"Nah it wasn't too long just 2 hours past our departure time" he laughed and sat up yawning. "If we have to we'll just stay at your parents house, if your ok with that" he smiled and got up, "I'll meet you out at the car in a couple of minutes". He opened the door and walked towards his bedroom. He entered his room and was surprised with the appreance of his brother. "James?! What are you doing here?" James laughed, "I'm back from the army earlier, got all these letters from mother saying you were engaged, well I just had to come see it for myself. My little brother all grown up" Chris grumbled at the sound of that -I don't need him here telling me what to do- Chris yawned "Well I'm going out for a bit so don't be annoying or mess anything up" James looked at Chris seeming somewhat hurt, "Your not gonna introduce me to your loving and I bet beautiful friend" Chris laughed, "Hell nah, good luck getting to see her at all" Chris turned at rummaged through his wardrobe annoyed -Leave it to mother to bring home the annoying older brother, I won't let him destroy anything of mine-

Annika winced "two hours? Wow. But staying with my Mother isn't bad" she smiled then turned when he left. She pulled out her favorite sundress and put it on. She practically skipped down the hall to the car. She could see Shout grazing in the field. She whistled and her red roan stallions head shot up, his ears pricked forward. He whinnied for her, searching and looking around until he spotted her red hair. He whinnied again, giving low nickers as he cantered to the edge of the fence. She walked over, petting his face for a second before kissing his muzzle and returning to the car. Shout didn't take his eyes off of her the whole time.

Chris chose a pale cream shirt and a pair of long jeans. He walked out from his wardrobe and turned to leave, "See ya soon bro" James called after him. Chris grunted and made his way to the car. "You ready to go?"

Annika smiled "yes I am. I don't think Shout wants me to leave" she pointed toward the stallion "look at this pitiful baby" she blew Shout a kiss then got in the passenger side. "Oh Chris! There's a fancy luncheon at some point this week with my Mother. I think Father is returning home for it. Penton should be able to attend. If I had to guess, Father and Mother would want me to be there, so I was wondering if you wanted to join with me"

Chris laughed at Shout and opened the front door, "Yes please anything to get away from here for a bit" he quickly closed his mouth and focused on driving, he didn't want Annika knowing about his brother yet. The truth was he was feeling somewhat jealous. "If your mothers ok with it we can stay up here for a week, you can get some quality family time". He smiled and guided the car on the familiar route.

Annika nodded her head "that would be amazing! I love being home. I miss my little brother most though..." her voice trialed off as she stared out the window. She didn't want to speak about Penton, so she chose to change the subject. "I have pretty dress at home. Im going to see if I still fit in it. I haven't worn it in months. It's one of my favorites. Maybe I can wear it for the luncheon!"

"Oo! Can't wait to see you in it, I didn't exactly bring any 'nice' clothes. Might need to go shopping" Chris was a bit nervous, meeting Annika's mother and brother. He knew that brothers could often be overprotective and wondered if he'd actually get to see Annika at all for this week. -Oh well, it's her family, their top priority- Chris laid his hand down on her hand controlling the car with his left.

Annika tried not to think about the amount of times she and Penton had gotten into fights. She knew Penton loved her, but she didn't know if he would treat her like he did. Would he be the kind, loving brother on the inside or would he be what she was used to and pick fights? Annika sighed and shifted slightly in the seat.

Chris focused on driving and thinking. He wasn't in the mood to talk much, the appreance of his brother annoyed him.

Chris guided the car into an empty parking lot, "This might be a good place to get some breakfast" He opened his car door and walked around to open Annika's. Locking the door he walked into the small store, "You doing alright? You seem kinda quiet today".

Annika walked quietly. "I'm just thinking" she said as she stepped into the breakfast shop in the small town. A lady at the counter studied their faces. "Princess Annika? Is that you?" She squinted her eyes then suddenly they widened. "Oh Princess Annika!" She ran around the side of the counter than gently took Annika's hand. "Do you remember me?" The woman asked. Annika looked at her. "I recognize your face... would you remind me of your name?" She asked. The lady smiled "I'm Carly-" Annika grabbed her hands "Carly? How long has it been since I've last seen you?" She threw her arms around Carly. Carly had been her best friend as a child. She hadn't seen her in years. "It's so great to see you, but we need to head back home. Can we just have some food please?" Carly looked past Annika at Chris and smiled. She walked to the counter, handing them both plates. "It's on the house" Carly said with a smile. "It was nice seeing you again, Your Highness" Annika hugged her then walked to a table and sat down.