"Where are you three headed?"
Nova's voice rang out from behind them as they reached the backdoor of the house, leading out into the yard, and beyond that were the woods.
Amaryllis turns to her, the excitement and curiosity on her face obvious to everybody who laid eyes on her.
Nova stares at her surprised.
"Ophelia is taking us to my fathers secret laboratory- why are you looking at me like that?"
Nova blinks, confused.
"I- it's nothin, wait who the bloody hell is Ophelia? And what do you mean, your fathers secret laboratory? What- oh woah- what is that?!"
Ophelia had appeared on Amaryllis's shoulder.
"My name is Ophelia, lovely to meet you Lady Nova"
Amaryllis glances at Nova's frozen form in front of them and then at Ophelia until suddenly Nova was on the ground unconscious.
"Oh gods! Nova! Nova, wake up! Are you okay?!" Lucy asks, rushing over to her checking her over frantically.
Ophelia jumps down from her spot on her shoulder, looking at the scene worriedly.
"Oh my, I'm very sorry! I didn't mean to scare her."
Amaryllis steps forward to check on Nova, smiling at Ophelia warmly.
"Don't worry about it. Nova frightens easily- she'll be fine once the shock wears off!"
Turning back to Nova, she shakes her gently.
"Nova, wake up, you're worrying Lucy." She continues as Luna walks in, Cyrus close behind her.
"Oh my god! What happened ?!" Luna asks, rushing over to them. "Should I get Joaquin?!"
Nova sits up immediately.
"Do not call Joaquin, I'm fine. I dreamt a woodland creature was speaking to me- oh."
Her eyes landed on Ophelia again.
"You can speak."
Ophelia nods, sitting in front of them now, a look of concern on her face.
"Are you alright? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I've never had anyone faint before."
Nova takes a deep breath, shaking her head.
"No need to apologize. Apparently I get frightened easily."
A pointed look at Amaryllis, who snickers.
"Well it's true."
Nova rolls her eyes, moving to stand.
"Anyway, it's lovely to meet you Ophelia, please call me Nova, there's no need for titles here when it's just us."
Cyrus eyes her surprised.
"Is that so? You always use my title when you speak to me."
Nova looks to the ceiling, clearly annoyed now.
"Who am I to speak casually to you, the Crown Prince? I am simply a girl of lower status, I have no right to do that."
Amaryllis doesn't miss the disappointment that flashes in his eyes.
"I see"
Amaryllis goes to speak but is cut off by Lucy.
"What is the matter with you? Why did you have to be so mean?"
Everyone's attention snaps towards her.
"What? It's true, she's always so mean to him- why? He's nothing but nice to you!"
