Mamoru was having a hard time falling asleep, any time he did he would be pulled into a nightmare. He was still grieving the loss of his mother, he made everyone think he was okay, but some nights when he had been around things that reminded him of her, Mamoru tossed and turned in his sleep.

He got up and put on his robe and slippers and walked down to the kitchen to make some tea. While he was walking he saw Usagi. He wondered what she was doing out at this hour, was she just now leaving that room?  he thought as he continued towards the kitchen. He wasn't sure if he had seen her and knew if he said something it would probably scare her, and while he loved to play a prank on those who worked for him, he didn't feel like playing one now, though he would find a way to get this girl. 

He hoped she wasn't snooping around, he hated it when the workers snooped into his families business. This was something he would not tolerate. He decided he would address her about it first thing in the morning.

Mamoru made his way to the kitchen finally. He set down his light source on the counter. He got the kettle and filled it with water. He brewed himself some tea. He sat down at the small table and sipped his tea, as he did so he glanced out the window to gaze at the moon and the stars.

Once he finished his tea, he cleaned up his mess and made his way back to his room.

Usagi slipped her pink silk night gown on and then passed out the moment her head hit the pillow. The next morning the light from the sun shone a small gap in the curtains where the middle of the window was bare. As if a prank from mother nature, the light beamed right across her face and into her eyes causing her to stir awake. She didn't want to awake yet she muffled herself across the room to close the curtain and curled back into her bed. She had no clue what the time was, but she was exhausted from staying awake from the night prior.

Mamoru awoke early, he had to go to the morning briefly. He would be glad when his father returned. He much preferred to do other things with his morning, but guessed attending these meetings now would better prepare him for when he would take over as King.

The council had news that the King would return the day after tomorrow. They brought up an incident that had occurred in the market place.There were two children who had stolen from one of the markets. The council wanted to have their hands removed for such thievery. Mamoru intervened, for some reason he had a more sympathetic heart towards the children.

"If its alright, I think I will pay this family a visit to determine the proper punishment, I know what the law says, but why should we separate a mother and father from their children, I am sure we can find a more proper solution." The council protested, but could not argue as Mamoru was in charge for the next two days until the King returned.

He got up to leave as the other conversations were small talk, before he left he turned to face the council,  "keep an eye on that new girl, what was her name, Usagi? She was wandering the palace late last night, I want to know just what she is up to."

Mamoru left closing the door behind him, he walked out to the courtyard to fetch his horse.

Usagi heard a commotion outside, so unwillingly she got out of bed to investigate; damn her curiosity. She saw the prince leave the castle grounds on his horse, a cold sweat of panic ran down her neck. Why was she worried? It probably was nothing. She shook off the feeling and rolled back into her bed, not wanting to admit that the day had to start. A knock at her door finally adjured her when she called out to the mysterious presence. It was a castle maid, asking if she wanted breakfast. She would unwillingly attend breakfast, once she showered.

Mamoru rode into the countryside to the address where the children who were accused of had stolen some food. He tied his horse to the post and walked up to the front door. 
 
When the parents answered they were in shock that the prince was at his door and invited him in.
 
Mamoru smiled at the couple, he could tell this was a family that was hanging on by a thread. He was welcomed into their home and took a seat.
 
"I am here because I heard about an incident involving your children in the market today." Mamoru said, keeping his tone neutral.
 
The parents appeared to be unaware of what he spoke of, Mamoru intervened, "I was informed your children stole from the market, and I am sure you are aware of the punishment in effect for thievery in the market."
 
The parents began begging him to spare their children and take them instead, Mamoru simply put up his hands in defense to regain their attention.
 
"That is why I am here, to work out some sort of compimise, the King is away on business which means I am in charge at the moment and I am in charge and I have a proposal for you, while I do not condone the behavior the children exhibited, I am not for them losing their hands, so my proposal is for the children to come and work in the stables at the castles, cleaning up the horse stables and feeding the horses. The children could work and we would feed the horses. We would feed them while they were working and they would be carted to and from the castle. What do you say to that?” Mamoru asked.
 
When the parents agreed, Mamoru left the information and agreement. “I expect to see them bright and early tomorrow.” He said as he walked out of the small cottage and got back on his horse and rode back to the castle.
 

When he got back, after he put his horse away, he walked to the kitchen to get something to eat.

OOC:

Usagi was already awake, dressed, and sitting at the meal table eating whatever foods the servants had prepared for her. She tugged on her pink summer dress that went to her knees as she ate. She felt uncomfortable with her outfit. Everyone who worked in the castle were dressed amazingly, but she only had regular civilian clothes because she was never able to afford rich and luxurious outfits. She saw the prince enter the food facilities, and she lowered her head hoping he didn't notice her. Her hair was hanging over her shoulders. She hadn't put it into her normal style that morning. She left it natural and down.

Mamrou was in the kitchen waiting as the staff prepared him something to eat. He got his food and made his way back into the dining area and noticed someone sitting at the table. At first he didn't recognize the girl because her hair was different, but when he sat down he realized it was Usagi and something about how she looked made him do a double take, was this really the same girl he had met last night, she looked so down, if she didnt want to be there she didnt have to be.

Mamoru spoke up to Usagi, "you know you're food is going to get cold if you don't eat it." he said sternly, he was still in thought about the mornings events, he would much rather his father come back so he could go about his ways.

Mamoru spoke to Usagi again, "you sure were up late, I wonder, you must have a great deal of ideas for the King's council room as you were in there til almost daybreak." he said his voice containing no emotion.

Usagi froze as she held a piece of toast between her lips and the plate. How did he know she had been in the room so late. Her heart beat increased, had he seen her? 

"I...do want to be here....it's just I'm still getting used to living here is all." Usaig decided to be honest with him, then went silent again hoping she didn't upset him. Turning the subject back towards what was important she answered his other statement. "And yes, I believe I do have a plan."

Mamoru studied over Usagi and her body language. He was convinced for now she wanted to be here, she didn't appear to have any other motives which pleased Mamoru, she was really here for the work at least thats what he hoped she was there for.

Mamoru continued to eat his breakfast, not answering her. Mamoru had never been very social especially with the commoners.

When he finished he rose and spoke, his voice holing no emotion, "I would like to hear your plan this afternoon, you may have the time until our meeting to finish up any planning you need." With that he turned and left, but just before he exited the dining area he couldn't help but glance over his shoulder back at her to get another glance at the new girl who had come in to make some needed changes to the castle.

Usagi let out a breath of relief when Mamoru had exited the room. She continued to eat her food without anymore interruptions. 

It was rather early yet in the afternoon and she had quite some time before she had to present her plans. Boldly, Usagi made the decision to explore the grounds as this was, after all, her new home. She followed the long hallways around what seemed like a labyrinth, trying to memorize which way each hallway took her in the castle maze. Eventually she found herself in a back courtyard by the stables. She smiled excited to see the animals that were kept on the property. She immediately fell in love with a white horse that was trotting in the yard.

Mamoru spent the rest of his morning in the palace library. He found himself most at peace when he had a good book in his hands. Mamoru picked up a book on ancient mythology and went to sit in the lounge chair by the window that overlooked the garden. 

Mamoru had been reading for some time and decided to take a break. He stood up and stretched. Mamoru looked out the window and saw Usagi wandering the gardens. Mamoru watched the blond with amusement for a moment wondering what she was up to. 

Mamoru set his book down and made a way for one of his secret passages that would lead him to the gardens. Mamoru wasn't sure what had happened but he suddenly felt drawn to Usagi though he brushed the feeling off as quick as it entered his mind.

Usagi continued to give attention to the horse. She petted it's nose as it closed its eyes accepting her love. She looked around the area trying to find snacks for it, she wanted to reward it for being patient with her.

Mamoru decided he would pay Usagi a visit, maybe strike up a conversation, he did worry about what to talk about, he wasnt used to talking to others. Only yeling at palace workers and barking orders just like his father did. 

Mamoru slowly made his way through the gardens, and into the stables, entering in through the back. He didn't want to be obvious but he didnt want to startle the girl either. He walked up beside his horse and gave him a pat as he stopped and stood beside the horse.

He spoke lowly hoping to not startle Usagi, "there's snacks just around that way in a metal crate." he said as he pointed his finger leftward.

Usagi jumped slightly, hoping he didn't notice her body tense. Her hair blew in front of her face by a sudden gust and she felt foolish. She fixed herself to be decent, but couldn't stop the blush that crept across her face. "Thanks" She replied heading towards the metal crate. 

She returned with a few carrots and hand fed the beauty. "Is he yours?"

Mamoru couldn't help but give a light smile to the girl, she seemed so fascinated by the horse. Mamoru walked over to the horse and stroked his face. Mamoru spoke, his voice calm. "Yes he is my horse, I have had him for about three years now, his name is Blaze, he has been quite a great horse to me."

Mamoru suddenly got an idea, though he wasn't sure why he felt so inclined to talk with Usagi, he had never really cared about getting to know any of the commoners or the workers in the palace, so why was he wasting thoughts on wanting to get to know this girl. There had been something about her that made him stop in his tracks, maybe it was because she was going to be working more closely in the palace, or maybe it was because she didn't ask a lot of questions. Mamoru never liked the ones who asked a lot of questions.

"Actually, I was about to go out for an afternoon ride, If you want, would you like to accompany me?" He asked as he walked over to get the saddle for his horse. "If you like you can ride Daisy, she is much more calm around new people riding her, what do you say to that? I can show you around the gardens before you begin your work on the new room."

Usagi blushed. She had never rode a horse before and would have no idea what she was doing. "I would love that, but I never rode. I'm, afraid of even riding a horse." She felt foolish and her face showed her frustration. She had always wanted to ride, but never was able to nor was able to learn with her status in the village.

Mamoru noticed Usagi blush, but decided to not think too much of it. "Well, I will let you choose, you can ride on Blaze with me, or you can ride on Daisy. I would have the horses tied together so that the ride is a more calm one, but the choice is yours, it's not as hard to ride a horse as it looks. What do you say? He asked as he placed his saddle on his horse and gave the mighty steed a treat for behaving so well while he was saddled. Normally, Mamoru had to fight with Blaze to prepare him for riding, but today the process was smooth.

Mamoru waited patiently for Usagi to answer his question.

Usagi turned to look back at Daisy, and sighed. "May I ride with you this one time?"

Mamoru listened as Usagi asked if she could ride with him. Mamoru nodded, "sure, thats fine by me." He said as he finished gearing up his horse. He first got on his horse and then he extended a hand for Usagi to join him.

He figured he could use this time to get to know her and see if she had any intentions to expose his families secrets or issues to the public like other workers had, or if she was really as innocent as she looked.

Usagi blushed as she looked at his extended hand. She took his hand in hers, and a warm feeling overcame her. His hand was soft and she squeezed her fingers around his digits as she climbed onto the horse. Once seated she didn't know what to do with her hands. Shakily, she wrapped them around his waist.

Mamoru felt a strange feeling run up his spine. He wasn't sure how he would describe it. As he sat on his horse with Usagi's arms wrapped around him, he couldnt help but feel a sense of peace and happiness. He just hoped his assumptions about her were true. She seemed innocent enough and he hoped she wasn't a con after the family fortune or a raise in status in the colony.

Mamoru gently pulled on the reigns for his horse to walk. Mamoru kept at this pace, every so often reminding Usagi to hold on. 

After riding for some time, Mmamoru pulled on the reigns to signal his horse to stop. Mamoru released Usagi's arms from around him and got off of his steed. A moment later he stood next to the horse, an arm extended to help Usagi get off of the horse. He led her to an area that over looked the palace. The water visible in the distance, as a cool breeze began to blow their way.

This was one of Mamoru's secret hideaway's and he hoped that while he was here he could spend some time getting to know Usagi. The last time he had been here was just after his mother had died. He had gone up to spot to have a good cry, he knew if his father had seen him shed a tear over his mother's death, his father would have disowned him and looked for a new successor.

Usagi was glad that he was not able to see her face for it was bright pink the entire journey. She looked around at the scenery, and saw some villagers out in the various area's they passed. She hoped speculation wouldn't turn into rumors between the two of them. After what seemed too quick for Usagi, hoping their ride together would have lasted longer, he stopped the horse. 

She was confused at first, but noticed the lovely view. She took her outreached hand and slid off the horse, trying not to lose her balance and look like a fool in front of a Prince.

Mamoru gazed off into the distance taking in the view at hand. He remembered all the times he had come there with his mom as a kid. She had been so easy to talk to, she would bring him to this spot to tell him stories, fairy tales and tales of the things he would face in life. She had taken him there when she first found out about her illness and this spot was where Mamoru had gone to grieve, scream and seek refuge after his mom died. He could feel her there with him now and he felt a sense of peace as he spoke.

"This has been one of my favorite places for as long as I can remember, I have been coming here ever since I was young. My mom always told me it was a calming place and I have to agree, you are still in the city, but you can look out and see everything in the city without all the noises of the city. This is also an exceptional place to come at night and look at the stars...."

He trailed off, and turned toward Usagi and motioned for her to sit next to him. After he sat down, he said calmly, "So tell me about yourself, and this time really tell me, we are outside of the palace, its just you and I, I want to know what sparked your interest in helping out in the palace, because to be honest, you are the first person who has a genuine interest in helping change things around rather than being someone who lives in the palace and scopes out information on myself and my family."

Mamoru was speaking calm, but he did still hold anger for all the past workers who had stolen or snooped around too much and spread rumors about himself, or his parents while they had worked within the palace quarters.

Usagi awed at his story. She felt her heart ache for him knowing he was missing his mother. She looked at the view before them, and when he motioned for her to sit, she didn't. Instead she leaned against a tree, pretending she didn't notice his gesture. She felt awkward. 

"Well....I always liked to make ugly things pretty." She began. "Because I believe even the ugliest can be beautiful inside and out." She found herself blushing, looking up at the sky.

Mamoru turned noticing that Usagi had not sat next to him. He wondered why she had stayed so far from him. Did she dislike him that much, if so then why was she working in the palace? he thought as he listened to her words, realizing that the likelihood of her disliking him was low. The way she spoke held a sincerity to it. Maybe she had just been shy.

Mamoru listened to her words and they were very similar to words his mother had said and had taught him, though he had heard it many times on many different occasions, he was guilty of forgetting to see the beauty in everything, which was heavily influenced by his father who was focused on power, control and rage. Mamoru did want to be king someday but not if it meant being a rageful person your people didnt like. 

When Mamoru was king he would still have boundaries between himself and the city people, but he would be more open to listening to them and working with them to make the kingdom successful.

Mamoru noticed Usagi looking up at the sky, wondering what she was thinking about, he decided to put off asking and instead said, " hey if you want we can come back tonight, if you like to look at stars that is."

Usagi felt her heart thump as it sped up. Was he really asking her to spend the night gazing at the stars with him? She felt that he invited her to this location only because he felt bad for her, for wanting to ride a horse, but now she knew he wanted to spend time with her.

"S....sure." she replied, still not looking at him. Her face was still red.

Mamoru turned back towards Usagi. She was facing in a different direction.  He spoke casually, "lets head back then, I want to give you some more time to work in the governing room while the lighting is still available..."

He helped her back onto his horse and they headed back to the palace. He tied up his horse after helping Usagi down from his horse and he spoke a bit quickly, "well then I guess I will see you later..." He then turned and walked off towards his room. He didn't know why but his heart was beating rapidly, could it be that in such a short time this girl had already caught his heart. 

When he entered his room, he fell on his bed as he thought of the strange emotions running through his mind.

Usagi was silent on the way back, her hands around his torso holding on. She was sad that the visit ended, but her heart was excited for that night. When they returned, she left him, and went to the room she was responsible for and began cleaning. No one could decorate unless the room was dust free.

When she finished, she retreated to her bedroom and showered. She felt dusty and her allergies were acting up due to it.

Endo woke up from his rest feeling a bit more refreshed, but he could not figure out what had driven him to branch out with anyone, a commoner no less. Plenty of commoners had come and gone through the palace, many of whom he had driven off in a rage because their actions had been malicious, but with Usagi it was different.

Mamoru felt an inexplicable pull towards the girl who had arrived just days ago and he was curious to see where things went with her. 

Mamoru got ready, wearing extra layers for his night ride, he wasn't sure if Usagi had anything to wear in the night so he brought down an extra coat and a blanket for them to sit on. Mamoru then walked to the dining hall for dinner.

Usagi knew that after dinner they would venture into the night, back to that magical spot. It was beautiful during the day, but she was excited to see it at night. Her heart pounded quickly in her chest as she buttoned up her black sweater. She stood in front of her mirror and looked at her outfit. She knew it was important to dress warm, but she didn't want to look bad regardless. He was royalty, and if she let her appearance down, she was afraid he might dismiss her. Along with her black sweater, she had a longer light pink shirt under it black slacks. Her hair was pulled back in a bun. She slipped her black flats on, and made her way to the dining hall.