I lay in my bed holding out a piece of cloth in front of my eyes. I heard Lona enter the room, "Alright everything is packed. Are you ready to go?"

I didn't take my eyes off of the handkerchief in front of me. She walked over and frowned, "Why do you still have that? I thought you gave it to him a while ago."

I frowned, "I tried to but... It didn't really go according to plan..."

"Did you get too nervous?"

I blushed slightly, "Why would I be nervous?!"

"You shouldn't be. Just give it to him already."

"I can't just give it to him. I must be careful."

"Why? You gave Prince William his gift with such a confident face."

I sat up and ran my hand through my hair, "Well that's different."

"How so?"

"Prince William has a birthday. Dante doesn't. What if I offend him by giving him this gift?"

She sighed, "How could he be offended? I'm sure he will be so overjoyed to see you think of him."

Ah. But I'm not so sure. He looked particularly angry when I asked him about his birthday. I had never seen him look so threatening before. The last thing I wanted was to be in close proximity to him and trigger his murderous rage.

I fidgeted slightly. This was why I asked Lona to help me. I thought if she helped me make something useful, he could at least overlook his hatred for his birthday.

But at the same time, what if he didn't? He's still the character who ends up killing me after all.

I sighed and looked over at Bertram. He stood in the corner of the room with a threatening aura. Why did he always look so scary?

"Bertram. If you got this from me, would you be thrilled or would you try to kill me?" I held out the handkerchief for him to see.

He smiled, "I would be happy to receive anything from the Young Miss."

I chuckled to myself. He really is a loyal dog.

He raised an eyebrow and asked, "But Young Miss... Why did you choose a handkerchief?"

"Is something wrong with it? I thought those were one of the more multifunctional pieces of apparel."

I read it in all the books in my previous world. A man would offer his handkerchief to a crying woman. Or he would offer it to help her clean up a stain on her dress. Then she would clean it and return it, blushing the entire time.

Then they'd f*ck.

So basically, it was a pretty important piece of clothing. I figured every man had a few of these on hand in case of those events.

Lona sighed, "I tried to explain the meaning to her, but she wouldn't listen."

I rolled my eyes, "It's not like it has any deep meaning. A handkerchief is merely for snot and cleaning up messes. It's just a handy fashion statement."

Lona sighed and held her head, "Why do you never listen to me..."

Bertram glanced at it more and frowned, "Young Miss... Are you perhaps trying to curse this Dante?"

I raised an eyebrow, "Curse? Why would you think that?"

He looked a bit awkward, "Well it's black and looks like there is some cursed writing on it."

I frowned and looked down at it. I guess it did look a bit creepy. But I thought that it would suit Dante perfectly.

Also, it wasn't cursed writing!! It was a message in my native language!!

I sighed, "I made it dark because Dante prefers darker colors."

Bertram noticed my pouting look and smiled quickly, "Oh! I'm sure he will love it and cherish it forever!"

I smiled back at him, "Thanks Bertram!"

Lona frowned and looked at him, "Why are you always supporting her nonsense?" He looked down as she scolded him, "You need to call her out on bad behavior. Don't think I don't know you let her get away with everything."

I had to laugh at their size difference. Lona was short and petite, but Bertram towered over her looking like he could easily overpower her. Yet, he looked like a puppy being scolded by it's master. It was truly an entertaining sight.

Lona shook her head, "Anyway, we don't have time for this. The royal carriage will be arriving. Your parents are already waiting downstairs."

I raised an eyebrow, "Royal carriage? Why would that be arriving?"

Lona groaned and held her face in exasperation.

Bertram looked surprised, "Young Miss. How can you not remember? Miss Lona must have told you hundreds of times that you would be visiting the Royal Palace this weekend."

Lona shook her head, "Unfortunately, she is always like this."

I tapped my chin trying to recall. A trip to a Royal Palace? I seem to recall something like that.

Wait. A trip to the Royal Palace?!

I shouted in a panic, "Why are we going to the Royal Palace?!"

Lona sighed, "I will explain one last time. After General Simon saved you that night, your father promised a formal visit in order to properly thank the General and His Highness."

I wanted to scream, "But that incident was months ago!!! Why would we go now?!"

She answered with a stern look, "Don't you know how hard it is to get an audience with the King? We were lucky it only took a few months."

I groaned, "But why do we even have to thank the King? He wasn't the one who saved me or anything."

She frowned, "Of course you have to thank him. After all, the General is his right hand man. It's the same as if he were to come. Anything he does is under the King's command."

Ugh. I really don't understand the etiquette of this world.

She continued, "Don't sulk too much. Prince William and Dante are coming as well, so don't worry as much."

I whined, "That's not comforting at all!"

How can I relax around those two?

She smiled haughtily, "You should take this as an opportunity to give Dante his gift."

My face fell. But what if he kills me over it??

She noticed my hesitation and frowned, "If you keep this up, winter will have passed without him even receiving a gift." She turned around, "Now let's go before you upset your parents."

I followed her out and tied the handkerchief around my wrist, hiding it under my sleeve. Bertram followed me closely while carrying stacks of luggage.

I couldn't help but admire him. He certainly looks alot better than he did when he first arrived. His skin now has a natural glow and he is no longer a stick. But, he has permanent bags under his eyes from all of those sleepless nights.

When we came out to the main hall downstairs, I saw my father and mother already waiting. I was surprised to see them so nicely dressed.

My father had a stunning black and white suit that perfectly complimented his face. He was so handsome I had to wipe my drool and remind myself that he was still my father.

My mother wore a sultry emerald dress that was so detailed I couldn't look away. She wore her hair up halfway in a messy style that showed off the nape of her neck. Her face was so haughty she looked like a totally different person. I also had to pinch myself to remind me that she was my mother.

I can't believe they went all out like this. I guess I understand why I was forced to wear such a formal dress and had to sit in front of the mirror for several hours while Lona did my hair.

I scratched at my hair that had too been put up, pinned, and curled. Lona frowned and grabbed my hand, "It took me several hours to get your hair to listen to me. Don't touch it and mess it up."

A servant bowed to my father, "The Royal carriage just pulled up, my Lord."

He nodded, "Alright. We should head out."

As we left to meet them, Queen Luna descended the carriage and smiled at us, "Good day, Lord Kane. It's an honor to see you again."

My father bowed, "The honor is all mine."

She glanced around, "What a lovely home. You really should invite me over some time."

My mother curtsied, "We would be overjoyed to have you pay a visit to our humble home."

Queen Luna glanced at her and grimaced, not even trying to hide her displeasure. She clicked her tongue and looked back over to my father. My mother's face fell slightly when she noticed this response.

I can't believe she's still out of favor with the Queen and the other noble ladies. Didn't that start several years ago when I first arrived? She needs to up her game or something.

In a way, I feel kind of sorry for her.

My mother turned her head to look at me and glared. I could tell she was cursing at me with her eyes and blaming me.

Okay, maybe I don't feel as sorry now.

Queen Luna smiled at me, "Perhaps us adults should have one carriage while the children occupy another." She looked at me and winked, "I made sure the spot next to Prince William was open for you."

I chuckled dryly and smiled.

My father raised his voice, "No! My daughter should ride with me! How can we trust those boys alone with her?!"

Queen Luna tapped her finger impatiently, "My word, Lord Kane. You are too protective. Nothing bad will happen."

Queen Luna paused for a moment and thought of something. By the disgusting grin on her face, I could tell she was imagining some romantic scene between me and William. I couldn't help but shudder.

Bertram stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "My Queen. With all due respect, it is too dangerous to leave the Prince and my Young Miss alone in a carriage. What if they were to be attacked?"

Queen Luna frowned, "I don't recognize you. Who are you?"

"I am the bodyguard of the Young Miss Seri."

Her eyes widened, "Oh my. I heard she got a bodyguard but I didn't recognize it to be you." She mumbled, "Such a terrifying appearance..."

He spoke ignoring the last part, "I will ride with them in order to ensure their safety." He looked up at my father, "Would you be pleased with this, my lord?"

My father thought for a moment then nodded, "I suppose I wouldn't mind if Bertram was there."

At first, my father was extremely suspicious of Bertram. However, after seeing how serious Bertram took his job, he started to relax a bit. He recognized that Bertram was just as protective of me as my father was. Perhaps even more so.

Queen Luna sighed, "Is this really the only way you'll let Seri sit next to William?"

He nodded seriously, "The only way."

She nodded finally relenting, "Very well. We should head out now if we want to arrive before nightfall. It's going to be a long way there."

I felt an ominous feeling creeping up. I forced a smile, "Just how far away is it?"

She smiled back, "Oh, it's only a eight hour ride."

I'm f*cked.