"Ah, Princess Samantha," came a voice much like her father's- strong and gruff.

Slowly turning, she comes face to face with a grey-haired man who wore clothes similar to her father except the color were yellow and green. "King Matthew, hello." She tried to sound cheerful.

Approaching her, he gave her a quick smile before that serious expression found it's way back onto his face. "You're looking gorgeous as ever."

You do say. Pervy old man. "Thank you." She lowered her gaze to the floor in respect for His Highness. It was custom for woman to not look directly into a gentlemen's eyes.

"Your father has prom-"

Oh no. She knew just what he was about to bring up. Marriage. The promise her father made. There was no way she was going to marry a man twice her age. She had to find a way out. A way to get his thoughts off of their supposed marriage.

"May I get you a drink, my King?" she asked quickly, interrupting him.

She knew she knocked him off guard with her question because he wore a look of slight of astonishment on his face. "Oh-um yes. You may."

"Wait here." She curtsied to him before hurrying off in the direction of the back kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, she let out a breath of air. The sounds of dishes dropping drew her attention. Around her, the kitchen was busy. People in white attire moved from here to there around the room.

A small movement out the corner of her eye had her looking at a large plant that sat by the kitchen door. On one of the leaves was a small lime green lizard. A terrible smile comes to her face as she formed a wicked scheme. I'll make him regret ever marrying me.

Gently she picked up the little creature. As she is looking at it, she fail to notice someone walking up to her.

"Up to your pranks?"

Turning she is facing a tall light skinned man with a long mustache. He was dresses a little differently then the others, but he still wore all white.

"Carmen," she said with a little jump. "Hiding the lizard behind her back as quick as she could, she gave a smile to the head cook.

"Nope." The Head Cook shook his head and held out a hand. "Give him here. You will not pull any pranks tonight. This is a celebration."

"But-"

"Come on now." His fingers moved back and forward together signalling her to handle over the lizard.

"Fine," she said and reluctantly placed the lizard into his hand.

"Now off with you." The Head Cook gave her a warm smile.

Turning, she started to make her way out of the kitchen when she remembered her reason for coming in the first place.

"Oh! I'm suppose to get King Matthew a drink," she said in a shy voice.

The Cook made an 'ah' sound. Turning, he placed the lizard back on the plant and turned around grabbing a cup of white wine from a platter. "Here you go."

"Thanks," she said taking the cup from him.

At the moment, clutter came from behind the cook. Two others broke out in an argumentative manner.

"You did not just dropped the grand cherry pie!" Turning around, the Head Cook crossed the room, taking long strides.

Samantha watched the three argue for a few minutes before her gaze landed back on the lizard. "I really shouldn't..."

After a second's hesitation, she scooped up the lizard and left the kitchen as fast as she could.

Dropping the lizard into the wine, she calmly headed back in the direction of King Matthew. Spotting him talking among a group of other high ranked people, she walked up to his side.

"Your drink, Sir." She politely handed him the drink.

"Thank you, Princess Samantha." Taking the drink without looking at it, he brought it up to his mouth.

Samantha watched carefully as he drink from the cup.

"Aaaa!" King Matthew threw the cup down upon seeing the small animal in his cup. Around him women gasped and men shook their heads when the lizard ran away in any clear direction.

"What is the meaning of this? Matthew are you alright?" Her father came running up to them.

King Matthew choked and sputtered, clenching his throat. His tongue hung out of his mouth. Samantha tried to hide her laughter behind her hand. Unfortunately her father saw her laughing quietly. He flashed her a glare.

Straightening up, she clasped her hands behind her back. "It was just a little lizard."

"Samantha!"

"What?"

"What did I tell you?"

"Look it must have gotten in there by accident when I was getting his drink." She averted her eyes as she spoke.

"I know you're lying. Now apology to your soon-to-be."

She glanced over at her father hoping he wasn't being serious.

"Now Samantha," he said in a warning tone.

"Alright." She turned to King Matthew and curtsied once again. This time dipping down a little further than before. "I'm sorry." Even though I think you're a prevy old man who preys on children.

"Apology accepted," said King Matthew after he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

Her father nodded his head, and said,"Very good."

The King threw up his hands and put a grin on his face. "Everyone please go back to enjoying the party."

Everyone slowly went back to talking or dancing. The music started to play once again. A server came over and picked up the cup and the spilled wine.

King Matthew approached Samantha. "Care to dance?"

Reluctantly she placed her hand in his. A quick glance at her father told her she had better behavior herself. "Yes."

The party continued onward until late in the night. Samantha had retired early with the excuse of being too exhausted to dance another round.

Back in her room, she got out of her dress in favor of some lighter clothes. Once ready for bed, she grabbed a pillow and blanket from her bed and walked to the window still and took a seat. Getting comfortable, she stares out the window at the stars.

Movement down below caught her attention. She saw a man walking from the castle. Looking closer, she recognized that man as the very man she saw watching her.

"It's him. Where is he from? Who are you?"