I stand before the door to Dame Alex's room and take a deep breath.

Michael left about a minute ago. I've been waiting for him to leave so I could have the room to myself, but now that I do, I'm hesitating.

Full of trepidation, I gently rap at the wood with my knuckles. The door is immediately pulled open, and Dame Alex locks eyes with me. Her eyes flash a brilliant purple.

It's hard for me to look her in the eye right now - we had a completely silent breakfast together, but I managed to ask her to wait in her room until I was ready to talk.

"Hey, uh…could we…talk?"

She steps out of her room with a nod. "Of course, Your Highness."

Her calling me Highness surprises me. Maybe I didn't tell her everything last night?

I turn away from her, anxiously biting my nails.

"So, uh…about last night…"

"You do not remember what you told me…do you?"

I turn to Dame Alex in shock.

"How…how did you know?"

"I…I've had an episode similar to yours. Once before. It was…at the tournament I won. Before I became a knight."

I listen silently as she explains.

"I did not intend to reveal that I am a woman that day. I did not intend to request the Queen's support. In fact, I was terrified that my identity would be discovered, and even more terrified that I would not be able to continue pursuing a path towards knighthood.

"I remember my heart pounding in my ears, looking up at the King and Queen as I was told to request a reward for my victory, and then…silence. The next thing I remember is standing there, with my chest bindings on full display. Looking back, I'm thankful that I did not fully expose myself!" She chuckles a little.

"I only learned of what I said when the Queen formally repeated my request as she granted it. It took everything I had to not pass out on the spot."

She smiles at me, and something in her expression is very reassuring. "As you can see, Your Highness, I am quite familiar with balancing multiple identities."

"How…how much did I tell you?"

"You told me enough for me to understand."

"And…you believe me?"

"Yes."

"But…why?"

She purses her lips into a thin line in thought for a brief moment.

"The Headmaster knows about your identity, as well." I feel like the floor is giving out from beneath me. "I do not know how, but he was apparently aware from the moment you entered the Academy gates.

"Additionally, he proved the truth of your claim that this was divine intervention. He showed that parts of Eric's soul are within you. I must admit, I was doubtful at first, but I now stand firm in my belief."

"And…what is your belief?"

"You may not be the original Prince Eric. But you have become him. Far be it for me to question the will of the gods."

She goes to one knee in front of me.

"And you are the one I have sworn to protect. With my life, should it come to that. I will always stand by you, as is my duty. And I will always trust you.

"Your Highness, Prince Eric Moore of Beruzia, and…Simon Gelfert of New York. Just as I can be both a woman and a knight, so too can you be Simon and Eric."

This woman…

This amazing, wonderful woman…

My lower lip begins to quiver, and I all but collapse into her. Wrapping my arms around her as tightly as I can, I envelope her in an embrace that can only barely express my gratitude. After a moment of hesitation, she places a hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you…" I sniffle. "Thank you so much…"

We stay like that for a while. It's truly cathartic - just to be acknowledged and accepted. I've never experienced anything like this.

When I finally pull away from her, I feel more comfortable in Eric's body. It's finally starting to feel like my own.

I'd love to just say that this is over and done with, and that I'll be fine from now on, but I know that that's not the case. Unless I find some kind of constructive outlet for my stress, this could very well happen again.

"There is one additional matter we must discuss, Your Highness."

"And what's that?"

"If you recall, I am expected to send regular reports on your progress and behavior to His and Her Majesties. So, that begs the question - what would you like for me to tell them in my reports, going forward? I assume you would like to keep this between us."

I scratch my chin in thought. "You're right - I definitely do want to keep this between us. What do you think is the best approach?"

"I am not certain. However…I cannot lie to the King and Queen."

"Hmm. Well…I've read a few stories about people going through rehab. Maybe we could pull from that, and just…embellish a little bit? It technically wouldn't be a lie, since it's likely what I would have gone through, should I have been still addicted to drugs."

Dame Alex shuffles her feet, visibly uncomfortable with the prospect of telling even a minor lie. Given how much the Queen has supported her, it's easy to understand why.

"Alex…I don't think we have much of a choice in the matter. I doubt my parents would be as understanding as you."

She heaves a great sigh. "Unfortunately, I believe you may be correct. When it comes time for me to send my report this Sunday, please sit with me as I construct the message."

"Sounds good."

She nods, but hesitates before asking one final question.

"Your Highness…Could you tell me about New York? I must admit, I'm rather curious."

I feel a jolt of excitement. I can't believe I get to tell someone about my home! I'm sure this is going to blow her mind.

Just as I'm about to answer, there's a knock at the door. Since Michael left a while ago, I'm assuming it's for me.

I pull open the door, and I'm immediately met with a scowl, and a flash of red eyes that quickly return to a more natural green.