A/N: Just because I like to break out into random song..."boys, boys, boys!" Lol. Anyway, enjoy the chapter! Somewhere around here I thanked my first two reviewers: Ashabagawa and Denad. Thank you! I still appreciate it!
The next day, I skipped fighting with the other children and ran straight to the garden. I wouldn't admit it to anyone, even myself, but I was secretly hoping to meet the prince there. He was handsome, certainly. That chestnut hair and green eyes could melt any girl's heart. But I wasn't just any girl. I would not fall for him so easily. He was quite amusing to annoy. Yes, that was my purpose in going.
I took a walk among the flowers. It really was a beautiful garden, and tragically unused. Roses blossomed from thorny branches; daylilies bloomed in pinks, reds, and yellows. Hyacinth bloomed, as well as some Flaming Iris. A small blue butterfly sat down on one of the tulips, and I watched it drink the nectar. It was so small and innocent. I got lost in my train of thoughts, thinking about the butterfly. I really ought to write a story about butterflies someday. They're so exotic.
"Did the kids call you a witch again today?" asked a voice behind me. It was Leo. I turned around in shock, his voice breaking my concentration.
"I was tired of them being so unoriginal. I simply skipped to the part where I entered the garden and pestered you," I replied. Leo smiled.
"I feel that way with my mother. 'Leopold, you need to find a wife. Leopold, you're a prince, behave in a princely manner! Leopold, if you're going to be the King someday, you need to be understanding of the commoners, so you must be as aloof around them as possible," he stated, mocking the Queen in a high-pitched voice. I couldn't help it. I laughed. Hard. He sounded almost exactly like the Queen, using her mannerisms as well as her voice. Leo smiled.
"Oh, so Little Miss Stubborn knows how to laugh. I thought sarcasm was the only language you speak." I shook my head, still smiling.
"Well, my first language is the written word, but sarcasm is a close second. Sympathy is a close third. I guess that is what I get for being a commoner," I said facetiously. Leo laughed, sitting down on a nearby bench.
"You're like no commoner or noble that I've ever met," he stated. I shrugged.
"Well, my father is a rich merchant. I don't know if that counts as being a noble. Maybe I'm just one of the people in between nobility and commoner. I really don't know," I answered. Leo nodded.
"I suppose. Either way, you really are unlike anyone I've ever met. You like to write, you can match wits with anyone, it seems, and you are not overly frivolous like all of the women I know." I was a bit taken aback by his compliment. Did he really mean it? I shook off any ideas about how the prince felt about me. He was just being nice.
"Thank you, Your Highness, you're much too kind," I said, slipping in the title of nobility just to bug him. Leo glared at me. A few drops of rain began to fall.
"I told you to call me Leo!" he exclaimed. I smiled.
"If you insist, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing mockingly. Leo rolled his eyes.
"You're also incredibly stubborn and obnoxious!" I laughed. More rain fell.
"Only to you." It began to pour rain. I looked up, as did Leo.
"Mother will be mad and know that I've been out if I come to dinner dripping wet! Goodbye Mari!" he shouted, running away. I sat down on the bench, watching him leave. Boys were so complicated, particularly the royal ones.