Roselea's POV

Aunt Esme led me to my room and had a servant take my crown to keep it safe till the crowning ceremony.

"Oh! I cannot wait until your ceremony, my dear Roselea. We will host a ball in your honor! Then you will take part in Sarah's Fae transformation spell and then bind your father magically to her in Fae marriage." Aunt Esme said as she seemed to effortlessly spinned in her flowing dress.

My heart skipped a beat and I took my aunt's hands so she would not fall.

"Aunt Esme, please be careful! I would hate to see you trip on your gown." I said and she nodded, then rolled her eyes.

"Okay Jareth..." She laughed and then she took a seat on my bed and patted the spot right next to her.

I sat down and she stared to braid my hair.

"I hope to have a daughter just as sweet as you are, Roselea. Having you around is quite fun."

"I'm glad I have finally met you. I wish the Labyrinth was much closer. Then we could visit all the time." I said as my aunt finished my hair and started to help me out of my gown.

"I know... and magic travel is a bit tricky in the Labyrinth. The only time the magic is powerful enough to travel is during the Crystal Moon."

I nodded and slipped on a nightgown. My aunt smiled as she walked up to me and placed her hand on my cheek.

"What beautiful Fae marks you have, and those silver eyes are like shining crystals. You are a miracle... " Aunt Esme said as she gave me a very warm hug.

It felt like what it would be like to hug a mother. You can just feel the warmth and love in that hug.

"Would you like me to escort you to your room?" I asked and Aunt Esme shook her head.

"You should rest. I have servants that will escort me. Thank you, though. I will see you in the morning." She said as she gave me a kiss on my forehead and went out the door.

As I laid down in my bed, my mind was racing with all the thoughts of different things about this new place. I wanted to explore this place. I wanted to know what it was like in the Crystal City.

I then heard a voice coming from my window.

"Hello? Is there anyone still awake up there?" And I got up and looked out the window.

It was a Fae boy about my age, dressed more like the common folk.

"Don't you know it is night time. A time for sleep?" I said in return. He chuckled.

"Of course, you seem like you would need your beauty rest. What's your name?"

"I think I would like your name first, oh wise-cracking Fae boy."

"Oh? How original. Fine. My name is Nikolai. Now what is your name, fine maiden?"

"My name is Roselea."

"What a beautiful name for such a pretty maiden. I saw you just arrived today. Have you been able to see this beautiful city?" Nikolai said as he bowed to me and then looked up at me from where he stood.

"I haven't yet. I just had dinner and was about to retire to bed. Shouldn't you be going to bed as well?"

"But the night has just begun. Surely you would like to see the festivities we have planned that we have learned one of the Eden siblings has returned."

"I don't think I can. It would not be proper." I said as the boy sighed and admitted defeat.

"I guess you are right, fair maiden. Will I see you in the morning perhaps? There are many markets that will be out and about tomorrow."

"Any fresh fruit?"

"Lots of it!"

"Then you might... I must bid you good night though for now."

"Good night and see you in the morning, Roselea." Nikolai said as he walked away.

My heart started to flutter in my chest. I've never seen a cute Fae boy in my life. I've only ever seen my father and my father's copy from the other world.

Was this what is was like to fall in love at first sight?

In the morning, I got up early and put on some simple pants, boots, shirt, and a cloak to blend in with normal fae. I went out the castle gates and let the fae guard I was going out to get fresh fruit. They didn't think twice to stop me so I went on my way with my basket I made with my crystal.

The city was crowded with many fae, all walking around. There were some that were purchasing wares and others that were selling things like fruits, pastries, clothing, jewelry, and more. It was starting to get overwhelming until I reached the fruit stand. I saw all the beautiful apples and peaches and gravitated towards them.

"Find anything you like, Rosie?" I then looked up to find Nikolai, the fae I talked to last night.

"Stalking me?"

"No, my family runs this fruit stand. So I always like to walk around helping customers." Nikolai smiled, his black hair tied back, his hair was longer than mine. His curtain bangs streaming down his face that looked like it was so warm and kind. His features where soft yet elegant. His eyes were a beautiful green like fresh grass in the spring.

"Oh. I just was curious what it was like in the city. I love fresh fruit and could not resist checking it out for myself. I grow my own fruit in the garden at home."

"A nature fae?"

"You can say that." I smiled, not wanting to reveal too much of myself.

"So you know your way around plants. That's good to take note." He said as he started to fill my basket with all sorts of fruits.

"I also grow herbs too. It's a big hobby of mine."

"Your hobby is my living. I help my parents with their crops and then I help them sell it."

"Makes sense. I love to cook food for my father as well."

"That sounds very sweet. I should ask you for some recipes." Nikolai chuckled as he started to carry my basket for me.

"Are you sure it is okay that I'm taking all of this fruit? I don't a want to feel like I am taking your whole stock."

Nikolai chuckled again.

"Oh Rosie, we will be fine. I insist that you try these fruits. It's not everyday a princess shows up to the market. Besides, I know that these fruit will go to good use."

I then handed him some gold pieces I had in my pocket to pay for the fruit he grabbed. He was hesitant at first but I nodded and he then took it.

"I can take these up for you to the castle." Nikolai said as he started to lead me away from the stand and back to the castle.

"I don't see why that would be too much of a problem. Thank you." I said as he walked next to me with my basket.

The guards stopped us.

"What is going on here?" They asked and I revealed my face to them.

"Princess Roselea has returned and I have someone who is helping me bring in fruit from the market. May we please come in?"

"This fae boy will not cause any trouble, will he?"

"I will make sure he doesn't." I said and they let us though. As we walked up the stairs, Nikolai looked at me.

"You really ment what you said back there, Rosie?"

I looked at him, my eyes glowing silver.

"If you do anything to anyone in this castle, you will wish you have never met me." I smiled with my teeth, trying to imitate what my father would do to intimidate someone.

My aunt was waiting for me on the otherside of the castle's doors, pacing in her gown.

"There you are! Where have you been?!" Aunt Esme said as she pulled me close to her and had me pull away from Nikolai.

"I just got some fruit from the market. I wore normal like clothes to not draw any attention to me. I wasn't in any sort of trouble."

"You are a royal fae. Someone could have kidnapped you. And you snuck out with a boy?! What would your father say?"

"She would have never left my side, your majesty." Nikolai spoke up and Aunt Esme shot him a look.

"And I should trust you with my niece without knowing who you are?"

"Let me introduce myself, your majesty. My name is Nikolai Alwyn. I am a nature fae of the Alwyn bloodline." Nikolai said as my Aunt Esme seemed to soften a little bit.

"Alwyn. As in the Alwyn orchard that has supplied this kingdom with fresh fruit. You are lucky I knew your grandfather." She said as she seemed to relax a little more as she spoke.

I looked at my aunt, then Nikolai, then back to my aunt.

"Why don't you join us for breakfast, since you helped bring fruit."

"Thank you, your majesty." Nikolai said as he bowed to my aunt and then looked up at me.

I smirked at him and he tried to soften his worried look.

"Just act natural and you will be fine. We won't bite." I snickered back.