow on Pluto. But some Plutonian scientists were able to come up with a solution to grow orange grass. Since orange makes it unique. The issue is sometimes the coloring likes to leak.

Just like our red grass sometimes can leak.

And I've even heard that earth's natural green grass leaks on occasion too.

Ricky pulls out from his pocket a roll and starts to break off pieces. He hands me some. "To feed the Gooshin," he explains.

I'm guessing the magnificent, long-necked, white birds are the Gooshins.

I toss some bread their way and they quickly begin to snap at it with their sharp, yellow beaks.

"As gorgeous as Gooshins are they are quite dangerous creatures."

My eyes peel away from the birds settling on Ricky. "They say looks can be deceiving."

"True." His gray-blue eyes hold me in place, and I find myself holding my breath. What can he see in my violet eyes?

At last, he looks away and I exhale deeply. He continues to toss breadcrumbs to the birds, while I sit here watching him. Look away, Alexia.

Leaning back, I gaze up at the sky. Calmness overcomes me. I wish I could stay here forever.

I stretch my legs out before me, bumping into Ricky's long legs. I steal a glance at him to find him watching me.

"Want to move to the gazebo?" He asks. "You could stretch your legs..."

I manage a nod and he stands up, lending me a hand. Taking ahold of it, I'm embarrassed by how sweaty my palm is. After he lets go, I wipe my palms on my dress, brushing off my dress while I'm at it. Bright yellow pollen clings to the silky fabric. I hope that the back of my dress isn't stained orange. Suddenly I begin to feel very self-conscience. Why does he make me feel this way?
We reach the gazebo and I climb inside, taking a seat on the bench. Ricky sits down across from me.

I look at him shyly. "So, have you got anyone special in your life?" Like a girl, I add in my mind

He smiles at me, quite aware of what I'm asking. I feel the heat rising up my neck. Oh, Alexia, why did you ask him that? You are betrothed to Prince Kent. The prince that he serves. The only reason that he is here with you now is that the prince has instructed him to keep an eye on you.

This is not a date.

"No, I have no one. I serve the prince with all that I have."

I'm now looking down at my white ballet flats, not able to keep his gaze. "I see."

This man is too devoted to his job. His duty. I have to be devoted to my kingdom and stop daydreaming about him. His hands on me, the loving gaze in his eyes... STOP!

Just then the metal watch on his wrist begins to buzz, startling me. "The Prince is summoning us. Better start heading back." He's already getting to his feet.

I follow suit. Side by side we head back toward the palace.

I hope Eva manages on perfecting that forgetting potion. Now I need it more than ever.

***

*Eva*

Feeling thirsty, I decide to re-enter the Palace. I wonder if Kent has told his father yet, and what the decided course of action is.

I don't have to wait long as I see Kent heading in my direction.

"Eva," he greets me, "I was looking for you."

I hastily dip into a curtsy, even though he told me I don't have to. "What can I do for you?"

He takes a look around. "Can we talk in my room for a moment?"

Not saying anything I follow him up the winding staircase and into his room. It has massive windows that have royal red drapes that lead to a balcony. His princely-looking bed sits in the far corner of his large room. He has shelves of books lining one wall and a fencing sword which are the only things that personalize his bedroom.

He doesn't seem to notice how uncomfortable this is as he paces back and forth. "My father and I decided the only way to go about this is to have you appear in front of the Council. You can testify against Ethan there." He looks at me. "Are you okay with that?"

"Of course, Prince Kent," I take a deep breath, "It is my responsibility and privilege to do so. I would like to be able to help."

"I'm glad to hear that," he tells me as he opens the door and gives me one final look before walking out, I follow, "I will see you by dinner."

That's when I feel a buzzing in my pocket and I pull out my compact mirror. "King Maxell is calling," a disembodied voice informs me, and I swipe to accept the call. A hologram of the king appears immediately after.

"Hi Eva," he says, "Do you know where Alexia is? She isn't answering my calls."

"I do not, Your Majesty, but she is safe."

He nods in acknowledgment. And then asks what is going on and I fill him in.

"Very well," he clears his throat, "Please keep me updated."

"Of course, Your Honor."

With that, the king ends the call, and I decide to go see if Alexia returned yet.