Natalie POV

Together, Cole and I walked back to the town square. I held the small box close to me as the drunk next to me stumbled every now and again.

When we made it to the clock tower, I turned to face him. "Are you gonna be alright?" I asked, "You're piss drunk."

"Naaaah I'll be fine~" his voice was a little slurred, but he smiled.

"Oh trust me, you won't be in the morning." I laughed as I thought of whatever wicked hang over he'll have tomorrow. Especially since he had to get up at ungodly hours.

When we said our good byes I made my way down the old dirt roads. The orphanage was on the quieter side of town, so I was never too worried of anyone seeing me. It was an old wooden building that was two stories tall. Not many people lived here, just Carla, Bliss, Yona, with several others and then myself. We all got along, we were basically sisters.

I walked into the shabby building, being careful not to slam the heavy door behind me. And did my best to quietly walk past Madame Bonaire's room without waking her. Madame was the lady of the orphanage, what she says goes, a foul woman she is. Never really knows how to shut her mouth. In some ways she reminds me of a nasty old crow. When I heard her stir in her room I dashed up the old crickety stairs and ran to the chest in front of my assigned bed.

In front of my bed was a small trunk that held a few precious objects of mine and some clothes.

Quickly I grabbed a blue sleeping gown and left towards the bathroom, lit a candle and quickly changed. I took off the heavy layers of fabric from my uniform, slipping out of my chain mail and tunic and trousers, folded them neatly and set them aside. Then I undid my binding and relief spread through my chest as I tossed the bandages to the floor. I then threw on an old chemise and stepped into my wool nightgown. I pulled out the thread that bundled my thick blonde hair into a ponytail. Then I slipped my father's necklace on.

I turned and caught my own eye in the mirror. My hair had a bit if curl to it and ended below my shoulders, my brown eyes were the color of honey in the candle light. I had my father's eyes and my mother's frame. But mostly in the mirror, I saw a stranger. It amazes me how different someone looks with little change. I walked out of the door to the aligned beds.

I knelt down to the old trunk as I put my folded clothes into it. Next I held the precious jewelry box and opened it slightly, just to marvel at the beauty of it before shutting it once more and locking it away.

I plopped down on the bed as moonlight dripped over my face. I turned to see Carla, another friend of mine, in a dusty rose gown supposedly sleeping peacefully. Until her eyelids flipped open. Her green orbs pierced me with surprise. Then a sly smirk spread across her face.

"So... I heard you were out late with a boy!" she grinned evilly.

"Huh?"

"Oh don't play dumb!" she said then sat up and rushed her blond hair away. "Com'on I won't tell anyone, give me the details!" She whispered enthusiastically.

Suddenly Bliss rolled over in a pale green dress and said "I've told you for the thousandth time let it go."

They started to bicker back and forth with each other. Until, the two of them finally fumed down and went back to bed. I stayed up though, and fiddled with my father's necklace. Wondering if he really will come back? Ive held on to that promise for so long, but I had no idea where he was. I sighed and decided to roll over and try to sleep but my stomach groaned in anguish. I hadn't eaten all day, except for a small piece of bread earlier.

Ignoring the pang in my belly I curled up and closed my eyes. Drifting into a dreamless sleep.

***

"WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" a voice screamed. I sat up and had a massive headache.

"What... Time?" I asked lazily as I rubbed my eyes.

"Natalie it's almost nine- hurry up!" Bliss said with her hands on her hips, she was definitely the mother if all of us.

"Alright alright I'm up." I hopped out of bed and walked to my trunk. I grabbed my uniform and bandages and made my way to the bathroom for the same routine.

I threw off my father's necklace then bound my chest. Then the same old layers of white and blue fabric piling up on me. I pulled on my boots and tied my hair back, again leaving my scruffy bangs on my forehead.

I sat my clothes into my trunk and grabbed the jewelry box, slipping it into my pocket. On my way out the door, Bliss tossed me an apple and I my way to the palace.

The Astilian palace was gorgeous and very detailed. It was built from white stone bricks with red tiled roofs. The walls were thick and strong, with several courtyards to accommodate nobility who would often go on a stroll and others ,for guards like myself, to train in them.

I finished eating the apple as I approached the gates. My stomach no longer in agony. I saw the usual cocky men at the gate and pulled out my identification tag.

"Ahh. Look who it is! Nathaniel is here on time!" Kai said in false enthusiasm.

"Yup! Big surprise. Who would've thought I'd be late for the rest of my life.'' I said sarcastically.

"Lighten up a bit sheesh."

"Sure. Anytime." I rolled my eyes with a smirk.

"Uh huh~" he dragged out as he checked my chain.

"Now can I go before I have to run?"

"Alright." they moved their spears and then the gate lifted. I made my way to my to the armory and grabbed my weapons. However I was a bit early but I went to the arrow slip I stood at anyways.

When I climbed up the stairs I saw Rockus was up on the wall barking orders. Then he noticed me walking up to him.

"What's all the bark about?" I asked.

"There's another lord arriving in about a few days. As well as the prince's arrangements had changed, he'll be leaving tonight." he said. My heart stopped.

"Why?" I asked a little too quickly.

"The Baldonians aren't very patient. They want the Prince there as soon as possible." A wave of jealousy cast over me, I didn't know why though. "The offer still stands." He said, referring to our disagreement from yesterday.

"No thank you sir." I said letting out a sigh." And as for the lord, where is he from?"

"Near the mountain chain of Mena." he said " Fine house. Great view."

"Been there?"

"Nope." He grinned.

"You're in a better mood this morning." I said.

"Yes it appears I am." He said .

"That's good for me to hear. But you can never be in a good mood when I'm late, now can you?." I joked as I watched the maids scramble to prepare for the lords arrival. He shot a glare at me, that's when I decided immediately I should go to my position.

I drew my bow and lazily knocked an arrow in it. The archer next to me, Morgan, tried to make small talk but it proved futile.

An hour later we saw a group of our soldiers preparing an elegant carriage. Most likely for the prince's early departure.

A few hours had gone by and I was allowed to take leave on my break. I walked by the tree where I met with Audrey yesterday and placed the small jewelry box under one of the roots, hoping it wouldn't be seen. Then I made my way into the palace.

I went by the medical wing by some hopes I could get a glimpse of the sickly prince.

And low and behold, there he was! The color in his skin finally returned, and his eyes were as bright as always. I saw him standing there in the hall, his clothes slightly disheveled as if he had just woken up. I walked straight ahead and stopped, looking forward from each other as we spoke.

"Was it serious?" I asked cautiously.

"No, just a warning." He said in the same dull tone as me.

"I heard plans changed, you're leaving tonight?"

"I suppose." He said as I furrowed my brow.

"I'm going to miss you- go to the tree today, I left you something there." And with that we had walked off from each other.

***

It was nearing the end of my shift and the sky was colored in a light yellow and orange. A sea of blue and white soldiers started to crowd at the bottom of the gate, near the carriage. After I had put away my weapons I decided to join them.

There were cheers and bows as the prince of Astile made his way to the carriage. He was in a new set of clothes, wearing a deep red jerkin with golden vines embroidered in the leather. His snowy white hair was parted neatly as usual and is deep eyes looked confident.

To our surprise, the queen had made an appearance as well. She wore a long white veil on her head. The opaque fabric covering her neatly brushed blonde hair. On top of the veil she wore a large crown, and a long pink dress. The more I look at her, the more I see Audrey in her face. She smiled kindly as she watched her son leave.

He turned back to look at his mother and the soldiers one last time and fished my face out of the crowd. And I caught a glimpse of the brooch I had gotten him.

He wore it well.

We made I contact and exchanged sad smiles. Then he sat down and closed the door. And with an aching heart, I watched as he left.