A pocket of sunshine broke through the clouds. It wasn't enough to drastically change the temperature outside, but it still encouraged some people to venture out, maybe get some chores done.

Meg knew the princess was up to something more than what she claimed. Her intentions had to be more...personal. So, like all good friends, Meg decided to trail her and catch her in the act. She kept to the shadows the overcast sky provided. With her back pressed to the wall of the main structure of the Villa, she peeked around the corner that opened out into the garden and spied her target.

The bimbo princess look as if she was taking a casual stroll through the gardens behind the estate. She was accompanied by a servant trailing behind her holding a parasol above her delicate head, to shield her from any moisture spewing from the sky. Meg took this opportunity to size her up, so to speak. She had an hourglass figure proudly displayed with a too small, low cut chiton. Meg's lower back ached in sympathy for the weight hers must carry. Meg glanced down at herself. How did she compare... No no no no, she didn't care about that stuff. Only girls that are pursing a guy care about nonsense like that. And this was serious. She was on a mission.

The hero was out in the yard horsing around with Pegasus, taking advantage of the lazy day. Besides, Phil was taking a nap, probably due to the odd early morning wake up call, so there was no one to boss him around, pushing him to do another 100 laps or something.

Princess Erse walked among the orchids and crocus' that were still blossoming during the winter. She bowed her head down daintily and cradled a purple blossom in her hand as she deeply inhaled the sweet fragrance. As in surprise, she stopped and looked up to see Hercules playing in the yard.

"Oh hi, Hercules! I didn't know anyone was about." A slight blush tickled her cheeks.

From her hiding spot, Meg rolled her eyes. Could she be anymore obvious?

Herc froze mid-tumble and sheepishly shoved Pegasus off of his person. "Good afternoon, princess".

Erse let out a rehearsed chuckle and skipped over to him. Her chest bounding up and down comically. "Silly Hercules, I told you to call me, Erse". She booped his nose playfully.

The hero looked a bit taken aback by the gesture but remained in good humor and was polite to a fault. "Oh yeah. I guess I forgot. I just feel like I should be respectful because you're royalty."

She looped her arm through his and pressed herself close. Meg feared the poor dress would rip a seam. Herc looked uncomfortable and seemed to be trying to keep his eyes level with hers and not down to...lower levels.

"Oh come now we are neighboring City-States and therefore friends." She started to drag him away, shooing away her servant. "Oh, and while you have a free moment we can discuss political affairs."

Pegasus snorted disapprovingly and looked away in a pout. Hercules smiled apologetically. "Sorry, boy, duty calls I guess." She pulled him toward the Veranda and were gone.

The whole experience made Meg want to gag. It reminded her of when Zebra would force her to watch Rom-coms with her. The always cheesy plot-lines were so predictable. It also annoyed Zebra mad when Meg would laugh during the break-up moments. She was about to follow when she glanced back at Herc's horse. He seemed really upset, ears flattened against his head and eyes slitted. She pondered for a moment and wondered if she could recruit an ally. Since Zebra was no help. But she knew the horse/bird hybrid wasn't too fond of her. The bird-brain was very protective of his master. So she knew she had to be careful, who knew what he was capable of. She scoffed to herself; never did she imagine she would attempt to communicate with a horse. Oh how she missed her normal mundane life.

"Heya, boy!"

Pegasus whipped his head around and seemed annoyed when he saw it was her. She forced herself not to flinch. He made a low growl, then turned away, swished his tail in a harrumph, about to take off.

"Hey, hey, wait...um..."

What was the silly creature's name? Oh yeah! His name was exactly what he was, 'Pegasus'. Very creative person to have come up with that one, she thought sarcastically.

"Pegasus!"

He begrudgingly stopped, eyeing her expectantly.

"Look, I know you don't like me. But I also know that you don't her." She jerked a thumb toward the Veranda.

Pegasus raised an eyebrow. She took this as a sign to continue. She stepped closer. "You and I both know the she has something up her sleeve."

He pointed an accusing hoof at her.

"You think I'm a threat as well?!" He nodded with a snort.

Meg was flabbergasted. He actually thought that she was in the running for Wonderboy's affections?! "Oh come on. Its not like that at all. All I wanna do is get out of this po-dunk-ville. The only reason I'm still here is because Wonderboy is helping us to try and get home."

He looked skeptical.

"I swear I have no romantic inclinations toward Wonderboy whatsoever. I just want to help him as a friend. Ya get that? 'FRIEND' She's standing in the way of what we both want; Hercules not getting hurt. Plus, getting rid of her gets us closer to me and Zebra going home."

Pegasus plopped his horsey rear on the ground and stretched his snout close to her face, looking bored.

"I just think we should work together." She paused to herself for a moment. How was it that she was understanding him? This place was starting to infect her.

Pegasus thoughtfully tapped his lip with his hoof, seemingly considering her offer. Then he got really close, looking her dead in the eye, as if trying to spot any deception.

Meg shrank back a step, then he presented his hoof, agreeing to the truce. She hesitantly grasped the rough appendage and shook.

"Alright. Great", she smiled.