It was already mid-morning when Argis woke up and realized she and Kadir didn't have any meeting plans.

Ah, why must I be so disorganized? I could have asked him last night!

Bemoaning her distracted thoughts, Argis sluggishly dressed and came down the stairs. As per usual, Ethel was already awake and at work.

"Top of the morning to you, Argis!" Ethel cheerily exclaimed. Argis raised an eyebrow as a pan soared past; Ethel was never this happy.

Ethel saw the girl's expression as she bustled around the kitchen and let out a high-pitched giggle. "You have a friend waiting outside, honey. Go see him. He's been waiting for a while." Ethel placed two mangoes into the folds of Argis' cloak as she spoke.

Argis' heart leapt as she pictured a handsome face with dark freckles scattered across the cheekbones.

"Thanks, Ethel!" The door slammed as the girl left, and all the pots and pans in the kitchen froze.

"Good morning, Kadir! How long have you been waiting here?" Argis said to the man on her porch.

"Not too long," came the short reply. "Would you like to go somewhere for breakfast?"

"Sure!" the girl quickly replied. The two agreed on a location, and warm food soon sat before them.

"I've been thinking about the trip a bit," began Kadir. "Have you?"

Argis giggled. "You certainly don't mince words." The man's charming eyes softened, and a smile played across the corner of his lips.

"My apologies; I'm very excited about it."

"As am I!" Argis exclaimed. "Really, if you truly don't mind, I would be glad to come with you."

The way Kadir's face lit up melted Argis' heart. He looked so pleased to hear what she had said that Argis couldn't believe she didn't just tell him last night.

"I'll be looking forward to showing you the wonders of the world. I heard yesterday that you haven't stepped foot outside the city since early childhood; may I inquire about the reason?" Kadir politely asked.

Argis rolled her eyes. "You know Ethel, my guardian? She's incredibly overprotective, and thinks the entire world is dangerous. So she uses enchantments to keep me within the city boundaries." Kadir nodded with understanding, encouraging Argis to go on. "I mean, just look at the region we're in! There haven't been any major news reportings in years! If something majorly dangerous happened, we would know."

Kadir nodded again. "Although I understand the protective instinct Ethel possesses, I also understand the freedom you yearn for. You have the same drive I did years ago." The man lowered his voice. "Back when I was a child, I didn't have boundaries. But I did have a small pixie who had been trained to watch over me at all hours of the day. I couldn't go anywhere without being reported on."

The man smiled sweetly at Argis. "I completely understand. And if you so desire, I'll help you get out of the city. We'll go on a small adventure together, and Ethel won't even have time to worry. Just small enough for you to have a taste. To prove that you'll be safe."

Just then, Ashiel walked into the establishment. He was wearing casual clothing, but since the material was obviously sourced from a different country, he drew attention to himself.

"Greetings," Ashiel said as he approached their table. "I apologize for my tardiness."

Kadir stood to pull over a chair for his friend, then returned to his seat.

Argis couldn't believe that she was having breakfast with two of the most handsome men she had ever met, and all in the same morning. If only Sabine were here, too.

"Kadir informed me about last night," Ashiel began. Then he clarified, "About how the two of you are certain you will leave together. I have been working on a two-way contract for the purposes of ensuring a smooth trip. We don't want any misunderstandings to prevent either of you from having a good time."

He pulled two pieces of paper from the air, then slid one across the table to Argis. Kadir was handed the other piece of paper.

"Would you like to read it? Anything can be changed. I simply wanted to make sure you and Kadir follow through."

Argis' head began to pound looking at the pages. That was a lot of words, and the font was tiny. How could Ashiel write so small?

From across the room, an old lady watched the conversation between the three. And a young woman with hair like fire watched the old lady.