Coen comes in and bends in front of me.

"I can walk, I assure you."

There's a burning poke in my arm and I jump.

"Ow!"

"Sorry, just your medicine. I prefer you accept being carried considering how dizzy you get."

I sigh and climb onto Coen's back. He stands and begins walking towards the gardens.

"Food?"

"I ate one of the sandwiches Landon made me."

"Not enough. Tea?"

I lay my head on his shoulder.

"Will you join me?"

"Work."

"Oh, I understand. You can take me to the library."

"Join the girls for tea."

"Or you could take me to the library and Landon will bring me a snack."

He sighs and stops in the middle of the hallway.

"Please bond with the girls."

"I'd prefer books."

"Cyan, please."

"I guess I am hungry. Will there be cake?"

"Yes. And more."

"I guess I'll go."

Coen nods and begins walking once again. We get to the garden and are stopped by Naomi in a ridiculously sparkled and ruffled princess dress. She holds up her hand.

"No princes in the garden!"

"Apologies Miss Frost-"

"Queen Naomi!"

Coen smiles and bows.

"Apologies. I'm dropping off princess Cyan."

She looks up at me and narrows her eyes.

"Queen Naomi doesn't recognize this newcomer. What kingdom is this princess Cyan from? Why isn't she wearing a princess dress?"

"This is ridiculous."

Coen gently lowers me down and whispers.

"Play along."

I roll my eyes and bend down.

"I'm from the kingdom of knowledge. I had to sneak out in regular clothes to visit this garden. My knight, Sir Coen, will leave if you'll accept me to join our fair queen for tea."

She thinks for a few seconds.

"Permission granted. You may leave knight. Princess Cyan, follow me to the royal table. There are other guests. Princess Cybelle from the kingdom of trades and princess Jade from the kingdom of strength."

I follow behind Naomi as we walk closer to the center of the garden. There's a table set up with 6 chairs. Already sitting at the table is Cybelle and Jade, in dresses that look as ridiculous as Naomi's. I suppress a laugh and sit down.

"Princess' we have a newcomer joining us today. Princess Cyan from the kingdom of knowledge. Clearly she's not dressed properly for tea but I'll let it slide for today. Princess' let's eat and drink our tea!"

I lean over and whisper to Cybelle.

"Nice bright yellow dress."

"Shut up Cyan."

"No, seriously. Should I call you Belle instead now?"

She turns to me and glares.

"Stop being such a snob Cyan. She's 7 years old. Playing dress up and pretend is the least I can do with her. Not everyone can pout in the library and treat friends like servants."

"I don't-"

Naomi clears her throat from the head of the table.

"Ladies, remain civil."

"Are you sure she's only 7?"

Cybelle smiles like a proud parent.

"I know. She's so smart."

"You teach her?"

Cybelle shrugs.

"Sometimes. In addition to the private professor who comes every other week. Anyway, less talking more eating."

Jade sets down her teacup and helps me dish up my plate.

"You don't need to. I can do it."

She smiles and points to my casted arm.

"It's okay Cyan. Us princesses should be here for one another."

Cybelle rolls her eyes.

"Except Cyan is so self-involved she would never do the same for any of us. Right, Cyan?"

"I'm sorry, did any of you help me when my shoulder was being dislocated and my arm broken?"

Cybelle opens her mouth to speak and closes it again. Jade sets my plate down and sits herself.

"Jade shouldn't help anyone, she's still sick."

"Shush Naomi, this is grown-up talk. However fair point, Jade is sick. She shouldn't be serving you."

"I didn't-"

Jade snaps at both of us.

"While I appreciate the concern for my health, I want to help. It'll make me feel bad about myself if I'm not at least a little helpful. I'm fine doing this."

Cybelle sighs and nods in understanding.

"I'm sorry Jade, I didn't mean to make you feel useless. Cyan, I'm sorry too. I know how you feel about being here and I know you didn't ask to be injured."

"I'm sorry for being snobby and acting like I'm better than you guys."

Naomi slaps the table with her tiny hands.

"See Cybelle! I told you the garden is magic! It cures people and helps stop fights!"

"Of course queen Naomi, it's very magical."

"I'm not pretending right now Cybelle! I'm being serious!"

We all laugh as she glares. We begin eating and having a fun time pretending. After tea, I help them carry some of the leftover food and dirty dishes back to the kitchen.