I was ever ready to sweat in the summers than to shiver in the cold.

Yes, I hated winters that much.

But I was glad it had been months since the wretched weather was over, once again replaced by the warm Spring Sun.

And it also had been months since I was scheming how to get dad in here.

Where are you, dad? Your baby snail needs you.

Remembering the odd little nickname he gave made me break into a smile. A sad one. As much as I wanted to stay here longer, I really didn't wish to see him resemble a grandfather when I reach home.

Smell of exotic flowers wafted through the air as the servants continued to clean every speck of dust from the hallways; given, the palace of Romanos was chosen as the wedding destination for Jakov and Helaine. Numerous guests from the ally kingdoms were already thronging the eating arena organised in an open field behind the palace.

I stopped in the hallway to rest my arms against the handrail, careful not to touch the flower decorations.

Dad lost mom because she was devoted to knowledge, to seek more. Just like me. Just like I didn't care what the circumstances would be and take a direct plunge into it.

She wanted to know what laid below those narrow, untraceable paths in the Egyptian deserts... just like I wanted to know the untraceable path in history that was Julian...

Cupping my face in my hands, I stared at the clear blue sky. Buzzing of talkative guests faint in the atmosphere. I wanted and also didn't want to be like my mother. I was truly crazy.

Gratefully, dad was doing the one thing I had pestered him countless times, before my transportation into this century.

To send me messages through the department. Into my AI book.

That way I never felt he wasn't with me. He and his jokes. But what saddened me was, I couldn't message back. We applied every nook and cranny of our knowledge to do but in vain.

A savage roar resonated in the air, making my heart jump to my throat. Startled, I peered down into the concubine's garden.

There was no one except the bride-to-be. Looking gorgeous in the myrtle wreaths that adorned her head, arms, wrists and neck. I watched on, mouth agape as she caressed the head of a lioness that peacefully had her massive head rested on her lap.

Beside her sat a lion yawning lazily, his razor-sharp teeth on display. The thick black mane around his face made him look all the more lethal. And then it occurred to me.

Helaine's two cubs Lola and Juno had grown up.

And it seemed they were here to attend her wedding.

Hello Dean Schneider. There, I found your ancestor, I chuckled, gazing on in amusement. Helaine was one hell of a woman of this century. It was good that Cheryl had written enough information about her.

Since Jakov and Helaine were Macedonians, they were marrying according to the ancient Greek tradition. The celebrations would go on for three days with today being the first day called Proaulia which was a pre-wedding ceremony.

I took in a sharp breath when the king entered the garden, his arms crossed as he spoke something to her. I couldn't stop breaking into a laugh when she stuck out her tongue in return.

Waving a hand, he simply walked over to the lion and sat cross-legged beside him.

And then he started moving his fingers in the lion's thick mane, causing the beast to lean into his lap like an obedient dog. Soon lion Juno was growling lowly as he enjoyed the king's caress over his head.

Julian... I sighed.

He's so cool and hot at the same time. How is it possible, hmm? I mused to myself.

Oh yeah, Aphrodite must've made him so.

Sighing, I walked down the stairs to the third floor where several ivy wreaths were to be made, which the palace women would wear for today's evening celebration.

I hadn't got enough of that sight that I stopped again, reaching the third floor to glance down. The lion and Julian looked like best friends. A sigh escaped me. I didn't know why I was sighing so much lately.

Everything went on smoothly ever since mistress Ionna left the palace. The concubines wouldn't try bothering me. And it was so good that my professional relation with Julian had improved. Unlike earlier times when I would recite my book and he would just sit and stare, these times he suggested more content, often telling me things I never knew.

And I was also glad that he never kissed me after that day he gifted the necklace.

Yes, you are glad. You are so glad, Coretta! Understand that you are G-L-A-D, and not the other way round...

I swallowed the lump in my throat and exhaled a heavy breath. Now I knew why I was sighing so much.

Screw you, Althea Rosemary.

Before he could catch me staring, I retreated into one of the passage.

This entire floor had narrow hallways constructed like a maze, tiny rooms at every corner. I'd got to know that this was a defence mechanism created against possible invasion, to entangle the enemy into this floor, so the fifth floor where the royals resided, had enough time to retaliate.

I ambled by the walls, having memorised the path after staying here this long. I smiled. It was a wishful dream I had as a teen; to live in a king's palace, being all old-fashioned and doing everything the ancient people did. And getting this chance after years of hard work... I don't think I'll ever get this opportunity in any other life.

But getting lost in thoughts was a bad idea when a large hand clamped my mouth out of nowhere, cutting my breath for the moment. The unexpected action panicked me so much that before I could make out what was happening, the person was already dragging me behind.

I clawed at his hand, but to no avail. He was just too strong.

"I'm disappointed, Cors. Where is your self-defence?"

Catching my breath, I whirled around to look at the towering warrior in front of him. Huh? Who was he? I squinted my eyes, "Lorenzo? You here?"

"Yeah me, dyed my hair black," he grinned, weaving a hand through his hair, "Got the wedding invitation," He pointed to the golden Romanowskian seal pinned to the royal red scarf around his shoulders. I slumped against the wall.

"You never looked this brazen as you do now," I exclaimed. He almost resembled a wild man in warrior attire.

"Of course I do. Have you noticed this?" he motioned to his skin that was a bronze shade now, "I'm loving this tan, looks freaking hot on me," As complimented by Cheryl, I snickered to myself. Now I knew why she was gushing all over him in my last call with her.

"You and Dunkin are going to give me an attack someday," I pushed myself off the wall, "This chip is here for a reason," I waved my wrist to him. Both were hellbent on scaring me instead of using the technology.

He faced me, smiling ear to ear, "Keeping aside all that, Cors, it's been five damn years since we saw each other this close!"

Nodding in ecstasy, we moved forward to hug but stopped a foot apart.

"Not allowed here," We raised our hand and said together, bursting into momentary laughter.

He straightened suddenly, eyes lowered, "Your presence is requested in the grand hall, gentle lady," he deepened his voice as two servants passed us.

"Gentle lady? Seriously?" I snorted a laugh, "I remember defeating you in self-defence sessions," I looked at my nails in interest.

"Well, now you look like anyone would blow a puff of air on you and you'd faint."

"WHAT?!"

He cowered away at my demeanour, making a crying face at the fear that people would catch us, "Easy there, dear lioness..." he trailed. "Your presence is indeed requested in the grand hall."

Hm, better.

"As I was saying, habits don't go," he shook his head, leading me out on the broader marble hallway that led to the grand hall,

"Like I was visiting Remun Ra in his temple, and accidentally high fived him. Poor donut had to hear a whole darn lecture by those little priests," he snickered, "Dunno what the fuck he was thinking when he became his holy entity. Could've easily become a court jester," he drawled.

"Don't be a fool," I walked a step behind, making sure nearby people weren't able to hear our English, "Court jesters came into existence in the medieval times."

"Oh man yeah," he ran his hand down his face, "Ever since they told we gonna transport to this time, I've deleted everything from my precious brain except ancient history," he chuckled.

We stepped into the wooden pillared hall where most of the wedding preparation was going on. It was yet another ritual of sorts wherein major preparation must be done under one roof.

Myriad of activities went on. With one corner reserved for cooking the foods for royals, some were busy making flower decorations. Different types of sweets seemed like overflowing the hall, which were packed individually as gifts to guests. We walked on, careful not to step on anything.

One corner even had a group of musicians playing the lyre and other instruments, enclosing the area in a melodious atmosphere as some people hummed to the song. Several priests also sat by the large window of this hall, preparing for the various rituals of the three-day wedding celebration.

"Ahoy! Greek goddess!" Someone shouted amongst the humming people that I turned around.

I found Dunkin leaning against the window.

"Gosh, you're here too!" I squealed as he came to join us.

"You know I didn't want to..." he rubbed the back of his head, "But, if Loren isn't scared, I won't too," he managed to grin but that turned into a gulp, "Just shoot me a message if that big guy's around. Wouldn't want to face him again, man..." he trembled.

"Damn yeah," Lorenzo joined him, "Cors, it's your job to alert us!"

"What has he even done?" I sputtered. This was too funny.

"Dunno, he just looks at us like... he knows we are someone else. His gaze tells if he finds us alone, he wouldn't spare us..."

Their cowardice was laughable, "That's a kingly tactic to always appear intimidating. Nothing to worry about-"

"Would you like to have some sweets, my lady?" I glanced back to see a man holding a plate of delicacies.

"Awwh, Aarmen you too!"

A smile broke on his lips, "Yeah. My landlord's crop production has been fantastic so we are arranging the grains used for the royals' food," he smiled.

This was going to be a real celebration!

Fetching some threads and ivy from the women with whom I had to make the wreaths, I collected the items and entered one of the smaller rooms in the hall where Dunkin sat (acting) to prepare something for one of the rituals. Aarmen had his legs stretched over one another, leaning against the wall as he wrote his AI book, while Lorenzo repeatedly glanced down the window.

"So..." I dragged on, fretting for their reaction, "It's been months since we last talked this out," I exhaled, "Have you all decided who's going to be my dad?"

Even though they weren't drinking anything, they started choking.

"Guys, please... have I ever asked for a favour?" I plopped down on the table next to the window. Whenever I would raise this issue, they'd make excuses and escape the group call. I huffed.

"Nope, Cors nope. We ain't have no death wish," Dunkin orated.

Lorenzo shook his head, "Babe, we want a peaceful death. I'm sure I'm gonna get nightmares back in home of his tortures if I ever die by his hands."

He sighed, "Understand, Cors... he may be lenient to you, but to us males," I felt him taking a ragged breath, "Nah, I'm not even imagining it."

"He's brutal," Dunkin wheezed, "Get it in your head, bruh-taal!"

Exhausted by this situation, my eyes moved to look at Aarmen in a last chance of hope. Though his gaze was hooked on his book, I knew he was hearing it all, given his pen had stopped.

"Aarmen, please..." I whispered.

"Yo, Aarmen is Our Man, he'll do it! His acting skills are dope!" Lorenzo jeered.

He shifted uneasily, closing his book, "Well... you should remember that... the king of Romanos has seen me too..." he trailed, rubbing the back of his head.

"We'll have you dressed. Head to toe," I explained, "As for the face, we'll order a fake beard from the AI book."

Dunkin and Lorenzo whistled along, "That's our brilliant teammate!" But Aarmen had become sweaty by now.

"Coretta..." he stuttered, "You're making me a scapegoat..."

"Plwease daddy Aarmen," Lorenzo and Dunkin pouted.

"Shut up!" he snapped, "I'm no one's daddy," he shuddered.

He was one being who got creeped out by kids. Surely, he could manage a conference meeting with higher authorities but give him a kid or two to look after, and he'd be running for the hills.

"Ugh, Aarmen," I stood up to sit in front of him, "Weren't you the one who got us out of that forest?" I whined, "King of Romanos has high regards for me, and it's obvious that he'll respect the father of his court writer!"

"But... what if he knows..." he drawled.

"Then we both are dead and will be returning home. S-i-m-p-l-e," I shrugged. But something inside me told the other way round.

No, it won't be that simple, Althea...

"Bro look," Dunkin joined us, "She told him you're off to India. So just dress up like an Indian man, you can even cover your head with a turban and there, all covered."

"We can even order an embroidered piece of Indian cloth from the AI book as a gift for him!" I squealed.

"You can also wear sky blue contacts to match Cors eye colour."

"Also, you can tell about the current ruling king of that countr-"

"Okay, okay stop, for once," he sagged against the wall, "But I need a few days to... rehearse for my acting," he buried his face in his hands, "I mean it's The King. Can't mess this up," he said, finally accepting.

"Yass!" I couldn't stop and crushed him in a hug, "Love you love you love you so much, Aarmennnn!" I pulled back to see his face turned pale by the pressure. I giggled.

A message twinkled in our head, making us halt for a moment.

Eeeeep, I'm here!

"Come here, you all!" Lorenzo yelled, "Just... look at her."

We peered down the window to see a gold-encrusted wooden chariot that had just arrived. Several women stepped out and stood in two lines with their heads bowed, acknowledging the woman who came out at last.

Cheryl.

She looked breathtaking.

With her hairs tied in intricate braids, she stepped out as a guard gently held her hand to help her out. Gracefully, she dusted her equally stunning dress and looked around animatedly, her ornaments shimmering under the shining Sun.

As if on cue, she raised her head with a hand over her eyes to look at us, a small smile gracing her lips.

"Look at that," Dunkin whispered in my ear, motioning his eyes to Lorenzo's arm that had veins popping all over with the intensity with which he was gripping the window frame. His mouth curved into a devious smirk as his eyes looked like devouring her from above.

"Well, things look serious between them..." I whispered back.

"Heck yeah, how did she know she'd look up and find us?" he shot back, "I bet they are talking dirty, right this moment!" I covered my mouth to stifle a laugh.

"My queen..." Lorenzo gritted out unconsciously, a foolish grin on his face. He looked so focussed that it seemed he'd forgotten we were standing next to him.

I rested my face on my elbow, passing her a smile, "Looks like I'll become an aunt soon," I wondered aloud.

He broke out of his daze, eyes widening, "Stop it, you're making me blush," he covered a palm over his face as Dunkin started to sing a love song.

I completed the wreaths of ivy and soon, Cheryl was entering our little room, her robes flowing behind her.

"Cors, my baby!" She engulfed me in a hug, and we held each other for the longest moment.

"Your beauty and fragrance will defeat the most famous queens, Cheryl..." I sighed a smile, "You are sparkling like a star."

"Says the one who looks angel-face 24×7 hmm?" She giggled, "They put milk, perfumes, flowers and whatnot into my bath, and," she leant closer, "that's the secret to my natural glow," she backed away with a grin.

Darn it kitten, stop being such a tease and fuckin hug me already! My face flushed red when Lorenzo's voicemail arrived in my head.

Slowly, I looked at him. His eyes were locked on Cheryl as she talked to Aarmen, clearly ignoring him.

I forwarded the message to Dunkin. Lorenzo made a mistake again?

Bahahaha, he's totally whipped. Doesn't even know who the heck is he messaging his deeds, he replied, winking my way.

"Well Cheryl, I would've forwarded you the message as usual," he started, "but since you are here, let me tell you that Loren wants a hug too."

Lorenzo's face hardened, "Fuck, I sent him again," he muttered to himself, annoyed.

"Awwh, really? You could've told me baby Loren," she closed her arms around his towering frame and he froze momentarily, before snaking his hands around her bare waist, slowly making his way up her back.

I shifted my sight, embarrassed.

"Here," Dunkin picked up a little goblet, "I've got holy water," he sprinkled it on me, "and you too Aarmen," he threw some on him, "Lord save you from the big guy who spends his leisure time with lions." Aarmen paled out at the revelation.

"You know me, don't you? I wouldn't do that," Cheryl's soft laugh was musical as I turned around to see her hands holding the collar of his cloak, smiling at him.

I heard Dunkin groan, "I want a girl who looks at me like that. Loren's lucky."

"Me too," I mumbled.

Stop being such a liar, Coretta, you've already discovered a person who looks at you like that... my inner voice thumped me from within.

"But I don't have anyone for now so... I'll just sway-to-the-beats," he snickered, rocking back and forth on his heels to the music that played in the hall.

After spending some more time, Cheryl pulled me out of the hall.

"This project made two people come closer, I guess," I smirked as we crossed the hallways, making her throw her head back in a laugh.

"Oh, he's being his usual flirty self, nothing else," she rolled her eyes, "any way you know what? Helaine is making toys that have to be offered to Artemis, Athena, and Aphrodite as a pre-wedding ritual. Isn't it cool?" she clapped, "we are going to help her make those!"

Several people, mostly women, were assembled in the celebration hallway on the ground floor. The throne at the far end was empty, but they'd covered the entire area with a carpet, with women sitting in circles, chatting and laughing non-stop. Cheryl took me to the group sitting near the entrance where the Sun had its warm rays spread across.

Every time I saw Helaine, it looked like she had her guards up. A fierce look settled on her face. But today it seemed she had removed all those layers, and what stood out was a delicate feminine persona as she giggled and blushed at mere things. I wonder what relation she held with Julian. She seemed so casual with him.

"I've put Lola and Juno to sleep," she laughed, "Don't want my babies sleeping in the evening celebration."

"Babies? They've already terrorised half of the guests!" Another woman exclaimed, causing everyone to burst out laughing.