Chapter 1: My Princess

-Alice-

I slowly breathed in the fresh cool air from my room's balcony. The landscape of my kingdom and its people were very beautiful. I sighed in contempt and closed my eyes. What a beautiful day it was… I heard a knock on the door so I gently called, "Come in."

I knew who it was. Shun, my loyal butler. Never in his life has he ever disobeyed me, we have been together for a long time.

Shun politely bowed and came in with a cart of my daily breakfast. I thanked him politely. As a princess I know my manners. He slowly poured hot tea in a flower printed china tea cup and smiled politely.

"Good Morning, my princess." he said to me. I giggled and smiled back.

"Good morning!" Shun was my favorite servant ever, and the best part is he is solely mine. He has never disobeyed me. I barely see Shun speaking to anyone except me; he is very shy.

I slowly took small bites of my breakfast. It was really delicious. After a while, I finished it up. Shun went to my wardrobe and took out all the things I have to wear for the day. He helped me put them on and then styled my hair into a fancy do. I looked in the mirror. Now I looked presentable. My dress was a shade of sweet lavender and black, with beautiful roses on it. I walked slowly with my long dress pooling down the beautiful staircase with Shun behind me; I walked with good posture.

"Shun, let's go out to the gardens! Who knows I might even see Daniel!" I smiled.
"Of course peach." he replied. I adored the wonderful nickname he made for me!We were walking in the gardens when I spotted Daniel and Runo. I waved and ran towards them, Shun following behind me. I blushed when I saw Dan, for I smitten him. I giggled and Dan chuckled.

"Hey Dan, how about we walk together in the gardens, alone? That is, if Runo doesn't mind. We could even dance together!" I smiled heartily for this was my chance at making him mine.

Runo smiled back and shook her head, "No, I don't mind at all, I'll stay with your butler for company, if it's okay with you."

I smiled, "No problem! Thanks Runo!"

We left Shun and Runo to themselves, and I got Dan! What a wonderful day! I took Dan's hand and smiled, I just hope everything will go fine.

We walked around and talked. The garden was spectacular, full of butterflies. The roses were a beautiful shade of red and purple, my favorite. The air smelled fresh and sweet.

I sat on the benches with Daniel, he started talking, "Alice, I have a question to ask you, if you wouldn't mind, of course."

I was anxious with anticipation and he looked a bit nervous. I nodded and looked him in the eye, "Anything, I don't mind. I'm here to listen..."

I smiled to reassure him, I really wanted to know. He sighed and rubbed his head, "How do I put this..."

I urged him, "Don't worry, I don't bite."

He hesitated a bit then said, "I'm in love with someone..."

I wanted to know who! Please let it be me, I'm the only one who actually cares about Dan, other than Runo but she is just a friend! Dan looked at me seriously, "Alice, I trust you'll keep this secret."

I looked seriously at him too and said, "Cross my heart and hope to die." and did a little cross with my slender fingers on my chest.

Dan gave me his trust and gave up, "I'm in love with Runo! She is the one I want! I love her till eternity! I will propose to her!" he breathed then inquired, "What do you think?"

At that moment my heart shattered. Who would I love?! I thought Runo was my friend! My hair covered my eyes, for now I looked horrible. I stood up and bowed politely, "Excuse me, I need to go... Don't worry I'll keep my promise. I will not tell a single soul."

I ran and ran deep into the gardens. I stopped running once I got tired and cried all my tears right there. My breath hitched and I fell onto the ground. I loved Dan more than Runo ever could! She stole him from me! As the princess of this kingdom and soon to be queen, I am higher in rank than her! Daniel is mine! He needs to learn to love me, not her! Butterflies danced around with grace. They made me calm down a bit... They remind me of the past, a past where love was not marriage and love, it was just friends for eternity. I used to go into the gardens with Shun and dance. I loved to dance.

-Flashback-

I twirled and danced with Shun in my little gown with flowers and lace. There were flowers in my hair, which was tied up in a beautiful do. We were alone in the dark, with the butterflies and stars watching us. The light of the oil lamp helped us not to trip, it was fun. This was something Shun and I would do every night. Dance our problems out… I had my own royalty problems and Shun had his emotional problems about his family. I was singing lightly, making sure to hit every note correctly. Shun hummed along, in a trance, thinking. He suddenly asked, "Alice, do you love me?"

I looked confused; I was only six, so I didn't really understand. I just replied, "Sure Shun, of course I do, you're my best friend!" I giggled, Shun looked happy too.

He smiled and said, "Then please stay with me forever..."

I nodded eagerly and said, "Yup!" I didn't really know what "forever" meant, but I didn't want to disappoint Shun.

-Flashback End-

I was foolish. I don't love Shun, he's my servant. I was very little back then, I didn't know any better. I lay on my back. Even if I did love Shun, it would be crazy. I'm royalty, he's not. I never did actually love him in that sort of way, but out of all the servants and butlers I have he is the best. I breathed in the fresh air and listened to the quiet sounds of the bugs in the gardens. I heard some footsteps, and got up, wondering who it could be...

Authors Note:

Hello :)

Aye, this is my first story, I know its kinda boring and all, but please give me some tips to improve. This story was Beta-ed (up to chapter 4) by my pall Jay W. Ce :D She is wonderful! I know this story is OOC and, yes its an AU. Though I feel like killing myself for posting this story (I know it might not get many reviews) I still don't want to waste all these words that I worked hard on... Please review! And Thank you! I LOVE YOU GUYS! :3

~Pearlene Nishimori