1CHAPTER ONE

"Toto, I remember all of this. I don't really need lessons anymore."

"Oh really? What year did Dorothy Gale arrive in the OZ? With whom did she travel the land with?"

DG looked up at her faithful tutor with her big blue eyes. The old man looked back at her, equally challenged. DG sighed and reached over for the large, heavy leather bound book. The gold edges on the pages gleamed their golden charm across the walls of the large library that was now used as classroom. It had been months since the evil witch had been defeated and order came to the land. Her parents thought it would be best for her to become acclimated with the history of the OZ. Toto graciously took up his role as tutor once more. DG fidgeted as she pulled open the cover, dust flying in the air. Years of neglect and forget flew up in the air and right into DG's nose. Suddenly she sneezed a great sneeze that flew papers across the table.

"Bless You," two voices exclaimed. DG looked up alarmed at the sound of someone other than Toto. Toto was alarmed as

well. A visitor was not expected. The two looked over at the gilded doorway and a figure stepped forward, his outline threw a shadow

across the table as the rising morning sun filled the room. DG tried to hide a smile as her tutor walked over to the man, his hand outstretched.

The visiting man grasped it firmly and shook it graciously.

"We've missed you around here these past few weeks," Toto said to him. Cain removed his hat and nodded.

"I've missed this place too. I just had some unfinished business to attend to and some time was needed to spend with my son." Toto smiled broadly at the man.

The two men grew quite attached after order came back to the kingdom. Both shared an interest in making sure DG was safe, yet neither man would admit it to the other.

Caine was appointed the head of security within the Palace, with a special mission to keep DG out of harms way. It was a job he took quite serious.

Across the room both men heard another large sneeze. Smiling they looked over at the woman sitting at the table surrounded by ancient books filled with stories of her

history. Cain's usually tough features softened when she looked at him. After months of not seeing her, it was a relief to see her again and safe. She stood up slowly, snapping

the book shut. This caused more dust to fill the air, causing her to sneeze for a third time. Toto took this as a hint to call it a morning.

"Now I want you back this afternoon for your other lessons. You need to be caught up on this stuff, or until your memories fully return," Toto and Cain

walked over towards the table. "Your mother will be quite upset if she finds out your falling behind." He picked up knapsack, slinging across his shoulder. Looking over at Cain, he acknowledged

him with a nod. The two watched as the man walked from the room, the door shutting behind him. With no one between them, the two looked at each other. DG moved to pick up a few books, but was stopped by Cain's voice.

"What is on the royal agenda today? Dance lessons? Tea sipping? Glitch teasing?" DG grinned as she looked at her bodyguard with heart of tin. Normally she'd be appalled at having to be followed day and night by someone, losing all privacy and alone time. However, she grew accustomed to his always being there, just slightly behind her, careful to give her space, but ready if need be. She wouldn't admit it, but she missed him the brief time he was away. She slid out from behind the ornate oak table, pushing a stray curl behind her ear.

"Well, I do have some free time. I was thinking a stroll in the garden for some fresh air would be wonderful," she looked up at him and smiled.