A knock sounds at my door. I groan, opening my eyes to see it is still dark. I rub my eyes while drawling, "Who is it?"

The door opens and the little old lady walks in, her shoulders hunched, carrying a lavender dress.

"Hello." I mumble. I get out of bed, why am I awake right now? I ask silently.

We all are meeting together to discuss an important topic. Charis answers, never ceasing to astound me with her abilities.

It's been two weeks since I woke up in the street in Ersetu. And still the last competitor hasn't arrived.

My days have been spent with Bennet in his library. We discussed everything from art to our lives in Irkalla. Never touching on the subject of our earthly lives, however long ago they may have been. Maybe he can see I don't want to talk about it.

The old woman walks to the lamps and turns them on, lighting the room, but she makes no response.

I honestly don't know what I expected since she can't talk.

She pulls off the covers, leaving me shivering in my nightgown. Have they never heard of pajama pants?

She grabs me by the hand and pulls me up onto my feet.

Sighing, I begin the routine. Wash my face, brush my teeth, rinse myself in the metal tub that is full of lukewarm water, and go out to let the woman finish.

I put on a robe over my underwear in the bathroom. Much to my dismay, she insists on helping me dress. It's not even that complicated.

She pulls the dress over my head after I have taken off the robe, and has me sit down at the vanity where a plate of freshly cooked breakfast sits, awaiting me.

I begin to eat as she starts on my hair, braiding in some much to complex way for my brain to process.

Between bites, I say, "You know, I've known you for like two weeks and I have no idea what your name is?"

She pauses her fingers, and takes a piece of paper from the drawer. Her fingers tremble as she holds the pen but in refined cursive letters, she writes Marie.

"Marie..." I test the word as she finishes up my hair.

I hurry down through the castle to where I know the library is. Inside people walk chat amongst themselves.

I find Bennet at a table reading his new book. He is wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt underneath. He doesn't notice me as I approach, so I walk up right behind him, and say into his ear, "We Were Liars?"

He flinches and turns around slowly, smirking, "Miss Wes, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Beats me." I say smiling back. I take the seat next to him. It's so soft, it practically absorbs me.

He opens his mouth to say something, but the room falls silent as Charis walks through the doors, followed by a boy, who couldn't be anymore than thirteen.

He had unruly red hair, blue eyes and nearly translucent skin. He fidgets with something I can't see. He wears a shirt that is so baggy it nearly reaches his knees and a pair of tan pants.

Charis walks to the fireplace where everyone could see her, and put a hand on the boys shoulder. "Friends! Late last night a joyous moment arrived! The final competitor has arrived! Luca is from 264 B.C.E. and I have found him a fine fit for my court, make him feel welcome, for one day, he might be your prince!"

But he's barely a teenager! I mentally object.

He may be only a child in his bodily form, but he is much older than anyone else in this room. Charis tells me.

"Luca!" Bennet calls.

The young boy looks at Bennet and his face brightens. He trots over to us and he flattens Bennets perfect messy hair. "She got both of us, huh?" Luca says before noticing me. "Ooh, who is this?"

Bennet glares at him, "This is Ember, my friend." He puts emphasis on the "friend". "Ember this is Luca, one of my friends from Irkalla."

"Friends? As in you have multiple?" Luca asks, his face is sincere but his eyes twinkle with mischief.

"Shut up." Bennet says.

~

I am sitting on the window seat, looking out over the city when I notice the letter on my nightstand.

I grab it and read my name written in elegant print.

I open it,

Ember,
I am trying to be formal, am I making you want to swoon? Apparently writing letters is very romantic, or at least Luca said so, but what does he know? Since Luca arrived that means all the people are here and our trials are about to begin. I have no idea what we are doing or how long they will take, so I figured we should talk one more time, if you want? Meet me in my library after the sun has set.
-Bennet

~

I walk to the library, my footsteps echoing in the empty halls. There isn't another person in sight, most people are probably asleep.

I wrap my arms around myself to keep from shivering in the cold marble castle.

I tiptoe up the steps to Bennets library, as I stand outside his door, I hear singing.

"Je suis désolé d'être parti, mon amour, tu me manques tous les jours. Mes chagrins à la pensée de vous tous seuls dans ce monde sombre. Je ne voulais pas te quitter, non, mais je n'aurais jamais pensé que tu écraserais le coeur que je t'ai laissé. Je-"

Bennet continues, but I remember enough of my French classes to know I shouldn't be listening. I turn and begin to walk down the steps but my steps are too loud, his singing stops abruptly and the door opens.

Bennet opens the door, eyes red.

"I didn't mean- It was an ac- sorry." I stutter at a loss for what to say.

"It's fine, Ember, come in."

I look around the room, a certain painting standing out to me. The light brown hair, the green eyes, pink lips. It is a portrait of a young woman. She smiles slightly.

Is this the woman Bennet was singing about? I don't ask.

Taking my seat at the window, I see the stars have appeared and are illuminating the sky.

We watch the world outside, not speaking, not after what I just heard.