I woke up the next morning to footsteps. Lifting my head from the pillow, I brushed the hair from my eyes to find Theo standing near the foot of my bed.

"Hey, Theo... what are you doing?"

A small smile crept on his face, "I just came to wake you," he leaned against a bed post. "We have a meeting with Mariah this morning, and I wanted to get some exercise in before hand."

I sat up in the bed with a sigh, "Alright, I'll be out in a sec."

Theo moved from the post to me, and curled a finger around a strand of my tail. "And remember, lose the tail." When he pulled away, I noticed a smudge of ink on the side of his hand. Watching him walk out in his human form, I already missed the sway of his tail. 

I got ready, and went out to find Theo and Flynn leaning against the hallway railing. We exited Almera, and entered the green narrow valley. It was shaded, cool, and refreshing in the trees. Stretching my body, I took a breath of the sweet air.

"Ready for a quick run?" Theo glanced at me.

"You betcha." Running had always been my thing, I could beat almost every guy in my class. I might just surprise these two boys.

Theo and I began running, and I was actually keeping pace with him. Flynn caught up with us, "Hey Theo, race you." and just like that, Flynn was off.

Theo flashed me an apologetic look before speeding off after him. It wasn't long before they were a ways ahead if me. Of course they're both insanely fast! Eventually I caught up to them, both leaning against a large boulder.

"I don't know....what you're...talking about," Flynn said between huffs, "I won."

Theo was exhaling a deep breath, the replied, "Pretty sure I touched the rock first."

"You must be delusional, I touched it first." Flynn finally caught his breath.

"If that's what you need to make you feel better, then sure, you won."

Flynn kicked Theo in the leg.

I sat down next to them leaning against the boulder. After calming my breathing, Theo handed me the water.  Taking one mouth full to moisten my mouth, I spit it out then took one satisfying drink.

"Ready to head back?" Theo stood up, giving Flynn and I a hand. We ran back to Almera, and met Mariah in her study.

She greeted us with a smile as we entered. "Please take a seat," she motioned her hand to a round table with chairs tucked in.

Flynn pulled a chair out, sitting slightly slouched with his ankles crossed in front of him. "So what's the situation with this princess?" I took a seat next Flynn, and Theo sat besides me, back straight and legs spread.

The calm smile at Mariah's lips hadn't left from the moment we walked in, and didn't seem it would ever take leave.

Mariah walked up to the table with a large rolled up parchment. "The Princess of Cathyious lives a highly sheltered life," Mariah began, "And her mother, Queen Calenya, hasn't been willing to release her from that life just yet. I've gone to the capital many times, trying to convince Calenya to allow her daughter to join me, but failed. So we may have to resort to a more... intrusive method."

"So you want us to sneak in and kidnap her?" Flynn said.

"Well if it has to resort to that, yes. And that is why we are having this meeting. Although, I want this to be a plan B. I want you three to talk to Calenya before. Just have you three in front of her might be enough to convince her, showing that this mission has began to turn into a reality."

"Alright, when that fails, then we sneak in and get the princess."

Mariah raised an eyebrow. "Why so doubtful, Flynn? Do you think you'll not be able to reason with her?" As they talked, I listened to the gentle tap of Theo's foot, and gave him a smile.

"I've seen and dealt with the high class, I doubt anything that we have to say will get through to them."

Theo gave me a questioning look, and I replied with a shrug before turning my head.

"You shouldn't assume all of the high class is like that of Anic. Calenya is a stubborn queen, but she knows how to listen to reason. Also, you shouldn't underestimate the power of your tongue, the right words can be more powerful than an army."

Flynn shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Okay, let's discuss plan B then."

Mariah rolled out the parchment on the table, revealing a map of a structure. "This is a map of the castle. First lets focus on entry," Mariah pointed a finger to a spot along the outer wall. "From my observations, here seems to be the best spot of entry. There are guards there but if you move fast it shouldn't be a problem. Tall trees grow there, so it should give you some coverage."

"When did you scout out the castle, " Theo stood from his chair leaning over the table, "And how did you get this map?"

"Let's just say, I've been preparing for this day for a long time."

Theo examined the map for a moment, then pointed at a spot of entry. "What's this door?"

Mariah leaned in. "The garden door." I listened to them talk, admittedly less engaged then I should be, but I found it difficult to engage in conversation such as these at times.

"We could scale the wall at this point using the coverage of the trees. Then use the garden to sneak us into the castle." He pointed at the wall and traced his finger to the door. My eyes rested on Theo's back. How did I ended up with a guy like him? The thought came sudden, and I quickly tried to dismiss it right after it's arrival.

"Here," Mariah began, and I looked from Theo to the map. "Near the top of the central building of the castle is the royal chambers. You'll have to make your way up there to get the princess."

Flynn, glancing over at the map from his chair, said, "That's assuming she's in the royal chambers. Meaning we have to take into account the time of day we know she'll be there. Therefore it'd be best to execute the plan at night."

The thought buzzed at the back of my mind, spilling words into my head. It's no wonder why I'm in to him, but what does he see in me? I mean, I could be awkward at times, I wasn't the smartest, and during important conversations, I sit here overthinking stupid things.

"Getting in will be easy," Mariah says, "Navigating through the castle will be the hard part. There will be guards posted in every hall. It'll be nearly impossible not to be seen."

Maybe it's because of the lack of competition. There are some travelers that come through, but no other teen girls reside in Almera.

Flynn leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table, "It doesn't matter if we're seen, it matters if we draw attention. I would suggest at least one of us disguising ourselves as a servant to get the princess, therefore we can travel through the castle freely without suspicion."

But we were going to get a princess... That sounds like some of the worst competition I can get!

Theo said, "But that contradicts your previous plan of going at night. It'd be suspicious if a servant were to be traveling through the castle during the night. Mariah, do you know if there'd be a moment where the princess would be in her room during the day?"

No, no, no, Theo's not like that. Even if she does turn out to be some beautiful, intelligent, graceful princess, he's with me.

"Morning would be the obvious answer, but you'd have to solve the problem of attracting attention from the other servants. The only other time I can think of would be near four o'clock. It'd be after her duties are through for the day, yet before dinner.  However, there is more risk involved because there is no telling whether she'll be in her rooms during that period of time."

But then again, we've only been together for less than three days. What if he changes his mind or something?

Theo says, "I think we should take the morning, so we know where she is. We can deal with the servant as we go."

"No, four o'clock would be better," Flynn replies, "It'd be harder to deal with the servants than searching for the princess."

The thoughts in my head grew louder than the argument that sprouted between Flynn and Theo.

What if she's prettier than you...? What if Theo grows close to her...? What if ...? What if...? What if ...? The anxiety demons wouldn't shut up.

Theo's hand on my shoulder put my thoughts on mute for a moment. "Are you okay?" He whispered.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I said with a smile. He gave me nod before reengaging into the conversation. I let my smile linger, as his hand did on my shoulder.

"I think I should be the one to disguise themselves as a servant, and get the princess."

Theo sneaking up to the princess room alone, where he is to steal her away? Please, no.

"No offense Theo, but you don't seem the best at being inconspicuous, and you have proven you don't poses a great level of stealth. So, I should be the one to do it, besides, I have a level of experience."

Thank you Flynn!

He muttered to himself something I don't think I was meant to hear, "Anyways, want to avoid you going and wooing another chick."

Damn you, Flynn!

Sighing, I put my head in my arms, and tried completely clearing my head.

"You wouldn't blend in like I would, you're too much of a foreigner. Besides,  I've studied their culture, you haven't."

"Theo's right, this time," I heard Mariah, "You'd stick out too much."

No, don't think of the princess, just clear your mind.

"Alright, just don't screw this one up, like you did in Ryistone."

Clear your mind...

"The only reason we got caught in Ryistone, is because you decided to go running through the house like a moron."

"You're just mad that I tricked you."

"Yes, I am mad that you tried to get out of a deal you'd agreed on!"

"Hey, I'm here aren't I?! Besides, it was no where in the deal that said I had to make sure you two got out. I just assumed you were capable."

"Both of you calm down! Let's focus."

After a moment of silence, Theo spoke, "Alright, what's next?"

"Well, now that we've decided..." Mariah's voice trailed off, and I was asleep.

***

Flynn got up and stretched at the closing of the meeting. "I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." As Flynn walked out, I looked down at Skyler. She slept through most of the meeting, and was completely zoned out for the rest. Something seemed to be bothering her, but she said she was fine... Maybe I'll talk to her later.

I looked from Skyler to Mariah. "Well," she said, "Flynn is... interesting. Definitely a unique addition to the group. He's smart but also..."

"A complete pain in the ass." I finished her sentence for her. She gave me a disapproving look that was hard to shake off. "What, it's true."

"Even if it might be true, I don't think insulting your teammates is the best thing to do."

Sighing, I leaned against the table. "Alright," my eyes rested on Skyler asleep on the table.

"So," Mariah said, "Is something wrong with Skyler?"

I shrugged, "She seemed fine this morning, maybe she was just tired." Skyler's head was rested atop her folded arms, her hair braided across her back, and one out of place strand along her cheek. It took self-control not to brush that strand away.

"Huh..." Mariah headed towards the door, "Is there something going on between you two?"

Something in me perked up, I didn't know why, but something cautioned me about telling Mariah about Skyler and I. Straightening my back a little, I met her eyes, "What do you mean?"

With a quirked eyebrow and a smile, she turned to leave. "You don't have to pretend, Theo."

Well I was not expecting that. Releasing a sigh, I debated whether or not I should wake up Skyler. No, if she was tired, I'll let her sleep. Brushing the hair from her cheek, I lifted her into my arms, and brought her to her room.

***

When I woke up, I expected to see Mariah's study, but found my room instead. It was still bright outside, and repeated rumbles sounded off in my stomach. I wanted to go get some food, but also didn't want anyone to see me because I felt like an idiot falling asleep during that meeting.

I flopped back down on to the bed with a sigh. The corner of my eye caught something tucked behind some candles on the night stand. Inspecting the night stand, I smiled at what I found. A few blank papers, a small bottle of ink, and a quill pen. Then something I was not expecting in the bunch. I picked up the folded paper, and opened it.

Dear Malinda Peterson (please note that you brought this on yourself),

Here is the quill and ink you requested, and I hope you enjoy what ever it is you plan to do with them. But keep in mind that you are allowed to borrow them on the condition that you share with me your 'big plans'. And yes, I guess I could've just handed you these like any normal person, but the note felt more fitting when dealing with quill and ink.

Keep as long as you like.

-Theo

I smiled down at the small flowy handwriting. Why do notes always make things a little bit better? After rereading the note a couple more times, I headed towards the kitchen.