Meanwhile, in the castle's stairs, Sara White sang while cleaning. Not aware of the Queen's jealousy, her only worrying was with all the chores she had. Luckily, she always had some extra hands to help her. Better saying, extra paws.
The princess was very friendly and kind, especially towards animals. The critters that lived nearby were always willing to help her. Some squirrels and a cat dried up the stairs once they were washed and scrubbed.
"Just a little more… and done." Sara cleaned her hands. "The stairs are all clean. Thank you again, my friends." Then, she looked at the well. "Now we need to get water."
Diogee, the prince's loyal pooch, grabbed the rope nearby the well, and helped Sara on this chore. Well, at least, he tried, but the water-filled bucket was a bit too heavy. The squirrels and the cat helped him pull the rope. Once Sara picked up the bucket, they all let go of the rope, and Diogee panted, his tongue out.
"Oh, Diogee, you silly dog." Sara laughed. "Don't be afraid of asking for help. That's one thing Mom always told me and Milo..." Then, Sara sighed. "You know… I dreamed again that me and him were reunited with our parents."
The critters stepped forward. They knew that dream already.
"All the same… the sweet sound of our laughter, their smiles wide and bright, all of us just having fun and enjoying each other's company… and singing our favourite funny song."
*Music: Kate Micucci - The Happy Song*
I am happy, you are happy
Let us be happy together
She stood up, with a small smile.
Whether the weather is cloudy or sunny
I will always be your funny-honey-bunny
The squirrels climbed on her shoulders, and she touched gently their noses.
I am lucky, you are lucky
Let us get lucky together
The cat looked around and saw more critters coming by to listen Sara White's song.
Whether the weather is cloudy or breezy
I'll be there to say
"hey, c'mon, let's take it easy!"
She looked down to see Diogee looking at the critters coming over with certain defiance, and pet him to calm him down.
'Cause isn't it nice to have the friends that you do?
And isn't it nice that the sky is so blue?
And isn't it nice to say "I love you"?
A couple of birds came by, landing on a branch. They whistled the next line, surprising Sara, but making her smile more.
I am smiling, you are smiling
Let us smile together
She extended her hands for the birds to land and started to dance.
Whether the weather is cloudy or stormy
I will still be there in the morning
I will be right by your side in the morning
I'll make you breakfast in the morning
All the critters reunited moved their heads and enjoyed the princess's singing and dancing.
I hope that you like cereal!
As she turned around in the last line, she was surprised by a smiling face. She gasped, and the critters stepped back. Even the birds flew away from her hands.
It was a lad with light brown hair and brown eyes. He chuckled and tried to step forward, but Sara White hesitated and stepped back.
"I'm sorry. I didn't meant to scare you or your friends. I was passing by and heard you singing. It sounded beautiful."
"Oh! Um, well, t-thanks. I guess." Sara giggled, blushing a little.
"I'm Prince Neal. I'm from the kingdom nearby." He explained, pointing to a direction. "And you are..."
"I'm not. Oh, wait, no! I-I meant to say… I-I'm Sara. Sara White."
"Sara White?" Prince Neal looked at her. "Isn't it the princess's-" He then realized who exactly he was talking to. "Oh, my! You're the princess?"
"Yes, I am." Sara nodded, but then looked down. "I mean, I was."
"What happened?"
"It's hard to explain… but basically, things have been hard for me and my little brother since our parents disappeared."
"Oh, right. I heard about this." Prince Neal thought. "Look, I can't stay for much time. I have special guests to welcome back in my castle."
"Okay then." Sara White twirled her hair, giving him a short smile. "B-But… will you come back? I mean, visit the castle again?"
"I can try." Neal agreed. They looked at each other for a moment, then laughed shyly. "Oh, here." He reached up for his bag, and picked up a green ribbon. Carefully tying it around Sara's hair, he made a clover-like bow to hold it in place. "Keep this… this way you can be sure we'll see each other again."
"Wow… thank you so much." Sara felt her heart skip, like never before. As she watched Prince Neal depart on his horse, she sighed gently, touching her ribbon.
"Sara?" Milo's voice called her attention. She looked back at her little brother.
"Milo! Oh my goodness, you won't believe what just happened!" Sara sounded really excited. "i was here with my critter friends, finishing our chore list, when-"
"Sara." Milo lifted his hand to tell her to stop. "Queen Savannah wants some new flowers to her room. Since you're… so good with gardening, maybe you could help me?"
"Of course!" Sara White accepted the invitation. "I will tell everything on the way." She decided, taking his hand. Diogee looked at Milo's expression: he seemed troubled. As he barked, the boy looked back.
"Sorry, Diogee, stay here. Y-you can't come with us to the meadow." Milo said. Diogee looked down, but sat down to stay. Then, he watched them leave.
