Kian's P.O.V

          My mother is constantly busy with royal affairs and it's a bother, especially when I need to speak with her the most. The door to the throne room opens and my mother walks out with her head held high and her hands behind her back. Confident, yet sneaky.

"My son!" Her hands go in the air as if she hasn't seen me in years. She kisses me on the cheek and I show her a look of disgust.

"Enough mother," my eyes roll, "why are the guards telling me that I cannot leave castle grounds?"

"For your own safety my child." My mother begins to walk down the aqua toned hallway and I follow at her slow pace.

"Safety?" My eyes squint in confusion, "What do you mean, safety?"

"As in saving your life, keeping you safe," her fingers sway side to side with each point. "People outside these walls are beginning to rebel. They want us dead."

"You mean they want you dead." My mother stops walking and I immediately do once I realize. She turns to face me and shows a smile that cannot be read.

"If they want me dead, then they want you all dead my dear," her serious tone reminds me of the dark, intimidating and horrifying.

"Mother I need to go out into town to clear my head. I wish to see the ocean, the ships sailing to the docks," I sound like a poet.

"Do not test my patience son. Go and bond with Auphine. You two need to get along."

"We aren't right for each other mother. I am going out into town and if your guards try to stop me again, you will see their heads in your room."

"A threat," she snickers. "If you disobey me, consider your past . . . your present," she smiles wide and I know what she means. I clench my hands and try to contain my anger.

"You're cruel," I speak through my teeth.

"Watch it! I have business to attend to. Go and talk to Auphine and bother me no longer," she looks me up and down in disgust and begins to walk further down the hall.

* *                         * *

I enter my room and see Auphine folding the covers and placing them on the foot of my bed. She looks at me and shows a warm smile.

"Thanks."

"For what?" I jokingly say as I walk over to the window.

"Oh," she chuckles, "not this again." She walks beside me and stares out the window.

"What does 'oh' mean?" My eyebrows rise.

"You seem to always be by the window. Are you an outdoor person?" I place my hands under my chin.

"Not entirely. I just enjoy the sky. It helps me think."

"Enjoy the sky," she laughs. "Interesting."

"I wanted to go out into town, but my mother insist that I stay here," I hold my head down.

"Maybe we can help each other out," a sinister smile forms across her pale face. "I can get around the guards, at least . . . I can try. It'll be much easier if we work together."

"Planning an escape again?" I cross my arms.

"No. I won't put my mother's life in danger. I'm simply going for a stroll."

"By going for a stroll, you're putting your mother's life in danger," I let out a soft laugh.

"Come on, I'm sure the queen won't kill us."

"Pretty sure that you need to rethink how sure you are," I shake my head. "I am cramped in here though. Alright Auphine, let's work together."

We leave my room and the guards looks at us with great caution.

"Remain calm. I am taking Auphine to my mother. She has calmed down and is ready to speak with her."

The guard looks away and Auphine and I continue down the halls. I cannot believe that actually worked. We begin down the stairs and I see my father leaving the dining hall. He smiles and approaches Auphine and I.

"Look at you two together, lovely," he snorts.

"Father," I look him up and down with disgust. He is no king, just a slob. "Where is mother?" I ask.

"Probably darkening a sunny day," he begins to laugh boldly.

"Father this is important."

"I do not know son. I have not seen her in a while. Try the throne room."

I nod and Auphine follows behind me. I enter the throne room and oddly enough, my mother is in here. She is talking with one of her advisers. Her head turns in my direction and the look on her face does not seem pleasant.

She nods at her adviser and he leaves the room. My mother approaches Auphine and I with her fingers entwined.

"The guards let you out. I must have them thrown out," she sighs.

"It isn't their fault mother, Auphine would like to say something to you."

Auphine looks at me with anger and her face relaxes after a second. She smiles at my mother and steps in front of me.

"Mara . . . Queen Mara," I can hear the annoyed tone in her voice. "Kian and I are starting to get along just . . . fine. We were both discussing our profound love of the sky. It is such a shame to not admire it well. May we step outside."

"Of course darling!" She touches Auphine's shoulder and her grasp seems to tighten. "Then we can all sing happy songs and live in peace."

She lets go of Auphine's shoulder and she untenses. Auphine looks at me and shakes her head.

"Mother. Auphine is telling the truth. I know what I said before, but I truly wish to relax for once. We won't get far, you know that. You're powerful."

"Cut the flattery son. I do not wish to be annoyed any further. Go out into the garden. If you go farther, you will find yourself in a very uncomfortable position." She nods at the both of us and leaves the throne room.

"It worked!" Auphine smiles and for some reason my body jolts.

"Um . . . yea. Do not get too excited though. We are still stuck with each other and inside of these walls."

I'm thankful for Auphine getting me to go outside, but I shouldn't need her help to do so. My mother is growing stronger with each day and I am honestly terrified of what she is planning. One thing is sure, Auphine is not safe here.