If it was possible Mr. Gold's smirk grew even more twisted. He danced with glee, rolling up the scroll.

"I take it you're happy with this arrangement?" Aurelia bit her lip. A wave a nausea roared through her body. Suddenly she felt very ill. Suddenly she felt like making the deal wasn't the best idea.

Lucas, as observant as ever, noticed and steadied her. She winced and flashed him a fake smile. He understood what she was trying to communicate. She wasn't physically sick. She was okay, but Mr. Gold seemed a bit too excited with the deal.

"Well are you ready to go home?" Mr. Gold chirped, still quite pleased.

Lucas and Aurelia looked at each other. The prince shrugged, encouraging Aurelia with a smile. She smiled back.

"I guess we are. Nothing left for us here." Aurelia stated. She motioned for them to head down the hill, but Mr. Gold raised his hand and stopped her.

"Don't worry about that, Miller. I have that taken care of." Mr. Gold smirked again, sending shivers through Aurelia's body. "I'll see you in one year."

He snapped his fingers. The hill disappeared. The forest disappeared. They were no longer in Nathe.

Soft sound of calm waves and the noisy conversation of deckhands was all that could be heard. The salty sea spray made Aurelia smile with the memory of that strangely scented rose bush. The sun was coming close to setting on the horizon, giving the impression that the sea was calmly on fire. The orange glow was peaceful and relaxing. The sky was still mostly an afternoon blue, leaving plenty of time for the sun to set. It appeared that Aureros' harbor was in view not too far away.

Lucas was standing next to her, his eyes bugging out. He was absolutely bewildered by the scenery shift.

"How?" He muttered.

"He's pretty powerful." Aurelia answered. "At least when it comes to deals."

"Yeah... Wait what's today?" Lucas asked.

"I have no clue." Aurelia shrugged. Had her birthday passed yet? No... Last she checked it wasn't for another two weeks. Still it had been hard to tell exactly how much time had gone by on their adventure without looking at a calendar daily.

It was at least the ship they had arrived on. Captain Iric stood by, giving his men orders. Lucas went over to ask him what day it was.

"July 31st, your highness." Captain Iric stated.

They paled. They had not been on their adventure for a full month. They absolutely could not have been!

"Perhaps Mr. Gold just sent our cognitive understanding forward in time?" Aurelia suggested. "I mean, nobody finds it strange how we just appeared like that."

"I guess. It's still weird." Lucas sighed. He smiled. "But let's focus on the positive."

"We finished our quest." Aurelia smiled back.

"And now we're free." Lucas relaxed.

The ship pulled into the harbor. It wasn't long until they were standing on the dock.

"What now?" Aurelia asked.

"I... I don't know. I guess I'm going to check out the castle. We don't know how soon things will actually take effect, right?" Lucas shrugged.

"Oh," Aurelia had no place at the castle anymore. She could finally head home. She would finally separate from Lucas. "I guess I'll go home and see my family. They must be worried sick."

"They probably are." Lucas said.

Neither one of them moved and neither one of them spoke. Between the two there was silence. Aurelia bit her lip and Lucas scratched the back of his head.

"I guess I'll see you later, Luke." Aurelia mumbled. She turned around and waved goodbye.

"Er... Unless..."

"Unless?"

"You want to come to the castle with me?" Lucas asked, shrugging.

Aurelia smiled. "You know what? Why not?"

Lucas smiled back. He held out his hand and she took it. The two friends continued their journey as they headed off to check on the palace.

"Welcome back, Prince Lucas." A scribe to Letholdus greeted once they had entered the hall outside of the king's study. Lucas knew her name. She curtsied to both of them.

"Thank you, Madeline." He nodded. "Is Letholdus busy?"

"I think he has time for you." Madeline nodded. "You can go in."

He knocked just in case. "Excuse me, Letholdus-"

"Lucas? Is that you? Come in! Come in!" A voice from the other side of the door barked.

Aurelia smiled at him. They pushed the door to Letholdus' study open. The king stood up immediately and threw his arms around the prince.

"Welcome back, boy!" Letholdus said, clapping Lucas on the back.

"Uh thanks." Lucas mumbled.

"Hello, Aurelia." He nodded politely at the miller's daughter. She smiled just as politely and curtsied.

"I've got big news for you, Lucas. It can't wait another second. I'm stepping down the throne." Letholdus stated. It was obvious that he expected them to act surprised.

Aurelia faked a gasp, which almost made Lucas burst out laughing at the falseness of it. Aurelia was not a great actress. Lucas did his best to feign surprise too.

"What?" Lucas exclaimed. "Is Zaria taking over-"

"My sister would make a wonderful ruler though she is not my replacement. Lucas, you are to be my successor." Letholdus smiled.

Luke's eyes went wide with shock. For a moment Aurelia was worried he had stopped breathing. Her eyes were large too and she shot a worried look at her best friend.

Aurelia held her breath. This was not what they had planned.