Allow me to grant your wish.

He whips around and searches for the source of the voice. He finds himself looking upon a women adorned in black, except for a milky white face which is half-covered by shadows. She had this sort of dark beauty he dose not like. He wonders how she snuck up without him noticing.

Who are you?

She stares at him with an emotionless, as if contemplating something. Perhaps she does not want to give her name. But she answers anyway.

I am the witch, Medea.

He stops for a moment, wondering if he should be cared or happy that she has given the chance to talk to her. He knows who Medea is. Being the Prime Minister, he is one of the few that know that Medea was the one who cursed Prince Endyn. But as he thinks about it, he realizes he doesn't care what happens to him. His son is all that matters.

What am I to give in exchange for my wish? My soul?

She gives off a laugh that chills him, and smirks at him condescendingly.

Who would want your soul? No, I want something else.

Though he feels slightly miffed at how she refers to his soul, he is curious as to what she wants. He asks about it.

And what may that be?

He does not get an answer. Instead, he gets a sort of a smile, slightly secretive but happy. She then goes on to talk as if he didn't ask his question.

Here.

She throws him a vial filled with a clear liquid.

Give this to the queen the night of the young prince's coronation.

He stares at the vial in his hand wonderingly.

And what will happen when I do?

She pauses, before a feral grin spreads upon her face. Her answer is annoyingly mysterious.

You shall see.

And then, she turns to walk off. He, however, stops her with one last question.

Why did you curse Prince Endyn?

The witch seems to freeze for a moment, before turning to stare upon him with steel grey eyes. They glint with a coldness that almost seems to be angry. He fears that he asked a bad question. His fears are relieved, however, for a moment later, her face relaxes and she tilts her head back with a lazy grin.

Why do you want your son to be king?

She walks off, her black outfit fading into the shadowy forest foliage.

---

Nova lies in bed, questions running through her head. She doesn't understand anything anymore. Nothing in her mind in coherent.

It had been pure luck that she had stumbled upon the Prime Minister and had heard his mumblings. Seeing her chance she had posed as the witch Medea, but now she is wondering whether that was a good idea.

A knock on the door interrupts her thoughts and on instinct she reaches for her potion flask. Then, a tentative: Prince?

Nova sighs as she hears the familiar voice of her servant, Rue. She calls for her to come in.

Rue enters, looking sleepy but concerned at the same time. She comes over to the bed and sits upon it.

Are you okay, Nova? I could hear you turning from my room...

Nova looks down.

Forgive me. I was unable to sleep.

Rue gives a snort.

Yeah, that was obvious. Rue's expression then becomes soft and caring. Would you like me to sleep with you for tonight?

Nova panics. Was she that obvious? Though she wants to say yes, her pride doesn't permit her to. She searches for the right words to say.

Ah...um...

Rue cuts her off before she can makes a fool of herself.

Okay, that's a yes. Rue pushes Nova over before scooting herself in. Jeesh, you have this huge pride issue.

Nova smirks.

Why don't you try growing up as a boy without gaining an ego?

Rue giggles.

Nah. Tortue is already annoying enough. To become like him... Rue gives a huge shudder, making Nova laugh.

That's right...do you think he can last the night without you?

Rue gives a big huff.

Hmph. He's a big boy; he needs to learn to take care of himself. Rue's frown becomes an evil grin. You, on the other hand, are my baby so it's my responsibility to take care of you, Nova love.

Nova rolls her eyes.

Of course...

They both succumb to sleep easily.

---

Nova is awoken with a whacking pillow. She creaks an eye open only to see another incoming pillow.

FWAM!

Nova opens her eyes, only to see that the pillow has landed next t her head. She lets out a sigh of relief and pushes herself up to glare at her attacker. Her glare is ineffective against a giggling Rue.

Okay, I'm up. Let me drink my potion in peace.

Rue apparently holds no value for Nova's need for peace, as she keeps giggling. But then she stops, and a sly grin appears on her face as she leans in to Nova, apparently having some juicy information to share.

Hey, the queen said that you would be able to come as a girl for the Autumn ball tonight!

Nova freezes her arm in midair, the flask inches away from her mouth.

CLANK!!!

The potion cup goes back to its bedside position in mere seconds, before Nova starts questioning Rue.

Really?! How? But isn't the Prince's attendance mandatory?? What if someone recognizes me?? What will--

Rue shushes her by covering Nova's mouth with her hand. She is amused by Nova's overzealous reaction.

Pipe down for a moment, girl! It's all figured out. You'll go to the ball as the Prince for a while and dance little. Then, you'll pretend to retire to your chambers. During that time, you and I will be picking a dress and will be fixing you up. Once we're done, you'll come back to the ball as the "mysterious unknown girl" and dance for the rest of the night. Awesome, huh?

It is more than awesome for Nova. For the rest of the day she is unable to stop thinking about the ball. Several times she had been caught daydreaming about whatever dress she would wear. She cannot wait.

And finally, the start of the ball arrives.