CRAWLING on her bed, Raia sprawled herself not minding the darkness. Satisfaction was overwhelming her that the tiredness failed in comparison.

"If being here at home every Saturday is this satisfying, I should have stayed here in the past Saturdays." She murmured tiredly. But, nonetheless, today's activities made her happy.

"Raia, I know you're tired but, please, don't sleep. Come on down and we'll help Mom prepare dinner." She can't tell who's voice is calling from outside her door.

"Yes. I'll just change." She answered back. And after a few minutes, she immediately freshen up. She wore a large shirt and shorts and tied her hair in a bun. She rushed out of her room and went downstairs.

Raia entered the kitchen and the Queen was already preparing everything they needed. The Queen immediately smiled when she saw her.

"What's the menu?" Raia politely asked, eyeing the ingredients on the counter.

"As per your lord's request," and there's a hint of teasing on the Queen's voice, "we have seafood stew, and braised..."

Raia didn't caught the next things the Queen has said. What caught her attention was the teasing and the name she calls the fifth prince. And then a snap of fingers stole her attention.

"You okay, mi hija?" Worry was written on the Queen's face as she stare at her. Raia smiled immediately.

"Yes, my Queen."

"If you're tired, you can go upstairs and take a good rest. I know-"

"I am tired but I want to help." She smiled to ease the worry on the Queen's face. Then she put her apron and started with the stew.

Gradually, Oceania eased up when she watched her move with grace around the kitchen.

WHEN Treyson entered the kitchen, his Mom was staring at the young lady who's smoothly moving around the kitchen. He can see that his Mom really adores the lady. And it gives his heart some warm sensations as she watch the young woman moving around.

"So, what can I do to help?"

"Clean these." And handed him the basin filled with different seafood.

"Oh, okay." But didn't get away from his Mom. He stand beside her, placing the basin on the sink. His eyes are stealing glances at the lady who's in front of the stove.

"She really is good in the kitchen." Treyson said in a low voice, making conversation with his Mom.

"But of course. Well trained and well handled." His Mom sounds so proud. "She makes me want to quit cooking."

"And that won't happen since cooking is your first love." Treyson smiled at his Mom.

"But of course. But she really is a good cook. She got your favorite food perfect on her first try. And not only that but a lot more dishes." His Mom's words didn't falter. "Makes a good wife, don't you think?"

Treysone froze at what his Mom said. The word 'wife' doesn't sit with him well. It was just a simple comment, but his whole being disagrees with the idea.

"Mom, she's too young for that." Treyson blurted out, sounded objecting and a bit irritated. "She's not even done with her schooling yet."

"I know that. And I didn't say that she'll be a wife now." Oceania in her defense, laughing at her son's sudden outburst. "And it was just a side comment."

"Oh..." he trailed off, feeling ashamed of his words.

"And besides, she still has a lot of things to learn and be aware of." Oceania and she glanced at the young lady. "There are still things that she needs to learn herself because I can't teach her everything."

"Like what?" Treyson asked curiously. His attention was solely on what his Mom was going to say next.

Oceania blew a breath, contemplating whether to tell her son what she has in mind. But after some time of thinking, she decided to tell him.

"Her emotions." She started, carefully thinking of her next words. "She has to be aware of her emotions. She's a glass. You can see her emotions reflected in her face but, she didn't even know that. And she's as fragile at the same time. I'm afraid she might break anytime. And I don't want that to happen."

"From our few encounters, I can say that she isn't that fragile." Treyson said remembering their past conversation. "I can see that she's as headstrong and stubborn."

Oceania chuckled at her son's remark.

"I do know how headstrong she is, I raised her remember?" She stopped at stared at her son, her eyes glistening with emotion Treyson can't put a name on. Or rather, he don't want to put a name on. "But it's not just that. She's sweet, thoughtful and caring. And very much honest at that. She's bold and blunt. She says what she wanted to say and she doesn't want to be told what to do unless she loves you enough to do your bidding. And it's fine with me. Only that she's not really aware of her actions and emotions sometimes."

"Is that even possible?" Treyson said and glanced at the young woman who's laughing with their senior helper.

"Yes it is." And Treyson watched her Mom's face laced with sadness. "A Psychiatrist said that's the way her brain protects herself from possible pain."

The sadness on Oceania's face reflected on Treyson's. His eyes dropped on Raia who's still busy with cooking and laughing wit their senior helper. His gaze lingered at her for a few minutes until Raia snapped her head towards him.

And to his surprise, Raia gave him a dazzling smile. Making him forget what he's doing. And for a minute, his surroundings disappeared. And all he can see is the young lady who's smile were trailed on him.

Oceania saw how her son froze when Raia smiled. She knew the look too well. And it's just a matter of time that the two will notice the fire that's starting to ignite between them.

THE dinner was long over and the night is getting deeper, but the Quintana household is still alive and was still echoing with laughter. The family was situated at the large room and is having wine. While Raia is seated in front of the piano, playing some random keys.

"Hey! Play a piece seriously!" Duke demanded while laughing.

"But I am serious." Raia pouted, then snickered after. "What do you wanna hear, then?"

"Turning Page by Sleeping At Last!" North blurted out holding his glass up. Then a pit of laughter erupted once again.

Treyson on the other hand can only snicker at his brother. They only are having wine, but his brother seems to be drunk already.

"Okay. But I won't sing..." Raia has this silly grin on her face.

"Of course you would, or else-"

"Yes, Queen. Of course, I will sing for you." Raia said, cutting Oceania's sentence Smiling sweetly. Then again, a fit of laughter bursted.

"Silencio." The Queen said sand like a snap of a finger, the large room silenced.

As Raia's fingers glided through the black and white tiles, the melody of the song floated in the air. Soothing their every nerves, easing their mind and calming the mood.

And it was even more tranquil when Raia's voice started to float in the air. And once again, Treyson was lost in astonishment.