It was a late December night in Frontrance, Canada, the year 1914. Snow covered the ground, ponds, and lakes. The lakes were completely frozen making it possible for people to skate on it. The soft glowing light filled the dimly lit houses, smoke came from the chimneys. Oil burning lamps lined the side of the road gave the sky a dim, soft orange look. It could be seen for miles against the black cloudy night sky. Horse-drawn carriages and cars filled the front of the castle. Footprints covered the ground but quickly disappeared as the snow came down.

Inside the Pallentine (pal-en-teen) Palace, they were celebrating the Winter Gala. It was a tradition that on the winter solstice, December 21st, a grand party to welcome in the winter and ushering out the plentiful fall harvest would commence. It was a time filled with fun, games, and food. Music and dancing filled the ballroom, the smell of food filled the air, chatting, and laughter could be heard throughout the castle. It was a joyous time for everyone who had come and was freely invited to attend.

Nathan danced with his wife Persia, looking like a fairytale couple from books. They were the picture perfect couple everyone wished to be. They danced with so much love for each other. Many admired their love and how happy he made her. He would do anything for her and she would do anything for him. Every time he would spin her around, her dress would make a wisp of silver fanning out around her. Bright smiles were on both their faces showing they were having an amazing time.

It was after the music ended and another song started, that Persia went back to her throne. Her cheeks glowed rosy pink every time she'd look at King Nathan, she still blushed after many years of marriage. He stole her heart, and she didn't mind at all, after all, who better to steal it than the love of your life. She placed her hands on her cheeks in an attempt to hide her flushed cheeks from everyone in the room.

She took a deep breath pushing some of her golden-brown hair that had fallen out of a flip bun. Her hazel green eyes were shining brightly as she sat down on her throne, resting her hands in her lap. It amazed her that he still made her feel like she did when she was a young girl.

Nathan ran a hand through his dirty blonde hair, after taking off his crown before playing it back on his head. His brown eyes scanned the crowd and stopped a group of nobles. The nobles mostly consisted of dukes and guards of the royal household. He made his way over to them, greeting them and beginning to talk to them.

Seven-year-old Clarissa was doing all in her power to keep the golden bow that tied her bun as she danced with her sister. Her hazel eyes were bright as she jumped up and down and spun to the music. It was the best she could do since she still had two left feet when dancing.

Five-year-old Cyrene held her sister's hands tightly as her own golden brown hair swayed at her hips. She looked up at her big sister with her bright jade green eyes, following her lead. She was all smiles and giggles, having the time of her life with her older sister who she admired and looked up to. They were peas in a pod, nothing ever broke them apart, not even fights.

Clarissa smiled down at her sister, joining in with a group of children holding hands and dancing around in a circle. Cyrene was beyond thrilled, her eyes sparkled, a huge smile was on her lips. The two girls seemed to be having such a grand time playing games with the other children.

Persia gazed around the room, finally spotting her oldest daughter. Her two daughters look like they were having a ton of fun. "Clarissa? Could you come here for a minute?" The young queen called to her daughter, hoping to catch her attention. At times, her oldest daughter could be as dense as a cloud, not that she was meaning to be.

Clarissa told her sister and the other children she would be right back and skipped up the stairs to her mother. "Yes, Mama?" She asked standing in front of her mother, lacing her fingers together behind her back. She was a bit curious as to why her mother called her. Usually, it was because she had gotten in trouble or just because she needed to tell her something.

Persia gave a smile, taking her oldest daughter's small hands in hers before she placed a pure gold pocket watch with a silver picture engraved on it: the Eiffel Tower and "With Love From Paris" under the Eiffel Tower. "Here is a gift from your grandmother and grandfather. They wanted to give it to their eldest granddaughter: which is you." She softly explained to her.

Clarissa looked at her mother with a quizzical look. She had no clue why she was given the gift in the first place. "What am I going to do with a watch? I'm rotten at telling time and, and I might break it by accident." She then gave a bashful smile as she had rambled.

Persia laughed at her daughter's innocent and naïve nature. She was adorable and a true gem no doubt in their life. "Oh my sweet darling, this is a clue not only for you but for us. Yes, it would be yours if you want. They're inviting us to Paris. Remember your grandfather likes sending clues and riddles." She replied, knowing her father loved to be mysterious at times.

Clarissa couldn't fathom what her mother had just said to her. They were going to Paris to visit their grandparents again. "Paris? They're inviting us to Paris? So this is from Paris! We're going to Paris!" She acclaimed happily, jumping up and down in her place. "Oh, this is fantastic! I love Paris!" She sighed dreamily, holding the watch up to her chest.

Persia giggled at her daughter's enthusiasm about the whole thing. It was adorable, she seemed to be happy to go back to Paris. "Look on the back." She turned it around, showing her the small yet detailed inscription. She then explained what it was. "It's got the motto that I say to you and your sister every night engraved on the back."

She began to read what was written on the back. "When you're sad, when life's got you troubled, don't ever be discouraged. Just think of me and the wonders of the things you know. Troubles begin to disappear. Things become happy and joyous. Once lost is now found, all you have to do is hope." It was something her mother had thought up as a child to get through life.

The oldest princess smiled a toothy grin, listening to her mother's soft words of the little motto. "I love you so much, Mama! I've got to tell Cyrene. She'll be so happy!" She exclaimed, putting the watch in her pocket on her dress, walking closer to her mother and kissing her cheek then hugging her tightly.

This made Persia happy, the young princess seemed grateful and happy about this present which was a pocket watch. "Yes, in a few months we will be going to Paris to see them. I know a month is a rather long way yet we have to wait until the snow melts a little and isn't as bad as it is now." Everyone knew it was too dangerous to travel. Even the train was grounded not being able to come through.

Clarissa nodded with a smile as she wasted no time running over to her youngest sister. She was so excited to tell her but then stopped seeing who was talking to her sister. Duchess Valentina and Duke Edward's son, Duke Kyle. Kyle was a little terror, more of a brat than anything. He was rude to girls, especially those who were young at his age, and didn't care if you were in authority or not, he would do what he wanted.

Cyrene was having a hard time making the boy go away. "No, no!" She said crossly, frowning cutely with her arms crossed over her chest. She was not having it, she was not dancing with a rude little boy who just wanted to trip and pull her hair. Why wasn't he listening to her and leaving her alone? He wasn't stubborn, he was a brat

Kyle ran a hand through his slicked-back blonde hair, his green eyes burning with annoyance at her. "Why not!" the young boy asked, crossing his arms and looking at the princess. "I'm being a gentleman! That is what papa does to other women when my mother is not around." He shot back at her, frowning deeply as he narrowed his eyes at the youngest princess.

The young princess held her frown on her lips, she shook her head before saying. "You no gen-gen-man, what're you saying!" She was doing her best to speak, even if she had a private tutor to help the young girl with her grammar since she did have a speech disability in the sense of not being able to pronounce many words correctly no matter how hard she tried.

Kyle rolled his eyes. She was so stupid in his mind, she was trying to be cute but he didn't buy it. "It's gentleman, for your correction, your highness." He said sarcastically with a small smirk on his lips and a condescending look in his eyes. He was a mirror image of his haughty father, which both ended up being angels around Valentina.

Cyrene was getting really frustrated, she didn't know what else to do. She was trying to defend herself. "Oh! Stop trying to cor, cor . . . correct my words, I am trying!" She said slowly, trying to recall what she had been taught. She felt like she was stupid for not being able to speak that well, Kyle said it all the time to her.

Kyle just stuck out his tongue at the young princess. He was milking this whole thing out as much as he could. Pushing the young princess to see where her breaking point was, was almost a hobby. "I can do whatever I want to. You're not the boss of me, you are younger and I am older." He started back to her, having a little attitude.

Cyrene let out a little huff, placing her hands on her hips. "You are for, for, for . . . getting I am a princess and you a duke!" She told the young duke, looking as if she was on the verge of bawling her eyes out. The poor girl was super sensitive and his bullying was really taking its toll on her, not that he cares.

Kyle just laughed giving a small snort at the end of the short laugh. "You? A princess? Just because you're of royal blood, doesn't mean that you are one!" He commented with a snarky tone in his voice, giving her a little sneer. Oh boy was she getting on his last nerves. If people weren't around, he would really get her.

Cyrene was hurt by his words, her face looked like someone had just taken her favorite thing away from her. "Not true! Mama says a royal is not about family or a sparkly thing on your head. She, she, she says it is about how you treat others." She explained slowly, trying to make sure the words came out right and they made sense.

Clarissa marched over to Kyle and her sister frowning, stuffing the watch in her pocket. "Kyle, just leave her alone! You are making my sissy upset, which isn't nice." She was tired of him being a little brat to everyone, including her sister. She wrapped her arms around her sister protectively, pulling her close to her body.

Kyle huffed, rolling his eyes at the older princess. "Just forget it. She is nothing to waste my time with, I have better things to do than talk to her." He pivoted on his heels and marched off, mumbling something incoherent under his breath. That was the last time he ever tried to talk to her for a while, he needed some time to marinate on what he would do next.

Cyrene looked up at her older sister, wrapping her arms around her and hugging her tightly. "Thankies Rissa!" She exclaimed, calling her sister by a nickname she gave her. She was happy her sister had saved her from that wretched boy.

Clarissa hugged her sister back, then pulled away. "That is what sisters are for. I've got to show you something." She pulled out the pocket watch and showed her sister. "Grandma and Grandpa are inviting us to Paris." It was like a dream that she never wanted to end.

Cyrene tilted her head, trying to comprehend what she had just said then finally getting it as her eyes lit up. "Pawis! We going to Pawis?" She exclaimed in her cute innocent way with a big grin of happiness. She jumped up and down, ever so happy to see her grandparents and Paris again. Yes, she loved the food, but seeing them was the best part.

Clarissa sighed softly, pushing her hair to her back. "Paris. Well, get to see Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Stella!" He missed them all so much. It seemed like they were so far away and yes they were, they were quite far away from Paris. "I hope they remember us! Of course, they will remember us!"

Cyrene giggled, clapping her hands together, nodding her head up and down. "I wuv Pawis! Food is good! Auntie Tella's pie too! I can taste it now!" She loved her aunt, and she knew how to bake which the kids loved. Especially the croissants, they were the best part, especially when they were filled with filling.

Clarissa was amused by her sister's enthusiasm, which made her smile even brighter than she was. "Auntie Stella makes the best pies in the whole universe! Oh, don't forget Grandma makes good candy, especially the little round hard balls with the yummy filling inside." She could taste it, licking her lips and sighing.

Cyrene nodded, she had to agree. "I love all her sandies. They are the best! Better than the ones that daddy brings. Yummy in mwah tummy!" She rubbed her stomach and made a point, licking her lips as well. She then giggled, bending over a little before straightening back up. Taking her sister's hand she ran over to her father.

A middle-aged man, who was slightly younger than the king himself, ran a hand through his floppy brown hair, his dark brown eyes focused on a map as his finger moved around. "And I think we should use the old canal as a way to easily escape and a hideout in case it were ever attacked." He was none other than, Sergeant Rolando, the head military man for the king.

Nathan had to admit, he had a really good point. It was secret, no one else knew about it, it was virtually abandoned. "If you can make it safe, by all means. I would love that idea. We can use that tunnel right beside the dungeon to connect the canal tunnel." He pointed out on the map with his finger.

Cyrene stopped at her father's legs and tugged on his pant legs, looking up at him with brown puppy dog eyes. She also added in a small little pout that would seal the deal. "Daddy~" The youngest princess whined, hoping to get his attention. She didn't know what he was talking about, but whatever it was could wait for her.

Nathan looked down at his daughters, a smile grew on his lips. "Hello, Cyrene, Clarissa. What can I do for my little girls?" He beamed with happiness as he bent down and picked up Cyrene, holding her on his hip. He pressed a kiss into her cheek, moving her hair from her face.

Clarissa crawled up on a chair and stood up, so she could at least be a bit taller. "Grandma and Grandpa invited us to Paris! They sent it on a clue, on this watch! Really neat huh?" She exclaimed happily, holding onto her Uncle's arm after she had lost her balance so she didn't fall.

Joshua caught the young princess, his blonde curly hair slicked back but it was trying to come back to its natural form. "Whoa, be careful, Clarissa. You shouldn't stand up on chairs, it can be dangerous." He told her, his amber brown eyes gazed down at the oldest princess.

Clarissa nodded her head with a smile on her lips. "Yes, Uncle Joshie. I will be more careful!" She giggled hugging her uncle by wrapping one arm around his neck before she was set back down on the hair. She loved her uncle, he was the best.

Nathan nodded, he was rather impressed with this clue, not to mention it was engraved on a pocket watch. "That is quite pretty. You know you have to take good care of it right? You're not going to leave it lying around or drop it or anything else that might damage it, are you?" He asked, wanting to make it clear that she needed to take care of this watch.

Clarissa shook her head. She was getting better at not being so clumsy and her balance was a whole lot better than it had with her training. "I promise daddy. I won't ever let it out of my sight! I'll protect it forever and ever." She said holding the pocket watch close to her chest, before sticking it back in her pocket. She hadn't put it away since she showed her sister.

Nathan was proud of his oldest daughter, she was slowly beginning to be more responsible, which made him proud. She would be a great ruler no doubt when she was older. He set down Cyrene then helped Clarissa off the chair. "Good. Now, run along and play with other kids, okay?" He suggested that his daughters turn around and walk to his throne.

Both Cyrene and Clarissa nodded in unison, their voices merging as they replied in the way twins talk, together. "Yes." The girls ran to the other group of kids, who were made up of cousins, other nobles, and common children who had come. It was a friendly group of children no doubt having fun.

Joshua chuckled gently at the two girls as they ran off. "Oh brother, you have two beautiful girls. I hope someday I can have children of my own, alas that means finding a woman." He had always wanted to get married but still, it hadn't happened.

Nathan raised an eyebrow at his younger brother. "Oh really? I thought you had your eyes on that young maid, what was her name? Cordelia? Cecilia?" He couldn't quite remember her name.

Joshua gave a gentle laugh at what had been said. "Corinne, her name was Corinne and she is quite beautiful. Do you think father and mother would allow me to marry such a girl?" He liked her a lot and could see her being his wife.

Nathan rested a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Father and mother let me marry Persia and she was no royal but the daughter of bakers." He reminded him that his own wife had not been of any noble stature and now she was Queen.

Joshua knew he had a point. Their parents weren't as picky as most about who they married. As long as they loved each other. "You are right. I am being silly, aren't I?" He laughed at his own words, he was in fact being silly.

Rolando patted his back giving a hearty chuckle. "Young and in love. Can't say I know how that feels, I might have my eye on a girl but we love so far away and my home is where I don't think it would work." He then began to get a bit sad near the end of his words.

Nathan looked over at him and gave a playful smile. "Oh? Do you mean Stella? Persia's sister? You two are adorable together." He commented with a laugh before giving a gentle sigh. "Perhaps one day you will settle down in Paris or she may even wish to settle here in Canada."

Rolando tried to fight off a slight red tent that appeared on his cheeks at the mention of her name from someone else's lips. "Perhaps. Either way, I would be happy to have her by my side as my wife." He hoped one day that would be.

Joshua patted his shoulder before placing his hand on his sword. "I hope it all works out in the end. Now I will excuse myself, I need a drink." He bowed to both of them before pivoting and walking to the refreshment table.

Clarissa was already there being a big girl and helping her sister get a glass of punch. "Here you go." She handed her sister the small glass cup filled with the sparkling light pink drink. Ice bobbed around the cup, making her sister giggle as she peered into it. "Be careful and don't drop it."

Cyrene nodded as she took the glass and brought it up with her lips. "Thanks." She simply said taking a few sips with a smile. "It is cold, tasty, sweet, and pink! I love it!" She giggled while sitting down on the floor. She didn't care if there was a chair behind her, the floor was easier to get to.

Clarissa glanced down at her sister as she grabbed herself a glass and filled it with some punch. "It is very pink and tasty. This is my fifth cup, don't tell Mama though." She giggled along with her sister sitting down beside her and taking a sip from it.

Cyrene smiled as she looked up at her sister, the cup still up to her lips. "Yes, Issa. I promise not to tell Mama." She pulled it away just long enough to agree not to say a word. She would probably forget what her sister had told her anyway.

Clarissa smiled happily as she watched her sister, sipping on her own drink. "Do you want a cookie or piece of cake?" She asked, setting down her glass on the table then grabbing a plate for herself and her sister.

Cyrene stood up on her tippy toes and scanned the table seeing what was there for her. "No sweets, I want food. Ooh, maybe that! No, I want little horse doors!" She pointed to the little appetizers sitting on the silver trays.

Clarissa giggled, shaking her head at what her sister had said. "Hors d'oeuvres, that is what they are called, not horse doors." She grabbed a few and put them on a plate for you. "You know it's cheese with spicy turkey right?" She said recalling her sister never really liked spicy food.

Cyrene nodded her head, pursing her lips in such a cute fashion. "I know. I like these. They aren't hot but yummy." She replied by taking the plate from her sister and taking a vote out of one. Did she seem to like the combination, which wouldn't have enough cheese and spicy turkey on a buttery cracker?

Clarissa grabbed a few butter tarts, placing them on a gee plate. "I have had enough food. Butter tarts are my favorite." She smiled happily, taking a bite and enjoying her dessert. "I wish mama would allow me to eat them more often rather than only on special occasions."

The night was going so well. Everyone was enjoying the gala, the music was still as lively as when it began. People were still dancing in pairs, having some time just between them. Children were still playing games and having a grand time. The laughs of the children echoed through the ballroom, mixing with the voices of the adults who were talking to one another.

What could go wrong?

Alas, it was a few hours later when all the happiness, music, and glowing lights came to a complete end. Whispering came from the crowd of people, wondering what was going on. Why did everything go dim? Why did the music come to a stop? Why was it all of a sudden so cold? Where was this light breeze coming from? Who had just opened the doors?

When a woman with boyish-like black hair and bangs across her forehead, with amber eyes burning with hatred. The way she moved was graceful yet held some sort of pride. The train of her black dress glided across the marble floor as she glanced around the room.

She walked into the palace, with a smug look on her face and a crow on her shoulder. She glared at everyone in the room, which the people were scared of, gasping, and backing out of her way. No one knew could underestimate her, she was now feared by everyone that was in this room. It warmed her heart to see how the people she once mingled with now looked at her in that way. What a shame.

She gave a mock frown, placing her hand over her chest as she walked slowly yet dramatically down the center gold carpet. "Oh, what a magnificent party we have here! It seems everyone is here, yet did my invitation get lost? I would be sure that out of hospitality you would have sent one to me." She mocked as she gave the royal family a callous malicious look, a slight sneer was on her lips.

Nathan stood up from his throne and walked down the first few steps stopping. "What are you doing here, Medusa? We banned you from Frontrance! From Canada! What made you think you could come back unannounced?" He told her, frowning deeply at her unwelcome intrusion into his kingdom. He narrowed his eyes at her, focusing solely on the former noble. "We didn't invite you. You never invite someone who is banished. That would be going against the laws. You should know the laws pretty well don't you? It seemed you had broken so many." He pointed out.

Medusa let out a laugh, one that showed she thought his words were funny but yet it was a slightly evil laugh as well. "Silly little Nathan, I never left the kingdom. Yes, you may have banished me, but your words hold nothing when you don't show with actions. You told me to leave but never had a plethora of guards escorting me on a boat or train." She stopped a few feet from the stairs and crossed her arms.

The guards flooded the ballroom, pointing their swords at Medusa, who glared at them making them immediately lower and slowly put them back in their sheath. No one knew how she could do that, but the look she gave was bone-chilling, it made anyone who respected their life would obey.

Nathan growled almost so low that no one but those who were close could hear it. He was fed up with this woman, she had made a mockery of everything and how nonchalant she was. "I didn't think I had to lead you out. You are a grown woman. I thought it was second nature for you to know what you should do." He pointed out simply.

Medusa waved her index finger in the air as she shook her head at his words. Such a pity was still this way, the same he was when he had cast her out. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, well, you were mistaken. I thought every good royal knew that you had to escort and make sure there was no way the banished person could ever come back. One thing of many you failed at."

Nathan was not one to keep a conversation with her, though he did want to hear her out and see what she wanted. If he could keep up this small talk he could get his guards to surround her in a hushed manner. Then with so many guards around it would be impossible for her to leave of her own free will.

He nodded his head slowly as he pursed his lips. "You are right. I indeed did fail to make sure you could never come back. I will admit and own up to my mistakes." He wasn't letting his pride get in the way of making sure she did nothing that could hurt his whole family.

Medusa let out a snort, giving an amused smile as well. "My, my, this is a surprise. I never would have thought you out of all people would own up to your mistakes. I thought your pride got in the way of that." She mused, crossing her arms over her chest.

Nathan gripped the arm of his throne tightly but then loosened his grip and took a deep breath. "Sometimes my pride can be compromised if it ensures my people and family do not get hurt in the midst of what happens." He pointed out trying to remain as calm as he could.

Medusa rolled her eyes, mocking from speaking with her hand as if he was speaking. "What a shame. Now, as to why I came, let me clear this whole grand entrance up for you shall we?" She said making gestures with her hands before placing one hand on her hip.
She was not one to relay messages but this was one she so desperately wanted to relay face to face. "I am here to relay a message from your former nobles." She told him in such a calm way. She was in no way going to make a sudden outburst that could create chaos.

Nathan simply nodded his head, stroking his chin as she spoke. "I didn't take you for a page, coming on behalf of others. You were always so dependent on doing things solo that it came as a shock you had been working with others." He commented in a snarky fashion

He then saw how Medusa's eyes narrowed and thought this was a bad time to be poking the bear. "Just get on with what you want to relay to my family, my people, and I. "This was even more of a betrayal than when he found out what was doing behind their backs.

Medusa gave him an innocent look, shrugging her shoulders gently. "They wanted me to tell you they will have their revenge, everything is set in motion. All you have to do is wait for your kingdom to ruin you. Nothing you can do to spot it." It was amusing how she was here relaying a message he obviously wasn't taking seriously. Did he really think this was just idle talk? Such a foolish ruler.

Nathan was beginning to get furious, and he was struggling to try not to show it. He didn't know how she could remain so calm under as she stood before him making such claims as she did? She truly was mental and he was regretting banishing her and perhaps thought it would have been better to send her off to a sanitarium.

He didn't believe it one bit and it was obvious by the eye roll he had given. "So my old nobles are going to try and spread lies to the people in my kingdom? To what? Get them to create a riot? Do you really think anyone would believe that? My wife and I have ruled this kingdom better than my own parents." He had a point, they were the best rules this kingdom had ever seen.

Medusa laughed, he was so hysterical in thinking not to take her words seriously. He was nothing more than a mere joke, and he would soon find out she was not messing around. "That is such a prideful thing to say. At least your parents didn't compromise the rules for those you had a soft spot for." She pointed out giving mock shock to her words.

She laughed, throwing her head back before using it. "You ruined my reputation, my life. You believed your precious family friends who also happened to be nobles over myself. Not to mention the others you let go because of something that was told we supposedly did? They had no proof and yet you took their words over ours?" She was still bitter about it.

She took a deep breath and let it out trying not to let her anger get out of hand. "Honestly I never thought that I would stoop down this low. I truly thought I would be better than this, unfortunately, you give me no choice. Revenge is the only way to get what I'm, and others due." She started shrugging her shoulders gently.

Nathan couldn't help but scoff, was she that serious? She had to be joking right? "You did that to yourself Medusa, you can't blame others for your mistakes. You should have come to us with what was going on, not going along and acting like nothing was wrong." If she had only come forth and told him what was going on, none of this mess would have happened.

Medusa rolled her eyes, same old Nathan, going back to thinking everyone knew what was going on. He was quite oblivious to the facts of what his nobles had been doing. "Forgive me, but you brought this upon yourself. It's the other way around, dear Nathan. If you just listen to me instead of being rash, I wouldn't be here right now intruding on your little party."

Nathan narrowed his eyes once again at her and frowned. "I was doing what was best. More people said you were stealing money and making our people starve for your own personal needs and pretending like everything was alright. Even those you worked with who were also guilty agreed you knew what you were doing."

Medusa shook her head, humming, shaking her finger in the air beside her. "Even though I was a young girl and had been loyal to your family, having come to you many times when something wasn't right, you had to believe them over me? You knew I never lied, not once, I was trustworthy."

Persia was so worried, holding her daughters close she turned to plead to her. "Medusa please, don't do this. We're so sorry for not listening, and I should have believed you, you had always been loyal. Perhaps now is a chance to listen and we can help make up for what we had done wrong."

She was doing the exact opposite of what her husband was doing. She was just worried for everyone that Medusa might do something that could put everyone in danger. She was only trying to make the situation less dangerous.

She took a deep breath and rose from her throne, setting the girls on the chair. "We can't change the past but we can change the future. Please give us a second chance and we will make our wrongs right. We won't fail you again. Just think about what you're doing."

Medusa placed her hand over her cheek, mocking being touched by her words. "Second chances? Second chances are for failures and patsies. Do you expect me to believe you can make things right? The things I want right are out of your reach therefore you could never make them right." She growled herself with a sneer on her lips.

Persia was a bit taken aback by what she had been told. At least they could try and make things right. "You don't know that we can't help you if you don't tell us what you want." She spoke kindly to her.

Medusa rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Unbelievable. I do know what I wish is out of your reach. You can never assign me my place back. You can't make up for all the money I had lost. You will never trust me so please tell me again how you can do any of that?" She asked.

Nathan was boiling how she was speaking to his wife. "Get out, now! Never show your face here again or I'll have you thrown in prison. You do not dare come into my home and speak to us the way you do." He yelled at her pointing towards the doors and hoping she obeyed or else wouldn't do so well for her.

Medusa cackled softly, clapping her hands, amused no doubt. "No one tells me when to get out, I'll leave on my own terms. I know we'll be seeing each other again, or I truly hope we won't see each other again." With that she walked out of the castle, not saying another word as she went to put her plans into action.

Nathan motioned for the palace staff to light all the candles back. "Listen everyone: let's not let this spoil our gala! Yes this may have been frightening and we may not know whether what she says will come to pass but that doesn't mean we have to let it ruin our night." He spoke loudly so everyone could hear him.

Those inside the ballroom whispered as he spoke but went back to what they had been doing. They weren't going to completely forget what had just happened. Everyone was thinking the same thing: what would happen now?

Clarissa got off the throne and hugged her mother's leg through her dress, her eyes wide with fear. "Mama, is something bad going to happen now? I am scared." She asked worriedly, not liking how everything had just played out.

Persia bent down and picked up her oldest daughter walking back to the throne and picking up her youngest. She sat down and moved them both on her lap. "No matter what happens papa and I will protect you."

Clarissa believed her mother, she had never let her down, not once. "Alright Mama, I love you." She hugged her mother tightly, figuring she could really use a hug, they both could use one. After the whole Medusa fiasco, everyone was shaken up a bit.

Cyrene followed what her older sister did not want to be left out. "Wuv you Mama." She said as she hugged her mother, pressing a gentle kiss into her cheek. She just wanted her mother right now, the warm embrace of her mother always made her feel better.

Persia smiled gently at her daughter's actions, hugging them tightly in her arms. "I love you, girls, too." She pressed a kiss into both their cheeks in a fond manner. She would do anything to protect her children no matter the costs.

Nathan walked over to his family and knelt in front of them. "How are my girls doing?" He asked. He could tell how scared they were by how much of a grip they had on their mother. He felt bad they had to see that.

Clarissa and Cyrene pulled away from their mother and walked over to their father hugging him tightly. "Okay daddy, trying to be strong." The oldest princess told her father how proud an older sibling would be.

Nathan smiled gently, hugging his children back. "Clarissa, can you take your sister to the refreshment table for a bit?" He asked, watching his daughter nod. He was so proud of Clarissa, she was really showing how much of a great older sister she was.

Clarissa pulled away from her father and grabbed her sister's hand. "Come on Cyrene, let's go get you something to drink and take our minds off what happened as daddy says." She said leading her over to the table and getting her a punch.

Cyrene smiled as she waited for her sister to get her some punch. She caught a figure moving closer to them out of the corner of her eye. "Go away, Kyle." She said, crossing her arms over her chest and sticking her nose in the air.

Kyle walked up to Clarissa and Cyrene keeping his head down. "I am sorry for how I treated you two. I was only teasing and doing what boys do, teasing girls. Tonight I realized I shouldn't be mean to you, even though you are annoying. I don't wanna lose my cousins." He almost seemed to be on the verge of crying.

Clarissa turned around, handing her sister a glass of punch. "Oh Kyle, I forgive you." She couldn't stay mad at her cousin. Yes, he was a boy and often mean to them, she knew he would go out of it, that was what their mother told them. He was right, after all, she didn't want to lose him.

Cyrene gasped looking up at her sister like she had just betrayed her or stepped on a dog's tail. "No Rissa, he is a meanie." She exclaimed, grabbing onto her sister's sleeve with her hand tugging on it. She didn't want to forgive him, he had hurt her too many times.

Clarissa looked down at her sister resting a hand on her shoulder. "Remember what Grandma always says? "Life is too short to not forgive. You can't move on without forgiveness."." She quoted, having way too many times heard it to the point it was engraved in her head.

Kyle nodded, agreeing with what Clarissa had said. "She is right. I do feel bad and yes, my parents have been upset with each other which makes me lash out at others, it isn't an excuse. I will try to be better like my father always says. Cross my heart." He said, crossing his finger over his heart like he had said he would.

Cyrene sighed heavily, they both were right. She couldn't hold a grudge against her cousin no matter how annoying or mean he was. "I forgive you but I am still mad." She frowned as she sipped on her drink and walked away, well, walked over to her mother and sat down on the steps.

Kyle turned to the oldest princess as he ran a hand through his hair. He was glad they had forgiven him because he truly was sorry for how he acted. "Everyone seems shaken up by what happened. I will probably have nightmares. Do you believe what she said will happen?" He asked curiously, chewing on the inside of his cheek.

Clarissa shrugged her shoulders, truthfully she didn't know and she did believe her parents wouldn't let anything happen to them. They had the best guards protecting them. "I don't know. I hope not." She herself was beginning to get a little worried about all that happened.

Kyle suddenly hugged her. It was a quick hug but a hug. He pulled away and smiled gently. "Things will be okay. You have the best guards so I am sure nothing will happen. If it does, everyone will be okay." He was trying to reassure her.

Clarissa hugged him back quickly before pulling away. "You're not as bad as Cyrene thinks. Maybe the teasing isn't nice, but you are really being nice. I know. My papa won't let anything happen to us." She said with the uttermost pride.

Kyle knew Nathan wouldn't, he was a great uncle and father. He would do all in his power to protect his family and his kingdom. "No, he won't. I am sad to be leaving in a few days and going back home to America." He pouted a little bit, not wanting to go home.

Clarissa smiled happily, patting his back. "I am sure everyone back home will be happy to see you. I know your dog will be happy to see you. You can sleep in your own bed and room." She reminded him what he had back home, his friends, his loyal companion.

Kyle nodded thinking about what she had said. "You are right. I can't wait to see Blue, he sure is gonna be happy to see me. I can write to you once I get back home, telling you we are safe." He suggested hoping she would like that.

Clarissa did like that, it was nice that he had offered to write to make sure he got home safely. "You can. You aren't really that bad." She said, nudging his shoulder and laughing softly. He was okay when he wasn't being mean. She knew he only acted that way because that is how he saw his father act towards his mother.

No one knew what Medusa would bring upon the family. If it could have been just all talk to make herself look good. Whatever she was planning they would do their best to be ready and make sure no one got hurt. They were not going to let Medusa get away with her plans.

❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅~❅

A/N:
I am finally here with this wonderful book! This was my first ever baby and the only book I had gotten to 13 chapters, 15 if you count the two that were unfinished. Of course most of them can be cut down to two of three chapters, which gives me a whole lot to work with!

I really hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did writing it. I have to admit, there are a lot of characters and I may end up adding more if I come across any characters I have missed. Some I may not have written down in my notebook for all my stories to keep track of the characters, including their hair and eye color which I changed most of them.

I will be adding more onto this and probably divide this chapter into three parts once I am able to get onto my laptop and shape it up with the tips I have gotten.

Chapter Talk:
This is what happened before our story actually begins. I didn't want to exclude this part out and go right into it, this is essential to the story. Without this background, the rest will not make any sense and I am not one for leaving everything mysterious. This is not the book I want to keep a mystery about, since it isn't about the mystery and more about the journey of a young girl.

I am actually really happy I didn't have to change a whole lot. Yes I cut out a few minor things that didn't make sense being added in since it had nothing really to do with the rest. I cleaned up a lot of things, editing and building up on most of what I had. I also broke down parts that were really a run on sentence and most didn't even make sense.

I added prologue 2 onto this and changed prologue 3 too prologue 2.

How many of my readers are from insta?

How many are just followers?

How many are browsers?

And whatever other reason you come?

I am really curious to know more about my readers. You guys mean so much to be because without you this book wouldn't be here. I can never thank you enough for reading them, it makes me so happy and honored.

And lastly, anything else I forgot to ask away my pals. I am happy to answer anything!

In closing, all rude, impolite and mean comments will be replied to in a diplomatic way, reported or deleted if I feel like it is attacking me personally.

Thanks for reading!