"The annual athletic festival is coming up," Greg said as he laced his riding boots. He stood beside the wooden gate, with one foot on the ground, and the other leaning on the fence.

The athletic competition was held every year in our kingdom. I had never been allowed to attend but I had heard about it from Drusilla and Anastasia. Men from all over the country gathered in an open field near the castle and pitched their tents in order to be first to sign up for the events. The ranged from rock climbing, to juggling, to sword fighting. There were rules and rewards. Drusilla and Anastasia always fought over who got to be "Mistress of Ceremonies." A maiden was always selected to sit with the royal family in the main pavilion. I knew that Greg always participated, because I'd lived with his biggest fans.

I maneuvered around the dirty stable yards so that I could stand beside him. My pink petticoats were already stained with mud, caused by a week of rainstorms. "Will you be entering this year?"

"Well, I would certainly like to. Did you see the gentleman I fought in wrestling last year?"

I gently informed him I had never attended the Festival.

HIs hands stopped working on his laces. He let his foot drop to the ground, and he put his hands on my shoulders, mock astonishment in his face while his eyes danced. "Oh, this is a great disappointment, Katie Beth. What am I going to do with you?"

"I don't know," I giggled.

"Well, you should come watch me perform my most gallant skills."

"You know I will be your number one supporter."

He kissed my nose. "The events start next week. I have to practice for the horse race."

"Have fun," I called while I watched him mount his great white horse and ride in the direction of the main gates.

The doctor told me not to ride until my days of pregnancy were over. I sighed contentedly. My life felt so perfect just at this moment, with the chilled heat of a morning sun coming over the castle and the promise of a beautiful day ahead. Greg was home, and I was happy. I placed my hand on my stomach and received a responsive kick. "Hello, little one," I whispered. Then, I turned towards the castle, no longer caring if my skirt dragged in the mud.

A week later, I stood on a pedestal in my red room while seamstresses bustled around me with pins and needles. They were constructing the heaviest dress I had ever worn. Mid-morning sun filtered through the open window. I could hear clashing and shouting and laughing and a faint strain of music coming from the courtyard. I knew Greg was among them. The festivities started in two hours.

There was a light knock on the door and a muffled, "Are you decent?"

"Yes, come in!"

The king entered. "May we announce the rapid arrival of my grandson today?" he asked pleasantly.

"Of course, your highness. I think that is a wonderful idea."

He smiled widely. "I have something for you, my dear."

I stepped off the pedestal slowly and walked towards him.

From behind his back, he pulled out a velvet covered box. He placed it in my hands, saying, "Open it."

As I lifted the lid, my breath caught in my throat. Inside was a delicate tiara. Shining silver flowers adorned it in a full circle, thin and small on one side and coming to a thick point on the other. It was studded with jewels.

"I had it made for my wife while she was sick. It was supposed to make her happy," the king said. "She never saw it. She passed just as they finished it."

"Oh, Your Majesty, I-"

The king smiled under his thick white mustache. His hands were behind his back and he rocked back and forth on his heals excitedly. "Put it on! I've been waiting for a special girl to come into our lives at the palace who could be worthy enough to wear this. I hope it fits!"

One of my maidservants hurried forward with a mirror and a hairbrush. As she pulled the brush through my hair, I lifted the crown out of its box. It was lighter than it looked, proving that it had been well-crafted. The maid came in front of me, holding the mirror. I placed the crown on my head and turned to the king with a smile. "Your Majesty, it's perfect."

A thin tear fell down the king's cheek and he said, "You're right. It is perfect." He pulled out a large handkerchief, blowing his nose into it loudly. "May I escort you to the festivals?" he asked. HIs face was turning more and more red.

"I would be honored, Your Majesty."

He left as quickly as he came.

"Wasn't that kind of him?" I said to the maid with the mirror.

"Yes, miss."

"I'll have to think of a good gift for him, as a thank you."

"Yes, miss," said the maid. She walked back towards the pedestal where the other maids stood waiting.

I followed her. "Let's finish this dress, girls!" I tried to sound cheerful, but it was hard with all of the maids being so stiff towards me. I stepped up onto the stool slowly. It was hard for me to keep my balance with my pregnancy.

I sighed, as all of my handmaids spoke in unison.

"Yes, miss."