The princess arose that morning feeling well rested. She sat up slowly in her large and plush bed. She stretched silently and glanced at the mirror across the room. Her hair was in complete disarray, but she didn't care. Who said a princess had to look perfect at all times? Oh that's right, Logan. Her brother was always pestering her to look beautiful and regal every second of every day. She loved her older brother dearly, but lately he had been a complete bother.
The princess stared down at the Border collie at the foot of her bed. Hugo was her very best friend, ever since she was just a little girl of no more than eight. As she slid off the bed, Hugo's ears perked up. He whined at the thought of getting up. Princess Stephanie petted the head of her companion playfully.
"You're almost as lazy as me!" She giggled softly. She nudged the canine gently and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains. It was a Saturday morning like any other. The sun was shining, and the gardeners were already attending to the grounds. The castle chef, Henri, was already chasing chickens through the courtyard. She smiled to herself thinking about how funny he looked, flailing around the grounds that way. She looked over to the right and saw Jasper, her butler and loyal friend, coming up the steps. She ran over to the closet to grab her robe before he reached the room. Just as she had put on the rich purple robe, Jasper strode into the room carrying a silver tray with a teapot and two teacups.
"Good morning, Miss. I see you've been admiring the morning sun, have you?" Jasper looked at the princess with cheery eyes as he spoke. She smiled back, walking towards the table for a cup of tea.
"Of course! I can just tell it's going to be a brilliant day. Even Hugo's happy to be taking in the early warmth of the daylight, though I had to wake him up from a wonderful dream. What were you doing, boy? Chasing rabbits?" She laughed and the dog barked in reply. She picked up the sugar and scooped three spoonfuls into her tea. Sitting on the edge of her bed, sipping happily, she stared out the window again. It truly was a lovely day. Nothing could possibly spoil it.
"Yes, and no doubt getting fur all over my clean rugs." Hugo barked again and Jasper shook his head. "One of these days, I'll shave the mutt, and the castle will be perfectly clean."
"But then what will you do? Clean the garden?" The princess chuckled. There was something about the morning that made her all giggly and bubbly. She took a long sip of her tea as Jasper laughed.
"Yes, Princess. Then I will sweep all of Bowerstone." He went over to the closet and pulled out a bright blue gown with white sleeves. "Master Elliot is downstairs in the garden waiting for you. Why not wear this today?" He held up the gown and Stephanie shook her head.
"I think I'll go with something a little more sensible. Fetch me the blue tights, brown skirt, white chemise and leather vest." Jasper gave her a stern glance. "Please?" He nodded in approval and strolled over to the armoire to retrieve the ensemble. "I thought I would've beaten him to the garden today. I thought I woke up much earlier than him…" Jasper laid the garments out on her bed and looked up at the princess.
"No such luck today, Miss. Maybe tomorrow, if you go to sleep early tonight? You really shouldn't read until the wee hours of the morning, you know." Jasper playfully chided. Stephanie stood up and walked Jasper to the door.
"Oh, but it's my favorite story! The Hero of Oakvale! I bet he was rather dashing, wasn't he?" The princess swooned.
"Why are you asking me?" Jasper cocked an eyebrow.
"Well, you're old." Stephanie laughed and Jasper shook his head. He left the princess to get dressed. "Well, Hugo!" The mutt perked up at the sound of his name. "Is it time to go see Elliot?" Hugo barked happily and Stephanie disrobed.
"GET BACK HERE YOU ARSEING CHICKEN!" screamed a voice from outside. The princess laughed heartily. She slipped on her tights as she thought about Henri. That poor cook. He never stood a chance when it came to catching that damn chicken.
The princess finished slipping into her clothing and skipped to the mirror, tying her hair into a braid before pinching her cheeks for added blush. "Come on, Hugo!" she called to her friend. Hugo jumped up from his plot on the rug and ran after the princess who was sprinting down the stairs towards her childhood friend.