Note: There is a plot twist here so don't mind it!

I sat silently on the rough, green rug in the living room. I felt like I was sitting on a large, isolated green island. Well, that's what I imagined. I twisted my fox hairpin back and forth between my hands, waiting…waiting for Father to arrive. Father told me he had some important news to discuss. I sat there and waited for what seemed like hours, but was only several minutes until I heard the click and twist of the door and the clunk of very familiar footsteps. I lifted my head to see my father at the door, with a solemn expression on his face. "Daddy!" I shouted as I rushed over to embrace him.

Father gave out a slight chuckle and ruffled my hair. "How's my little five year old doing? Did I keep you waiting?"

I quickly shook my head no. Father gave out a hearty laugh. "Alright, then." He took a seat on the creamy-colored leather couch and patted his lap, indicating for me to take a seat. I skipped over to him and sat comfortably on his lap. He took the fox hairpin out of my hands and carefully set it in my hair. "So, Ara, do you know why I said I had important news for you?"

"No," I replied.

"Actually, the news is actually exciting. I think you will like it, too…well tomorrow; we will be attending Prince Seiker's birthday party in Hamel," he informed me. "All the princes and princesses from other kingdoms will be there. Seiker is a very kind young gentleman. I think you two will be good friends."

"Yay! Friends!" I got off my father's lap and bounced around excitedly.

Father laughed. "Well, go get prepared, my princess. We will be staying overnight so ask the maids to go help you pack up, okay?"

"Okay!" I exclaimed and ran off to find a maid. I ran up the stairs and bumped into a purple-haired maid.

"Oh dear! Please watch where you are going, Princess Ara!" she gasped.

"Oops! I'm sorry," I bowed and then looked up at her. "I need help."

The maid raised her brow in curiosity. "With what?"

"Packing. I'm going to a birthday party tomorrow!" I chirped.

She smiled at me. "That's exciting. Are you staying overnight?"

"Yes!" I replied.

"Alright, I'll help you pack," she held my hand and walked towards my room. Once we arrived, she got out a suitcase and packed it with my orange pajamas and a pretty sky blue dress. An extra pair of shoes were added to the case.

"Thank you for helping me," I bowed to the maid.

"Not a problem, young princess," she bowed back and made her way out of my room. I flopped onto my bed and kicked my legs excitedly. I couldn't wait to go meet other princes and princesses. After a while of daydreaming, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" I shouted.

Gentle clicks made their way across the quartz floor to me. "Ara, did your father tell you about the party yet?"

I looked up to see a pair of golden eyes stare into mine. "Yes, mommy. I already packed, too."

"Good girl," she pat my head. "You should go get a goodnight's rest, okay?"

I nodded my head in response and quickly drifted off to sleep.