I heard a whine next to my bed. I opened my eyes slowly and let them adjust before I flipped over to my side and looked down to the floor.

Prince, Art's Golden Lab was looking up at me with those chocolate brown eyes of his.

I quickly sat up, and closed my eyes as a sudden nauseous feeling came over me.

"How did you get in?" I spoke when I finally could. Not that the dog would actually understand me.

Prince whinned again, holding up a leash. Art.

Left with nothing else to do, I got up and got dressed. I made sure not to forget my phone. Slipping it into the cute jeans dress pocket.

"Where's your lazy owner?" I sighed, putting on Prince's leash. He wagged wagged his tail in response. I laughed, and headed out the door with him.

"Zack? How did Prince get into my room?"

He looked almost as confused as me. "I'm not sure."

I shrugged, letting the mystery drop. "Hope you don't mind if we take a walk."

"Not at all, it's quite early anyway, I'll cover for you if you're not back for your lessons." Nodding my gratitude. I finally somehow convinced Zack that I didn't need to be followed everywhere once we were inside the palace walls. I led prince down the lobby. Figuring Karina wouldn't be too happy if I went into town with Prince, plus, who knows what those reporters will write in the new paper. Instead I decided on the garden. Hoping it'll be alright if Prince were with me.

Stepping into the flowery wonderland, I exhaled. Prince also seemed to relax, as he lazily walked to some trees. Feeling no harm, I unleashed him, put it on a nearby bench.

Considering it to be August, it already felt chilly. Winter comes earlier in Saelia.

Since my lessons started, I hadn't had the chance to explore the garden deeper. So curiosity got the best of me. I followed the narrow path, walking past lonely swings and an old water fountain, which still spouted water. Homemade bird feeders hung on a few trees.

There was even a silly little directional sign with a child's handwriting written on arrows and painted birds ands trees decorated the pole. But what caught my attention, was an old house behind some trees and flowers. Prince must have been following me, because he jogged to the door, and waited until I opened it.

The door creaked open, but it wasn't like someone heard me. Stepping inside though, took my breath away. Fresh moss grew in every little crack, and potted flowers reached the nearest light source. Prince barked, snapping me out of my daydream. The sun came through the drafts, and landed on what looked like a piano. Getting closer, I noticed that it was in a very sad shape, seems like nobody played it in years. Hitting the first note, sent a shiver down my spine.

I dusted off the seat and sat down. In the past three years, I learned some piano from the most amazing teacher ever; Lyra Mally. Not only was she my piano teacher, she was also my closest friend in high school. We even managed to get classes together.

The birds chirped in the trees outside. The first piece of music that Lyra taught me was Te Amo, by Sunny Choi, our favorite YouTuber. Without further ado, my finger hit the first notes. After that, I couldn't stop. The melody seemed to consume my body, I closed my eyes and didn't open them until I played the last note.

Someone started clapping, which made me jump and whril around. I relaxed when it was just Art. Even Prince looked startled.

"I didn't know you played piano." He grinned.

"I only play to those who don't sneak up on me." I said coldly.

He shrugged, "Well if you want some feedback, that was fantastic."

"Thanks." I replied, getting up. "The piano needs to be tuned and fixed though."

Art let out a sad sigh, "That'll never happen."

"Oh? How come?"

"No one played that piano since my grandparents past."

I felt sympathy for him. Watching his brown eyes go distant, as if he was remembering some long ago memories.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard the piano's melody. Its been so long."

I slouched my shoulders, even though Karina wouldn't approve. "I'm so sorry then," I commenced, "I didn't know it was off limits."

"Relax," Art smiled, crossing his arms, "I miss hearing the soft tune of the piano around here."

I managed a small smile, "Like you don't play anything?"

He shook his head, "Used to. Grandpa taught me guitar, but after the accident, Dad though I should grow up and leave my childish games. I never had the time to get back to the guitar. Life here became pretty boring."

After a moment, my eyes lit up when I got an idea. "Why don't we come here to play?! I mean, after we done with the schedules."

Art had a broad smile, "I love the idea! So Saturday night?"

I though for a second, "Is that in three days?"

Art nodded.

"I think it'll be alright."

Then as if he just noticed Prince was here, he exclaimed, "Prince! There you are! Been looking all over for you!"

"Uh huh, sure you have." I teased.

Prince ran over to Art.

"What are you doing here anyway?" He questioned. Since the dog obviously can't answer, I did his part.

"Well I don't know...maybe it's because he wanted a walk?"

"Ah, I see. And who should I thank?" He raised his eyebrows at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Seriously."

"Whats that Prince?" He purposely leaned towards the dogs face. "You're right! We really should."

Even though that was a joke, I played along, "What did Mr. Intelligent say?"

"He asked if you would like to go to the movies with me tonight?"

It took me a second, before I started laughing, "That was pretty smooth! You know that, right?" He grinned boyishly.

"It's what they say."

"I don't know, probably not. You know how Max is." I answered his question.

"Then I'll ask him!" He offered.

I held up my hand, "Its better if you don't..."

"Lil' you still think I'm that smooth talker, don't you." He interrupted me.

"Art, that's not what I meant..."

"You were thinking it." His expression changed drastically, "How will I ever prove that I love you, and that I've never dated anyone after you moved,"

I was shocked by his words.

He continued, "I've stopped by The Pet Patch nearly everyday asking Sam when you'll be back."

Sam never told me that.

"And to say the least, that night, three years ago? I fell in love with you for the first time. I may have been 15, but I wouldn't lie when you lit up my world."

I tried to stop him or interupt him somehow, but he kept going.

"Every night, I lay awake, thinking of you. Lil' I love you, I still fall for you Everday. That is why you are the princess-in-training! And you know what? Fine! If you don't want to stay, you may leave."

It hurt me when he raised his voice a little. His eyes were full of hidden emotions that I had yet to understand. I couldnt tell if he was hurt by his own words, or if it was another hidden emotion.

He stood a little longer, as he let the painful words sink in. Soon he turned and left, calling Prince to come along. Leaving me alone. I let the silent tears fall.

"Art. I'm sorry." I whispered.

♔♔♔

The whole day felt like a drag. Went to one interview where I had to force a smile, then went to back to the Archdale Fort for my daily mini lesson. Most days I would be able to concentrate no problem, but today, I just could. Art's painful words kept hitting against my scalp.

I've never dated anyone after you moved.

How can I prove to you that I love you?

I fell in Love with you for the first time.

Every night, I lay awake.

I still fall for you Everyday.

You know what? Fine! ...Leave...leave...leave...

That last word threatened tears to come. Like always, I ruin everything. Why am I so complicated to understand?

Karina finally noticed my attitude, but thankfully didn't ask. So instead she dismissed me for the day. I walked to my room, with Zack trailing behind me.

I fell onto my bed and broke down. Quietly so Zack wouldn't hear me outside the door.

A few minutes past until I finally calmed down. I cleaned myself up, and decided on reading the Bible right where me and Alya last left off at.

As soon as I turned to the book marked page, I heard some deep voices outside my door. Though I was curious, I didn't get up. All of a sudden, the doors burst open, and three older men in uniforms, slightly different from Zacks' and Maxs', came through. I sat there in shock. Soon, Adriana and the Queen came in as well. Confused, Zack gave me a questionable look as well.

"Ma'am, I need you to stand up please." One of the uniformed guys asked. I did as told, not wanting to get in any further trouble I may have caused. If it's about the dog in the garden, I didn't know he wasn't aloud. But then again, I think this matter is far worse than the dog.

"We will ask you a few questions, so please answer truthfully and honestly." The bald guy said. I only nodded, already dreading the questions.

"Did you know about the queen's golden goblet?"

"Of course." I croaked out.

The Burnett guy wrote something down in his notebook.

"Did you see the display out in the hallway?"

I managed a nod.

"Last question. Did or did you not steel it this morning around 7:30?"

I stood there stunned. The queen's goblin is stolen? 7:30? Thats around the time I left to the garden. I caught a quick glance at Adriana. She just stood there, staring straight at me. Not even a smile crossed her face.

"Ma'am, answer the question."

I cleared my throat, "I did not sir. I was not informed that it had been stolen."

The bald guy looked at me, he didn't seem all that mean, he was just doing his job.

"Mark, Daniel, search the perimeters. Ma'am, you will have to come with us till this is settled."

Just then, Max ran in. "Officer, what seems to be the problem?" He looked like he aged over the past weeks. Since I didn't see him often. Surely Max tell them that I'm innocent.

"We are doing a perimeter check, please exit sir." Bald man told him.

"Officer, I am the girls brother, I think I deserve an explanation." Max started again.

The bald Officer sighed, "Very well, but first, let's get down to Mr. K's office." Max turned an left without a word.

The bald officer grabbed my arm. I didn't notice Prince run in, until he started growling at the sight of me being escorted.

I shushed him, knowing that he could do nothing. Stepping out of my room, I saw police dogs surrounding the area, but that's not what I noticed first. A couple feet away, behind the dogs and police stood Art. He didn't look as angry as he was before. He looked more worried. But what I remembered before going into the elevator were those brown eyes that were full of...was it fear?

Oh no! I'm sorry for the cliffhanger! You guys probably don't like me now...the cliffhanger wasn't planned, I decided on it last minute! But I promised some drama, right? Too keep you guys from waiting forever, I'll start on chapter 9 right now!! Please vote and comment! And if you can, listen to the music video at the beginning of this chapter! Huge thank you!