As I often did after dinner, I went to the throne room. Surprisingly, it was my most private space. Our staff had a light workload since this place wasn't truly up and running yet. Since I shared a room with Phoenix, that wasn't very private either.

Anyway, I often went to the throne room. It was the best place for me to think. Only Leon and my brothers set foot in here when I was in here as the others seemed hesitant to do so.

Today, Leon followed me. He must've wanted to discuss matters he needed to consult me on before I left for Earth. That was important to him. Even before I was really old enough to give an opinion, he would ask Little Brother for his opinion.

That showed me he was the best person to leave in charge. I imagine there were many people who would relish in that sort of power. Leon wasn't one of them.

I sat in my throne. "Is there something you'd like to discuss, Leon?"

"Would you like to leave anything for your subjects before you go?" He had his hands behind his back.

"Like what?" I asked.

"The chambers are yours. Your mother charmed the door the day after her mother left them. As such it wouldn't be unreasonable for you to do the same before you leave."

I fought to keep a neutral expression. "How could I do that? Wouldn't most take that poorly?"

"On the contrary, Princess. The adults would take it as a promise to return and as a time to accept the loss of Her Majesty. They could've robbed those old enough to remember her of that opportunity."

"But they could use it to mourn her all the same."

"Many will likely ask for pictures of your door. Many mothers and young women look forward to photo of those sorts of things." He smiled. "In any case, do you have any message you'd like to me to pass on to your subjects?"

I drew a long breath. "Yes, I would."

Behind his back, he had a pen and paper, not that I expected any less from him.

"Thank you, Leon. You're dismissed."

"Thank you, Princess."

"Time waits for no one. One must always prepare a message. A message must be written as nearly as one can. Can I have a writing surface?"

A table appeared between the arms of my throne, and I began to write.

People of Engrada, I have longed to speak to you for so long. A time of great change is coming. My mother, Queen Cecelia Cunningham's reign ended long ago. Those who took her place brought about unpleasant change.

I have no intention of being this way. I intend to restore our kingdom to what it once was and hopefully improve upon it. However, I am not ready to take that place.

My brother and I were charmed out of the way by the former leaders. I met a boy I have come to call Little Brother the night before that awful event took place. It is because of him I am able to write this letter to you.

He has a wrong of his own to right. To repay him for freeing me, I must go with him to do this. It will take time to do, so I will be gone longer than I wish to.

That said, I leave you in capable hands. My mother's former adviser, Leon, was loved by many. He will run everything in my absence.

As is custom, I intend to have my coronation during the harvest festival nearest my return. When that time comes, I promise to consider the impact on the commoners I serve when making decisions.

Signed, Princess Tiana Willard Cunningham

I picked up the paper and my writing surface disappeared.

Moments later, Leon came in. "The prince may be looking for you. Have you finished your letter?"

"I have."

Leon took the paper from me and looked it over. "I have always admired your honesty and consideration, Tiana." He gazed into my eyes. "I just have one change I would make. Add the Grand Duchess of Bryne after your name."

"The Grand Duchess of Byrne?"

"As the first-born daughter, you inherited this title upon your birth."

I tilted my head. "Had Phoenix been born first would he have inherited the title?"

"I believe Cece has tried to explain it to you before. The title is reserved for princesses. No one knows where this custom came from anymore."

Oh, yeah... That was why I didn't bother to question it much. It would just be a senseless headache.

"Leon, in the event I was unable to rule and without an heir, what would happen? Would power return to you or transfer to Phoenix?"

I wasn't trying to think of the worst-case scenario, but I needed to know. I didn't wish to burden Phoenix. He likely wouldn't handle it well.

"Just know there is a reason I consulted the Key Keeper you came to call 'Little Brother'."

What did that mean? It was both strangely relieving and confusing. It at least likely meant Phoenix wouldn't be burdened with the responsibility if it could be helped.

***

I sat on Ali's bed. He leaned against the wall and Noelle sat in the windowsill with her legs crossed.

She crossed her arms. "How are you, Princess?" Her gaze seared my skin. "I imagine you're feeling a bit overwhelmed."

"So, what if I am? It's been a rough week." I pinched the bridge of my nose to try to relieve my intermittent headache. "More is coming. Neither of you can deny that."

This is what I signed up for. I couldn't back out now.

He came over and knelt in front of me. "You're right. We can't." He squeezed my hands. "Alone, that pressure will crush us; together, we can bare it." He smiled. "I love you, Big Sis. You don't need to repay me, but I know you will."

Tears poked out of the corners of my eyes. "You're right. I will."

I loved him, too. My North Star...

Noelle drew out her sigh. "I wish I could go to Earth with you." She looked past us. "But I can't leave here." She clenched her fists. "Engrada must be protected, and I can't leave the KK to fend for herself."

"That could end in disaster." His eyes widened. "I hope she doesn't get culture shock. Luckily, Leon will be in charge while we're gone."

"I'd never burden a Key Keeper with that," I said. "Especially one I don't know."

Little Brother nodded. "I somewhat knew what I was getting myself into two years ago."

"Her world is beautiful." Noelle buried her hands in her pockets. "It's more simplistic than Earth."

He cracked a smile. "Isn't Earth more developed than most worlds?"

"It is." Noelle smiled. "The other world has two KKs, the girl and another I know nothing about. Actually, a third might be coming soon." She shoved her braid aside. "My friend and I should chat over tea or something."

Ali had his hand over his mouth. He was trying not to laugh. "Aren't we getting sidetracked? Isn't there more to discuss?"

She shot him a glare. "You're right..."

I gazed at my ring. "If you won't be looking out for us, who will?"

"My friend, Hannah." Noelle pulled out a black and white... photograph...

Ali turned his head trying to roll his eyes unnoticed.

"She's such a sweetheart..."

I grinned. "That's so pretty!"

There were four of them in this picture: a boy who looked to be around Duke's age, a girl who looked to be closer to my brothers' age who somehow had striking dark eyes I suspected weren't brown, and then came Noelle and Hannah. If I didn't know better, I'd swear they were sisters. Hannah held Noelle who wrapped her legs around Hannah. Both girls grinned from ear to ear.

I lit up. "That's a pretty name!"

Noelle looked past us again. "I should warn you that Hannah's a bit of a scatter brain." The seemingly thirteen-year-old girl flinched. "She has ten KKs to look after."

"I thought you said that wasn't a Protector's job," Ali said.

"It isn't, but she does it, anyway." Noelle ran her hands through her braid. "She may appear to be around seventeen, but she's much older in my eyes. She's a motherly soul."

Ali rolled his eyes again. "Is that it?"

"For now," Noelle replied.

"We'll be leaving in a couple hours." Ali approached the doors with his hands behind his head. "I need to drag Phoenix out of bed."

I raised an eyebrow. "I packed our bags already."

"That's not why."

Ali then left. 

***

Thoughts on the cast of this episode? Theories? Predictions?

~Shino out!