Who's It Going To Be?

Chapter 9

After dinner, King Damian insists Melonie takes us a tour. Sabine suggested that Keefe should take it easy, however, and not join.

"I'll stay with you," Sophie says with a yawn, "I'm tired either way."

"As long as you don't just stay because you feel bad for me," Keefe tells her, "though I know I'm irresistible," he adds with a wink.

The rest of us head outside. "I know all the best sites. I will be happy to guide the tour," Tam says

"I do as well," Grace declares, and we all flinch. No one seemed to have noticed her until she spoke, "I will accompany you as well."

"Suit yourself," Tam replies, as he opens the large glass doors.

Our excursion begins with walking by an array of flowers, something I've always enjoyed.

I try to stay a few paces ahead of Fitz and Melonie because I don't appreciate the glares she is sending my way. But Fitz just picks up his pace and tries to catch up with me.

We take a few more turns and pass through a thick patch full of trees, then, "here is the square" Tam gestures to a quaint area surrounded by a tall fence.

At this juncture, Melonie takes over as the guards open the gates. She points to a decorated shop, "this place takes special orders. They made me my first tiara at the age of five."

We walk on further, and I move to stand beside Dex.

"And this is where Tam threw up after having one too many corn dogs."

Tam covers his face with his hands. "Also, the last I ever ate.."

"Princess Melonie," someone calls. The voice belongs to a mustached man with an apron.

"Hi Mr. Frank," Melonie smiles, "how are you?" she asks as he dips into a bow.

"I just finished baking a fresh batch of cinnamon buns. Please allow me to feed you and your friends." He disappears and reappears, carrying a large silver tray.

"You know," he says when everyone bites into a delicious bun, "I am Princess Melonie's grandfather's friend. They gave me this job."

"Well, I'm glad they did," I compliment him, "these are great."

"Thank you, Miss," his grin lights up his face.

We continue further. "I have a suggestion," Grace pipes up, "everyone follow me."

We shuffle up a stone path that leads into a stone-paved circle with benches all along its perimeter. A lake surrounds the area, its water a perfectly clear blue.

I make my way over to one of the benches, anxious to rest my weary feet. Fitz follows me, but Melonie grabs his arm and sits him down beside her. Dex settles next to me. And Biana, Tam, and Grace take the third bench.

"So," Dex says, breaking the silence, "since you are interested in our friend, I would like to know a little about you, Princess Melonie. It seems like the perfect opportunity, don't you think?"

"What do you want to know in particular?"

"Anything you're willing to share."

"Okay," she says, "to be honest... I never had friends. So my family is super important to me."

"I'm sorry," I tell her, and I mean it.

"I'll be your friend," Dex asserts, sincerity evident in his voice. He has sympathy on everyone. He doesn't mind if what he says sounds a bit off, so long as he's nice.

"I am your friend," Grace expresses, insulted.

"Don't look at me," Tam states.

At that point, the sky is dark, and we all make our way back to the Palace.

~~

*Tacolm*

I'll let you in on a secret. I killed the Queen. You may think I'm evil for it, but I swear it was accidental. I had only just heard of the mind-erasing potion, and I decided to try it out. I had no idea it could turn deadly. Because of me, the Queen died a horrible death, and now I am doing everything in my power to ensure nothing like that will ever happen again.

I have devoted lots of energy into perfecting the potion. I have based it off-notes I made and knowledge I gleaned from books I have read. When doctors came to determine the cause of death, I was right there listening to everything but most of all, from experience. I'm trying to have at least learned from the tragedy.

I have not even tried to concoct any other potion for a while now, for this has been my sole focus.