As evening arrives, Alek had already changed, seeing bits of blood all over his other suit. He had packed away a dress for Bridgette, one that was lighter and less showy. He put his sheet music in the small case with the dress. He smiles, excited to give her the music. As he looks at the sword that he now kept at his side, he frowns once more, war on its way and an old friend betraying and dead.

Bridgette had found a local inn that was looking for work. She decided to work there for a place to stay and food, making a little extra on the side. She introduces herself as Monarch, and never takes off the mask or necklace, keeping her ears hidden. She prepares for meeting Alek by catching a butterfly and letting it out in the front of the inn by evening.

Alek was saying hello to a little boy on the street when he noticed the butterfly. He smiled, pointing the boy back to his mother and headed into the inn, his tailcoat trailing behind. He stepped in, greeting the innkeeper.

The innkeeper smiles at him "Hello your highness! What brings you to this fine establishment?" Monarch is sweeping the commons area, wearing an appron and a smile.

He bows his head respectfully. "A fine establishment indeed. I apologize for intruding but I'm looking for someone by the name of Monarch. Is she here?"

The innkeeper nods and points to Monarch. She continues sweeping, humming the inn song.

Alek looks over and smiles. He looks back to the innkeeper. "Thank you kindly." He bows, moving behind Monarch. "My lady~" he places the case on the floor, folding his hands behind his back.

She perks up at the sound of his voice and looks at him. She smiles wide "Now what a pleasant surprise to have the prince stop by!"

"Yes I'm sure... Although my presence is not the only gift for you." He picks up the case, holding it out to her.

She looks at it. She smiles "Oh Alek, I didn't know I was supposed to get you something! What is this?" She takes it.

"Well it was a surprise, but I trust you'll enjoy it enough."

Her eyes widen and she gasps "Is it..." She opens it and smiles more "Oh thank you thank you thank you!"

Alek laughs. "You're welcome. There is also a dress, one that is less flashy than the others I've made."

She looks at it and smiles "Oh it's wonderful! Thank you so much!" She sets down the case and hugs him.

He hugs her back. "How long are you planning on staying here?" He asks her, happy to see her but already missing her.

"As long as I can!" She smiles and continues sweeping "I mean... I have no where else to go... the chalk is broken, Timber is still out there. I guess I have to live as Monarch..." Her smile falls, though she continues work.

He kisses her cheek. "Well I'll be sure to make your stay worthwhile." He smiles.

She giggles and blushes "Come on Alek... the innkeeper might see."

"Let her." He chuckles kissing her again.

She blushes more and laughs a bit, pulling away to tease him, folding her arms "Hmph. Hope it doesn't get me fired."

"Oh please, I'm the heir to the throne. I doubt they will fire you." He twists a strand of her hair.

She giggles and turns to face him "But how different will they treat me when they see the prince is in love with me?"

"Hm, I suppose I wouldn't know, after all I'm no narcissist." He chuckles.

She rolls her eyes "Well, you're right about one thing. You probably wouldn't know." She smirks and continues sweeping.

"Oh really now?" He laughs. "The tale of Narcissus tells of a fair maiden who fell in love with a man. He loved his reflection so much that she was never noticed." He holds her waist. "Then there is some death and a curse, but my point is, I'm certainly not captivated by myself, but the fair maiden..." He smiles, his fingers playing a chord on her side as if she were a piano.

Her face turns red and she giggles "Your right... you are not like that fool." She laughs a bit. "And your fingers tickle...!"

He chuckles, his eyes widening. "So you're saying that my fingers..." he tickles her. "They tickle?!"

She laughs and tries to shove his hands away, "Alek stop! What if someone sees?!" She laughs more.

He laughs a bit. "As you wish." He lets go of her, a grin on his face.

She catches her breath and sighs with a smile "Thank you!" She picks up the broom and continues.

Alek pulls up a chair and places it in front of her. He sits on it backwards, watching her work with a smile.

She continues silently for a moment before blushing and looking at Alek, "Why are you watching me...?"

"Because you're beautiful." He says simply.

Monarch blushes deeper and hides her smile. "Oh Alek you flatter me..." She continues "But watching me won't do you any good."

He tilts his head. "And why is that?"

"Its embarrassing me!" Her face is red and she looks at him "Of course... it's charming.... but embarrassing!"

Alek chuckles. "Would you rather me bring you flowers and a lute player?"

She laughs "You goof." She walks over and smiles, tossing the broom aside.

"Are you calling me dummkoph?" He smiles, speaking German.

"... Am i?" She giggles "I don't know after what you said." She puts her hands on either side of him, smirking.

"Dummkoph. Directly translates to dumb head." He laughs. "It's childish but it's a real insult where it came from."

She laughs and smiles "You're too clever to be a dumb head. A poop head maybe, but not a dumb head." She giggles and kisses his nose.

He blushes slightly. "Well, my lady, if I'm clever, you must be a genius."

She giggles and lowers her eyes "And what makes you say that...?"

"Because, I think you're brilliant. Heck, you studied with Aowin." He smiles. "I only had books."

"Aowin learned from books, and I did too." She smiles and sits on his lap. "And you are must smarter than I'll ever be."

"No, because my dear, that is far from true. I'm impulsive, you are not." He brushes some of her hair away.

She laughs "I am! You know that..." She kisses his cheek and gets off, grabbing the case "Thank you for the gifts...  meet me again tomorrow?" She smiles hopefully.

Alek stands, grabbing her waist. "It would be my pleasure." He kisses her forehead lightly.

She blushes and whispers "Maybe I can show my room tomorrow? That way I can take off the necklace."

"My dear monarch, Id love to truly see you..." he whispers.

She blushes and smiles "And I'd love for my ears top stop itching. So it's settled." She smiles.

He chuckles. "Maybe I could fix that for you as well~"

She smiles more at the idea. "Yes please~"

"But for now, go home." She giggles and walks upstairs to her room.

He smiles, "Until then!" He bows.

She smiles to herself and lays down to sleep.

*******

A/N: Yayyyy! MORE CHAPTERS! I hope you guys like the book so far.

L/N: I like the end of this season a lot... hehe..