“Priiiincessa!!” called Madame Tulip. “Priiiincessa!”

 “Coming!” Princessa called back. She quickly closed her book and ran downstairs like a mad thing.

 “Nice hairdo,” Mensa grinned.

 “Oh, shut up,” Princessa told him rudely.

 “Be nice, dears. Mensa, put back on your glasses, you know you’re almost blind without them.”

 “Yes, Madame Tulip.”

 Lovely Princessa sat down at the table with as much grace as she could muster. Mensa hid a smile. Madame Tulip nodded in approval.

Princessa was everything a princess should be; kind, warm-hearted, loving, sweet, charming and quite the most beautiful of all Aishas in her neighbourhood. She was not just any simple plain colour. She had deep midnight blue fur that had a star-like pattern on it. The stars actually moved like constellations in the sky. Her eyes were a bottomless green and her ears had an electric edge to them. Her ears were actually gray, but against light, they appeared to take on an electrified edging, depending on which light she was standing against. If she stood in front of a blue light, for example, the edges of her ears shone electric blue. The funny thing was, no one could see those lines on her ears. It was like magic.

 Mensa ate quickly, impatient to get back to his books. He was super smart. Princessa couldn’t think of anyone smarter than him. He was red in colour and wore a brown coat with a pocket-watch all the time. He actually looked very proper, like a stuffy duke, somehow misplaced into an urban area.

 “I called by the Wishing Well, today,” Madame Tulip said. “I asked for the future,” she continued with a twinkle in an eye.

 “Wonderful!” Mensa congratulated. “And did you get it?”

 “Well, I got the weather forecast, and some pretty good news.”

 “What is it?”

 “Top secret,” Madame Tulip told him, touching the side of her nose confidentially.

 After finishing lunch, Princessa asked for permission to play outside, which Madame Tulip graciously gave. Princessa loved rolling about in their modest little garden. It was full of the most prettiest daisies and daffodils. The lovely tulips that decorated the edges of the flower bed were of various colours.

 Princessa had discovered a new trick not too long ago, and she concentrated on it now. Slowly, a small little shoot sprouted from the ground. She gritted her teeth. The sprout grew and grew until finally a daisy seemed to bloom with a soft pop.

 She did it! She clapped her hands in delight, proud of her achievement. Then she realized someone was clapping hands with her.

 All of a sudden, daisies were literally popping out from the ground all around her. They were not only of one colour, but several, like rainbows. Princessa was shocked. Who could have done that? She looked up.

 It was another Aisha, looking at her with a odd smile on his face. His eyes were light gray and his ears seemed to stick up straight into the air as if he were a king. His fur was like a silver sheet, like the proverbial ‘knight in shining armour’ Madame Tulip always spoke about. He gave a low bow to her, and she got up and bowed back to him.

 “Is this where Madame Tulip de Floristiana Beautigardanis stays?” he inquired politely. He didn’t mention the daisy.

“Why, yes, she is my owner,” Princessa replied just as politely. She, too, didn’t mention the daisies.

 “Is she free to receive guests in the comfort of her own home?”

 What a terribly long-winded way to speak! Princessa thought to herself. “Of course she is. Come on in.”

 The strange Aisha looked a bit consternated at her directness, but followed her to the door. She skipped along the pathway and went right in.

 He stayed outside just at the door.

 “What are you waiting for?”

 “I will wait for Madame Beautigardanis’s invitation. Is she not the owner of this house?”

 Princessa was more and more puzzled by his strange behaviour. It was like how Madame Tulip sometimes behaved, so stuffy and proper, as if they lived in some medieval age.

 “Madame Tulip!” Princessa called as she ran in. “Someone’s here to see you!”

 “And did you by any chance ask who it was?”

 “Ah, no.”

 “Well, then go ask.”

 Princessa went back to the door, feeling very embarrassed by her faux pas. “May I know who are you?” she asked shyly.

 “I am called Fiennes D’Monarchius, Duke of Monarchiun,” the strange Aisha responded with another low bow.

 “A real Duke?” Princessa gasped.

 “And may I ask what is the name of Mademoiselle?”

 “Princessa.”

 Another low bow. All the bowing was beginning to get on her nerves. “A most fitting name for one of such great beauty.”

 Princessa bowed back, cheeks blooming with the praise. “Wait here,” she said, flustered. She went back into the main living room. “It’s a duke.”

 “Which duke?”

 “How many dukes are there?”

 “Duke of Ferensa, Ikarere, Monarchiun, Kikilininolus-”

 “I get it, I get it. It’s the Duke of Monarchiun.”

 “Really, Princessa, you must be more careful of your language. Bring him in.”

 Princessa made another trip back to the front door. “Madame Tulip will see you, Mr. D’Monarchius.”

 “Thank you, Mademoiselle Princessa,” he replied and stepped in. Without another word, they went into the living room.

 “Your Grace,” Madame Tulip said as she rose from her seat and curtsied. “It brings honour to my humble home to receive you.”

 “As it is an honour to be received by one so esteemed as you, Contessa.”

 “And you seem in the most fit of health, Your Grace. Would you care for some drink? It has been a hot day, and you have traveled far.”

 “Perchance do you have any sherry, Contessa?”

 “Of course.” She turned to Princessa. “Princessa, get His Grace some sherry, please.”

 Princessa opened her mouth to speak. At the last moment, she realized that this visitor was no ordinary visitor, but someone Madame Tulip held in high regard. A duke, he called himself, and apparently, Madame Tulip also believed it. Well, Princessa believed in dukes and aristocracy as much as she believed in herself being a princess.
 

“I will not allow it!” Madame Tulip shouted hotly just as Princessa was about to go back into the living room with the sherry. “I will not allow Princessa exposed to the dangers of the Mesterodom! There is still upheaval in their lands!”

 “But her presence can only calm the upheaval,” the strange Aisha was saying. “It is time, your Ladyship, to restore the aristocracy into its rightful place to lead the people.”

 Princessa stayed by the door, hardly daring to go in, yet also curious to know what next.

 “The commoners speak differently.”

“They have been led by a most unlawful leader, Salen the Skeith.”

 “No,” Madame Tulip sucked in her breath.

 “Yes, your Ladyship. This is why I suggest you bring back the princessa to her rightful lands. Salen may soon come to know of her existence, though he led the revolt against the monarchy and thought he had destroyed them all. Best train her now into her rightful role of leader, else suffer the consequences if Salen should get his hands on her and exploit her.”

 Princessa nearly dropped the tray she was holding. It couldn’t be! Had Madame Tulip lied to her all these years? She was just Princessa the ordinary Aisha, not a princess!!

 “Salen can try to lay his hands on her! Mensa has gone for much training and is a match for a grarrl!”

 “Alas, my lady, that is not the point,” Fiennes said softly. “Remember the contract, Contessa.”

 Princessa chose that moment to go right in, unable to bear it any longer. Madame Tulip jumped at hearing the door open, but smiled and told Princessa to put the tray on the coffee table. “Why don’t you and Mensa go out and play?” Madame Tulip suggested. “His Grace and I have much to discuss still.”

 Princessa nodded. It was a poor ploy, since Mensa didn’t like playing outside. So instead, she stood just at the door and listened.

 “I thought the contract had been done away with, since the monarchy technically does not exist,” Madame Tulip said in clipped tones.

 “True, but considering the fact that the Duchy of Monarchiun does, I must at least find  the closest living relative of suitable age to marry. I had found you instead, therefore I have come to claim the hand of my bride.”

 “Thusly, if you had not found me?”

 “I would not ask for the hand of the princess.”

 “Very well, then. I am not Contessa Tulip de Floristiana Beautigardanis.”

 There was a long steady silence. Princessa didn’t dare breathe.

 “Why do you continue to act like this, Contessa?” the Aisha demanded. “Do you think there is nothing to benefit? Your lands are intact, and as you are the Countess de Floristiana, all Floristian lands return to you. That is, if you wish to claim those lands once more. And since you are the princess’s legal guardian, you cannot claim those lands unless you acknowledge the princess’s existence to the people.”

 “I am doing very well amongst commoners here.”

 “Are you content? As far as I know, Contessa, you loved your life as Countess of Floristian. And your people loved you as well. Will you deny them their rightful leader? Most of all, will you deny the Princess Gracena La Divina her rightful identity?”

 Madame Tulip kept silent.

 “Think about it, your Ladyship,” the duke of Monarchiun said angrily. “I have made my move. Salen will make his if you do not.”

 “I thank Your Grace for your warning,” Madame Tulip replied stiffly. “Would Your Grace like some more sherry?”

“No, thank you,” Fiennes said tiredly. “If you should change your mind, I am staying at Neolodge Montana.”
Princessa kept very, very quiet in the hallway, digesting all that she had heard. The strange Aisha was actually the Neopet she was supposed to marry. He called himself a duke. She found that absolutely unbelievable. Why did Madame Tulip never tell her?

 “Princessa!” Madame Tulip called.

 The little Aisha quickly went into the living room. “Yes, Madame Tulip?”

 Her consternated mood must have reflected on her face, because Madame Tulip looked at her steadily and said, “You heard.”

 Princessa nodded slowly. “What he said… is it really true?”

 Madame Tulip sighed. “Yes, Princessa. But you may not understand why I never told you.”

 “Why didn’t you tell me?”

 Madame Tulip took a deep breath. “Very well. When you were little more than a babe, there was a revolt against the monarchy of Mesterodom. They claimed to want peace and democracy, instead of the rule the La Divinas held over them. Later it was learnt that Salen the Skeith had led the revolt because he wanted the power to rule Mesterodom. It didn’t turn out that way, so he looked for other means to take absolute control of Mesterodom. One way he tried was to destroy all the line of La Divina. That he almost accomplished.”

 “How did I escape?” Princessa asked.

 “Your mother was staying with me at that time. She received a letter from your father asking her to return. I was loathe to let your company go, you were a delightful child. So she said she would leave you with me until her business was done. Little did we know that the letter was actually from Salen. That day he attacked, and your entire family was destroyed in that day. When I heard of the fate that befell your family, I knew that it was too dangerous to stay, since Salen would come to find out of your existence. Thankfully, the lands of the aristocracy were revoked and taken away and I had an excuse to leave Mesterodom.”

 “What about Mensa?”

 “Mensa was the son of a knight. His father died in the revolt. He knows, though, so he has no problem adjusting to the fact that he has lands in Mesterodom. However, he is more scholarly than warrior-like and would prefer university life.”

 “But… that doesn’t explain why you didn’t tell me.”

 “There was no guarantee you would regain back your lands and birthright, Princessa,” Madame Tulip said gently. “If I had told you, and Mesterodom left in Salen’s power, you would have spent your life in bitterness, that what was really yours had to be someone else’s and there was no way of regaining it all back.”

 “Then who was the duke? How come he has his lands?”

 “It is a new development by Salen, to gain power by giving back the aristocracy their lands. He does not know you are still alive, but if he did, he would have two choices: kill you so the aristocracy will truly give up on the La Divina line, or force you to marry him as to gain support for himself. Fiennes himself is no fool. He is simply taking what he can get. Secretly, he is plotting to destroy Salen, but he cannot do so unless he has the proper candidate for the throne, and you are the only fitting one, since you are the princess.”

 “What about the contract he was talking about?”

 “It was signed by his father and yours many years ago, before you were born. You had no elder brothers, but many sisters, and Fiennes was the only man your father thought capable of ruling a kingdom. He was supposed to have married one of your elder sisters, but since your family was destroyed before they could arrange a marriage, there is only one princess left: you.”

 “Must I marry him?” Princessa asked plaintively.

 “You can always back out of the contract if you want to,” Madame Tulip answered. “It would be more preferable if you did, but as you are technically the queen, you can always dissolve that contract. It is, after all, within your right.”

 Princessa sighed. “What’s my real name, Madame?”

 “Princess Gracena Delicitia Lunara La Divina.”

 “What an awfully long name!”

 “Yes. It’s in vogue in the aristocracy, you know. It’s still a lovely name, don’t you think?”

______________________________________________________________________________________________
 

“Mensa, can I talk to you?” Princessa asked timidly.

 Mensa was reading his philosophy books, making references from one book to another, to another. He couldn’t get enough of some ideology. As far as Princessa knew, he had been working on and off on it for the past few years. The books were all over the floor.

 “Mensa?”

 “Harrrumph?”

 “Did you know who I am?”

 “Why, you’re Princessa the Aisha, of course.”

 “What else?” Princessa insisted.

 Mensa rolled over, sighing. “Let me make an intelligent deduction. Madame Tulip told you, didn’t she?”

 “Yes.”

 “Well, to answer your question, I did. I knew about your real identity, and the entire debacle about Salen and I also knew about the contract between the La Divinas and the Monarchiuns. Fiennes isn’t too bad a fellow, actually.”

 Princessa pouted. “That’s not very encouraging.”

 “I’m sorry, Princessa, it wasn’t meant to be.”

 “What am I supposed to do now?”

 “Well, for one thing, I suppose you could try to be on your best behaviour and act more princess-like.”

 “Is there something wrong with the way I act?”

 “You comport yourself like a country oaf.”

 Her face soured immediately. “That wasn’t nice.”

 “No, it wasn’t,” Mensa admitted. “But it was honest.”

 Princessa sobered. “Then teach me, Mensa,” she said seriously.

 “Teach you what?”

 “How to act like one of the aristrocacy.”

 “Aristocracy.”

 “Whatever. Teach me to be one of them.”

 Mensa was one of those few Lupes who had bushy eyebrows, and he raised one of them now. “You’ve spent most of your life behaving like a nasty little rat, to me, at least, and now you want to be a snob? Okay.”

 “Mensa!”

 “I’m sorry, Princessa. But you know how everyone already says you act like a princess already?”

 “But it’s not like a real princess. I’m just being nice to them. This is real, Mensa. Help me!”

 Mensa sighed. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

 “As serious as anyone could ever be.”

“Good. Then stand up straight like you mean it.”

 Princessa did.

 “Your back’s not straight enough. Pertly, tail upright, that’s better.”

 “It’s pretty uncomfortable.”

 “Well, that’s the way life usually is. Now for your ears. Up straight. You’re proud of your ears, aren’t you?”

 “Well, of course I am!”

 “Then up straight with them!”

 Mensa walked around Princessa, looking at her posture critically. “Don’t sag those ears! Keep them pointed up! Up, I say!”

 “All right, all right!”

 Madame Tulip came in just then. “What is wrong with you two?”

 “Oh, Madame! Mensa’s being horribly strict about behaving correctly!” Princessa straightaway complained.

 “Me??” Mensa exclaimed. “You were the one who wanted to learn how to behave like aristocracy.”

 Madame Tulip rolled her eyes heavenwards. “Well, don’t do it in this stuffy bedroom. In the living room. Now. You too, Mensa.”

 “Me??” Mensa exclaimed again.

 “Yes, you. When Princessa returns to her kingdom, I’m expecting you to take care of her.”

 “I’m not a knight, Madame Tulip.”

 “Stop quibbling and do as I say!”

 “Yes, ma’am.” Mensa sighed very loudly, closed all his books and put them back on the shelves like the neat Lupe he was.

 In a few minutes they were in the living room, where Madame Tulip moved aside some furniture to make more room. “Now, Princessa, you stand there. Mensa, there.”

 “I don’t believe this,” Mensa said disgustedly.

 “Stand up straight, both of you.”

 Princessa did her best.

 “Princessa, your tail isn’t straight enough. Mensa, chin up!”

 Mensa sighed resignedly and did as Madame Tulip said. Princessa mustered up as much of her strength and stood up straight and tall.

 “Mensa, feet together. Princessa, that posture looks fake. Naturally, Princessa. Let it flow into you.”

 All day, Princessa practiced, she really did. She was glad when Madame Tulip said, “All right, that’s enough for a day. Let’s have dinner.”

 At the dinner table, there were many dishes. Princessa couldn’t believe it. They usually had one dish each.

 “Princessa, will you serve?” Madame Tulip asked pointedly.

 The little Aisha didn’t know what to do, so she decided to take a guess. She stood up and began putting food onto everyone’s plate, slowly and deliberately, trying to emulate Madame Tulip’s grace. Then she sat down with perfect decorum.

 “Let us all now say our praises for the Uber-Fairies.”

 They all bowed their heads. As soon as Princessa heard the soft clink of Madame Tulip’s fork on her plate, she knew it was time to begin dinner. It was a very quiet affair that night, when usually Mensa and she would be arguing to their heart’s content.

 “We will be heading for the Mesterodom Kingdom next week,” Madame Tulip said quietly. “I have decided, Mensa, that you will enter the University of Scholars there.”

 “And me?” Princessa asked, ears twitching in anticipation.

 “You, my dear, will stay with me. Until the coast is clear, under no circumstances are you allowed to leave my side. Fiennes has made it very clear to me: Salen will soon come to know of his trip to visit the former Countess of Floristian and he will find out about you. The trick is to return to Mesterodom to make him think that he will get my support.”

 “And if he finds out about the princess?” Mensa asked.

 “There is nothing he will be able to do by then. When he knows, everyone will know. We must let their thoughts fester on the chance to have a good, loving ruler back on the throne. Fiennes, that sly one, did not tell me he already started a rumour that the La Divina line still lives.”

 “As usual, the wily ones of the Monarchiun,” Mensa observed. “How long will that rumouring process take?”

 “‘Rumouring process’?” Princessa asked.

 “Well…. Um… yeah, rumouring process, as in, how long will they sort of, like, let the rumour sink in so everyone will believe it?” Mensa clumsily tried to explain his made-up-on-the-spot phrase.

 “As long as it takes,” Madame Tulip said calmly. “Salen has no chance against Fiennes’ political planning.”

 “Fiennes… Fiennes seems awfully clever,” Princessa said in a small voice.

 “He is, rather. His father was your father’s best friend.”

 “When do we go?” Mensa asked Madame Tulip. “And can I bring my books with me?”

 “Of course you can. They are, after all, mine.”

 Mensa grinned sheepishly.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Princessa could hardly believe it. She was going to Mesterodom, she really was. And if all went well, according to Madame Tulip, she would become queen. She could hardly wait. She shuffled uncomfortably in the carriage, wishing they could be there sooner.

 “Stop moving so much, Princessa,” Madame Tulip said without looking up from her embroidery. Even though the carriage ride was bumpy, Madame Tulip could still sew her lovely patterns of lace which she used to sell to support them.

 Princessa settled down, still excitable. Suddenly the carriage halted.

 “What is it, Dorass?” Madame Tulip asked the Lenny who was their driver.

 “It be ‘Is Grace, Lord Fiennes, yer ladyship,” Dorass called back. “’E’s in need o’ a carriage ride t’ Mesterodom, too.”

 “Oh, really?” Madame Tulip stuck her head out of the window. “Good day, Your Grace. May I ask what puts you in such circumstances this fine day?”

 Princessa also popped her head out of the window.

 “Good day, Contessa. Good day, Princessa,” Fiennes grinned from the floor. “My carriage lost a wheel, and my driver sent it for repairs. I was just about to waste my energy teleporting there when I saw your carriage headed here to Mesterodom.”

 “Do teleport, then, Your Grace. One must always keep in practice.”

 “Well, I’m out of practice. It’ll take me half a day just to figure out how to teleport again.”

 Madame Tulip laughed. “Then it would be churlish of me not to offer you a ride. Do come in!”

 Another Lenny, who was a footman riding on the back of the carriage, jumped down and opened the door. Lord Fiennes jumped in and settled onto a seat next to Princessa comfortably. He was wearing a splendid green jacket and black stockings. (Stockings served the same purpose as gloves for a human.)

 “Good day, Your Grace,” Mensa bowed as much as he could from his seat. “Fine, hot, steaming weather we’re having, aren’t we?” he asked wryly.

 “It’s still an excellent day for a drink,” Fiennes responded. “Are you going back to take your father’s place, Mensa?”

 “I think not, Your Grace. I am no fighter as my father was, but Madame Tulip has plans to send me to the Mesterodom University of Scholars, I believe.”

 “A good choice.” Fiennes turned to Princessa. “My greetings to you, Princessa. How fare you?”

 “Fine,” Princessa replied quickly, unsure of what to say.

 “Princessa is still reticent of her circumstance, Your Grace,” Madame Tulip apologized. “She is still adjusting to the truth which I had concealed from her all these years.”

 “Oh, that’s quite all right,” Fiennes replied urbanely. Then he moved on to neutral topics and chatted gaily with Mensa and Madame Tulip while Princessa listened. Fiennes was a very smooth-talker who seemed to know even the least bit about any obscure topic.

 “The more later archaeological projects have included the Rhondenderon Mountains Expedition. Did you know, Contessa, that Salen is actually funding this expedition?”

 “He’s trying so awfully hard at politics, you almost feel sorry for him,” Madame Tulip said dryly. “Is there any plausible reason why he’s so interested in this expedition?”

 “Apparently, Contessa, the Rhondenderon Mountains were once his home, and he found some very interesting artifacts when he was a boy, and he’s now using his influence to get some geologists up there.”

 “I had no idea he was so interested in artifacts.”

 “I suppose you’d be curious to know whose pots and pans are buried in your backyard.”

 Princessa felt a prickle of alarm, hearing about the artifacts in the Rhondenderon Mountains, but she couldn’t figure out why. It suddenly seemed important to prevent Salen from getting those artifacts.

 “What are those artifacts?” she asked.

 “I haven’t any idea. Supposedly, they come from the last millennium, but Salen has forbidden any details to be let out to the public. He says it’s a surprise.”

 Mensa gasped. “I think I know what they are. They could be the fabled Majesty Scepter and the accompanying Uber-blessed Crown, a set called the Majesty Artifacts.”

 Fiennes laughed. “Can’t be. They only exist in fairytales. After all, the first king of the La Divina line put the fable to rest when he became king, proving that no artifact was needed to put one on the throne.”

 “You don’t do too well in History, do you, Your Grace?” Mensa said. “With all due respect, of course.”

 Fiennes didn’t take offense. “No.”

 “Because according to legend, the La Divina Dynasty started when the first king found those very artifacts, proving he was the
one to be king. If Salen finds those artifacts, he would become king, no matter what any others say.”

 “Really?”

 “Legends,” Madame Tulips said grimly, “usually have a grain of truth in them.”

 Fiennes sighed. “Very well. I’ll put in a word about it, and ask about.”

 “Maybe even find those artifacts first,” Princessa added.

 The Aisha Duke beside her winked at her. “Curious, are we?”

 “Concerned,” Princessa corrected. “If the legends are true, then we have every reason to go up there to stop Salen.”

 “You’re outnumbered, Fiennes,” Madame Tulips smiled.

 “Tell me about it,” Fiennes grumbled.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

“So this is the inn in which we stay for the night?” Mensa asked as the carriage stopped at a building in a little town. “The Mountaineers Haven. Sounds like a good name, considering how close it is to the mountains.”

 “It’s the best inn, and the oldest, too,” Madame Tulip answered.

 Princessa went in, feeling as if she were coming home to a familiar place. The Tuskaninny who was the proprietor opened his
arms in welcome.

 “Greetings!” he boomed. “Welcome to the Mountaineers Haven, boasting the fact that the very first king of the La Divina Dynasty once stayed here before finding the great Majesty Artifacts!”

 “Oh, brother,” Fiennes muttered.

 “You really don’t believe in these sort of things, do you, Your Grace?” Princessa felt brave enough to tease him.

 “I’m afraid not, Your Majesty,” Fiennes responded, to her surprise. “But I suppose legends have their charm.”

 Princessa was led to her room, a lovely, luxurious suite reserved for high-ranking guests. She immediately climbed into bed and stared out the window next to it at the Rhondenderon Mountains.

 It felt strange, but she knew that something important was there. As if her blood was singing out to her, she wanted to go there, to the mountains, and stop Salen from finding the Majesty Artifacts. She shook her head and rolled over to sleep. Never in a million years.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Princessa walked alone in the woods on a pathway of leaves. She felt as if she were in a hazy state of mind, just wandering about the woods.

 “NO!” she heard someone scream. “Don’t you understand?? He must be stopped! In the name of my father, I must go!!”

 Curiosity only lightly pricked, she followed the sound of the voice, which still insisted one going somewhere. It was extremely important to the voice to act in the name of her father and go stop whoever it was that needed stopping.

 She stopped short at the edge of a clearing. It was herself, but she didn’t think it was odd. In act, she didn’t think much of it at all. She was being held back by another Aisha, who was also herself.

 “I can’t go,” the Princessa holding the first one back said calmly. “If I go, I’m sure to die.”

 “What is dying compared to what my people will suffer?? I must try!!”

 Suddenly, she was in a cave, the only source of light shining down from a hole in the ceiling. “Oh, Father,” she cried in relief, running to the stately Aisha standing by a throne.

 “My little Gracena. And so beautiful, too. Fiennes must be pleased.”

 “It’s time, my princessa,” Fiennes said at her side. “You must take the crown for yourself, before your people suffer even more.”

 “Do as your father says, Gracena,” her mother said, coming from behind.

 “What must I do?” Princess Gracena Delicitia Lunara La Divina asked her family.

 “That, you already know. Remember, our little darling, we will always be with you.” Her mother kissed her cheek.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Princessa woke up from the dream and without thinking, jumped down from her bed and began to dress. She put on her cloak about her shoulders and pulled up its hood.

 “Princessa?” Mensa asked as he poked his head into her room. “What in Neopia can you be doing bumping around in the night?”

 “I’m going to save Mesterodom, Mensa.”

 “You - I see - ah, what?” Mensa went between words ending up with disbelief. “Princessa, you can’t do that, you’re just an Aisha, and Salen is a Skeith!”

 “So?” Princessa asked archly. “I’m the Crown Princess of the La Divina line, Mensa. I’m not going to be stopped!”

 “Uh, you’ve told Madame Tulip of your travel plans?”

 “Don’t see much of a point in it, and it’ll have to wait. I can’t waste a single second.” Princessa closed her clothes chest and ran out in just what clothes she was wearing. “I’m sorry for not inviting you, Mensa, but this can’t wait at all.”

 Mensa nodded understandingly. “I’ll catch up with you, Princessa. Don’t worry and get moving.”

 As it turned out, he wasn’t kidding. Princessa sneaked out the back door and began running as fast as her legs could carry her towards the Rhondenderon Mountains. She squealed in shock when someone picked her up by the scruff of her neck.

 “Where to?” Mensa asked, his voice muffled, since he had Princessa’s neck in his mouth.

 “West,” Princessa automatically replied. “I’m sure of it, Mensa, so don’t waste your breath. I’m letting my instincts guide me, so shut up and don’t drop me, for heaven’s sake!”

 The Lupe ran for a long time, his stamina astounding for someone who spent most of his days in a study room reading. The night was dark, the moonlight gently bathing the ground through whatever foliage it could break through. It was all silent except for the music of crickets and occasionally, a few fireflies would blink as they passed.

 “Stop here, Mensa. I hear voices from ahead.”

 Both Neopets crawled on their bellies towards some rowdy boisterous noise that came from an encampment. There was a huge campfire and drunken people seemed to be dancing about it.

 “Is Salen there, do you think?” Princessa asked.

 “I hope not,” Mensa muttered.

 “I feel the Majesty Artifacts, Mensa! They’re close by. Can’t you feel them? It feels like they’re singing!”

 “I’m just a lowly knight, Princessa. Please keep your excitement down, otherwise we’re sure to be caught.”

 “You’re sure to be caught anyhow, Princess!” Salen was right behind them.

 “Infidel!” Princessa gasped.

 “And now!” Salen grabbed Princessa by the ears. “Now, we have the final clue which will lead us - me - to the Majesty Artifacts!!”

 “Mensa!” Princessa wailed.

 Mensa was running off.

 “Mensa wait!!”

 “Your escort, the coward is running off. Too bad, dear. He’s going to tell the country of Mesterodom that I, Salen, will find the Majesty Artifacts, and I will rule Mesterodom!”

 “Not a chance!” Princessa twisted about and bit Salen’s hand which was holding her. “As long as the bloodline of La Divina lives, you’ll never have a chance! The Faerie Queen chose my family to rule Mesterodom!”

 She ran in some direction, she didn’t care where. Tripping over a wire, she screamed as ruffians grabbed her and tied her up.

 “You’re taking me to the Majesty Artifacts! Then you can kiss your reign goodbye! You hear, Princess??”

 “You’ve got to be kidding me! Why, the Guardian would never let you touch them!!”

 “What Guardian?” Salen barked.

 “The Guardian of the Majesty Artifacts! She who chooses the reigning king! She who chose my family!” Princessa yelled, unsure of where those words came from, but they sounded right and true. At that moment, she knew that she, indeed, was meant to return to Mesterodom.

 “Shut her up!”

 Princessa was roughly gagged, but her eyes flashed with defiance.

 “You’re going to tell me exactly where the Majesty Artifacts are hidden! And don’t lie to me that you don’t know!”

 In fact, she didn’t know, but she decided to pretend she knew and make a guess whenever her opinion was asked. Please, let Madame Tulip find me! she prayed.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mensa ran. He was tired, but he still ran. Princessa could not afford a single slack in his pace. She was in danger. Mensa wasn’t stupid that he couldn’t see the downside of what would happen if Salen succeeded.

 He yelped when he felt his paw jerked down. He stared down at his paw, caught in a steel-trap meant for trapping wild animals. He hadn’t counted on this! How could he get out? He pulled and tugged, but by no means could he get his paw free.
He didn’t have Madame Tulip’s Human hands, so it was useless to try.

 There was only one thing to do, and that one thing sounded very terrible to Mensa. He stared at his paw, then thought of Princessa in danger. No, that was his only choice.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

“Where is she??” Madame Tulip raged, throwing things about in her fury. “Where is Princessa??”

 “Calm down, Contessa,” Fiennes said as soothingly as he could. “I’m sure there’s an explanation for this.”

 “I will hear no explanations!!! And Mensa??? Salen has no interested in Mensa!!! Where are they both???”

 “Yer Ladyship, look!” gasped her Lenny footman. “It’s Mensa! And ‘e… good Faeries! ‘E’s only got three feet left!”

 “Mensa, you idiot!!” Madame Tulip yelled at him before noticing his bloodied muzzle and the trail of blood following him on the ground.

 Mensa ran up to his owner, panting for breath. “Madame Tulip…” (gasp) “I’m sorry not to have reached you sooner” (gasp) “but my foot was caught in a trap” (gasp) “and I had to chew it out” (gasp) “Princessa and I went to the mountains” (gasp) “but Salen found us and now” (gasp) “he is using her royal intuition to guide him” (gasp) “ to the Majesty Artifacts!!”

 “Oh, Mensa! Your foot!” Madame Tulip cried in horror. “Dorass, get a doctor, immediately!!”

 “I’m going to look for her,” Fiennes said grimly.

 “Then you must go west,” Mensa told him. “Princessa wears a cape that is brown in colour. If you concentrate on that, you’ll be able to trace her.”

 Fiennes frowned. “What do you know about the mental powers of Aisha?”

 “I am knowledgeable in much, Your Grace. You must hurry!”

 There was no time to lose for Fiennes. He concentrated. Now was not the time to practise, for Mesterodom’s fate hung in the balance.

 His mind traced over the mountains for Princessa, but encountered a strange presence. The Majesty Artifacts! he thought. They’re close to her!

 “Teleport!” he commanded his powers. White light surrounded and engulfed him as his powers took him where Princessa was leading her enemy to the Majesty Artifacts.

 When he opened his eyes once more, he was elated to find himself in a forest, and more importantly, hearing some voices not too far away.

 “Left,” an imperious voice said loftily.

 Princessa!! The realization hit him. Why was she directing them? He peeped from behind a tree. She was tied up! Salen was carrying her on his back, grinning like well… a Skeith. Fiennes decided not to act for now. Princessa looked around and their eyes met. Then she averted her eyes and bit her lower lip, trying not to cry out.

 Fiennes followed the geology party until they all came to a huge limestone wall.

 “Here,” Princessa said in her best royal commanding voice.

 “What’s here? It’s nothing but rock!”

 “Don’t quibble and just bust it down,” she snapped. Fiennes tried very hard not to laugh. Obviously, his father had the right idea not to have the contract destroyed. Where else would he be able to find someone so feisty?

 “Bang down the wall!” Salen ordered, getting more and more irritated by this bossy little Aisha on his back. The stronger members of his team began to do so. Fiennes just waited by the side of the clearing.

 Soon, the wall was down to reveal a great cave, from within a strange light seemed to glow.

 “The Majesty Artifacts!” Salen roared in triumph. He bucked and threw Princessa off his back. “I won’t be needing you anymore, your Majesty! Take her away and get rid of her!”

No, Fiennes thought.

 Princessa was dragged away screeching by two wicked looking Wockies. “You haven’t heard the last of me, Salen! I’ll get back at you! Let me go, you two brutes! Let me go, I say!!”

 An ugly laugh erupted from Salen. “You’ll never be queen, my dear! You’re not going to be worth anything, in fact, you’re not worth anything even now!”

 Fiennes followed them. They’re going to throw her off the cliff!!

 And down Princessa went, screaming for all she was worth. “HEEEEELLLLPPPP MEEEEEE!!!!”

 Fiennes dived down after her. He concentrated on the air around them, bidding it to thicken as to soften the fall. In a few seconds that was left before the two of them would have fallen splat, they were slowing down, levitational powers making them seem like they were floating.

 “Oh, Fiennes, I’m so glad to see you!” Princessa gasped as soon as her feet touched the ground. She embraced him, taking him off guard.

 “Are you all right?” he asked.

 “What makes you think I am? Salen’s got the Majesty Artifacts! He mustn’t be allowed to wear them!”

 “Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute there, Your Highness,” Fiennes said placatingly. “Do they really exist? How do you know that what Salen brings out is nothing more than a simple brass crown?”

 Princessa made a sound of frustration. “Because I’m of the La Divina line, that’s why!!”

 “And… that carries some weight of knowledge?”

 “Yes!!”

 Fiennes blinked once, twice, then began to say something, but was cut off by Princessa.

 “Fiennes D’Monarchius! Stop arguing with me and just accept the fact that I am Queen Gracena Delicitia Lunara La Divina and that as Queen, my word is law!”

 Fiennes’ jaw dropped. “That’s a royal edict?”

 Princessa’s chin lifted. “Yes.”

 It appeared that the duke could no longer take it into his hands. He bowed. “Then I shall obey, Your Majesty.”

 “That’s nice. Now get us back to the Neolodge.”

 Princessa was horribly bossy to Fiennes as the two Aishas made their way back to the Neolodge. Fiennes told her about how
Mensa had made his way back and she was suitably horrified so much so her behaviour improved considerably by the time they got back.

 “Princessa!” Madame Tulip descended upon her, fully intending to give her the scolding of her life.

 The princess ignored her, going straightaway to see Mensa. “Oh, Mensa!” she wailed as soon as she saw his condition.
Actually, she had’t really seen him, but Fiennes had painted such a grotesque picture of his wound that she was crying before she gave the injury a glance.

 “I’m fine, Princessa, minus one foot, but I’m fine,” Mensa said quickly before Princessa could say anything else. “I just caught my foot in a trap.” He glanced at Fiennes. “I take it the mission was unsuccessful?”

 “Salen has the Majesty Artifacts, and most likely will reveal them on the day he reserved for his coronation.”

 “And he will crown himself King wih the Uber-Blessed Crown and rule with the Majesty Scepter,” Mensa added in disgust.
“Can’t see that happening.”

 “And it won’t happen,” Princessa said very firmly. “When is this so-called coronation?”

 “Probably as soon as they get back to the Palace.”

 “Then we’ve got to get there as soon as possible.”

 “Princessa!” Madame Tulip simply grabbed the little Aisha and dragged her off for a harsh scolding. Princessa could be heard arguing loudly with Madame Tulip. “NO!” Madame Tulip shouted at her. “You’re Princessa the Aisha, you hear? You will not leave my side any longer! I shall lock you in this room until you learn your place!”

 Mensa jerked upright hearing that proclamation. “She’s not serious, is she?” he asked anxiously.

 “I’m afraid she is,” Fiennes said calmly. He winced when he heard Princessa screaming and demanding to be let out, banging on the door. “Contessa?” he went out.

 “The countess has left the Neolodge, Your Grace,” the proprieter said politely. “She was very angry.”

 “Temperamental females must run in your family, Mensa,” Fiennes sighed.

 “Madame Tulip has let anger blind her,” Mensa said, trying to get up. “I’ve got to tell her how important it is to get Princessa back to Mesterodom.”

 “I don’t think that’s such a great idea, Mensa,” Fiennes began to say, turning to get Mensa a new bandage. “Mensa?” He turned back to the bed.

 But Mensa was gone.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Fiennes entered the room quietly. Princessa was curled up in a dejected ball on the bed, looking very sorry for herself. Her lovely blue eyes were reddened at the sides, testament to how much she’d be crying. The constellations on her star-coloured body were, Fiennes noticed, in auspiscious positions, the positions of the Battle Faerie and the Faerie Queen.

 “Stubbed your foot?” Fiennes asked gently.

 Princessa looked at him mournfully. “Madame Tulip won’t let me go.”

 “Madame Tulip hasn’t realized how important to you the Majesty Artifacts are.”

 Princessa sighed. “Yeah, and if I can’t convince her that I’m ready to rule my country, how can I convince my own subjects that I can control them and get rid of Salen? Maybe I’m just not cut out to rule Mesterodom. Maybe Salen’s the one who should have the Majesty Artifacts. Maybe-”

 “Maybe the sky’s not supposed to be blue, you think? Maybe the birds are supposed to fly backwards, and we’re supposed to walk on our heads.”

 Princessa gave him a warning look. “That wasn’t funny.”

 “No, but it does make a point, doesn’t it? Just because one person doesn’t believe you’re ready, doesn’t mean you aren’t.”

 “But who believes I am suppose to be queen?” Princessa sighed loudly.

 “I believe.” Fiennes kissed Princessa’s cheek. “I’ve been searching high and low for remnants of your family, and you’re not going to disappoint me, are you? You’re not some distant cousin or anything, but a princess, directly in line for the throne. You found the Majesty Artifacts merely by using your intuition. Nothing else can ensure you are one of royal blood. Trust in yourself, Princessa.”

 Princessa laid her head back down on the bed. “I still can’t go unless Madame Tulip lets me.”

 Fiennes sighed.
______________________________________________________________________________________________

Mensa was watching the two aristocrats fighting. On one side, Countess Tulip de Floristiana Beautigardanis was protesting that Her Majesty Princessa Gracena Delicitia Lunara be allowed to do her duty and take back her crown. On the other hand, His Grace Lord Fiennes D’Monarchius, Duke of Monarchiun was pointing out that the time had come for Princessa to take her place as ruler of Mesterodom.

 “Contessa, you go too far!”

 “I do not, Your Grace! And if you think for one moment I shall expose Princessa to the dangers of the likes as Salen, then you are mistaken!”

 “She is the Queen, Contessa! You must let her go!”

 “She is my Neopet!”

 “Not anymore!”

 “STOP IT!!” Mensa yelled, unable to take anymore. “Please, Madame Tulip. I did not run just so you could lock Princess Gracena up in her room. I didn’t chew my paw off from a trap just so she could watch her people suffer beneath Salen’s rule.”

 “Mensa…”

 “I know how you feel, Madame Tulip. She’s just an Aisha, and a young one. But she is a queen, and she’s all grown-up, too. She must honour the contract between the La Divinas and the Monarchiuns and as is her duty to her country and its subjects, she must return to rule upon them the best she can.”

 “No.”

 “I understand you don’t want to let her go, but she has a duty to more people than just us two. She’s not just any pet. She’s a ruler, a leader of people. She cannot just stay being your pet while Mesterodom lies under Salen’s power.”

 Madame Tulip stared at Mensa for a very long while, then turned and left the room, sobbing.

 Mensa sighed heavily. “Well, I saw this day coming. Guess it’s no longer our place to question our destiny.”

 “You believe in destiny, Mensa?” Fiennes asked.

 The Lupe nodded, then licked his wound.

 The stately Aisha squared his shoulders. “Then Princessa and I must go meet ours.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Princessa could not really believe she was standing in the royal court, looking at the throne where her father once sat. It was not quite the throne she had seen in Madame Tulip’s human books, but rather two large cushions for the king and queen. She was standing at the back, wearing a servant’s veil.

 “I see, the court has assembled all!” Salen announced grandly as he made his way to the throne. “I have a surprise for you, Lords and Ladies of the court!”

 Salen spotted Fienns standing by the throne. “Ah, D’Monarchius! I see you have arrived just in time for my coronation! I stand before you all now, to assure you that I have been chosen to rule Mesterodom.”

 “By whose order, Salen?” Fiennes drawled.

 Members of the court stifled laughter. Salen puffed up with arrogance before calling the chamberlain to bring in a great iron box.

 “By this order!” Salen declared with relish. He threw open the lid. “I present to you, Lords and Ladies, the Majesty Artifacts!”

 Everyone gasped. Fiennes peeked into the box.

 “I shall now ascend to the throne, you see, because I have found the Majesty Artifacts! The La Divina line is no more,
replaced by me!”

 “Not by you!” Princessa decided to act. She made her way among the nobles and threw off her veil, advancing to stand before Salen and the box. “The La Divina line was not destroyed. It lives in me, and you needed my help in finding the Majesty Artifacts, proving you are not the one to ascend to the throne!”

 “Guards!” Salen roared. “Arrest this imposter!”

 “Stay back! By royal order of the Crown Princess!” Princessa snapped. She turned back to Salen. “Very well, then, Salen. If you choose to do it the hard way, then I dare you to take up the crown and place it upon your head.”

 Salen reached into the box.

 “Remember the curse that would befall one that crowns himself with the Uber-Blessed Crown without permission of the heavens,” Princessa added just before Salen could lift up the crown.

 Salen looked uncertain at hearing that pronouncement. Whispers grew louder as everyone tried to get a better look at the princess.

 “Guards,” Princessa said. “Arrest this imposter.”

 The Mynci guards at the door hurried to clap Salen in chains. Obviously they prefered this duty. Salen was dragged screaming from the royal court.

 Everyone gathered around Princessa. “Oh, Princess, is that really you?” “How much like her father she looks!” “Such a lovely little creature! All will be pleased to call her Queen!” and such-like phrases were heard.

 “I guess,” Madame Tulip said softly, “that it will be time for her coronation soon.”

 “And the wedding,” Mensa observed gravely. He limped over to Princessa. “I’m very proud of you, Princessa.”

 “Thank you, Mensa,” Princessa embraced the Lupe. “Thanks for everything.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Everyone in Mesterodom gathered at the castle for the grand coronation ceremony of the long-lost princess. They cheered when Princessa made her appearance at the royal balcony.

 “Look at the people!” Princessa marveled, leaning out and waving. She smiled when she saw their happy smiles and heard their cries of well-wishes. “These are my people?”

 “Yes, my Queen, they are,” Fiennes answered. She turned to look at him, eyes filled with wonderment, then turned back to blow kisses and wave some more. Fiennes smiled.

 “I love you!” Princessa was shouting to the crowds, waving as hard as she could. “I love you all! I love you!”

 “There’s nothing better than a queen who appreciates her subjects,” a Elephante guard was heard to say to his companion beside him. “I’m predicting a lovely future for Mesterodom.”

 And his companion agreed.

 “The Crown, Madame Tulip!” Mensa said urgently.

 Madame Tulip came out to the balcony, holding in her hands a cushion bearing the Uber-Blessed Crown and the Majesty Scepter. She knelt respectfully to Princessa, holding up the cushion.

 Everyone held their breath to watch the glorious moment when she would put the crown on her head. Instead, she took the crown and turned to Fiennes.

 The Aisha Duke was taken aback, but Princessa looked at him pointedly.

 “My family is no more,” she announced. “And as I must honour the contract between La Divina and the Monarchiuns, by my royal order, the La Divina Dynasty has ended, to be replaced by you!”

 Fiennes shook his head. “You don’t need to do this, Princessa.”

 She smiled. “I dreamt of this, Fiennes. I’m supposed to do this.”

 “But-”

 “Just shut up, get down on your knees and accept it. And that’s a royal order.”

 Fiennes looked at her, then at the large winking diamond on the crown. Then he got down on his knees, looked back up at her and smiled as she placed the crown on his head.

 “By the power of the Uber Faeries, the Dynasty of Monarchiun begins by joining with the La Divina!” Princessa proclaimed dramatically. The diamond shone and seemed to bathe Fiennes in its brilliance.

 Everyone gave out a giant cry of elation.

 Fiennes got up. “What’s happening, Princessa?”

 She smiled patiently. “The Crown is blessing you, Fiennes.”

 “A crown is a crown-”

 “Are we going to start this by arguing?”

 Fiennes gave up at that point and decided to laugh. “My first action as king of Mesterodom,” he told the giant the crowds, and
turned to smile at Princessa, “will be to take the princess of the La Divina Dynasty, Princessa Gracena Delicitia Lunara La Divina as my Queen! I give to you, my loyal subjects,  your Queen!”

 Everyone roared once more and cheered the new king and his queen. The future seemed bright and promising, a brand new start for Mesterodom.

 Queen Gracena Delicitia Lunara’s smile, as it was later recorded in legend, could have blinded anyone who saw her at that moment with love. And it did King Fiennes.

Authour's say : Well! That's the fourth story I've got! My next story will be featuring Scorchios and and Shoyrus, so watch out for it!!