[M] Royally Mistaken [Ashen & Midoripickle]

[Ashen]

[This roleplay is rated mature for reasons that may include but are not limited to strong language, suggestive themes, violence, and mild romance. Viewer discretion is advised.]

"This is the final instance you will ever step in Ibeacia, you wretched fiend! Think again before you ever try to pilfer from such an esteemed kingdom as this. It is off to the dungeons with you!"
After having just defended his kingdom from a thief, a prince stood with a fist on either hip, obviously posing like a hero ought. A trusted broadsword rested in its holster, a companion friend to the prince. The prince held his head high triumphantly, his black hair flowing behind him. His muscular build was from years of fighting foes just like the thief, and he was proud of every bit of it. Across the room, he heard someone clear their throat. His pale green eyes immediately went to the person. It was a woman, young and short. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him with his same green eyes. She was tapping her foot impatiently.
The prince drew his sword and pointed it at her. "What gods are against me today, for it is the greatest beast of all that hath stand before me today!"
The girl rolled her eyes. "I am not a beast, Giuseppe," she insisted. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like I am doing?" came his reply. He lowered his sword.
"Playing with yourself again," she answered dully.
"Nonsense!" the prince bit back. "I am a man. Men do not play. I am practicing slaying thieves for when one attacks this family. Would you have us all dead because you interrupted my training session?"
"I am glad your 'training session' has to do with you fighting things that are not even alive." She motioned towards the prince's thief, a metal dummy that was worn from years of justice. "Anyway, Mother wants you. She says it is important, so make haste. Stop your role-playing, and maybe try to grow up a little."
Giuseppe's brow furrowed. "I am grown!" he called after her, but the way he stuck his tongue out at her as she walked away said otherwise.

Giuseppe made his way to his parents' bedroom and knocked lightly on the door. "Mother?" he called. "Violet told me you called for me." But there was no response. Noticing a servant walking down the hall, Giuseppe trotted after her. "Mary," he said, though that was not her name. "Have you seen Mother?"
"The queen is in the throne room," she replied quietly.
"Thank you!" Giuseppe hollered to her, already jogging down the hall towards the throne room.
"Please, Your Majesty, Giuseppe, stop running in the halls..."

The queen was in the throne room sitting in the smaller of the two grand thrones. She looked up when she heard her son approach. "Giuseppe," she greeted with a smile, but that soon faded. "Giuseppe Anderson Liam Ein, what have I told you about carrying your swords around the castle?"
Giuseppe looked down at his holster. "But Kryia is not just any sword, Mother," he insisted. "She is a fine blade, and a--"
"Never mind," the queen sighed. "I need you to pick up something for me, dear. I would go myself of course, but with your father doing business away from home, it would just be too risky to leave the castle unattended. Might you go pick up a delivery from the smith? He was to make your father a new spear, and he has a parcel for us."
"But Mother," Giuseppe whined. "Can you not send a servant to pick it up? And Mother, I am a man now, I can look after the castle myself."
"I know you can," she said sweetly, and planted a kiss on her taller son's forehead. "But you need to get out of the castle, dear. Your sister tells me you are fighting invisible enemies again."

Bitter, Giuseppe started off from his home on horseback. He rode a majestic white steed. The wind made his cape into a flag in the wind, and with its deep blue color it resembled the flag of Ibeacia. The silver emblem in the center was one emblazoned on all flags of Ibeacia and most important documents. It was even branded on each royal at birth. It was a symbol of the kingdom, an emblem everyone who bore it was proud of. As Giuseppe rode through town, he greeted those who greeted him, but was mostly absent in any interactions. He had come out for one thing, and he would return to his home as soon as possible, and it was not ​to play.

[Midori-Hime]

"I will not marry him, I refuse!" Jessamine shouted, slamming her hands down on the breakfast table. Her father stared at her in utter shock, which mirrored her mother's face before it twisted in anger. "Listen to me young lady! You are fortunate that we are even giving you a choice in the matter. Now, you will pick a suitor by your birthday, or I will pick one for you!" Jessamine's face flushed in anger, huffing before she darted out of the room and up the stairs. The duchess sat back down in her seat with a heavy sigh, shaking her head as she looked to her husband. "That child is impossible..."

Jessamine slammed her door and threw herself onto her spacious bed. She buried her face in her arms, her long golden hair falling around her shoulders in waves. She fought back her tears, not wanting to let them get to her. Honestly, how could they expect her to spend the rest of her life with a man she didn't even know? Of course she knew that was just the way things were done when one was born into nobility, but Jessamine just couldn't accept that. After a short while there was a knock at her door. "What do you want?" She called out harshly. A petite young woman opened the door, slipping into the room meekly. "Ah, excuse me Miss..." Jessamine recognized the voice and sat up slowly, looking back over her shoulder towards the girl. "Oh, Mary..." The small servant girl smiled and stepped over.

Mary drew her over to the small table by the window and sat her down, slowly brushing out her golden, wavy locks. Jessamine looked into her own grey-blue eyes, frowning at how puffy they seemed even though she hadn't allowed herself cry. "It's not fair Mary. If I'm going to marry, I want it to be for love... You should have seen that 'boy'. So pigheaded and full of himself." She scoffed, crossing her arms. "I don't want to spend the rest of my life with someone like that..." She sat there for a long time in silence before she turned to the servant girl suddenly. "Mary... I need to borrow your clothes again."

The girl's eyes widened. "Lady Jessamine, you can't!" She whined. "You're going to get yourself in a lot of trouble this time." She turned and took Mary's hands in hers. "Please, I need this." Mary was much more than some servant to Jessamine. In truth, she was a dear friend. Perhaps the only true friend she's ever had. They'd been put together since they were young girls and would always get each other out of trouble. Of course they were always getting into trouble in the first place. Mary looked into her eyes and sighed. She just couldn't say no. "Alright... Very well. I will be back in a short while." She said, hurrying out of the room. While she waited, Jessamine braided her hair quickly, wrapping it around her head like a crown. Mary then returned, giving her one of her nicest dresses, though Jessamine still wouldn't appear to be anything more than a commoner. Thankfully Mary was nearly the same body type, though Jessamine was a bit taller than her.

"Thank you my dear. I will be back in no time. They won't even notice I'm gone." She said, trying to reassure her servant as she kissed her on the head. Mary frowned and let out a heavy sigh. "That's what you always say..." She muttered, but Jessamine either didn't hear her, or simply ignored the comment as she moved to climb out the window and down the trellis. Once she reached the ground she took off towards town, wanting to escape from her life, if only for a short while.

[Ashen]

The smith of the town had a run-down little shop. It was small, and some of the wood was wearing away. The royal family had offered the money for him to fix it, but the proud man had refused and ensured them he would get to it. Noticing that he still hadn't gotten to it, Giuseppe shook his head and peeked inside. "Smith, sir," he called. There was no response. "Mother has sent me to retrieve a spear, and I am told you've a parcel for us. You must be home." The prince allowed himself in and looked around. The shop was filled with wood and metal workings of all kinds. Weapons were lined against a wall, most dulled and unprepared as to prevent anyone from stealing one and using it. Occasionally, there were little wooden animals scattered about. The man who owned the shop was a blacksmith firstly, but he was a fine whittler.

Giuseppe was drawn to the weapons on the wall. He looked over the dull blades and, after to checking to see that no one was looking, he picked up a curved sword. It was a katana, with a beautifully crafted handle. The blade was a sparkling silver, and the curve would have made nicely for ripping open whoever opposed the prince. He started jousting it, using it to fight the invisible enemies in the room, until he nearly shoved the katana right into an old man.

Giuseppe immediately pointed the blade downwards, away from the man. "My apologies," he murmured. "Ah, Mister Smith, how good to see you!" His words were forced. He was trying to be polite after taking a weapon he did not have the right to and nearly injuring the maker with it.
The smith just shook his head condescendingly. "Still playing with my weapons, I see," he said in a whistling voice.
"It is not play!" Giuseppe insisted. "This fine blade could be used for the greatest battles. I was simply testing it out!"
"Quite the imagination," the smith commented. "Just like your mother! How nice to see the lively spirit in my shop again! I knew your mother when she was just your age, you know."
"Yes, I know," Giuseppe insisted, not wanting to hear the stories again. "She has sent me to pick up a spear for father, and a parcel of sorts."
"Ah, yes." The old man went to the back of his store, and returned with a long, silver spear. The head was carved by the old man, and was skillfully crafted to look like the emblem of Ibeacia. A similar emblem was carved into the long, metal pole. "It is beautiful," Giuseppe breathed, and he meant it.
"I thought so, too," Smith replied. "Only fitting for a king, would you not say?"
"Thank you, sir. I take it Mother has already sent payment?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. She also told me to give you this." Smith went behind his counter and pulled out an awkwardly shaped instrument. It had air holes along its front, and was painted in a light periwinkle. It was crafted entirely out of wood, and of course, on the back was the famous emblem. Giuseppe's eyes lit up when he saw it. "This is for me?" he asked, dropping the sword to grab for the instrument instead. "It is a work of art, truly."
Smith smiled. "Your mother told me she wishes you would be more open about your music. But yes, she had me make you a new ocarina. I am told your old one is a bit worn. Perhaps you can send it to me for repairs?"
Giuseppe nodded, still fixated on the ocarina in his hands. "Thank you, sir," he said. "Thank you. You have the castle's gratitude."
"Send your mother my best," he said, bending to pick up the fallen katana. "And Violet, would you tell her I wish her well?"
Giuseppe put away his father's spear and stored his new ocarina in his satchel. "Good day to you," he called, and he started out.

Atop his horse, Giuseppe pulled out his ocarina once more. It was his one guilty pleasure, his ocarina. Giuseppe hated that he loved music. To him, it was a thing for bards, for dancers, for women; not for men, and certainly not for princes. But Giuseppe was a natural with an ocarina, and he loved the sounds he could make. Because of his embarrassment, he often played his instrument in private. Today, he thought he'd do just that, and he rode to a pond on the outskirts of town. There, he allowed his horse to graze and sat by the water. He studied his ocarina. It really was expertly made; the smith of the town was the best Ibeacia had ever seen. So slowly, quietly, Giuseppe made sure its sound sang as sweetly as its woodwork.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine ran down the street quickly before anyone could spot her. Her family's manor was atop a big hill that over looked the town. It was only a temporary home for the time her father spent at court, but their estate resided just outside the royal city, where the duke ruled over his own land. Jessamine was very curious about the city and had become rather troublesome since her parents had brought her here. She was always looking for an escape from her sheltered life. Out in the country, it wouldn't be long before she was caught, but here she could much more easily blend into the crowd.

She slowed as she neared the city streets, not wanting to draw too much attention from her panting. Jessamine made her way towards the market in the center of the city, where most of the businesses were. It was all so busy and exciting, she could barely contain herself. Slowly she walked along the row of shops and outdoor stands, stopping to look at anything that caught her fancy. Of course Jessamine wasn't hesitant to spend her parent's money, though not to show off her wealth, but just to spite them.

"Good morning young lady!" One vendor greeted her. "Why don't you take a look! You'll find none like these fine gems anywhere else in the city. They would suit a lady as lovely as you!" He gestured to his booth that was filled with fine jewelry, brooches, hair pins, and many other accessories. Of course the man was a flatterer, but Jessamine didn't mind. His goods were beautiful and she did enjoy jewelry. Her stormy eyes wandered over the lovely pieces until they spotted a necklace of diamonds and opal drops (http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r709/midoripickle/opal%20necklace_zpswjpllofr.jpghttp://). "A good choice ma'am, but pricey... I don't know if a young lady like yourself could afford-" The vendor started to say, trying to be polite, but he stopped himself as he saw her pull out a purse of money, laying it out on the table. The man took it without another word and carefully placed it in a small cloth bag.

Jessamine stepped away from the table, happy with her purchase. Though just as she placed it in her pocket, someone ran into her, knocking her down. She fell with a soft grunt, glaring at the man as he barely seemed to care, hurrying off on his way. Slowly she stood, dusting off her dress before she felt her pocket. It was empty. "Hey!" She turned and bolted after him, picking her dress up from around her legs. The man glanced back at her, his eyes widening before he broke out into a run. "How dare you! Give me back my necklace!" She called out, the crowd clearing the way as she ran after him like a woman possessed.

[Ashen]

The sounds from the little ocarina sounded like the choirs of heaven. Giuseppe played his music happily, taking in the sweet breeze and the gentle hum of his slow song. After a few minutes, he noticed his horse look up suddenly, scared. Giuseppe followed his steed's gaze to the town several hundred feet away. "What is it?" he asked, setting his ocarina down in his lap. "Is there trouble in my kingdom? Well no, we just cannot have that. Come on, we must go help."

Giuseppe was only slightly bothered that his music had been interrupted. He was more excited at the concept of possibly stopping trouble in his very own kingdom. The young prince had spent his life preparing for the moment he would have to drive off troublemakers, and now, he was finally getting a chance to show himself. His mother and sister would no longer make fun of him after this. No, they would be thanking him, thanking him for saving the town, the kingdom, the world. Dreams of his heroic action flooded his mind as he rode back to the town.

When he got there, he noticed commoners' eyes on a woman. She looked as common as they did, if not more so. Her clothes were that of a plebeian, but her hair was washed, her skin smooth. She didn't seem to be the poorest commoner around. And she was shouting at someone. Target acquired, Giuseppe thoughts. Damsel in distress located. He rode up to her, stopping only several inches beside her. "Fair maiden!" He spoke with the booming voice of his father, a voice he reserved for heroic moments such as this. "What ails you? Speak, so that your prince may assist you!" He commanded his horse to continue at her pace, as she kept running. He was obviously enjoying this, from the childish grin on his face. His eyes were shining. He followed her gaze, to a man running away. "What is going on here?"

[Midori-Hime]

She paid little attention to the man that rode up next to her. "No time!" She called out between breaths, still sprinting after the man. "That man stole my necklace!" She explained simply. Jessamine then caught something the young man had said to her and she glanced up. She then faultered suddenly, nearly tripping and falling as she realized it was in fact the prince riding along side her. "Y-your M-majesty?!" She stumbled and caught herself on a stone wall, panting heavily as she watched the man turn around the corner. "Ugh! He's getting away!" She gasped in irritation.

Jessamine then turned down an alley way suddenly, hoping to get ahead of the man some how. But she doubt she could keep out this chase for much longer.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe quickly assessed the situation. Stolen necklace. Thief getting away. Damsel in distress going after him. He knew he could fix all three of those things, and as he watched the girl turn down an alleyway he kept straight, commanding his steed to press faster. There would be no pilferage in Ibeacia, not as long as Giuseppe was alive.

With the advantage of horseback, Giuseppe caught up to the thief instantly. As he spotted him, he began to call to him. "You, wretched foe!" He was one for ceremony, and this capture would be no different. It didn't matter to him that he was helping a commoner girl, that the necklace in question was probably only worth mere copper. This was his moment to shine. He rode up to the thief and followed beside him. "You possess something that does not belong to you! Now be a man of the court, and kindly return it to your prince!" But the thief didn't seem to be having it. True Giuseppe had often become a laughing stalk for his antics, but it would be different this time. He would not screw this up.

The prince extracted the long, steel spear that he had picked up for his father. He looked at the point once before shoving it towards the thief, stopping him in his tracks. "You will turn that necklace over now," he said, his heroic voice giving way to one of authority. "I am the best sword fighter in this entire kingdom. Surely you would not want to be on the other side of my sword." A smirk crawled onto his lips. "You will hand that over now​."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine paid the prince no mind, not wanting to rely on anothers assistance, even if that man was a prince. She kept racing after the thief, knowing where she could cut him off if she was fast enough. As she neared the exit of the winding alley way, she spotted the thief just ahead of her. She hadn't noticed the stand off with the prince, her mind too focused on the thief.

Without another thought, Jessamine raced out of the small side street and lunged at the stationary thief. The man didn't even know what hit him as he collided to the ground. Her petite frame landed on top of him, which caused the necklace to fly out of the man's hands and slide across the ground. The necklace itself had slipped out of the cloth, the colorful opal glinting in the sunlight. Jessamine then quickly scrambled to grab it before anyone else could think to steal it. Once in her hands again, she held it to her chest and turned to look at the man on the ground. He groaned, slowly getting up to his knees, obviously a little disoriented. "Serves you right!" She spat, glaring daggers at him. She didn't notice the scrape on her forearm that was starting to bleed.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was startled as the girl came out of nowhere and attacked the thief. He dismounted then and went to assure the thief did not touch her, but she seemed to be doing a fine job herself. He would have stepped in, would have helped the lady, but she seemed to be more than capable of handling herself. This impressed the somewhat sexist prince, and he let her have his glory.

He instead went to go pick up her fallen necklace, but she was quick about it and got to it first. He had seen it though, had seen the way in twinkled in the sunlight. That was not the necklace a commoner should have. He raised an eyebrow at her but quickly turned to the thief on the ground. "You!" he called to him. "How dare you! It is off to the dungeons with you." Giuseppe grabbed hold of the man's wrists behind his back. Though only nineteen years old, the kid was quite strong, and he had no trouble keeping the hands of the thief behind his back. "Just wait until my father hears of you. Guard!" A guard came over shortly, and after nodding to Prince Giuseppe, he bound the criminal's hands and carried him away by horse. This left Giuseppe alone with the girl, with the crowd they'd gathered already starting away.

He looked at the girl with a smile. "My word," he murmured. "Normally, it is not chivalrous to allow a lady to fight for herself. I am a knight, of course, and follow the laws of chivalry, but... My, my, you seemed so capable. I am impressed, my lady." He gave her a bow before noticing the scarlet on her arm. Immediately his eyes widened and he went to inspect the damage. "You are hurt!" he noted. "You... Oh gods, did Father's spear...?" He looked to the silver spear to check for blood, to make sure it was not the spear that had cut her. "I can have the castle apothecary look at that for you. Please, allow us to help. I... I do not believe I have seen you around before. What is your calling?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine watched the thief be captured and taken away. She felt justified that the man got what he deserved. Quickly she wrapped up the necklace and again placed it in her pocket, her hand resting over it protectively. Though now she was alone with the prince and she looked up at him in surprise as he spoke, almost having forgotten he was there. It was the first time she had a moment to really look at him, and she could see the rumors were true. He was quite the handsome man indeed, but that alone wasn't enough to impress her.

She'd hear talk of the young prince's antics and thought that he would be pompous and full of himself. However, his compliments seemed genuine and surprised her a bit. If her mother had witness all that had just transpired, she probably would have fainted in utter horror. And yet the prince found it commendable. Her eyes widened as he bowed to her, smiling inwardly and dropping into a curtsey. Jessamine then looked up suddenly at his alarm and followed his worried gaze to her arm. "Oh!" She gasped, having not noticed it and then watched as Prince Giuseppe checked his weapon. "O-oh no, don't worry yourself your Majesty. I must have been when I... fell" She corrected herself at the last moment, not wanting to say that she 'tackled' the thief.

Her heart skipped a beat as he offered to take her to the castle. "Oh, no I insist. I'm quite all right. I shouldn't wander too far..." She told him, biting her lip as she tried to think up a lie, and quick. "I'm nothing more than a simple servant girl." She told him, inwardly cringing at her own lie. A part of her wondered just how much trouble she could get into for lying to a member of the royal family like this. Jessamine was sure it was a lot...

[Ashen]

Giuseppe raised an eyebrow at her. She was lying. He could tell, but he said nothing. If she were fibbing about something, she'd have reason. He could sense no immediate danger, so he let it go. He instead took her hand to prevent her from fleeing, though he figured she'd not dare flee from a prince anyway, especially not one with a horse right beside him. "You did not fall," he told her. "You tackled that thief, and that is not something to fib about. You were splendid there, and I do not understand why you would undermine that." He gave a wide, white grin. In that moment he looked like a child, and it was hard to imagine the man who had assumed authority in apprehending the thief.

She seemed unsure of herself. Giuseppe noted this, too. A simple servant girl... Well, her speech was not of royalty, least not Ibeacian royalty. Giuseppe had been taught not to use contractions, not to slur his speech. Hearing the quirks in her speech just made him happy. She wasn't the royal scum he hated, even if she did bear a suspicious necklace. Perhaps, Giuseppe thought, she had stolen it. Perhaps he shouldn't have been mingling with her.

"I care not what you are," he told her. "I asked of your calling. Surely you will not refuse your prince such a simple thing as your name?" He raised his brow at her again, but he did not at all seem menacing. If anything, he was teasing her. "I hardly think anyone would punish you for wandering too far," he continued. "You need not worry about that. Just let them come to me. I hardly think your wandering will matter when they are to face the prince, or even the king, of this land." He had a smirk on his face. Giuseppe didn't abuse his power, but he was no stranger to occasionally using it to his advantage. He was right, too. Anyone that had a problem with her would have to speak to him, and he could deal with anyone, easy.

[Midori-Hime]

She tensed a little as he took her hand, almost wanting to shy away from the touch. Normally she wouldn't hesitate with a nobleman, but she was a great deal more cautious about offending the prince. However, Jessamine looked up into the Prince's eyes suddenly as he called her splendid, her heart skipping a beat. She couldn't help but return his childish smile, but she looked down suddenly, remembering that a servant wouldn't look him directly in the eyes like that.

She would have expected to be scolded for acting in such a way, but his praise was refreshing and lifted her spirits. It was rare to find someone who could appreciate who she truly was inside. Jessamine despised the idea of becoming a precious doll. A silent, obedient ornament to adorn her husband's arm. No, she was meant for so much more than that... If only she could escape for good. Jessamine swallowed as he asked for her name for a second time. "M-my name... is Mary, your Majesty." She told him, regretting it immediately. Mary was going to want to kill her when she found out.

Again he insisted on taking her to the castle. The prince's intentions were kind and thoughtful, improving her opinion of him greatly, but at the same time he was oh so wrong. To no fault of his own of course... Jessamine had lied and now she was in a bit of a predicament. She couldn't exactly tell her parents she had run into the prince without first admitting she had ran off, dressed up as a servant, and then lied to the prince. Jessamine could already feel the sting of leather on her backside. Perhaps having the prince facing her parents would lessen her punishment, but then he didn't know that her father was the Duke. "A-all right... I will come with you. But I must make it brief. I can't keep my house waiting too long." She agreed finally to go with him. She'd deal with her punishment later...

[Ashen]

She looked directly into his eyes. Giuseppe was astonished at this, though he showed no inclination of it. Her eyes were a darker shade of his own, and he found a certain beauty within them. Staring right into the face of royalty--the tenacity in this one! The young prince was actually getting excited. She wasn't a normal girl. In fact, she wasn't acting ladylike at all, and he was loving it.

He smiled when he said she'd come with him. "Mary," he said, rolling the name over. "That is the name of one of our servants, the very same." It was a mindless comment, something to continue the conversation. Anyone who knew him would be surprised at this. Giuseppe was never one to try to continue conversation with a lady. in fact, he was somewhat renowned for the opposite, for scaring women away. This one, though, he couldn't let this one get away. "Mother would be simply delighted to meet you. Perhaps she might even get off my case!" He had a smile on his lips at that one. Wouldn't that be nice...?

He turned to his steed and gave him a pat on the neck. "You know how to ride a horse?" he asked her. "It will be quickest to ride right into the castle. Well, right into the castle paddock. From there we can go to the apothecary. I will tell Mother what has happened. I also must return a spear to the throne room. But I will be with you shortly after. Our apothecary works wonders. Only the best for House Ibeacia, you know. That is what Father always says. Oh, where are my manners? What kind of prince would I be if I just rambled on all afternoon? Please, allow me to quiet myself. I will help you onto our ride." He moved his hands to act as a stirrup, but soon retraced them. "Oh!" he recalled. "Though I am sure it is unnecessary, a proper introduction is always polite. I am Prince Giuseppe Anderson Liam Ein, of House Ibeacia." He gleamed with pride at his name, and it was clear he had a deep love for his country and the men who had given him his name. "My name is rant enough! Oh, come, let us get you to the castle."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled as he said her name, her pretend name. Though it fell away quickly as he spoke of introducing her to his mother, the Queen of Ibeacia. "O-oh no, I couldn't possibly-" She replied, a bit horrified at the idea of meeting the queen under a false identity. She was much more likely to run into the king and queen at court. Oh her parents would murder her...

Her stormy eyes moved to the beautiful horse beside them. "Of course I do." She replied, though she blanched at the mention of the queen again. "P-please don't. Really, you don't need to worry her about such trivial things. Especially in regards to a servant girl." Jessamine was quickly regretting agreeing to go with him to the castle. She watched him move to help her into the saddle. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Giuseppe." She said, smiling at the pride in his name. Though it was the sort of selfish pride, she could see that much.

As Jessamine was about to get on the horse with Giuseppe's help, it suddenly dawned on her that she'd only ridden side saddle before. Surely that would give her noble grooming away. So instead she swung her other leg over the saddle the way a man would. She blushed a little, quickly fixing her gown to cover her legs. But it amazed her how much more comfortable this style of riding was. Oh she could just imagine the look on her mother's face if she saw her now. "Please, let us be quick." She urged him.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe observed the way she got onto her horse. She didn't ride like a lady, and this girl was quickly becoming an intriguing mystery to him. Giuseppe just shrugged it off, however, and he got into place in front of her. Soon, they set off for his home.

He allowed his steed to carry on at a trot. This gave them time enough to speak. He did not look at her, instead kept his eyes on the road, but he was obviously talking to her. "I have already told you I care not of your origins," he said, though if he knew the truth he might have spoke differently. "And I am sure Mother would adore you. But very well, if you've no business with Mother, I will simply see you to our apothecary."

They arrived there in just a few minutes. Giuseppe was greeted by several guards who all seemed surprised to see a woman with him. He hopped off his steed in a rather unceremonious way and helped Mary off as well. "Gerald, if you would," he said to one of the guards, motioning to his horse. The man nodded and immediately led the horse away. Giuseppe entered the castle, leading Mary. "The apothecary is just to the right here. One second." He swung his head around a doorframe leading into a hallway. "Mother!" he yelled. "I have returned!" He then turned his attention back to Mary. "Right now, this way."

Being a castle, Giuseppe's home was a large building, with blue and gold trim at every corner. Guards shuffled about the castle, and occasionally a servant would give a weak smile towards Giuseppe. The apothecary's room was one of many doors in a hallway to the right of the main entrance. When they entered, an elderly man looked up from a book. "Your Highness!" he greeted. "Is everything well? What can I get for you?" He whistled as he spoke. Wrinkles covered his face and easily showed his years. Giuseppe smiled at him. "I would like you to take a look at this fair maiden!" he told him. The prince even waved to her. It seemed his spirit was back. "She has been injured in combat, and I would like you to heal her." He gave a shy smile, then added, "If you would." The apothecary moved from behind his desk to approach the woman. His brown eyes seemed to smile up at her. "You would not mind?" he asked.

[Midori-Hime]

"I don't mean any disrespect of course." She said, looking towards him. "I'd love to meet her but perhaps under better circumstances." She said, hoping that he wasn't upset. He didn't seem to be though, from what she could tell. She was glad the ride was brief. Jessamine looked to him, taking hold of his arms to slide down off the horse and quickly fixed her dress. She glance to the guards and then quickly looked down.

Jessamine was a bit speechless at the beauty of the castle. Though her father had been there many times, she never had. It was definitely a grand palace, but truly she wasn't envious. If her life was strict, she could only imagine what it must be like to live here as a royal. She broke away from her thoughts as the Prince called to his mother like a small child might. However, she found it charming in a way, hiding her smile with a hand. Jessamine quickly regain her composure before she followed Guiseppe to see the apothecary. She stood quietly as the apothecary approached, nodding and held out her arm for him to see.

[Ashen]

The apothecary took her arm with very gentle hands. He looked her over and seemed to consider. "You say she was injured in combat, Your Highness?"
Giuseppe looked up from her arm. He seemed dumbfounded for a second, then shook his head. "Yes, er, well, she chose to fight off a thief who stole something of hers. I helped, of course; no man would let a woman fend for herself, especially not a prince, and I was--"
"Thank you, Prince," the apothecary interrupted with a smile. "Your ladyfriend here is fine, I shall just give her an ointment, if you shall allow me to concoct--"
"Sir she is not my ladyfriend," cut in Giuseppe, who crossed his arms over his chest. "She is a maiden I found that needed assistance, and I was able to deliver."
The apothecary shook his head. "How I do miss youth," he murmured. "Please, allow me ten minutes."

Giuseppe turned away from the apothecary. He sighed and looked to Mary. "His ointments are second to none," he told her. "Here at the castle we have all the ingredients he might need. If I know our apothecary, I know he is making an ointment with vinegar and myrrh. Nothing harmful to you, mind. You will be good as new once he is finished with you." But at that moment there was a knock on the door, and a girl barged in. She looked first at Mary, then to the apothecary, and a smile played over her face. "Well, well, Gale." Her voice was confident, and the smirk she wore was wide.
"Do not call me that," Giuseppe said, teeth bared. He was already reaching for the spear he was holding.
"Oh, what will you do, slay me? Please." She looked to the other woman in the room. As she curtsied, her long, curly black hair shielded green eyes. When she looked up again, she shook her hair out of her face and smiled brightly. "Salutations, stranger," she greeted. "I am Princess Violet of Ibeacia, but I am certain you knew that. And you might be--"
"Violet, go away." Giuseppe gave his sister a nudge. "She is my business, not yours."
"Your business? Oh, has my idiot brother finally found a sweetheart? And a commoner at that. Oh, Mother will love this! And why, sweet brother, is she at the apothecary now? What on earth have you been doing with her?"
Giuseppe growled. "None of your business, Violet," he bit back. "Do you not have some tea party or another to finish? Why must you always be in the way? Of the multitude of rooms in this castle, I always have the misfortune of being in the same as you!"
Violet giggled. "I do not think your ladyfriend will like to see you losing your temper, Gale."
Giuseppe's face quickly colored. He took Mary by her good hand and led her out of the apothecary's room. "We will be returned when the ointment is ready," he mumbled, and he stormed out.

He did not mutter a word until he was in a great hall. The hall was filled with swords and spears of all sorts, some of which were hanging on the hall, some were displayed behind glass, and some were leaned against the wall, waiting for use. It was a tall room, and it seemed swords were hung on the wall up to the high ceiling. Wordlessly, Giuseppe set his father's spear on the wall and grabbed a bastard sword. It was a plain thing, with a standard hilt and a double-edged blade. It seemed only Giuseppe would find the beauty in its simplicity. He looked at it for a few minutes before turning up to Mary. "Please forgive my sister," he told her. "She is but a child. If you have any siblings, I am sure you understand." He motioned around them, at all the weapons. "This is my favorite room in the castle. Here are the weapons that have protected my castle and kin for generations. It works to calm me down effortlessly. I hope you do not mind being here."

The prince sighed and mindlessly waved his blade around. "I could not stand to stay near her," he went on, an explanation. "Lately my parents have been on me for not having a woman. They have presented me with many the potential bride, allowing me the choice in the matter. They say I am lucky to be able to choose. But I cannot see luck in the love life I lead. I have no interest in haughty slatterns, you understand." Terribly blunt. His mother would have flinched. "At nineteen, I am not the young boy my mother would chase after. I am a man now, and I am growing old. The time to choose a bride is growing nigh. So I imagine, with you in the castle accompanying me, they can only assume... Well, you can follow, I am sure." He shrugged his shoulders, a very improper act. "Think nothing of it. It is silly for them to think we will be wed. We have only just met, after all!" Laughter followed his words. It was the sign that he was consciously trying to chase away his anger. He didn't want her to see his anger. It was an uncontrollable thing, and he was quite self-conscious about it. "Never mind that," he muttered after a minute. "The ointment shall be ready soon."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine couldn't help but smile a little as the apothecary cut the prince off. Prince Giuseppe was certainly vivacious and perhaps a bit conceited, yet it was quite endearing. Though the smile quickly fell as she was referred to as the prince's ladyfriend. She looked to the prince who denied the accusation. She let out a small breath of relief. That was the last thing she needed... What had she gotten herself into, she wondered as the apothecary put the ointment together. "Thank you." She said with a bow of her head. "You're too kin-" Jessamine trailed off as a younger girl suddenly burst into the room. She blinked at the name 'Gale', glancing to the prince, though he didn't seem to appreciate it.

Jessamine then looked to the young lady, her eyes widening when she introduced herself as the princess. She quickly remembered not to meet her eyes and curtsied back. "It's a pleasure, Your Majesty." She said quietly, feeling a bit awkward. How long would she have to keep up this charade? Her eyes widened, a blush tinting her fair cheeks. "Oh no! It's not like that-" She gasped softly as she was called the prince's sweetheart. She didn't object though as the prince lead her out of the room. The silence made her anxious and she could tell the prince was annoyed. Though, looking back at it now, it was awfully amusing and Jessamine wondered what it would be like to have siblings. Just then prince Giuseppe spoke, as if knowing what was on her mind. "No, I wouldn't Your Majesty. I am an only child." She looked up at him again. Her stormy blue eyes then wandered around the room, looking at the different weapons. They were each quite beautiful in their own way. "No, not at all." She said softly before her eyes fell back on the prince. Her jaw dropped slightly as he explained his troubles and she sighed, looking down.

"I'm sorry to cause you trouble, Your Majesty. Though I do understand your plight. My parents are also trying to force my hand in marriage." She wandered over to a nearby sword on the wall, her fingertips lightly tracing over the glittering hilt. She could see her reflection in the blade and she thought it was an ugly face. "But my suitors are all so arrogant, strutting around like a bunch of peacocks..." She scoffed and then turned back to him with a nod, moving to follow his lead.

[Ashen]

"You are no trouble at all, m'lady," he said to her, following her to his blade. "I feel the same way about the princesses my parents have me meet. They are all so posh. I bet they would not even know how to handle themselves without the riches they were born with. It is pathetic, the lot of them." He fingered his blade gently and slowly before coming to the handle. Giuseppe plucked the blade off the wall and jousted it at an invisible enemy before sighing.

"Her name is Lendys," he said. "This blade. She belonged to my great-grandfather, who fought in the war with Southern Isupia. It still glimmers as if it were brand new. This is the work of a kind smith and a foolish prince." He gave her a sad smile. "Mother and Sister do not understand my love for the blades we have. I think Father does, but only just. Every man ought know how to work a weapon. After all, on a battlefield, your weapon is your only ally."

He seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, but soon he put Lendys back on her hooks on the wall. The prince cleared his throat. "Giuseppe Anderson Liam Ein," he said, somewhat randomly. "G-A-L-E. Gale. I absolutely loathe the nickname. Violet uses it to taunt me. Do not mind her though. She knows how to press my buttons, that is for sure." He looked to Mary and gave a low chuckle. "I do envy you," he said. "You do not have to deal with pesky siblings. Or even mindless nobles. What it would be like to be common for a day... If only we could switch places."

He started pacing a bit, checking over the conditions of each of his weapons. "Well, I have told you of some of my life. Why not return the favor?" He did not look up to her. "Why do you not tell me what it is like in your life? The castle does not see many commoners, and even few that appear to be my age. I am curious. There are some things I cannot learn from browsing the castle library, you understand." Finally he turned and locked eyes with her. "What is it like to live like you?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine watched him softly as he spoke and suddenly was racked with guilt that he didn't know her true identity. She took a step back as he drew the blade from it's spot on the wall. She gave him a sad smile, looking down. She supposed she also knew what it was like to be misunderstood, but probably on a much deeper level than even Guiseppe. "I rather like the nickname..."She muttered shyly as he explained his disdain for the name. Though Jessamine blanched a bit suddenly, inwardly cringing as he spoke of switching places. "Y-you'd be surprised..." She muttered and turned away a bit, hoping her expression wouldn't betray her.

Though the prince didn't seem to notice as he paced. "A-about me?!" She gasped suddenly and then flushed, looking down. What was she supposed to say she wondered... If she were actually in Mary's place. Jessamine glanced up at him and then froze, locked in his gaze. A small shiver went through her. It was interesting that the prince would be so eager to look a servant in the eyes. "W-well... I-I..." She swallowed, thinking back to Mary, and how she must be worrying about her at this very moment. "Well, I serve a Noble household, but I don't mind it so much I suppose. My young mistress in a kind and gentle soul. We've been together since we were just young girls and she's always looking out for me... "

"We were always getting into trouble together, but then we were always getting each other out of trouble too." She said, smiling to herself, forgetting about the prince for a moment. "She's very sweet but polite and 'well mannered'. Though she wasn't always so... I suppose over the years she's become more serious and proper, probably because I never am." She explained, her smile becoming a little sad. Jessamine then blinked, focusing on the prince's eyes again. "I'm sorry... my mouth has run away with me." She said, looking down a bit.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe shook his head quickly and approached her to clap her on the shoulder. Such a thing was perhaps barbaric for a prince of his time, especially to a lady, but Giuseppe either didn't seem aware of that or didn't seem to care. It was simply a friendly gesture, and he chuckled along with it. "I do not mind your speaking," he told her. "I did ask for it, did I not? It is fine indeed, and I am even more envious now! A mate with whom to make trouble around the castle... Such a thing is only a fantasy for me! Violet would not dare cause trouble, not since our last escapade..." He seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, recalling it. Soon he shook his head, clearing it, and smiled up at her.

"I had no idea you were a servant of a nobleman!" he went on, surprise clear in his voice. "My, my, I suppose you are quite accustomed to settings like this, are you not? Tell me, what is the castle you live in like? No--tell me, which nobles do you serve? It is a prideful skill, that a prince know all his neighbors, especially ones of royalty. Are they near here? I bet I do know them by name!"

But just then a guard appeared at the large arch that was the entrance to the hall. "Your Highness," he greeted with a salute. "The apothecary calls for you."
Giuseppe thanked his guard and dismissed him. "Well it looks like your ointment is prepared," he told her. "Come now, let us go get that for you." He led her back to the apothecary's, ensuring her of the man's skill. It would seem he had forgotten about his own question. Once they arrived at the apothecary, the older man presented Mary with an ointment. "I will have you apply this?" he asked, not daring to touch her out of turn. "It would prevent any infection and help with the pain. Let me know if it does not do its job, ma'am. I will fix you up a new ointment as soon as I am able."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine jumped a little at the sudden touch. The gesture startled her slightly at first, but it hadn't bothered her. She tilted her head slightly and couldn't help but smile a little as he explained his envy. Just from what she'd come to understand of Prince Guiseppe, she could only imagine the antics that would go on in the palace. Jessamine looked to him curiously as he went quiet for a moment, wondering what could be on his mind. Perhaps he was just remembering said escapade?

The smile quickly faded though as he brought up her nobility again. "Y-yes, I suppose so. Though nothing nearly this grand..." She said quietly, hoping to change the subject quickly. "A-ah, I doubt that-" She started, trying to dodge the question. If she were to mention her father's name, that might make things much more complicated. She could only imagine what would happen if the Prince mentioned their encounter.

But before she could be questioned any further, they were interrupted by the apothecary. She followed Guiseppe back to meet with him again. Jessamine simply nodded and held out her arm for him."Thank you very much.."

[Ashen]

Once the ointment had been applied to her wound Giuseppe thanked the apothecary heartily. He then turned to his companion as he began to walk from the room. "It should get around to feeling better very soon," he assured her. "I am terribly sorry about the dilemma earlier. It appears as though things are able to return to normal though. I hope you will be well."

He was walking her to the castle entrance. It was not a long walk, and once there he turned to the peasant girl. "Might I supply you with a horse on which to make for home? It is no trouble, really. I am happy to let a friend of Ibeacia borrow one of our steeds. I will personally ride you home, if that is what you wish. My duties are done for the day, and I am free to do as I wish. Perhaps we could... go somewhere." Was he asking her out? Giuseppe was trying hard not to think of it that way. He was simply being kind to a woman he found somewhat interesting. Being kind to any woman was an odd sight from the prince, buy Mary wasn't like most girls, anyway. No, there was something about her...

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine waited until the old apothecary was finished applying the ointment before she gave him a bow. "Thank you very much." She said softly, smiling before she turned back to the Prince. "Yes... Thank you, your highness." She said, glancing down at her arm. "Though you have no reason to apologize. You've been quite helpful."

She followed him and after a moment she realized where they were headed. Suddenly a strange feeling came over her, the slight feeling of dread. While she was anxious to get home, before her parents discovered she was missing, she was also reluctant to leave the palace. How odd, she thought. "Perhaps a ride home would be wonderful." She admitted shyly, blushing as she accepted his offer. She wouldn't have him ride him up to her house, but at least if he took her into town, it wouldn't be too far to walk.

Jessamine then suddenly looked up at him, taken aback by the suggestion. "Go somewhere?" She questioned curiously, wondering what the prince could possibly have in mind. On one hand, she could feel herself itching to go home, before she got into any more trouble. On the other... She felt reluctant for such an opportunity pass her by.Though she convinced herself that it was simply her desire not to have to return home... Of course it wasn't because of the prince. Or so she told herself.

[Ashen]

He was suddenly very out of his element. The prince had grown up with his mother and his sister, the queen and the princess, but he had steered clear of most of their feminine activities. He had little interest in women after all, and even when coming of an age to be wed he wanted more a partner for sparring than a housewife. He didn't know how to act with women, and at the idea of a date, he could feel his temperature rising. But this wasn't at all a date, and even if it was--so what? He was a man now, and there was no need to be getting flustered at all.

He smiled her way. "Well, yes, I mean, if you are in no rush to return home." He awkwardly scratched at the back of his head. "We could go picnic somewhere. There is a lake not far from here where I go for some alone time. In fact, it is where I was passing my time before I heard the commotion. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy someplace in your own land? It matters little to me, where we go. Ibeacia has few enemies, after all." With this sentence his pride was easily heard. He looked her over, trying to read her expression. Why did she seem so... reluctant?

Giuseppe started walking again, making his way towards the stables. Wherever they were to go, they would need a horse. He was waiting on her answer, hoping she'd say yes to the not-date. Hiding in the garden in front of the castle, a meddling princess was waiting, too.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine's eyes widened in surprise. He was asking her to go with him, and spend time together. Just the two of them? She blushed a little but looked down a little. She was getting way to ahead of herself. It wasn't like a date or anything... Was it? No, they had only just met and she barely knew the prince. Still the idea of going somewhere with him, away from here was enticing.

But then she was brought back by the statement of 'rushing to return home'. She really should go home she thought. Before her parents discovered she was missing. If they hadn't already. But then again, if they found out, she wouldn't be going out again for quite some time. So she might as well enjoy her day while it lasted, shouldn't she? But what about Mary... Sweet Mary who was covering for her and probably worrying about her return.

Without thinking she followed Prince Giuseppe towards the stables, still mulling things over in her mind. She'd have to make a decision soon. "I would love to ride to the lake with you." She started, but then looked down with a frown. "But I really should be getting home..." She muttered. A soft sigh escaped her lips. With the prince's help, she got onto the horse, waiting for him.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was trying hard to mask his eagerness. She would love to go with him. The words lit a smile to the prince's lips, but that soon fell away. But. Of course, there was always a but. He turned away, his expression a lot more dejected. He was silent for a while, but when they reached the horses he shook his head. "Perhaps another time, then," he suggested, trying not to sound disappointed.

The horse they were taking was a dull brown stallion. One of the stablehands thought it odd the king was taking such a plain horse, but he made no movement to comment. Soon, the two were off, riding away from the castle, away from the lake, and away from Ibeacia. Giuseppe let out a sigh but he soon shook all signs of disappointment from his face. She was one girl, and she hadn't said no, after all. He had some chance. He hoped.

Once a ways from the castle, Giuseppe turned his head so that he was half-facing Mary while still keeping his eye on the road before him. "Now, where were we headed?" he asked. "You did not tell me what house you serve, did you?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine, however, heard the disappointment in his voice. She frowned a little as she climbed up onto the saddle. She was silent for the ride, lost in her thoughts. She knew Mary was anxiously awaiting her return, though she never showed it. Mary would always be as calm and collected as always, but the second she saw Jessamine, she'd let her have it on how irresponsible she was. But Jessamine knew it was only out of love and concern for her.

Mary had treated her lashings many times and wanted to keep Jessamine out of trouble to keep her from recieving more. But unfortunately for Mary, that just isn't who she is. Even now, while she knew she should go home, her mind lingered on the thought of visiting the lake with the prince. If she was going to be punished and not allowed her leave her room for quite some time, she might as well enjoy her time out now, shouldn't she?

Jessamine looked up suddenly in surprise, breaking from her thoughts as the prince addressed her. She thought for a moment, then bit her lip, looking up at him. "Y-your Majesty. Is it too late... to visit the lake after all?" She asked softly, hoping that the change of mind wouldn't annoy him.

[Ashen]

The horse drew to a slow halt and Giuseppe looked blankly ahead, the reigns held in either hand. He turned to face Mary and looked her over. "No," he answered softly. A small smile played over his lips as he said it again. "No, not at all." It was sudden, her change of mind, but Giuseppe couldn't say he minded all that much. He tugged on the reigns and their horse turned. When they started moving again, they were trotting towards the lake.

They arrived in a few minutes, and once there Giuseppe halted his horse and hopped off before helping Mary. He motioned around them, to the place he had spent so much of his alone time. "Here she is," he said. "She is great for a swim, or just relaxing alone. This is one of my favorite places in the world." He looked out at the crystal-clear water of the lake. There were colorful water flowers along the border and wavering plants underneath the water, too. "I have to ask," he said, turning to face her. "What made you change your mind? Something seemed to click for you. What was it?"

[Midori-Hime]

As the horse slowed to a stop, she looked up at him suddenly, a little bewildered. Then slowly a smile spread across her face as he replied. Now moving in the opposite direction, her smile turned to a grin, looking ahead anxiously at the new scenery.

Jessamine took hold of his shoulders as she slid down carefully from the horse. She then stepped away slowly, looking out over the lake. "I can see why..." She said softly, her eyes wandering over the glittering waters. It was so peaceful out here and soon all her worries fell away. She stepped to the water's edge, watching a dragonfly that landed on the petals of the water flowers.

She then stood and turned towards him curiously. "Ah... Well I-" She started, pausing for a moment to get her words straight. " Well I probably won't be leaving home again for quite a while, so I thought I should enjoy the time I do have to the fullest." She said simply, smiling at him. She was no longer worried about the consequences as this place was certainly worth it. And surprisingly enough, so was the company, she thought.

[Ashen]

He looked at her with a strange look, trying to look into her words. She wouldn't be out for some time? But if she truly was who she said she was--and Giuseppe had to admit, he had his dulled doubts--she should be able to go where she wished. The prince knew some nobles didn't allow their maids out for fear of injury or worse, but he thought the idea silly and outdated. Any servant of a nobleman would need to know how to fend for themselves, after all.

Giuseppe sat upon the grass and ran his fingers through it. "I see," he responded. "But whyever not? You should be allowed to come and go as you please, after all. It is not fair to keep someone locked away." He looked into the lake. "Not being able to fully explore the world around you... Well, what would be the point in that? You would hardly be a member of society at that point. That is not fair at all."

He dropped a blade of grass into the lake and watched it float away before turning to face her. "Besides," he said with a small grin. "I forbid that. If I wish to see you, I would like to see your house try to stop me. They will not, cannot, and I could have you free as a bird. I could even buy you from them, if it might please you. You are... different. I... I like that."

[Midori-Hime]

"Well-" She started to explain until he continued on. "But can you truly say that you are free to explore the world yourself, Your Majesty?" She asked him, looking at him curiously. "I mean, of course you are allowed to take a trip into the city, or come to here to the lake... But surely there are duties that you much attend to, that are forced upon you? Are you truly free to travel whenever and wherever you wish?" She questioned softly, with a curious tone. "Even if you have that luxury now, will you still once you become King?"

Jessamine then looked into his eyes as he turned. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open delicately in surprise. A blush suddenly tinted her cheeks and she quickly looked down at her hands. "Y-you can't really mean that, Your Majesty." She muttered in awe. She was nobility and could not simply be purchased, but the prince did not know that fact and the idea that he would offer such a thing shocked her. She then glanced up at him suddenly. I like that. The words sent a shiver down her spine. She needed to change this around quickly before she was caught in her lie. "Y-you misunderstand Your Majesty, I enjoy my household, it's simply that... T-that it's just a lot of work caring for a noble household. My duties come before play and it would be a while before I had free time to myself again."

[Ashen]

He looked away, up at the sky and a particular cloud passing by. "Perhaps I may not," he answered softly. "Father is currently away on a business trip. I recall how he did not want to go, but being a king, he had to put his duties before his luxuries. I understand that is what will come for me, and I wholly accept that. I would do anything for my country, Mary. Be it sacrifice a few vacations or even my life. I love my country. I love Ibeacia. And I believe it is important that all of her kings are able to say the same."

His demeanor had changed. He was distracted, but there was a hope in his eyes, a passion. The man loved his country, probably more than even his own father, and it clearly showed in the way he spoke about it. But after a while he looked back to Mary, reminding himself of her presence. Giuseppe cleared his throat and sat up. "If your house works you that much, perhaps they ought see to it that they get more staff working the home. All of the maids in our house are allowed a day of the week off every week, and two vacations a year courtesy of House Ibeacia. We pay for all expenses in their visiting families, friends, or traveling to new places. There are enough staff that we are able to do that. They do work hard, and I must give them credit for that, but we do not overwork them. Such a thing is fit for other countries, but my family sees it as a sort of torture."

He looked away again, this time to the floating strand of grass a little distance away. "However," he added. "I do admire the desire to work hard. Such a thing is lost in many people, I am afraid." He was smiling, and when he looked back at her his green eyes had a sparkle to them. "You are all different shades of wonderful, are you not? Just do not allow your duties to overcome your play. I would not want to lose such a gem as you to a stressful job, milady."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine looked to him, watching in awe as he spoke about his country with such passion and devotion. It made her jealous secretly, wishing that one day a man would speak of her in such a way. "What do you love so much about Ibeacia, if you don't mind me asking, Your Majesty?" She asked purely out of curiosity, not meaning to challenge his opinion or any such thing.

Though as he spoke of her house she frowned a bit, slightly offended by the idea that her servants were overworked. As much as she couldn't stand the things her parents did, at least they treated their servants fairly. "You misunderstand, it's not like that at all. Of course th- w-we get time to ourselves to rest. We are well taken care of..." She then caught herself, looking down shyly as she realized perhaps she was getting too carried away.

Jessamine looked to him again slowly as he spoke of his admiration of her. It surprised her greatly and she blushed, though it was more so out of embarrassment because it was so misplaced. "Oh no, Your Majesty... That's not true." She muttered, looking down at her hands as they played with the hem of her apron. "You see... To be honest, I'm not allowed out often as punishment for not doing my... duties properly. It seems I'd much rather play than finish my duties and behave as a lady should." She admitted. Of course she was still lying about her title, but she didn't want to lie to him about who she really was. "I'm sorry to disappoint you..."

[Ashen]

What do you love so much about Ibeacia? Was she truly asking such a question? Giuseppe chuckled softly and shook his head. "Are you sure you are ready for that?" he asked her, but he got comfortable. His legs stretched out before him, his eyes looking towards the sky, his breaths coming in even rhythms. Giuseppe let out a sigh. "The bards are able to do it better," he said quietly. "Please forgive me." He drew his ocarina from his bag and blew into it, a single gentle note. When he drew it away from his lips be began to sing. His voice was a soft baritone, but it would be easy to hear the pride in his voice.

"Two cities and a valley lay
Beyond the path of arbors's way
Two miser kings, fight for pow'r
And in the valley, a lonely tow'r
Watches wars and bloody races
Of soldiers fallen from their graces

A hundred years the battles last
Until, the end, at long last
But not a soul stands to claim
The victory, defeat, the gain, the blame
Except the tower that'd seen it all
And the valley people, still standing tall

They buried the dead and expanded the land
And, against war, they steeled to withstand
Any attack, weak or strong
Against their nation, where they all belong"


It was a famous ballad about the early histories of Ibeacia, some hundreds of years old. The song was usually sung an octave higher, and usually with shorter notes. Giuseppe liked his modifications though, and liked singing of the nation that had emerged of two power-hungry cities. He didn't look to her when he finished, but instead kept talking. "Ibeacia rose from the fallen nations it bordered. Those nations' greed allowed her to flourish from their ashes. The song only covers the very beginning; Ibeacia herself has seen plenty of wars and problems, but she has conquered all. She will continue to conquer all. I swear by my sword and by my life, I will lead her into the prosperity her people know and deserve."

So carried away he didn't notice her annoyance at him for assuming of her house, nor did he quite pick up on the way her cheeks colored to his compliment. She had distracted him, enough to get him to even play his ocarina and sing. It was a rare sight indeed, seeing the man make music for anyone other than himself. He was quite good at it, probably better even than the bards he gave too much credit to. Giuseppe cleared his throat and looked to her. "My ancestors have died protecting this land. My friends, my brothers, and even total strangers have made many sacrifices so that I may love this land how I receive it. It would be unchivalrous--inhuman--to not graciously accept their gifts and blessings."

[Midori-Hime]

"Wha-" She muttered, tilting her head curiously as he pulled out the small ocarina. She wasn't sure what to think at first, but as he started to sing she felt her heart skip a beat. The song was lovely of course, but she was pleasantly surprised by the sound of the prince's voice. She sat quietly, watching him in awe until he finished, and even then she was still speechless.

While she did know most of the history of Ibeacia, to hear him talk about it with such admiration was refreshing. Though she'd never traveled anywhere other than her home in the country and the manor here in the royal city, so it was difficult for her to have much of an opinion of Ibeacia over any other nation. "That's quite a beautiful sentiment, Your Majesty... And your singing was..." She trailed off, struggling to find the right word. Her blushed deepened and she looked over to the lake. "I-It was lovely..." She muttered quietly, feeling silly for how flustered she was.

Slowly she stepped over to the water's edge and slipped out of her shoes, lifting her skirt slightly to dip her bare feet in the cool water. The lake was was beautiful today, the sunlight rippling over the surface. Jessamine glanced back over her shoulder to Giuseppe curiously, her features seeming to mimic the lake's. Her hair also turned a brilliant gold in the light and her eyes reflected the deep blue color of the water. "Thank you for bringing me to this place, Your Majesty. It's breathtaking..." She told him with a soft smile.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe blushed at her compliment, too. He very rarely sang for anyone, and to be complimented on it was an extremely rare occurrence. Still, he did not brush away from it, and instead turned the compliment over in his head. The patriotism that had annoyed his own family was suddenly being found admirable. It was strange indeed, but he greatly welcomed it.

He bowed his thanks and watched her dip into the water. "It is such a beautiful place," he agreed, and he too began slipping out of his boots. He rolled up the legs of his pants and stood behind the girl, out of the water. A smirk crossed his face briefly before he spoke. "Oi, Mary," he said smiling. "Besides a very honorable history and very handsome princes, do you know what else Ibeacia is known for?"

Suddenly, Giuseppe's hands were on her back, pushing her face-first into the water. He came tumbling after her, falling into the water himself. The lake wasn't very deep, and sitting down he could peek his head out. Surfacing, he starting laughing, hard. "She is known for her playfulness," he said with a mighty grin. The thought that she might be upset that her clothes would be ruined did not cross her mind. He was laughing heartily now, thankful to finally have someone with which to properly enjoy his lake.

[Midori-Hime]

She smiled as he also took off his shoes, turning back to look out over the lake. "Ah, no. What might that be?" She asked. Without suspecting a thing, Jessamine cried out in surprise as she was shoved. She stumbled foward and fell into the water completely, then scrambled up to her feet as quickly as she was able. She stood knee deep in the water, her jaw hanging open as she looked to him in utter disbelief. Jessamine looked over herself, her clothes and hair completely drenched, before she looked back up to the prince, looking like she was about to yell at him. "Y-you... You-"

But suddenly a grin spread across her face and she laughed. "You are going to pay for that!" She yelled and kicked out her leg to splash him before running at him. She then skimmed her hand across the surface of the water to spray him, laughing the whole time.

[Ashen]

For a second Giuseppe thought it was over. He thought she was going to get mad, storm off, never return again. But then she started laughing. Her laughter might have been the sweetest sound the prince ever heard. The relief that came with it, and the playful splash, allowed him to forget everything. In that moment, all that mattered was himself, his lake, and the perfect girl before him. She was willingly to play along with him. She just had to be the girl he'd marry.

He did weakly try to protect against the splash but he failed miserably. Water trickled down his face and he, too, laughed. "I will pay, will I?" he said to her, sending his own sleeved arm back towards her to create a bigger splash. "Just name your price. I would say it is worth it." He then dove under the water and turned so that his legs were to her. Powerful kicks penetrated the water and sent it flying towards her. He resurfaced a little distance away choking on his own laughter. When he quieted he stood and peered out to check if she was okay. "In all my days, milady, I have never met a woman like you," he told her. "One to not get angry for a prank like that. To laugh along with me. You are one in a billion." He swam back over to her and took her hands. "Tell me, what plans has your house for you? I daresay I can offer you better."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine gave him a sly grin as she splashed him. She never expected to have so much fun with the crown prince yet this day would be written down as one of the best days of her life. She forgot all about her troubles and was simply having fun for the first time in a long time.

She shrieked playfully as he kicked water at her and she brought her arms up to protect herself from the onslaught. Once it ended, she lowered her arms, laughing softly. She then put her hands to her face, her cheeks flushed and aching slightly from smiling so much. Though the smile fell away slowly as she gave him a more puzzled look, her hands dropping to her sides before he suddenly took them in his. Jessamine stood there speechless, her heart beating a little faster.

"T-Thank you, I'm flattered. But I don't understand..." She said softly, the blush deepening slightly and her blue eyes danced with wonder. "W-what are you saying, Your Majesty?" She muttered, not sure what to make of it.

[Ashen]

At that he had to look away to gather words. Perhaps Giuseppe had spent his life being too histrionic. Perhaps he made a big deal out of too many things in his life. And perhaps he was wrong to be getting caught up in this. What he was doing, it was insane. But he met her eye again. The prince looked into her crystal eyes. He had seen no woman like her in his life. Maybe this wasn't wrong. Maybe it was the most right he would ever feel.

He brought her hand to his lips and gave her a soft kiss. "Mary, milady," he said softly. "I am nineteen years of age. My parents have been diligently looking for a future queen of Ibeacia for three years. I will admit that I have not been as chivalrous to these princesses and nobles as my parents might have liked. I cannot help myself. I loathe noblewomen, Mary. I loathe how they bumble about, relying on others to wait on them hand and foot. I needed a woman who could handle herself. Who would spar with me and toy with me and not crumble when I am away. I need someone who can handle herself, but who will love me for complementing her, not completing her. And I knew I would not find that in any noble my parents brought into the castle.

"They say I am fortunate. Most kings and queens would have arranged their son's marriage by now. And trust me, they are threatening it if I do not choose swiftly. But I just do not admire the sorts of women they want me to. I cannot." He looked away, to the water around them. "And then I met you," he added more quietly. "I have met other commoners, mind. I have mingled with plenty of women who scarcely had money for their families to eat. And I found that none of them... clicked. I was starting to think perhaps I was undateable, doomed to be a single king for eternity. But I saw the way you brought down that thief. I apologize for not stepping in, but I had to admire you. A woman who knew how to handle herself. The woman for which I had been looking."

He looked back to her, and his cheeks were turning a rosy color. "I am not asking for your hand in marriage, Mary. It would be silly of me to do such a thing without consulting your house, your relatives, my own family. I do not even have the band, a family heirloom meant only for the woman I plan to give my full love. No, I am not asking for your hand in marriage but... Perhaps it is a thought? Er, that is, perhaps you and I could... We may continue to get to know each other, and then if things are successful..." At the very end he was getting flustered, and suddenly Giuseppe could not find the words he needed. His cheeks were getting darker but he dared not look away, waiting for her response.

[Midori-Hime]

She shuddered as the prince said that he loathed noblewomen, but then so did she. With every fiber of her being she hated the woman her mother was and was trying to turn her into. However, if the prince learned of who she really was, would be still reject her for her noble title? She thought better of him that he would do such a thing, but then maybe it would be justified if he ever learns of her lies.

Jessamine listened carefully, finding that she could relate to his troubles quite well. Not that she could tell him that, or he might ask more questions. Though all thoughts fell away as he claimed that she was the one he'd been looking for. "Your Majesty?" She muttered softly, but froze as she looked into his eyes again.

She let out a faint gasp at the word marriage, her eyes widening. She didn't know what to say, what to think. She listened to every word he had to say, but was silent for a few moments longer. "A thought?" She repeated, her blush deepening. "I-I suppose it could... be a thought." She said softly, biting her lip. She reluctantly looked down, unable to help the smile spreading across her face. She brushed her wet hair from her face, trying to make it look more presentable. "I-I'm afraid I don't know what to say, Your Majesty. You're not at all the person I thought you might be... In the best way possible. I mean, we've only just met-" She looked up into his eyes again. "But I certainly hope it won't be the last..."

[Ashen]

She hadn't said no. This alone was enough to elate the prince to the point he did not even notice her deep blush, nor the way she seemed so uncomfortable. He instead smiled wide and bowed his head a bit. "No, it most certainly will not be the last," he told her. "And yes, yes, you are absolutely right. We have only just met! No, we will need time to get to know each other, and get our houses acquainted, and--oh, look at me, going off. Please forgive me." He chuckled softly. "You know, if we were born a few generations ago, we would be wed by now. You know how they did it in the olden days. Always rushing into marriage. No, I am more than willing to wait for you."

He was getting giddy, and he had to look away to compose himself. Giuseppe was like a teenager newly in love, and in a sense he was. He had never been in love before, and though this lust might not have counted, it was the closest thing he'd had. He was excited about the possibilities, excited he'd finally found a woman who wasn't all he hated. A commoner, too! What would his father think? The prince could hardly wait to find out.

Giuseppe shook his head and looked up at the setting sun. How long had they been together? He motioned towards their horse and started wading out of the water. "Though I do not wish to leave it at this, I think your house may start worrying if you are not home by nightfall. It may be best if we started out soon." He looked her over and smiled awkwardly. "Would you mind terribly if I purchased some dry clothes for you? It is no problem at all, of course."

[Midori-Hime]

She smiled at his enthusiasm, but it quickly fell. Get thier houses aquainted? That could be quite the problem. However, she couldn't deny that she wanted to see the prince again. "Your Majesty..." She muttered shyly, blushing softly. She felt her heart flutter as he looked away, obviously flustered as well.

Jessamine could hardly believe it. What had started out as a pretty simple day in town, turned into quite the adenture that brought her closer to the crown prince. The prince who, dare she say it, she was starting to fall for. This was all happening so fast but she'd never met anyone, especially no one of nobility, who understood her.

She broke from her thoughts, looking to him suddenly. "Yes, I suppose your right. I've been gone long enough..." She muttered softly, saddened to have to go back home, knowing what awaited her. She carefully followed him out of the water. "However, I'll never forget this day... as long as I live, Your Majesty." She said softly, looking up into his eyes. She then blinked and blushed softly. "Oh no, you don't have to go through the trouble. I'm sure I'll dry off by the time we arrive."

[Ashen]

He looked over her drenched clothes but did not comment. He instead went to go retrieve his boots and looked to her. "No, I assure you," he told her, "if I could have things my way, the bards will sing of this day. I promise you, by me, this will not be forgotten. I cannot thank you enough for this day. And what a lovely day it is! What a pity it must end. But alas, all good things must come to temporary ends, after all."

Once suited again he made his way to their horse, who looked up at them and whinnied. Giuseppe gave him a pat on the neck and brushed his hair out of his face. "I do apologize for the water," he told him softly. "I will have the stablehands give you a bath as soon as we return to the castle. How does that sound?" The horse looked away from Giuseppe, unresponsive. The prince patted him gently on the back and turned to Mary. "So," he said, "you still have not told me the name of your house. It shall be hard for me to direct our horse if I do not know where we are going." He offered her his hand to help her onto the horse. "And please, if your house has any quarrels with you for today, they may have a word with me. I will see to it that they are relieved of their worries."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine also slipped back into her shoes and rung out her hair a bit until it was no longer dripping. She then stepped over, smiling as she watched the prince's interaction with his horse. She stepped closer, brushing her hand over the horse's shoulder gently, secretly thanking him for the ride on this wonderful day. She then looked up at the prince suddenly, her jaw dropped slightly, not quite sure what to say. "O-oh! Ah..." She muttered, looking down a little. "Do you... know the Duke's manor, u-up on the hill outside of the city?" She asked quietly, a little nervous.

She then took his hand and climbed up onto the horse. "Please don't worry about that, Your Majesty. B-but... if you would-" She bit her lip and looked down into his eyes. "I think it might be best if we keep this quiet... a-at least until we can properly introduce our families." She told him, giving him a soft but nervous smile. "Especially in front of the Duke..."

[Ashen]

Giuseppe looked away in thought, trying to think of the place she was describing. A duke... "You mean, His Grace, Duke Northlonde?" The prince had to admit he knew little about the man. He seemed too quiet, perhaps a bit too submissive with a duchess that did not know her place. He didn't know how their house ruled, but he couldn't imagine it was a pleasant one. To him, the man of the house should have been a lot stronger than what Northlonde was. But he shrugged it off. "Yes, I know of Northlonde and his manor," he answered her. "I know how to get there. We will not be long."

They started off at a casual stride. The prince looked a bit crestfallen. "Quiet?" he repeated. It was clear he wasn't thrilled about that. He was so excited to be going home to tell his family the news. "Well, if that is what you wish." He had to wonder what her intentions were. Did she mean to ditch him and never return? No, Giuseppe thought, that was a dumb idea; she was clearly enjoying herself. Was she too afraid of the idea of marriage, and so soon? That may have been a better explanation, but still, to deny him to talk to his own family? Giuseppe shook his head and looked forward. He absently patted his horse on the neck. "Never mind that," he told her. "I do hope I will see you again. I will arrange to have someone keep an eye on the duke and ensure he does not mistreat you, but I will stand my ground. I think that would be for the best, yes?"

[Midori-Hime]

She frowned a little, heating the disappointment clearly in his voice. She watched him, not sure what to say that might ease his mind, yet wouldn't risk more questions. Instead he seemed to brush it off. "I would like nothing more than to see you again, Your Majesty." She said softly. Her eyes then widened. "O-oh, no, please. That's not necessary!" She pleaded softly, her hand touching his shoulder lightly.

Jessamine bit her lip softly, thinking for a moment. "A week from now... How about we arrange the place and time to meet again?" She suggested while they rode. She figure a week would give her parents enough time to calm down before she slipped out again. This time she could come up with a better cover.

[Ashen]

He nodded, agreeing. Perhaps sending a guard was a bit much, but he was concerned for her well-being. He did not want her house to reprimand her, but it was clear she was not ready to have his intervening just yet. He would respect that. "A week from now," Giuseppe repeated. "That is certainly doable. I will certainly look forward to it."

As they rode on Giuseppe was humming very softly. It was obvious his spirits had been lifted considerably. Even their horse seemed to be bouncing with each step. It was not long before they arrived at the duke's manor, and disappointed, Giuseppe halted his horse. He helped Mary down before hopping down himself and bowing to her. "So then," he said, taking her hand in his. "We shall meet again in a week's time. Is the lake a fair place for you?" He looked behind her, at the manor. "Would you like me to walk you in?" He wasn't very used to being a gentleman, and his actions seemed rather awkward, but he was trying.

[Midori-Hime]

"O-oh, this is close enough." She told him before they got too close. "I just don't want to cause a big commotion." She explained with a faint blush. She slid down carefully from his horse and then stepped back to allow him room to get down as well. Her eyes widened as he, the crown prince of Ibaecia, bowed to anyone, much less a servant girl. She watched him softly and then gasped as he took her hand.

"O-oh no, that's quite alright. It's a short walk from here. A-and yes, a week from now. H-however... do you know the glen, in the woods just behind the manor here? It's my secret place... No one in the house has found it yet. Do you think you could meet me there?" She asked softly, her eyes lighting up with excitement at the chance to show the prince something new. "There's a hidden path, just at the bottom of the hill here. It shouldn't be too hard to find... for you." She said, curious to see if he would be willing to make the trip. But then something told her he would. At least she hopped so...

[Ashen]

He looked up, past the manor and to the woods. "A glen?" he repeated, trying to look out for one. "I am certain I will be able to find it," he assured her. "Then that is where we will meet. I have no qualms about it." He looked back to her, green eyes smiling. "I am truly honored that you would share your secret place with me," he told her. "I hope I can someday share something of equal value with you."

With everything settled, the prince brought her hand to his lips and planted a gentle kiss. "Until then?" he asked her. It was the first date he had made without his parents' help and he was partially expecting her to cancel even now. Of course she wouldn't, she was so happy on their outing today. At least, he thought so. Giuseppe turned to his horse, still watching Mary. He was waiting to see if she would cancel last moment. After all, this was too good to even be true. He was nearly bouncing on the balls of his feet just thinking of it all.

[Midori-Hime]

"Yes... It's far back into the woods, just follow the stream, it will lead you to it." She explained and smiled as he took her hand in his. "Yes... until then." She agreed with a small grin. She dipped gracefully into a bow and watched him as he road away. Though once he was out of sight she ducked into the bushes and crept around until she could climb into her window. It was just turning dusk as she slipped into her room, falling a little as she did.

Mary looked up and jumped to her feet suddenly as she spotted Jessamine. "Do you have any idea how late it is!? You're so lucky your parents didn't find out!" Jessamine blinked, her jaw dropping. "Y-you mean my mother didn't catch on?" Mary shook her head. "No, she checked only once... I had to come up with a good lie, but I suppose she was so irritated she didn't bother to press farther." Mary explained. "My goodness, where were you? You're lucky you got here when you did-"

"Oh Mary, you wouldn't believe the day I had~" Jessamine suddenly said with a wide smile. Mary was a little taken aback, listening as Jessamine recalled the days events, with surprise and then irritation. "Y-you gave the crown prince MY name?!" She gasped in disbelief.

Jessamine looked to her servant sheepishly."W-what else could I do? I-It was the first name that came to mind... I couldn't very well give him my name. Not dressed as a commoner!" Mary still frowned, crossing her arms a bit. "Still did you have to use my name?" She sighed and then moved to help Jessamine change into something more suitable before her parents returned. "What will you do now... You have to tell him the truth some time, you know." Jessamine looked down with a sigh. "I-I know... I will. I just need the right time to do it. Oh but Mary... He's so different than I imagined. He's not at all like the nobles I've met before, and he's the crown prince of all people. I-I can't remember the last time I had so much fun..." She said with a blush and then winced at the look Mary gave her. "Other than with you of course..." Mary smiled to herself as she fixed Jessamine's hair. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've fallen for him~" She teased. Jessamine turned to look at her in surprise. "N-no~ I-... I've just never met a noble who's company I've enjoyed before-"

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was greeted by the stablehands as he rode into the stables. He left his horse in their care and started for his castle, only to get stopped at the very entrance by his sister. "Welcome back, Giuseppe." She held his name like a song and smirked at him mischievously. The prince immediately knew something was up and he crossed his arms over his chest, confident not to give any information to the girl. She walked around him slowly. "I saw you with the servant girl," she said. "You two seemed to be really enjoying yourselves. Where did you take her?"
Giuseppe turned away. "Though it is none of your business," he sighed, "I rode her home, like a gentleman ought."
Violet motioned her chin outside their door. "I think a ride to her home would have taken a lot less time. You are not going to tell me she lives on the next consonant?"
"The word is continent," Giuseppe corrected. "My affairs are none of your business, Violet. Be gone with you."

The prince tried making it to his room but he was followed. He let himself in and took a seat on his large, canopied bed. "Well?" he urged. "I did tell you to get, did I not?"
Violet smiled at him. "You are in love with her!" she announced. "Look! The very look in your eye, it is what the playwrights write of, what the bards sing of! My brother is in love with a commoner!"
"Be silenced!" Giuseppe said curtly. "Do not make me silence you myself."
His threat fell on deaf ears, for the girl continued to skip around his room. "I cannot wait to tell Mother! Oh, Father will be so disappointed! A commoner! She is not even a pretty commoner!"
At this Giuseppe had to get up, and he shoved his hands down on her shoulders, forcing the girl to fall onto the bed. She quieted then, and she looked up at her brother with an irritated look. "Giuseppe, that hurt," she said quietly.
"You will say nothing bad of her, and you will not tell Mother or Father, or so help me gods, Violet, there will be no mercy to my wrath." His hands were firmly grasping Violet's shoulders still and the girl weakly tried to get away.
"Giuseppe, stop," she begged. Her green eyes were wide in fear. "Giuseppe you are hurting me. Mercy. Mercy, please."
At this the prince let go of the girl and looked down at his hands blankly. He had spent his entire boyhood fighting with his sister, but never had he threatened her like that. This new-found rage, he wasn't liking it very much, and he could only watch helplessly as his sister scurried away, off to safety from her own blood.

That night, as punishment for being so hostile to Violet, Giuseppe denied himself supper and instead sat in his room, alone. He ran his hands over his ocarina thinking of her. The glen... It would be only a week before he would be able to see her again. He had only just met her, and he knew he shouldn't have been getting so excited over her. Still, he could not help but feel protective. It was a man's duty to protect whatever woman he loved, and he knew she was still too new to find her way really into his heart, but he still felt that need to protect her. Then, what happened if protecting one woman led to harming another he loved? He could count on one finger the number of times he had told his sister he loved her, but he had always loved her. She was his greatest companion, and annoying as she might have been, she was his greatest friend. Giuseppe could not ignore what he had done to her earlier that day. Violet would hate him, and he felt horrible. If this was what love was about, he wanted no parts of it.

There was a knock on his door to snap him out of his reverie. "Come in," he called, and he was soon in the presence of the queen of Ibeacia. The queen had the same long, black hair her daughter did, and it was tied sloppily into a braid. The woman looked so tired, and her brown eyes only supported that. She sat beside her son on the bed and smiled at him. "Giuseppe," she greeted. "You missed supper. Are you well?"
He looked up at her and nodded. "Of course, Mother," he told her. "I have already eaten, and I do not want to spoil my appetite."
She watched him for a moment before shaking her head softly. "You are just like your father," she told him. "A terrible liar."
He was caught, and there was no escaping. He shifted awkwardly before speaking. "Mother, what would you say if I chose to not marry?"
She seemed surprised by this. "Whyever not?" she asked. "No king has ever successfully run a kingdom by himself, dear."
"I have you and Father," he said. "And Violet can help, if she does not hate me. I need no wife for that. I just... I do not understand women."
The queen laughed at this. "Women do not understand women, son," she assured him. "Is that what is eating at you? You are unable to find a suitable bride?"
"Mum, what if I... What if my bride was not of royal lineage?"
"Giuseppe, what is wrong?" She forced him to look at her, her own eyes filled with concern. "You and your father worry far too much. Please, relax. I am not sure I can handle all the tension." She looked right; the woman looked like she might collapse.
"Mother, you are tired," he said. "Let me walk you to bed. You are right; I worry too much. Everything will work itself out in the end. Please rest. We cannot have you overworked, now can we? No, you must sleep well. For us."

[Midori-Hime]

The days passed by agonizingly slow for Jessamine, and when the morning of the planned meeting finally arrived, she could barely contain herself. "Be careful... your enthusiasm might be catching~" Mary teased as she brushed her lady's hair. Jessamine broke away from yet another day dream, she flushed and turned to scowl at Mary, though only in a joking way. "Oh hush~" She fanned her hand at Mary, shooing her away. "Come, we have to go through your closet... I need something to wear." The young servant sighed, still not quite approving of the deception on Jessamine's part, but she could see how blissfully happy she looked, so Mary kept quiet.

~~~~~

She had almost all of Mary's dresses laid out on the servant's much smaller bed, which maybe seemed like a lot. "You don't have anything a little more... w-well, more?" Jessamine asked with a frown, looking between the very simple dresses. Of course what else did she expect. If she had it her way, Mary would be dressed in gown just as fine as her very own. She deserved nothing less...

"Sorry, My Lady. Perhaps you can adorn it with some jewelry or a brooch perhaps?" Jessamine looked to her softly, hoping she didn't insult her friend. "No, I think this blue gown will do just fine. And next time mother drags me into town, I'll buy something special just for you Mary. She won't have to know a thing." Jessamine said with a wink.

After breakfast, her parents left on some business. The timing couldn't be anymore perfect and Jessamine practically ran back to her room to change. Mary helped her into the dress, lacing it tight and then played with her hair while Jessamine looked at herself in the mirror. "It brings out your eyes..." Mary mused and then made two small braids in her hair, at either side of her face, and drew them to the back of her head, where they met together. It was simple, but just added a little something. A few stray pieces fell delicately about her eyes.

"I think you're ready... So you better go before your late." Mary said with a small smile. Jessamine stood there, turning and gazing at herself in the mirror for a few moments longer before she turned and hugged the unsuspecting servant girl. "Thank you so much! I owe you one, I really do." She said softly before drawing back. Mary couldn't help but smile, despite her apprehensions about the whole thing aid softly, a small smile pulling at her lips. Jessamine smiled, giving herself a few more glances in the mirror, before she turned and wrapped her arms around the . "Yes you do. I'll cover for you, but don't be gone for too long. And have fun~"

Jessamine nodded, sneaking out cautiously out of the manor. That's all she needed was for someone spotting the lady of the house in peasant clothes. Then there would be rumors spread around the entire house before nightfall. Once she was by the stable, she carefully hopped the fence before anyone could notice and then she was free. Jessamine took off at a gallop through the woods, heading for the hidden glen that she knew so well. There was a small clearing that the stream lead to, gently running through the center. She took a seat in the grass beside the stream, dropping small leaves in the water to watch them float along like little boats while she waited anxiously. Eventually a small lump formed in her throat. What if the prince didn't show? What if he forgot... or worst, changed his mind about the whole thing?

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was up before the sun that morning. He hadn't slept a wink, and instead he spent his time working by candlelight on writing poetry and music, two things he would surely deny later. The truth of the matter was that he couldn't sleep. He had tried, but the excitement and nervousness for the day and the shame from his own actions had kept him too awake, too alert. Violet had not spoken to him for a week. He had gone out of his way to be nice to the princess, but she was trying her best to avoid him. He hated it, hated being on awkward terms with his sister, but he didn't know how to fix it. The stress from that was definitely not helping his already anxious mood, so Giuseppe let his feelings slide through his music and his writing.

Several hours later he was in his bedroom standing in front of a mirror. He was still in his nightclothes, and his hair looked rather matted. The bags under his eyes were barely noticeable and he rubbed at them, suppressing a yawn. When he heard footsteps in the hallway he turned and saw a flash of black. "Violet?" he called, and he started after her. "Please, I need your help."
Violet had made her way down the hall when she turned to face her brother. "What?" she said curtly.
"Are you still angry with me?"
She didn't answer him, just looked into his green eyes. "What do you want, Giuseppe?"
Giuseppe walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I uh, I suppose I just want to... er, apologize, to you." The scratched awkwardly at the back of his head. "I have had other matters on my mind recently, and I had no intention of being so hostile to you. I... I do not like when you are mad at me, Vi. As annoying as you always are, I would much rather have your persistent requests for tea parties over... over your cold shoulder." He offered a smile too, for good measure.
Violet looked him over. "You know," she said, and her voice was even, "you used to tell me stammering like that is unfit for people of our social status. Also, I think that is perhaps the first time you have ever truly apologized to me." She smiled too, and she shook her head. "I will forgive you under one condition. You must have a tea party with me every day for a week."
Giuseppe moaned and looked away. "I wonder if it is truly worth it," he mumbled, to which he received a smack on his arm. "I was jesting!" he defended, and the two started to laugh. When they quieted, Giuseppe shifted. "I will attend your stupid--"
At this she glared at him, so he corrected himself.
"--silly parties. But Violet, I need your help. Today, I have something I must do, and a woman's eye would be much better than my own."

Back in Giuseppe's room they were looking over various outfits displayed on his bed. Giuseppe had told his sister about a date--with a real woman--that was to be kept from the king and queen until further notice. Violet had excited over the gossip, and she questioned him as she tried to pick out a fitting outfit. "Where will you be meeting? Does anyone else know? Do you think you will get into trouble? Do you know what she is wearing?" Giuseppe wasn't much help with the answers, but Violet worked with what she got and soon she had chosen the outfit for him. "Please tell me you will be doing something with your hair," she said.
"What is wrong with it?" Giuseppe asked, turning back to his mirror.
"You look like you just got up. Honestly, Giuseppe, sometimes I think I am the older one. Let me do your hair, you overgrown child."

Before Giuseppe left he looked over himself once more in the mirror. He had on the royal blue of Ibeacia with tan riding pants and his shinier boots. He looked over his shoulder at his cape, the silver symbol of his country wide on his back. His hair had been combed and looked more tame than it did. "Violet," he whined. "Would it not make more sense to wear my other boots? They are more comfortable, and these are small on my feet. Also, my tunic is too big on me. I look like I am wearing one of your dresses. Could I not wear a shorter one?"
Violet rolled her eyes. "You look perfect," she told him. "Well, as close to perfect as I could do with you. I am certain your lady will adore you. Now go, go before Mother sees you. Trust me, you look fine!"

Once Giuseppe had gathered his satchel and his sword he set off for Mary's glen. All the while he was thinking of how things would go, whether she would even be there. The wind was working to ruffle his hair but he didn't even seem to mind. It didn't take him long to reach the glen and he dismounted to continue on foot, his horse walking obediently beside him. When he didn't see Mary his heart fell. It was all for nothing. She had changed her mind, she didn't want this. But then he noticed her, and he let out the breath he did not know he was holding. "Mary!" he called to her, and he approached her at a trot before remembering his manners and slowing his pace. "You look quite lovely," he told her. "I am glad to see you."

[Midori-Hime]

Gradually Jessamine was running out of leaves to float down the stream and her concern grew. What if he'd gotten lost? Perhaps her instructions hadn't been clear enough and he'd given up. Or perhaps he just simply wasn't coming... Her heart sank at that thought. It gave her a strange sensation that she'd never quite felt before. Though just as she was giving up home, she heard a voice. She looked up suddenly in surprise, not in recognition of the name, and her expression quickly became elated once she saw him before her.

"You made it..."She said softly, smiling and blushed faintly at his compliment. She looked down at herself, almost shyly. "I-It's the best I could do." She said softly. It was strange. Even with all the elegant gowns and glittering jewels she owned, she'd never felt so beautiful before. Jessamine then looked up into his eyes. "I'm glad you could make it..." She said in returned and then after a moment turned to look around them. "W-well here it is. It isn't much, but it's a quiet place where I come to think..." She explained, gesturing a little to the stream and the circle of trees.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe could only smile brightly at her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her but thought against it, figuring she might be intimidated by him. She sure did look happy though, and that made the prince happy. "Of course I made it," he said matter-of-factly. "Did you truly think it is in me to get lost? I pride myself upon my ability to get around." He was teasing, and he brushed it off. "Have you been waiting long?"

He took some time to look around them, at the pretty glen surrounding them. She was right, it was quite the place. He looked into the stream, at all the floating leaves, and he just smiled wider. "A beautiful place for a beautiful woman," he commented. "I am very much honored you would show your beautiful glen to me, Mary." He really did seem to be liking the place. Though he probably wouldn't admit it, Giuseppe did like nice quiet places. His spot by the lake, for example, was the best place to practice his ocarina without anyone intruding. This place held its own beauty, but he couldn't help but think the most beautiful site around was the woman before him.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled and chuckled softly. "No, I suppose not." She agreed softly and then glanced around her as he questioned how long she'd been waiting. "Not long at all... " She said quickly, looking up into his lovely green eyes. They seemed brighter out here among the trees and tall grasses. Jessamine watched him as he looked around hoping he wouldn't be disappointed. After all it wasn't quite as exciting as the lake or anything like that. Eventually she followed his gaze, looking over the area herself. Suddenly her attention snapped back to the prince as she called her beautiful. Her eyes widened, blushing softly, as she smiled at him. He was quite the charmer. However, the smile faded a bit as he called her Mary. She wished he could call her by her true name, but she would have to find the right time to tell him.

She turned away a little, slowly walking along the stream. "So, did your sister have a list of questions for you when you returned home?" She asked curiously, but a part of her was wondering if he'd told anyone about it or if he'd kept his promise. Her hands folded behind her as she walked before she turned suddenly to face him.

[Ashen]

At her question he turned away. Giuseppe concentrated on the horse beside him and rubbed his neck. "She did," he answered. "Violet is quite the curious kid. She reminds me of myself when I was her age, though I hosted significantly less tea parties." He turned back to his date and smiled at her. "She did ask, but she did not get very far. You are able to trust in me, she will not be telling anyone of our meeting last week nor today. That is, unless her stuffed animals gain the ability to talk..."

He didn't want to tell her what really happened, how he'd threatened his sister to secrecy. Maybe she wouldn't think anything of it. Maybe she would leave him to protect his sister. Whatever would happen, he would not see to it. What kind of man would he be to trust his problems to a lady, anyhow? "What of you?" he asked her. "Did your house punish you for being out so long? Did they harm you?" He looked over her for cuts or bruises, any sign of injury at all. "I did worry about you. I hope they were not too harsh."

[Midori-Hime]

She was a little confused as he turned away but didn't think much of it as he turned back to her with a smile. She chuckled softly at his comment. She nodded, relieved that her secret would be safe... if only for a little while longer. Jessamine stepped over to the other side of the horse, stroking his forehead and playing with his little tuft of bangs. She then looked up suddenly. "Oh! They never even knew I left!" She said gleefully with a smile. She still found it quite amusing and fortunate. Her backside had been rather raw for a while now and finally she'd had a break. Though her smile fell as she noticed the way her looked at her, as if searching for something. Suddenly Jessamine blushed a little, her hand moving to hold her other arm. "You were worried about me?" She asked, unable to help the small smile that spread across her pink lips.

Jessamine then looked down at her feet, smiling to herself. She remembered how defensive he'd gotten and how he offered to buy her if she should be mistreated. Of course that was because he thought she was merely a servant, but Jessamine thought that it was all the more impressive that he should care so much about a girl he thought was a servant. In her mind, that spoke volumes of the sort of man Giuseppe was and perhaps what sort of king he would become. She stroked the horses velvety nose as her stormy eyes met his.

[Ashen]

"Is that right?" Giuseppe was pleasantly surprised at her news. Still, he had to wonder, what nobles wouldn't even notice their servant missing? House Ibeacia, as many servants as it held, still kept tabs on each one. None had tried to escape, not during his father's rule, though Giuseppe didn't think they were taken note of because of that. Ensuring someone knew where all the servants were at all times would mean they would be easily accessible in case someone needed them, or in case they were in danger. He worried about Mary. What if she fell into danger in her own manor? Would no one notice her there, either?

Deciding to keep it from his mind, he turned to the horse instead ans watched her play with his hair. "Of course I was worried about you," he said, then looked up at her. "Should I not have been? I know other house's penalties for escaped servants. I do not agree with them, but even as prince I cannot tell them how to reprimand their own. My father could, but he prefers to let things run smoothly. He only interferes when he deems it necessary." He looked back to the horse. "Perhaps things will change when I take the throne, but alas, that will be a while yet."

He patted his horse gently, and the beast let out a whinny. "I believe he likes all the attention he is getting," Giuseppe pointed. "Sometimes, the stablehands braid the horses' manes. Violet does, too. She says it makes them look more dashing, more elegant. I do not know about that, but they seem to like it." He turned to her with a grin. "On All Fools Day a few years ago, the stablehands went around putting ribbons on every one of the horses. My father was most displeased when he gathered his white steed to go work some business, only to find the stallion was decked in dozens of tiny pink bows. We never told him, but for most of the day my father even walked around with a bow atop his head. I know not the jester who managed to sneak it onto him, but I do applaud him." Giuseppe chuckled and turned back to his horse. "All Fools Day is one of my favorite days of the year. Despite what my father thinks, even princes can be jesters, then."

[Midori-Hime]

"Well no..." She muttered softly, looking down a little. "My house is not so strict as that. Servants are paid fairly and if they decide to run or behave inappropriately, well they are simply not paid and that is punishment in itself." She said. At least she could be thankful that her parents were more lenient with their servants. They weren't treated as slaves and nor should they be.

Jessamine looked up suddenly as the horse whinnied. She smiled as she listened to his story, letting out a small laugh. "Is that so?" She asked, she dipped under the horse's neck, popping up to stand next to him now. "Ma- my mistress and I used to play pranks all the time. Though over the years she's become more proper and reserved. I do hope she hasn't grown tired of my antics." She said softly, looking up at him as she stood close now. Her hand stroked the horse's neck until it paused, resting just next to his.

Jessamine looked away then for a few moments, appearing to be lost in thought. She bit her lip, something obviously on her mind and she was debating if she was going to say it. Finally she looked up at him with a strange gleam in her eyes. "Your Majesty?" She muttered softly, smiling up at him. Her hand moved from the horse's white neck to the prince's chest, resting just between his heart and his shoulder. "You're it!" She called out suddenly, before spinning away from him and running a few feet away, hopping over the small stream before glancing back at him.

[Ashen]

He was pleased to know her house didn't reprimand their servants like he'd feared. Giuseppe could breathe easier on that note. If they truly denied her money for escaping to see him, he could grant her every coin in the kingdom, quite literally. He was surprised to hear of Mary's and her servant's mischievous nature, and he was about to ask her of the tricks she'd tried when she called to him. "Mm?" he murmured, but before he could say more she was darting away.

The girl had touched him, had planted her hand right on his chest. Never in his nineteen years had the prince met someone with the audacity to reach him. Physical gestures, to a noble from a commoner, were a great taboo. Surely this girl knew that? This one had some nerve, and Giuseppe could only watch after her for a moment, shocked. But then a grin spread across his face and he shot after her. Giuseppe, turn down a game of tag? He would never.

"No fair!" he called after her. "I had not my fair warning!" But he was laughing and running, and soon his horse started after him. "No, boy!" he said, and he stopped to halt him. "No, it is well. There is no danger." Seeing the horse trying to participate just made him laugh harder. He once again started after the servant girl, knowing the lead she got was one that would be difficult to bridge. However, Giuseppe had spent long days training himself, and he was a fit man. He would catch up to her, definitely.

He leapt over the stream and continued to run, wondering how far this glen extended to; how long they'd be able to run before anyone would find them. "I could have you thrown to the dungeons for that," he said, though he knew he would never. "Unjust gameplay with a prince? Really, Mary, that is quite frowned upon!" He kept laughing, and that was slowing him down quite a bit. He didn't mind, though. He was having fun, more fun than he thought he would be having with any woman.

[Midori-Hime]

"Fair warning... In a game of tag? I did not know there was such a thing!" She called out with a laugh. She turned to look back at him and grinned as his horse started to run along with him. She too laughed harder and then quickly turned to face forward as she noticed Giuseppe chasing after her once again.

He was fast, much faster than she realized and she squealed as he was gaining on her. "You'll have to catch me first!" Jessamine quickly picked up her skirt, allowing her to run faster, though she was still no match for the prince. She could feel him there, almost on her heels, but she didn't dare look back. That's when you got caught. Suddenly she veered off to the right, ducking into the trees. She leap over a fallen log, and grabbed the truck of a small tree, using her momentum to spin around to face the prince and then run back the other way.

[Ashen]

He was just so close, almost upon her, but just as he was about to reach out to touch her, to tag her back, she was gone. Giuseppe looked up at the branches and watched as she changed directions, genuinely impressed. The girl was off before the prince could comprehend what had happened. She was certainly a crafty one, a brilliant one, and that only made his smile grow.

"So it is that kind of game, is it?" He slowed his pace, letting her seize the lead while he thought up a plan. When he was sure of himself, Giuseppe too grabbed onto a branch, and he used it to propel himself upwards, into the higher branches of the trees. High enough, he started leaping from branch to branch, his light footfalls careful not to snap the limbs. Years of forced lessons of ballroom dancing and fencing practices had led to an unmatched gracefulness on his feet, and he soared through the trees effortlessly and beautifully. At just the right moment, he made his move.

Mary was right below him, and Giuseppe seized that moment to leap from his branch to the ground. As he fell he smirked, and soon his hands were on her back, shoving her to the ground. They both fell to the dirt, Giuseppe laughing jollily. It had been quite the fall, but he was unharmed, and she looked to be the same. He sat up after a while and looked her over. "If playing dirty is what you wish, milady, I will have you know I am the best in the kingdom at that." He laughed again before getting up and extending his hand to help her. "Are you unharmed, Mary?" He looked up, at the tree he had jumped from. The leaves were still whistling softly. "Did you see that?" he asked. His smile was that of a child's. "I was quite like a bird. That was amazing! I cannot wait to tell Violet of this." He turned to her again, and with a smirk he added, "Oh, right, I think this means you are it."

[Midori-Hime]

As she turned back towards the prince, her eyes widened. Her eyes searched the trees, wondering how she could have possibly lost him. Unless he was up to something… Jessamine stepped carefully, jumping when she heard movement through the trees above her. Her jaw dropped, thinking it wasn't possible that he could move like that. She tried to spot him, but she couldn't follow his movements. Then, before she knew what was happening, something knocked her to the ground. Jessamine cried out in surprise, rolling over to look at him.

"I'm alright…" She said, smiling a bit. "H-how did you do that?" She asked, though she seemed a bit miffed that he had managed to outwit her. She took his hand carefully, standing up and dusting herself off a bit. She then blinked, looking up at him suddenly. "That's not fair!" She gasped, suddenly lunging at him to catch him off guard before he could run.

[Ashen]

But Giuseppe was too quick on his feet, and too expecting of her sudden movement. He side-stepped away from her and stuck out his tongue. "It was a little bit of magic," he said, motioning towards the shaking tree branch he had leapt from. "That, and perhaps a bit too much practice. If you think this is bad, you should try playing with Violet, too! She may not look it, but Violet is quite the runner. She has had me running for my coin plenty of times!"

He had been hastily walking backwards while he spoke, and in not seeing where he was going the prince managed to stumble upon some branch or other. He was completely taken by surprise as he fell and he kept his eyes on Mary, trying to determine where she would go, which direction he should run. He hastily tried to get up but just fell over again. His foot was stuck, and as he drew his sword to cut himself free he knew he had taken too much time. His victory over Mary had been too short-lived; he would be it again all too soon.

"That is not fair," he said quietly, rising to a standing position. "That root tried to kill me, and you take advantage of the situation." He sheathed his sword once more and turned to face her. "You probably knew of that root," he accused, grinning. "You probably placed it there just before I arrived. You knew all along I would run for it, did you not?" But he just started laughing and shaking his head. "You are a crafty one, but you will not win."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine couldn't help but break out into laughter at the Prince's antics. She caught his arm as he fell, tagging him once again, but the second fall had her holding her sides. Of course she knew he wasn't hurt, so she felt she was allowed to have fun at his expense. "Yes, you fell right into my trap~" Jessamine teased, shaking her head. "Oh, and what might the prize be... If I were to win?" She asked, tucking her arms behind her back.

She stood just a few inches from him now, looking up into his eyes boldly. It seemed she had let down all her boundaries and for a moment she'd forgotten her act, or even who she was... Who he was... They were just a man and a women, having a fun day together. She smiled brightly, stifling her laughter finally.

[Ashen]

The prince brushed himself off and sheathed his sword once more. "I knew it," he murmured, shaking his head. "So concludes the threat on my life." He took a step away and felt his ankle start to hurt. He had probably twisted it, but that would not stop his game. When Mary spoke again Giuseppe stopped dead in his tracks and just looked at her. Her prize? She wanted a prize? His cheeks colored at his immediate thought and he had to look away to hide it.

After a few seconds he shrugged. "Well," he said slowly, "that will not happen, of course. Ibeacia has raised an excellent tagger, my friend, and he shall not be defeated by the likes of you. But let us suppose, hypothetically speaking, you were to win. What do you desire? Defeating someone like me is a great accomplishment, and thus should be rewarded as such. So tell me, Mary, what would it be if you had the option to choose?"

His green eyes were glimmering as he looked at her. The prince was genuinely curious as to what she would say. In truth, she had a shot at it. She was a good runner; there was a chance--though slim as he'd like to believe--that she would defeat him. He wasn't afraid of owing her something; he'd easily be able to give her whatever she asked of. Giuseppe just wondered whether--or hoped that--her wish had anything to do with him.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine blinked as he looked away for a moment, worried she'd upset him some how. Suddenly she was self-conscious, wondering if perhaps she was being too bold. But he spoke again, acting like his usual self, which put her worries to rest. A smile tugged at her lips again hearing the challenging tone he used. She'd show him alright.

However, the prince's question had caught her completely off guard. What did she desire? She asked herself, her smile fading as she grew lost in thought. She had been only joking when she spoke of winning a prize, but he sounded so serious. "What would I desire as a reward?" She questioned out loud, then smiled up at him. "Well, I suppose what I wish for… is nothing more than a simple memento of this day. So that I might remember it always." She said softly. Of course she couldn't just give him a straight answer.

"How will we determine a winner though?" She asked. There wasn't usually a clear winner in a game of tag. "Oh! I've got it!" She said, moving quickly to the edge of the trees and waiting a moment for him to catch up. "Since you are still it… How about a race? To that Oak tree…" Jessamine looked back at him, her eyes bright with excitement, as she pointed to a large Oak tree that stood out a bit from the others at the other side of the clearing. "If you tag me before I reach that tree, you win. However, if I make it there first… then I am then winner. Is it a deal?"

[Ashen]

Her smile seemed to fade, and Giuseppe was left wondering what he'd done wrong. He cocked his head a bit as she thought, but when she answered the smile reappeared on her face. A memento. He looked around at the clearing, wondering just what he could give the girl to remember him by. He stopped himself though; why should he think things through? There was no way he would lose, not to her.

"Your conditions sound fair to me," he reasoned, judging the distance to the tree and the obstacles in the way. "However." He looked up at her with a shine in his eyes and a smirk on his lips. "I think you are forgetting something, sweet maiden." Giuseppe relaxed and turned away, looking to the sky solely for dramatic effect. He stared at the clouds through the trees for a moment before turning back to her. "What will you give me if and when I win?"

His smirk was still present as he stared into her. An idea formed in his mind but he checked her expression before continuing. "I suppose I should state what I want then, mm? It would only be fair, after making you do the same. So... In the event that I secure my rightful victory, I would very much like you to attend a gala with me. It is being held at Ibeacia Castle in less than a week's time now, and I would very much enjoy taking you. Your house will already be attending, of course, so you need only accompany them. Or, if you would prefer, I can pick you up. How does that sound?"

There was an excitement in his green eyes, and he looked at her with anticipation. Soon, he turned away, and looked towards the tree. Before she even had the chance to reply he gave a small chuckle and said, "Go." In a flash he was darting off towards the tree, prepared to guard it so that she would have no choice but to fall into his grasp.

[Midori-Hime]

Her eyes widened. "If you win…" Well she hadn't thought of that. "Ah… W-well, I suppose that's only fair in a bet." She said, though when she thought about what he would possibly request, it made her slightly nervous. And it seemed she wasn't wrong as he finally stated his terms. Her jaw dropped, as well as her stomach. "A-a gala?" She muttered then nodded, quickly regaining her composure. "No, that's not necessary…" She said, blushing a bit. She was wondering if she should call off the bet before she got herself in too deep. Even though it had only started out as a joke, if Giuseppe won he'd never take no for an answer. She barely knew him, but she was sure of that much. Jessamine looked at him then, her heart melting at the excited look in his eyes. She couldn't decide what to do, until she heard him utter just one word…

Without thinking she darted into the clearing, keeping her distance her Giuseppe in case he tried anything funny. Jessamine quickly pulled up her skirt to her thighs, but she didn't care. She couldn't lose this race… Another time she might have surprised herself by how quickly she was sprinting, but in this moment she was far too focused on that oak tree. Jessamine kept her steps in mind as she neared the small stream, leaping over it gracefully and then continued on her pursuit of reaching the tree all while keeping away from the prince's grasp.

[Ashen]

He had one eye trained on her, watching and timing her every move. The prince vowed he would not let her out of his sight, and he seemed to be doing a great job at that. She was moving with such skill, but he had no problems keeping up with her. That is, until he felt his ankle twist. Suddenly the prince came tumbling down, only meters away from his destination. He winced as he fell. His ankle had gotten caught before; now, his injury was forcing him to stop.

Giuseppe sat upright and tried to get up but the simple act sent pain through his body. Now he really was done for. All he could do was watch as Mary sprinted up to the tree. A look of defeat crossed his eyes but he knew there was nothing he could do. So Giuseppe removed his boot, moved his ankle around, and sighed. It wasn't broken, but he'd have a hard time running anymore, now.

The prince let out a low whistle and soon after a horse appeared, ready to heed his master's call. Using the horse, Giuseppe was able to pull himself up and look towards Mary. He hadn't seen her touch the tree, exactly, but why wouldn't she have, by now? He had lost, fairly and truly. He hopped over to the side of his horse where he stared blankly at the saddle, wondering how he'd hoist himself up without hurting himself anymore. Figuring he'd figure that out later, he turned to his opponent and called to her. "I think I've lost," he said softly. "And I think I may need to wrap and elevate my leg." He looked down towards it, towards the foot that would not touch the ground. So much for a good game. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts. We will have a rematch when I am healed, and you shall lose, I guarantee it."

[Midori-Hime]

She lost sight of him as he fell behind, panting as she neared the tree. She was so close now. Jessamine darted up to the tree, practically falling into it with a soft grunt as she didn't have time to slow herself. She held onto the tree for a moment, feeling victorious before she dared to look behind her at Giuseppe. Her eyes then widened as she saw him get up from the ground and hobble over to his horse. "O-oh my- You're Majesty, are you alright?" She gasped, though clearly he wasn't. "What happened… did something trip you?" She separated from the tree and rushed to his side.

"Oh wait… come here." She said, seeing how he looked at his horse. Riding with a hurt leg wasn't going to help the matter. She quickly moved over, gently taking his arm and placed it over her shoulders and wrapped her other arm around his waist. She helped him back over to the tree, sitting him down to lean back against it. "Where does it hurt?" She asked, thinking of what she could use to wrap it. Jessamine quickly jumped up and rushed to his horse, digging through the saddle bag until she found a handkerchief. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but this needs to be done…" She muttered and then ripped the cloth with her teeth into strips. She then came back over to carefully remove his shoe and began to wrap his foot. "It's probably best to just sit here and rest for a bit…" She suggested and then took a seat beside him.

[Ashen]

Maybe trying to ride hadn't been the best idea. Giuseppe allowed himself to be walked to the tree. He didn't like the look in Mary's eyes, as if she blamed herself for not noticing his injury sooner. "It is my own fault," he told her, and his childlike demeanor was gone. "I should not have attempted such a race knowing I was injured like this. Perhaps that root from earlier did more damage than I would like to admit." He slid down to the ground and tried to get comfortable. After a moment, playful Giuseppe was back. "It has won over my today, but it shall be a sorry opponent next time."

He didn't want her waiting on him. This was the least heroic way to end a game of tag, but then, did heroes even play tag? He watched her go to his horse to gather something, then watched in horror as she tore his handkerchief. "That is a cloth of House Ibeacia," he said quietly. "An esteemed cloth made by our finest..." The prince was too prideful of his house to be able to so easily ignore her ignorance. As she approached he saw that she had ripped right through the Ibeacian crest, and he gave a little gasp. Even if it was for his own benefit, he did not like ruining his castle's goods.

He figured he'd have to get over it, though. It was just a handkerchief--a beautifully made and detailed handkerchief of his homeland, but a handkerchief nonetheless. There could be hundreds more like it if only he said the word, and besides, she was doing it for his own good. "Thank you," he murmured. "I will be fine soon. Once I get back I will have it looked at, just to make sure. I need to be well for the gala." The gala he'd now be attending alone. The thought crossed his mind, that reminder. He'd be dancing alone, or worse, with the noble women of other kingdoms, and he still owed Mary a memento. What could he possibly give her? Anything he had of value would be in the bag attached to his horse. "You did win, but might I be able to take a rain check?"

[Midori-Hime]

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but I had to do something. I'l buy you a new one, if you wish…" She muttered softly, hoping he wasn't too upset with her. She smiled at him softly until he mentioned the gala again, looking out ahead of her at the clearing. "Oh, that's right…" She said quietly, thinking for a moment before she added. "What's the reason for such an occasion?"

However, his suggestion of a rain check caught her off guard. She pouted playfully, a little disappointed, but she'd only been joking in the first place so she couldn't be too upset. She gave a sigh, though it was only an act. "I suppose I could accept that… After all, it seems we weren't truly competing on equal footing, so to speak." She smiled a little at her unintentional play on words. She reached down then, picking some of the tiny flowers around her feet as they rested.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe looked away as he thought of the answer to her question. "I cannot say I remember," he admitted. "The excuse is probably some harvest festival or the changing of the seasons. The true reason, though, that is different. Mother and Father throw these parties to maintain good relations with other nations. It is certainly not my favorite chore, and it is that, a chore. Especially when all of the neighboring royals cruise in thinking they own my castle. Some of them, I swear, they have never heard of manners before. They are more barbarian than their own subjects. But alas, it is expected of the royal family to hold such celebrations. They are celebrations I could go without, but I have not much say in the matter."

He seemed apathetic, if not a little irritated, at the concept. Giuseppe would have loved a party, a party that did not have princesses decked in their best, expecting to leave with nothing less than his hand in marriage. He hated the lot of them, and he had no shame in admitting as much. The prince had hoped for a little sunshine to the day, a date to the gala, but he shrugged it off. There was no point settling on what he hadn't won, and there was always next time.

He turned to look at her, seeming to recall something she'd said. "Was that a pun?" he asked her, then chuckled lightly. "So you are a wordsmith, too? How ever did you have the misfortune of being a servant? With skills like yours, I am certain many would find more fitting jobs for you. Were your parents servants of your house as well?" He didn't understand it, how someone like her could wind up in such a lowly job. She could have been making her own money, but she was serving the house of a duke. Giuseppe wanted to know why.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine frowned a little, sensing how irritated he was at the idea. At least it didn't seem like anything special she would have to attend. And yet a part of her was rather disappointed she wouldn't see him so soon again. She had to tell him… she thought with dread. She had to tell him and the sooner the better, but how? Jessamine stared off distantly as she played the dialogue in her head over and over, trying to find the most delicate way to break it to him. However, his sudden question broke her away from her thoughts. Jessamine blinked and then smiled sheepishly.

Though the smile quickly fell from her face. "Well… My mother is still one of my parents' servants, but I've special duties to my mistress. I'll follow her where she goes. And even though my job isn't so glamorous as others, I'd like to think that we are best friends. I'd never want her to- …-to leave her." She said quietly, stealing most of Mary's background. But once she got to thinking about it, she wondered what Mary actually thought of her job, serving her mistress, and she hoped Mary still felt the same way out her after all these years. Would the day come where Mary would grow tired of her antics and decide to leave?

[Ashen]

Giuseppe wanted to know what kinds of special duties Mary might have to her mistress, but he didn't ask. In the way she spoke, she seemed so unsure of herself. Something was wrong, but he knew asking about it would make things even worse. Instead he was left to wonder at her drawn-out words, the flicks of her eyes. The thought that she may be lying did not even cross his mind.

The prince turned away and sighed. His ankle wasn't feeling much better, but he knew he would have to start heading back soon. Mary would need to return to her own house more than likely, and he didn't want to keep her long. Still, he wondered how much longer he could spend with her, how much borrowed time he could cash in. "Tell me, Mary," he said softly. "Your mistress and best friend, Lady... Oh, forgive me, I do forget her name. You have mentioned her a few times before. What is she like? What is it like having a best friend like that?" A stroke of sadness seemed to cross his eyes. "Is it like the stories say? Having someone on which you can depend no matter what the occasion? The only thing I have close to that is Violet, and there are many things I am duty-bound to conceal from her. Being a prince, I never went to the school in town, and while other children were busy frolicking on the streets I was in learning rules and mannerisms that mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. The servants, I only annoy them, I know. I have never been a very obedient boy. So tell me. Is having such a close companion all they say it is?"

When he looked back at her his green eyes were hopeful. He didn't seem embarrassed from his story, or his admittance of having so few friends. Princes, of course, were expected to have many acquaintances and few true friends. He couldn't help but be a little curious, and hearing Mary talk of her mistress made him want to know.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine looked up at him suddenly, curious to hear his question. However, she hadn't been expecting something like that. Her eyes saddened slightly as he spoke of his lack of friends, though she couldn't say she was surprised. Finding genuine friends as a noble wasn't easy. All the girls that her parents had tried to push on her as 'friends' were nothing but a bunch prissy busybodies. She couldn't stand any of them. Jessamine could only imagine what it must be like for the prince.

She didn't bring up her 'lady's' name, skipping over that little detail. "I have to say, I'm lucky to have found someone like her. I've never had much of a chance to make friends with others, besides the other servants, but my duty was always to serve my mistress. I'm just fortunate that she is someone I got along with so well. I don't know what I would have done with out her in my life. I probably would have gone crazy…" She said with a small laugh, staring off distantly as she recalled memories of their childhood. " I'm not sure what 'the stories say', but I feel blessed to have someone who I can confide in and who knows me better than I know myself sometimes." She said and then looked at him. She suddenly felt guilty, wishing she could tell the prince that she knew, at least a little bit, of what it was like. To reassure him that he wasn't alone. She looked down a little, knowing they would have to part ways soon. "Y-your Majesty…" She said suddenly, looking up into his eyes. Suddenly she lost all nerve. "… H-how's your foot feeling?"

[Ashen]

He listened to her talk of the relationship between her and her best friend, and Giuseppe couldn't help but smile. He was glad to see Mary had had someone to rely on. He imagined it wasn't easy, being a servant, unable to acquire the finer things in life. But at least she had a companion. He was sure that made everything easier.

But then she stopped and asked about his foot. He turned to it and shrugged a bit, not really wanting the focus of conversation to be his shortcoming. "It feels fine, thank you," he responded. She was probably reminding him because she needed to head home. Did they really have to part ways? Giuseppe slowly made it to his feet and put some weight on his ankle. Of course it still hurt, but he would be able to manage. "Under normal circumstances, I would offer to walk you home, but seeing as we have barbaric, bloodthirsty roots on the loose I shall have to find other means. Perhaps I can ride you home instead?" He motioned to his horse, grazing a little distance away. "I am sure he would not mind, and it is the best I can do for now." He gave a pathetic sort of smile. "Next time, I shall grant you your prize, and I shall win, rest assured. But... For now, I guess it is time to part ways, is it?"

[Midori-Hime]

She looked down a bit, realizing that it was getting late. She probably should have headed home sooner but she didn't care. Today was even more fun than their last meeting, and she didn't want to leave him now. She saw him stand, watching him carefully for any signs that he was hurting. It seemed like he would be fine after all. With a sigh, she stood as well, looking at him softly. Jessamine gave a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "That's quite alright, your Majesty. I shall look out for those dangerous roots."

She then blinked, wondering if a ride back would be alright. But as long as he dropped her off nearby, they wouldn't be seen. "I'll take you up on that offer…" She said, stepping over to him. She looked up into his eyes with a soft smile, a faint blush tinting her cheeks at his promise. "I will hold you to that, your Majesty." She teased and then looked down again, nodding. "Y-yes… I suppose it is." She couldn't help but be a little sad. "Do you need help to your horse?" She offered an arm then.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe took her arm and allowed himself to be lead to his horse. He moved to help her onto the steed but realized he would have the harder time mounting. So the prince, with only some difficulty, mounted his stallion and extended a hand to Mary to help her up. When they were both secured, they started out of the grove, back to the house of the duke.

It was too short a time before they arrived. Giuseppe halted his horse and looked over the manor. This was where they would have to part ways. He hopped off his horse, keeping himself steady by holding onto the saddle, and turned to help her. "Injury or not, I am gentleman enough to walk you to the door." He smiled brightly before kissing her hand and starting for the entrance, visibly limping. After only a few steps he stopped and turned back to his horse. "One moment, milady," he told her, and he made his way back to his horse. Taking one of the bags from the horse's saddle, he walked back to her and bowed. The prince looked through his bag for a moment, and, upon finding what he was looking for, he nodded. "About your rain check," he told her. "It turns out I know just what to give."

He hesitated before extracting a wooden instrument from his bag. It was worn from years of wear and tear, and had obviously been treated with care. In his hands was an ocarina, and he looked down at it with a love he'd never admit. "It is not much," he told her, though to him it meant the world. "Our blacksmith fashioned a new one for me, and I have little use for two. You are able to have my ocarina. Let it remind you of me. Perhaps some day I will be able to teach you how to play it." He held it out to her and smiled, though inside he was having doubts. The instrument in his hands had been his guilty pleasure as long as he could remember. While it was true he didn't need two, was it so easy to part with one? But as he looked at Mary he nodded. She had won fair and square, and what better gift for her than something he had loved so dearly?

[Midori-Hime]

She slipped down carefully with his help and blushed softly as he kissed her hand. It was just a respectful gesture among nobles, and yet when the prince took her hand, she found her heart beating quicker. Then suddenly her heart dropped. "O-oh no, that's not necessary Your Majesty, really- " She started before he suddenly turned back towards the horse. She watched curiously as he dug around his saddle back, tilting her head slightly.

The curiosity only grew more as he offered her prize. A soft gasp escaped her then, looking down at the small ocarina he'd played the first time they met. She knew it was a prized possession of his and by the look in his eyes, she should tell it was no simple trinket. No, she could see what it meant for him to give it away. And she was honored. "Oh no, your Majesty… It's more than I can accept…" She muttered, almost not wanting to take it from him. But then, knowing how much this gift meant, it might be an insult to reject it.

Her eyes lit up as he suggested teaching her how to play some day. Slowly she took it from him, cradling it to her chest. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I'll cherish it always…." She said. She stepped closer, looking down for a moment, a blush spreading over her cheeks. Then she met his eyes, putting a hand to his shoulder before she leaned in suddenly, planting a soft kiss on his warm cheek. It was a gentle, chaste kiss, yet it was more intimate than a simple gesture. The realization of what she was doing suddenly sank in and she pulled back suddenly, looking at him shyly before she turned and ran off towards the manor. She glanced back to him once more as she reached the yard, waving before she carefully climbed the wall and disappeared over the other side.

[Ashen]

The kiss was unexpected, yet so very lovely. Giuseppe could feel his face going hot as her lips met his skin. Perhaps his lust wasn't so unrequited. He had a big grin from them on, and as Mary ran off he waved to her, his goodbye. Only when she had disappeared did he compose himself enough to limp back to his horse and start the journey home.

When the prince finally returned to his castle the sun was beginning to set. He greeted the guards and stablehands he passed, who all noted his good mood. When he reached the stables he paused and looked down, wondering how he was going to make it all the way to the castle on his ankle. Eventually he managed, and once inside his castle a servant noticed him and helped him to the apothecary. While there he had his ankle looked at, and soon Violet joined him. "So?" she urged eagerly. "How was it? How was she? Oh Giuseppe you fool, what did you do to your foot?" Giuseppe told his sister about his day, about the way Mary had looked and the skill she'd displayed in tag and the way her eyes lit up when she accepted his ocarina. The princess seemed quite impressed at it all. "You gave her that old thing?" she asked, then paused. "Wait, you played tag with her, Giuseppe? Oh, she must think my brother is a total idiot. You are nothing but a child. Could you not have acted like a prince?" While the two bickered the apothecary chuckled softly, enjoying the tales of a young love.

Later that night, at supper Giuseppe could not stop smiling. His mother had commented upon it but did not ask, and instead talked to her daughter about the upcoming ball. The king would be returning just in time for it, which meant preparations would be starting soon. Not even that was enough to bring the prince down, who would tackle his chores with a new vigor. Even if Mary wouldn't be there, he'd be able to see her afterwards. Maybe then he would be able to secure his dance with her. Oh, the boy could dream.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine snuck inside as cautiously as she could. She'd gotten home rather late and unfortunately her parent's were already home. She quickly slipped into her room. Mary looked to her and jumped up. "Oh, Mistress! Where have you been!? You're mother's been asking for you and she wasn't falling for my excuses…" Jessamine frowned and quickly began to work out of her dress." Hurry, help me out of this… I'll think of something." Jessamine changed into a simple gown for the evening, stepping downstairs to meet with her mother.

She hadn't been expecting her to find her so soon and suddenly her arm was grabbed and she was yanked over to a chair. Jessamine gasped as she fell back into the chair, looking up at her mother with wide eyes. "Where have you been!?" Her jaw dropped, "I-I was just out in the garden Mo-"

"You're lying! I've had enough of this Jessamine… This is serious!" Her mother shrieked. She looked down with a frown. "You can't act like this anymore, do you understand me! We've got plans for you and I won't have you jeopardizing your chances any longer!" Jessamine looked up at her, confused. "What are you talking about…"

"In a week the royal family is having a ball, but it's the perfect opportunity for the King and Queen to find a bride for Prince Giuseppe." Jessamine paled as she realized what her mother was getting at. "Mother, no… I beg you-" "No?! How can you say that? What more could any woman want but to become queen some day?"

"No, I can't go-" "You can and you will. And you will not make a fool of us among the royals, do you understand me? That's the end of it!" Her mother then stormed away, rambling to herself about giving birth to such an unreasonable girl. Jessamine looked down and slowly returned to her room, her heart sinking in her chest. She stepped over to her vanity, sinking down into the chair and buried her face into her hands. "W-what am I going to do… I-I couldn't tell him. I t-tried but I just couldn't. And now when he finds out I lied-… in front of the whole court no less…" She turned to look at Mary, her eyes welling up with tears. Mary rushed over, putting a hand on her shoulder and stroked the hair out of her face with the other. "If you truly cares for you… He'll understand. I'm sure of it…" Mary smiled at her, trying to reassure her. Jessamine only hoped she was right.

[Ashen]

The royal family spent the next week doing all they could to make the castle spotless. Servants worked hard to ensure the floors glistened, the chandeliers sparkled. The royal family themselves were all doing their part, tidying where they could, practicing etiquette and eloquence, trying to keep out of the way. Once King Frederick had returned it seemed all free time was gone. Foreign affairs needed to be taken care of, and that alone was enough to keep House Ibeacia busy. It seemed there was not a minute of fun to be had, and the four of them worked diligently, though some more diligently than others.

Finally the day had arrived. "Prince Giuseppe," came a voice from outside his chamber. "It is time you wake, milord." Giuseppe rolled over in bed. "Prince Giuseppe?" they called again. "You need to prepare for the gala, sir. Your parents and your sister are already up." After still no response, the voice sighed. "I am coming in." At that Giuseppe got up. "No," he called, "I am up. I am going. Thank you." He let out a long groan. The gala. He had spent the last week preparing for this celebration he did not want, and now it was finally time to let the suffering begin.

His ankle was feeling much better, and he was able to run down the halls decked out in his most formal blues. The symbol of Ibeacia followed him on his flowing cape, and he loved how it flapped behind him as he ran. Twice he was told to stop running the halls, but he was late. The gala was going to be starting any minute, and he had done none of what his mother had told him to do. He was supposed to organize the great hall with all of the swords, and be at the gate to welcome the guests, and something else he could not remember. He sprinted to the hall and hastily swept up the swords he had been toying with most recently, put them in order of age, an order only he and his father really knew. He then took off for the gate, only to be stopped dead in his tracks by the queen of Ibeacia.

Giuseppe ran right into the woman, who had been carrying a silver tray. Luckily, she was able to maintain her balance. She glared at her son. "What are you doing, Giuseppe?" she asked. "Would you stop running in the halls? The servants have made them spotless, and if your boots scuff--"
"They will not, Mother," he assured. "I am sorry I am late, I was just--"
"Are you truly carrying a sword, Giuseppe? Put that away."
"But Mother, what if someone comes to attack us? How will we defend ourselves with all our weapons locked away in the hall? We need something to defend--"
"No one will attack us. That is what the guards are for. Son I do not have time to be arguing with you now. Get yourself prepared before--"
A voice interrupted the queen. "The first guest has arrived!" it rang out. "Lord and Lady Prestin of Juseau have come."
The queen cast her son one more look before scurrying off towards the kitchen.

Giuseppe did put his sword away, instead taking a dagger from their weaponry. This, he figured, would have to suffice in case of any dangers. He made his way back to the entrance of the castle, where a very annoyed Violet was waiting. "You are late," she whispered angrily. "I have greeted all of House Jusseau in your absence. What are you doing?"
Giuseppe looked up in time to see another family coming for the castle. "Oh, Vi, darling sister, I just remembered I left something in my room. Please, would you greet the next family for me?" Before she could protest he was off, trying to find his own ways of getting out of greeting the royal families. A room filled with nobles was the last place he wanted to be, and the less people he had to greet the better. He knew Violet would be mad at him later, but at least she was only one person. One princess, he could handle that.

[Midori-Hime]

Today was a solemn day as she got ready for the royal gala. She ran it over and over again in her mind… What he would possibly say when he found out who she really was… and how she would word her apology. Mary styled her hair, seeming to know what was on her mind and Jessamine had to give her credit for her effort to cheer her up. "What do you think Mistress… I think you should leave your hair down, but we should draw it back from your face?" Mary ran her fingers through the thick, golden curls, pulling the hair from her temple and pinning it back with diamond and sapphire hair pins.

Her off-the-shoulder gown was all silver with accents of the royal blue, The colors brought out her eyes and played well with her fair features. However, when it came to jewelry, she pulled out the opal necklace she had bought on that fateful day. She put it on herself, brushing her fingers over the gems as she looked at herself in the mirror. "Are you sure you want to wear that one my Lady… I'm not sure it matches." Jessamine shook her head. "Yes, it's just fine…"

She stood then, turning to look at herself in the full mirror. She wondering if the prince would still find her beautiful. "Hurry, or we'll be late!" Her mother called from the other side of the door. Jessamine turned to Mary and gave the servant a loving hug. "No matter what becomes of this evening, thank you for everything." She said, drawing back and holding her cheek. She then turned and hurried downstairs.

The carriage ride wasn't long enough and soon enough it pulled up to the palace. The driver helped the three of them out of the carriage and Jessamine followed her parents inside. The Duke liked to be fashionably late and by this time the hall was filled with nobles all across the country. Jessamine followed behind her parents quietly, greeting other nobles as she was introduced. Her mother seemed pleased with her obedient behavior. All the while she was keeping an eye out for the prince, her heart was racing.

Her father on the other hand, was on a mission to find His Majesty. This was it, there was no escaping it now. "Ah there he is. This way…" The Duke spoke up suddenly, guiding his daughter towards the Prince. Jessamine looked up, her eyes widening as he spotted him in the crowd. She stopped suddenly, unbeknownst to her Father who headed for the prince. Without thinking, she darted in the other direction, frantically searching for somewhere to disappear to. Quickly she found an open balcony, eagerly stepping out and gasping for fresh air. Her hand went to her chest, her fingers playing nervously with the necklace as she tried to calm herself down.

Duke Northlonde stepped up to Prince Giuseppe, bowing to him. "Good evening Your Majesty. May I introduce to you my daughter, Jessamine Evania Northlonde…" He gestured behind him, then turned to glance back at her, only to be surprised by her absence. "Jessamine?" He looked around, unable to spot her anywhere. He turned to back to the prince with a nervous laugh. "My apologies, it seems I might have lost her in the crowd…"

[Ashen]

Giuseppe had barely gotten out of the entrance hall when he was stopped by some noble. Trying to maintain his princely duties, he turned and bowed to greet the man. Duke Northlonde, he was ruler of Mary's house then? So they had arrived, and most likely without sign of their servant. He tried to hide his disappointment as he listened to the man. His daughter, of course. Why else would anyone want to see him but to send off their daughters with him? He did too poorly hiding his sigh. The duke seemed to have lost his own daughter, which only made him smirk the tiniest bit. Now, at least, it wouldn't look so bad if he turned them away.

But then a thought came to mind. This Lady Jessamine, she must have been Mary's mistress. He figured any friend of Mary's would easily be a friend of his, and he turned to the crowd. It was already filling up in there, and servants were trying to guide people into a larger hall between the staircases. Had she gone through the doors already? "I can help you seek her, Lord Northlonde," Giuseppe suggested. I will make the call to my servants to locate her, you wait here." He was already moving away by his last word, away from the crowds and off to meet the best friend of his beloved Mary.

After Giuseppe made the alert the Ibeacian servants scoured the greeting areas in search of the lady. He did not alert any of his relatives, who would only panic at the mention of a missing noble. While his own servants secretly searched for their guest, King Frederick made his way to the entrance hall. People were still arriving, so he would not greet them formally so soon. Instead, he made his way to his daughter, who greeted him with a low curtsy. "Where is your brother?" he demanded.
Violet cast a glance towards the stairs. "He said he needed to retrieve something from his chamber," she answered.
The king let out a low sigh. "One day," he said quietly. "One day that boy will act his age." He started off for the bedrooms, dangerously angered at his son's behavior. If Giuseppe didn't play his cards right, he'd be in trouble now.

Soon after a servant walked out onto the balcony. She was startled when she saw another girl there. "I'm terribly sorry!" she said quickly. "Do forgive me, I didn't think anyone would be out here. I only came to get some fresh--wait, are you Lady Jessamine? Oh I'm pronouncing it right, aren't I? Yes, you are, I know you are." A smile lit up the girl's face and she motioned back towards the castle. "The prince was looking for you. He says he really wants to meet you. I'm sure loads of girls inside would kill to be in your shoes right now. Shall I lead you to him?" She was only trying to help. The girl had no idea what trouble she was causing, and she innocently extended her arm for the lady to take.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine caught her breath eventually and wandered out to the railing, looking out over the city below. It was a splendid view and one that she might enjoy very much if under any other circumstance. She sighed, dropping her chin into her hands as she leaned over the stone wall. "Oh what am I going to do…" She whined. She knew she couldn't hide from the prince the entire night. Eventually she would have to face him.

Suddenly she heard a young servant girl apologize to her and she turned to look at her curiously. "Oh no, it's alright… I just-" She started to say before she heard the servant say her name. Jessamine frowned as she answered with a wary, "Yes…?" Her jaw then dropped and she paled a bit. "T-the prince is looking for me? Are you sure?" But of course, why wouldn't Giuseppe want to meet Mary's mistress? Jessamine then smiled awkwardly at the girl, giving her a nervous laugh. Oh yes, if only one of those girls would kill me right now… "N-no… no that's quite alright. I shall find him myself." She said quickly before ducking past her and going back into the hall amongst the crowd. Now she had to look out for the prince and her father. He really wasn't going to be pleased that she slipped away from him like that.

She ducked her head, trying to stick behind small groups of people as she made her way through the hall. She looked around frantically, watching for any sign of the prince or her parents. Though as she turned her head back the other way, she nearly walked into a servant carrying a large tray of hors d'oeuvres. She gracefully missed him though, but stepped back and bumped into something, or someone. "Oh, I'm so sorry-" She spoke as she turned and then froze, her eyes widening in horror. "…Y-your Majesty." She said quietly, feeling her heart drop into the pit of her stomach as she was met face to face with the prince finally. She stood frozen, not sure what to say or do, feeling her face flush and her heart race.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe stopped suddenly as he felt someone crash into him. He moved to catch the girl and was surprised to find a familiar face staring up at him. Her voice, her eyes, that shining necklace; it was her. His eyes widened in recognition, and soon a smile lit his face. "Oh," he said pleasantly. "I was not expecting you to be attending! Why, Mary, I am overjoyed!" He took her hand in his and planted a kiss on it. "If I had known you were coming I would have given a more formal greeting. I was just looking for your mistress, Lady Jessamine. Have you seen her?"

Giuseppe was too excited at the sight of her. He no longer had an agonizing night of royals to dread. Instead, Mary would be there to comfort him, to distract him, and he couldn't have been happier. That was perhaps the reason he didn't even notice the oddity in a servant's presence, or the way she was dressed quite differently than how a servant was supposed to dress. He didn't notice the way her hair was done, or the way she seemed to shine. He could tell she looked extremely beautiful that day, and he subconsciously assumed it to be due to the ball. Even servants were to look beautiful for a ball. Were he any less interested in her, he may have realized the inconsistencies, might have seen right through her.

She was spared of answering as a confident voice called out to Giuseppe. It was none other than his father, who only looked as gentle as he did because of the guests. Giuseppe turned to face him and immediately seemed to shrink. He awkwardly scratched at the back of his head, wondering how much trouble he had already gotten into. "Your mother tells me you have not delivered her menu to the kitchen staff," the king said. "We have not any desserts now. The staff has been waiting on that menu since yesterday, Giuseppe. What have you done with it?"
Giuseppe paused to think. He was quickly paling, and as he remembered the parcel his eyes fell. He had been given a paper, with a list of desserts the staff was to prepare. A list of desserts that was expected to be served after supper. A list of desserts that was completely misplaced.
"That was Violet's job, was it not?" Giuseppe cast a glance to Mary, trying to silently apologize to her. The king, in seeing his son's movement, looked over at the girl. "It was your job," he said under his breath. "Where are my manners? Lady Northlonde, it is a pleasure. I did not see your father come in. Oh, I will have to greet him. Please, make yourself at home." With another glare towards Giuseppe, King Frederick walked away, leaving the two alone in the crowded hall.

Giuseppe turned back to Mary with reddened cheeks. "Do forgive my father," he mumbled. "He knows not the times for such discussions. I do hope they find the menu soon enough." Though he knew full well it was his reason they'd lost it in the first place. He cleared his throat and met her eye again, then paused. His father had called her Lady Northlonde... Well, it was common for servants to take on the surname of their house, but lady? There seemed to be something off. "Are you well, ma'am? You look a tad pale."

[Midori-Hime]

She felt her breath catch as she saw the recognition in his face, but the smile surprised her completely. Jessamine looked a little bewildered as he didn't seem to notice anything wrong with her presence at the gala, in a formal gown no less. She swallowed hard as he asked about meeting Jessamine. "Y-your Majesty…" She was about to answer until the King suddenly came up to them, scolding Giuseppe for something she couldn't focus on at this moment. She was too horrified at her current situation. The king was sure to recognize her and she hated the idea that Giuseppe would learn the truth this way. And if Giuseppe were to call her out in front of the king… Oh, what had she gotten herself into.

Despite her inner turmoil, Jessamine bowed to the king politely. "Oh, yes, I believe he meant to, but we did not expect it to be so lively already. I'm sure he is looking for you at this very moment." She told him softly, though her heart wasn't quite in the act. Fortunately the prince hadn't spoke out yet. Perhaps he was just in too much shock to say anything until he father left. Though as Giuseppe continued on with the conversation as if nothing had happened, Jessamine looked at him in utter bewilderment. Oh, Giuseppe… Do you still not understand? She thought desperately, feeling her heart tighten. She heard him comment on her pallor but she ignored it. "Y-your Majesty… I have something I must tell you before-" Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up, her jaw dropped as he father stood there at her side. Jessamine cursed her luck. Surely now the truth would be out and she looked down, unable to meet the prince's eyes any longer.

"Oh Your Highness! I see you've managed to find my daughter after all. Very well then, I shall leave you two to get acquainted…" The duke said, obviously pleased as he moved back to stand with the duchess, smugly watching them from afar. Jessamine stood in silence, unable to look up at the prince. She wanted to tell him now, she wanted to explain everything and apologize, but Jessamine couldn't find the words...

[Ashen]

She was acting polite, a little too polite for a servant of a duke. She watched her address his father and speak to him more than he did, probably because she hadn't lived around him long enough to fear him. He was curious about what she'd said before the king arrived, that she had to tell him something. Giuseppe was starting to get a bad feeling in his stomach. Something was definitely wrong, and as he thought of the time they had spent together, he came to expect the worst. She had been faking all this time, and she wanted nothing more to do with him.

But then they were interrupted again, and Giuseppe gave a bow as the duke greeted them. His words didn't make sense; he hadn't found his daughter at all. But then Giuseppe turned to Mary as realization started to finally sink in. Normally such a perceptive man, and yet, he hadn't noticed what was right under his nose this whole time. The woman before him, decked in her very best, Mary... She wasn't a servant at all. She wasn't Mary. He was standing before Lady Jessamine Evania Northlonde, a woman he suddenly knew nothing about.

He stood still and dumbfounded for a moment, blaming himself for not seeing the signs. He should have known from the very beginning; why would a servant have such an impressive-looking necklace? Why hadn't he explored his suspicions further, ensured she was who she'd said she was? All the hesitation in talking about herself, in venturing to this very castle... It was because she did not want to get recognized. Even now, she had run from her father to avoid confrontation, to avoid seeing the man who had so easily fallen for her lie.

Devastation shrouded his features, darkening his previously illuminated eyes. All this time he had spent falling in love, and it had all been for what? For this woman to poke fun at him? Had she gone home laughing after they'd last parted ways, laughing at his misery and his blind faith? Why else would she go so long without mentioning that she was the daughter of a duke? He couldn't believe it, couldn't believe his naïveté, and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to go to his room and be alone. Instead of her presence making everything better, it had just made his day so much worse.

He looked her dead in the eye, his own an empty shell of the excitement that had once been there. "Jessamine," he said flatly, not even bothering to address her as lady. "If you would excuse me, I have a menu to locate." He did not bow to her, did not so much as smile, before he started away from her.

[Midori-Hime]

She dared to peek up at the silence, her hands at her side clenching the folds of her gown. She saw the empty, dark look in eyes were a moment ago there was so much light. Now her looked at her as if he didn't even recognize her. Jessamine's eyes then widened as he addressed her so curtly. He sounded so cold and it cut into her chest like a knife. She couldn't move, could barely even breath as he didn't even bow. He just simply turned and walked away from her, quite possibly for the last time. This moment had been worse than anything she'd feared… and she had only brought it on herself.

Jessamine stood there for a few moments longer, unable to move. Her parents looked on confused, whispering to each other. One could guess that the Duchess was badgering the Duke on what he could have possibly done wrong. Everything seemed fine until he'd shown up. Suddenly Jessamine was aware of the eyes on her and she turned away suddenly, wandering out into the gardens that were open to the party. However, since most were filing into the main hall at this time, the garden was growing empty. But that was just perfect for Jessamine, who just wanted to be alone. She eventually came across a stone bench and sank down onto it, staring ahead blankly. Mary had been right all along… but she hadn't listened. And now the prince would likely never talk to her again. Suddenly she could feel tears stinging her eyes, threatening to spill over as she placed a hand over her mouth. Her other arm wrapped around her middle, feeling like she was going to fall apart. How she wished she could just go back home and cry on Mary's shoulder. But she was stuck here… Oh, how was she going to endure this evening feeling like her heart was breaking… And with that thought, the tears spilled over and she covered her face, her body trembling.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe started away from everyone, hating the idea of being surrounded by such fake people. That's all nobility ever was, two-faced and overpaid snobs that were undeserving of the crowns atop their heads. He hated them, all of them, and Mary--Jessamine--she'd been no different. He'd been so stupid, so incredibly foolish, and now he was paying the price. It just figured, the only woman he'd ever had feelings for, and she was all he hated in a woman. She was fake. She was a liar, and he wanted nothing to do with her.

As the party went on Giuseppe spent his time trying to stay out of everyone's way. He did manage to find the menu--it had been tucked into the corner of the bedroom hallway, under a small table with a vase, meaning he'd probably dropped it while running through the halls. By the time he'd brought it down to the kitchen staff it was too late; they had already begun preparing an entirely new menu. With a sigh Giuseppe crumpled the paper and threw it aside. Nothing was going his way. As he stood, angered and hurt, away from the crowd, Giuseppe wondered if facing his father's consequences would be more pleasant than facing this party.

The princess of Ibeacia, on the other hand, was enjoying greeting all who entered her home. When she was sure there would be no more guests she joined everyone in the great dance hall, tried mingling with some of the nobles. Her eyes scanned the crowd for any cute princes or lords she could dance with, then checked for princesses and ladies she could swap gossip with. When she did stop dancing she went to check on her brother, but upon finding him gone once again, she gave up on him and decided to enjoy the night for herself.

After some time the music was stopped and everyone was called in for supper. The royal family and their servants led their guests to the grand dining hall beyond the dance hall, where there were enough seats to fit everyone that had come. As people were being seated, Violet was told to make sure everyone was aware of supper. So she started away from the dining hall, rounding up people from the entrance hall and dance hall, then making her way outside to the gardens. She wasn't expecting anyone to be out there, but in the event someone had gone out for fresh air, she checked anyway. The princess was surprised to see a woman there, even more so to find her weeping. This certainly had not been part of her duties, but she stopped anyway and called to this woman.

"Um, hello? Are you well?" A stupid question; of course she wasn't. Violet tried to get a look at the girl, find out who she was and why she was all alone. "Is something upsetting you, ma'am? Please, if there might be anything I would be able to do. Um. Supper is being served. Our servants are excellent chefs, all of them, the best in the nation. Perhaps their food would cheer you up?" She didn't really know what to say, but at least she was trying.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine jumped at the voice and she quickly turned her head away, frantically wiping the tears from her eyes. Not that it would be enough to hide that fact that she'd been crying. She sniffed a little, "Y-yes… I'm just fine-" She started, glancing at the young woman and suddenly recognizing her. "O-oh, Your Majesty." She flushed, embarrassed to be caught like this by Giuseppe's younger sister of all people. She then tensed, wondering if the young woman would remember her from before. But then again, it had only been for a moment and she didn't seem to know her now. "Oh, thank you for your concern… B-but I won't be attending supper." She said solemnly. She couldn't even imagine having to sit through dinner with her parents questions the whole time.

She shivered a little, wiping her eyes again to catch the tears before more could fall. "Y-you should hurry inside though. I'll be just fine." She said, flashing her a smile though it was obvious by her eyes that she was falling apart at the seams.

[Ashen]

"You are fine?" Violet's voice was laced with disbelief, and she placed a fist on either hip. "It is very frowned upon to lie, milady, and even more so to a princess. I do not believe you for an instant." As she watched her, she seemed to remember something. "Lady Jessamine?" she asked, then nodded. "Yes, I remember that necklace. I greeted you just a bit ago. You seemed uncomfortable then, too. Oh, was Giuseppe not looking for you? He tries to hide these things but he cannot hide anything from--oh."

The tears, the solitude, it made sense. Violet was quick to put everything together. Something had happened, something involving her brother, and it had resulted in a missing prince and a sobbing lady. "Oh," she repeated, and she was paling trying to think of what he might have said this time. This was commonplace; the castle would throw balls like this, in which some noblewoman would try for Giuseppe's hand, and he would downright insult them to tears. Violet let out a long sigh and moved to place a hand on the taller woman's shoulder. "He is a fool," she told her. "My brother is nothing but a fool. Please know he did not mean whatever it was he said. It was nothing personal, really." She tried to give a sympathetic smile. "Is there anything I can do for you to make you feel better? I do apologize for my idiot brother's behavior, he is just... Just a big old child."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine only frowned, though as the princess scolded her for lying, she suddenly went pale, wondering if somehow she'd learned of her lie to Giuseppe. Though it seemed it was only her guilty reaction to princess Violet's choice of words. "No, he's not looking for me…" She whispered, looking down at her feet until Violet uttered something, not once but twice.

Curiously Jessamine looked up at her, shivering at the comforting touch to her shoulder. The princess's misconception only made her heart sink further. "N-no… I-I'm the fool. This is all my fault." She whimpered finally, standing suddenly. She took a few steps, her arms wrapped around her middle. "I lied to His Majesty… I'm the one who hurt him," She confessed, but quickly added, "But I-I never meant to-" She turned to Violet sharply, hoping she wouldn't become angered at her as well, for hurting her brother. "I-I promise… I didn't mean for any of this. I was a coward… I should have told him the truth the first time. B-but now he won't even look at me again…" She gasped, looking away as she felt the tears coming back. "What have I done…" She whispered, wiping at her eyes.

[Ashen]

This woman's words were confusing her. She had been the one to hurt Giuseppe? Well that was a new one. Violet cocked her head to a side, trying to understand. Her brother was a lot of things, and she could choose every word with a negative connotation to describe him, but easily offended was far from that list. Giuseppe could take criticism like a champion; it was very unlike him to get hurt to the point he escaped the entire situation. "What could you have possibly done...?" she asked Lady Jessamine. "I am certain it was not your words to offend him so."

But then something clicked. Lady Jessamine looked like the noble she was, but there was something about her. "You have been to this castle before," Violet said quietly. Of course she had, and it was the princess's fault for not noticing sooner. She had been in this castle, and to the great hall of swords, and to the apothecary. She had seen her anger her brother, and had seen him decked in what Violet had thought to be perfect dating attire. This girl was the one Giuseppe had brought home that day more than a week prior, the girl he'd been talking about ever since. This was the girl he had fallen in love with. And she had lied to him, hurt him more deeply than Violet could ever remember.

Realization crossed her green eyes as they searched the woman's face, as if her lie, like a scarlet letter, would be so clearly visible. "What did you do?" she asked. "How did you lie? Gods, you do not love him, do you? And you led him on, is that it?" She took a step back, looking shocked and horrified. "I understand not liking him. Most women of our stature do not. But to lead him into thinking you do, that is such a horrendous sin. Please, what did you tell him?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine's eyes widened as the princess suddenly seemed to recognize her. She couldn't meet Violet's eyes. However, as the princess accused her of lying about loving Giuseppe, Jessamine looked about as horrified as Violet. "N-no, No! It's not like that-" She gasped, taking a step after the princess desperately. "The day he brought me to the castle, I had disguised myself as a commoner… J-just to sneak out of the house. I lied and told him I was a servant because… W-well a noble dressing up as a servant, you can imagine-" She confessed finally, letting out a heavy sigh as she looked downward.

"I never meant to hurt him. I wanted to tell him the truth so many times, but I just didn't know how. I was afraid of what he'd think of me but… I guess now I know…" She said quietly, sounding utterly broken hearted. "A-and now I've lost the only man I've ever cared about…" Jessamine whispered, more to herself than to Violet. The thought brought fresh tears to her eyes.

[Ashen]

Violet could not stand watching the woman cry. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to understand the situation. "You snuck out in a commoner's dress, and met with my brother, who almost immediately fell in love with you, fickle as he is." She hesitated, then turned to face the castle once more. Would her parents notice both their children missing from the dining table? Figuring the task at hand was far more important, she turned back to Lady Jessamine, ideas forming in her mischievous mind.

Violet cleared her throat. "But you do care about him," she said, and her voice indicated no question. She was careful not to say love; she figured it was too early for that. But there was something there between the two. The princess had seen it in her brother, in how he spoke of this girl he had met, in how his gleaming green eyes sparkled, and she could see it now in this woman, who was worried to tears she had hurt the prince so deeply. Violet shook her head, and her long black braid whipped with her. "I think you should tell him that," she said softly. "That you do care. My brother may be a prejudiced fool, but he does not hold onto those grudges forever. True it may be that he hates nobles, I do not believe for a moment he hates you."

She turned to go back to the castle but paused and threw her head over her shoulder. "My brother is probably in his room, if you would care to talk to him alone, away from everyone. It is along the hall to the left, upstairs. Second door on your right. There would be a servant standing guard, of course, but... Well, this is just a little secret between you and me, but just tell her mulberries. It is, well, a password between us. She would know I sent you, then. If you do wish to enjoy supper at all tonight, I will save a portion for you in the kitchen." Violet turned to face her, her green eyes smiling. "I do wish you the best of luck."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine turned her head to look back at the princess, her eyes widening. Did she just say the prince had fallen in love with her? Though once the shock wore off, it only made her feel worse if that were true. She then nodded at Violet's question. "Y-yes… I do." She said sincerely, hoping the princess would believe her. She wasn't sure if she could say that she was in love with the prince, but if nothing else, the way she felt right now proved that she did truly care for him. She cared a lot for him. However, the princess's suggestion made her jaw drop. "B-but I don't think he'll even look at me right now-" She started, until Violet told her where she could find the prince… alone.

She listened to the princess's instructions, a tiny smile appearing on her face. "T-thank you, Your Highness. You're too kind…" She said softly, watching the young princess fondly. But for being so young, she seemed wise. Jessamine decided that she would do as the princess suggested. She didn't want to leave things as they were without telling him the truth from her own lips. And if the prince still didn't wish to speak with her, then she would just have to accept that. Once the girl disappeared from sight, Jessamine wiped her face and straightened out her gown before heading back inside.

She snuck through the hall carefully, worried one of the guards might stop her from wandering away from the gala. Quickly she went up the stairs, then paused to look for the door that would lead to Prince Giuseppe's room. Just as Violet had said, there was a servant waiting just outside the door. "Excuse me…" She said softly, getting the servant's attention. "I'd like to speak with His Highness… I was told to tell you… uh.." Jessamine stumbled, wondering if she should just say it. Would it sound awkward? "Um, mulberries?" She whispered finally, hoping it would work like the princess suggested. The woman then gave her a knowing smile and nodded, stepping aside. She stayed close, but gave them some distance. Jessamine then fidgeted for a moment, fixing herself up. Unfortunately her eyes were still a bit puffy and red from crying. With a deep breath, she knocked on his door firmly, but then spoke softly. "Y-your Highness? It's Lady Jessamine." She looked at the door, hoping he was listening. "Can I have a word with you? Please, I just want a moment to explain myself… and then I promise I will leave you alone if that is your wish." She bit her lip, her hand resting on the door as she anxiously waited for his answer.

[Ashen]

There was a slow tune coming from behind the prince's door. The soft and sad tones filled the air, a gentle ballad, a lonely song. His new ocarina, of course, sounded perfect, and he would send his compliments to the smith later, but that was hardly on his mind now. Giuseppe was doing a terrible job of concealing his music; it seemed, in the moment, he had forgotten to care. There was a pause in the music, a sad silence, and that was when he heard it. Someone was at his door. No, she was at his door.

He didn't know how she'd gotten past the servants to get to his chamber, but that did not matter. She was here, and she wanted to explain herself. What was left to explain? She'd lied to him, about everything, and all of their time together was for naught. But it was hardly knight-like to send away a crying damsel in distress. Placing his duties as a man of chivalry over his duties as a man of heartbreak, Giuseppe walked over to the door and opened it.

He looked a lot better than she did. Giuseppe looked much like he had before he'd met with her, though his cape had been cast aside. All of the enthusiasm in his face had been crushed, and he looked on at her with a dead expression. He was absently fiddling with the ocarina in his hands, waiting for her to say something. The tears in her eyes, the ghosts down her face... What reason had she to cry? She didn't care; if she did, she would not have lied to him in the first place. It wasn't making sense to him, but he hardly wanted to find out more. "What is it?" he asked, and his voice was cold. "What is it you want to say to me now?"

[Midori-Hime]

The cold tone in his voice sent a chill down her spine and she looked down, unable to meet his eyes. "Mary… is the name of my servant. The day we met, in the market, I dressed up as a commoner so that I could sneak out of the house. I ran into the Crown Prince of Ibecia and I panicked. I didn't want my parents to find out. And then we spent time together, and I got to know you, and I wanted to tell you… some many times. B-but I was afraid of what you would think of me. I-I never meant to hurt you, I promise." She said solemnly, hoping that he would understand. Finally she dared to look up into his once warm green eyes. "I may have lied to you about what I am, but who I am… You've always known that, Your Highness. You're the only one who knows the real Jessamine… Well, besides Mary, perhaps…" She said sincerely, looking into his eyes desperately.

However, she quickly dropped her gaze and then bowed to him. "I-I'm very sorry if I've hurt you. I just… hope you can forgive me." She added quietly, keeping her head bowed. That was it, she had said her piece and she only hoped that he might forgive her. Though even if he did, it didn't mean that things would go back to the way they had been. But she wished with all her might that they would… Her hands that had been folded at her front clenched at her gown, waiting anxiously for his reply.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe listened to her story, patiently waiting for her to finish. When she did there was an intrusive silence between them. He was trying to sort things through, but it was all so much. Everything was just a misunderstanding. He shouldn't have been mad; what choice did she have? She probably wasn't anticipating seeing him ever again after telling him her name, or the name of her servant. He had hardly probed her, and he had taken that lie so easily that he didn't think to give her a chance to explain herself. But all of this, who she was, how did he know that wasn't fabricated as well?

She looked like she might cry again, or run off to never be seen again. He could stop at least one of those. Giuseppe grabbed her hand in his, forcing her to stay with him. The soft hands of a noble; why hadn't he noticed that before? He let out a large sigh, and the smallest of smiles appeared on his face. "I do not know," he told her. "I could forgive you for planting such a killer root in my way, but this? Just how many times do you intend to have me forgive you? And then you come all the way to my own chamber to tell me this. Trespassing in my halls, in my own quarters... These are grave crimes indeed. What is to stop me from executing you right here?" He seemed to consider this, then nodded. "Ah, right," he concluded. "I can hardly get blood on my party wear, now can I?"

His smile was back, albeit a lot smaller and duller than before. The prince sighed again, and his expression soon faded. "In all seriousness," he continued, his tone a lot more level, "I suppose I have some apologizing as well to do. I allowed myself to form a single view of you, and I fell in love with who I believed you to be without even realizing you were not. I fell too hastily, and I now pay the price. I have learned my lesson, and trust that it will never happen again." He looked down to the ocarina in his hands and paused. "My old ocarina," he said quietly. "I... I gave that to a woman I cared about. Whether she was Mary or Jessamine or whoever, she was the woman I had enjoyed my time with. Of that, I have no regrets." He met her eye again. "Before me is a stranger, you realize. I know not what details are false. I do, however, know that this stranger can handle herself better than any woman I have ever met, and this stranger is an... unexpected champion in the respected art of tag."

He was smirking now, and it looked like the old prince was making his way back. His smile seemed unsure though, as if scared to touch the fire again. "I may not know a lot about you, milady, but I have witnessed the parts no one can lie about. I was a fool to call my emotion love, but perhaps... Perhaps I would not turn down an offer of getting to know this daughter of Duke Northlonde." He looked behind her then, shifted a bit. "Perhaps we can start downstairs," he suggested. "I... I do think our fathers will be most unhappy with us if we do not join them for supper." He set his ocarina on a tall dresser by the entrance to his room, then extended a hand for her to take. It was his way of trying to move on, and though he would be much more wary of the girl, he at least was giving her a chance. Giuseppe didn't want to say goodbye to this girl just yet, and though she had hurt him, he thought maybe she still would make an alright date for his gala.

[Midori-Hime]

A soft gasp escaped the lady as the prince took her hand, and slowly she raised her head to look at him in wonder. She didn't know what to make of the sigh, but the small smile filled her heart with hope. The beginning of his sentence sent a wave of doubt through her, but that quickly changed as it seemed to be a joke. She was still too wary to assume she had been forgiven just yet. A small, hesitant smile pulled at her own lips then. "No, I don't think that would do. Your guests might not be too pleased…"

She was glad that the mood had seemed to lighten a bit, though she could see that Giuseppe's smile was just a glimmer of what it once was, when they had been together. Though just as quickly as it had come, it fell away again and Jessamine found her smile fading as well. She listened carefully, surprised that the prince would suggest he had any reason to apologize. And when he spoke of falling in love, her deep blue eyes widened, feeling her chest tighten. Her gaze fell slowly, worried that perhaps it was too late after all and she had lost her chance for love. Her eyes fell to his ocarina, until he continued to speak. Slowly she smiled, looking up to meet his eyes once more.

She could't help but smirk. "And you better not forget it, Your Highness." She teased lightly, though there was still a bit of wariness. She didn't want to assume too much and upset the prince any further. Suddenly her eyes widened, hoping that his words meant that he would give her a second chance, give Jessamine a chance. Jessamine then nodded to the prince. "Y-yes, I'm sure you're probably right. "She agreed. She could only imagine the fit her parents were going to have now that she'd gone missing twice. She waited for him, then blinked, looking to his hand for a moment in surprise before she took it gently. She couldn't help but smile, relief washing over her. Though this didn't mean she was completely forgiven, she could see that the prince was trying and she would not mess this up again.

[Midori-Hime]

A soft gasp escaped the lady as the prince took her hand, and slowly she raised her head to look at him in wonder. She didn't know what to make of the sigh, but the small smile filled her heart with hope. The beginning of his sentence sent a wave of doubt through her, but that quickly changed as it seemed to be a joke. She was still too wary to assume she had been forgiven just yet. A small, hesitant smile pulled at her own lips then. "No, I don't think that would do. Your guests might not be too pleased…"

She was glad that the mood had seemed to lighten a bit, though she could see that Giuseppe's smile was just a glimmer of what it once was, when they had been together. Though just as quickly as it had come, it fell away again and Jessamine found her smile fading as well. She listened carefully, surprised that the prince would suggest he had any reason to apologize. And when he spoke of falling in love, her deep blue eyes widened, feeling her chest tighten. Her gaze fell slowly, worried that perhaps it was too late after all and she had lost her chance for love. Her eyes fell to his ocarina, until he continued to speak. Slowly she smiled, looking up to meet his eyes once more.

She could't help but smirk. "And you better not forget it, Your Highness." She teased lightly, though there was still a bit of wariness. She didn't want to assume too much and upset the prince any further. Suddenly her eyes widened, hoping that his words meant that he would give her a second chance, give Jessamine a chance. Jessamine then nodded to the prince. "Y-yes, I'm sure you're probably right. "She agreed. She could only imagine the fit her parents were going to have now that she'd gone missing twice. She waited for him, then blinked, looking to his hand for a moment in surprise before she took it gently. She couldn't help but smile, relief washing over her. Though this didn't mean she was completely forgiven, she could see that the prince was trying and she would not mess this up again.

[Ashen]

Slowly and silently they made their way to the dining hall. All eyes were on them, and Giuseppe was very painfully aware of that. He tried not to attract anymore attention and took his seat at the table, first seating Jessamine beside him. Whispers traveled like wildfire around the hall: He's sitting with her? Who is she? Is that the duke's daughter? Has the prince finally chosen a woman to marry? Giuseppe was trying not to notice them, and he called a servant over to fetch food for Jessamine and himself. Besides the heartbreak and the rumors and the people staring at him, it was a pretty perfect night.

And who better to ruin his night than the smirking princess next to him? Violet nudged her brother in the side and looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. "Has my brother a date?" she asked, which only made the man anger. "That is my business, Violet," he told her. "And no, she is not." Violet swayed in her seat, making a sarcastic mhmm sound. Giuseppe looked about to protest but the princess spoke first. "Father is quite angered with you," she told him. "I shall look forward to the lashings he will deliver after the party!" Before the prince had a chance to reply Violet had already turned around and was talking to some noble child around her age.

The prince let out a sigh and turned back to Jessamine, wondering just how much of that she had heard. His father was one to be feared, and he could not tell if his sister had been lying about the lashings. If anything, Giuseppe just knew he liked it around the castle a lot more when his father was away. "My apologies," he said to Jessamine. "I am certain you understand the pressure fathers place on their children. Yours has been watching us for a while now." He smile at her and turned away, making sure Duke Northlonde did not see him watching him. "Oh, here is the servant with our food now."

The servant set a tray of food before the prince, then one before Lady Jessamine. She bowed on her way out, but she seemed to linger the tiniest bit, as if trying to figure out what was between the two. Everyone else seemed to be staring at them less, too, which Giuseppe was thankful for. "I do hope the meal is satisfactory," he told her, then turned to face her. He paused for a moment, then spoke with a slight curiosity. "Why do you not tell me about what your life is really like, Lady Jessamine? I am interested to know."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine could feel all the eyes on them and she tried to keep her head high and ignore the looks, however, her heart was still pounding. However, she was just as surprised as the other guests as Giuseppe seated her beside him. She sat down, trying not to make eye contact with anyone, worried what she might see. Her parents who had been squabbling just moments ago were now silent, watching closely.

Jessamine looked up suddenly though when the younger princess joined them. She couldn't help by smile, knowing what Violet had done for her. She would have to find something of adequate value to repay the princess's kindness. She would have to fill the prince in later… Jessamine looked to Giuseppe a little surprised suddenly, hoping that the warning had only been to tease. Though she was no stranger to lashings herself. Jessamine looked to him with slight concern, though she nodded in reply, daring to glance over at her parents who were suddenly all smug. "Yes, I'm sure they are quite pleased with themselves that their daughter is seated next to the Crown Prince of Imbecia. As if they had anything to do with it…" She huffed quietly, but was quickly distracted with their meals.

She forgot about the crowd and focused only on the prince and what he had to say. Jessamine blushed suddenly at his question and nodded. "W-well… Everything that I had said about my Mistress, was actually about Mary, the real Mary. And it was all true. I consider her my dearest friend and I'm sure she would make a much proper, well-mannered lady than I ever would." She said with a smile. "She's very bright, and if I had only listened to her advice… my evening might have started out very differently." She added, looking down a bit, still ashamed of her lie. "My mother has been trying to force my hand in marriage for months now, so I'm sure she is just beside herself with joy that I'm seated with you. My father just goes along with whatever she dictates." She sighed softly as she ate. "I don't care anything for titles, manners, or high society… I would be much happier spending my days playing tag in a field or climbing trees." She said softly, looking up at him with a warm smile.

[Ashen]

He let out a soft chuckle at her comment about her parents, then shook her head. "They had something to do with it," he reasoned. "If not for your father losing you in the first place, I think I would have hardly known who you really were." He waved it off and picked at his food, listening to her speak of her family and best friend. Forcing her hand in marriage... The prince knew how that felt. "Most annoying, I know," he sighed. "My parents have been urging me to be wed for... years, now. Their marriage was arranged, you understand, but they thought to give me a choice. Well, until they determined I was taking too long. They gave me until my twentieth birthday before they would force a bride to my lap. My time is ticking--I have only a few months now--but I just cannot be bothered. They expect me to marry some princess or another, some prissy little wench who only knows how to smile and bite her tongue. That is nothing like the woman I would like to marry."

He turned away from his food, scanning every person in the room. All the woman pretended to not be watching him. He could spot some princesses and nobles he'd met before, and some he'd offended before. They were unwelcome in his castle, but his parents, too concerned with maintaining foreign relations, did not pay attention to their son's desires. He turned back to Jessamine, a smile upon his lips. "I am the same," he told her. "These high titles of these overexaggerated dolls, they mean nothing to me. In fact..." His eyes looked around, checked who was listening, before he leaned into her. He spoke in a quieter tone, one that only she would be able to hear. "Some months ago, the princess of Gravein, our neighbor across the western ocean, she was scheduled to meet with me. Our parents all wanted us to be wed in the hopes that the two nations could become much closer than in years past. I took one look at her and laughed out loud. She was a terrible woman, so fussy and easily offended. She spoke to me of her beauty, and how I would be lucky to have a wife that looked so goddess-like. I told her I doubted goddesses were so poorly endowed, how she had the tiniest I had seen..." Giuseppe stopped to laugh to himself, then shook his head. "She did deserve it, bragging about a beauty that was not hers. Oh, but permit me to tell you, I got quite the lashing that day. My parents simply do not understand my brash comments. Similar instances have occurred." He paused in thought for a moment, then smiled. "I have not seen that woman since," he told her. "Last I heard, she was going to be wed to some nobleman who had less regard for others than even she."

"What are you talking about?" Violet poked her head behind the two, having noticed them speaking quietly to each other. "If it is the kind of conversation held behind closed doors, I would remind you you are at our dining table." Giuseppe jumped at his sister's voice, then sighed angrily. "Have you not some friends to chat at? Must you really annoy us? Be gone with you, please." Violet didn't budge. Instead she looked over at Jessamine and smiled brightly. "Will this finally be my sister-in-law?" Giuseppe got up from his seat and went to grab the princess, but she was too quick. She ducked out of his grasp, and scurried away laughing. Giuseppe sat back down, excusing himself. "Violet is just being a child," he sighed. "Please, think nothing of her words."

Though he was having a hard time following his own advice. Of course the idea had crossed his mind. This Jessamine, she was not the commoner she had claimed to be. She was a noble, someone his parents would be proud of. If they were to be wed, they would both have the unorthodox sort of lover they had dreamed of, with their parents satisfied. But Giuseppe had to stop thinking that. He barely knew the girl, and he could not trust her again so easily. Still, playing tag and climbing trees... Those sounded like better dates to him than anything his royal name could buy him.

[Midori-Hime]

She supposed he was right, but she didn't want to give her parents any credit. No, she really owed her thanks to Violet, though she had a feeling the prince wouldn't be too pleased to hear that. However, she brushed it off, listening to him speak of his parent's plans to marry him off. She felt a slight squeeze in her chest at that thought of Giuseppe marrying some princess, but she pushed it away. No it was too soon for thoughts like that. And it seemed Giuseppe felt the same.

She continued to eat, daring to look up at some of the other guests in the room, recognizing some of the envious looks. Quickly she looked back at the prince. She smiled at him, happy to hear that he shared her opinion. She never thought she meet another noble who felt the same as she did, let alone someone of royalty. She smiled as he leaned in, listening closely to his story. Her eyes widened as he told her what he had said to the princess and her jaw dropped, looking to him in shock before she covered her mouth with a hand, stifling her laugh.

"Once I had a suitor, perhaps he was the son of a Marquis, I don't remember. My parents had him over for dinner when he went on about how he was pleased with my 'good breeding' and then suggested that I had the physic for bearing his children. 'Good breeding'" She mocked his tone once again," …speaking about me like I was a horse or some sort of livestock? So I dumped my entire glass of wine on his head." She said matter-of-factly, seeming quite proud of herself. "He was so outraged he didn't even stay long enough for the servants to clean him up. My mother wasn't too pleased and well, I couldn't sit right for the next three days…" She said, ending her own story.

As Violet popped up again, she smiled at the young princess, finding it amusing how she loved to tease her brother. Though her suggestion that Jessamine might become her sister-in-law brought a red tint to her cheeks. Finally Giuseppe chased her away, but Jessamine couldn't help but smile. "Oh, don't be so hard on her, Your Highness… In fact, if it wasn't for her… I probably would have never found the courage to face you again. And then where would we be?" She said, though she didn't want to dwell on that. She looked down at her plate, suddenly aware of quickly her night had completely turned around. It was enough to make her head spin, really. But she couldn't be happier in this moment, now that she had a second chance to truly get to know the prince.

"Though I suppose now we won't have to sneak around anymore… We don't have to spend time together in secret, and I'm sure my parents wouldn't be opposed to us visiting more often." She said, looking to him softly.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe did not bother to stifle his laughter at her story. He laughed out loud, causing a few glances his way. He couldn't be bothered. "That is marvelous," he told her. "And he damn well deserved it! Of good breeding..." He shook his head, still laughing lightly. "I know all about the doltishness of royals. They are a lot of fools, I am sure..." He was still smiling at her joke as he looked to his own drink. "Perhaps I shall try that approach on the next noble to one-up me in my own castle."

He cocked his head when she mentioned Violet, curious as to what his mischievous little sister had done. "We would be... alone and hungry, I imagine," he offered. "How did Violet help in such matters? Did you speak with her?" He scanned the crowds for her, but the princess had already found a way to escape. "What has that little imp done to you?" Turning back to her, he gave a soft shrug of his shoulders. "I cannot say I mind it though, whatever she did. You are smiling now. I think all is well, would you not say?"

She had a point; they'd be able to halt their secret rendezvouses and replace them with more open outings. No one would comment about the prince being with a noblewoman. They were free to go as they pleased, which would mean getting to know her, the real Jessamine, would be so much easier. "Shame," he murmured. "I quite liked the allure of our secret meetings. Perhaps those do not have to be done away with entirely. That is, if I can get my sister to keep her mouth shut. She finds out about everything, that one..." He chuckled softly again just thinking about it. If he would be able to get to know her better, without sneaking around, and without his parents' disappointment on his shoulders, perhaps it wasn't a bad night. Everything that had happened was starting to make a turn for the better. It was a pleasant surprise, one that might even make up for having his heart broken.

[Midori-Hime]

His laugh was contagious and she found herself laughing along with him, earning a few more stares, but she paid them no mind. She was glad to see him laughing and it warmed her heart. She then nodded as he mentioned Violet. "Well, when she came across me she was quite kind to try to cheer me up. I told her… what had happened and she suggested that I should confront you with the truth. She told me where I could find you, and how to slip past the maid so that we could talk."

She smiled to herself and then nodded. "Yes, I believe I owe her my gratitude." She said, glancing around the room for a moment, also looking for the princess. Jessamine finished with her meal and sipped at the wine. "So what is after dinner?" She asked curiously, though she wasn't sure if he would even know.

[Ashen]

He paused for a few minutes, trying to think of a reason why Violet would help either of them. He automatically assumed the girl would want something later, and he sighed just thinking of the tea parties he'd now have to attend. Still, a few tea parties was hardly a price to pay to watch this woman smile and laugh. Even if she wasn't Mary, she was still the same woman Giuseppe had feelings for, and to see her enjoying herself warmed the prince's heart, too.

"After supper?" he asked, then noticed her plate had already been emptied. "That would be dessert," he answered her, just as a servant came scurrying to clear away their plates. "What have we for dessert, Magdalene?" The servant looked up at Giuseppe, as if surprised he had remembered her name, but quickly averted her gaze. "We've made chocolate cake and vanilla pudding, Your Highness, though if that's not to your satis--" Giuseppe cut her off with a wave of his hand. "You always do fabulously with our desserts. Please bring us some, would you?" He watched her bow and speed off. "Chocolate cake," he murmured. "It certainly has been a while. You will love their cake, Jessamine, I promise."

He turned to face her again while they waited for their dessert. Absently he toyed with one of the forks on the table. "Afterwards," he went on, thinking. "There will be more dancing, more mingling, you know how these affairs go. To end there will be the grand dance. Our band will play a slow tune, and all of the couples are supposed to dance a slow, passionate dance. Or, if you are more like me, you hide in the privy and hope no one notices your absence." The slow dance had always been his least favorite part of these parties, but he had to stop to think about this one. "Well," he said quietly. "Unless, that is, you would care to dance with me."

[Midori-Hime]

She smiled at the idea. She was quite satisfied with her meal, but if she was being honest, she still had room for dessert. She watched him call a servant over, watching the way he interacted with the woman. She'd seen so many nobles and royalty treat their servant's like dirt, but Giuseppe was just as polite as he would be with anyone else. It was reassuring. Just when Prince Giuseppe seemed too good to be true, he still continued to surprise her. It only made her more thankful for second chance she was given.

Jessamine smiled at him, a small thrill going through her as she heard him say her name, her real name. She liked the way it sounded coming from his lips. She nodded as he listed off the rest of the events for the evening. Yes, she'd been to her fair share of parties and galas, and she found them quite dull, if not annoying. The grand dance caught her attention though and Jessamine chuckled softly. "Yes… I think I would find a way to disappear as well." She agreed, though the smile fell away into a look of gentle surprise as he invited her to dance. She felt the warmth in her cheeks and she bit her bottom lip softly. "I… I would like that." She said finally after a moment.

Jessamine then looked down shyly until the servant returned with their desserts. She looked over the decadent cake then took a bite, humming softly at the taste. "It's wonderful~" She said softly, looking to him to see if he agreed.

[Ashen]

She had agreed. Giuseppe could not remember the last time he'd shared a dance with someone he actually liked. He wondered if he ever had, if the prince had ever been allowed that freedom. But tonight was different. Tonight he would be dancing to enjoy himself, with a noblewoman he liked, in a gala that had turned out pretty alright. Previously, he wouldn't have thought such a thing even possible.

He patiently waited for her to sample the dessert before he did, smiling proudly. "I am glad you like it," he told her. "I knew you would. Ibeacia is second to none in the realm of chocolate desserts." He cut a sloppy square from his own slice and sampled it slowly. "It seems," he said, mouth still half-full, "our kitchen staff have perfected their recipe for tonight." He swallowed in time to catch his mother glaring at him from the opposite side of the room, probably because he had been talking with his mouth open. He gave her a weak salute and thankfully the queen stalked away.

People were already starting to leave the dining hall, making their way instead to the greater hall past the entrance. They had a while yet before the slow dance, and Giuseppe was in no particular rush to be on the dance floor. "So, milady," he said softly, glancing over at her. "A woman of your standing, I trust you know how to dance. Be warned, however. Grace on the dance floor is similar to grace on the battlefield, and my swordfighting skills are undefeated in the entire kingdom. Are you quite certain you will be able to keep up with me?"

[Midori-Hime]

She couldn't help but giggle as he spoke to her with his mouth full. They would certainly be a pair it seemed. A pair that would give their parents never-ending headaches. She continued to eat her dessert, however, the cake was so rich she found herself full before she could finish. "My goodness… I don't think I could eat another bite~" She whined softly, sitting back from her plate. At least she wouldn't have to dance right away.

Jessamine then looked to the prince curiously as he addressed her. She then smirked at the challenging tone in his voice. "Oh, as a matter of fact, I believe I can match your prowess on the dance floor Your Highness." She said, giving him a devilish grin. To be honest it had been a while since she had danced with anyone, but she was still confident in her own grace. She glanced up, seeing how her parents were trying to linger in the dining hall as long as possible, but she did her best to ignore their prying eyes. Right now all she cared about was Giuseppe's company and could almost forget that they were even attending a party.

[Ashen]

He waved her off lightly, shaking his head. "If you are full, you are welcome to leave the rest as leftovers. Do not worry about that. We need you still able to dance for later." He gave a light laugh at her confidence in dancing. "We shall certainly see about that, Jessamine. I do hope you are how you say you are. I think it would be quite enjoyable to find someone who can go at a pace faster than the boring dancing teachers I have had..." His voice trailed and he wore a smirk on his face, as if he were plotting something.

A few minutes later a servant came to clear away their dishes. Giuseppe watched her off before turning to Jessamine. He saw her glance towards the far end of the hall, towards her parents who had been watching them like hawks all evening. He looked between them and her as an idea crossed his mind. "Lady Jessamine?" he said softly. "I do believe I know what will make your parents absolutely ecstatic." He met her eye once more and smiled a boy-like smile planting a quick kiss on her lips. When he opened his eyes again he still had that grin. The prince got up from his seat and extended an arm towards her to grab. "Shall we head into the dance hall then, milady?" He didn't have to check to see if her parents were watching. He knew they would be, and would probably be whispering excitedly to each other, too. If they had been the subject of gossip before, Giuseppe's and Jessamine's names would certainly be part of every conversation now, and he did not even mind.

[Midori-Hime]

She caught the mischievous look on his face and she wondered what the prince could possibly be up to. She brushed it aside though, watching as the servant took away the plates. She happened to glance at her parents and sighed until she heard Giuseppe call her name. Jessamine looked back to him curiously. She blinked for a moment. "What's that-" She started, trailing off as he leaned in suddenly. Her eyes widened in surprise as he gave her a sudden peck on the lips. She sat there frozen for a long moment, feeling her cheeks heat up. Of course whispers then spread around the room like wild fire.

Jessamine blinked, taking a moment to realized what he was saying. "A-ah, right…" She muttered, still blushing as she stood and took his arm. She looked down in thought as she walked with him. Was it just for show or was that meant to be an actual kiss, she wondered. She could feel all the eyes on them as they entered the dance hall, though she ignored them, looking up to the prince. "I think you certainly made their evening…" She agreed with a small chuckle, though she still seemed to be a bit dazed.

[Ashen]

He led her into the dance hall, where most of the other guests were already moving. Some were dancing to the upbeat music already playing, some were gathered in circles talking about politics or other things that didn't matter, and several of them were watching the two of them, and doing a terrible job of hiding it. It didn't even seem that the prince had noticed. He stopped just far away enough from the center of the room so as not to draw unnecessary attention. There he turned to her and took in her expression, her rosy cheeks, her shining eyes. Their kiss... He wondered what exactly it had been to her.

The kiss, it had been an act to make his and her parents happy. Just that, just an act. So why, then, was she blushing so hard? Giuseppe could feel his face getting warmer, but was it really noticeable? Jessamine must have thought it more, must have thought he had feelings for her. Was she wrong? No, he figured, she wasn't, but they'd need to spend more time together before something more real happened. Even so, simple as it was, Giuseppe had quiet enjoyed that kiss, and he dully hoped there would be more to follow it.

So lost in his internal struggle, he hadn't noticed the blush rush to his cheeks, the beads of sweat form at his forehead. He gave Jessamine a lopsided smile. "I suppose we should wait a bit before dancing," he told her. "We ought to give our food time to settle. One of my favorite pastimes in a situation like this--besides staying away from the action, of course--is people watching. It can be quite amusing at times, even more so when you have someone who appreciates your kind of humor. For example, see that woman over there, the one in the green? Several years ago, I heard she embarrassed a foreign prince so badly that she was banned from their kingdom. I never did find out what exactly she did, but just look at her. Her sense of style is enough to have her banned from Ibeacia, if I were in charge. Such a loud hat. And perhaps that gown would look more fitting on a smaller woman, would you not say?"

[Midori-Hime]

She passed the kiss off as nothing more than just a show to get her parents all flustered, and yet she couldn't help but feel disappointed. After all, it had been her first kiss and it wasn't quite what she had expected. But then again, she had never really fantasized about her first kiss before so what did she expect, she wondered. With a soft sigh she decided to forget about it, looking up to the prince instead. However, she was surprised to see the blush on his cheeks and the anxious expression on his face, wondering what could possibly be going through his head.

She gave him a soft smile, though she was still a little concerned. Jessamine then nodded in agreement. "Yes, I don't want to upset my stomach after such a wonderful meal…" She said, wandering through the hall on his arm. She was starting to become a bit more aware at the jealous women glaring daggers at her, but she ignored them easily. "People watching?" She repeated, looking at him curiously. She then followed his gaze to the woman in green. Her eyes widened and she snorted in quiet laughter. "Oh Your Highness, you're awful!" She put her hand on his arm as she laughed, obviously finding his comments amusing.

Smiling, she looked over the crowd until she found a familiar face. As she spotted him, the young man suddenly looked away, seeming quite miffed about something. She smirked a little, turning to Giuseppe. "Oh don't look now, but there's Leon Bardsley." She murmured, leaning in close to his ear. "He was one of the first suitors my parents pushed on me. Did you know that he has a passion for hunting dogs? I do, only because it was all he could talk about for the entire luncheon." She said bluntly.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe followed her gaze to the man in question, and he raised an eyebrow. "Bardsley, Bardsley, he does look familiar..." he muttered, trying to recall when the man had previously been in his castle. At the recognition he clapped his hands together. "Oh I do recall him! It has been years indeed. When the two of us were just boys, he challenged me to a swordfight. Lost, of course. I defeated him so quickly he even started crying. I do not believe he has picked up a sword since." The prince puffed out his chest the tiniest bit, obviously proud of his accomplishment.

They continued talking about people for a few more minutes, Giuseppe not caring about the stares it got him. He laughed openly, unashamed, at their jokes, and he was genuinely glad to have someone to understand his humor. Jessamine was a very nice change of pace, and he was almost able to forget where he was. He turned to her and glanced at the dance floor. "Are you up to dancing yet?" he asked her, offering his hand. "I think plenty of people are waiting for us to do just that, and I would quite like to see just how good those feet are at things other than cheating me in tag."

He was grinning at his little joke, but there was a mischievous glimmer in his eye, too. He had something planned, and he was just waiting for her to walk into it. His stance did not give him away, he looked like any prince asking a lady to dance, but if she just looked into those eyes she'd know for sure. All their guests were expecting a show, and they would be getting a show alright.

[Midori-Hime]

She chuckled softly at the change in Giuseppe's stance. "Hmm, well that certainly makes sense." She agreed from what she knew of the nobleman. She looked at him with a smile as they talked. Giuseppe was definitely one of a kind. He didn't make fun of the other nobles to inflate his own ego, but he was simply pointing out their absurdity, which she appreciated. She wondered if her mother knew exactly the kind of man they were so eager to set her up.

Jessamine the looked to his hand, but hesitated when she noticed the look in his eye. "I think that depends… on just what you're up to, Your Highness? I was suspicious before, but now I know you have something planned. " She smirked, staring at him for a moment. "Though I have to say I'm quite intrigued… So yes, I believe I'm ready to dance." She said, giving her own sly smile as she took his hand. She only hoped it didn't involve making a fool of her, but she didn't think he would do such a thing.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe pretended not to notice her suspicion for a minute, instead willingly taking her hand in his. He placed his free hand at the small of her back and moved in close, close enough that she'd be able to feel his breath. It was the position for a soft dance, to the tune of an upbeat one around them. "What I am up to?" he finally addressed, smirking still. "Why, Lady Jessamine, why ever would you think I am up to something?" He was moving slowly, a gentle waltz, but as the music changed so too did that.

The song to follow was slower, leading up to the big slow dance, but Giuseppe did not seem to be aware. His feet were going quicker, nearly stepping on her toes as he moved to his own tune. His dance was meant more for the previous song, and he wasn't about to change that. In fact, his feet only picked up speed, dancing faster and faster to see how well she could keep up. So long he had been forced to dance such slow waltzes in the presence of dance instructors. That was over, now. No, now, he would go at his own pace.

It soon became clear just how talented Giuseppe was. He was very quick on his feet, and each step landed delicately and silently on the waxed floor. "Tell me, Jessamine," he said against her, not missing a beat. "Am I going too fast for you?" He was still smiling, a small hope alive inside him. If she could match his pace, he'd be impressed indeed. "You can keep up with me, can you not? This is no challenge at all for my tag champion."

[Midori-Hime]

She moved with him, blushing softly as he pulled her quite close, though of course it was only appropriate for this sort of dance. "Oh, I don't know how I ever came to that conclusion~" She replied with a teasing tone, smiling at him softly. She fell into the slow waltz easily, as it was such a familiar dance. Though as the music changed to a slower tempo, Giuseppe only moved faster. "Your Highness?" She questioned, raising a brow as he didn't seem to be listening to the music at all.

It dawned on her then, what the prince had up his sleeve all along. He wasn't inviting her to dance. No, this was another challenge. Jessamine gasped, narrowly avoiding getting her feet stepped on until she caught on. She moved quickly now to match his steps, looking up into his eyes with a fierce determination to meet his challenge. She was no longer thinking about her steps, letting her body simply react. She was impressed by his skill but she managed to match it, feeling out his moves and anticipating his next step.

The crowd had started to spread out, making room in the middle of the floor for the couple and their private dance. However, in that moment she had forgotten the crowd, the music, or even where she was. Jessamine's eyes were bright with excitement then as she looked up at him. "On the contrary Your Highness… I'm only getting warmed up." She said lowly, flashing a smirk before she suddenly flung herself away from him, her gown floating around her as she reached out, her other hand still grasping Giuseppe's. She then spun back again, gracefully falling right back in step with the prince's quickened pace.

[Ashen]

Now things were getting more fun. Giuseppe was not slowing down for an instant, and Jessamine was keeping up with him. She didn't even break eye contact, and the prince was surprised she didn't have to look down at her own steps. She felt his song, then, felt the rhythm in his moves and simply picked up on it. That was exactly as the prince wanted, and he smiled wide. Beads of sweat were forming at his forehead, and they glistened under the chandelier. "Only getting warmed up, mm?" he said, still smirking. "Very well. So, then, am I."

The people around them could not peel their eyes from the two. Most did not know what to think; the others were horrified. "Giuseppe!" Violet shouted from a little distance away. She had her hips on either side of her, and two younger princesses on either side of her looking impressed by the dancing duo. "That is not the tempo for a waltz to this song! That is not a tempo for any waltz. Have you forgotten to dance?" His parents were equally horrified, watching as their son ruined a perfectly good song and a perfectly good dance with the ever-burning fire in him. "That boy," muttered King Frederick, who looked utterly disappointed. "I have had about enough of his childish antics."

Giuseppe, however, was far from done. He just kept speeding up his pace, and anyone watching was scared he might trip over his own feet and fall right to the ground, on top of the daughter of the duke. The prince was confident though, and he seemed to flutter around his own feet and hers, not once getting tangled. They were gliding on the dance floor, ballerinas or ice skaters the two of them, full of the grace his parents had always expected of him. If only it hadn't been in such ill taste. Why couldn't Giuseppe just be graceful like a normal prince? But that, he vowed, would not happen.

Their dancing could not continue forever; soon, there was the expected blunder. However, to everyone's surprise, it was not the prince who had misstepped, but Lady Jessamine. Giuseppe watched her stumble before heading towards the ground. Quick on his feet, the prince swiftly acted to catch her, and he dipped her as if it were any grand finale to a dance. Most of the people watching might not have even noticed the mistake. Giuseppe looked down at Jessamine, checked to make sure she was okay. He was about to say something when the room erupted in applause. Their dance had been no less than a performance, and everyone had seemed to enjoy it, save for the royal family. Giuseppe basked in the limelight for a moment before turning back to Jessamine. "Are you alright?" he asked her. "I apologize, I might have gotten a bit carried away."

[Midori-Hime]

Her parents looked equally horrified. While they were thrilled to see that Jessamine seemed to have captured the prince's attention, they hadn't expected the prince to have such an eccentric personality. Not that Jessamine even noticed. She only looked up at Giuseppe, her eyes bright and wild with excitement. Her breaths came quicker now as she was starting to struggle to keep up with him, but she was determined, grinning up at him.

However, before too long, she was starting to lose energy. He was too quick for her, she had to admit. Still she pushed herself, trying to match him. Then suddenly she misstepped, her eyes widening as she fell. Fortunately Giuseppe was even quicker than she realized, managing to catch her before she fell and dipping her down into a graceful end to their dance. She gasped softly, blushing as she looked up into his eyes, realizing that they were quite close now. Her chest heaved in her tight gown as she fought to catch her breath, looking up at him in a daze, lost in his brilliant green eyes. The applause finally snapped her out of it and her blush only deepened and she glanced around to the crowd for a moment.

Jessamine looked back to the prince then, her one arm draped over his shoulders while the other gently caressed his arm as she moved to stand again. "I'm better than alright." She said with a breathless chuckle, unable to tear her eyes away from him. "Perhaps a bit… Our parents don't look too pleased." She said with mild amusement, though she was a little more concerned about what the King and Queen would have to say. "I have to admit, you have outmatched me with your dancing, Your Highness" She said before dropping in a dramatic curtsey before smiling up at him brightly.

[Ashen]

He got up slowly, making sure she was alright on her own feet before taking a step away. His hand was still in hers and the prince was smiling wide and panting. He'd worked up quite a sweat during it all. At the mention of the duke and duchess Giuseppe rose his eyes to meet theirs. They looked less than thrilled, and he didn't dare to meet his own parents' eyes. At least it wasn't all disappointment on people's faces; the applause served to remind him of that. He looked to Jessamine again and his smile reappeared. She had enjoyed herself. He had no regrets.

Giuseppe bowed in response to Jessamine's curtsey. "I am pretty good when I have no obstacles," he said easily. He turned to the crowd then, and raising his and her hands, he took a more formal bow. Some people laughed at the duo, some applauded more. It seemed only their parents were disappointed in them, and soon even that faded. Giuseppe and Jessamine were quickly becoming celebrities of the ball. He turned to his companion. "Look at them," he told her. "Carrying on as if we are heroes. I suppose, in a way, you are. You have saved me from the monotony of another lifeless party. So... Thank you."

The prince wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. He called over a servant who looked scared to approach them and asked for water. When she returned she brought two cups. Giuseppe handed one to Jessamine before taking a long sip of his own cup. "I do apologize for making you get sweaty in your Sunday best," he murmured. "I do hope it was worth it." People would start leaving soon, but Giuseppe didn't want to say goodbye. He had enjoyed his time, and he didn't want it to end so soon. "I have not a clue how we will top this, milady."

[Midori-Hime]

She looked up, curious about what he meant, but she forgot about it as he took her hand and together they bowed to the crowd. Slowly she was starting to catch her breath, turning to look at him as he spoke again. "No, I should thank you." She said in return, smiling. She wanted to tell him how he had saved her in turn, but she couldn't quite find the words. Not now at least. She chuckled as wiped the sweat from his brow easily on his clothes. She couldn't imagine another noble doing such a thing. "Oh it was quite worth it… and I don't seem to be quite as flustered as you, Your Highness." She said with a smirk. While she wasn't dripping with sweat, her skin had a soft sheen and her golden hair curled around her temples and her neck, clinging to the damp skin.

She drank from the cup eagerly, careful not to spill it as she looked around the crowd. Though as she realized it was nearing the end of the part, with some people starting to leave, she felt her heart sink. She was sure her parents would stick around for a while longer, but eventually she would have to leave and this wonderful night would just become a memory. Though she held the hope in her heart that there would be more memories to come with Giuseppe. Jessamine smiled up at him. "I'm sure we'll find a way…" She teased. The crowd was starting to close in on them again and suddenly she felt claustrophobic, remembering once again exactly where they were. "W-would you like to join me for a walk in the gardens?" She suggested. "It would be nice to cool off a bit…"

[Ashen]

There was a sad look on her face, and Giuseppe had to wonder if that was because she, too, was upset to be parting. They would have their time yet, Giuseppe would not let her leave so soon, and besides. He could hardly send a panting lady home. They had time to cool down, reflect on the night, on their future, and that they would. At her suggestion of a walk in the gardens the prince took up her hand and nodded, led her to the beautifully manicured garden where they could be alone. Out there, under the darkening sky, they could finally have their peace.

Distant stars were beginning to litter the sky. Just how long ago had the party started? It seemed like only minutes ago when Mary had entered Castle Ibeacia, and yet Lady Jessamine would be leaving in her place. It had been quite the night, and the prince didn't even know where to begin. "Well, milady," he sighed softly. "This is not anywhere near how I imagined my evening would be." He chuckled softly. "A lust lost, a dancing partner found, and an energy restored. I cannot remember ever having that much fun at a party, especially not after such a sour heartbreak." He turned to look at her, studied her expression. "Though if I am honest, I am glad it all happened. A spunky commoner is a beauty of herself, but a spunky noblewoman, who gives care to the wind in the name of enjoying herself... That is a rarity, a rarity I support and adore."

He took up her hands again and looked deeply into her eyes. "I have learned my lesson," he assured her. "Falling so quickly and confidently is a thing of my past, now. But I am glad for the chance to get to know you. I do hope good things will come of this night, Lady Jessamine." He released her hands and turned away smiling. "The memories of tonight, I shall cherish them. I thank you." He turned back to her, and there was an excitement in his eyes again. "When can we next meet? You have not even gone and already I am eager to see you again."

[Midori-Hime]

She took his arm and walked with him through the quiet gardens. It was a beautiful sight, especially at this time of night, just after the sun had set. She looked up, watching the stars appear in the sky one by one. Hours ago, she could have never imagined that this gala would turn out to be such a wonderful evening. She'd almost forgotten the immeasurable sadness she'd felt at the start of the night now that she was in the prince's presence.

As he addressed her, Jessamine looked to the prince softly. She smiled at him, finding that he'd been on the same train of thought as she had. Though as he spoke of hear break she looked down suddenly, her guilt resurfacing again. Slowly she looked up at him, a bit shyly, but a smile returned to her face. A soft blush tinted her cheeks and she felt her heart fluttered as he referred to her as a rarity that he adored. She was used to being looked down upon for her wild behavior, but it seemed she had finally found a kindred soul in the prince. And she adored him as well.

She turned towards him fully as he took her hands, listening intently to what Giuseppe had to say. She smiled brightly then, feeling that he took the words right out her mouth. She had to admit, she was a little disappointed when he released her hands. But his kind words still had her head swimming. "I will always remember this night, Your Highness." She agreed softly. Jessamine then chuckled suddenly. "I would say we should meet again tomorrow, but perhaps that is a bit rash. Though I'm sure my parents will be just as eager to arrange a meeting for us." She said. then let out a sigh, looking up to the stars again. Her smile fell away into a gentle frown. "I wish this night never had to end…" She muttered softly. Though she knew it was foolish and that they would likely see each other soon enough. Still, it was true.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe broke eye contact with her to look out over the dark sky. The shining stars, the distant mountains and kingdoms and world out there; he was glad to be sharing the sight with Jessamine. He looked back to her with a smile, then chuckled softly. "Tomorrow would not be soon enough," he told her, shaking his head and laughing still. "But I do believe we should give a bit more time. I am certain my father has some words for me, and I can only imagine the sorts of aches I will have to endure on the morrow..." His voice trailed thinking about it, but he soon shook his head. "Never mind that. The next day, how about it? I shall pick you up on the morrow of tomorrow, and we shall go from there. Is that fitting to you?"

A bit hasty, but the prince was excited. She'd be able to see it in his eyes, in the way he was eagerly leaning towards her. A sudden flash tainted his green orbs for a moment, and he pulled back the slightest bit. "Another thing," he said, and he turned away. Giuseppe looked to the door they'd come through, to the people dispersing within the castle. "When we are alone," he told her gently, "you do not have to be so formal. I may be the crown prince of Ibeacia, but I am just a normal... slightly not-normal man. You are able to use my birth name. All of this Your Highness business, I expect that during formal encounters, not ones such as this. Hell, even in formal encounters, I would not be opposed to your audacity in calling me Giuseppe."

There was a noise from the castle, and soon the door was pushed ajar. Twinkling green eyes appeared lurking, and a long braid hung loosely from the head. Violet took in the scene in only a moment before looking to her brother. "Did you kiss her yet?" she asked.
Giuseppe glared at Violet, who only giggled at her brother's expression. "How can I, with such a pest as a sister?" he retorted. "Following me around all night, as if I am some child. I am hardly given a private moment where I would be able to kiss her. Away with you, Violet Ein, begone."
Violet turned her eyes to Jessamine. "He thinks he is important because he can use my whole name," she told her. Then, to her brother, she said, "Fine, Gale, I will leave you to it. I just want you to know everyone is leaving now, and you cannot hide out here all night. Remember to send her home before you knock her up!" The princess was off before her brother could even move to catch her.

Giuseppe's face flushed and he shook his head, already muttering an apology. "She is such a wicked child," he grumbled. He looked up at Jessamine, tried to meet her eye. "I do apologize for that. Perhaps I should be taking you to your parents though. It is growing dark, and I do not want you traveling home while it is so dangerous. Will you be alright?" He offered his arm to her, ready to find the duke and walk her back to him. "If it is too dark, your family is welcome to stay the night."

[Midori-Hime]

She cringed a little for him. So Violet's warning about his father's punishment wasn't just made up then. She looked up at him then and smiled brightly. "Yes, quite fitting, Your Highness." She said, mocking a 'proper' tone and then chuckled. She saw the excitement in his eyes which mirrored her own and it made her happier than she thought possible. That was, until he granted her permission to call him by his given name. She blushed deeply, glad that he wasn't facing her.

Jessamine looked up suddenly in surprise as the princess suddenly appeared. She found it quite amusing how the young ruffled the prince's feathers so easily. Though her blush quickly spread across her whole face at the princess's suggestion and she looked up at the girl. A soft chuckle escaped her, actually quite amused at her antics. However, that last comment had turned her face even deeper red, as if that were even possible at this point. "My, she certainly is bold. I wonder how the King and Queen have any peace at all between the two of you." She joked, then waved off his apology, showing that she wasn't offended. Jessamine then sighed and nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right." She admitted, knowing her parents were probably looking for her at this very moment. She took his arm then and looked up at him as they started back.

"Oh, I'm sure my parents would jump at the opportunity… But we'll be fine. Thank you for the concern Your Ma-" She cut herself on them, a small blush returning again. "…Giuseppe." She said quietly, barely above a whisper. It was strange to address the prince so informally, and yet she loved the way it sounded coming from her lips. She smiled at him nervously, then looked down for a moment. "And… the same goes for you. There's no need for you to call me 'Lady'. Just Jessamine…. is fine." She said softly, glancing up at him again.

[Ashen]

As she took his arm Giuseppe had to roll his eyes. How did the king and queen manage? "I have wondered about that myself for years," he told her smiling. And with that, they went inside to rejoin the crowd, steering clear of any pesky princesses.

Inside, Giuseppe scanned the room for any traces of her parents. He smiled when she said her name. "You say it so sweetly," he commented. "Very well, my lady Jessamine. It shall only be Jessamine--though, what about a nickname? The lovely Jess, or the bold Jessie... Hm. It will take some thought. For now, I do suppose Jessamine will do." He smirked at her again. Inside, with the lights around them, he was finally able to see her face. She was blushing. "Are you well?" he asked her, but she did not have much time to respond.

They had walked right up to the duke and duchess, and Giuseppe gave a very low bow. "Your Graces," he greeted politely. "It was a joy being in the company of your daughter tonight. I am indebted to you both for bringing her. You are welcome here any time you may like." He gave them both a smile. Already able to be so civil; he was his father's son. He cast another look at Jessamine, still not quite wanting to let her go.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine's eyes widened and she shook her head. "I'm not too sure about that…" She said, laughing softly at his attempts at a nickname for her. She wasn't too fond of the name 'Jess'. As they stepped inside she looked to the prince curiously, suddenly aware of her still heated cheeks. She lifted a hand to cover her face slightly. "I'm just fine…" She told him, waving off his concern before he made her blush even more.

Taking a deep breath, she approached her parents to expressed their relief to see that she had been with the prince the whole time. "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. And you are welcome to visit our home any time you'd like." Her mother stepped up suddenly, bowing to him. Jessamine wasn't too thrilled to have supervised visits with the prince, but she was happy that they could see each other much more easily now. Besides, she was sure they could find a way to sneak off together without her parents' notice. She looked to the prince, reluctant to leave his side.

Her mother seemed to notice and looked at the Duke, muttering to him softly. "We'll meet you at the entrance in a few minutes Jessamine. It'll take just a moment for our carriage to be brought." Her father said then, though the tone in his voice suggested that he meant it when he said just a few minutes. "That dance was a wonderful show, Your Highness." He said, complimenting the prince before saying their goodbyes and leaving the two. Jessamine turned to the prince then with a heavy sigh. "I-I suppose this is goodbye." She said sadly. "Even if it will only be another day before we can meet again." She gave him a soft smile, and then looked down. "Thank you, Giuseppe… for giving me a second chance. I'm very grateful to have someone who can get to know the real Jessamine Northlonde."

[Ashen]

Giuseppe respectfully listened to the duchess speak, noting the way she spoke for her husband. Such an unorthodox way for things to be, but who was he to comment on unorthodoxy? He smiled at the woman's invitation to their home. "I may have to take you up on your offer sometime, ma'am." Though from Jessamine's expression out of the corner of his eye, he wondered if she would even like that. With the way her parents had watched her tonight... They would find a way to go undetected, he was sure.

He was thankful they allowed them a few minutes. Giuseppe chuckled at the duke's compliments before saying farewell to him. That only left Jessamine, who looked about as ready to leave as he was to let her go. "I suppose it is," he sighed, and watched as she looked away. Her words sent a smile to his lips. Giuseppe shook his head. "I look forward to getting to know my real Jessamine Northlonde," he told her, and his words were sincere. "I know at least two things about her for sure. She is able to beat me in tag--even if the playing fields were a bit uneven--and she is able to keep up with my dance, at least for a little while. That is something that cannot be faked, and I do plan on exploring those things with you further." He was smiling still, but his smile soon faded. Giuseppe slipped two fingers under her chin and raised her head so that she was looking at him. Leaning in, he planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

When he pulled away he was smiling again. "Then I shall be seeing you," he said with a bow. "I do hope you were able to enjoy yourself tonight like I was." He couldn't help but wonder at their kiss, wonder if she would have minded a different target. Their earlier kiss surfaced in his mind, and absently he wondered if there would be more like it, more that were less for show.

[Midori-Hime]

Something about the way the prince had said 'my Jessamine' had her heart fluttering furiously. She looked down for only a moment, trying to muster some composure before she met his eyes again. She smiled at him softly, then blinked as he suddenly lifted her face. Her bright blue eyes seemed to glisten as he leaned in and her breath caught. Some how that simple kiss on the cheek had stirred more emotion that the showy peck on the lips earlier this evening. Jessamine smiled in return, though she suddenly seemed much more dazed than before.

Slowly her hand rose to touch her cheek where his lips had been and she could feel the warmth spreading across her face. "I-I did enjoy myself, Your Highness." She said softly. "More than you know…" With that Jessamine turned to join her family who were waiting in the carriage by now. Jessamine turned back to the prince once more. "The day after tomorrow…" She said, reminding him, as if she needed to. Then she placed her fingertips on her lips before waving to the prince. With one last glance she turned away again and continued down the great hall to the entrance of the palace where were parents were waiting, her golden curls bouncing with her quickened pace.

Just as she suspected, her parents had been waiting for her eagerly, obviously pent up from not having a chance to speak with her for the entire night. Without a word she slipped in the carriage, taking a seat beside her mother who quickly turned on her. "Well?! What did the prince say?!" Jessamine sighed softly, looking out the window towards the palace as the carriage drove away. "His Highness arranged a meeting with me the day after tomorrow." She said simply. They didn't need to know anymore than that. Her mother didn't seem all to pleased that they'd had arranged the meeting by themselves, but she was still thrilled none the less. Unfortunately, Jessamine had to listen to her mother gush about the party the entire way home, and of course didn't hold back on giving herself credit for bringing up such a lovely young woman that could capture a prince's attention. Of course this only irritated Jessamine further. Her mother knew nothing about their relationship… and for good reason.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe watched her off, waving to her his goodbye. The day after tomorrow; it was too long a wait. The prince let out a long sigh. He had plenty to do in the meantime. Cleanup for this party would take more than all of the servants in the house; his parents would most certainly delegate the job to the prince and princess. So, Giuseppe started for the dining hall, preparing to tidy up without being asked. Maybe, just maybe, it would make his parents go easier on him.

The moon was a shining orb in the sky when Giuseppe finally got the chance to return to his chambers. He sat on his bed and sighed, exhausted. Between the dance and the cleaning, he was wiped. He began to slip out of his clothes, just as a knock was heard at his door. "I am dress--" he tried, but he did not have a chance to finish before his sister was in the room. "Violet, damn you, I told you I am dressing!" The girl looked at her brother's bare chest, at his toned muscles and battle scars. "My apologies," she said, though she didn't mean it. "I just wanted to say you are welcome. Tonight would not have happened without me. And, I did talk to Father. I explained some of the situation, and he says he will spare talking to you. He also says he will be watching the Northlonde family very carefully now, so I would be careful. Anyway, you have plenty to thank me for, sweet brother, so I think I deserve a very royal dress-up party. I have the perfect dress for you to try on, Giuseppe, so do not say no!"

After kicking his sister out of his room Giuseppe was finally alone again. He had gotten the chance to really meet the girl he had been lusting after, enjoy a whole night with her, leave her with promises to meet again, and get out of a scolding from his father? It had been quite the night, but he was glad it was over. Even if he would have to fight his way out of a dress tomorrow, too much good had happened to bring him down. At last, it was time for rest. He got into his nightclothes and started for his bed. It would seem the second his head touched his pillow he was asleep, dreaming of a night that could not have been better than the one he'd had.

[Midori-Hime]

It was a long ride and Jessamine was quite exhausted by the time they arrived at the Duke's manor. Her mother didn't need to tell her twice to get to bed. Though as she stepped into her room and saw Mary waiting there patiently for her, her eyes lit up. "Welcome back Mistress…" She said softly, unable to read Jessamine's expression. "So, how did it go?" She asked. Without a word Jessamine threw herself in her servants arms. The gesture shocked Mary, but she held the girl for a moment. Jessamine then began to spill everything about the evenings events, down to the last details as she undressed and got ready for bed. The two stayed up late, whispering in the dark so that no one would know. When she told Mary about the kiss, Mary gasped loudly. "Shhhh!" Jessamine giggled, pausing for a moment to make sure no one else had stirred before they continued to chat. Jessamine moved to share her bed with the servant girl, like when they were small girls. "Thank you for being my friend Mary… I don't know what I would do without you." She muttered gratefully. Eventually the two girls fell asleep together.

The next day was dreadfully uneventful. She paced her room anxiously, trying to figure out what she would wear for her date with the prince. Eventually all her gowns were thrown over her room, three of which were laid out over her bed. Finally she called Mary, asking for her opinion. Of course Mary picked a gorgeous, flowing gown that was a soft blossom pink. It was lovely and one of Jessamine's favorite dresses. However, she knew the prince better than that. His idea of a date would probably take them some place unexpected and she didn't want to risk running around in such an elegant dress. Finally she picked out a soft green dress. It was ruffled across the top, but the bottom was simple, easy to move in and the sleeves only went to her elbows so they would not get in the way, "I do appreciate your taste Mary, but I think this one will suit him better." She said finally with a smile. However, there was nothing left to do by wait as her mother went crazy, hounding the servants all day to make sure the house was perfect for the Prince's visit tomorrow. But tomorrow just wouldn't come soon enough for Jessamine.

[Ashen]

The prince's day was equally uneventful. His parents had convinced him to assist some of the servants, and remembering his behavior from the previous night, he was not about to protest. When he finished those chores he had an agonizing tea party with his sister, who had tried her hardest to force Giuseppe into a dress. "But it matches your eyes!" she insisted, but he was having none of it. When Violet offered to tell the king of some secret or another, Giuseppe had no choice. The dress was tight and uncomfortable and downright made him look fat. If Jessamine saw me now, he thought, and he let out a large sigh.

The tea party dragged on forever, and Giuseppe was utterly mortified as he heard Violet's bedroom door open. "Children, it is time for supper--Giuseppe?" It was the queen, who now looked at her son with a look of bewilderment. Her eyes flew between her son and daughter, a thousand questions in her eyes. Giuseppe was out of his seat instantly, trying to alleviate the situation. "It is not as it appears, Mother," he insisted. "Blasted Violet forced me into this gown. I do not enjoy it at all. She made me play tea party with her, and she has interrupted my sword training to do so! I do believe she should be reprimanded!" But the queen only started to laugh, and she shook her head. "I expect to see you both in the dining hall in ten minutes," she told them, and with that she left the room.

Giuseppe was relieved to see his mother hadn't told his father of his cross-dressing incident. The conversation over supper was of other matters, of the king needing to give a message to a kingdom hundreds of kilometers away. When supper ended, Giuseppe took to his room to dwell in his own humiliation, until he finally went to bed.

The next morning he awoke to a handwritten note under his door. Written in his sister's girly handwriting were the words Good morning Princess Giuseppe. The prince crumbled the paper in his hands and tossed it aside. No, he would be seeing Jessamine today. Not even his sister would destroy his enthusiasm for that.

It was afternoon when he finally decided to head out. He took up a sword from his house's collection and a satchel. On his way out, he was stopped by his mother. "Are you going out?" she asked him.
"I am meeting with Lady Jessamine Northlonde," he replied. "I will return before supper."
His mother was obviously happy about the news. "My son is finally socializing," she sighed happily. "Do take care of yourself, will you?" Giuseppe nodded and was about to leave when his mother stopped him again. "Giuseppe dear?" she called. "I think you look absolutely lovely in a gown."

The prince lept off his horse and looked at the familiar house of Jessamine. He was finally away from his family, and he was enjoying every moment. Giuseppe approached the door and rapped his knuckles against it. All this time he had been looking forward to seeing Jessamine, and finally he had the chance again. He had something planned, as well, and he was hoping she would enjoy what he had in store.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine was woken up the next morning by her mother who wanted an early start so she could dictate her day with the prince, down to everything she should say and reminding her of her manners. Jessamine ignored her throughout breakfast, simply nodding her head after every word. Soon after that, she managed to convince her mother that she'd need time to get dressed for his arrival. Of course Mary was there to help her into the gown she'd picked out yesterday. After some debating, Mary pulled her golden curls up into an elegant bun, though some loose pieces fell about her face and her neck.

It was nearing the time the prince would be coming and Jessamine continued to primp in the mirror, looking to Mary suddenly. "Y-you sure it's not too much… or too little?" She asked before turning back to her reflection. Mary blinked, looking at her a little bewildered. She couldn't recall a time Jessamine ever acted like this about a man… Not even on their first date. But perhaps because she was worried she wouldn't be as appealing to the prince as a noblewoman. Or perhaps it was because Jessamine was truly falling for him. Mary simply smiled and shook her head. "You look beautiful… Just be yourself and the Prince will see how wonderful you are, regardless of the way you look or your status, or anything else trivial." She told her. Jessamine smiled brightly, hugging her gently. Just then, the servants announced the Prince's arrival. She drew back, hurrying out the door. "Wish me luck!" She called back to Mary and hurried downstairs where her mother was waiting. "That's all you're wearing?" She blinked, confused why she didn't wear a finer gown or even a single piece of jewelry. But it was too late to send her back upstairs now. "Well, come along~" She muttered, obviously irritated.

Meanwhile, a servant answered the door, bowing to the Prince. However, he was a little bewildered that the Prince himself had knocked at the door and there he had no one to accompany him. The Duke quickly came to the door to greet the Prince as well, though he was equally as confused. Finally The Duchess and Jessamine came into the foyer to meet them. Jessamine smiled the moment she saw him, giving him a gentle curtsy, as did her mother. The Duke looked pleased and turned to Giuseppe then. "So, might I ask what you're plans are for this afternoon? We have a lovely spot overlooking the garden. Perhaps you two would like to sit for afternoon tea?" Jessamine frowned a little, but didn't say anything. However, if she knew Giuseppe, he had other plans…

[Ashen]

Giuseppe kindly greeted the servant, and when he disappeared the prince chuckled to himself. The servant had looked so confused; by what, exactly? Was he so astonished to see the prince at his home? But Giuseppe decided not to give it too much more thought, and patiently he waited for Jessamine and her family to arrive. He bowed his arrival to them, showing the respect he was not obligated to show. As for their plans...

"I can hardly make you privy to all the secrets up my sleeve, can I?" There was a smirk on his lips, and he winked towards Jessamine. Sure he had something planned, but they were hardly the type of plans too-posh nobles would care for. "I do appreciate the invitation for tea, and I do promise to take you up on that offer some other time. For now, I think I would enjoy taking your daughter to one of my favorite spots. We shall have a picnic, I was thinking, and fret not, I shall have her back before it gets dark. If that is to your satisfactory, Your Graces, I think we shall get going."

It wasn't... exactly a lie, was it? Giuseppe tried not to think about that. Already he was lying to her parents. Where he intended to take her was hardly one of his favorite spots, and he had no such picnic planned, but he knew it would soothe their worrying. Besides, what harm could a simple white lie do? He'd manage to get her back in time, and with any luck, she'd be much happier then than she was even now.

He offered his arm to Jessamine and turned away, looking far into the distance. He'd actually done his research, and was quite looking forward to his plans. Turning back to Jessamine, he took in the sight of her, her gown and hair and shimmering eyes. "You look beautiful," he whispered softly. Then he turned back to her parents and bowed once more. "Thank you for allowing this opportunity."

[Midori-Hime]

The duke blinked, quite taken aback by that. He looked to the Duchess nervously, who was also just as surprise. "A-a picnic, unchaperoned?" She asked then, suddenly wary of the idea. "I'm not sure that's such a good ide-" However, the Duke held out a hand, cutting her off. He seemed a little hesitant as well, but he knew better than to argue with the prince. Especially if there was a chance that he'd take Jessamine to be his wife. He also knew from Giuseppe's reputation that he would keep her safe…. and that he wasn't just a ladies man who would take advantage of the situation. "A-alright… before dark then." He agreed finally, though it seemed Giuseppe was already on his way before he even got the words out.

Jessamine eagerly took the Prince's arm, not bothering to look back at her concerned parents as she left the house with Giuseppe. She looked to him in surprise at his compliment and smiled softly, glad to see that he'd liked her choice after all. "Thank you, Your Highness." She said softly, waiting until they were out of earshot. "So a picnic… by the lake?" She asked curiously. Well that wasn't quite what she'd been expecting, though she wasn't disappointed. Especially if it meant spending time with Giuseppe, she'd be willing to do anything. Even if it was just sitting in the gardens, drinking tea. Jessamine was excited to get out of the house and it showed in her expression.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was silent as they walked to his horse, seemingly ignoring Jessamine's question entirely. He helped her onto his steed before mounting, and as his horse took off he turned to her and smirked. They were moving at a gallop already, and his clothes were flapping in the wind. "Are your parents aware that I am a man?" he asked evenly. "A chaperone, pah! I am my own chaperone." He laughed it off, shaking his head. "I cannot say I am taking you to the lake, or even for a picnic. You do not intend on telling your parents, do you? I just thought the surprise would be a lot more fun."

They were riding for a while at a gallop, getting awfully far for a day-trip. Giuseppe took in the sights around him, knowing well where he was going. "I have never been to where we are going," he admitted with an air of confidence. "It shall be a new experience for the both of us, I imagine. Do not worry about getting lost. I memorized the maps to prevent just that. See? I did come prepared." And perhaps he was a little too proud of that.

Soon, they were passing into a new town, and a grand sign welcomed them to a place called Rivum. It was here that Giuseppe slowed his horse to a trot, and then to a gentle walk. "Here we are," he said, motioning around. The town they were in was nothing special. Being just outside the capital, it had all the mediocrity of a suburb. However, in the distance, upbeat tunes could be heard filling the air. Giuseppe halted his horse and helped Jessamine off of him before ruffling his hair, replacing his shirt with a duller, plainer white one from his bag. He looked himself over and shrugged. "I could hardly fit trousers and boots in my bag without Mother noticing. I stole the shirt from one of my servants, though I do not think he will mind. What do you say? A prince would not be caught dead in such a dull outfit. My identity is safe, then?"

He still looked like Giuseppe, but he had a point. Ibeacia, more than other nations, was known for its proper look, its regal appearance. He looked more like a servant, now, less like royalty, and that was how he wanted it. He bent down to the ground, scooped some dirt into his hands and gently rubbed it into his cheeks. "Now then," he murmured, getting up again. "I suppose you are wondering why I have brought you here, and why I just did that. Well, my dear lady, tell me. Have you ever seen the traveling circus?"

The circus, of course. There was a puerile grin on Giuseppe's face as he looked at her. "I heard the circus was in this very town, and I thought, what better place to take someone like you? I know most woman, they would be disappointed, but you are a gem, you are different. So the circus, I thought, it was perfect. Watching the performers from all over perform their acts of amazement... I hear that there is a swordfighter among them. He juggles swords, but I hear he is quite the fencer as well. I say, do you think I could best him? They are foreign; they will not recognize me. Besting someone from the circus, would that not be fun?" He turned to the sound of the music, an eager look in his eye. "You do like it, Jessamine," he said, turning back to her. "Do you not?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine grabbed onto him suddenly as the horse took off, holding on tightly. Her eyes widened as he admitted that he wasn't taking her to the lake after all and she smiled brightly. "Of course not…" She said suddenly, a grin on her face. Her parents didn't have to know anything. Suddenly she was eager to see where they might be headed. Though the longer it took, she started to get a bit concerned. "W-where exactly are we going, Your Highness?" She asked, looking around as they neared a new town.

Rivum. She'd heard of it though she had never visited it before. As they slowed the horse, she looked around in confusion. There didn't seem to be much of anything here. Why did they come here, she had to wonder. It was then that she could hear the music in the air, looking around quickly to find the source. Was it a festival of some kind? Jessamine looked to the Prince then as he helped her down and she took a few steps before turning back towards him. Her eyes widened then at his suddenly rough appearance before letting out a chuckle. "Yes, I do think you'll pass. You're not quite as convincing as the Mistress of disguise, but it'll do." She teased in a confident tone, obviously referring to herself.

Jessamine blinked as he rubbed dirt on his face and laughed softly. The smile suddenly dropped then and she stared at him in awe. "The circus?" She gasped and then her eyes lit up once again and her smile was back full force. She turned then suddenly, trying to spot it. Jessamine then looked back at him and smiled, her gaze soft it met his eyes. "Y-yes, it's perfect." She said happily, then suddenly she grabbed his hand, pulling him along towards the source of the music. "Well come on Guiseppe! We don't want to miss it, do we?" She said excitedly.

[Ashen]

The sneaking around, the afternoon away, the long ride; it was all worth it just to seem her smile. Her grin, the shine in her eyes, she looked so much like a girl, and Giuseppe was loving it all. As he watched her take his hand, tugging her along in excitement, he knew that this was going to be a great day.

So he willingly walked with her, their steed walking confusedly after them. They walked straight to the main--and probably only--road of Rivum, and sure enough there were performers getting prepared along the sides. The band was playing cheery tunes and vendors were already set up, selling all sorts of sweets for the children. Giuseppe spotted one and, releasing Jessamine's hand, went after it. He made his purchase and was quick to find Jessamine again. Once he did, he handed her the gift he had bought, a floral crown. "I hardly think it can make you look any more beautiful," he told her, "but it looked like something you might like, mm?"

With that, Giuseppe led her to the crowds of people already gathering for the show. "Did you see their dancer?" he asked her. "How does one dance with a chest that heavy, exactly? I am looking forward to finding out." Out here, he didn't have to be proper, and he figured Jessamine would enjoy his jibe. "I think they have even have exotic animals. Have you ever seen a tiger?" He peered around, in search of the beast. "I should think we will enjoy ourselves today--does that man intend to play a harp? Do you think he will mind if I join? Oh, what am I saying, I cannot do that. A harp, such a lovely sound, I might have to invite him to the castle. Well, if he is any good." He turned to Jessamine, a similar excitement on his own face. "Will it be starting soon? I can hardly wait."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine looked around her in awe, her eyes bright and wild as she tried to take it all in at once. The music was lively, as were the bright, sparkling costumes. So many colors, sounds, and smells. She was so lost in the moment, she almost didn't notice Giuseppe step away from her. By the time she turned to realize he was gone, there he was, returning to her side with a gift for her in his hands. The crown brought a smile to her face and she looked over the bright, fragrant flowers for a moment before her eyes met his. A soft blush spread over her cheeks as he called her beautiful and she looked down suddenly as she placed the crown on her head. Jessamine then quickly took his arm again, not caring how it might look to anyone else.

As they walked, she glanced to the woman the prince mentioned and she blushed brightly. "Giuseppe!" She let out a hushed gasp. However, the smile on her face showed that she hadn't minded his joke. "A tiger?" She repeated suddenly, the smile falling from her face as she looked around in awe, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of it. "Oh Giuseppe, this is so exciting!" She gushed suddenly, turning to look up into his eyes. "Thank you for bringing me." Jessamine looked up at him softly, her hold on his arm tightening ever so slightly. "We better hurry if we want a good spot." She told him then, pulling him along with her quickened pace.

[Ashen]

He nodded to her, already trying to make his way through a crowd. "I do forget how unforgiving the mobs can be to commoners," he mumbled, partially wishing he was still playing the role of a prince. Still, he was good at navigating a crowd, and so he was soon standing with Jessamine in the very front, right in front of a man with some kind of long, exotic instrument. His eyes scanned the performers. "Looks as though they will be starting any moment now." Giuseppe held Jessamine a bit closer, knowing full well they must have looked like an ordinary couple to the people gathered. However, he did it not to show her off, but to whisper in her ear. "Please, Jessa," he murmured, "do not call me by name in public. Try Gale, will you?"

Gale. It was the name he hated, the initials of his own name that his sister had been using to tease him for ages. Just allowing her to use it was a shock. He said nothing with his expression, and turned his attention back to the street, not bothering to restore the distance between them. It wasn't long before the circus began, and it was as exciting as Giuseppe had hoped it would be.

The dancer, as the prince found out, had little difficulty moving with her large assets, and managed to even incorporate them into her dance, just obvious enough for the males of the crowd to be delighted but just subtle enough for the mothers to not raise complaints. The tiger was as ferocious as expected, and instinctively his hand went to his hilt, but the tamer managed to contain his beast, only after having him perform some tricks. The harpist was at work throughout the show, not missing a beat, playing a beautiful melody that Giuseppe hoped to hear forever. He would go home and try to play it later, he was sure.

Throughout the show, Giuseppe kept stealing glances at Jessamine, hoping she, too, was enjoying it all.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine glanced to him as he pulled her closer, then looked out to the center of the tent, attempting to hide her small blush. Her eyes then widened as he leaned in to whisper in her ear. She felt her heart flutter as he called her 'Jessa'. No one had ever called her by a nickname before, but she had to admit she liked the sound of it from his lips. Even more surprising than that though, was his following request for her to call him by his nickname. Gale. She remembered him saying how much he disliked the name. However, she rather liked it. Jessamine watched him for a moment curiously, but simply nodded. "As you wish… Gale." She whispered back, smiling softly as she tried out his nickname, finding that she liked it all the more.

Quickly she was pulled back into the excitement of the Circus as it began. She watched in awe through all of the amazing acts. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the woman who stood up on the backs of two white horses while they galloped around the ring and as the brought out the tiger, she noticed the way Giuseppe went for his sword. She smiled to herself and reached down, gently placing her hand over his that rested on the hilt. However, as the trapeze artists balanced precariously several feet in the air on nothing more than swings and rope, she couldn't take her eyes away. Suddenly one jumped from a swing and was caught in midair by her partner, just in time, and Jessamine's hands flew up to cover her mouth as she gasped. As the show was coming to a close, she looked to him with a smile. "Thank you for bringing me here, Gale." She said softly.

[Ashen]

The circus was drawing to a close, and all too soon. Giuseppe hardly wanted to see its end, but he could see the sweat on the performers' foreheads, and the exhaustion in the poor harpist's fingers. The ringleader was starting to disperse the crowds, promising another show sometime soon. And just like that, it was all over.

Giuseppe turned to Jessamine after the show. She had enjoyed it, and that had made the show so much more enjoyable for him. He nodded his head a bit, then tried to casually wave her off. "It was nothing," he told her. "I quite enjoyed it too. They really are not kidding when they say the circus is for men of all ages." He turned back to the performers, who were cleaning up their act by now. "I know not how I will top that, but I suppose I do have to try."

Giuseppe took Jessamine by the hand and led her away from the crowds. He led her first back to their horse, then to a field a little distance away. He said nothing as he dug in the bags on his horse. The prince pulled out a blue blanket with the symbol of Ibeacia. He laid it on the ground, then motioned for Jessamine to sit on it. A moment later, he pulled out two wrapped parcels and laid them on the blanket. After taking a seat himself, he smiled to her. "Perhaps not the best sort of meal," he said, unwrapping the parcel to reveal a sandwich. "Had I brought anything cooked, you would have smelt it. I packed our finest meats, and would have brought more had I not been... kicked out of the kitchen."

After handing her a sandwich, Giuseppe took a bite of his own and looked out at the clouds. "I can hardly remember a day as pleasant as this," he told her. "I do hope you are enjoying it, too." He turned back to her while he bit off another piece of bread and meat. He spoke with food still in his mouth, truly and unintentionally fitting his role as a commoner. "I do wonder what we will tell our parents about all of this."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine was sad to see the circus come to an end, but more than anything it was because she knew that her time with the prince would soon be coming to an end as well. It was beginning to feel like no amount of time with him was going to be long enough. She turned to Giuseppe with a smile. "I'm sure you will Giu-… Gale" She told him softly and then allowed herself to be lead through the crowds. What was next she wondered and suddenly dreaded the thought of getting on the horse and returning home. Though as they indeed returned to the horse, her gaze dropped to her feet.

However, after a few minutes of walking, she discovered that he'd lead her to a field and stopped to go through the saddle bag. "Giuseppe?" She asked curiously, wondering just what he was up to. Jessamine was confused as he laid down a blanket but didn't argue, or even question as she moved to sit down on it. Her eyes then widened in pleasant surprise as he revealed to parcels, one for each of them, that contained sandwiches. Jessamine smiled brightly then. "So there is a picnic after all?" She said before starting to eat. It was quite delicious for something he'd thrown together on his own.

Jessamine followed his gaze out to the clouds. It was a beautiful day, one that she would remember. She looked over to Giuseppe then, nodding her head. "Nor can I. " She said softly, smiling to herself. " I don't know that I've ever had so much fun… and I owe it all to you, Your Highness." She looked into his eyes, showing the sincerity of her words. Jessamine then let out a chuckle as he talked with his mouthful. "We don't have to tell them anything… We're simply having a picnic, are we not? They don't have to know the details." She told him slyly, taking another bite of her sandwich.

[Ashen]

He nodded weakly as she spoke, his eyes trained on the distant clouds. "I am a man of many surprises, my dear," he said softly, a smirk tugging at his lips. After another bite he looked back to her and watched the smile lit up her face. The prince could not help but note just how beautiful this woman looked in that moment. Besides her lovely dress and her done-up hair, the expression upon her face and in her eyes was one no makeup artist could accomplish, no actress could feign. She was genuinely happy, and Giuseppe was overjoyed at how much that made her entire being glow.

"I suppose it is a picnic, no less," he continued, considering. "Or perhaps more than a picnic. It is a lovely little light dinner between a prince and the woman who has caught his eye. This is the kind of event fairy tales are fastened after, are they not?" He thought about it, then swept his free hand. "Perhaps fairy tales are more welcoming to things like magic. What say you? I can see several things magical in this field alone. The way the sun sets has always been a sort of magic, don't you think? And the way the clouds form just what we need them to form, at just the right moment. And then there is you, the magical woman who has turned from deception to a sort of partnership, no? I do think there is something magical in those eyes of yours."

Giuseppe never fancied himself a poet. He left the lyric-writing up to the bards, opting instead to write their music. But this, this was an attempt at being poetic, perhaps a bit romantic. Though he looked confident as he stared back at her, there was a certain nervousness in his eye, about his stance. He did hope she liked all he was putting together for her. After a minute he cleared his throat and turned back to his nearly-finished sandwich. "Tell me, my Jessa," he said, using her designated nickname though he was sure no one was around. "Have you toyed with the ocarina at all? Perhaps now would be as good a time as any to teach you a song. I think we will have about... an hour or so before we must set out." He pulled out his own ocarina, always on his person, and ran his fingers over the fine instrument. "Let us see," he murmured, and thought for a few seconds before bringing the instrument to his lips. He blew into it, and what resulted was the song from earlier, the harpist's tune, matched to every note. When he finished a few bars he opened his eyes and looked back to her. "Not bad for having only heard it once, hm? Would you like to learn the duet?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessaine chuckled softly, continuing to eat her meal that Giuseppe had graciously prepared for them. Her eyes glanced around the field , finding it quite lovely. The small town of Rivum could still be seen in the distance while all around there were tall grasses dotted with wildflowers. The clouds moved over then with a warm and gentle breeze. She couldn't imagine this day being any more perfect. Her bright blue eyes, currently matching the same shade as the sky, shifted back to him then.

She gazed at him softly while he spoke, feeling that his words were true. But all of this seemed so much more magical in Giuseppe's presence. Her eyes shifted to the approaching sunset as he went on, smiling as the various colors gradually began to change the sky. However, the prince suddenly captured her attention once again as she spoke of her now. Jessamine watched him in wonder, blushing softly as she felt her heart flutter at his poetic words. Her eyes widened as he spoke of them, the magic he saw in them and her breath caught.

Giuseppe was so many things. Sweet, yet heroic, and courageous… and perhaps childish, but in ways she adored. And he was poetic… a romantic. It seemed as though he never ceased to amaze her and she wanted to know more. She wanted to know every facet of this man.

Jessamine blinked as she cleared his throat, suddenly breaking out of her daze. She looked down quickly, finishing the last bit of her meal before she wiped her mouth. When the prince asked her about the ocarina he'd given her. She blushed in embarrassment. "No, I'm sorry to say I have not… I haven't been brave enough to try it just yet-" She told him honestly. But she smiled again as he pulled out his own and played the same song as the harpist. Her jaw dropped and her eyes lit up, and she clapped softly as he finished. "That's most impressive…" She said softly and then nodded her head, eager for a lesson. Jessamine then scooted closer to him, stopping just before their sides could touch, and looked to him eager to learn.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe didn't notice her move so closely towards him at first. He was more concentrated on his instrument, on showing her the formation of his fingers. When he finally did notice, he paused and took in her presence once again. Such a dedicated little student, he smiled at her. Jessamine was so near him now, all he had to do was just move his head a bit closer and their lips would be able to touch. The prince tucked away that thought, and he returned to the ocarina.

The two of them were in that field for a while, sharing in the music Giuseppe only ever kept to himself. So lost in the moment, Giuseppe didn't realize the setting sun in the distance. They had been out for more than an hour, and unless they hurried, they would not be home before dark. The prince was reluctant to pack up, though. "So long I have kept my songs silenced," he mumbled not sure whether Jessamine could hear him or not. "It was nice, for once, to be able to share them with someone."

Once the picnic was cleared away and their horse was ready to head home, Giuseppe turned to Jessamine. "I do apologize for keeping you away so long," he told her. "I lost track of time, like I often do. Do forgive me. We ought to get going now." He sighed and turned back to his horse. "I hate to see such a day come to an end. Perhaps this is a door to better days in the future." He turned back to her and offered to help her onto her horse. "I can hardly imagine a better day than this."

[Midori-Hime]

She glanced up at him, feeling his eyes on her and when she saw his smile a soft blush spread across her cheeks, realizing just how close they'd become. She listened carefully, trying to memorize everything he showed her, so that when she returned home, she could practice on the ocarina he'd gifted her. Jessamine was so engrossed in her lesson, the way Giuseppe's skilled fingers danced over the instrument, and the way his lips rested over the mouthpiece, that she'd failed to notice that they had stayed later than they should have.

Jessamine had heard him, tilting her head. "I'm honored you chose to share them with me. They are so beautiful… it's a shame to keep them to yourself." She muttered softly, then looked down thoughtfully for a moment before jumping up to help him pack. It broke her heart to see such a wonderful, magical day come to an end. And now she'd have to return home. Jessamine looked to him in surprise as he apologized and she shook her head. "You have nothing to apologize for." She said softly, then looked away, whispering to herself. "I wouldn't mind if we just disappeared together…"

"Nor do I. I don't know how it could get any better, but I also know that you never cease to surprise me, Giuseppe." She said softly as she stepped over to the horse. Normally she could climb up on her own, but this once she accepted his help, if only so that she could hold onto him for a bit longer. Once he was on, she wrapped her arms around his waist, her chest nearly resting on his back, though she held herself back, not wanting to inhibit his riding in any way. It might have been a little bold, but she didn't care.

[Ashen]

He'd heard her, heard those words she had whispered to herself. I wouldn't mind if we just disappeared together... The way she'd said it, the longing in her voice, the glimpse of hope in her eye; Giuseppe took note of it all.

After they were on their horse, Giuseppe started off on the long journey back to his kingdom. He could feel Jessamine behind him and subtly tried to snuggle up next to her. They spent the trip back talking of their evening, of the circus and their picnic and their music. By the time they arrived in Ibeacia once more the sun had already disappeared. Distant crickets announced their arrival as their steed slowed to a walk. They rode right up to the duke's home, where Giuseppe dismounted and helped Jessamine down. A lovely evening, and it would probably end with a scolding.

Giuseppe walked her up to the door of her home. "Do allow me to apologize to your parents," he said. "It is most unlike a prince to not be punctual, but I suppose I never did memorize that part so well. After all, a prince is always on time, whether those around him believe so or not." He smiled at her. "This applies to all but kings and queens, I am afraid," he added when he thought of the punishment he would receive himself when he finally did get home. Shaking the thought, he turned back to her. "No matter the repercussions, I do say my day was worth it."

[Midori-Hime]

It was later than they expected to return, but she knew that the prince wasn't going to be scolded. Not by her parents at least. As she slid down from the horse, she lingered in his arms for a moment. She walked to the door with him slowly, trying to get an last moments with the prince. She smiled at him softly, though as he referred to the King and Queen, she noticed a change in his expression, however subtle it was. "I hope you will not getting in too much trouble." She muttered softly, concerned for him. "You can tell them I kept you, I do not mind." She offered with a soft smile.

As they reached the door, it opened quickly by the doorman and they were welcomed inside where the Duke looked up suddenly. "There you both are! We were starting to get worried, Your Highness." He said, sharing his concerns but trying to keep it light. Jessamine smiled, as she could only imagine the earful from her mother. But what did they have to be mad about? They wanted her to be courted by a man of status, and who had more status than a crown prince. Jessamine looked to the prince softly, smiling at him.

[Midori-Hime]

It was later than they expected to return, but she knew that the prince wasn't going to be scolded. Not by her parents at least. As she slid down from the horse, she lingered in his arms for a moment. She walked to the door with him slowly, trying to get an last moments with the prince. She smiled at him softly, though as he referred to the King and Queen, she noticed a change in his expression, however subtle it was. "I hope you will not getting in too much trouble." She muttered softly, concerned for him. "You can tell them I kept you, I do not mind." She offered with a soft smile.

As they reached the door, it opened quickly by the doorman and they were welcomed inside where the Duke looked up suddenly. "There you both are! We were starting to get worried, Your Highness." He said, sharing his concerns but trying to keep it light. Jessamine smiled, as she could only imagine the earful from her mother. But what did they have to be mad about? They wanted her to be courted by a man of status, and who had more status than a crown prince. Jessamine looked to the prince softly, smiling at him.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was quick to greet the duke with a formal bow. "Your Grace, Duke Northlande, please." He turned back up to him and offered a polite smile. "Do forgive me for worrying you. I did not intend to be out so long, but it is so easy to lose track of time when in such fine company. You must understand." He turned his eyes back to Jessamine and gave her a gentle grin. Turning back to the duke, he shook his head. "Rest assured it will not happen again. I do hope I was able to give Lady Jessamine the sort of day she could thoroughly enjoy."

He took a step away, towards the door. If he didn't start home now, his punishment would only be getting worse. Would his parents not understand? Other men his age were off drinking or gambling or philandering--he had been enjoying a picnic. Even with the argument on his mind, he did not want to go. He lingered there, waiting for a proper dismissal from Jessamine or the duke, when he heard a horse's footfalls behind him.

The prince turned to the man just outside the castle. His horse was a shimmering white, one from his own stables. "Prince Giuseppe, Your Highness, sir," he said, hopping off his horse to give the proper bow. "Your presence is requested at the castle."
Giuseppe offered an apologetic smile to Jessamine, then turned to the horseman. "My parents called for you to retrieve me?" he asked. "I am not a child. I do thank you, sir, and I will follow shortly after you."
"Not-uh." A girl suddenly hopped from behind the horse, her green eyes shining with mischief. "You are coming with us, because otherwise you will just keep Mother awake even longer. Father already has a mouthful for you when you get home."
Giuseppe rolled his eyes. "They sent Violet?"
The horseman hesitated. "Negative," he murmured. "The princess decided to come by herself."
Violet ignored the men and walked past her brother. "Duke Nortlande, right? And Jessamine, nice to meet you." She gave a curtsy, then stood and nudged her brother. "Let's go, Giuseppe."
"Northlande," Giuseppe muttered. He looked to them. "Do forgive me for the abrupt parting. I am certain all shall be well, yes? I do hope we can do something like this again, Jessamine." He bowed to them again.
Violet rolled her eyes. "Not even going to kiss her good-night?" she asked.
Giuseppe's face colored, and his eyes went straight to the duke. He then turned to Jessamine, approached her, and planted a soft kiss on her cheek. He lingered there for a moment, took her in one more time. "Until next time, then?" he murmured softly.

[Midori-Hime]

As concerned as the Duke might have been, there was really nothing he could say to scold the prince. And especially not when he was giving his daughter such compliments. As long as Jessamine held the prince's favor, what was there really to be that upset about? If he were being honest, he knew enough about the prince's reputation to know that he'd never threaten Jessamine's chastity.

"Ah, well… No harm done Your Highness. You're both here now…." He said, putting his hand on Jessamine's shoulder for a moment. "I hope you enjoyed your time with our Jessamine." He said, smiling proudly. Of course she knew that was only because the prince was there. However, as the sound of a horse's hooves approached, the Duke and Jessamine followed the prince to the door.

Her eyes widened as the princess suddenly showed herself, smiling a bit as she could already hear the annoyance in Giuseppe's voice. Still, she was concern about the prince and what his parents would do when he returned. The duke only bowed. "Not a problem at all Your Highness. I hope you will visit us again soon… Or Jessamine could always come to you." He offered.

Jessamine glanced to her father in surprise, before looking to the prince once again. However, they both looked taken aback at the princess' outburst. However, the Duke said nothing and took a step back, giving them a moment. Jessamine blushed as well, watching Giuseppe closely, wondering if he would take his sister's bait. Though as he approached, her heart fluttered, then skipped a beat as he kissed her cheek. Jessamine looked into his eyes as he drew back, nodding. "I'll be waiting…" She said softly, before quickly adding. "And you can blame me… Tell them I kept you." She whispered, worried about his punishment when he returned home.

[Ashen]

The journey back to the castle was painful. "I think you missed your kiss, Giuseppe!" was a taunt the prince was not too thrilled to hear. When he was not being pestered by his sister about the day's events, Giuseppe was forced to think of his parents waiting for him back home. Finally, when he did arrive, he did his best to go to his room without fanfare. Such a thing was impossible with a little sister, however, and soon Giuseppe was forced to face his angered parents.

At the end of the night, Giuseppe had gotten an earful and a good whacking. His punishment was less than what he'd anticipated though, so he could hardly be hurt. His day had been worth it, beyond worth it, no matter what the king might have dealt. As he prepared for bed, he was able to reflect on it all. A wonderful day out of town, away from the life of a prince, just enjoying a circus with a woman he was starting to really fall for... It had certainly been a nice change of pace, one he intended to treasure.

Giuseppe played a song that night, a cheery tune he had heard earlier that day. It was far past when he was to go to bed, but he played along anyway, until his song was finished. It was his last reminder of the day he'd had, and as he finally lay down his head, he wondered when he would see his Jessamine again.

[Midori-Hime]

The rest of the evening when by in a daze. Her parents continued to question her about the day's events and she told them as little as she could get away with. He'd taken her to a meadow for a picnic and they only conversed until the time had gotten away with them. Though it was only half the truth, it was still the truth. Her parents would rest easier if they didn't know about the circus, as would she. Of course she told Mary everything once they were alone and the rest of the house had settled down to sleep. Even how she was mildly disappointed at only receiving a kiss on the cheek. Of course she could understand why… and she supposed it would give her something to dream about until their next meeting.

Of course they had short visits for the next month and their time together was just as enjoyable as the first. But there was a nagging in her mind every time they parted. Where would this go, she wondered. Giuseppe had said so many wonderful things to her, but she wondered if anything would come of it. Jessamine didn't want to rush things, of course, but at the same time, she didn't want to fall deeper for a man who would just be married off to another. No, she couldn't bare that. Would Giuseppe indeed marry her? She had to wonder…

[Ashen]

The next month was one of the happiest in Giuseppe's life. He looked forward to each meeting with Jessamine, and he thoroughly enjoyed her company each time. The whole family noticed how Jessamine was affecting him too; the king and queen noticed a new enthusiasm in Giuseppe's studies and tasks, the princess noticed her brother was a lot harder to anger, and the servants all noticed he was getting into a lot less trouble than usual. Even though he would never lose that puerile charm, it finally seemed that Prince Giuseppe was maturing.

Recently, Giuseppe had been given a task from his father. He was to go to one of their neighboring kingdoms, a medium-sized land called Florick, and discuss some diplomatic matter he had no interest in. The king himself was off to another kingdom to discuss trade routes and taxes, so Giuseppe supposed he had scored the lesser burden. Still, the kingdom was days away by horse, and the way there was paved with danger. The mountainous trail was always capped with snow, and the valleys on either side of the mountain were infested with thieves looking to attack whatever traveler they could for a few extra coins. It was not a challenge for a boy, and Giuseppe was rather surprised his father was trusting him to it.

It must have been his challenge. Giuseppe knew the stories of the olden days, where boys would receive a task they had to complete to transition into men. The prince, at nearly twenty, was anything but a boy, but perhaps his father could not trust him before. For that reason, Giuseppe intended to succeed in his task, and make his father proud for what might have been the first time in his life.

But the thought of leaving Jessamine behind for so long was not something he wished to think on. So, Giuseppe had spoken to her parents beforehand, and he had arranged for a second horse to accompany him. He didn't know how Jessamine would feel along this journey. The trials were indeed tough, but he had an idea. Not only was this a test for him; he would be testing her as well. He made his way to Duke Northlonde's manor, all packed for the journey ahead of him. He hoped Jessamine would agree to keep him company, and that in the end, he would get to see what he wished for the both of them.

[Midori-Hime]

Even now while she awaited the prince's arrival, Jessamine was still in a bit of a daze. She still couldn't believe it when her parents told her that she would be accompanying the prince on his journey to a neighboring kingdom. They would be traveling for quite a few days, just the two of them. Though it was really just that fact that her parents had agreed to it that surprised her. She was thrilled that Giuseppe would want her as his companion for his trip, but also quite nervous.

"But this must mean something, right?" Mary urged, sounding just as excited for her. "Why else would he ask for you to come with him on official business… Unless he thought that you might someday have certain standing there? Maybe he wants to see how you will be as a diplomat… in the future~" Jessamine hushed her quickly, blushing. Mary excused herself, but couldn't stop grinning. Jessamine let out a shaky breath, moving to look out the window, watching for him. She'd been wondering that herself but she didn't want to assume anything. She couldn't say she cared to become a queen, she only cared for Giuseppe, But Jessamine was beginning to realize that they were one in the same. If she cared about Giuseppe, then it meant she would have to live up to the responsibilities of a queen. Was she strong enough? As she saw the prince approaching on his horse, she supposed it was time to find out.

The duke and dutchess where there at the door, ready and waiting to greet the prince. Jessamine's golden hair was pulled up in looping braids and she wore clothes that were light yet durable for travel. Everything she'd need was packed. Her mother had no idea how she was going to get by with so few belongings, but Jessamine on the other hand thought she'd packed too much and managed to leave a few bags behind without her mother noticing. Her mother only kissed her on the head once, as neither of her parents were particularly emotional. Jessamine stepped over to the prince as the servants brought her bags to hitch onto the saddle. "Good morning Your Highness." She said with a smile. Once they were ready, she mounted her horse, her heart pounding. Jessamine nodded a goodbye to her parents, then looked to her window to where Mary watched them, blowing her a kiss. "Are we ready then?" She asked, looking to the prince.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe greeted the duke and duchess with a wide smile and a low bow each. When he saw Jessamine, he presented her with a smaller smile. She did look divine, though comfortable, as if she had really thought on her outfit. She looked little like how a noble ought, but in that moment, Giuseppe couldn't help but think her a princess.

He nodded his response to her question, then turned back to her parents. "She will be in good hands, I assure you," he promised. In asking their permission, he may have downplayed the dangers of the journey the tiniest bit. Trying not to think on it, he returned to Jessamine and helped her onto her horse. Once she was situated, Giuseppe smiled up at her and together, they set off.

He was silent for a few minutes, wanting to get out of view of her parents, whom he knew would be watching. Once they were, he let out a little sigh and relaxed on his horse. "So!" he announced. "Today we set off on our lengthy journey, to a kingdom for which I have not a care, to discuss a matter that bores me beyond belief. But I have you by my side, and I am certain it will be a wonderful journey." He patted his horse gently on the neck. "We will travel to a small town on our border first, just a few hours away. There we will rest and gather supplies, though I have everything we could possibly need with me here. Are you comfortable with this journey, Jessamine?" He suddenly turned to her, his face becoming serious. "I do not know that you know of the mountains, but such can be treacherous if one is not careful. I have no intentions of letting harm befall you, rest assured. Are you really willing to make this journey with me?"

[Midori-Hime]

The first few minutes were silent and Jessamine didn't want to be the first to speak. However, she quickly realized why he was so quiet and smirked to herself as she heard his sigh of relief. Jessamine turned her gaze to the prince then as he spoke, chuckling softly. She shook her head gently and then smiled at him. "As am I, Giuseppe." She said, now that they were alone. A lovely shade of pink tinted her cheeks, still growing used to the idea of calling him by his given name.

Jessamine suddenly became more serious now as he explained, listening closely. "I believe so…" She told him honestly. "It will be my first time making such a journey alone, but I know there is no need for concern with you at my side." Jessamine then looked into his eyes for a long moment. She knew any travel could be dangerous, but for Giuseppe to mention the treacherous road through the mountains, she was a little nervous. But more than anything, she was excited. Jessamine slowly grinned. "Of course… there is nothing I would want more than to make this journey with you, Your Highness." She replied, her eyes soft as they gazed into his.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was happy to hear she was looking forward to their trip. As was he, though he did not know what to expect. "You will not be alone," he assured her. "I'll be here the whole time. Do not be alarmed." He wondered if he should be. A long and dangerous journey... He wanted Jessamine to know he wouldn't let harm befall her, but who would be looking out for him?

Once they had made it off of the roads, Giuseppe sped up his horse, expecting Jessamine to do the same. He embraced the wind whipping through his hair with a sigh. "It has been some time since I have ridden at such speeds," he told her. "Once we pass our closest town, I imagine we will be permitted to go even further. There are many plains out there, so it should spell smooth sailing until the mountains. Those will be different of course, and I do hope our horses can handle the altitude and the cold. Oh, did you bring a blanket? It gets mighty cold up there. Never mind, I brought two, just in case."

He'd come very prepared. Jessamine had forced Giuseppe into maturing, and he was off to a great start so far. His planning would do them some good on their trip. He wondered if Jessamine would take note of such a thing. "We have a long while to spend together, Jessamine. What shall we do? There is little to do on the road, I am afraid. More exploration will come once we have reached a new area. Perhaps we can play a game of hide 'n' seek in a new place?" Well, the maturing hadn't been perfect.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled as he reassured her that he would be with her. "Don't you worry either, Your Highness. I will also be with you." She reminded him. As the prince started to speed up, Jessamine did the same, her horse riding beside him. Her hair had been tied back for this reason, though some loose curls danced around her face in the wind.

Jessamine looked to him curious, grinning at he rambled. Softly she chuckled, though it was carried away with the wind and shook her head. It certainly did surprise her how prepared he was for this trip and it impressed her. He seemed to have matured a bit since the last time she saw him, wondering if he had something to prove with this trip. However, as he suggested that they place a game, she was relieved to see that he was still the same old Giuseppe that she grown to know.

"Hmmm…" She thought, staring ahead to the first town along their path. "Here's an idea. How about a race?" She suggested, looking to him suddenly with a sly grin. "First one through the gates of the next town?" She waited to hear what he'd say. Of course it was a long journey and they wouldn't want to tire out the horses too quickly, but a short sprint wouldn't hurt and might be quite fun for all involved.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe carefully considered her offer. He didn't want to tire the horses too early, but then, they would be able to rest up plenty once they reached town. And besides. A race would decrease their time on the road and increase their enjoyment. With those factors, the prince shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps you will not call upon your treacherous trees this time, eh, Jessamine?"

He brought his horse right by her horse's side. "You know the way, do you not?" he asked. "It is a straight route, except that you will run into a river in a few minutes. The bridge is to the east, only a minute or so east from where we stand now. I trust you will not lose your way? If you do... Just call for me. There is not much to intercept your voice, and it should carry for some distance." He looked to her with playful eyes. He was determined to win. "I shall see you in town." And with that, he started off.

Giuseppe had told her the proper way to get to the next town, but he'd left out a small detail. As he and his horse sped on, he had a sneaky grin on his face. The wind really whipped at him now, blowing his hair and clothes to either side and rustling the saddle bags. He wanted to lose Jessamine, so he set off for a diagonal course headed west, away from the bridge, and away from the way he'd told her to go. There, he ran into some small hills, but they did not slow him down as much as he knew the bridge would, Jessamine. So once he got to the river, he relaxed, and he casually made his way over it.

To the west was a bridge, a bridge that had broken over time and now lay dangling into the water below. An alternate route, the one Giuseppe took, was where the river was narrower. He was able to lead his horse to jump over the stream without difficulty, and from there it was an easy ride to the next town. Absently, he wondered if Jessamine would know the bridge was out, if she would find a quicker alternate way.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smirked at his teasing and watched as he brought his horse right beside hers. She then looked ahead, listening carefully to his direction and then she nodded. Jessamine grinned at him and then gasped as he suddenly started without an official warning, giving him an extra second of a head start.

She kicked her heels harder, pushing her horse to keep up with him. He bolted after Giuseppe's horse, seeming to have a good understanding of what was going on, throwing his head in excitement. Jessamine laughed, though it was carried with the wind.

She could see the bridge that he'd spoke of ahead, though as they neared it, Giuseppe suddenly veered to the opposite direction. Instead of following his direction, she turned her horse after him, pushing him faster. She watched the prince leap over the shallow part of the river, pushing her horse faster to follow suit. As they continued on, she glanced back to the bridge, noticing down that it was broken. Her eyes widened, realization dawning on her and she flicked her reigns. "Come on, we're not going to let him get away with that!" She said to her horse, who quickly caught up with Giuseppe's horse, racing with him neck and neck.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe didn't realize Jessamine was following him until he heard her talking to her horse. She had caught up to him. Had she not followed his directions at all? Giuseppe shook his head, a smile lighting his face. She was clever to disregard his advice. Still, he didn't intend to lose to her. Giuseppe drove his heels into his horse's side, and the stallion raced ahead. Jessamine was still too close for comfort, and the prince did not know who would come out of this race the victor.

But suddenly, Giuseppe's horse halted, allowing Jessmine's to get away. Giuseppe stood in his stirrups, annoyed. "What is it?" he demanded of the horse. He peered over the stallion's head and noticed a root protruding from the ground. Giuseppe whipped his reigns but his horse refused to move. "You can jump over a river but not a root?" he asked his horse. "Dammit, Jessamine!" he called after her. "Again with the trees!"

When he finally did get his horse moving again, it was far too late. He sped towards the town in an effort to catch up with Jessamine, but she was already in town. He let out a heavy sigh and dismounted his horse. "No more carrots for you," he muttered. Giuseppe located Jessamine without too much issue. "I do not know how you command the trees to slow me down, but you must teach me your ways. I suppose I deserved to lose, did I not?" He sighed again and turned to look at the town. "Might you wish to explore the town? I need to speak with the authority here, though... I cannot claim to know where his house may be." He chuckled softly. "We shall have another race on this journey. I will not lose that time."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine kept her sights on the town gate, urging her horse forward, when suddenly Giuseppe suddenly fell behind. She glanced back quickly, making sure nothing was wrong, but instead it seemed that he was having an argument with his horse. She grinned, turning back to the town and cried out as she crossed the gate, slowing her horse and turning to watch Giuseppe trail behind.

She couldn't stop smiling as she watched him come up to stop beside her. "Yes, it serves you right for trying to pull a dirty trick!" She agreed, but she laughed then, showing that she wasn't actually mad. She then dismounted carefully, stroking her horses neck before looking to town. "Yes, I would like that. It seems very quiet… it's nice." Jessamine said thoughtfully, leading her horse into town. "I'm sure would could ask some residents, though I'd say it's probably the biggest house in town." She teased. Jessamine then looked back at him and chuckled. "We shall see about that, Your Highness."

[Ashen]

Giuseppe nodded at her, his eyes searching the crowds. He wondered if anyone from this area would recognize him. Technically, this town fell under his kingdom still, so he was still their prince, but he'd never been to this particular place. "Truth be told," he said quietly, "I do not even recall the name of this duke. Er, is he a duke? Is this land a dukedom?" He looked around, as if his answer would be somewhere around him. "Some prince I am," he mumbled to himself.

They continued through the town in search of a large house. Giuseppe was too stubborn to ask for directions, but his stubbornness was costing them time. The prince didn't seem all that worried, though, and soon they found themselves in front of a large manor with a foreign flag by the front door. "This must be it," he said. "You will wait out here? Better yet..." He dismounted his horse and waited for Jessamine to do the same. Then, he handed his own reigns to her. "Can I trust you to feed and water the horses? Tell whatever rancher you find that you are sent from Ibeacia. Here." He dug around in a pocket before producing a ring. On it was the emblem of his country, a ring used to imprint letters. "They cannot turn you down with this."

Once alone, Giuseppe walked into the manor and asked for audience with the duke. Luckily, it was a duke that ran this town, and he was shown the way to the old man. Giuseppe explained that he and his lady were passing through the town. The duke promised him a warm welcome and sent him off to find Jessamine again. When he did, he approached her smiling. "He knew who I was, at any rate," he told her. "I must alert the nobles of my presence, you see. Passing by their territories unannounced leads to bad politics." He shrugged his shoulders. "Are you hungry? I have brought food with me."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine couldn't help but smile as Giuseppe struggled to remember the Duke's name, or wether or not the man was even a duke. She shook her head gently, but really she found it quite amusing. Of course his stubbornness was not as amusing and she sighed as he insisted on finding it himself. But eventually they did so she couldn't complain.

Jessamine dismounted and then blinked as the prince handed her the reigns, and the ring with the royal crest. Suddenly she was nervous hanging on to such a valuable piece. But she did as he asked, leading the horses until he found a farmer that would gladly take care of the horses for the prince of Ibeacia. Jessamine then returned to the Duke's home, fortunately around the same time that the prince finished speaking with the Duke. She smiled as she met with him and then nodded. "Yes.. Some food sounds perfect." She agreed and then walked with him to find some place to sit. "So, what is the next step in our journey? Where will we rest for the night?" She asked curiously, wanting to map out the rest of their trip.

[Ashen]

He was prepared for her question. Giuseppe held out a finger to her to tell her to wait, and he dug a hand through his pocket. "I brought a map," he told her, just as his hand came up with nothing. he searched his other pocket and, upon finding nothing, he sighed. "It is in the saddle bag," he grumbled. "Looks like we must visit our horses again after all."

They arrived at the farm, and Giuseppe approached his own horse. He patted him gently on the neck before sifting through one of the saddle bags. "Here we are," he murmured. "Ah, wait. Let us grab some food, too." He returned to the bag, withdrew a smaller bag from within one, and offered his hand to Jessamine. "I hardly wish to have our picnic in a barn," he said chuckling. "Come, I am certain we can find a fitting place."

The two of them looked around the town for a quiet place. It wasn't a large town, and most who walked by avoided eye contact. The prince couldn't be bothered by the townsfolk. He instead searched for the most ideal spot in town, a patch of grass located on a hill. There he sat down and started removing food from the pack he had brought. "Almost reminiscent of our first picnic, no?" he asked her. "Perhaps we can make music in this one, too."

[Midori-Hime]

Again she shook her head, but smiled at him as they made their way back to the horses. She looked around the town curiously as they walked, folding her hands behind her back. She waited for Giuseppe to retrieve their things, patting her horse while he ate. She then looked to the prince, happy that he'd found the map. And their food as well. She took his hand, walking with him to find a place to eat.

Her eyes lit up as they spotted the grassy hill. "Perfect~" She said, then turned to smile at him. "I've been practicing too!" She announced proudly, though she knew she would be no where near his skill. She sat down in the grass, looking over the town while Giuseppe unwrapped the food. "So then… the map." She said, leaning in to look over it while they ate.

[Ashen]

"The map," he repeated. He pulled it out and laid it over the grass as he plucked some appetizer into his mouth. "Well," he continued, mouth full. "We are here, and we started here." His finger was moving between small, unnamed points on the map. "We will need to slow our pace to the next town. We cannot tire our horses for no reason. So, by the time we get... here... the sun should be setting. The next town is too far, so this will be where we will spend our night. We will still be in Ibeacia territory, but on the border. Tomorrow morning, we leave Ibeacia, and make our way all the way to... here."

Despite never having ventured this far, Giuseppe seemed to know quite a bit about the locations he pointed out. He handed her the map so that she could see all he'd pointed out. None of the locations were labeled, except the Ibeacian border and a large river they would pass the next day. With such a map, it seemed like it would be easy to get lost, but as usual, the prince seemed carefree.

With the map discussed, Giuseppe took to the rest of his meal. He watched Jessamine look over the map, thinking. "I would be happy to hear the fruits of your practice," he told her. "I can teach you the duets I know. I wonder if we might run into any bards in our journey. Learning new music sounds like a wonderful benefit of an already promising journey, would you not say?"

[Midori-Hime]

Her eyes followed his finger, trying to understand the somewhat confusing map. Still such a long way, it seemed. But as she looked to Giuseppe, she smiled. It would be fun, she told herself. Strenuous but fun and they would be together. She took the map from him, overlooking the area a bit, trying to commit it to her memory. "The roads will lead us in the right direction…. right?" She asked curiously.

But she didn't let herself worry and set the map aside to continue with their meal. Jessamine then looked up at him suddenly and grinned. "Maybe after we eat…" She said softly, then laughed softly. "Maybe we will…" She told him, remembering how quickly he'd picked up that song at the circus. "I think you would have been quite happy to have been a Bard." She said then, tilting her head as she watched him. "Maybe in the next life." She muttered, though her thoughts were on her own circumstances. She'd never wanted to be a Dutchess, much less a Queen of an entire nation. She wondered if she had the strength to do it, if she had what it took. But then maybe she was thinking too much and Giuseppe didn't intend to make her his Queen. Well he won't if I fail him on this trip… she told herself, staring off blankly.

[Ashen]

At Jessamine's question, Giuseppe looked over his map again. The paved roads wouldn't exactly lead them to where they needed to be, but he knew there was no use worrying her yet. The roads would lead them far enough, and they wouldn't have to worry about unpaved paths, at least not for today. When she was finished, he took back the map and tucked it into his pocket. "Do not be alarmed," he reassured her. "No matter where we go, we will be safe."

They continued to eat their lunch, and Giuseppe listened to Jessamine speak. "A bard?" he repeated. "I could never. I have not the talent of such a status, and besides. That is quite an... effeminate profession, is it not? It is hardly befitting a man of my stature." Though he did have to admit, he quite liked the idea. He loved his country with all of his being, but being able to travel with only his ocarina, it was a far-off dream. Though as he thought about it, he was traveling, with his ocarina, and even better, he had Jessamine, too.

Giuseppe finished the rest of his lunch in only a couple gulps. When he was done, he tossed his trash to the side and pulled his ocarina out of his pocket. He brought the instrument to his lips, and he played a low, gentle sound. That note broke into a verse, a cheery little tune that had the prince swaying with his music. The small song turned into a performance, and soon Giuseppe was up and skipping along. His song finished softly, and he looked to Jessamine. "Why wait for the next life?" he murmured with a shy smile. "Someday, you will be able to do that with me, eh?"

[Midori-Hime]

It was slightly concerning, but she would trust Giuseppe's word and not dwell on the what-ifs. Jessamine then giggled at the prince, covering her mouth. "Effeminate? Well I don't know about that." She replied. "Besides, what's wrong with being effeminate?" She said suddenly, raising her chin in a haughty manner before laughing at herself.

She was just about finishing her meal when he pulled out his ocarina, watching him with delight as he took a simple tune and had turned it into a performance. She grinned and then clapped when he was finished and then blushed when he suggested that she could do the same. "I'm afraid I'm no where near as skilled as you, Your Highness. This once I will have to admit defeat." However, she reached into her pocket and pulled out the ocarina he'd gifted her. She cleared her throat, looking up at him as she blushed, trying to compose herself. Then she started to play and slow, gentle tune that she'd been practicing, with long, floaty notes. After only a minute she stopped, lowering the flute from her lips. "I still need some practice…" She admitted quietly.

[Ashen]

Perhaps Jessamine had a point. Perhaps there really was nothing wrong with being effeminate. That got the prince thinking. He was the crown prince of an entire kingdom. If his father died--a morbid thought--he would be king. What was to stop him from being a bard, too? "I shall exercise the thought," he said, but he left the subject at that.

Giuseppe brushed off praise for his own song. It was a simple tune to him, one he would teach Jessamine how to play later. He was respectful as she took out her own ocarina and start playing what she had been practicing. Her notes were awkward and staccato, and it was clear she had a long ways to go, but he thought she was coming along just fine. After she cut herself off he clapped for her. "I think it really is quite swell!" he told her. "Do allow me to comment on it? Remember that your instrument is a passageway for your wind. If you want it to sound smooth, you must allow the passages to be smooth. Do not remove your fingers from the air holes so swiftly. Do so with confidence, and with a gentle motion, as if directing a baby bird."

Giuseppe continued to give Jessamine pointers with the ocarina, and even tried to teach her how to play a short tune. It was definitely a start, and he knew with more practice and guidance from him she would be sounding as sweet as him. Giuseppe put his ocarina back into his pocket and he looked to the sky. The sun's position told him his music lesson had run longer than anticipated, and they needed to get going. He offered his hand to Jessamine to help her up. "The time lost here makes up for the time we spent getting here," he told her. "We are still on schedule. We had best retrieve our horses now and start off soon so we can arrive at the next town by sundown."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine listened carefully to his critiques and tried to do as he said. She was enjoying his short lessons and watched as he demonstrated, hoping that she'd catch on one day. However, they were so wrapped up in the lesson that they didn't know how much time had passed. She followed his gaze up towards the sky, though she didn't have everything quite as planned out as he did.

Jessamine then looked to the prince as he offered his hand, and with his help she stood. With a curt nod, she helped him pack up their few belongings and placed her ocarina back into her pocket. She led him to the farmer that had been caring for their horses and she thanked him for his help. Jessamine looked to Giuseppe, wondering if he intended to pay the man.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe certainly didn't have to pay anyone. As prince, he was sure anyone would gladly put him up for free. Still, he knew he had the money to spare, and he knew the rancher didn't, so he handed the man a few coins and took their horses again. Then, he set off with Jessamine towards their next destination.

It was a long walk, and they spent it mostly catching up on each other's lives. Giuseppe did not have much to report, but he loved listening to Jessamine, and he loved telling her stories of his boisterous youth. The weather was cooperative, and they were allowed safe passage all the way to their next destination. They had arrived at a border town, and people shuffled to and fro, all seemingly busy with their own lives. This was where they were to spend their night, but they had arrived a bit early. After booking a room in one of the many inns in town and securing a spot for their horses in the barn, Giuseppe and Jessamine were alone to explore the town as they saw fit.

Giuseppe led her to the marketplace, an area in the center of town that sold various wares. He looked over it all, knowing full well they were all cheap copies of the things he could afford. Still, he did not act too pompous. "Such a collection," he commented. "Some of these things look so foreign, too. I wonder what the wares are like outside of Ibeacia. We will find out tomorrow, when we leave her borders." He walked to a vendor and bought something before returning to Jessamine and handing it to her. It was a floral crown, made with flowers not native to Ibeacia's capitol. "My mother used to take us to the markets when we were younger. I got in trouble one too many times though, so she started leaving me home and only taking Violet." He laughed with the memories. "I always used to look for new weapons here."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled at him. Any other would say that they didn't have to pay just because of their title, her her mother for instance. She wasn't sure why or when it happened… perhaps it was her friendship with Mary, but she had always wanted to share her abundance with others who were less fortunate. She'd watch Mary work hard, forming sweat on her brow as she ran to and fro through the manor, and yet she hardly had anything to show for it. Sure, she had a home and food of course. But Jessamine had jewelry and more beautiful gowns than she could count just because her circumstance of birth. It just didn't seem very fair, though she knew it was just the way of things.

Jessamine listened to his stories eagerly and frowned when he asked her about her life. She felt like she didn't have much interesting to share, other than perhaps a few stories of getting into trouble with Mary. Still, it was nice to have someone else to talk to, and more importantly, she felt like she could actually talk to Giuseppe openly.

As they entered the next town, she went quiet, observing the hustle and bustle of the townsfolk. She waited patiently until they'd found a place to rest the horses. She walked with him around the market place, thinking that maybe she could find something to bring home to Mary, though it didn't seem likely that she would find much of interest here. Jessamine then looked to the prince curiously. Her eyes widened when he returned with a crown of flowers, and with a soft blush she placed it on her head. "Have you ever left the borders before?" She asked. "Are you nervous?" She teased softly, though perhaps because she felt a bit anxious herself.

[Ashen]

"Nervous?" The prince laughed aloud at her question. "Of course I am not nervous. What kind of prince would I be if I feared leaving my own borders?" He turned to the horizon. Beyond that was unexplored land. He wondered how many memories would be waiting for them there. "Perhaps a bit," he added softly. The dangers were unknown, and he couldn't imagine losing Jessamine to them. Would she handle them well? Would he? Giuseppe shook his head. "I am certain we will have no need for anxiety."

He turned back to her again and smiled at her flower crown. "The flowers really bring out your eyes." He then turned to a vendor who had various flags, each from a different kingdom or dukedom. "I have not been outside of the kingdom, no," he admitted. "I have always wanted to venture, but my father never trusted me. I cannot blame him. But that is why I must ensure I complete this journey. He will see. He can trust in me."

They had plenty of time, so Giuseppe took to taking Jessamine to various vendors. They sampled the foods on display, listened to the music of the marketplace, and watched the clouds pass by. The sun was setting, and they had just a few more hours before it was time for bed. People were leaving the marketplace, returning to their inns or making the journeys to their homes. Giuseppe purchased a proper meal for the two of them, and they ate it at their inn. "I hope you are able to rest well," he said. "The journey tomorrow will be long. It is... the day after tomorrow that we will reach the mountains. Are you ready for that? I hope our horses can handle it." He sighed. "There is still much to think about. I enjoyed my day with you, though, and I have no doubts I will enjoy the rest, too." He looked up at her again and smiled. "Do you miss them? Your family, I mean. I intend to bring souvenirs for mine. I have not the slightest what to give my father. He is... He is a king. What could he possibly want from me?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I apologize. I am just rambling. You are just... easy to talk to, I suppose."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled to herself, seeing through Giuseppe's brave face. She didn't mean to imply that he was afraid, but perhaps, like her, he was a little anxious. Who knew what things they would see and experience once they left their homeland? The possibilities made it more exciting then anything. "Yes, I'm sure you're right." She agreed finally.

She smiled at the prince's compliment, a soft warmth tinting her cheeks. Jessamine then listened carefully, frowning when he heard his worries. "I know how that feels…" She replied softly. "But I trust in you, and I know you'll do great and make your father proud." She hoped her words might reassure him, if only a little.

She enjoyed her time wandering the new town with the prince, admiring everything it had to offer, but she was eager to see more tomorrow. As they ate, she looked to the prince curiously. "I'm as ready as I can be I suppose. Though I do hope for the best." She replied. "Most of all, I'm looking forward to it. I don't know what will happen, but I think that is the most exciting part." She told him with a soft chuckle. Jessamine then took a moment to think about his next question.

"Well, I can't say I really miss my parents. But I hope Mary is doing well in my absence. I would like to find a nice gift for her. I'm sure I'll know what it is when I see it. Just as I'm sure you will for your father." She said, placing a hand over his gently. Jessamine then chuckled. "Don't ever apologize for that Giuseppe. I'm very glad to hear that…" She looked into his eyes gently. She then felt her cheeks grow warm and she looked down suddenly, feeling self-conscious .

[Ashen]

He noticed the way she looked away, as if embarrassed of his words. That caused Giuseppe's cheeks to go red, and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "You need not be ashamed," he said. "I meant no harm in my words. It is a compliment, really." He smiled, as if that would prove it. "It is refreshing, speaking to someone like this. I am often told to shut up only moments after I open my mouth."

He shook his head, showing he wasn't all that offended by that truth. "A souvenir for Mary," he thought aloud. "It is a lovely thing to bring back. I am certain she would be thrilled to receive a gift from you." It got him thinking. If he did take Jessamine as his wife--and the thought was still a startling one--what would become of Mary? He would pay her parents over for her in a heartbeat. Anything, after all, to keep Jessamine happy.

He thought a little bit more on souvenirs for his parents, but soon shook it off. "Perhaps it is time to prepare for bed," he said. He had finished his meal, and now he took it to a disposal bin. "We need to be well rested for another great day tomorrow." Giuseppe took Jessamine's hand and brought it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss on it. "You will be well, I trust?" he said. "I will see you tomorrow. Sweetest of dreams."

[Midori-Hime]

"I-I know, Your Higness." She murmured softly, looking up to smile at him softly. "And I'm glad you feel that way. I'm always willing to listen to whatever you have to say." She told him reassuringly. She followed him, nodding in agreement as she was quite tired and tomorrow would be even more trying. Jessamine then paused, watching as Giuseppe kissed her hand and she blushed, feeling butterflies in her stomach. "Yes, I'll be fine. Good night Giuseppe. And sweet dreams to you too."

She then parted from him and went to her room for the night. Dressing down into her night gown, she slid into bed and stared up at the ceiling. She didn't know how much time had passed, but she found it difficult to sleep in such a foreign place, recalling all the events of the day. She hoped tomorrow would go just as smoothly and was eager to continue her journey with the prince. However, try as she might, it was a while before sleep finally claimed her.

The next morning she woke to the rooster's crowing, stirring reluctantly. It was a bit startling to wake up in such a strange place, but she quickly remembered where she was and why. Wondering if Giuseppe was up as well, she quickly dressed and braided her hair before heading downstairs. There breakfast was waiting for her and the prince, yet Giuseppe was no where to be found. She didn't want to start without the prince, so she asked one of the maids to check on him for her.

[Ashen]

Unlike Jessamine, Giuseppe was out like a light. He had dreams of taking down great foes and acclaiming high fame with his princess at his side. He slept straight through the night, and even through the cock's crow. He was too deep a sleeper for his own good, and he certainly didn't like getting up early. However, with no maid to wake him, he was able to sleep later than expected.

At a knock on his door the prince turned away and called the knocker off. When they knocked again, he sat up and looked around. "Oh," he said. He wasn't in the castle, and whoever was knocking was not one of the castle staff. Hastily removing the blanket from his body, Giuseppe stumbled to the door and opened it a slit. On the other side was a worker at the inn, who had been sent by Jessamine. "I will be down in a minute!" he assured before shutting the door and getting dressed.

Giuseppe walked down the stairs with his hair in a mess and his tunic wrinkled. He tried soothing it as he met with Jessamine. As soon as he sat down across from her he let out a large yawn, then excused himself. "Forgive me, I lost track of time. I did sleep well though, and I hope for the same for you." He looked down at the plate placed in front of him. It was... a humble breakfast, to say the least. But then, Giuseppe had expected this. He knew he would have to be modest about his eating habits. The castle's kitchen staff wouldn't be able to follow him along, after all, and most people did not cook as if for a prince. But Giuseppe did not complain. Instead he ate his breakfast and spoke with his companion.

Over breakfast, the prince poked fun at the chef's moustache, as well as the loud dress of a woman with her son. Out here, fewer people would recognize him as the prince, and fewer people would pay attention to his unchivalrous comments. Once they were finished with breakfast, Giuseppe turned to the town outside. Already different vendors had set up their goods to sell. "Are you ready for another day? Outside of Ibeacia... How will we fare?" He laughed lightly. "I am certain we will fare just fine. But the thought is exciting, is it not? Who can say what we will run into? Do you suppose they have different wildlife and flora out here?" He turned back to her and shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps that is what I will bring my family. Tales of things they have never before seen."

[Midori-Hime]

"I slept just fine…" She told him, though it was a bit of a lie. Well once she'd finally managed to fall asleep, then she'd had a good night. Jessamine smiled at him and started to dig in, wanting to be nice and full before they started back on their journey. She laughed at his jokes and gently placed a hand on his arm. "That's awful…" She scolded him, but apparently she was just as bad as she found it just as amusing.

Once outside she took a deep breath, ready for a new day. She then smiled at the prince. "One would hope that we will fare well." She teased. She watched Giuseppe, enjoying the way his eyes lit up as he spoke of all the possibilities. "Perhaps they will. And I think that sounds like a lovely idea. I'm sure your sister will enjoy them." She then waited until they were mounted and ready to start off on the road before she asked more questions about his sister. They rode for a while before she turned, the town no longer visible from this distance. "When do you think will we cross the boarders of Ibeacia.

[Ashen]

The town was further from the border than Giuseppe thought. "Soon," he answered her. They kept riding on, and eventually they did reach the border. Giuseppe paused before crossing it with Jessamine. The first time he'd crossed his kingdom's border, and it was with Jessamine. He certainly had no complaints about that, and he hoped it would not be the last time.

The outside world wasn't all that different from inside. Giuseppe figured he would give it more time. After all, the area right across the border couldn't be too different. So they rode on, occasionally allowing their horses to rest. While they did, he practiced his ocarina, and he explored the area. So far, the flora was the same, though he had seen a very small rabbit. He pointed it out to Jessamine, then readied their horses to continue on.

It was only starting to get dark when the two of them arrived at a forest. Giuseppe looked over the map in his hands. "We should be able to get through the forest before nightfall. We will rest in the town just after the forest. Let us hurry before it gets too dark." With that, he started into the forest. It was darker there, and a distant owl made its presence known. Giuseppe glanced back towards Jessamine every so often. "Are you well? It is... a bit scary here, huh?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine was thoroughly enjoying her trip with the prince, chatting and playing with their ocarinas. She looked out over a field of flowers, sighing at the lovely sight of it. She felt as anxious as Giuseppe seemed, crossing the border of their kingdom for the first time. But at the same time she thought it was quite thrilling. Who knew what sort of things they would see in these new lands.

However, as the sun got lower in the sky, it seemed much darker in the forest. It did make her a little nervous, only because she was concerned they might not be able to find their way if they didn't make it to the next town by dark. Her horse however, wasn't enjoying this part of the trip for other reasons and seemed a little skittish as they moved through the occasional brush. "It is a little... but we'll be out of here soon enough." She smiled at him, trying to stay positive.

The hooting of a nearby owl made her horse lurch forward, trotting up closer to Giuseppe. She pulled him back, slowing him to a walk again. "Woah… Easy…" She cooed softly, reaching down to pat his neck. However, as they passed by a large tree, the owl suddenly took flight and her horse reared with a loud whinny before taking off. Jessamine gasped, managing to hold on but she didn't have the strength to stop him. Even as she pulled back on his reigns, he still charged off into the woods, turning off the path and darting through the trees. Jessamine tried not to panic, simply holding on and dodging branches, but she was worried she wouldn't be able to slow him down before she lost sight of the prince.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe had underestimated the dusk; it was getting dark far more quickly than he'd originally thought. He kept his eyes on Jessamine and the road before them, and hoped he would lose sight of neither. The branches were awfully low, and the prince had to keep reminding himself to duck of out of the way, unless he got an unwanted haircut. It would only be a short while, he thought. Pretty soon, they would be out of this wretched forest.

But as they continued on, Giuseppe panicked to see Jessamine's head rush forward. He instantly set off after her, but another owl's call spooked his own horse. The stallion bolted upright, causing Giuseppe to slip right off. He fell onto his back and winced. It took him a moment to gather his bearings, but when he did he was running after his horse and Jessamine. This was certainly not something he had anticipated. He prayed it would be over soon.

A few minutes later, Giuseppe was surrounded only by the sounds of the dark forest. "Jessamine?" he called. "Jessamine, can you hear me?" He had lost them, and now he was lost himself. He didn't know where to go; he didn't even know which way was out. "Jessamine!" He looked around frantically. What would happen if he never saw her again? No, he told himself. Freaking out would do little good. He needed to remain calm. Once again he called her name, hoping she was somewhere close by, and he would be able to meet with her again.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine cried out, ducking her head in time just to miss a low hanging branch. However, a branch had whipped her face and nicked her cheek, making her wince. It was then that she saw that her horse was coming to a wide river and did her best to stop him before he treaded the water and quite possibly hurt them both. Her panicked horse skidded to a halt sharply, his hoofs sliding over the rocks. But they had stopped and Jessamine finally had a moment to get her bearings. It was much darker now, nearly nightfall and Giuseppe was no where in sight. "Your highness?!" She called out, her heart pounding from the adrenaline.

Her call was met with only silence and Jessamine could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She was lost, with no sign of the prince, nor the road that they had been traveling. In a few minutes it would be much too dark to see anything. How would she ever find Giuseppe? Fear started to fill her chest and send shivers down her spine before she forced it back down. No, it wasn't going to help anything if she just let herself break down and cry. "Giuseppe?!" She called again, hopping down from her horse and started back the way they had come with the beast in tow. "Giuseppe!" Nothing…

Despite her best efforts to stay calm, she moved more quickly now, anxious to find the prince. As long as she could find him then she would be alright. Had anything happened to him? She thought suddenly, her heart still racing with worry. Just then she thought she heard something faintly in the distance and paused, listening closely. It was silent for a long time, besides the chirping of insects, and then suddenly there it was again. A voice carried on the wind, and Jessamine could have sworn it was her name… "Giuseppe!" She called in response, rushing towards the voice before pausing again to listen.

[Ashen]

There, a response! Giuseppe's head snapped around at the sound of his name, so quickly he thought he might have pulled something. Still, he raced on, eager to meet with Jessamine. After a few minutes he saw her, those bright curls, and he nearly fell to his knees. Giuseppe hopped over more vegetation until he was close enough to wrap her in a hug. "Thank the gods," he murmured into her ear. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" He delicately wiped at the new scratch on her face. "I have medicinal supplies, just hold..."

But he didn't. His horse was still missing, and Jessamine's stallion had not been equipped with the same goods. Giuseppe silently cursed himself. They needed to find his horse, but how? Unlike Jessamine, the beast could hardly call back. "Did you happen to notice my horse?" he asked her, though he had little hope. "Might it have gotten infected? Does it hurt? Perhaps there is running water nearby. We can wash it out there." In caring for Jessamine, he was too busy to be reminded of his own back pain, which was slowly getting worse.

As they walked through the forest, Giuseppe listened out for anything that might lead them to his horse, a water source, or the exit. He was finding none, however, and was growing weary. Suddenly, there was a rustling just ahead of them. Giuseppe held out an arm to stop Jessamine, and he listened more closely. Someone or something was just ahead. Hope filled his eyes as he thought, finally, they had found his horse. However, the creature to emerge was not an equestrian, but a human. Giuseppe backed up and unsheathed his sword. "Halt in the name of the king," he said steadily, though his hand was shaking slightly. He could not see his foe. It was an unfair fight. "Who goes there?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine clung to him, a soft blush creeping over her cheeks as they embraced. But she was much too relieved to have found him to be embarrassed. The urgency in his voice sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach and she drew back slowly to look into his eyes. Suddenly she was aware of the cut on her cheek as it started to sting a bit, but it was hardly something to fret over. "Oh, don't worry yourself…" She told him, then gave him a curious look. "Your horse?" She asked, the realization that he'd found her on foot suddenly dawning on her. "W-what happened? How did you lose your horse?" She asked, suddenly worried. If they had only one horse, this might be problematic indeed.

"R-really, it's nothing…." She said, touching the wound. She hissed softly, looking down at the smudge of blood on her finger. Jessamine followed the prince warily, leading her horse along behind her and cooing to him occasionally. If they lost him as well, then they would really be in trouble. Just then Giuseppe's arm flew out in front of her and she stopped quickly, looking at him and then the noise up ahead.

Slowly a man stepped into view, watching them just as cautiously. "We are ruled by no King…" The man said matter-of-factly. Two more men then stepped out beside the first, both drawing swords slowly. "You must be off the beaten path, my Lord and Lady." He said, his tone slightly teasing. "These are the wrong woods to be getting lost in…" Jessamine's eyes widened, shifting closer to Giuseppe, her eyes studying the strangers. From the looks of them, they seemed to be wanderers... Gypsies... From what Jessamine had hear from her parents, Gypsies were nothing but low lives and thieves, praying on others and living outside of the law. Maybe it was true, but Jessamine had found that not everything was as it seemed. Especially when it came to the opinion of her parents.

[Ashen]

It was not one but three men that had greeted them. Giuseppe was especially wary, and he could feel Jessamine drawing closer to him. The men spoke with a nonchalance he couldn't understand, not after being threatened by a prince. They recognized him, and they denied him. Giuseppe recognized them, too. They were gypsies, scumbags that did not deserve their time. If they thought they would best the finest swordsman in all of Ibeacia, they had something else coming.

With his free hand he gently pushed Jessamine away. His fingers still clutched around his sword, Giuseppe looked down on this trio. But maybe... A lesson his father had taught suddenly found its way into his mind. Always try to be diplomatic, and ensure violence is a last resort. So, taking a deep breath, Giuseppe sheathed his sword, and he looked the leader of the trio in the eye. He offered a forced smile. "Gentlemen, I do apologize for treading on your territory. We are simply meaning to get by, and we mean you no harm nor discomfort."

He bowed to them, a small bow. Maybe proper manners had stuck after all. When he rose again, he stood firm, proper. "I am Prince Giuseppe Anderson Liam Ein, crown prince of Ibeacia and son of Frederick. I do apologize, again, for trespassing. I simply have some matters to which I must attend in other kingdoms, and I was making my way there. It seems I have lost my horse, however, and I was only looking for him now. He has many of my supplies, and as such, I was hoping to reacquaint with him soon and get going once more. Pray, bid us passage, and we shall soon be out of your forest."

[Midori-Hime]

The three gypsies paused for a moment, sharing a glance between each other as the prince sheathed his sword. Even more curious was a prince who would bow to them. Seeing their hesitation, Jessamine stepped forward again, standing at Giuseppe's side now. "It's true what he says… If you could perhaps only direct us back towards the road, we will be on our way." She spoke out, watching them curiously. The man in the middle stared at them for a moment before nodding his head to the other two, who in response sheathed their swords as well. "That would be fruitless, My Lady… You won't find it in the dark." The man seemed to consider something, looking between the two of them before he gave them an amused smile. "Come with us. We can put you up for the night…" He offered, before starting off into the woods wether they decided to follow along or not. Jessamine blinked, looking surprised before she turned her gaze to Giuseppe. Would be decided to follow, or should they fend for themselves? It could be a trap, but something told her that they could be trusted... "What should we do?" Jessamine whispered.

[Midori-Hime]

The three gypsies paused for a moment, sharing a glance between each other as the prince sheathed his sword. Even more curious was a prince who would bow to them. Seeing their hesitation, Jessamine stepped forward again, standing at Giuseppe's side now. "It's true what he says… If you could perhaps only direct us back towards the road, we will be on our way." She spoke out, watching them curiously. The man in the middle stared at them for a moment before nodding his head to the other two, who in response sheathed their swords as well. "That would be fruitless, My Lady… You won't find it in the dark." The man seemed to consider something, looking between the two of them before he gave them an amused smile. "Come with us. We can put you up for the night…" He offered, before starting off into the woods wether they decided to follow along or not. Jessamine blinked, looking surprised before she turned her gaze to Giuseppe. Would be decided to follow, or should they fend for themselves? It could be a trap, but something told her that they could be trusted... "What should we do?" Jessamine whispered.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was shocked that these gypsies would offer them a place to stay for the night. He didn't know whether or not he could trust them. Trusting gypsies was one thing, but trusting them while one slept, and when that one was the crown prince? It was too risky. And yet... Giuseppe looked around, at the night-covered forest around them. They would get nowhere in conditions like this. Perhaps it would be beneficial to follow after the trio. He was sure he would be able to defend himself if anything went wrong, but he had a subtle feeling they would make it out alright.

Giuseppe shrugged in response to Jessamine's question. He started walking after them, not knowing what to expect. A part of him was screaming to turn around, to look for his horse and get away from these crooks, but another part of him was thinking as a diplomatic prince. If he showed some kindness to these gypsies now, would anything happen as a result when he was king? Forging good ties between nations was a part of being a king. But the gypsies weren't part of a nation. What would his father do? Probably kill the gypsies where they stood, knowing the king. But Giuseppe was not like his father. He did not want to be his father. So he shook his thoughts, and he continued on.

After a few minutes of walking, he cleared his throat. "Just where is it we are going?" he said. "I cannot say I know just where gypsies live." Was it offensive to call them gypsies to their faces? Giuseppe only considered it after his words were said. He made an awkward face before clearing his throat. "We do appreciate your hospitality. The king will hear of this."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine moved to follow after him, staying close to the prince as the gypsies led them through the darkening forrest. She was also a bit anxious about putting their trust in these strangers, but a deeper part of her wanted to trust them and didn't believe everything her parents told her. Jessamine then looked to Giuseppe suddenly as he spoke. The leader of the small group only glanced back for a moment at the prince before continuing on ahead. "We're headed towards our camp. We live where ever we are able." The leader looked back at him once more with an amused expression, but said nothing as they neared as small clearing.

Jessamine looked up then, hearing the sound of lively music carried on the wind and the glow of firelight. There was as circle of caravans and tents filling the clearing with a large fire in the middle. Some played music and some danced while the other's ate and cheered them on. However, as they came up to the circle the group of gypsies paused in their dancing and the music grew quiet as they watched the prince warily. "Everyone… The crown prince of Ibecia and his lady. They will be joining us as our guests this evening." The leader announced before gesturing for the prince and Jessamine to follow. "Come this way. There's a tent where you can both rest for the night. And in the mean time, help yourselves to a meal." He offered casually. However, the other gypsies continued to watch them warily, almost as if they were afraid of Giuseppe's presence and what it might mean. Jessmine offered a small but warm smile, hoping they might be able to alleviate their fears.

The man stopped at a small tent with a bit of bedding inside and held out a hand to take their horse. "Here you are…" Jessamine looked to Giuseppe before slowly handing over the reigns. With a smile, the man walked off with their horse to tie him up with the other horses. Left alone, Jessamine looked back at the prince anxiously, wondering what to do now. But the offer of food was on her mind and sounded tempting.

[Ashen]

These gypsies were all so wary of him. Giuseppe was used to having all eyes on him, he was a prince after all, but this was a different kind of attention. The looks they all gave, as if he were some kind of criminal... He tried not to let it get to him. After all, in their shoes, would he act any differently? Giuseppe clutched Jessamine's hand as they made it through the gypsy encampment, not knowing what to expect.

The resting place they were offered was ill fit for one of royalty, but Giuseppe tried not to think of that. He hesitated ever so slightly once Jessamine offered up his horse to them. A trusted steed, and now in the company of foreign horses. What if they attacked him? The prince shook his head. He was sure his horse, like the two of them, would be fine. His mind wandered to his other horse, now alone and lost in the forest. Such a loyal stallion; it would be such a waste if they were never reunited.

The gypsy man started away, and Giuseppe both sang and bowed his thanks. He then turned to Jessamine and saw the distraught look in her eye. "Relax," he said softly. "I am certain they will not harm us. The second they do is the second I bring their heads back to my father. I think we can trust them, for now." He turned towards the opening of the tent. "I do not think it would be unwise to share a meal with them. I am feeling a bit peckish. Would you like to eat as well? I'll be right by your side. Does that suit you well?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine nodded her head. "Yes, I know…" She agreed, offering him a smile to show that she was not so upset and was willing to give these gypsies a chance. "Yes, I am as well." she said then blushed a little as the prince said that he would be at her side. She smiled despite the blush still on her cheeks and nodded again. "Quite well…" She answered, looking into his eyes for a moment before a girl suddenly appeared. She was a bit more petite than Jessamine with rich brown hair that was thick with curls and a darker complexion as well. "Hello, my name is Estella. You both must be hungry?" She offered with a smile, seeming to be much more outgoing than most.

"Come with me…" She waved for them to follow, leading them to the circle around the fire where the rest of the gypsies were feasting. Jessamine founding it surprising that the girl treated them so casually, without even so much as a bow to the prince. She wondered what Giuseppe would think, though she on the other hand found it oddly refreshing. Jessamine bit her lip before slyly taking the prince's hand, moving to follow Estella.The gypsy girl led them to the circle, finding a open spot for them to sit on a wooden bench and then quickly brought over two bowls of a hearty stew, along with some bread and two full steins of mead.

Jessamine warily took a sip of the mead, making a slight face before starting on her meal. It was warm and delicious and just what she needed after such a trying day of travel. "It's quite delicious…" She paused to look to Giuseppe, wondering if he was enjoying it as much. It was certainly different than what they were used to. But that didn't mean it was bad in the slightest. With more food in her belly, she started to sip more of the mead as well. The other gypsies in the circle continued to watch them warily and the music around the circle was a bit softer and less lively than before. Maybe they were trying not to offend their guests? But Jessamine looked to the musicians and smiled, starting to clap her hands to the music. This caught them off guard, but one younger musician smiled and began to play with more vigor and soon the rest followed suit.

[Ashen]

It was a happy little society, these gypsies, and Giuseppe found himself more intrigued by them than anything else. They were just getting by in their own way, it seemed. He noted the way Estella did not greet him as if he were royalty, and noticed that none of the others did, either. He was used to this; how many times had he gone into town in a disguise, so as to shed the responsibilities of prince for a day? But this, this was odd, being treated as an equal without a disguise... It wasn't a bad feeling. He felt that he should have been offended, but he wasn't. In fact, the prince was glad he was seen as an equal. For once there was no hierarchy, no power. Everyone could just be, together.

The food and the live music were very nice, though Giuseppe could tell the music was gentler than before. The musicians were probably wary, and not wanting to engross themselves too much in their instruments. They, like everyone else around, were watching them. Still, the others got on with their conversations. Giuseppe tried his best to join in when he saw fit, keeping Jessamine open for conversation as well. The food was delicious, especially after such a long day. He finished it quickly, and found himself only half-paying attention to the conversation. His mind was on the musicians, on the way they played unlike any song he'd heard before. Finally, Giuseppe suddenly got up and approached them.

His intent, unlike what each of the gypsies had probably assumed, was not to harm them at all. Giuseppe showed them his ocarina, and he asked them if he could join in their merriment. It took him only a few minutes to learn a basic version of the complex notes they were hitting, but he was happy to be playing along. The ocarina added a high-pitched chipper sound to the song, changing its mood for what Giuseppe thought to be the better. He looked to Jessamine and smiled widely, then stopped playing. "Would you like to dance?" he asked her. He was making the most of this sudden party, and trying to show the gypsies the two of them were no threat at all.

[Midori-Hime]

Estella soon came to sit with them, getting them more involved with the conversation. She asked more about their travels, where they were from and where they were headed. And then before Jessamine knew it, Giuseppe had disappeared. Her eyes widened, pausing mid sentence as she looked around suddenly. There he was, making his way over to the other musicians. Watching him take out his ocarina, a big smile spread over Jessamine's face. Estella tilted her head, observing the moment with a sly curiosity. "Is he your betrothed?" She asked suddenly, making Jessamine's attention snap back to the gypsy girl. "N-no… He's not. But.. W-well, there's a possibility-" She trailed off a bit, not sure what to say. Estella smiled then, leaning in a little closer. "Are you in love with him?" Estella asked then, her rich brown eyes dancing with excitement. Jessamine stared back, a deep blush spreading over her cheeks. "I… uh-" She started, biting her lip as she tried to put in words exactly how she felt about Giuseppe. But Estella chuckled softly, interrupting her. "You don't have to say anything… It's written all over your face~"

That left Jessamine speechless, putting a hand on her warm cheek. Estella was right… She couldn't really deny her feelings about Giuseppe. If they made this journey together and returned home only for him to marry someone else, it would break her heart. Completely shatter it… However, that warm, familiar voice was suddenly beside her and she broke away from those thoughts with a startled gasp. Jessamine found herself staring into his eyes for a moment, still not quite registering that he'd asked her a question. "Oh!" She blinked, blushing softly in embarrassment. "Y-yes, of course…" Jessamine smiled and quickly stood up, moving with him to the circle around the fire where the others dances. The gypsies cheered them on and even more decided to join them, dancing more lively than anything she'd seen at court. Instead of a formal, ballroom dance, Jessamine followed suit with the free, wild movements, taking his arm and lifting it as she twirled and then spun around him before taking his hands again. Her hair had fallen loose since their trouble in the woods, but now she paused for a moment to take it down completely, letting her golden curls loose as she continued to dance.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe had far more fun than he'd have imagined with the gypsies. Among the lively music and the jolly laughter and the rhythmic clapping, he couldn't help but let himself go. All the years of princely etiquette that had been beaten into him was suddenly gone; he was enjoying himself as an equal, as a commoner, and it was more fun than he'd ever had.

The sight of Jessamine sent a smile to his face. He loved the way she looked with her hair down, framing her face. She was enjoying the night too, from the looks of things. There was a blush in her cheeks that shone just right. Her eyes were sparkling, and her lips called to his. So, as their dance came to a slow halt, Giuseppe pulled Jessamine closer and gave her a deep, long kiss. He pulled away then, surprising himself. Around him, a few of the gypsies began clapping for them. The prince himself blushed a rosy red as he looked out on the crowd. He hadn't meant to steal the spotlight, but he didn't regret a thing. He looked back to Jessamine and smiled. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "You were just so beautiful, I couldn't help myself."

After their adoration died down, the music too began to fade. People picked themselves up and headed off to bed. Giuseppe waited for most of them to go, then started off to their own tent. He'd be sharing a tent with Jessamine. A thought crept into his mind, and briefly he wondered about the sanctity of saving oneself until marriage. He shook the thought--he didn't want to disgrace poor Jessamine--and instead took her hand and led her to bed. "I had a lot of fun," he told her. "Tomorrow we will have to be on our way, one horse short. It pains me to leave him behind, but he is long gone by now. Maybe in the next town we can secure a new map, and hopefully from there it will not be too long a journey. This was nice, but I admit, I do miss the comforts of my own bed."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine couldn't take her eyes off the prince. Seeing this free, unbridled side to him was exciting and she was happy to see him enjoying himself as much as she was. She got lost in the flickering light reflected in his eyes and felt herself being drawn closer. And then his lips were on hers. This kiss was very different than the quick peck he'd given her at the gala. Her heart skipped a beat, then sped up even as he drew away. A part of her was sad that he pulled away so soon but then she quickly came back to her senses as the gypsies applauded for them, Estella included. Jessamine suddenly blushed deeply, hiding her face behind her hair a bit as Giuseppe apologized.

Her mind was swimming as they then started towards their tent. She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss… How soft his lips felt, his scent, the way her heart was still racing. Finally, his hand on hers broke her away from her thoughts and she looked to him suddenly as he spoke. "So much fun…" She muttered, smiling to herself. "Don't give up hope… We might find him yet." She told him, trying to be positive. She was a little sad that this lovely night had to come to an end, but their journey wasn't over. As they ducked inside the tent, Jessamine blushed a little. It was a rather small space and they would have to sleep quite close to each other. She knew Giuseppe wasn't the sort of man that would take advantage of the situation, but it still made her nervous for other reasons. Like the passing thought that she might not mind if he did… Well, they were lucky to have what they did and so she shoved her nervousness aside and kicked off her boots before laying down on the bedding. She scooted over as much as she could to still leave him room.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe, too, kicked off his boots and rested his head on the very flat pillow in their tent. He faced Jessamine, and noted how close they had to be. It wasn't close enough; he couldn't help but think of a situation where they would be closer, be one. He shook his head. He would not think of that now. So, instead, he grabbed her hands, and smiled. Their interlocked fingers rested between them. "Thank you," he murmured. "Sweetest dreams, Jessamine."

Giuseppe slept soundly, despite the uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Many sounds throughout the night caused him to stir, and every time he did he would see Jessamine and smile again. She was so precious as she slept. A couple times he'd woken up just to brush hair from her face or gently kiss her knuckles, actions he might deny come morning.

He was awoken again by the sound of people chattering outside the tent. His eyes opened to see Jessamine, still asleep. Just the sight of her filled him with happiness. He sat up and peered out of the tent. The gypsies were walking around, working on chores, talking to each other, starting their day. Giuseppe and Jessamine would have to start their day too; the stop in the forest stalled them, and their trip might have been elongated. They needed to get started right away. Only having one horse would delay them even more, not to mention the lost supplies. He tried not to think about it. The prince lay back down and gently nudged his companion. "Jessamine," he cooed. "Lady Jessamine, it is time to rise. We have a long day ahead of us, and I am delighted to be spending it with you. Come now, sleeping beauty. Wake up."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine turned to him as well and blushed to find that their heads rested right next to one another. She hoped it was dark enough that he couldn't see it, but as he took her hands and laced their fingers together, she smiled, all worries disappearing. Jessamine smiled, looking into his eyes as she laid there. "Sweet dreams…"

She barely budged the entire night, despite how uncomfortable it was to be sleeping on the ground in a full gown. But even with Giuseppe's gentle gestures, she only stirred for a moment or let out a soft sigh before sleeping soundly again. Only with the Prince's gentle prodding did she finally open her eyes. It was lovely waking up to the sight of his deep blue eyes staring back at her and for a moment she thought how wonderful it would be to wake up to that face every morning. She sat up and stretched. The prince was right, they didn't have any more time to waste.

After quickly throwing on her boots and primping for a minute, she followed him out of the tent to find their horse. However, as they came to the post, there were two horses instead of one, their tack sitting on the post beside them. "Your horse came wandering in early this morning. He's a loyal one…" The leader said from behind them. "I trust you slept well?" He asked, moving to help Jessamine with her saddle.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe paused, confused, at the sight of the horses. There were several gathered along with his, but he was surprised to find both his horses waiting for him. Jessamine walked up to him, and one of the gypsies explained that his lost horse had found his way. A smile split his face. The prince jogged up to his horse and extended a hand to him. "You're back," he said, patting the horse's neck. "You made it back. Oh, thank goodness, I thought you were gone."

It took them only a few minutes to prepare to leave again. Giuseppe thanked the gypsies profusely, assuring them they would be welcome in Ibeacia any time. He let Jessamine say her goodbyes too, and soon they were heading out of the forest. Back on track, Giuseppe looked over his map. "That shouldn't delay us too much," he hoped aloud. "We slept in a bit, judging from the location of the sun. We shall get to the next town before noon. Then, we have an entire day of travels today before we reach Florick. We shall be climbing the mountain, which is safer than going around it. The path around is littered with wild beasts and horrid paths. Many have lost their lives along the mountain ravine. If we climb the mountain, we will face the cold. In the next town, we shall stock up on warmer clothes and blankets, especially for the horses. If everything goes smoothly, we will only be on the mountain for a few hours. Hopefully we can arrive on the other side before it starts to get dark, and then we will have a straight path to Florick's capitol."

Giuseppe was following the lines on the map as he spoke. He was talking more for himself than for Jessamine, trying to ensure they would get to the neighboring kingdom in a timely fashion. At the rate they were going, they would be only slightly later than their original plans. The prince looked up at Jessamine and smiled. "We left Ibeacia Castle only two days ago. It seems as if it had been so much longer than that. I cannot wait to return home." Especially considering the surprise he had waiting.

[Midori-Hime]

Estella also came to see them off, stepping over to Jessamine once she got up on her horse. "It was a pleasure to meet you." Jessamine said and Estella smiled, petting her horses mane. "You as well…" She then smiled slyly. "Good luck with that one…" She said in a low voice, leaving Jessamine a little confused until the gypsy girl glanced over to the prince before giving her a wink. Jessamine bit her lip but then smiled, saying her goodbyes before they were off again.

Back on the road once again, she leaned to get a glimpse of the map and this mountain he spoke of. She had to admit she was a little nervous about the mountain path, but she was confident that they would make it through together. As the prince said, they reached the next town and stocked up on everything they might need for the rest of their journey. Feeling over her new, thick coat, she looked to the prince. "What if we don't make it to the other side before night?" She asked, still a little worried. Being lost in the woods at night had been bad enough, but a bitter cold mountain with horrid beasts sounded worrisome.

But soon enough they reached the base of the mountain and started their climb. It gradually got colder as they got higher and she could see snow on the very top. Jessamine hugged her coat closer and thought about what Giuseppe had said earlier. "You said you cannot wait to be home… Do you miss your family?" She asked curiously. Hopefully the conversation would keep her mind off other things.

[Ashen]

Her question weighed on his mind throughout their journey to the mountain. If they didn't make it to the other side before nightfall... What would happen? Would they be forced to camp atop the cold mountain? Or would they have to keep pressing on, hoping the horses complied? Giuseppe tried not to think about it, and instead assured Jessamine that they would be fine. He sounded confident, but he had his doubts, doubts he hoped would be for nothing.

Giuseppe had never seen the great mountain in person. It looked more intimidating than he had heard. He looked at the tall landform and shifted atop his horse. "Here we are," he said with less confidence than he had earlier. "There's the path. Let us start there. Beware of ice further up." He patted his horse again, silently urging the beast on.

He listened to Jessamine's question and thought on it for a long while. "Perhaps," he responded, surprising himself. "It has only been a couple days, and yet I miss my mother's nagging, or Violet's annoying voice. I am rarely away from them. Father is off all the time, on some diplomatic errand or another, but Mother and Violet are always around. It... It has made me think of how... tragic that is. How, when I am king, I will not leave my family behind." He turned to her briefly, then looked away. "And perhaps that is why I brought you with me. I care about you immensely, Jessamine. I did not want to leave you for the duration of this journey. I am glad I have brought you along, and though you may hate me for it later, I think... I think it has caused us to grow closer, do you not think?"

Giuseppe looked up at her, smiling. What he was saying was true. He felt closer to Jessamine now, and they still had quite a ways to go. Already she was passing his test, and he became more confident in his surprise. He was about to tell her about his plans when Giuseppe felt his horse slip. With panicked eyes he turned down to see a patch of ice his horse hadn't, and the bottom of the mountain coming closer to them at an alarming rate. They were falling, his horse struggling to regain his footing.

Giuseppe and his horse fell down a couple stories before his horse managed to catch himself. Giuseppe, however, could not be so lucky. He continued, falling from his horse, another few yards down. He rolled the rest of the way, scarring his hands and face and wincing as rocks cut at him. Finally he landed. He looked up at his horse, just a little distance away, and Jessamine, a long while away. They did not have time for this.

The prince tried to get up and was greeted with a lot of pain. His ankle was twisted, leaving him somewhat helpless. He growled; if he'd been looking at the path before them he would have known to avoid the ice. Again he tried to get up, and he limped over to the mountain's edge. "Jessamine?" he called. The wind carried his voice to her. "I am well. My ankle is twisted, but I can get to my horse. Do not wait for me, I will catch up." Somehow, he added to himself.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine smiled softly as he spoke of his family. However, it fell away as she thought of her own family. She missed Mary and couldn't wait to tell her all that happened on this trip, but as far as her own parents… Well it was sad to say, but she wasn't sure if she could honestly say missed them at all. Her mother was worse than nagging and she harbored a lot of bitterness and anger towards her mother who was always trying to force her will upon her and turn her into something she could never be. She hardly remembered any tender moments with the woman. And her father was… absent at best. She could at least tolerate him because for the most part, he left her alone.

However, when the prince spoke her name, she snapped out of her thoughts and looked to him in surprise. Despite the cold, her cheeks felt warm and she found herself smiling. "I couldn't hate you, Giuseppe." She laughed softly. "I think so too…" She then added, looking away to hide her smile as she thought back to last night. But before she knew what was happening, she could heard the sound of his horses hooves trying to keep their footing on the ice, and then they were falling.

She screamed his name, horrified as she watched them stumble before the prince was thrown and continued to roll down the mountain side. Jessamine quickly jumped down from her horse, looping the reigns around an exposed root before stepping to the edge of the path. Relief settled over her to hear his voice and see him up on his feet, even if he was limping. But before he could finish telling her to continue on, Jessamine was cautiously making her way down to him. She slid the last few feet, but managed to stay upright before rushing to him "Oh Giuseppe… I-I was so scared!" She gasped, moving close to check him over. There were tears in her eyes and her heart continued to race as she looked over the scrapes on his face with a soft sigh. "What am I going to do with you…" She teased, though it came out more in a whimper.

[Ashen]

He hated the sight of tears in her eyes. Giuseppe wiped at them, bearing his own smile. "I am alright," he told her. "I am sorry, I did not mean to alarm you. You did not have to come after me." He looked up at their horses. It would take them a while to get back to them. "At this rate we will never get to Florick," he joked sadly. "Ah..." He looked down at his ankle, still pained. "I can scale this bit here," he said, motioning towards the side of the mountain. "If we can just climb to where my horse is, we can ride him up to yours."

With Jessamine's help, Giuseppe was soon climbing back to his horse. He could put no weight on his twisted ankle, and instead tried to avoid it. It was dead weight now, though he hoped some rest at the next town would help. That was, if they made it to the next town. He shook the thought. Once they were on his horse, they started to ride up to Jessamine's horse. Giuseppe's steed had blood speckling his coat, and he too was walking with a limp. The prince would have him looked at once they got off the mountain. The cold bit at them, their motivation, and as the night grew closer it would only get colder. Things were not looking good for the two.

Finally, they reached Jessamine's horse. Giuseppe slowed his own when they were a few yards away, but when Giuseppe saw the other horse he let out a sharp yell. He hopped off his horse, complaining about the pain that shot up his leg. He half-limped half-ran to his horse and chased away the fox that was attacking its legs. The horse was absently kicking at the fox, unable to see the tiny animal biting at it. Giuseppe ran his fingers over the horse's legs. Luckily it hadn't been hurt too badly. "He's fine," he announced to Jessamine. "I forgot about the wild beasts. For a fox to fight something as large as a horse..." He gave an aggravated sigh. "Come now. We need to get off this mountain, and quickly, before they get to you, too. You are the only one who has not been attacked by this mountain, it seems."

He made his way back to his own horse and mounted him. Finally they could proceed, with nigthttime drawing closer. They could not rush; their horses were wounded. Now they could only hope they would not be trapped on the mountain for long.

[Midori-Hime]

"Of course I did…" She argued before she looked down at his ankle. "I-I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you, Giuseppe." She muttered, following him as they started to climb back up the steep incline to the prince's horse. She offered her shoulder when he needed to brace himself and after a long tiresome climb, they made it to his horse and then to hers.

After chasing off the foxes from her own horse, her nerves were quite shaken and they spent the rest of the ride through the mountain relatively quiet. They couldn't afford any distractions if they were going to make it through such a treacherous area. The sooner they got into the next town, the better. Their horses needed a rest as much as they did. Unfortunately, the long climb up the hill had delayed them and it was well into the night by the time they reached the next town. Jessamine was nearly falling sleep on her horse when they reached the closest tavern in town.

"Finally…" She sighed in relief. There was a stable where the horses could rest and Jessamine helped the prince inside and up to his room once the fee was paid. Thankfully the owners wife was a kind soul who followed them upstairs and wrapped the prince's ankle. "Now be sure to keep it elevated over night…" The older woman instructed before bidding them good night. Alone once again, Jessamine found herself reluctant to go to her own room. "If you need anything Giuseppe, just call. I'm just in the next room over… Okay? D-do you need water?" She said, though it was easy to see in the way she fussed that she was stalling.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was grateful to have Jessamine fussing over him. His ankle was nothing to worry about, or so he insisted, but he really did appreciate her letting him be babied. Their inn room was quaint, though the prince found himself missing the outdoors and the gypsies. He worried about the horses, though he was sure they were in capable hands. He'd paid the ranchers handsomely to look after both horses and treat their wounds, and he had no doubts they would do just that. After such a long and stressful day of travels, he was grateful to be resting. Tomorrow, definitely, they would be where they needed to be, and only a day behind schedule.

Giuseppe had ordered for two separate rooms, though as soon as he went upstairs to his he immediately regretted it. He didn't want Jessamine to go. He nodded at her advice, thanking her for offering to help further. "Water... would be nice," he replied, giving her a reason to come back. When she did, he sipped at it delicately. "You know... If you would rather spend the night here, I would not mind. I can handle being by myself, it is only a twisted ankle, but you seem to not want to go, and I would hate to force you off..." He glanced at her with a sideways look and a sly smile. He didn't want her to go, and that much was obvious, but he was not going to keep her here. It was up to her.

Images from last night danced back into his mind. Again he wanted to be closer to Jessamine, and again he shooed those thoughts. They were replaced by thoughts of sleeping side by side again, of waking up in the middle of the night to see her, then going back to bed. Giuseppe couldn't remember feeling more comfortable. Waking up to someone he loved... Giuseppe wondered if that was what all married couples experienced. The thought still made a blush rise to his cheeks. Jessamine his wife... If he'd be so lucky.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine would bring him a pitcher of water, pouring him a glass and then brought it over for him to drink. Her eyes then widened as it seemed the prince had saw right through her actions. "I c-couldn't…" She started, but caught the sly look on his face. Maybe the prince wanted her to stay just as much as she wanted it? Or maybe she was just fooling herself… But he'd offered and against her better judgment, took him up on that offer. This might be her only time to spend with the prince like this.

The bed was more roomy than their space in the tent so she supposed she wouldn't be infringing on his space. However, she paused to turn off the light and kept her back to him as she slipped out of her dress. Of course there was still her underdress and corset, but she still felt so exposed. With a deep blush that she hoped he could see in the dark, she sat down on the bed, her back still to him. "Giuseppe… If you wouldn't mind… Could you, uh… help unlace me?" She asked, reaching back to pull at the strings of her corset. It was a difficult task on her own and she dropped her head to hide her face as she turned red.

[Ashen]

He was surprised by her request, but a smile soon blossomed on his face. "Of course," he told her. He waited until she was facing the other way, then ran his fingers along her back. Slowly he began to work his way through the laces. "I forget, sometimes, what noblewomen have to go through," he commented. "It is so easy for men. We wear, perhaps, a few uncomfortable pairs of trousers or too-tight puffy shirts, but nothing like this. I feel for you sometimes." As the last bit of string fell away, Giuseppe was struck with the realization that Jessamine was naked before him. She wore her undergarments, but so much of her was visible. He'd never been like this with a woman before, had never seen a woman like this before. The thought deepened his blush. He turned away to hide it.

After a moment, Giuseppe lay down and waited for Jessamine to do the same. It was difficult to see in the dark, but he knew she was blushing, too. She was facing him, and though he could not make out much, he could trace the outline of her body with his eyes. Gently he ran his fingers up her arm, then over her neck and stopping to cup her cheek. He hesitated, then drew in for a long, passionate kiss. The prince couldn't help himself; a woman he loved was naked before him. He didn't think a day like this would come, and yet. When he pulled away he could feel his face growing warmer. He was about to apologize, but realized he wasn't sorry. "Jessamine," he breathed. "I love you."

Giuseppe mentally stopped himself. He was not going to take her, not like this. Still, the thought was so alluring. He did love her, and he wanted her to know. He loved the feeling of loving her, loved having her here and loved being around her. The long day they'd had was so much more bearable, all these weeks since he'd met her had been so much more bearable, because she'd been in them. He wanted to tell her all this, but he was no bard, and he found himself mentally tripping over his words. So, instead, he spoke with his actions, and pulled in for another deep kiss.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine shivered at the slight touch from his fingers as it loosened more and more, she felt relieved, letting her lungs expand fully now that they could. And then with the final string was pulled away, she slipped it off, suddenly realizing that she only wore a thin gown now. And with the way Giuseppe turned away, it seemed he had realized that too. Quickly she laid down in the bed, pulling the covers over herself, but she still felt bare. She looked to Giuseppe and her breath caught, frozen under his touch. Butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach and the feeling only grew stronger as he drew her in for another kiss.

She closed her eyes, savoring the kiss before the prince pulled back. And then he spoke and her eyes opened wide, unable to breathe. She could feel tears prickling at the corner of her eyes, but she smiled brightly, even in the dark. With those three simple words, all her fears and insecurities were put to rest. The man she loved… loved her back and it made her happier beyond words. They'd come so far from the first day they'd met, in the market place, and then she'd almost lost him forever. But the prince, sweet Giuseppe, had given her another chance, and now here they were and she never wanted to be apart from him again. Who knew what the future might hold, but she was cherish this moment forever.

Jessamine wanted to reply, but was captured by another passionate kiss. The warmth in her cheeks seemed to spread throughout her body and she found herself drawing closer. Without thinking, her body pressed against his and she could feel the tight muscles of his torso, even through the cloth of his shirt and her dress. Her heart raced and she let out a soft sound close to a moan before pulling back suddenly, surprising herself. Jessamine looked into his eyes, embarrassed, and put her hand on his chest, giving them a little distance so that she could catch her breath.

[Ashen]

That moan--oh but curse this woman! She was a seductress, calling to him, and Giuseppe didn't know that he could restrain himself. She was tempting, so tempting, and Giuseppe surprised himself in moaning in response. He turned away. "Jessamine," he murmured. "Oh, Jessamine." His fingers moved from her cheek to her shoulder, and trailed down to her waist. Only a few layers of clothing separated them, and suddenly it was too much. His hands went to to the edge of his shirt, but he stopped himself. "Jessamine, no," he moaned, a complaint. "I... we... no."

He didn't think he had it in him. Giuseppe was a modest man, or so he liked to think, when it came to bedroom matters. He would never dream of hurting a woman, not even the prissy ones that came into his castle and tried to propose to him. He didn't want to deflower her, even if he fully intended to marry her. Did he? Wasn't that the reason she was on this journey with him? He'd had his doubts, but now, after everything, he was sure. This was the woman he wanted to marry. Maybe it was his sex drive talking, maybe it was primal instinct, but in that moment his mind was made up.

He moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. She whispered in her ear, reminiscing about their day, talking about anything to get his mind off of what he could not stop thinking of. It was difficult, and his body moved with yearning, but he had self-control. He was content sleeping beside her, with his lady in his arms, until the day they could do more.

[Midori-Hime]

His touch along her body left her skin tingling and she found herself wanting to do the same, but he stopped them before things went any further. It was for the best… If she gave herself to him now, she would never be able to let him go. Jessamine turned to catch her breath, blushing as she laid on her side with her back to him. Her heart was still pounding in her chest, her thoughts lingering his lips and the sound he'd made, wishing she could hear it again. But Giuseppe proved himself to be a gentleman and she appreciated it at a time like this.

Her eyes widened for a moment as he slipped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. She never felt more safe and she closed her eyes with a smile, nuzzling into his arm as he whispered in her ear. His voice was so soft and it started to lull her to sleep. Shifting her hand to hold his, she sighed softly. "I love you too, Giuseppe…" She whispered, her eyes still closed. Even if the prince would want her by his side, who knew if they would be allowed to marry. The King and Queen could have other plans for him. But she had wanted him to know before their time together was over… possibly for good.

[Ashen]

Her words were so soft, so wonderful, that Giuseppe wondered if he were already dreaming. She was pressed against him, comfortably, and he never wanted to move. He was too comfortable, and soon, he drifted off into sleep.

He awoke with Jessamine still beside him. A smile immediately greeted his lips at the sight of her. He was so glad to have her with him. His eyes went to the window, at the sun rising. Today they would reach their destination, and Giuseppe would be able to start the negotiations he did not want to start. The sooner this was over, the sooner he could get home to his castle, the sooner he could start his life with Jessamine. Thoughts from last night flooded through his mind. Was he serious about that? He'd decide when he got back. For now, they had to get going.

Giuseppe got up and checked on Jessamine. She was still sleeping soundly, so he slipped out of the inn and made his way to a well in town. There he tried to clean himself up, washing away mud and blood and the reminders of their journey so far. By the time he was finished, he looked far more presentable. He'd retrieved a cloak from the saddlebags on his horse and adorned it well. It was a light blue thing, with the emblem of his country sewn into it. By the time he returned to the inn, he looked like the prince he was.

Jessamine was up when he got back. He greeted her with a bow. "Are you ready to arrive in Florick? We have less than an hour to go now, I would think. The horses are well. The rest has done them good. I saw them earlier, and they are both walking normally. My ankle feels better, a little sore, but better. We should be uninterrupted now." He walked to the window, pointed to a distant landmark. "There's the castle, I think. I look forward to seeing how it compares to home." He turned back to her. "Shall we be off?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine woke alone and for a moment she'd been worried that last night had been nothing but a dream. However, the bed beside her still had his imprint and a lingering warmth there. She blushed deeply, smiling to herself before rolling over to press her face into his pillow. It still carried his scent and she sighed softly before getting up. The prince was likely busy getting ready for the rest of their trip and so should she. She washed herself up a bit, combing her mess of curls and pinning it up quickly, and then got dressed.

She was slipping on her boots when he came back to the room and she looked up at him with a smile. He looked like a proud prince once again and she greeted him with a curtsey in return. "Yes, quite ready." She chuckled. At least they would have a bit of a reprieve in Florick before they had to make the journey home again. Still, the thought of going home made her anxious. What if everything went back to the way it was once she was home? Jessamine brushed those thoughts aside for now and grabbed the rest of their things. "I'm glad your ankle is well… Now I hope you learned your lesson~" She teased, nudging him gently as she moved to peek out the window. "It looks impressive…" She muttered, then nodded to him. "Yes, it's about time we got on our way." She agreed, following him outside to where their horses were ready and waiting for them. Jessamine packed her things and mounted her horse before looking to the prince, waiting for him.

[Ashen]

They started on the last stretch of their journey. The sun was shining brightly, and happy clouds danced through the sky. It was a good day to spend outdoors, and Giuseppe would be spending it in Florcik Castle. He let out a sigh. He spent the rest of their walk talking about what a shame that was, and how boring this conference would be, and how aggravated he was to be seeing a distant king, King Thordinmay--or Thorn-in-me as Giuseppe called him--who seemed to bring problems wherever he went. He made fun of many of the members of the court to Jessamine, knowing she would not mind, and knowing she would join with him. Before they knew it, they were at the gates of Florick.

There were guards at the gates, and Giuseppe jumped down to shake hands with them. He showed them an emblem of Ibeacia, and they allowed him safe passage inside. Before they continued, however, Giuseppe noticed a colorful flower growing by one of the columns of the gate. "Oh, Jessamine," he said, crouching beside it. "Look at this! I knew there would be different flora outside the kingdom. This is beautiful." He picked the flower, causing a sideways glance from the guard. He walked it back to his horse, mounted him, and offered the flower to Jessamine. It was a large, blossoming flower, different from the smaller bulbs in Ibeacia. "Do remind me to pick up a bouquet for Violet. There should be a book in one of the saddlebags. I will press one of the flowers for her. She would love it."

They continued on to the castle, and once more Giuseppe went through the routine of proving himself as prince. Once he was allowed inside, he dismounted and waited for Jessamine to do the same. A castle stablehand took their horses away. Giuseppe looked over Jessamine. "I will not make you join me in this conference. You are free to explore, if you would like. I should be done by suppertime, I should think. If it runs longer than that, please hire someone to kill me." He looked towards the castle. Giuseppe wanted Jessamine to join him, though he did not want to subject her to that. He knew, with her there, he could at least mutter things under his breath and at least half-enjoy it. His face gave away nothing. "They are waiting on me. Will you be alright?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine looked surprised to see him kneeling by a flower but it made her smile to see him so enthralled over something most nobility would simply stick their nose up at. And then he brought it to her and she bit her lip, sniffing it softly. It had a nice scent and she felt it tenderly as a gift from her prince. "I'm sure she will…" She agreed and then followed him to the castle. Worried she might crush the flower, she stuck it in her hair before dismounting her horse.

She put on her act as a lady of nobility as they made their way inside the castle, looking around curiously. Jessamine laughed at his joke and then quickly tried to quiet herself down, covering her smile with a hand. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that…" She said quietly, smirking at him. "I'll be just fine… I know it's not the place for a woman." She muttered, sounding perhaps a little bitter at that. She reached to touch his cheek briefly while no one was looking. "Behave yourself~" She said before wandering off.

Soon enough the ladies of the Florick court found her and drug her along to sit with them, where they talked about poetry, court gossip and other boring things. Jessamine ignored it all, staring out the window as she daydreamed about last night. Giuseppe said he loved her… That was real, wasn't it? Jessamine blushed until the mention of his name out loud broke her away from her reverie. "He's handsome isn't he, Prince Giuseppe?" "I wonder if he's betrothed yet?" Another giggled. "Even if he is, it doesn't mean he's immune to flirting~" Jessamine frowned. "We could ask Lady Jessamine… After all, she's been traveling alone with him all this time…" The other ladies then looked at her suspiciously and she could see the questioning in their eyes, looking for some more gossip to entertain their boring lives. "I don't have to tell you anything… Quite frankly." Jessamine said suddenly, catching them off guard before she stalked off out of the room. She huffed, wandering down the hall to cool off.

[Ashen]

Jessamine's comment before she left gave him pause. I know it's not the place for a woman. She seemed upset by that fact, which got him thinking. Maybe, when he was king, he'd change that. He'd allow his wife to settle diplomatic matters if she pleased, and she would be allowed to go where she wanted, do as she pleased. Giuseppe smiled, knowing Jessamine would love the freedom. As he bade her farewell and headed off into the castle, he didn't even realize that he already had associated her with his queen in his mind.

The meeting was as boring as anticipated. Giuseppe was the only prince there, and all the kings made a point of that. "What, King Fred could not be bothered to attend himself?" King Thordinmay jabbed.

Giuseppe had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "King Frederick is busy with more pressing matters, and sent his very capable son to handle this matter of diplomacy. Is that such a problem?"

"Capable son? Sir Lory--" He turned to a guard by his side "--did you know Fred had two sons?"

Some of the kings gathered laughed at Thordinmay's joke. Giuseppe crossed his arms over his chest and turned to the King of Florick, the young King Thomas. "Might we be able to start now?" he demanded.

The real discussions started soon after that. Giuseppe tried to not look as bored as he was, but it was increasingly difficult, especially when kingdoms far from Ibeacia were brought up. He maintained a calm demeanor throughout, and was delighted when the meeting finally adjourned sooner than anticipated. It had been successful--the matter in question was about a migration of one kingdom's soldiers through another kingdom's borders. Giuseppe had given them permission to cross through Ibeacia unharmed, but their agenda was elsewhere, and all were doubtful it would even come to that. With that taken care of, Giuseppe could finally relax and head home.

Soon, Giuseppe found himself surrounded by noblewomen. He had been led to them in pursuit of Jessamine, and was surprised to find she was not among them. He looked around for her, trying desperately to get away from the women who followed him. Eventually he found her, though she seemed peeved. "Jessamine?" he said softly. "Lady, is there something wrong? We are permitted to leave now, if you would like."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine amused herself enough, simply wandering around the strange castle, until finally she heard the prince's voice. She turned suddenly, her gloomy expression disappearing in the instant she laid eyes on him. "Y-yes, I'd be glad to." She said eagerly, then shook her head. "It's nothing. I was just reminded how much I hate being a Lady of the court sometimes…. Well, most of the time." Jessamine chuckled softly. "I doubt the Ladies of Florick will miss me much." She said proudly, however, the smile slowly fell from her face.

She'd come to this kingdom in prince Giuseppe's company and it suddenly dawned on her that her behavior wasn't just a a reflection of herself any longer. It would also affect Giuseppe's standing with the surrounding kingdoms. She could care less if she embarrassed her parents, in fact, she almost lived for it… But if she had any hope of being with Giuseppe, she would have to be more careful how she handled such situations.

Jessamine looked down then. "I'm sorry Your Highness." She said quietly. "If I caused you any trouble. It's just… They were saying somewhat distasteful things about you… and rather than telling them what I truly thought they could do with their opinions… I walked out." She confessed, hoping he wouldn't be upset.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe sighed in relief when he heard what had been bothering Jessamine. He waved off her apologies. "It was better that you walk away than say something distasteful, I should think," he told her. "I am glad you walked out on them. They shall know I do not spend my company with women like them. Thank you for standing up for me, Jessamine. I really appreciate your actions."

Then it was finally time to be heading home. The two stocked up on supplies again and started off. Giuseppe decided, even if he was offered a place to rest in Florick Castle, he'd rather be away from the nobles as soon as possible. They were going to rest in the town they had left from that morning, and start on the mountain tomorrow morning. Then it would be a calm path home, or so he hoped.

The got to the next town with no interruption. Giuseppe took their horses to the stables, checked in with the authorities, and rented out a single room in the inn. It was only sunset when all was said and done, far too early to get to bed. He looked around the town, wondering how they would kill the time. From all the negotiations, he was a bit tired of people. He wanted to spend his night alone, with Jessamine.

They stood in the center of town. The smell of bread wafted over to them from a nearby bakery. Giuseppe turned to Jessamine. "Would you care for another picnic?" he suggested. "I think it would be a nice way to end the day. A short relaxation period before we start on the journey home. We could visit this bakery, and get food from the inn, and find a nice spot in town... What do you say?"

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine was glad to be on their way home and she hoped it would be a much more pleasant journey home. However, there was still the nagging in the back of her mind that wondered if things would change when they came home. She shook the thoughts away for now, deciding to focus only on the moments she currently shared with Giuseppe.

As the prince rented a single room, she blushed, suddenly recalling the last night they'd spent together. She then pretended to look around the town as they walked, attempting to hide her deep blush. Her face had cooled, but her heart was still fluttering when they stopped in the center of town and she looked to him curiously. "Yeah, I think that would be nice indeed." She smiled brightly and went along with him to the bakery. After gathering their meal, they had found a small hill overlooking most of the town to sit and eat. And then after they enjoyed a pleasant meal, they watched as the stars rise in the sky before deciding to return to the inn for the evening.

This time Jessamine had help undressing and came to bed with a robe before slipping into bed beside the prince. Her heart beat echoed in her ears and she worried it was so loud that he might even hear it. But they simply held hands as before and she fell asleep soundly in his strong arms. The next morning, sunlight would fill their room and Giuseppe would find himself pinned. Somewhere in the middle of the night, Jessamine had shifted to lay her head on his chest, her arm around his torso, and one leg lifted to rest on his hip. She stirred a little, finding the light on her face irritating and with a soft groan she nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe enjoyed his picnic with Jessamine, and he enjoyed stargazing with her even more. They made shapes of the constellations, pretending to see their futures within the gaseous balls. Afterwards, they returned to the inn and got ready for bed. Giuseppe was once again tempted, but it was easier to keep his cool tonight. He had done it once, and he respected Jessamine too much to ruin that now.

The next morning Giuseppe awoke to the sunlight kissing his eyes. He blinked them open and was surprised to find that, sometime through the night, Jessamine had rolled on top of him. He smiled warmly and stayed perfectly still, not wanting to wake her. He was comfortable having her on top of him, with no one to bother them. She slept so peacefully, and her little snores made him feel even more at ease. She stirred, and he watched her to see if she was awake. "Jessamine?" he called gently. But she only burrowed into the crook of his neck. Giuseppe relaxed again, and soon he fell back to sleep.

He awoke again some hours later. The sunlight was lower, and their journey needed to start. They would still have plenty of time to cross the mountain, so Giuseppe wasn't terribly worried. He nudged Jessamine and sang her name. "It is time to wake up," he said. "Come on. We have horses to get and mountains to cross." When she awoke he helped her into her gown and got ready himself. Afterwards, they were free to get their horses and start off. "Let us hope the mountain treats us better today," he said, remembering the horrors they went through last time. "I do not think my ankle can take another blow like that, and the horses need to be well for our rematch. You thought I forgot about that."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine stirred at the sound of his voice and smile softly before opening her eyes. So warm… She thought in wonder, then suddenly realized she was on his chest. Jessamine lifted her head suddenly, blushing as she looked into his eyes, inches from his face. After apologizing, she got up and dressed with Giuseppe's help, her blush never quite leaving her cheeks. "I would hope not… You really ought to be more careful." She told him but smiled, before they packed up their horses and were on their way home once again.

She was anxious as they reached the base of the mountain trail again, remembering how frightening it had been last time. Fortunately it seemed to a warmer day than their first trip through the mountains and she hoped that it was a good sign for their trip ahead. However, it wasn't so. The first half of their journey through the mountain pass went without a hitch and they started their way down again. "Almost there…" She said, able to see the bottom of the mountain from there and looked to Giuseppe with a smile. Then suddenly something whipped through the air and before she knew what was happening, her horse cried out, rearing and taking off down the mountainside.

Jessamine was too startled to cry out, simply focusing on controlling her horse. But the beast seemed to be more irritated than simply spooked and she when tried to stop him, the horse began to buck, throwing her off. She crashed onto the ground with a groan, but other than a bruised hip and arm, she would be fine. However, as the prince caught up to her, several men lept out from the surrounding rocks. It seemed they had anticipated the prince to carry a sword so before Jessamine knew what was happening, one of the men grabbed her up from the ground and pinned her arm against her back, his other holding a knife at her throat. "You there! Dismount and drop your weapons… Or the girl is dead!" Jessamine froze, staring at Giuseppe wide eyed as she trembled.

[Ashen]

It was certainly looking up for their trip back to Ibeacia. Giuseppe sent up a silent prayer of thanks at the weather, and hoped that the remainder of their trip would be as calm. They had no problems on the mountain, which was saying something, as these mountains were known for giving their visitors trouble. He was just about to comment on the peace when they started their journey down the side of the mountain. However, before he could think the right words to say, Jessamine's horse was running off, obviously irritated at something.

The prince commanded his horse to run after her. A little distance away, the steed threw Jessamine. Giuseppe looked on with horror as Jessamine hit the ground. Panic welled up inside him once more: how would he continue with Jessamine wounded? Would she be alright? Hadn't one of the castle guards died from being thrown like that? He sped up to her, but before he could get to her Jessamine was being pulled away by some men.

Giuseppe was trained for this. He resumed a calm demeanor, hopped down from his horse, and began unsheathing his weapon when the man holding Jessamine back put a knife to her throat. This stilled the prince. He kept a neutral expression and listened to the man speak. Foreigners, he could tell from their accents. They had some nerve, threatening the prince's lady and demanding things of him. Did they even know who he was? He had no choice but to listen to them. Giuseppe unsheathed his blade and dropped it to the ground. He held his hands by his head. "There is no need to be rash, gentlemen," he said calmly. "We were only passing through. We did not mean to disturb you."

Giuseppe was calm on the outside. His father had made certain he'd know what to do in such situations as this, even going so far as to hire people to pretend to kidnap him. But inside, the prince was panicking. He didn't want anything to happen to Jessamine, and he didn't know these men's intentions. All he wanted was a peaceful trek back to his castle, but he couldn't even manage that.

[Midori-Hime]

The man holding Jessamine simple scoffed at the prince's diplomatic words. "Oh don't worry, you're not disturbing us at all, My Lord." He smirked and then nodded to the men closest to the prince. One moved quickly to grab his hands, pinning them behind his back and wasted no time tying them tightly with rope. The other grabbed his discarded weapons and his horse. "In fact, why don't you join us this evening…" He then leaned in to Jessamine's ear. "Now, if you wouldn't mind putting your hands out, my dear." Jessamine swallowed, feeling her skin crawl as the man leaned in closer. Slowly she held out her hands, putting on a brave face though she was trembling. Another man came and tied her wrists together. "What a doll…" The first bandit purred, then finally lowered the knife from her neck. However, it still lingered between her should blade.

"Now if you would be so kind… Come with us. Our boss will be dying to meet you." He said before the men began to drag them along down a hidden path through the woods in the mountains. The men walked quietly for the most part, seeming proud of their haul. Jessamine walked in front of Giuseppe, probably as a reminder to the prince that should he try anything, Jessamine still had a knife at her back. She tried to peek back at him, but was quickly warned with a prick between her shoulder blades. She was fearful what these men had planned for them.

It wasn't long of a walk before they reached a small encampment filled with perhaps another twenty men. Many stopped what they were doing, eager to see what the others had brought. "Hurry, go get the Boss! I'm sure he'll be eager to see our spoils… " The bandit holding Jessamine shouted. The other's pulled Giuseppe up along side her while the others came to their horses, digging through the saddle bags for any valuables. Now that they were close again, Jessamine looked to Giuseppe, her eyes soft yet fearful as they looked into his, questioning what might happen to them now. Then suddenly she looked up as a large man came forward. He looked muscular and rough, with a scruffy beard and a scar over his right brow. "Well well, what do we have here?" He stepped to Giuseppe first, looking him over with great amusement.

It took a moment, after looking over his clothes before the leader of the bandits seemed to realize just who he was. "My, I'm honored. The crown prince of Ibeacia is at my doorstep, if I'm not mistaken." He let out a bellowing laugh then. "Good job lads! You didn't bring me just any noble man, but a prince!" He smirked then with a dark glint his black eyes. "I'm sure the King of Ibeacia will pay a handsome sum to get his only son back… mostly unharmed."

[Ashen]

Giuseppe hated how powerless he suddenly was. He had no say in anything that was going on, too paralyzed by the fear that Jessamine would be hurt. He went along with the men that dragged him, fully aware that they were rummaging through his things, taking his valuables. He didn't know where they were suddenly going. They needed to go the other way, they needed to get home to the castle; they needed anything but this.

When they got to the encampment, Giuseppe could feel the fear and panic well within him. There were so many men that he and Jessamine would have a very hard time getting out, should they disobey. They were looking through his saddlebags, taking all the Ibeacia trinkets he held dear. The ring with his emblem, used for identification, was being walked off by one of the men. Their supply of food and coin was being fought over by a few others. He knew by the time he got out of this they would have nothing, and that filled him with anger. He did not have to stand for this. He was sitting prince of the best kingdom in the lands, and his father would hear of this.

Then their leader came forward. He looked exactly like the kind of man Giuseppe did not want to deal with: a hoodlum, with muscles too large and scars too bloody. Giuseppe tried not to let his distaste show. The leader spoke to him, condescending. Giuseppe held his tongue. When the man did finish speaking, Giuseppe broke eye contact. "My father will not buy into a game like yours," he spat. "He has more important matters to attend to than bailing his only son out of a band of thieves. He would not pay you a single copper piece."

Giuseppe didn't know if that were true. He and his father were not on the best terms, true, but he didn't know how much King Frederick valued his male heir. If his words were true, if his father would not pay for his release, what did that say about their relationship? Giuseppe tried not to think on it. He looked at the leader of their group again. "Do let us go. We have no business with you. You will not be getting any coin out of me."

[Midori-Hime]

The bandit only grinned as Giuseppe tried to suggest that it would be useless. "You there… give me that!" He called out suddenly to the man walking away with the prince's ring. He grabbed it and then held it out in front of Giuseppe's face, playing with it between his fingers. "Oh I think he will. You may not be king yet boy, but one day you will understand… More than his son, you are his only heir. Despite what sort of relationship you think you have, he will surely pay up if he doesn't want me to send back your head."

The bandit turned for a moment, instructing one of his men to write a letter and to include the ring as proof. "Tell him he has two days to reply, or we will start sending back appendages." He chuckled at that before turning back to the prince. "You won't touch him!" Jessamine snapped suddenly, having heard enough. The leader blinked, looking to her as if he has suddenly realized she was even there. "Well then… Who is this Prince. Your lady?" He asked, turning to her instead. "Such a pretty thing…" He smirked, grabbing her chin a bit roughly in his hand and tilted her head side to side. The man wasn't shy about his wandering gaze and suddenly Jessamine yanked her face from his grip, glaring at him from the corner of her eyes. "You will not touch me either…" Jessamine spat.

This made the bandit grin. "Feisty too… Just how I like them." He seemed to think a moment before he looked to the others. "Take the whelp and tie him to the post." He ordered, pointing to a post near the horses and close enough to the fire so that they could keep an eye on him. "And bring the girl to my tent…" He threw a smile her way then. Jessamine's eyes widened, looking up sharply. She was not so naive that she didn't know what that man intended. Then suddenly she was being pulled along and Jessamine reached out for the prince desperately. "Giuseppe!" She cried out before turning on the man that held her, flailing, kicking, and fighting every step of the way. "No! Get your hands off of me!" She yelled as two men had to grab her to drag her away. Jessamine managed to glance back at Giuseppe one more time, scared what might become of them now.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe narrowed his eyes at his own ring, the ring his father had given him for this trip. "I am not his only heir," he muttered, though he knew what the man had meant. He was the only prince, the only one in his father eyes that would one day--or so Frederick sincerely hoped--be fit to rule his kingdom. His mother was still of bearing age; Giuseppe wondered how easily they could replace him. He didn't want his father to pay for him. He didn't want his parents to bail him out of even more trouble. That had been too common in his life. The whole idea of this trip was to prove that he was now a man; he'd find a way out of this.

The prince's entire facade changed when the bandit turned his attention to Jessamine. "Let her be," he commanded, though he knew his word would be useless. He hated this, knowing that Jessamine was in danger, and there was nothing he could do. He looked around the encampment, trying to devise a way out of this. There was no way he could communicate with his lady, not in any way the bandit would let pass. He wanted to tell her to run, to run as far as she could and leave him to get out of this himself, but with the number of men around, he doubted that was even a possibility. Still, she tried to fight. He had to give her credit for that, however fruitless her efforts were.

Before he knew it, Jessamine was being taken away, off to the tent of the bandit leader. Giuseppe hated the sound of that. As soon as two men grabbed hold of Jessamine he was fighting his own captors, kicking and biting at them to let him go. He managed to get free, and he ran after Jessamine, but a sharp crack stopped him. He flinched from the pain that welled from his shoulder, where a barbed whip had sliced through his shirt and skin. He was grabbed again, this time more forcefully, and shoved away from Jessamine. He could feel blood starting to trickle down his back, but his new wound was nothing compared to the pain of his helplessness.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine managed to look back at the prince once more, just in time to witness him getting struck by the whip. She screamed his name and this time could not hold back her tears, despite how much she hated to cry in front of these men. She continued to fight the men until they tossed her in the largest tent in the center of the camp. There was a big bed where their leader must slept, a long with many of his personal belongings and a table with different maps and papers spread out across the surface. They found a post to tie her to for the time being. "Now, don't even think of trying anything… " The one sneered while the other rubbed his jaw where she'd elbowed him. "Damn wench packs a punch…" He grumbled, leaving with the other to stand watch outside the door.

Once they were out of sight, she tugged frantically at her bindings, but it was no use. She could still see Giuseppe getting struck and the helplessness she felt was overwhelming. If they did anything to him… More tears fell. Would his father pay their ransom in time? Would he pay at all? What would become of them if he didn't… Jessamine dropped her head, squeezing her eyes tightly, wanting the thoughts to stop. She could only think of Giuseppe and didn't consider her own situation until someone stepped inside the tent. She lifted her head sharply, freezing as the leader of the bandits stared down at her.

He stripped off his coat and weapons until he stood before her in an undershirt and pants. The man kneeled by her then and she shifted as far away from him as he could get. "What is your name?" He asked, a smirk permanently plastered on his rough face. Jessamine only glared at him but then flinched as he grabbed her face again. "Don't be shy…" He purred, sending chills down her spine. In response, Jessamine suddenly spit in his face. A look of anger flashed in his eyes, but that smirk was still there. "You still have some bite to you… Good~" He pulled her arms from the post, thought they were still tied and spun her around, her back to him as he pulled her against his chest. She tried to squirm firm but his hold was tight and unyielding. With a free hand he grabbed a lock of her hair, holding it to his nose and lips. "Mmm… You smell lovely. So clean and pure… Let's change that-" He growled and then proceeded to cut the ties along the back of her dress with his knife.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was being led away from Jessamine, and there was nothing he could do about it. He could only think of her, of the way she yelled his name, of the way her face screamed even louder of her horror. The longer he spent away from her, the longer he saw her in his mind, with the bandit leader, vulnerable and ruined... He couldn't stand this. A prince suddenly powerless; he didn't know what to do.

Giuseppe was led away from the tents, to a clearing with a few weapons scattered about. It was where these fiends tended to their swords and daggers, he guessed, and where they placed the ones they stole. He looked over the swords, wondering how he could take one and turn it on each of these men. He'd cut through them all to get to Jessamine, somehow. But soon his hands were being forcefully shoved together, ropes rubbing his skin raw. He moved away from the men holding him swiftly, tried to crouch down to grab a sword. The men didn't like that; another barbed whip was cracking against his skin. This time, it nicked the side of his face and neck. Blood swelled to the surface in seconds, but he still struggled to grab a sword. One of the men holding him caught him before he could and stepped on his hand, shoved it into the dirt. Giuseppe let out a cry of pain, drowned out by the sound of another crack.

The men threatened him with the swords around them, but the prince didn't care. Blood was dripping from his face, back, and chest at this point. His hand ached as well, and he was having a hard time moving it without causing searing pain throughout his whole arm. But none of it compared to the pain of his helplessness. "Let me see her," he kept pleading. No one was listening to him; the men who had brought him to this area were joyfully looking forward to the payout they would get from their newest captive. Giuseppe decided to be quiet for a while, silently biding, until one of the men walked off. He'd be back soon he'd said, so the prince had to act fast. Once again he reached for a weapon, managed to get a dagger, and he shot off. The man was upon him in seconds, but the prince was fast. He fumbled with the dagger and the ropes, but his hand was proving to be dead weight. But he had a chance. He was free, for now. He would find Jessamine, and they would get out of here.

In a few moments, Giuseppe was tripped by one of the bandits throwing a sword at his legs. The blade cut through his trousers. The dagger slid away from him, and before he could scramble to get to it, a bulky man was above him. "You don't know when to give it up," the man barked. Giuseppe gulped. He had gone about this the wrong way, and now he would pay for it. As he was led away from the tents, he could only think of Jessamine, of his failure to save her.

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself as she was left in nothing but her thin night gown. Her skin crawled, feeling so exposed in front of this brute of a man. He turned her then and pulled her tight against him, and immediately her whole body tensed. She pushed against him as much as she could, but he was solid and he had an iron tight grip. The man lifted her chin roughly, forcing a kiss on her that she was sure would leave bruises. It was nothing like Giuseppe's sweet kiss and the thought of him and that night made her heart ache. Would the prince want her once she'd been used…

Tears fell down her cheeks, though as the man's slimy tongue invaded her mouth, she felt her fight come back. Jessamine bit down as hard as she could, until she could taste that metallic tang. The bandit jerked back suddenly, yelping in pain and then spit blood onto the floor. "… You bitch!" There was a loud crack as his hand struck her face, sending her falling onto the cot beside them. It left her dazed for a moment, and then she could feel the pain blossoming on her cheek and taste a bit of blood in her mouth. And then the bandit was on top of her now, forcing her arms above her head while the other moved down to undo his pants quickly. Jessamine cried out as she tried everything to squirm out of his grasp, but as he was preoccupied with getting his pants down, she saw an opportunity and took it, throwing her knee up as hard as she could.

The man wailed, falling away from her and knelt down on the ground, trying to catch his breath. Jessamine leap up then, looking around frantically before her eyes fell on what looked like a rather heavy clay pot. Lifting it up, she turned and brought it down on the bandit's head. It shattered to pieces and the leader dropped to the floor with a heavy, dull thud. Panting, Jessamine stared down at the man's body blankly before reality came flooding back. She had to find Giuseppe and they had to escape from there. There would likely be man standing out front, so she went to the back of the tent, but not before grabbing the leader's sword. Cutting a slit in the back of the tent, she managed to squeeze through quietly. Most of the men seemed to be settling down to sleep now and slowly she crept around the back of the tents, making her way over to the horses, where they said they were keeping the prince.

[Ashen]

He was in agony as he sat there, now away from the weapons. The large man from before had given him a proper beating with his bare hands, and Giuseppe could feel the places on his skin where bruises would certainly bloom. He was sitting by a shed where a couple horses were. Were his own horses there as well? He couldn't tell, and could not move to find out. His hands were tightly bound now, as well as his feet. His shirt was stained with the blood that dripped from his face and chest. The back of his shirt was a mess; what once was a soft cream color now glowed in scarlet. And still he could think of only his lady, of what must have been happening to her, and that it was his fault for bringing her along anyway.

He didn't know how much time had passed. The men around him had gone off to bed, sure Giuseppe would not be able to move very far. They were right; between his ties and injuries he could barely handle readjusting himself. He was in too much pain to sleep, despite the exhaustion he could feel creeping over him. He still needed to find some way out of this, to save her...

Suddenly, Giuseppe could hear someone approaching. It wasn't the sound of bulky boots he had been hearing; these footfalls were much softer. Giuseppe looked up to see Jessamine. His eyes suddenly aglow, he excitedly whispered her name. "How...?" He was too happy to form words. But how she must have seen him--his smile quickly fell away. He did not want her to see him in such a state. "I am so sorry, I tried to get to you, they overpowered me--" There were tears in his voice, even if he refused to let them fall from his eyes. The prince tried to move towards her, but doing so only brought more pain. Defeated, he slunk back down. "I am so sorry, Jessamine."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine moved as slow and cautiously as she could, though it was hard to do so when she was so anxious to find Giuseppe, to make sure he was okay. And then as she neared the horse corral, she spotted a slumped figure that was familiar. She rushed forward then, still carefully minding her step until she reached him. As his eyes met hers, she could feel her heart flutter wildly. That is until she got a better look at him and then extent of his injuries. She covered her mouth, feeling fresh tears stinging at her eyes.

"Oh Giuseppe…" She breathed, dropping her hand away from her mouth, feeling her heart breaking as she reached out to touch his cheek. But then she hesitated, worried she might hurt him with the way his face was bruised and bloody. "T-there's no time to explain… We have to get out of here." She withered urgently and then moved behind him, taking the sword and carefully sawing through the robes around his hands. "Shh… Don't apologize…" She cooed to him softly as he spoke. Jessamine then went back to work, trying to be careful as not to cut him.

Suddenly the robes snapped and fell away from his raw wrists. Jessamine then moved back to his front quickly, doing the same to the ropes around his feet. They broke away even sooner and finally Giuseppe was free. Jessamine looked into his eyes then, reaching to take his hands. "D-do you think you can stand alright? We have to see if we can find our horses… or at least grab one of theirs." She said before looking over towards the corral. Her eyes wandered before she noticed the only two white horses, where will still tied to a post next to the fence.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe kept whispering his appreciation to Jessamine as she cut through his ropes. He moved his hands and feet freely, but still found that his hand was too injured to move. There was no time to nurse his hand; they would need to leave before anyone realized they were gone. Giuseppe looked through the horses gathered. He spotted his own easily, the ones he had known for years, the shimmering white ones. Both of his horses were agitated, and the prince could tell. He tried, with a lot of difficulty, to free his horses. Once his horses were free, Giuseppe turned to Jessamine. His expression said all his voice did not. They needed to go.

Giuseppe and Jessamine were able to speed away on horseback after Giuseppe had found his blade once more. He knew his other belongings were gone, but he was too eager to get the two of them from those thieves to care just yet. For now, they would get as far away as they could, and not rest until they knew they were safe. They were silent as they raced through the mountain. Giuseppe did not dare slow his horse until they were at the bottom of the mountain, and only then because his horse was starting to protest. They continued on in silence until the next town came into view, dead in the middle of the night.

Giuseppe still was not talking as he dropped off the horses at a stable, promising to pay the stablehand in the morning when he awoke. He wrote a note on some paper he found excusing the two new additions, but he had no emblems to prove it was from him. Then he went to the inn, but with no money, he had no choice but to beg. Giuseppe had no doubt he could get money from the castle to this innkeep, but he had no way of making them believe him. He looked to Jessamine and shrugged his shoulders, not sure what to do. The bandits might have still been on them; they could not risk sleeping under the stars.

The prince decided to wake the innkeeper. It was worth a shot, he figured, to try and get her to understand. The elderly woman did; she let them both in a small room, and promised to go to the castle of Ibeacia personally if she didn't get double what the room was worth. Giuseppe promised her what she wanted, and he led Jessamine to the room.

Finally inside, he sat on the bed, exhausted. He looked down at his hand, at his red and purple wrist. "I am so sorry," he told her again. "I do not know why this happened, but I am so sorry it did. I brought you along for this, and I hate myself for it."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine looked into his eyes and didn't waste a second, getting onto her horse and taking off with the prince. She didn't speak nor slow her horse, the adrenaline driving her forward. However, as their horses finally slowed, the exhaustion, physically and mentally, was catching up to her. She was practically dead on her horses back by the time they reached the town.

Trying to find an inn at this time, with no money or proof of their status was proving difficult, and the idea of sleeping on on the ground somewhere terrified her. Until finally the innkeeper gave in. Once they were in their room, finally alone and safe, everything suddenly weighted down on Jessamine. The innkeeper was kind enough to provide them with some supplies to clean their wounds and she quickly moved over to wrap Giuseppe's wrist. She cringed as she looked over the terrible wounds on his body.

His apology startled her and she paused, looking into her eyes. "There is no reason to apologize… It wasn't anyone's fault." She told him desperately, before she suddenly, although carefully, wrapped her arms around his neck. "I-I'm just so happy you're alright!" She sobbed into his neck, her shoulders shaking as she cried softly, finally breaking down. Jessamine drew back then after a minute, her hand caressing through the prince's dark hair. Her tears left streaks among the bit of dirt on her cheeks as she looked into his eyes lovingly. And then she leaned in to kiss him, relieved that he was safe and in her arms again.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe knew his wounds needed to be cleaned, but the cloths on his skin was stinging. He was more battered than he had realized. He let Jessamine dab at his injuries, wincing slightly when she touched an especially tender part of his skin. When he caught a glimpse of the washcloth she was using, Giuseppe felt sick. He wasn't scared of blood, but knowing how much he had lost, seeing it permanently stain the cloth, and knowing Jessamine was looking at it like he could not... He felt horrible.

A slew of questions wandered into his mind. The prince looked up at Jessamine, wondering how he could ask. He paused when he saw her tears, and he moved to wipe them away with his good hand. Then, Jessamine drew in for a kiss. Giuseppe kissed her back, all the frustration and relief coming out in this single kiss. When he finally drew away, there was a smile on his face. "Oh, Jessamine," he murmured against her. "I love you so much."

He lifted his head to make eye contact with her. His curiosity was getting the better of him, and he needed to ask. "Jessamine," he said again. "What... happened? What did he do to you? Are you alright?" His hand went to trace her skin but realized too late he was using his wrapped hand. He winced again, then switched hands. "I will get my revenge on them. The second we get back to the castle I will send out an order to have them killed. In fact, I will send a letter to my father first thing in the morning--ah. A messenger will not deliver for me without identification... Damn those bastards." Distracted, he shook his head and looked at her again. "Are you alright? Tell me, what have they done?"

[Midori-Hime]

She cried silently as he returned the kiss, however, his smile brought a smile to her own face. "I-I love you too, Giuseppe." She muttered in reply, gently stroking his jaw where it was safe to touch. She smiled as she met his eyes, but it slowly fell away at his question. She shifted her gaze downward, her sky blue eyes becoming distant as she recalled everything that had happened earlier that evening. She shuddered to think how very different things could have gone for her.

She'd barely heard what he'd said, until he asked her again. Jessamine's eyes snapped back up to meet his ad she swallowed. But they'd made it out of there alright and now her beautiful Giuseppe was here, safe, with her. Jessamine took his hand, holding it in hers. "He tried to… force himself on me." She muttered. "B-but I managed to get him off of me and… I broke a pot over his head." She said, suddenly giving a laugh, surprising herself. "Oh, if you could have seen him. The way he went down, face pressed on the ground with his pants down." It hindsight, it was a bit amusing to think of.

However, the laughter suddenly turned into quiet sobbing, covering her face with her hands then. "I-I was so scared…" She muttered, trying to calm herself. "But more than anything, I was afraid what you would think of me. That you wouldn't want me… after I'd been used by another man. That when you touched me, all I would be able to think about was that man…" Jessamine reluctantly met his eyes then, her breaths shaky, even though she'd managed to stop her tears.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe listened to the retelling of what happened, and he laughed with her. He loved that laughter, loved that she had been able to get away by such a simple method. He had to commend her for that. But soon her laughter died, and thus so did his. She grew upset again, and Giuseppe pulled her into her arms. "No, Jessamine," he murmured against her. "I wish you would never think something like that. No, I would never treat you like that..."

He gave her a moment before pulling away and looking her in the eye. "Listen to me," he said, his voice demanding attention. "A woman is not a tool to be used by a man. To think I would not want you because of such a thing is an offense to my character. I am so terribly sorry you would think that, that that was a fear you would even have to think. I would never cast you away after such an already painful thing. Jessamine, I wouldn't, I--" His voice broke off and he took a moment to compose himself. "But you were not used, and I hope you never will be used. Not as long as I am able to protect you."

Like he protected her tonight. The thought snaked through his mind without warning. It had been Jessamine who had saved him, not the other way around, and suddenly he was feeling self-conscious about it. But then, he realized he didn't need to. Jessamine had saved him, and he felt he had fallen in love with her even more because of that. He needed a queen to rely on, someone who was his equal, and as the days went on he drew more and more confident Jessamine could fit the bill.

Giuseppe shook his head again. He cupped Jessamine's face and planted a small kiss on her lips. "Let me undo all he has done wrong, then," he said gently. "I hope my touch can make you forget anything he might have done to you." He kissed her again, then lay on the bed. "We should get some rest, Jessamine. I would like to be rested for our journey tomorrow. I would like to get back to the castle as soon as possible, before they have a chance to attempt to hide."

[Midori-Hime]

Jessamine clung to him softly as he held her. "N-no… I know you wouldn't-" She gasped suddenly, realizing the implication of what she said. She then met his eyes, looking into them deeply as he spoke. She looked down then, holding his hands. "I don't doubt your character Giuseppe…I just- I've seen it all my life. It's one thing my mother always told me, not that I've ever listened to her. But the way other noblemen talk, I know it to be true." She muttered.

But then she looked up into his eyes softly, taking one hand and holding it to her heart. "But I'm am sorry if I have offended you. I know that you are not like them. You're so different than anyone else I've ever met… And I- I love you for that." She told him softly and then smiled when the prince drew her in for a kiss. His kiss was so gentle, so different than that brutish man. "I have no doubts that it can." Jessamine whispered, returning the kiss this time, doing her best to put it all behind them.

She nodded in response, letting him lay back and get comfortable before she joined him, resting her head carefully on his shoulder. She lay awake for a little while, staring off into the dark as she listened to the rhythm of Giuseppe's heart. She thought about everything they'd been through since the start of this journey and now they were only two days from arriving safely at home. But despite all the hardships, more than anything she was happy she was at Giuseppe's side. And she hoped he felt the same way.

[Ashen]

The next couple days passed without problems. Giuseppe's hand still was as useless as it had been while at the bandits' camp, but now it was highlighted in hues of faint purple. They had sped through the distance from home, not wanting to run into any more trouble. And finally, Giuseppe could see his castle in the distance. They would be home before sundown.

The sun was high in the sky, and they still had another couple hours of land to cover. Giuseppe stood by his horse, now drinking from a lake. The prince sighed as he looked out at his castle. "It has been too long," he murmured. "I never thought I would look forward to seeing Violet again." Suddenly his eyes went to his horse, at where their bags would have been if they hadn't been stolen three days prior. "Oh," he said quietly. Realization came with a heavy pain. "Violet... her flower. I had a flower pressed for her. And now..." It was gone, probably discarded by one of the bandits. Frustration filled him, but there was nothing they could do now, so he let it go.

He was better at letting go of emotions like that. Jessamine had helped; he never wanted to hang onto bad things when she was around. The prince looked at his lady and smiled. "I will have to get her a new flower, then," he decided with a shrug. "Never mind. How are you feeling, Jessamine? It feels as if it has been years since we have been in Ibeacia, would you not say?" With his good hand, he grabbed Jessamine's hand. "I am glad I could spend it with you. I have learned a lot, and I would not have wanted to learn with anyone else."

[Midori-Hime]

Relief washed over her as the cattle finally came into view. It was so close now, but still hours away. Jeanine stared off, looking worn and exhausted, but she didn't want to rest for long until they reached the castle. Her head jerked up as The Prince spoke and she looked at him softly. However, she noticed the pain in his voice and she watched him sadly. "We will pick some lovely flowers for her." She suggested.

As he took her hand, her eyes wanted to his other. Each day her worry for his injury grew worse and she hoped there wasn't any permanent damage done. Her own wounds were healing slowly but surely, left with only a dark mark on her lip and the bruise on her cheek turning a greenish yellow.

"I feel the same..." She said, wrapping her hands around his. The last few days had been frightening, and even though they'd escaped the bandits, every little rustle in the bushes had her jumping. Yet despite all that, she didn't regret journeying with the Prince. She too had learned a lot and she hoped she'd been able to prove herself worthy of Giuseppe. Jessamine then held his hand as she walked with her horse down the path. They had been riding for days and her body was sore, so she thought it would be good to walk it off for a bit.

[Ashen]

Giuseppe was happy to give up riding for a bit. He waited until the horses were done drinking before grabbing the reigns of his and walking with Jessamine. Even if he was still afraid of the bandits, afraid that they had followed them even to here, he figured they could spare the moments they'd spend on the road by walking. He would be careful, listening to every sound and watching every blur. Those bastards would not get the better of them again.

Their walk was peaceful. The weather was just right, and the wind blew their hair gently. Their horses walked behind them slowly, and their hooves made a steady rhythm to their conversation. They talked of being back in the kingdom, being back to their homes, and what they would do when they returned. Giuseppe had to keep one thing to himself. He didn't want to tell Jessamine yet, though he was positive of his intentions. Anxiety crept towards him. He'd have to tell her eventually, have to tell his parents and hers. For now, he cleared his head. He would think about it another time.

It was late afternoon by the time they rode up to Duke Northlonde's manor. Giuseppe was taking Jessamine home before returning to his own castle. As the two of them rode up, Giuseppe looked over to Jessamine. "I do hope you have enjoyed this journey," he said, grabbing for her hand. "I have enjoyed it immensely because of you. I have learned more about who you are, but also about who I am. You have helped me to realize that. I am so appreciative of your company." He leaned in to place a kiss on her lips. "I will come back for you soon. I am sure you are just dying to be rid of me by now." He smirked. "Thank you again, Jessamine. As all my time with you, I will cherish this trip forever."