"Are you sure you have everything?" Alba asks the next morning. Though her gaze is directed at both of us, I know it is clearly Asteria who she is addressing. We are standing outside on the station platform, waiting for a train to take us to Okchester, where will we spend the night before taking another train to Magewell the following morning. Two of Asteria's guards will be accompanying us on the trip, smashing my hopes of getting any privacy with the princess.

"Yes, Alba. I checked my luggage three times before departing this morning," Asteria assures her. "Even if I forgot to bring something, I am sure it will be provided in Magewell. Many of my old belongings are still there, after all."

"Yes, of course," Alba murmurs.

I chuckles slightly. I think it is semi-admirable how she is worrying over Asteria like a doting mother. However, when Alba's gaze turns to me, I quickly cease my giggling.

"Fe," Alba says. "You will keep a good watch over the princess, correct?"

"You can count on me," I respond, remembering our previous discussion.

"Then, have a safe trip," Alba says. She embraces Asteria, and I awkwardly stand to the side. A thought occurs to me – when was the last time my mother hugged me? I still remember Taika's firm arms as he said good-bye to me yesterday, and I have memorized the feeling of Asteria's warm embrace by now, but I do not think my mother has hugged me since my arrival to Esterpool.

My thoughts are disrupted my vibrations underneath my feet. I glance up, seeing the train in the distance. Steam roars from its engine, and a loud whistle echoes through the air.

"The conductor will escort you to the private car in the back of the train," Alba says.

"Thank you, Alba. We'll see you soon," Asteria responds.

Alba nods, and though I can sense by her hesitation she wants to see us into the train itself, I watch her slowly begin to depart from the station. Now, Asteria and I are alone, ready to face Magewell together.

Once the train comes to a stop, the conductor, an older man with graying hair and thick glasses, meets with us before the other passengers. He steps down from the train and removes his cap before bowing to Asteria.

"Princess! It is a pleasure to have you on my train today. Please allow me to escort you to your seat," he says.

"Thank you," Asteria says.

We follow him into the train, heading back toward the last car. It is a smaller space than the rest of the train, yet the seats are more spacious, allowing room for Asteria, myself, and the guards to spread out.

"Let me know if you will need anything else before we begin our journey," the conductor says.

"I believe that will be all, thank you," Asteria responds.

I sit across from Asteria and stare out the window as the passengers begin to board the train.

"How long of a journey will this be?" I ask Asteria.

"A few hours at most," she responds. She leans her head against her hand and stares out at the window, looking towards the rolling hills of Esterpool. "On the one hand, I am glad we will have time to relax before our journey to Magewell, but on the other, I wish the train could take us immediately there."

The thought irks me as well. Magnuvia has been depleting magic for nearly a century from its surrounding countries, but they still do not have a direct train from Esterpool to Magewell? Instead, we must take a train to Okchester, one of the smaller Magnuvian cities, and catch the next morning's train to Magewell.

I glance across at Asteria, longing to reach out and take her hand. The guards sit in the seats across from us, chatting with each other, but it still feels too risky. I rest my hands squarely in my lap instead.

"I suppose this means you have the opportunity to savor some time in Okchester," I say. "Maria has told me much about it. It sounds like a quaint little city."

"You've never been?" Asteria asks.

I shake my head, hoping that was not the wrong answer to give.

"You'll like it. It has a nice view of the Kilneu mountains in the distance. It's small, but the townfolk are nice," Asteria responds.

With those words, the train whistle blows again, and we depart. I expect Asteria and I to chat most of the trip, but I watch her head slowly slump against the table between us, and she eventually nods off to sleep. I smile seeing her rest and hope the same drowsiness will afflict me, but I find myself too nervous. Rather, I stare out the window as the landscape transforms before us. Gone are the rolling green hills of Esterpool, replaced instead with what I witnessed on my original journey to Esterpool. The land is flattened and scattered with decaying tree stumps, dying grass, and dusty soil. Occasionally, I see a clump of townhomes and buildings in the distance, but those small dwellings certainly look like an unappealing place to live.

Suddenly, I miss my home in Tetoa, with the azure ocean waves and the thick foliage of the Landiani Jungle. I hope to never see my homeland looking like this, devoid of all life and people. But then, as I turn my head to glance at Asteria, I wonder if that would be a reality if I do not follow through with this mission.

I watch as the barren wasteland of Magnuvia transform slowly back into civilization. At first, there a few farms, then brick buildings and cobblestone streets lined with motor vehicles and many civilians. Finally, we have arrived in Okchester. Already I can tell it is much smaller than Arkford, and yet, it still intimidates me.

The train lets out a loud whistle as it pulls into the nation, stirring Asteria from her nap. She wakes up and glances at me groggily.

"Did you enjoy your nap?" I ask.

Her eyes look tired, and there is a smudge from where her cheek was resting against the table. She nods and lets out a long yawn. "Did you get any sleep as well, Fe?"

I shake my head. She looks at me concerned, but I shrug. "There will be time to rest later tonight."

We rise as passengers begin to disembark from the train. However, before we can exit, the royal guards keep us stationed in place.

"There is a crowd outside. Stay close," the taller one says to us.

I file in next to Asteria, suddenly worried. What is the crowd waiting for? Are they coming to mock the princess, to threaten her? Alba warned me that Asteria was not as respected as in Esterpool. However, when we step out from the train and into the sunlight of Okchester, the small crowd gazing down at us is full of smiling and waving civilians. The guards keep their stance, however, attempting to block Asteria from their view.

Asteria, however, moves to shove past them.

"Princess," the shorter one warns.

Asteria rolls her eyes. "These people are not going to harm me," she says.

I stand still, watching her descend the steps to greet some of the civilians. They bow and curtsy politely toward her as they hand her freshly-cut flowers and sweet pastries. The welcome is quite sweet, and Asteria greets each one potitely and expresses her gratitude at their hospitality. I can tell by the stiff expression of the guards beside me that they are worried for her safety, but I see no threat now that Asteria is greeting them. The civilians are ecstatic to see the princess and doubly excited that she is returning their warm sentiments. I watch in in awe, never having imagined before I grew to know that the princess that she would act so kindly to these civilians. I always imagined the royal family to be cold and distant with those they served.

I glance ahead as more people gather, trying to get a glimpse of the princess, but Asteria simply curtsys and shakes her head. "I wish I could greet each of you, but I must be on my way. Thank you for the warm welcome."

The guards begin directing me to a motorcar waiting at the sidewalk. I follow with them and climb inside. Asteria is still waving good-bye to the civilians out the window as she sits in the middle beside me and one of her guards.

"You are quite admired here," I note as the car pulls away from the train station.

"They give every royal member the same treatment," she says.

"No," I respond. "I think you are just special."

I pretend not to notice the blush rising in her cheeks. She smooths out her dress and glances ahead, out the front window. "We're on our way to the royal residence in Okchester," she tells me. "It's at the edge of town to afford some privacy."

I nod. The buildings become less compact and the streets more empty as we drive, until, finally, we arrive at a two-story brick building with iron gates and blooming green hedges. Though small in size, the house is much larger than anywhere I have ever lived.

"Have you stayed here before?" I ask Asteria as our driver stops near the front door.

"A few times," she replies. "I usually stop here on the way to Magewell. The royal family has a residence in each of the major Magnuvian settlements."

I nod and follow the guards as they escort Asteria and myself inside. I walk through the front door, finding the house to be as cute and quaint in the inside as on the outside. A small kitchen, a living area, and a few small bedrooms comprise the bottom floor of the home. Asteria leads me up the stairs to the second floor, which includes two more bedrooms and an open space to lounge. A balcony abuts the second floor, allowing sunlight to flood into the space.

"The second floor is where we will stay," Asteria says to me quietly. "The guards like to give me privacy up here. Put your things down in the other bedroom for now," she says, her eyes glancing at a smaller bedroom across from the master.

I nod and step inside of the smaller bedroom. It is around the size of the first room I ever shared with Maria, though the furniture is more elaborate and the space more cozy. I set my luggage down for sake of appearance, assuming I will be joining Asteria in the master bedroom later this evening. I happily begin to make my way over there, when I am stopped by a guard coming up the stairs.

"Fe," he says, immediately handing me a sack of coins.

"What is this for?" I ask.

"We'll need some supplies for dinner tonight. The market is a mile down the road," he says.

I pause, forgetting for a moment that I am a maid and that this is what would normally be expected of me. I glance back toward the bedroom where Asteria is most likely unpacking her suitcase, but I cannot go to her now. The guards will be suspicious if I do not leave immediately.

"Oh. I will be on my way shortly, then," I say.

"The motorcar can take you—"

I shake my head. "Respectfully, I have been sitting all day. I'll walk. Is there anything in particular I should gather?"

"Whatever you believe will make a good dinner," the guard responds.

I realize foolishly that I am to act as the cook tonight as well. I bite my bottom lip, knowing that I am not altogether very skilled at cooking, but I watched my mother and Taika cook and occasionally helped out around the kitchen, so I should have enough skill to throw something together. I thank the guards for the money and glance back one last time at Asteria's door, wanting to say goodbye to her before I take off to the market, but it remains shut. Perhaps she has found herself napping again, and I do not want to disturb her.

"I'll be off, then," I say to the guard. "I believe the princess is busy unpacking, so best not to disturb her."

He nods and escorts me back downstairs, out to the front of the residence. I confirm the directions one last time, then begin my walk. The sun is shining brightly today, and though the sun is warm, the shadows from the buildings provide enough shade for me to walk comfortably. I begin to worry, suddenly, about being in town without anyone with me. It will be reasonable to assume there are other maids performing their duties, but I wonder if I will be the only Landiani here. I doubt I will be given the same greeting as the princess earlier.

When I reach the marketplace, it is smaller than the one in Arkford. There are only a number of small stalls set up, limiting my dinner options, but I am sure I will be able to find something to cook regardless. My basket in hand, I peer down the stalls, ignoring the suspicious looks of Magnuvians staring at me as I shop. I keep wondering what it is I should cook. My knowledge of recipes is limited to what I ate in Esterpool.

When I come across a fishmonger, an idea suddenly forms in my mind. I suppose I could make a simple seafood dish, even if the ingredients are not quite what I had back in Landiani.

"What type of fish?" I ask the man as I inspect his stall.

"Freshly-caught trout from the Cantersard River," he says.

I nod, continuing to inspect the fish.

"You're from Landiani? I bet you know good fish when you see it," he responds. "I assure you this is some of the best freshwater fish I can offer."

Thankful that he at least is not being disrespectful, I agree to buy three fresh filets. He is kind enough to cut them for me, and I place them delicately in my basket as I depart.

The vegetable stand is next. Once again, my options are limited compared to what I could find in Landiani, but I find a few good leafy green substitutes that will hopefully pair nicely with the fish. At the spice stand, I even find a similar spice to one that we used often in fish dishes in Landiani. The woman who runs the market claims it is sourced from Landiani, but my eyes are sharp enough to see the difference in color.

Glancing down at my basket, I am satisfied with the results and decide it's time to head back to the house. The thought of cooking excites me suddenly. It has been so long since I was in a simple kitchen. I had nearly forgotten what it was like to cook after having my meals prepared for me for the past few months. I can only hope that I can cook a good enough meal for Asteria to enjoy.

I back away from the stalls, beginning to walk down the street I came from, when a soldier steps out from another street corner. Not paying much attention, I mutter a meek, "Excuse me," and try to shove past. His hand suddenly grasps onto my elbow.

I panic, beginning to fight against his grip, but when I look up, I realize with a shock that I am looking in Lagi's eyes. However, unlike last time, there is nowhere to run.

"Fetia?!" he exclaims.

"Sh! Keep it down!" I hiss, trying to convey the weight his words may have to those around me.

"Follow me," he says, taking me down a less-populated street, away from the hustle of the marketplace. I begin to fear I will not be able to find my way back, but if Lagi is here, I'm sure he must have some idea of how Okchester is laid out.

"What are you doing in Okchester?" I ask when we come to a halt near some empty buildings a few blocks away.

"I could ask you the same thing!" Lagi says. Having grown up with Lagi, I am not a stranger to his emotions. There is anger in his eyes from my lies. "I can't believe it. I did see you in Arkford all those months ago. All this time, I told myself my eyes were playing tricks on me, that I was just missing everyone from Landiani and the training had taken a toll on me," Lagi says. "But to think it was true...Why aren't you in Otakoro?! And why are you dressed as a maid?!"

"I..." My voice falters. I cannot tell Lagi the whole truth, not with Kiana's life on the line as well.

Lagi's eyes suddenly flash in realization. "The princess arrived today. All the soldiers were chatting about it. Word was that a Landiani maid accompanied her. Fetia, are you the princess's maid?!"

"Yes," I say quietly. There is no use denying it.

"What? Fetia, since when?"

"Firstly, stop calling me 'Fetia,'" I mutter to him. "I go by 'Fe' here."

Lagi rolls his eyes. "Is that just another one of your lies? You never went to Otakoro, did you? Now you're here, under a false identity, acting as the princess's maid? Do you have any idea how furious Palila will be? She's all alone back in Landiani, but she's at least been comforted by the idea that you and Kiana were safe. To think you've lied to her as well."

His words sting, to the point I can bear them no longer. "Lagi, stop! You can't write to Palila about seeing me!" I beg him.

"And why not?" he asks, hurt reflecting in his eyes. "You've lied to me and to Palila. And where is Kiana? Is she with you, too?"

I shake my head. I cannot risk the mission by entrusting all the details to him, as much as I so desperately want to. I instead share what I have grown used to doing at this point – a half-truth.

"It's true that Kiana and I never went to live elsewhere in Landiani," I murmur. "My mother was frighteed for us, Lagi. The only way to protect Kiana and me was to have us move to Magnuvia and show our allegiance, just as what's happened with you. Taika is good friends with one of the princess's maids and was able to get me a spot serving the princess. Kiana is in Magewell as a soldier. We couldn't risk saying anything, not with you entering the army. Once tensions die down, we will return home."

"You say that now," Lagi says. It is only then that I notice that he is cradling his arm. Through his fingertips, I can see a bloodied bandage.

"Lagi. You're hurt," I realize. I reach forward, but he moves his arm away.

"It's none of your concern," he says. "I'm fine."

"Lagi," I say, tears welling in my eyes. "I'm sorry I lied. Truly. I didn't want to. My mother—"

"Of course she's the one who put you up to this."

"What does that mean?" I ask.

Lagi shakes his head. "Nothing. Look, Fetia, or Fe, whichever it is. I won't tell Palila. I'm not stupid enough to risk her safety by saying anything, even if I am infuriated you both lied to her. But still...to think you are serving one of the royals."

"It's not so bad," I murmur, thinking ahead to Asteria waiting back at the residence for me.

"Not so bad? Did you forget how they've treated our country? Or have all the fancy dresses and exquisite meals gone to your head?" Lagi asks.

"No. That's not what I meant," I say. "Of course I despise the royal family. I'm on my way to Magewell right now, and I don't look forward to seeing the king and prince. But the princess...she..." There are so many things I wish I could say to Lagi about the princess – how she is kind and caring, and how she makes me feel loved, but I could not even dare to say such things to him. I hate to say the following words, but they come off my tongue easily. "She is weak. She isn't much of a threat, at least on her own. I can handle myself around her."

Lagi sighs. "I suppose it does not matter as long as you are safe. I can't speak much longer. The soldiers will be wondering where I am."

"Lagi, why are you here?" I ask. "If you were in Arkford a few months ago..."

"I've completed my training," Lagi responds. "We're stationed here a few days before taking off to Kilneu."

I frown, knowing soon, Lagi will be most likely headed toward the front lines. "Stay safe," I say.

"You as well," Lagi says. "Or Palila will be furious with both of us." Though his annoyance has been clear since the moment we reunited, he leans forward and embraces me anyway. I cling to him tightly, unsure of the next time I will see him.

"Have a good evening," I say as I begin to walk away.

"You too, Fetia," he responds.

Though I scolded him for using my real name, it is nice to hear it on someone familiar's tongue.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

When I make it back to the house, Asteria is quickly there to greet me at the door. Though I was bashing the royal family to Lagi only a few minutes prior, I practically melt at the sight of her.

"Fe! I'm sorry I didn't go out to the market with you. I was unaware the guards had sent you," she says.

"It's no trouble," I respond. "It would have caused a scene if you had come with me anyway."

"Let me help you, at least," Asteria says, taking the basket from my arms. I follow her over to the kitchen, where she begins to set out the ingredients I chose for dinner. "I can help cook," she offers.

I laugh slightly.

"What?" she asks.

"Sorry," I say. "Have you ever cooked before?"

"N-No," she admits. "But I can still try!"

"Leave it to me," I respond. "I picked out some fish from the market. I was planning to make a dish similar to back home in Landiani, with Magnuvian ingredients, of course. Just get comfortable. I'll cook."

"Only if you're sure," Asteria says before slinking away to read on a couch near the kitchen. The guards, meanwhile, station themselves near the front door, though I do not expect any disturbances.

Slowly, I begin to prepare dinner. I do not recall my mother's recipe exactly, not that she ever wrote it down, but my memories of helping her in the kitchen occasionally give me enough to work with. I begin to cook on the stove, watching as Asteria reads her book on the couch across the way. She briefly looks up to make eye contact with me, and we both smile.

Inwardly, I feel warm and comforted. I begin to imagine that Asteria and I are alone, that this is our quiet house, where I cook dinner for her, she reads, and we enjoy a meal together every night. I curse myself inwardly as the fantasy plays out in my head, knowing that will never be a reality, and yet, my heart feels aflutter when I think of the very image.

I nearly burn the fish, and the vegetables aren't quite as cooked to my liking, but eventually, I plate four separate servings. Asteria sets down her book to help me set the table. The guards go to take their dishes to eat elsewhere once the meal is prepared, but Asteria insists they sit with us. The four of us gather, and eventually, we begin to eat.

I bite into my fish slowly. It does not compare to what I ate in Landiani at all, but it is still enjoyable, being home-cooked, and the taste improves when I see how quickly Asteria begins to gobble it down. The guards, though silent, also eat rather quickly.

"I envy your ability to cook," Asteria says.

"I'm not an expert," I assure her. "I simply tried to copy a recipe my mother used to make. Unfortunately, I don't think it compares to what I ate back home."

"Of course it wouldn't," Asteria responds. "The ingredients are different. Still, you made an excellent meal. I'd love to try Landiani food someday."

"If you ever visit, I'll make something for you," I say.

Asteria smiles warmly in response.

The guards, too, thank me for the meal, and though I scold her, Asteria helps me clean the kitchen after dinner.

"You truly don't have to help me," I say.

"Alba isn't here to make sure I'm on my best princess behavior. I want to help," Asteria says. "Besides, I'm sure I will be fawned over in Magewell tomorrow. At least here, I feel a little more normal."

"I suppose I can't stop you, then," I say.

That fantasy begins to play in my mind again as she cleans beside me, but I quickly direct my thoughts elsewhere, like how tomorrow I will be at Magewell Castle, potentially seeing my sister for the first time in months and meeting the king and the prince. Already, my worry begins to seep back inside me.

"Shall we get ready to sleep, then?" Asteria asks. Her hand on my shoulder breaks me from my trance.

I nod. Asteria says good night to the guards, and I head with her upstairs to help undress her for the evening. I leave her briefly to get my own nightgown on, and then, I re-enter her room, twice the size of mine. The bed is large, though I doubt it is as comfy as the one in Esterpool that I have grown so used to sleeping in.

Asteria is already under the covers when I enter. Seeing me, she smiles and slowly pulls back the covers for me to crawl in beside her. I quickly climb into bed and lean down and kiss her. It has been unbearable having to act so formal around her all day that I cannot help but melt into her arms as she kisses me back.

"Have you enjoyed Okchester?" she asks as I lay my head down on her chest and cuddle against her.

"Yes," I respond, beginning to play with her hair. "It's quaint. However, tomorrow will be the true test."

I can feel Asteria stiffen against me. "We will get through it together," she says, repeating the words I said to her the night before.

I turn my head to glance up at her. "Yes, we will," I say. I press my lips to hers one last time. "Good night, Asteria."

She turns out the light beside our bed. "Good night, Fe."