“Grrrr.. It's so cold!” Pie said as she removes the blanket from her body. It was the day after the feast and Pie decided that today, she will let know Kim what will be the cost of her keeping her secret. Pie took a warm bath and after that, she dressed in her winter clothes. Pie went down to the dining room to find that Kim was the only person there. She felt a bit nervous like she usually does when she's around Kim. “Hey, good morning Princess!” Kim greeted Pie. “Good morning. Where is everybody?” Pie asked Kim. “Our fathers are out in the woods hunting while your mom is with Jane and Puey. They went to the market to buy some things. I guess it's just you and me huh?” Kim smiled as she offers Pie a seat. “So, what will be the cost?” Kim asked. Pie has never really thought about it. “Look, I haven't really thought about it. But for now, let's give you a haircut.” Pie answered. “A haircut? What for?” Kim asked curiously. “Well, personally I don't want people to find out that you're a girl. That would make a total fool out of me. When you untie that ponytail of yours, you look like a girl.” Pie explained. “So, you're jealous that you're husband looks more beautiful than you?” Kim joked. Pie punched Kim's arm. “Idiot!” Kim laughed as Pie pouts and blushes. “Alright, I'll go get some sheers. Meet me in my room.” Pie finished her breakfast and left for Kim's room.

Kim's room:

Pie: “Whoa. I never expected her room to be so... neat and a bit girly.” Kim's room was filled with musical instruments and art works from all around the continent. It was very tidy because Kim insisted that her room should be cleaned twice a day. On her desk, Pie found a small portrait of a woman. Pie became curious. “That's my mother.” Said Kim. Pie was surprised and almost dropped the portrait. “She died giving birth me. My father loved her so much that's why he never re-married. He said that his heart can never love another woman.” Pie felt a bit of guilt for thinking it was Kim's girl. “She's very beautiful, I think she looks a bit like you.” Pie said to Kim. “So you think I'm beautiful? Hehehe.. “ Kim joked as Pie punched her arm again. “Crazy! Give me those sheers.” “Please don't stab me with these.” Kim joked as she handed the sheers to Pie. “Alright, sit down Mountain Prince.” “Mountain Prince?” Kim asked, “Yes, because you live in the mountains and because you're so tall.” Kim smiled at Pie and it made Pie's heart beat fast. “What the heck Pie? This person is the reason you'll never meet your true love. Of all the MALE suitors that you had, you ended up with this girl prince.” Pie thought to herself, then she started to cut Kim's hair, and it turned out to be fine. Actually, it fits Kim very well. Kim faced Pie and asked her how she looked. Pie was in awe.. “So handsome..” She thought to herself. Pie snapped out of her delusion and told Kim that it looked fine. “Alright then, thanks for the haircut sea princess!” Kim gave Pie's head a pat and smiled at her as she opens the door to call the maid. Kim held Pie's hand and led her to the palace garden. They sat on the wooden bench under the tree. Kim: “Like you said last night, you'll be my wife in less that 2 months. You might as well get to know me.” Finally, Pie's curiosity will be quenched. “Since my mother died, father decided to never get married again. And because of that, he will never have a male heir. The law of my kingdom forbids a woman to sit on the throne and father feared that a civil war will erupt if he had no male heir. So since the day I was born, father decided that should become a boy.He has made all of the physicians, maids and family members to swear that they will all keep this a secret.” Pie understood Kim's situation and she realized the difference of their cultures. “If the people were to find out that I'm a girl, it would bring shame and dishonor to our family and a civil war will surely erupt for the right to claim my father's throne. They cannot find out. Well, not until I am king. When I'm king, I will change the laws, every child should be born equal.” Pie's annoyance of Kim has turned into admiration. She has always thought of Kim as a boastful, spoiled prince. A playboy who makes women fall for him and then leaves them. But she was wrong, Kim was a person that has been pressured all her life to be someone she is not and a person who is driven by a specific goal. There was more to Kim than she ever expected. Kim: “My life's a bit dramatic eh? Hehehe..” Kim smiled at Pie, and for the first time, Pie smiled back.

The mid-day sun is almost at its peak, Kim took Pie to the kitchen. It was almost lunch time. Kim has been craving for roasted chicken and vegetables for almost 2 days. Right now, she and Pie are the only people and the palace. Kim saw this as an opportunity to fill up her craving. Kim: “Pie, can you help me cook?” Pie was surprised that Kim asked for her help, but to her dismay, she does not know how to cook. Being the crown jewel of the kingdom, Pie almost never lifted a finger, everything was done for her. Instead, Pie answered: “No. I want you to surprise me Mountain Prince.” She said to Kim as she sat on the counter. “I'll tell you what, if you can impress me with your cooking I'll tell you one secret of mine.” Pie challenged Kim. “Sure, princess, you're on!” Pie was certain that Kim cannot cook. “She's the prince of the wealthiest kingdom in the continent. Their servants outnumber their family by 1 to a hundred. There's no way she'd have to cook for herself.” Kim started slicing vegetables and herbs. She then opened the oven and put firewood in it. She preheated the oven and started to put the herbs in the chicken. She then seasoned the chicken with a bit of honey and wine then sprinkled salt and pepper then placed the chicken in a roasting pot together with the sliced vegetables. She then poured a bit of wine on the chicken and waited a few minutes to marinate it. When the oven was hot enough, Kim placed the roasting pot inside and let the chicken cook. This made Pie worry, although she had no idea on how to cook a chicken, the fine aroma coming from it tells her that Kim is doing it right. After an hour, the chicken was cooked to perfection as well as the vegetables. Kim took out the roasting pot and placed it on the table. She placed a setting of silverware and plates for her and Pie. Kim assisted Pie to sit down. She then sliced a piece of the chicken then put in on Pie's plate. Pie tried to hide her excitement to try Kim's cooking. Kim sat across Pie and started to eat. Pie sliced a small piece of chicken and placed it in . Pie's eyes widen. “I can't believe it! It's actually good!” Pie thought to herself. She then sliced a larger piece and ate it. Kim noticed Pie's reaction and she grinned while Pie frowned because she lost the bet. “Darn. I was so sure that the taste will kill me. How did she do it? Now, what secret should I tell her? I have to keep my word. Argh!” Pie thought to herself. Kim did not rushed Pie into holding her end of the bargain, instead, she toured her around the palace. She sang for her and played musical instruments. They enjoyed the entire day together. Pie was unwilling to admit it but she really had fun with Kim and was starting to feel comfortable around her. At the end of the day, Pie still hasn't decided on what will be the cost of her silence but she has already decided which secret she would tell Kim. “Kim! Let me tell you my secret.” Pie told Kim as she pulls Kim's ear close to her. “You surprised me Kim.” Kim's eyes widened in disbelief. “Hey, how is that a secret?” Kim said to Pie as Pie playfully smiles at her and replied. “That's a secret that you'll need to earn Mountain Prince.” Pie winked and left. The sparkle of Pie's smile and the flowing of her hair as she turned around left Kim dumfounded and her heart beating faster and faster. “Well, you surprised me too Princess.” Kim whispered to herself.