Grace had arose at dawn and looked outside of her window. The birds flew over the buildings and houses as they sang good morning to the world. Grace breathed in the new day as her eyes closed to intensify the effect of the day. Grace's heart began to rise with hope and a dream. A dream that has not yet been fulfilled or even discovered..

Grace: Perhaps today will be different.

Grace sighed and removed her night clothes. She then changed into her work clothes and sat down on her bed.

Grace: I may be in the attic but at least it's a place to sleep.. Just think, I'll be next to my love in the royal bed and he'll hold me.

Grace dreamed on about her love until Lucy interrupted her thoughts with a knock, followed by her barging in on her.

Lucy: Grace, get up off your lazy butt and get down these stairs! You have much to do before the royal family awakens!

Grace opened one eye and looked up at Lucy.

Grace: Alright, alright. I'm coming down.

Lucy: And be sure to check Prince LaJune's room today.

Grace: Why can't Jasmine or Alice do it?

Lucy: Jasmine is not feeling well today and Alice has her own chores to worry about.

Grace: Well what about you?

Lucy: I have my own problems plus a whole lot more to worry about today. But what about you? You got two hands, two feet, two arms, two legs and two eyes that the good Lord blessed you with. He made them to be used, not to be taken for granted. And you know what I say, it's better to overwork-.

Grace: Than to not be able to work. I know, I know.. Just give me five more minutes and I promise I will be right down.

Lucy eyed her for a while and then nodded.

Lucy: Okay.. But you come down one minute late-.

Grace: I will not. I promise, I will not be late.

Lucy: Alright.. Five minutes.

Lucy left and Grace closed her eyes again. She saw her love and another woman.. The same woman he had told her about a few days before. Grace quickly arose from the horrid nightmare and raced down the steps.

Grace: Where's the broom?

Lucy: One minute early.. Better than being one minute late. Right over there, beside the table.

Grace: I got it. I shall be in the ballroom.

Lucy: Dancing?

Grace: Cleaning.

Lucy: We will see about that..

Grace rolled her eyes and went to start sweeping the palace. Lucy peered into the ballroom and was surprised to find Grace not dancing, but sweeping. Lucy knew something was wrong then but kept silent.

Lucy: Do not forget to see about Prince LaJune. He has fell ill and needs someone to care for him.

Grace: Will do.

Lucy left and thought about Grace. She wondered what was wrong with her. Grace swept and mopped the floor, then polished the China as usual. She dusted, washed dishes, made breakfast and even helped serve some people this time. One of which, was the Prince.. Grace knocked upon the door and waited.

Grace: Prince LaJune.. Are you alright?

Jermaine: Yes, you may enter.

Grace: Sire, shall I place the food behind your door instead? For the sake of your health sire, you really should allow it.

Jermaine: Nonsense. I am only slightly sick, I am not gravely ill as they might exaggerate.

Grace opened the door and set his food down upon his night stand which was next to his bed. Grace was about to leave when Jermaine had grabbed her by the hand.

Grace: Something wrong sire?

Jermaine: Grace.. I.. I need to.. To tell you something rather important to the matter.

Grace: Of what matter do you speak?

Jermaine hesitated and opened his mouth to say something but Prince Michael interrupted him.

Michael: Jermaine I.. Oh I apologize. I will come back later.

Grace: No, I was just about to leave.

Grace said as she snatched away her hand from Jermaine's.

Jermaine: No, Grace. Wait!

Jermaine coughed and then sighed as he rolled over onto his back.

Michael: Did you tell her?

Jermaine: No..

Michael: Why not?

Jermaine: You came in too early.

Michael slightly smiled.

Michael: Oh.. Well, the jousting tournament is today and you know what that means.

Jermaine: Pies, jousting and laughing!

Jermaine laughed. Michael grinned.

Michael: And, the family will meet Lisa of Norway.

Jermaine: The Princess? Why?

Michael: This may come to a shock to you but.. I think I love her.

Jermaine: You? In Love? This is absurd..

Michael: Tis true.

Jermaine: My oh my.. The never-getting-married Prince is in love.

Michael: I never went that far.

Jermaine: But that is often the next step. Love will marry and multiply.

Michael shook his head.

Michael: Never. After what father did to mother, I cannot.

Jermaine: Surely you don't believe yourself.

Michael: But of course. I can love and not marry.

Jermaine: Brother, you are heading for a bucket of trouble if love does not marry.

Michael: Brother, you speak of such impeccable foolishness. Marriage is only a trap to secure the man and hinder the woman. Whomever has the upper hand, abuses this power and love fades away like clothes to the mouth of a moth.

Jermaine: You know not of what you speak. It could work out brother and things could be different. Tito has already been engaged and the ceremony is arranged for next week when the moon shines full in the sky.

Michael: You speak as a fool.

Jermaine: And you speak as a child! I speak with a tongue of love and not hate! You speak of what you know not of! If you truly love her, you would marry!

Michael bit his tongue.

Michael: Good day brother. I will see you at the tournament.

Jermaine: As I to you also brother, look forward to it.

Michael: See you then.

Jermaine: Of course brother.

Michael nodded and left. Jermaine arose and coughed bitterly. The cold air hit his chest and sent him onto his back again. Jermaine rang his bell and one of the servants came in.

Alice: You rang sire?

Jermaine: Yes, will you please have Grace get me rubbing oil and soup?

Alice: Grace?

Jermaine: Yes, of course.

Alice: I am just as good with my hands and feet sire.

Jermaine: Grace and I have a matter to discuss.

Alice: Yes sire..

Alice hesitantly left and wondered as to why he specifically asked for her.

Jermaine: Thank you.

Alice rushed down the halls of the palace and into the kitchen.

Alice: Tell me where Grace is, quick!

Lucy: Wait, Alice. Slow down. Why do you need Grace in such a rush?

Alice: You won't believe this..

Lucy: What?

Alice: Prince LaJune specifically asked for her assistance and I musn't disappoint him.

Lucy: What does he want with her?

Alice: He needs her to bring him rubbing oil and soup.

Lucy: Why can't you do it?

Alice: That is what I said but wait. He says they need to speak with one another..

Lucy: What for?

Alice: I know nothing of the sort.

Lucy: You will fetch Grace right away. She is tending to the animals in the stables. I will start up on that soup.

Alice nodded and went to the stables.

Alice: Grace, find the rubbing oil and get a bowl. Then take it to Prince LaJune once it is filled with soup.

Grace: Do you not have limbs of your own capable of doing such tasks?

Alice: But he specifically asked for you..

Grace looked up and then at Alice.

Grace: Me? But what on earth for?

Alice shrugged. Grace sighed and looked back down at Janet's horse.

Grace: I will be there momentarily. I will finishing their feedings, wash myself clean and do this task..

Alice: And Grace?

Grace: Yes?

Alice: He also says there is a matter of discussion one must have with you..

Grace: Me? But did he not already? Alright, alright. I will do it right now if I must. To be honest, I am quite curious as to why he wants me to speak with him..

Alice: No, finish this up. Lucy has already started this task and is preparing the soup for you.

Grace: Thank you.

Alice left and Grace was left to wonder. What on earth does he want me here for? Why me in particular? Grace sighed and knew the animals were already well fed but wanted to spend some time with them. They were her only true friends, after all.. Grace shook her head and sighed.

Grace: I must go wash myself.. Goodbye Lady. Until tomorrow.

Grace left the stables and went to clean herself. She put on clean clothes and went into the kitchen.

Lucy: Here is the soup and on the table is the oil. Tell me what he wanted from you and do not be foolish.

Grace: I will choose to tell you my business and I am never the fool. Thank you for making the soup.

Grace left the kitchen and knocked upon Prince LaJune's door.

Jermaine: You may enter.

Grace was silent and went in. The Prince was laid down and looked ill. slightly pale in the face and dry lips.

Grace: I have came as you have asked me, knowledgeable of your sickness and with the remedies to treat you.

Jermaine nodded.

Jermaine: I thank you.

Grace began to prepare to put some of the oil on his chest, arms and hands.

Grace: Tell me, why did you call for me?

Grace said as she began to rub his chest. She hadn't realized his gaze on her.

Jermaine: Grace.. It is hard for me to explain my feelings..

Grace started putting oil on his arm.

Grace: Feelings? Sire, I beg your pardon but I have no intention of speaking of feelings. What do you mean by feelings?

Grace started on his other arm but felt something grab her arm..

Grace: Sire?

She said aghast.

Jermaine: Grace.. I Love You..

Grace couldn't believe her ears.

Grace: I beg your pardon?

Jermaine: I Love You. I always have since I was a young lad.

Grace: You truly are sick. Sire, you must rest.

Grace said as she tried to break out of his grasp. Jermaine only held her tighter and sat her down.

Jermaine: Grace.. I may be ill, but I know what I speak of.

Grace: You do not love me. You are only ill and need caring for.

Jermaine: Grace, I do Love You. You are the only girl I love and you will always have my heart.

Grace: Prince LaJune, please.. Unhand me.

Grace said as she tried to move away from him. Jermaine let her go and Grace raced to the far side of the room.

Jermaine: Do you not love me too?

Grace: No. You need rest. Lay down and do not get up!

Jermaine: I do not need rest! I need you..

Grace: No! No you do not! Do not come any closer or I shall scream.

Jermaine paused and looked down. Then sat down.

Jermaine: I will prove my love for you.

Grace: There is no need, for I love another.

Jermaine looked up at her.

Jermaine: Who do you love?

Grace: Not you!

Grace tried to run to the door but Jermaine grabbed her.

Jermaine: Do not scream! Please just give me one chance to show you that I Love You.

Grace: N-no. Prince, unhand me!

Jermaine: Just let me prove my love!

Grace: No! Now let me go!

Jermaine kissed Grace which forced Grace to slap him. Jermaine could not be mad at her, he caused that to happen.

Grace: Chance ruined. Stay away from me!

Grace darted out of his room and did not stop until she fell on top of someone. Grace started crying right there.

Grace: I apologize.

Grace felt arms wrap around her which caused her to jump and quickly stand. Then she continued to run. She heard a voice call for her and then feet trail after her.

Michael: Grace! Wait!

Grace could not see where she was going but she knew the palace inside and out very well, so she knew where she was. She ran up the stairs and into her room. There was a soft knock upon her door.

Grace: Go away! Stay away from me!

Michael: Grace, it is I.. Prince Michael.

Grace: Sire, please leave me to be alone at this moment.

Michael: You are my best friend. I shall not leave you.

Grace's heart shattered at those words but she still managed to smile.

Grace: I am naked..

She lied, although Michael knew the truth.

Michael: How can one be naked so fast? You are not what you say you are, let me in.

Grace: So be it..

Grace sighed. Michael entered and sat down beside her.

Michael: Grace, what troubles you?

Grace: I want not to speak of this matter.

Michael: You need not use such fancy language around me. We are friends.. Remember?

Grace: You are also my Prince. I only show respect to you sire.

Michael: Call me Michael.

Grace: Michael, it was him..

Grace cried. Michael gathered her into his arms and held her tightly.

Michael: Who?

Grace: Prince.. LaJune..

Michael: Jermaine.. What did he do to you?

Grace: He claimed that he loves me but I know that he is just ill. No man of royalty loves me.. Not even you. He.. He asked for chances to convince me but I told him that I love another.. He kissed me and I slapped him then I left him where he stood.. Then I bumped into you..

Michael thought about all of this.

Michael: What did you mean when you said that I do not love you?

Grace: Nothing sire..

Michael looked down upon Grace's face.

Michael: Grace, look at me.

Grace: No sire.

Michael: Grace..

Grace: No.

Michael made her look at him and she quickly tore her eyes away from his gaze.

Michael: Do you love me?

Grace: Sire, this is absurd. I would appreciate your absence from this room.

Michael: You love me, do you not?

Grace: Sire, please leave.

Michael: I Love You too..

Michael said before he left..

Grace: W-what?

Grace started to cry harder and then got a headache.

Grace: You lie! You lie to me! Grace found herself getting sleepy but oddly at the same time, she started to feel refreshed.. As if she were awakening from a dream..