Spanx is quick on her feet as she walks over to the housekeeper she’s stopped. Blocking her path with his arm he looks at her. She looks at him with surprise at his action.

         “I believe that you have been brought here to learn how to be a guard for the castle; but if you wish to work as a housekeeper I could make it possible. After all you would look pretty nice in a housekeeper’s uniform.” Zain says this as he looks her over.

She takes hold of his arm and moves it so she can pass by.

         “You may have been born a prince at the highest level of royalty, but that shouldn’t give you the right to act so spoiled and rude. A great prince helps those who are in need.” Spanx kneels and starts to help pick up the broken pieces.

         “My lady you really don’t need to help me. You are as the prince said, you’re here to become a castle guard. A protector of the castle has no need to worry about the duties of the servants; besides it’s a true honor for us to serve those who risk their lives to protect the kingdom.” The housekeeper says with a bow.

         “The guards should be protecting the people in and around the castle. Please tell me your name; and you can call me Spanx.”

         “My name is Chime, Lady Spanx.”

         “Your Name is Spanx?” Zain asks.

         “Yes, my name is Spanx; Prince Zain has anyone ever told you that your name means the opposite of how you present yourself?”

         “What are you talking about?”

         “The name Zain means beauty and grace; you may have the beauty aspect. As for the grace, I have yet to notice it.”

After she finishes a bell starts to sound off.

         “What does the bell mean?” Spanx looks between Zain and Chime.

         “The king wishes to have an audience. You have to attend now that you are awake.” Zain says and before she’s able to protest he’s taken her hand. He pulls her to her feet then together they start walking to the main hall.

         “I do know how to walk; you don’t need to hold my hand.”  She tries to pull her hand from his.

         “I think that this is better than letting a cute thing like you get lost.” He says with a teasing smile.

         “I am not a child.”

He stops and pulls her into him as he uses his other hand to lightly touch her chin, moving her head so she’s looking at him. Caught by the way he’s looking at her; she’s unable to turn away.

         “If you keep looking at me with that look on your face I may actually kiss you.” He says with a very mischievous smile.

         “For a prince you sure don’t act like one.” She pushes herself from his hold and starts walking Zain stands in disbelief for a moment.

         “Hey, wait; you have no idea how to get to where we are going.” He calls out as he catches up to her.

         “Then why don’t you lead the way, from a few steps to the side?” she says as she stands a few steps away.

He starts walking and she follows. They make their way into the main hall.

         “Well, it looks like someone has already gotten close with the prince.” Luna says as she rolls her eyes.

Rexen and Syi look in the direction that Luna had just been.

         “She’s awake.” Rexen says.

         “She’s really ok.” Syi says relief in her voice.

         “I wonder why the prince is escorting her though.” Maxen ads

         “Prince Zain has always taken a liking to pretty things even more so when it’s a pretty young woman.” Remigen says from behind them.

         “So that means the rumors about him are true?” Specura asks.

         “Indeed, they are very true.” Remigen

         “There are a lot of people here.” Spanx says as she looks around at all the faces.

         “Do you not like being in crowds of people?” Zain asks turning his head slightly to look at her.

         “Crowds of people don’t bother me. I think knowing that they are all watching me is what gets to me.”

         “You are with me pay no mind to their staring.” He says.

         “I feel like that may be the exact reason they are staring.”

         “Should we give them a show to stare at?” he gives that same mischievous smile again.

         “I don’t think that would be a very good idea.” She says as she sends him a glare.

         “Too bad; well, anyway, now that you are awake I know father would love to meet the girl who survived the bite from one of Asriel’s servants.”

He takes her hand once again and pulls her along with him until they are standing in front of the king.

         “You may speak my son.”

         “Father this is Spanx; she is the one who survived being bitten by the creature.”

Feeling embarrassed Spanx kneels before the King and Queen.

         “Please rise to your feet lady Spanx.” The Queen says her smile soft.

Spanx nervously gets to her feet.

         “Tell us; How are you feeling?” king Hayden asks.

         “I…I am feeling well. I owe it to everyone who took care of me while I was asleep; also, to you for the comfortable sleeping quarters I rested in. I thank your highnesses.” She says with another bow.

         “You are welcome; I did however hear about how you acquired the injury. You showed bravery through courage, and it is a great honor to have you as one of the castle guards.” King Hayden says with a smile.

         “Your highness I don’t…”

         “To welcome you and all the other new guards that have come to the castle; I propose we have a welcoming banquet tomorrow evening; a celebration to get know each other, before we start the long trials of training.” King Hayden says as he gets to his feet. Unable to reply she gives another bow.

Captain makes his way over to the King.

         “Your highness, didn’t you have other news you wanted to share as well?”

         “That matter can be dealt with later.”

         “Yes your highness.” Captain gives a bow of his own.

***

         “She looks so much like her, doesn’t she?” Chime asks standing next to Ari.

         “What; who are you talking about?” he turns to chime.

         “Lady Spanx, she looks so much like Myra.” Chime looks at Spanx.

         “Does she really look that much like Myra?” Ari watches Spanx while she stands next to Zain.

         “She truly does, apart from the few differences, truthfully I thought I was looking at Myra; she even respects life just as much as Myra… possibly more.” She looks between Spanx and Ari.

         “You must be proud and so relieve to have found her.” Chime smiles

         “Chime could you do me a really huge favor; I need you to keep what you know about Spanx to yourself. No one else knows who she truly is, and it’s better kept that way.” Ari says while keeping his gaze on Spanx.

         “Sir” Chime looks up questioningly.

         “I fear that if it became known who she is; she would be placed in danger. Myra gave her life to keep her safe all these years. I’d rather not waste that sacrifice.” He says sadness in his eyes for a moment.

         “I understand; I promise to keep what I know a secret; it is safe with me.” She gives a bow.

         “Thank you Chime, you always have been loyal to serving Myra and I.” Ari turns and gives Chime a smile.