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Aero, Flora, and Rook rode in the royal carriage to the capitol. The lonely silence lingered between the three as they stared out into the scenery along the road. Joining the silence was an air of anxiety amongst the travelers. They were all worrying about each other and what was going to happen when they made it to the capitol.

“What’s it like there?” Aero asked suddenly.

“The capitol?” Rook asked surprised.

She nodded. “Is it nice?” Dark circles were still visible under her eyes as she tried to ease the stiff atmosphere.

“It’s a nice city. There are a lot more people there than the other palace. I don’t remember much about the palace except it’s beauty.” Rook explained. “I’ll be sure to give you both the grand tour when we arrive.” He turned to look out the window hurriedly as he imagined their arrival.

“Is something wrong?” Flora asked as she noticed his expression.

“I’m fine.” He told them turning back. “Probably just a little anxious.”

Aero questioned, “are you scared of going back?”

“That could be it, too, I guess.” He changed the subject. “There’s still a ways to go before we arrive. You may want to get some rest.”

It didn’t take long for Aero to drift into sleep. Flora took the opportunity to confront Rook. “Something’s bothering you.”

“Yes.” He admitted.

“What is it?”

“I began to tell you before but I wasn’t able to bring myself to tell you.” He explained. “It’s the prophecy. That ring claims you as the princess, so that means you’ll rule as queen one day. And of course that means . . . well never mind that now. I should warn you. The realm is eagerly waiting for you. I wouldn’t be surprised if as soon as we arrive they begin planning your coronation.”

Flora nodded trying to soak it all in.

He laughed weakly. “Sorry. I probably should have just kept it to myself.”

“No.” She took a deep breath. “It’s better I know now so I can prepare myself. Otherwise, I’d probably just get swept away.”

The forest thinned as they approached the capitol. Plants grew high even as the city grew more populated. Nature and the faeries lived in complete harmony. But on the other hand the light and darkness were in chaos.

Flora found herself gaping slightly at the sight of the royal palace. Rook gave her a hand out of the carriage, helping Aero stumble sleepily after her.

“Welcome home, Prince Rook.” A noble woman stood by the entryway with her hands clasped politely before her. Despite her greeting an she didn’t smile.

“It’s good to be back.” Rook answered trying to seem convincing. “I’m very pleased to introduce my dear friends, Flora and Aero.”

Flora held out her hand to greet the woman. “Pleased to meet you.”

Her eyes grew wide as she saw the amethyst ring. “My dear girl. You’ve found it!”

“Ye-Yes I did.”

“Please, follow me, milady.” She followed the woman into the palace glancing back at Rook and Aero fearfully.

Rook nodded and smiled reassuringly.

Aero pointed out worriedly. “She seems scared.”

“She’ll be fine. They’ll treat her like a princess.”

That night everyone sat in the grand dining room whispering the latest news to each other with great anticipation to see with their own eyes. Rook sat at the royal table beside an empty seat. Aero sat at the other end of the room beside the nobles and other honored guests.

“How much longer?” Aero murmured finding it hard to sit still as they waited for Flora’s grand arrival.

“She’s probably still getting dressed into proper attire. See, even the prince is dressed up.” The woman next to her explained. Aero hadn’t noticed that Rook was dressed differently. He even wore a crown.

“Amazing! I’ve never seen him like this before.”

She gave Aero an odd look.

“Did I say something strange?”

“You’re a light ethereal, aren’t you?” Aero nodded. “Why are you excited about a dark faery? Coming from the light realm you should know better than to praise impure beings like him.”

Aero sat silently looking down at the table as she thought to herself. “Even here it’s like this. Once Flora becomes princess there will be peace within the elements, but will there be peace between the people?”

The entryway doors slow opened. “Presenting Flora of light who is to be crowned princess of the Faery Realm!”

Flora entered dressed regally in robes of the finest faery style.

Everyone stood bowing and curtsying as she past. Slowly, she walked to the steps of the royal table. Rook bowed low as he extended his hand to escort her up the steps. He led her to her seat and sat in unison. The assembly followed suit and the meal was served.

“How are you enjoying the capitol?” Rook asked casually as the noise of conversation joined the music.

“Everyone is very kind to me. It’s just as you predicted, everything is happening very quickly. They’ve already begun sketching out my outfit for the coronation.” Flora answered laughing slightly.

“Are you nervous?”

“Just a little.” She moved around the food on her plate. “Do they not like you?”

“They tolerate me.” He answered with a sad eyed smile. “I am their prince after all.”

“They just don’t like that you’re dark, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, since you’re my friend they’ll just have to learn to like you more.”

Rook laughed softly. “You really are trying to make the most of this situation, aren’t you?”

“I am.” She said looking out over the people. “It seems that they don’t like the idea of it though.”