“Leave at your leisure,” Siegfried said in a brittle manner. Siegfried stood; his movements were as calculated as a machine making no excess motions and exited the viewing box. His boots clacked against the wood as he walked, and I thought that once again he had regained the composure of an adult. I saw him stand next to Zane where they spoke quietly. Zane looked troubled but their demeanors remained civil. Zane was shaking his head at something Siegfried had said but quickly waved him away. He then turned and addressed the crowd as a spotlight fell upon him. “Thank you all for attending our annual fireworks,” Zane said in his quiet voice amplified only by the microphone he wore. “I hope that it was enjoyable for you and that we have left a lasting impression in your minds.” His speech continued, his elegant stature wooing the crowd as they fell silent and listened to his pleasant voice. Zane was able to control the crowd just as easily as Siegfried although in a different manner. He exuded nobility from his looks to his manner. Siegfried stood behind Zane and off to the side, his eyes boring holes into Zane’s back. It seemed the tension had not eased from before between the two. However he bowed as Zane walked past him. I stood as well and gathered my purse, exiting the platform as well. The walk back across the field was uneventful. People were packing their things and climbing into cars that were lined neatly against the far end of the field. The smell of smoke was in the air and as I looked up I could see no stars through the aftermath of the fireworks. Casually speaking to some of the people as we walked, I got to interview some of the attendees. As it turned out, every year the fireworks ended with the royal insignias of the five kingdoms. Last year the fireworks had been accompanied by classical music. It seemed that Zane DeGillus held a small party after the fireworks at Castrum Lilium, but it was a small gathering that only his closest friends attended. No one I spoke to had ever been. When I looked back I could see Zane still standing on the platform but Siegfried was now gone. It looked like indeed Zane was planning something, as a few people had remained behind, hanging conspicuously about the platform. The curiosity about what type of party the aristocratic prince would hold was great but it appeared I would not be able to attend. I walked along the lined up cars, noticing the expensive makes and brands. Although people were casually dressed for the outdoor event, they still flaunted their wealth. I looked around wondering where my driver was. “This way Ms. Werner,” called a voice and I looked over to see the driver that had brought me to Helian Field. As he opened the door for me to enter the car I slid inside. It was then that I realized that something was missing. My purse felt strangely light. I opened it and peered inside. My notebook was gone!
Jumping from the car I looked around frantically. Zane DeGillus was ducking into a car and it quickly took off. Siegfried had disappeared before and I saw no trace of him. Helian field was emptying swiftly. I had no choice but to get back in the car and head back to Hotel Calla. Wrapping my arms about my waist I paced fruitlessly back and forth in the hotel room, trying to think of when I had last seen the notebook. If any of the princes were to read the contents... It was too embarrassing to think about! I had the habit of writing uncensored thoughts within those pages. My cellphone trolled then alerting me to a text message and I dove for it, desperately fumbling with it to read the message. Hello princess, lets have a chat. I froze as I read the message, the number unfamiliar. Holding the phone as gingerly as a bomb I began pacing again, staring at the words. Was this a threat or was it unrelated? Who was calling me of all people a princess anyway? My fingers hovered over the keyboard as I tried to think of the most diplomatic way to answer the text. My computer kept coming into view from my pacing, reminding me I hadn't written to Werner yet. Then a knock came on the door. I stared at the door. It was already pretty late, the fireworks having lasted much longer than anticipated. My heart was pounding. Setting down my phone I went to the door. I opened it gingerly and was surprised to see a young man in a long black coat standing there. He bowed low as he saw me. "Good evening Ms. Werner," he said in a genial tone. "I apologize for intruding on you this late, but I have an invitation from Chateau-Narcissus from his Highness Prince Kirtak." I felt my eyes widen. "P-Prince Kirtak?" I said in disbelief. "What does he want from someone like me?" The man bowed again, low and formal. "I apologize Ms. Werner but I know no details. I have a car prepared for you at your convenience if you wish to accept his Highness's invitation." The manner in which he spoke made it seem as if I didn't have much of a choice. I peered back into my room. My phone sat next to the computer nonchalantly. The text was still visible on the screen. The computer displayed my unfinished draft ready to send to Werner. The questions were still fresh in my mind. The man straightened before me, fixing me with his dark brown eyes. He seemed unaware of my internal struggle and patiently awaited my decision. Decision Time <Go to Prince Ian> <Answer the text> Voting lasts 24 hours. Popular choice continues the story. In case of a tie, next poster regardless if voted already or not breaks the tie. Vote for only one. If you don't vote, you don't have a say in the story!