Andrea stood on the balcony in her room and rested her chin on her hand as she gazed at Miranda walking down on the beach with Patricia faithfully trotting next to her. Miranda's crystal blue eyes seemed to sense she was being watched, because they lifted to catch Andrea's lovesick expression directed at her. Thoroughly embarrassed, Andrea's cheeks turned hot and she went back inside quickly. Miranda watched her go with compassion swelling in her chest. There was just something extra special about this girl, and Miranda would be damned if she ever let her go.

.........

"Have you found them yet?" Richard asked his messenger.

"No sir," the seahorse panted from exhaustion. "We've searched the entire ocean floor for both Emily and Andy. No sign of them yet."

"Well keep searching until they are found," King Richard ordered, waving his powerful arm around. "Let no one in this kingdom sleep until she's safe at home."

"Yes Your Majesty," the fatigued sea creature sighed and hurried off.

"What have I done?" Richard sunk on his throne and rested his hands in his head.

............

Andrea woke up with a smile on her face. She kissed a sleepy Emily on the side of her face and leapt out of bed. Today was the day where she would spend each glorious second with the woman she loved. She skipped to her closet and pulled it open, her mouth immediately dropping at the number of dresses that hung neatly in a row. Andrea had never seen so many dresses in her life! She skimmed through each garment before choosing a light blue dress because it reminded her of the ocean. Pulling the lightweight dress out, she grinned and tried to copy Miranda's actions from yesterday. Andrea raised her arms, and after much difficulty, managed to get her arms and head through the right holes. Turning to look at herself in the mirror, she was satisfied with the results. The dress was one shoulder and had a pretty beading that ran diagonal under her breasts. It was slit high on her thigh and billowed out around the back of her long legs, but was modest enough to not show anything. Andrea twirled and smiled when the pretty shimmery fabric floated around her legs before settling down back around them.

"You look lovely," Emily said after she fully woke up. She yawned and stretched.

Andrea's eyes crinkled when she looked at her friend, and she blew out a steadying breath. Taking one last look in the mirror, she fixed a couple of strands of wavy hair, and then her look was complete. She put on the same black shoes that she wore yesterday and scooped Emily up in her hand, placing the crab on her shoulder so she could hide. Andrea then opened her door and timidly made her way down the long, silent hallway. Stop being ridiculous. Nothing is going to hurt you...it's just a hallway for Neptune's sake. Mind set in determination, Andrea sped down the hallway and into the dining room where she found Nigel and Miranda talking. The older woman was wearing a creamy white shirt that was tucked into straight black pants held up by a red belt. A colorful sea glass necklace adorned her neck, and Andrea felt a flush creep up the back of her neck as she hungrily took in the older woman's appearance. Suddenly turning shy, she debated whether to make her presence known yet. Unfortunately, or fortunately, Nigel's head looked up and his face broke out into a grin.

"Come in, don't be shy," Nigel said merrily. "Good morning! How did you sleep?"

Andrea grinned back at him and shakily walked over to the both of them. Miranda, whose mouth had gone dry when she saw the stunning brunette enter, came to her senses and hopped up to pull out a chair. She helped Andrea into her seat and then sat next to her, resting her finger on her upper lip.

"You look lovely," Miranda praised, "did Jocelyn help you?"

Andrea shook her head and grinned proudly at her successful choice in clothing.

"Isn't she a vision?" Nigel twiddled his ring on his pointer finger, looking slyly at his oldest friend.

"Yes," Miranda said softly and smiled at Andrea.

Andrea felt a bubble of happiness rise up in her and she gave Miranda her best smile. Momentarily stunned, Miranda cleared her throat and then snapped for Jocelyn to get her guest some food. The maid rushed in and placed a silver platter in front of her. Andrea opened the lid, praying it wasn't crab again, and was relieved to find that it was some kind of...goopy concoction.

"It's oatmeal," Miranda explained when she saw the puzzled look on Andrea's face.

Andrea nodded and used her spoon to eat it. It actually tasted pretty good, and Andrea ate it all, not wanting to waste even a tiny morsel. Conversation flowed easily between all three of them, and Andrea nodded or shook her head whenever they asked her a question. When she was finished, Jocelyn returned to clear her plate and then it was finally time to go. Miranda placed her hand on the small of Andrea's back and guided her outside to her carriage. It was Andrea's first time seeing a horse, and she looked at the wondrous creature with wide eyes. It snorted at her, and she jumped back, crashing into Miranda. The silver-haired Queen chuckled and wrapped one arm around Andrea's waist, making the latter almost forget to breathe. Miranda placed her own hand over Andrea's hand, keeping her other arm firmly around Andrea, and raised their joined hands to gently pet the horse's muzzle. It snorted again, but Miranda's comforting hold helped Andrea relax. With Miranda's hand resting on top of her own, the older woman guided her to stroke the horse's soft skin, making Andrea grin widely.

Miranda loved the feeling of Andrea in her arms, and she didn't want to let go. It was so odd to watch the young woman interact with objects and creatures-it was like she hadn't even seen them before, which Miranda deduced, she probably hadn't. Miranda felt privileged to get to experience these new things with the beautiful mystery woman. She allowed herself to savor the soft body pressed against her own for a few more minutes before she gently escorted Andrea to climb into the carriage.

The warm breeze combed through their hair as the carriage bounced up and down the dirt road. Andrea couldn't help herself-she clutched Miranda's arm in attempt to steady herself, making the older woman chuckle and snap the reins. When they reached the town, Andrea looked around in wonder. There so many humans! Everywhere she looked, people were bustling about, shouting and carrying strange objects. However when they saw the Queen, they all stopped and bowed. Muttering broke out, and people looked at the queen with confusion and a hint of fear written on their faces.

Miranda sat up straight and then stood up and called out, "Will somebody take my horses and give them water?"

A young man rushed forward and when he saw Andrea, his jaw dropped. Miranda frowned at the boy's obvious attraction and shoved the reins in his clammy hands. He stammered an apology and climbed up in the carriage. Miranda chivalrously held her hand out for Andrea to take, and stepped out of the carriage. People stared at the stunning brunette that none of them had ever seen before, and wondered if she was to be their new queen. Andrea timidly waved to them with a warm grin on her face, and that broke the dam. The kingdom all smiled back, and then went back to their original things they were doing. Miranda breathed out a sigh of relief when her people accepted the woman she was starting to have feelings for.

"What would you like to do first?" Miranda asked.

Andrea's eyes lit up when she saw a dance floor, and she pointed excitedly to it.

"Good choice," Miranda barely got the words out before Andrea grabbed her hand and raced them both to the outside stage.

Once they were there, Miranda wrapped her arm around Andrea's thin waist, and drew her in close, placing her other hand in Andrea's. Andrea's breath was stolen when she saw their close proximity, and she looked up at Miranda from underneath her lashes. Miranda squeezed her hand gently before whirling them around the floor. Having never danced before, Andrea was pretty left-footed until she got the hang of it. She opened her mouth in a soundless laugh, so overjoyed to finally experience dancing, and looked into Miranda's pretty blue crystals. Miranda smiled her rare smile back at her and then twirled Andrea around before dramatically dipping her down, holding her on the small of her back. They were so close their breaths mingled, and Andrea brushed the back of her hand on Miranda's smooth cheek. Miranda closed her eyes and hummed. It felt so good to have somebody other than her children touch her.

"Too soon!" Emily hissed from her hiding spot in Andrea's pocket. "You don't know for sure that she loves you." Andrea was frustrated, but she knew Emily was right. She was so close to feeling those perfect pink lips against her own though!

"Did you say something?" Miranda opened her eyes and looked in the endless brown pools.

Andrea shook her head fervently and Miranda pulled her up, but still held her close. Andrea rested her head on Miranda's shoulder and tentatively enveloped Miranda in the first hug they shared. Miranda's hands reciprocated Andrea's actions, and moved up to press against Andrea's middle back. Their breasts were pushed together, so they could feel the other's heartbeat beating faster and faster with each passing second that they stood hugging. Reluctantly, Andrea pulled away before she could jump on Miranda, and gave the Queen a tender smile.

"Are you ready to do something else?" Miranda questioned, holding Andrea's hands in her own.

Andrea nodded and then gestured to the bakery. They walked over to the small shop and as they were looking at the yummy pastries, a little blonde boy came up to Andrea. He tugged on the long dress and Andrea looked down, only to be met with a handful of flowers. The boy, who looked like he couldn't be older than 8, flushed a bright red and stammered incoherent words. Andrea took the flowers thankfully and gave the blushing kid a big hug. Miranda looked over to the brunette from the croissant she was looking at, and smiled when she saw the younger woman with the child. Obviously, it wasn't hard to see why the beautiful woman attracted so much attention, even from little kids. She had this kind of gentle aura around her, and it made everybody around her, Miranda included, want to be the center of her attention. The boy's mother called him, and he grinned shyly at Andrea before he ran off. Andrea beamed after him, and then walked over to where Miranda was standing. She plucked a red flower out of the bouquet, and gently pushed Miranda's soft hair back before tucking the stem behind Miranda's ear. The older woman blushed from Andrea's touch, as well as having that done to her. It was kind of cheesy, but it was romantic, and Miranda felt herself melt. She intertwined their fingers, and smiled warmly at the brunette.

"Thank you," Miranda said softly.

Andrea's full lips curved into a smile and she winked knowingly. They walked out into the village after purchasing the chocolate croissant, and Andrea sighed when she felt the warm breeze tickle her skin. Miranda bit into the pastry, a joy she hadn't allowed herself in years because she wanted to keep her slim figure, and moaned at the delicious taste of chocolate. After she was done chewing, she wiped the edge of her lips daintily with her fingers. Before she could take another bite though, another child approached them, but this time a girl. She bowed hastily to Miranda, and then turned to Andrea.

"Can I braid your hair?" she asked in a cute 9-year old voice.

Andrea nodded with a kind smile on her face, and the enthusiastic girl led her to a large rock.

"Here, sit here," the girl pointed to the boulder happily.

Andrea obeyed, and grinned up at Miranda, patting the empty space next to her. The older woman shook her head, but plopped gracefully down next to the brunette. The girl clapped her hands in glee and began to separate Andrea's long hair into three sections. Soon, even more children flocked around Andrea to help braid her hair, and Miranda began to feel awkward. Andrea sensed Miranda's discomfort, and reached over to grasp her hand reassuringly. I want you here. Everything is going to be fine. Miranda looked up into deep brown eyes and nodded slightly.

"Queen Miranda!" a woman called, rushing up to the group.

"Yes?" Miranda raised an eyebrow.

The woman bowed and then spoke, "My name is Giselle Polstrak. I was wondering, have you had any word from the Academy?"

"Not yet," Miranda sighed. The young woman wanted to go to school in a foreign country, and had asked Miranda to send in her application. She had, but still no word. "I will contact some people and ask if they've received it yet."

"Thank you," Giselle looked relieved. "How are your girls?"

"What?" Miranda seemed momentarily stunned. It was an unwritten rule that nobody asked her anything about her personal life.

"Oh," Giselle's face fell. "I was just wondering if Cassidy and Caroline are doing well...I haven't seen them in years, but nevermind."

She turned to go before Miranda stopped her. "They are doing fine," she said softly. "They both are married to great husbands, and I do believe that children are not a long ways off."

Giselle beamed, and replied, "That sounds wonderful!"

They engaged in small talk for a while before suddenly Miranda was surrounded by her own group of people, all wanting to talk to their elusive queen. It felt strange, but somehow nice. After listening to people's stories, she realized that she really had neglected her people. She looked over at Andrea, whose hair was braided and falling over her shoulder, watching a little girl paint. Sensing Miranda's gaze, Andrea looked up and grinned at her. I told you it would all work out.

TBC...