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A princess, a bakers son, arrogant knights, desperate feats, broken hearts, choices made, games played and true love. Those are the pieces that make up the puzzle that is me, and here is my story.
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I woke up and looked out the window, golden rays of sunshine flooded into my room. It was another beautiful day and I would most likely be stuck in my room doing whatever menial task my father asked of me.
Linda, my maid, came in and asked, "What would you like to wear today?"
"Linda, I'll be fine. You can leave, I would really like some time to myself. I'm going down to the bakery for breakfast if you need me, good day."
She quietly slid out the door when I dismissed her. I hauled myself out of bed and walked over to my mahogany cabinet, opening the dark wooden doors. Today seemed cool and crisp, probably a good day to go horseback riding if I could manage to escape. Just in case I pulled out my black riding breeches and my favorite green tunic that was lined in a gold fringe. I looked in the mirror and decided that it would work, then braided my fiery red hair down my back.
My stomach growled and I realized that I had not had anything to eat since lunch yesterday. For breakfast most mornings I go down to the bakery where my friend Peter always bakes my favorite muffin, blueberry, steaming hot and ready for me to eat.
I opened up the door and left my room with a newfound spring in my step. The hallway was dim with mornings first light. Morning has always been my favorite time of day. It's the start of a new day, and a start of countless opportunities. The first bit of sunshine that peaks over the mountains always cast a gorgeous light on the beautifully furnished halls. But it also reminds me of how I'm never destined to lead a normal life. I'll always have somebody's footsteps to fill. My father knows how I feel but he always reminds me that I'm lucky to be here. Sometimes I just find myself dreaming of a normal life.
I passed by the huge glass windows that overlook the castle courtyard, it seemed quite busy this morning. Many people were hustling and bustling about. In the corner of the yard I saw my favorite shop, the bakery. This motivated me and I hurried down the steps. Food was sounding better and better, and my stomach was voicing the same opinions. It's growling seemed audible over everything.
I came out of the front doors and walked into the courtyard passing many friendly faces who I had never seen before, but of course they had seen me. Everybody knew me – well, not really me. They knew my father. This got me so much attention it made me sick. Everybody was always smiling and happy asking me what they could do to help.
I kept walking and saw the familiar sign that read: Stephan's Fresh Food Bakery. This immediately made me feel at home, I could smell the fresh pastries wafting though the air.
Walking up to the door I noticed someone was already there holding it open. Peter... He was waiting for me again to hold the door. Sometimes I wonder why other knights could not be more like him. Chivalry still survives in the most remote places.
"Good morning, Peter," I called out, trying to be pleasant.
"Hey, Emma, I've got your breakfast ready."
"Thanks."
He shut the door behind me and I sat down at the same table we normally ate at right next to my favorite window. It had a perfect view over the castle walls to the stables. Most mornings my two horses, Kicker and Lucy, graze there.
Peter came up with a plate carrying my favorite breakfast, his specially baked blueberry muffins. Nothing could beat them, not even Mrs. Key's caramel apple tarts. He sat down, putting the tray in front of me. He seemed to be in an extra good mood today.
"What happened, Peter? You look so excited."
"Well, to start, it's a beautiful day, and secondly, a lovely young lady just came in and sat down at her favorite table with me."
"Flattering, and you never give up. I will give you that."
"That's something you can count on. So... I was wondering," he looked down, shying away from my gaze.
"Would you like to have dinner with me tomorrow night?"
I really wasn't surprised. I had been expecting something of the sort for a while now. We had been having breakfast together for a few weeks. He really is a good guy, I just wasn't sure about the dating thing. It seems so hard... not to mention awkward. Well, maybe we could go as friends.
"Um... I think would be nice. So are we going as friends or..."
"I was thinking," he paused. The butterflies in my stomach got worse when I didn't think it was physically possible.
"That we could have a date." He looked out the window, uncertain of himself. There was no way I was going to undermine his confidence with rejection; I knew it would break his heart. So I gave in.
"Well, we should meet here in two days time at sunset," I said between mouthfuls. "Then we can grab something out of the kitchen and go eat."
"That sounds great! My dad is calling so I have to go – I can't wait to see you then!"
He bounded out of his seat, took my plate, and headed back to the kitchen. I got up and started to walk away. Looking over my shoulder, I saw something that made my cheeks blush scarlet. He was looking at me and caught my gaze. His face lit up into the sweetest smile, my favorite smile. His eyes light up and his dimples show on his rosy cheeks. Swiftly, I turned my gaze away and headed to the door. If I had stayed longer, he was sure to see my smile in return.