A while later Annabelle and I returned to the castle for dinner. We changed into evening dresses and then met downstairs in the dining hall where Oriana was.

"What are they doing?" Oriana wondered as she down in the seat next to me, pursing her lips in confusion. Royal Guards had spread into the dining room the second supper ended and were now standing in each corner.

"I wonder too," I lied, earning a giggle from Annabelle, who sat on the seat to my other side. I couldn't tell Oriana that the seeds were scattered today; it was a secret Oda had personally told us. After a moment of silence, I remembered they don't know each other.

"Oriana, meet Annabelle du Cendre. Annabelle, meet Oriana Miller," I introduced.

"It's a pleasure meeting you," Oriana said, holding her hand out for a handshake, Annabelle accepted nervously, not taking off her gloves.

"You too."

A moment later Oda entered the ballroom. Instantly, everyone hushed and stared at her. She was dressed up elaborately, her hair braided into a bun held back by silver pins. She wore a dark blue dress with puffed sleeves and a lace collar.

She walked up calmly into the stage, usually reserved for the orchestra, and stared into my eyes for a short second before looking at the audience.

"Contestants of The Dandelion System. As many of you know, I am Princess Oda, the younger sister of Prince Otto. Today we have an announcement to make; The Dandelion System has officially begun." A few bold maidens started talking, earning angry stares.

"The number of seeds is a secret, and thus no one will know when all of them are collected. Within two months, contestants must look for the seeds. When the time is up, the maiden with the most seeds is the victor of The Dandelion System, and will be awarded the position of Prince Otto's fiancé and future queen."

Her cold blue eyes caught mine once more before flickering into others. Her voice was hypnotizing and emotionless, and soon her speech ended.

"I shall look forward to seeing the results," Oda finished. Within a moment, all the girls start to talk.

"I wonder how we can find the seeds?" Oriana asked, playing with her hair.

"I suppose they might be anywhere."

"Let's all try our best," Annabelle says.

"To be honest, I won't be trying very hard." Oriana laughed. "I'll simply be enjoying my time in such luxury!"

"I suppose I'll try," I admit warily.

"Don't feel shameful," Annabelle said to me, putting her hand on mine. "I will try too." I nodded. What did she mean by that?

"Look, the doors are opening!" Oriana pointed out, and I see people filing out, eager for rest. I stood up without a word, and push through the crowd. Chana seemed so, well—strange.

"Come!" I heard a hiss, and saw Aideen. Lady in waitings weren't allowed in the meeting, thus she was waiting for me. "Princess Oda is here for you. Tomorrow she will set out to finding the seeds with you, but first she wants to tell you something." Unwillingly, and quickly, I was pulled outside by the younger girl.

At night, everything is calmer, but guards are always on watch. I peered around the entrance of the castle nervously, wondering if anyone was there.

"It's the garden. The guards never come here," Aideen informed me, her small figure shivering.

"Are you cold?" I asked.

"It's autumn, after all. You had a cold recently, remember?" I laughed, remembering.

"Today I feel a lot better."

"I'm glad." There was a rustle in the bushes.

"Aideen, Karina, I'm here." The voice was familiar and arrogant, different from what the tone and voice she used when giving the announcement. Princess Oda stepped out from where she stood, between trees and bushes, in the same extravagant and wide dress.

"Why did you call me here?" I inquired, and she raised an eyebrow.

"You are getting friendly with Annabelle, aren't you?" she inquired in return, and I remember the meeting in the forest. Why didn't she like her?

"Tell me what you called me out for," I demanded instead, "it's cold."

"It's about the seeds—most of them have ventured near the mountains, and already five people have been rumored to found them, now all it takes is for me to go to them tomorrow, ask for it back, and it's done!" She declared smugly, eyes glittering.

"Is it really that easy?" I questioned hesitantly.

"It's worth a try, tomorrow, dress yourself in dark and plain clothing, both you and Aideen. You two will act as my servants. Dont tell anyone anything. As for now, farewell." She started walking back to the bushes and trees where she came from, and I stare after her shadow, still thinking about what she said. It sounded too simple; like a trap. With haste, Aideen pulled me back into the castle, and I continued to wonder if everything would go alright.

Maybe it was because of the worrying that the next morning I could barely keep my eyes open. I couldn't even stifle my yawn.

"Still tired, Karina?" Aideen asked. I shook my head.

A figure emerged from the gardens, strolling calmly in the breeze. Princess Oda.

The contrast of her bright red dress made both me and Aideen look a lot more like maids. It was hard to get a plain dress, as both we and Aideen held higher positions than before, but she managed to steal a few rags here and there. My hair was twisted into a tight bun, which made me look very dull. Aideen's thick hair was like always, parted into two braids and then pinned into a crown on the back of her head. It was a good thing we woke up earlier than everyone usually did so I didn't have to fear anyone seeing me dressed in such a way. I was, however, going to miss breakfast, and hoped no one would find it suspicious.

"Karina. Astonishing job getting into your roles," Oda complimented when we met up, without a greeting. I didn't know whether I should feel honored or not. "Now let's hurry into the carriage."

I made no reply, especially about the first part, and stared in awe at the black carriage, bigger than any of that I've seen. The horses were groomed into a silky sea, and the reins fashioned with ribbons. Inside, the velvet seats were soft and stiff. The window were partially covered by velvet curtains, and the floor was carpeted too. There was a coachman that Oda told me was bribed into helping her, and would also serve as a guard.

"Where are we setting to first?" I asked Oda, remembering my purpose.

"There's a small family of farmers in Coreville who claim to have seen a dandelion seed shining like a jewel," she recites, reading from a letter.

"This seems too perfect. The seeds were let loose yesterday and within a day they found one," Aideen pointed out. "We must be careful." Oda nodded carelessly, shuffling through papers in her lap.

"Another man, a blacksmith, claims to have found a seed too. Then there's this suspicious one." Her voice droned on as I feel myself nodding off to the rhythm of the horses galloping.

When I opened my eyes, we had arrived at our destination.

"How fast," I murmured, standing up. The carriage doors were open, and Oda was standing outside.

"Only for you," Aideen teased, helping me down from the carriage. I blinked a few times to see a familiar scene.

I gasp, earning stares from both the carriage driver, Oda, and Aideen.

"This is a neighboring town near my hometown!" I shouted, having Oda sigh.

"That's it? Please don't make such a fuss."

I turned around, seeing rows of homes below the hill, and mine, tiny from my view. I think of Catalina. Although it had hardly been a week, I missed her.

"It won't be a problem for me to visit my family after this, is it?" I asked as Oda starts walking, eyes glued to her map.

"I suppose," she replied monotonously. I beamed.

"Listen," Oda started to lecture us, "no matter what happens, do not talk and do not reply to whatever they ask of you. Also, do not look about the place and do not stare into their eyes. That is my job, you two must not move unless I direct so." On and on, Oda governed us as though we were really maids.

When we stop before a cottage, Oda said one last time, "Remember what I said, Karina, Aideen." We answered, "Yes," obediently and Oda raised her hand to knock on the door.

The door creaked open to show a small, wrinkly face.

"Oh, Your Highness!" the old lady squealed, opening the door wide. "Pardon the crude surroundings! Please sit here, yes, I'll prepare tea most quickly!" We entered the house cautiously, following Oda. She was offered a small, wooden chair. The princess looked ridiculous trying to fit on a small chair with her wide dress. Aideen and I, who were not offered seats, stood by her side, stifling our giggles. The place was almost bare, besides a few chairs, a table, a fireplace, and clutters of baskets sitting in the corner.

"Apologies, young maidens," the old lady said to me and Aideen. "Please sit here." She gestured to the remaining two chairs. Without saying anything, we sat.

"We have arrived from the royal castle due to an inquiry about a Dandelion Seed being found. If you do not mind showing me, I shall very much like to see for myself," Oda said, turning business-like.

"Of course, of course!" she cried, hustling into another room. Oda gave us two stern looks for no apparent reason. She took the cup of tea, and diligently poured half of the contents onto the dirt floor. My eyes widened, then realize it was the correct thing to do. Me and Aideen repeated her actions quickly, kicking loose soil to cover it up. A small part of me felt guilty, but it was for the best.

The old lady arrived with an old man just as I set the cup onto the table. They walked carefully with a wooden box in their hands, which they presented to Oda. Delicately, her slender fingers open the wooden lid.

Inside was a dandelion seed, larger than any that I've seen. The very seed was a translucent crystal as big as my fingernail, framed by wispy white hair. It was the first we've found.

After setting out from the house, I finally spoke.

"We have it, our first seed!"

"Don't count eggs before they've hatched," Aideen scolded, looking nervous.

"It's ours, isn't it?"

"Don't tell a soul about the seeds," Oda ordered. "It may be stolen if not handled with proper care. Now let's return—"

"Wait," I stopped her. "I wish to visit my sister before returning."

"Oh, yes, I forgot. Let's go, then."

"Let's?" She frowned.

"Certainly you'll be bringing me and Aideen, right?" she asked me, making me frown now.

"No! For the princess to appear in our neighborhood would be a big commotion. It's better if I go alone."

"She's right," Aideen agreed. Oda grimaced.

"Fine, but hurry up." I smiled and set off.