The Truest of Hearts

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Alexander's fists cliched tightly when Micaiah didn't take the bait. To make matters worse, Quilicia spoke up in the weaker prince's defense. She wouldn't know strength if it slapped her on the face, something not far from the front of Alexander's mind. He shook it away and hmphed as he turned and left. There was nothing here for him to watch. It was a weak boy racing a little girl. Pathetic if anyone were to ask him, but no one did, which bothered him all the more.

Alexander was so used to being the center of attention. He was the only child of his parents and dotted on by everyone. He got what he wanted unless his father was trying to teach him a lesson. He knew how to be strong and how to not show weakness in the form of mercy and gentleness. He knew how to be strong in patience and in swift judgment. It helped that he was such a strong boy. This was boar guts and unfair how he was being treated here.
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Micaiah smiled as he waited for Francis to signal the go. It came and the young prince took off. A shrill call out for the Princess slowed him down instinctually, allowing the princess ahead of him. He noticed this but he didn't fret over it, so what if Quilicia beat him? Sure the other kids would make fun of him, but when had he last had so much fun that was not associated with his siblings? He smiled and started his sprint over in an attempt to catch the princess.

She was fast, but he caught back up to her as he ran around the tree he had fallen from. The memory of that incident all but gone in this moment of play. Only the goal and his opponent taking space in the front of his mind. They were coming up to the wall and Micaiah giggled as he stretched out to touch it. Who would win?
 
With a cheerful wail, Quil broke out into a full sprint, passing Micaiah quickly from the start. Pumping her little legs, stretching more and more to maintain her distance, Quil glance back to see just how close Micaiah was. She gasped, for now he was right on top of her. As they turned around the tree Micaiah had fallen from, he took advantage and sprinted further past her. Quil wasn't mad about this, only determined to catch up.

Just when they were moments away from reaching the wall, Quil heard Micaiah giggle. She returned it with mischievousness, then did something only her big brothers would be proud of. Without another thought or doubt about the conditions of her dress and stockings, Quil broke from her stride and slid herself into the wall. Her foot touched the same time as Micaiah's hand.

"It's a TIE!"

Francis had tried to keep up with the two all this time. She was close enough to see the results.
All the kids cheered and ran to congratulate the two victors. Francis helped Quil to her feet and began to dust her off quickly before...

"Lady Quilicia!"

Oh no, it was far too late. Bianca was halfway there. Quil didn't fret one bit. "That was so much fun!" She raised her hand towards Micaiah, "Ties are much more fun than victory and defeat, don't you think? We can both share in winning, and no one gets hurt." She's never had this much fun with any other royals she knew.
 
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Micaiah nodded excitedly at Quilicia. They had both won! His chest rose and fell rapidly as he caught his breath. That was quite the race and probably would be his fondest memory of the day, "That was so much fun, princess," his eyes moved to catch Quilicia's governess coming their way. She didn't look at all pleased at what had transpired.

Behind her was Selphia, and she looked even less pleased. He even thought he caught a glimpse of disappointment in her eyes. Micaiah shrunk but then looked at Quilicia. She had had so much fun during the race and by the look on her face, she didn't look so worried about her governess. If she had fun and was not worried, then Micaiah had done his job as host prince. He nodded and smiled at her.

"Perhaps we could do it again, sometime?" He asked her as placed his right hand over his left upper arm. Quilicia was the only royal that had shone him compassion and kindness today and he did not want to lose that. Ever. Perhaps they could be friends? Before he had a chance to ask, Selphia arrived. Her stern voice tore him from Quilicia as he humbly walked to her.

"You raced the princess?" She asked.

He nodded, "We tied!"

Something in her look did not show the same kind of enthusiasm that he had, "My prince," this would be a lesson better taught by his mother, the queen.

Micaiah knew he would be in trouble, but he couldn't help but look over at Quilicia and smile. He would gladly take a scolding and would do it again if given the chance. How could he regret racing her? It was so mic bigger than the race, he felt. Perhaps even the beginning of a lifelong friendship?
 
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"Lady Quilicia!" Bianca reached her just as Prince Micaiah's Governess started to scold him lightly. "What did I tell you about minding yourself? Good thing I packed more, but your mother and father will not be pleased that you had need to change.... Oh, hold still, Lil' One."

Bianca kneel to dust the Princess off and check the condition of her attire, but Quil couldn't help but to jump and clap; bouncing with energies of delight at all the fun she had in Prince Micaiah's presence. He wasn't boring, talking about himself like Prince Alexander; and he wasn't rude too. It was like Bianna had said, the quiet ones that only smile their hellos were the nicest.

"Oh dear, I'll have to mend that hole you've slid into it before your mother sees. Dresses of this finery are worth more than you know, M'Lady."

Quil didn't hear much from her Governess at this point. She watched Prince Micaiah talk to his Governess about their dual win. Regardless of how much trouble she will have over her actions, she would do it again and again. It was like playing with her brothers and squire boys - carefree and enjoyable.

Before she knew it, Francis handed Quil's petticoat to Bianca, and the two of them walked back to the guest room they were using for the week. She turned to Micaiah, "If it is permiss...permissa.."

"Permissible?"

"Yes, thank you Bianna," Quil smiled thankfully to her Governess. She didn't want to sound childish, but to use the big words she's learned in her studies recent. "I would like to... accompany you for dinner tonight."

Bianca stood up with a sigh, "Oh, M'Lady, I'm not sure that your parents will agree." She took Quil's little hand and began to escort her away. "We will discuss this later, after we clean you up."

And with that, Quil turned to waved at Micaiah and Francis, "Don't forget me! I'll request another race from you soon!"
 
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Thought Micaiah didn't get a chance to answer the young Quilicia's request, he hoped deadly that it would be one that would be fulfilled. Her governess took her away and Micaiah was left with his and the other kids. He couldn't help but smile, even when he caught Alex's glare. Princess Quilicia wanted to sit with him at dinner.

As to her other request? How could Micaiah do such a thing? Quilicia was the first person that showed him kindness because she was kind not because she had to because he was the prince. She was a girl at least two maybe even three years his younger, and she had tied him in a race. One that she wanted to run again one day. Micaiah could never forget her even if he tried.

"Come, my lord, it is time to cool off so that you are fresh for the banquet," Selphia gently placed her hand between his shoulder blades and ushered him on.

He looked up at her with big eyes and that same excited grin, "Do you suppose the princess would be able to join me for dinner, Selphia?"

Selphia brow wrinkled. She had never seen the prince so happy or excited. Ever. But the chances of the princess sitting with him were slim, "We will have to see what her parents allow, my prince," she smiled, "Don't worry, Micah, should it happen, it will." Micah nodded and followed after Selphia, his closest friend until he met Quilicia.
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Micaiah gasped as Selphia guided him into the banquet hall. It was more beautiful than he ever remembered it to be. The tables were laid out in a 'U' shape with his family's table at the base. Each other table was set in white with a banner with a Kingdom's colors dictating who should sit where. At Quilicia's table there was one less setting and at Alexander's there was one more. Micaiah thought nothing of it. After all, princess Quilicia said she would sit with him.

Micaiah took his spot next to his father and sighed as the royals began to enter. This was a grand Banquet indeed and Micaiah had wondered where all the food had come from. It was simply amazing. Alexander's family entered and the boys locked eyes in silent dares and threats. Micaiah was really growing to dislike that boy and it seemed as though the feeling was mutual. Then Quilicia's family entered and Micaiah held his breath in excitement.
 
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A quick bathe and dressing once more; Quil was refreshed in a new dress and stockings with her light brunette hair drizzling around her face. Her parents were not happy about her behavior, but was happy to know that she made an impression on the two princes. Amused that she bested one of them, her father reminded her of her place withing the hospitality of another of similar status as hers.

"We are guest in Prince Micaiah's home;" King Louris cupped her little cheeks in his hands. "...therefore, show your generosity through all of your actions."

She glanced up with a grin, "Yes, father; that's why we tied."

"He should of had the win." They continued discussing as they cross the palace grounds to the banquet hall.

"But then the others would tease that he can only beat little girls. If I had won, they would tease him for being beat by a little girl. So, to show my generosity, we share the victory, and no one teases cause we all had fun!"

Her parents chuckled amused at their young daughter's diplomacy. Douglan busted out in laughter, "You just didn't want to lose."

Eigwin grabbed his little brother's ear with the authority given to him by their father, causing him to squeal lightly for his release. "That maybe true, but laughing at her for proving she's smarter than you is not right, Douglan; so, you will apologize."

Douglan apologized well enough to break Eigwin's grasp. Quil accepted it - and proudly carried herself as her family soon reached the banquet hall door. The guards opened to admit them in. They entered with fanfare and bowed to their host. Quil was completely star-dazzled at how the room looked. There were so many pretty things decorating the atmosphere she almost wanted to touch them. But, she knew this was not the time for play. Besides, her stomach had mentioned more than once that she was due to a good meal.

Looking around her parents, she spotted Prince Micaiah and sent him a bright hello smile. She wasn't sure about when it's appropriate for her to move the host table, so she followed her parents to their table. When she noticed an absent seat, Quil's excitement grew. Her parents' did grant their permission for her to sit with Micaiah. She was thrilled beyond belief.

"Quilicia," her father called to her. She stepped to his side and without another word, he placed her hand into the bend of his arm and began to escort her across the banquet room to another table. "You will have the opportunity to sit with a new friend...."

Quil's heart began to flutter, "Wonderful, father! I'm so happy..." Her words ended as they passed Prince Micaiah's table. Quil tugged against her father's arm. "Father, you said I will sit with a new friend. My new friend is Prince Micaiah."

He looked down and shook his head. "You're sitting with Prince Alexander and his family tonight."

She wanted to cry out, stomp her feet, and tell her father that he wasn't her new friend, but that would be poor behavior on her to exhibit and might insult the Relpins. So Quil calmed her disappointed features, glancing over at Micaiah as they crossed the rest of the way.

"Lord Fandor, Lady Valeria, I would like to introduce to you my daughter, Princess Quilicia Leoni Pillaboo."
 
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Alex smiled broadly when Princess Quilicia was introduced to his family. He had only wanted to be congratulated by the young princess, but it seems for winning the tree climbing race, he was to be graced with her presence at the banquet. It truly was a good thing to beat the host Prince at something. His eyes flicked toward Micaiah and he smiled ever so slightly in victory.

"It is nice to meet you, Princess Quilicia," nodded Fandor and Valeria, "it is truly a pleasure to enjoy your company tonight. I'm sure you will grow fond of Alexander in no time, he is quite the young man." Fandor smiled proudly of his son. Alex's cheeks darkened.

Alex nodded and then lowered his head in respect, "I'm so glad you could join me," Alex quickly stood and made his way around the table, "Please, allow me," the young prince pulled out her chair earning a disapproving look from his father but a proud one from his mother, "I know we had a bad start. I only want to show you that I'm not such a bad friend." He smiled warmly at her.
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Micaiah could only watch in horror as his hopes for the night fell apart. He looked at his parents, who were too busy entertaining their guests to notice their son's broken heart. He thought he had made a friend in Quilicia and yet the young princess had chosen Alexander. He looked down at his plate. He suddenly wasn't hungry anymore.

"Micah, are you alright?" The soft voice of his mother came around his father. Micaiah looked up at her, fighting the urge of tears. Quilicia was nothing like he thought she'd be. She only liked the winners just like all the other children.

"Yes, mother," he lied as his eyes fell once more on Alexander and Quilicia.
 
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"It is nice to meet you, Princess Quilicia," nodded Fandor and Valeria.

Quilicia gave the king and queen a curtsy as she was taught, "It is nice to meet you as well."

"It is truly a pleasure to enjoy your company tonight. I'm sure you will grow fond of Alexander in no time, he is quite the young man."

Confused as to why they were so sure of her growing any sort of fondness to their son, Quil only smiled wider and nodded her head, "Yes, I'm sure." Her smile dropped just slightly as she cut her eyes towards Micaiah. Her disappointment mirrored his.

"I'm so glad you could join me." She wanted to say that he wasn't her first choice in dining friends, but again being so rude before his parents would be wrong. She didn't want to upset his parents, nor embarrass hers.

As the two Lords watched, Alexander stepped from his chair to pull out a seat for her. "Please, allow me."

"Thank you, Prince Alexander," Quil took her time to sit, hoping the look she gave her father would cause him to change his mind. But, he stood there before Lord Fandor and beamed proudly, mumbling a few things to Alex's father before nodding his head, turning on his polished heels, and crossing the room back to his table. Quil was stunned.

"I know we had a bad start. I only want to show you that I'm not such a bad friend." He smiled warmly at her, showing some sort of...what was the word...humility?

"Thank...you again, for inviting me." Like a rehearsed poet, Quil responded just as her mother had train her to, but all in all, beneath the charming smile she offers to those unknown nobles her parents introduces her to, there was a very uncomfortable and disappointed princess. Her eyes constantly flickered towards Prince Micaiah's table, wishing that her fairy godmother would show up and magically change the seating arrangement for that night. But, since that wasn't happening, she did the only thing she could do - grin and bear it.

As the start of the dinner was underway, food was being served while a dance group performed while they waited. All the adults were watching the entertainment, giving Quil a chance to speak without an audience. "Prince Alexander, how are you intending to show me that you're not a bad friend? I don't know if that's even possible...," her innocence expressed. Friendship was not something made of wood or glass, or anything that is touched and handed down. It is actions and words, and as far as she can tell, he's not very good at being friendly.
 
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Alex nodded. He understood the princess' reservation. He knew he had let pride take him in the play area, but his father had always taught him to be proud in what he did. So he helped push in her chair and then hurried to his.

"I understand your feelings, Princess Quilicia," he looked down at his plate for only a moment, "I was harsh with Prince Micaiah, so I must apologize for my behavior." He smiled at the princess, "Do you like pork?" Alexander thumbed his nose so that it looked as if it were a pig's snout for a brief moment. He giggled as he snorted.

"Alexander!" His mother called over to him.

Alex never moved faster. His hand shot to his side and he looked at his mother. She gave him a scolding look and the his attention returned to Quilicia. A small smile spread across his lips, "Im sorry, Princess."
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Micaiah moved his food about his plate. He was not hungry. His eyes looked up to see Alexander good and smile. His chest hurt as he was reminded that he only had his family to sit with. He sighed and laid his head on his open palm.

"Micah," his father leaned over and whispered to him. Micaiah looked up at his father. His attention quickly stolen by the older man just because he used the loving title, "You must hide your feelings, son. The people can see your heart worn on the outside. How can you provide hope if they see your sadness."

"Yes, Father," he lifted his head and put his hands in his lap. He forced some food into his mouth. This was the worst banquet he had ever attended. He had never hurt so badly, or felt so alone.
 
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"I understand your feelings, Princess Quilicia. I was harsh with Prince Micaiah, so I must apologize for my behavior."

Quilicia's eyes widened in disbelief. He was apologizing to her about his behavior to Prince Micaiah. Surely, if he was so rude all the time, those words would never fall from his lips. Was he going through that thing her mother had mentioned to her lady friends once, about men and their games? They change when playing games, and ladies were always stuck in the middle. Alex - was he changing for her in order to win this game? What game were they playing anyways?

"I accept your apology," Quil nodded only to look away with her mother's stone stare. "But, I so hope you do so as well to Prince Micaiah. After all, he is our host."

After a short moment, Alexander spoke, "Do you like pork?" And before Quil could hardened herself further, Alex had lifted the tip of his nose to mask himself as a pig, snorting in between giggles. Quil tried to hold herself from an outburst, but the shock of his actions - and the silly look on his face - was just too much. She wrapped an arm around her midsection and covered her giggles with a hand, keeping as much control over the laughter as she could. She couldn't help it - he was funny.

"Alexander!"

Alex straightened up, and even Quil straightened her face and dropped her hands to hear lap.

When the coast was clear, Alex returned his attention to her, "I'm sorry, Princess."

And she nodded it away, "That's alright. I have a queen for a mother as well, you know. And she sees everything! It's not easy to get away with things when she's at eye-shot." A few moments past, and Quil had a question on her mind that was making her ears itch. "Why didn't you help Prince Micaiah when he fell out of the tree? I thought good sportsmanship meant treating the loser like a winner.'
 
Alexander listened to Quilicia's question. How did he best explain that weakness was not tolerated in his kingdom? How did he explain that father wanted the weak beaten and then submission given to them as their rulers? It was something his father taught him, but siting with Quilicia made him feel as though six teachings were dirty or wrong

Alex folded his hands as he lost himself to deep thought for a moment before he spoke, "I had begun to climb down the tree as soon as I saw him fall but when I looked down and saw that you had run to his aid and so had his governess, I finished the task at hand," he lied, unable to find a proper excuse, "My father had always taught me that it was important to finish the tasks I put myself to."

He frowned as he thought of what he had said to the princess afterward, "Back home, the girls always congratulate the winners of events. I did not know that the othe kingdoms did not share this. I'm sorry for how rude I had been when I asked you about why you had not congratulated me."

Alex smiled warmly at the princess, "Do you know why your parents had you sit with me?" His eyes widened, "I'm not complaining, I'm actually quite thankful. It gave me the opportunity to right my wrongs."
 
Alexander explained himself which made sense to Quil, so she smiled and nodded her head pleased. Then Alex frowned, which made Quil frown confused. Was it something she said before? It wouldn't look right if she upset him; his parents might think she pinched him.

"Back home, the girls always congratulate the winners of events. I did not know that the other kingdoms did not share this. I'm sorry for how rude I had been when I asked you about why you had not congratulated me."

Relieved, Quil nodded once more pleased and understanding, "Well, I was taught that the injured are more important than the winner. Life is much more important than victory."

Alex smiled warmly at the princess, "Do you know why your parents had you sit with me?"

Quil shook her head, again with that innocent look of confusion.

"I'm not complaining, I'm actually quite thankful. It gave me the opportunity to right my wrongs."

"Thank you for being humble enough to do so," she smiled that all but turned into a question right before his eyes. "Do you know why my parents allowed me to sit with you instead of Prince Micaiah?" It was strange to her that he would know the answer to this, but since he did - and no one else was offering an answer - she decided it would be best to find out from him; at least.
 
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Alex shook his head at her question, "Sorry, princess, I do not know. That was why I asked you." He looked at his mother who only smiled encouragingly at him when she saw him. His father continued to speak of the affairs of home and gloat on his son seeing that he was their only child. Here would be no answers from them, not right now.

Alex sucked his teeth in thought before he returned to the princess, "It seems that perhaps they'd like us to be friends?" He shrugged. It was the only thing he could think of, "You know, like how our parents come to these banquets to make friends with one another and talk about business back home. Maybe hey want us to he friends like that?"

Alex sighed. He truly didn't mind, Princess Quilicia was fun company. For a young girl she was quite curious and nice. The answers to his questions both shamed him, which he had rightly deserved, and made him call the more curious about the young princess. She was small, but he had not yet met one that was so, what was the word his father used, oh ya, wise. She had pointed out flaws as well as mentioned curious questions that he was all too eager to answer.

Then it hit him. For some reason he had missed it and it annoyed him. He did his best to hide it though. She had spoken as though she would have preferred Micaiah's company and that would not do. His jaw tightened just a bit as he sought out a mental box to put these frustrated feelings away until he could deal with them more in private. That was something his mother had taught him.

"Princess Quilicia, am I not good company that you would prefer to be with Micaiah?"
 
"Princess Quilicia, am I not good company that you would prefer to be with Micaiah?"

As the food was being served before them, Quil pondered Alex's question with her silly little tapping of her pinky finger against the side of her chin. "Umm, well I didn't really get a chance to learn if you were good company or bad. All I could tell was that you were good at climbing trees and boasting wins." She smiled at Prince Alex to prove how her words were meant to be sweet and honest, whether they stung him or not.

"Prince Micaiah, at least, took the challenge of a little girl and shared a victory with me. That was fun. So, I wanted to sit with him, hoping to talk him into another challenge. I like racing a lot, but my older brother has been teaching me fencing. If I can, I want to challenge him in a dual with foils. I need to practice anyway."

Taking a moment to sip on the fruity concoction that was poured into her goblet, Quil glanced sideways at Alex with another question on her mind. "Do you like playing games, Prince Alexander? I would consider you good company if you don't mind playing with little girls like me."
 
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Quilicia's reply was not at all what Alexander expected. He expected her to apologize for being so rude as to want to sit with someone else when she sat with him. He expected her to say he was great company and that she wished to share more times when the could enjoy said company. Instead, t was the opposite. The. She went on to talk about Micaiah once again.

Alex glared over at the Prince, who seemed to be absolutely miserable and alone. It should stay that way. The week do not deserve pleasure or company. That's what father had always taught him. They deserved little more than the suffering they endured because of their weakness. Micaiah, he deserved even less than that.

Alex's attention returned to Quilicia and his jaw clenched as she finished her chat about Micaiah. He had heard any of it because it was irrelevant. Micaiah was irrelevant. When she asked about games he nodded in excitement to his his frustration.

"I do enjoy a good game every now and then Princess. Of course, age matters not. Is love to play a game with you. That makes me good company, right?" He smiled. If he was good company the why was she so worried about Micaiah? She should be focused on him. Didn't her parents teach her correctly?
 
Quil brightened and nodded satisfied, placing a tiny hand on Alex's forearm in her delight, "Yes, that makes you good company to me. Thank you very much for that."

Her smile dropped slightly, holding back other emotions while she was within the Prince's presence. It was not often she was treated more like the tough girl she was, rather than the delicate flower her parents wanted her to be. Quil was strong, and wanted others to respect her strength. It was nice to find two princes who did not ignore her desires or treat her less than best just because she is a female.
 
Alex smiled as Quilicia placed her hand on his forearm. It was a soft touch. She was such a gentle girl. She enjoyed challenges and playing games. She saw them becoming close friends very easily. Now if he could get her to quit spending so much time thinking about Micaiah and more time thinking about him.

Alex turned to his father as the banquet began to unwind. He was sitting, with an empty plate, chatting with another noble. Alex found this strange, his father never sat with an empty plate. When his father caught him looking, he adjusted in his chair so that he could better look at his son.

"Are you and the princess finished, Alexander?" The gruff man spoke.

Alex turned to look at Quilicia and smiled. They had had a wonderful meal. Alex believed they were now friends and perhaps another time, they could participate in some games and challenges. He turned back to his father and nodded, "Yes, father, though I would very much enjoy the opportunity to play with her another time."

His father smiled and with a glint in his eyes he spoke, "I'm sure we can arrange something with the princess' parents if that is something the two of you want?" He was asking Quilicia what she thought.

Alex's eyes flicked to find Quilicia's mother heading their way. Their time was coming to an end and Alex was disappointed.
 
"Are you and the princess finished, Alexander?" Prince Alex's father asked. All in all, she was very happy. The food was wonderful; she was quite content but not overly full. And Alex treated her nicely, which made up for everything at the playground that day. Quil sweetly nodded her head, but kept silent to allow Alex to respond to his father first.

"Yes, father, though I would very much enjoy the opportunity to play with her another time."

His father smiled and with a glint in his eyes he spoke, "I'm sure we can arrange something with the princess' parents if that is something the two of you want?" He was asking Quilicia what she thought.

"I would be delighted," she smiled, catching the image of her mother floating across the room towards them. When her mother reached them with formal greetings and such, Quil waited until there was a place for her to speak. "Mother, will it be possible for me to meet with Prince Alexander again? He was very nice to me and like playing games too."

Queen Nessarose physically brightened and caressed her daughter s little cheek, "Of course, little one. You father will make arrangements soon. But for now, it's time to prepare for the night, for tomorrow belongs to the competitors of the field games and then the grand ball to close the night."

Quil nodded, and turned to wave goodbye to the prince. As her mother walked across the energetic ball room with her, her eyes glanced over at Prince Micaiah. He looked devastated. With a light tug on the hand that held hers, she looked up at her mother with a frown, "Will I be able to see Prince Micaiah tonight? He looks so sad. He's my new friend and he wanted to sit with me at dinner. I believe he sad because I did not. Can I talk to him?"

They reached their table, and Nessarose sighed before sitting back down in her chair. "Quilicia, you're scheduled to sit with Prince Micaiah at dinner tomorrow night, before the ball. And you'll have a chance to dance with both of the princes. But tonight, it's time for bed. Prince Micaiah is probably as tired as you are."

"But I'm not sleepy," Quil widened her eyes to show her mother how wide awake she was. "See. I can stay up a little while longer to apologize, can't I?"

"Tomorrow... "
 
The dinner ended, the nobles left, and the servants had begun to arrive to clean. Of course, they would wait until the rest of the royals left before they even started their work. It was a long evening and everyone would be retiring to pillows and sheets soon.

Micaiah watched as Alexander and Quilicia both left the hall. They had such a great time, he could see it. He was glad for them..he thought. His eyes lowered to his plate and he sighed. He had not touched his food. Today just wasn't his day. He thought Quilicia wanted to be his friend, but she didn't sit with him, she sat with Alexander. He couldn't blame her, he guessed.

"Micah?" His mother's soft and gentle voice sounded near him and pulled him from his thoughts, "Are you okay?" He didn't even notice she had left her chair and had knelt down at his chair to look him in his eyes. Micaiah thought about lying but only looked at his mother instead. His sad eyes told her there was more to it than just simply telling the story, "Come, Micah." She smiled and took his hand.

Micaiah slid out of his chair and headed off with his mother. She took him to his room and, once they were in, she pushed the door shut. She passed a hand through his hair and then knelt and began to help him out of his shirt, "What's bothering you, Micaiah?"

"Mother, I thought I had made a friend today," he looked down at the floor, "and she had told me she wished to sit with me at dinner, but she sat with someone else," he frowned.

His mother smiled knowingly, "Sometimes things are not what they seem, Micah. Tomorrow why don't you talk to your new friend and ask her? I have a feeling you'll see her tomorrow." She smiled at him and kissed his forehead, "I love you, Micah. Put in your night clothes and your father and I will return to put you to bed." She smiled again before she left.

Micaiah knew his mother would not lie to him. Maybe it was a misunderstanding, but he could not help but feel as though he were right. This was a party hosted by his kingdom and he had embarrassed it by falling from the tree race. It was no doubt to the saddened boy that Quilicia did what she had tonight because it made more sense to be friends with the stronger and better kids. Micaiah slid into his night clothes and then under the covers. Perhaps he was to only have friends from his own kingdom. Perhaps he was to only have friends that had to be his friends.
 
Quil was all set for bed, but her questions about tomorrow's event continued to ravage the ears of those around her until they finally left her alone to hold out patiently for the following morning. With them now alone, Vel finally ventures from her hiding spot beside the mountain of pillows to snug beside Quil and report to the princess her findings. While the humans frolic and enjoyed their meals during dinner, Vel was snooping around the castle, as well as, learning more about the other families participating in tomorrow's games.

"Quil, I don't think you'll have to worry about tomorrow. You'll see both princes again, but this time you will spend time with Prince Micaiah." The little shadow guardian presented her form to her friends, sitting down on the princess's lap and wrapping her violet tail around her legs.

"Truly! I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you, Vel. But, do you know if he's upset at me? I was suppose to sit with him tonight, but mother and father changed that. I don't think he looked too well, and I fear it was because of that."

Vel nodded her head, "He is upset, but don't fear that. You'll be able to explain tomorrow that what happened was out of your hands. He'll understand." Purring, Vel tucked her nose underneath her tale and rested. "Now, if you're planning on challenging any more princes tomorrow, then you best be getting your rest, M'Lady."

"Yes, I guess so." Quil tucked herself underneath the covers, but no matter how she moved, she felt uncomfortable and out of sorts. "Vel, I can't sleep. I want some warm milk..."

"Um...do you want me to go fetch Bianne?"

"No, I want to go myself. Do you know where the kitchen is?"

Vel shook her head, "It's not a good idea to wander around an unfamiliar castle, specially when you're only a guest. That'll get you into a world of trouble."

Quil sighed, she didn't want to cause problems, or get in trouble. So, she nodded for Vel to find a helper instead to get her some milk. Bianca has had enough of a time dealing with her all day; Quil wanted her to rest as well.

By the time Vel found someone to take her to the kitchen, warm up some milk, and return with it; Quil had fallen fast asleep.

"Um...figures."
 
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