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yet, I can still personally write to those who have reviewed ^-^, I'm
updating!!
Aviastar: Writing . . . hey looks like I AM writing more, aren't I?
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"R-run away?" I repeated, sure that I hadn't heard right.
"Yes." James picked up his bow and arrows and resumed shooting at the target.
"B-but why? Why would you need to run away?"
"I want to." James said simply.
I stared. Of all the answers I could have received, this one startled me the most. "You want to leave?" I said incredulously.
"Yep. This life is getting too boring. No offense Lela, you're a great friend, but honestly, I want more out of life." He said, avoiding meeting my eye.
I shook my head. "So you're telling me that all these years, you've been my best friend, and now you just decide to leave - without even telling me?!" I heard a high, strained note in my voice, and I hated it.
James sighed. "Lela, I've given this a lot of thought. And I've decided it's for the best."
I was about to argue when suddenly, a thought struck me. "Take me with you." I said my voice hard and commanding.
"No." James replied equally firmly. "I'm sorry Lela but I'm NOT taking you with me. You're the princess of Kyrria - you can't just leave like that. Besides, everyone will think of it as a kidnapping."
"I'll say it's a short trip. Mother would probably let me -" I started.
"It's not a short trip." James said softly. "I'm leaving for good."
I gaped. I had no idea what to say. "Does your mother know?" I asked finally.
"All I've told her is that I'm visiting cousins near Bast." James said with a wry smile. "I want to have FUN, Lela, not get cooped up in the palace. If I have to lie to get my way, then so be it."
"What exactly are you planning to do?" I asked with heavy sarcasm, "Just go and say, 'Oh, hi. I'm a palace servant who's run away for an adventure. Got any idea where the ogres are?' You'll be eaten by ogres before you get anywhere!"
He shrugged. "Nope. I'll just say, 'How do you do, I'm a friend of the princess', please don't eat me,' in Ogrese to them."
"James, please don't do this. Or at least take me with you." I begged. "I hate being princess at a palace who only cares about my looks. I hate it!"
James stood up abruptly. "I've got to go. I'll see you tonight." He told me curtly, walking away. I stared after him in frustration. I turned to go to the library - and walked right into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" I said. "I wasn't watching where I was -"
"That's quite all right." Said a familiar voice. I looked up at the smiling face of Prince Darren.
"How - How long have you been standing there?" I demanded.
"Just a little while." Darren said evasively.
I glared at him, suspicious. But since he obviously wasn't going to tell me more, I stalked away.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
As usual, I was fussed over by all my maids, trying to get me ready for the ball. They flitted around, trying on this and that, getting gowns, slippers, jewelry, hair ornaments, etc, until my nerves were really strained.
Finally I was fitted in a light, floaty, midnight blue gown with pale pink rosebuds embroidered on the hem and sleeves. The sleeves were long and almost touched the ground, but I had to admit, the gown was gorgeous. Then, my hair was curled and primped and whatever they did to it, until I was sick and tired of balls in general. Matching slippers and hair ornaments followed, then finally, a tiara and an oval sapphire pendant, and then I was ready to go.
I managed not to trip on my way to the ballroom (and my tiny feet don't help much) and made rather a grand entrance. Half of the people there turned to look at me and I wished I could sink through the floor. They whispered to each other, and I assumed it had to do with me and Darren.
Immediately, Father grabbed me and made some formal introductions with some important people from some small country that I had never heard about. I smiled charmingly, didn't speak at all (unless I REALLY had to), and just basically stood there, feeling like a complete fool.
When I was through with the introductions, I made up some lame excuse and slipped off into the gardens. The roses and orchids and other flowers made me feel slightly calmer and less annoyed with my parents because of the never-ending balls and banquets.
I heard quiet voices ahead, so I halted abruptly and stepped through a secret opening in the lilac bush. If I kept walking straight, I would reach a little clearing where there grew a weeping willow and some candle trees. I thought that if I kept this way, I would go unnoticed by everyone.
I was wrong.
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I didn't hear the footsteps behind me at all. I was way too absorbed in my angry thoughts about James' secrecy and startling confession. Then, I heard it. Soft footsteps behind me.
Before I could whirl around, a hand gripped my wrist. A gloved hand that smelled like leather went over my mouth before I could scream out for help.
I remembered suddenly my brother teaching me to defend myself. I jabbed my elbow into my attacker's stomach, and he grunted. But he held on firmly and his grip only tightened.
I struggled and kicked but this attacker was strong. Just as he was probably about to drag me off to someplace, a voice I didn't recognize spoke up. "Let her go."
My attacker whirled around. A boy around my age, maybe older, was standing there. When my kidnapper didn't let go, the boy pulled out a bow and strung an arrow to it.
"I can shoot this thing pretty well. I've never missed a shot. So, unless you want an arrow in your eye, you can release her." He said calmly.
My kidnapper hesitated. Then, he stepped away from me. It was obvious he hadn't expected to meet anyone else but myself this night.
"Good. Now -" the boy was cut off as the man bolted into the woods.
For the first time, I spoke up. "What if he has a weapon with him and he's waiting in the woods?"
My rescuer didn't even glance at me. Then, he said, rather coldly, "He had no weapons on him. I would I seen, even if it was hidden."
I stared at him. Why was he so rude? "Uh . . . t-thank you. You probably just saved my life."
"Your welcome," was the reply.
"Um - I'm Lela." I offered. I didn't want anyone to know that I was Princess if I could help it.
"Ted."
"Pleased to - oh, why in the world do we always have to say stupid things? Hey, um, Ted, do you think you could teach me some archery?" I said.
Ted stared at me. "You want to learn archery." He said flatly, as if it was scandalous.
I glared at him, my hands on my hips. "I believe that's what I said, and I think that I spoke in Kyrrian all too clearly."
He looked startled, and then laughed. I liked his laugh; it was light, rich, and full of warmth. I took a moment to study him. He had blond hair, which was really blond, almost golden. Brown eyes, framed by dark lashes, chiseled features - he was probably a noble of some sort. Not all that bad looking, either.
"Are you a noble?" I blurted. I knew I shouldn't have asked, since I didn't even tell him if I was or not, but it was really all too obvious with my elegant ball gown.
Ted instantly stiffened. "No."
"Oh. Sorry. Are you here for the ball?" Why was I asking these stupid questions?
"No. I came here to see the candle tree grove."
"At night?"
"That's the only time I can get away."
"Oh. Sorry." Was that all I could say? What had happened to the sarcastic and witty remarks I usually made? "That person - his grip is tight. Any tips on how I'm supposed to get away from him?"
Ted looked thoughtful. "Yes, actually. You might want to . . ." he explained to me all kinds of useful tips and things that I would never have otherwise learned. I could only nod and try to absorb all of the information. The ball was completely forgotten as we tried out the moves.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
Ted, in front of me, grabbed my arm. I lashed out with my foot, and Ted let go, hopping on one foot. "Ow, you kick hard." He said, while grinning.
"Sorry!" I said, horrified that I'd hurt him.
Instead, he darted behind me and grabbed my shoulders. I put my hands on top of his, grabbing his wrists, and threw him over. He flew and landed hard. "Okay, you got the hang of everything." He said, wincing. "You're good to go."
I beamed. I was probably glowing at that very minute. I'd always wanted to learn how to defend myself, but no one would teach me. That is - until Ted came along.
"Lela." A sharp voice said. I whirled. James was standing by the edge of the woods. "What are you doing?!" he burst out. "You just left the ball and everyone was worried! I came to find you . . ." his eyes traveled from my now filthy gown to Ted.
"Who are you?" he asked coldly.
"I could ask you the same thing." Ted replied equally coolly.
The two boys glared at each other. "You're no noble." James said. "You may look like one, but I highly doubt you are. And yet, you're in the presence of -"
"James." I said warningly, shooting him a vicious glare.
"Lela, I don't think you should get in any more trouble tonight." James said. "And I have no idea what you were doing, but it doesn't seem all that fitting to me. Pr -"
"James!" I practically yelled. "If you say that word, I swear I will murder you myself!"
James shut up, but he was still eyeing Ted coldly.
"Lela, I have to go. See you - I don't know. Whenever we happen to meet." Ted flashed me a smile, and I smiled back. He disappeared into the forest, taking a path which, I knew, went directly to the town. Why was he going to the town?
"Lela, I think you have some explaining to do." James said, crossing his arms.
"So do you." I replied. Furious, I whirled on him. "You just HAD to interrupt! Why should I explain anything? What about you? You obviously haven't been telling me anything!"
James looked aghast. I had never been so furious with him before. It was very satisfying to be yelling at someone.
"Lela, please. I'm only trying to help." He said finally.
"Oh, really? Why couldn't you just see it my way?" I shrilled. "We were having fun, and you interrupt! And you want me to tell you things! Lately, you haven't been telling me anything, even your plans for leaving! AND, you almost revealed my identity - twice! Can't you just see that I want to be normal?"
He sighed, brushing back his light brown locks. "So? I'm only a servant. You're one of the most important people in Kyrria. It matters what you do - the whole country could suffer. It doesn't matter what I do. And, as for seeing it your way, how about mine? I walk in, see him grab you, you tackle him - doesn't exactly look like best friends."
"And keeping secrets, ignoring me, and yelling at someone who's trying to teach me how to defend myself is." I responded sarcastically.
"He was teaching you to defend yourself?" the surprise was evident in his voice.
"Not only that - before you came, some guy tried to kidnap me, and he saved my life." I added, feeling a flush of victory as I felt James' stunned silence.
"Tell me everything."
I did, telling him all about the events of that night. He was horrified that someone might actually have succeeded in kidnapping me, (even if the person was to dumb to remember to bring weapons), and was embarrassed of his immediate (and incorrect) assessment of Ted.
"I really have to apologize for that, don't I?" James sighed when I was done.
"Yes! See, you should have maybe listened to me before jumping in, being all protective." I said caustically.
"And you have to tell your parents what happened." James told me.
"What? NO! They'll make me go everywhere with an armed guard! I can't! I won't be allowed to do anything I want to!" I said, sounding shrill and whiny to my own ears.
"If you don't, I will." James threatened. "I AM loyal to Kyrria's king and queen, you know."
"No, you are not telling them." I said, shaking my head. "I - I order you not to. If you're loyal to the king and queen, then you're loyal to me. And that means you don't tell them anything, because I said so."
"Lela, I have to. YOU have to. The whole royal family may be in danger!"
"I said, NO." I stood up straight and walked away, leaving James standing there, confused, behind me.
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James told, anyway. I seethed with rage, and ignored him for the rest of the week. I was surprised that James hadn't left yet, since he was planning to run away, but even if he had, I wouldn't have cared.
Father and mother had called me downstairs the next morning, to chide me about leaving the ball. Everyone had been looking for me, as James had said.
I had apologized meekly (so not me) and hoped that they knew nothing of last night's events. Dead wrong.
"James told us about what happened last night. We've discussed it, and assembled a guard for you. Five men armed and trained well in all weaponry." Father said. Seeing my look, he grinned. "I know it's annoying, but they'll do whatever you tell them to do - except leave, of course. It's for your own safety."
How would I ever get anything done with FIVE men following me around? "Can't I just have ONE bodyguard? Instead of five?"
Mother sighed. "Sorry dear, it's not safe. I know what you're feeling, but it's not the end of the world."
Yes it is! I wanted to shout. But on closer inspection, her face was pale and tired, and she didn't look so well. "Fine." I grumbled. "But don't expect me to like it. I think I shall loathe it."
Mother and Father exchanged amused grins at that. "It doesn't matter if you shall loathe, as long as you do." Father said, winking at mother. I had no idea what was so funny, and I didn't care. I stomped up to my royal bedchamber.
Mother came in a little later, with a package under her arm. "Oh, honey, it's not that bad."
"Yes it is." I muttered.
"Here. I brought something for you." Mother handed me the package. I eagerly opened it, despite my anger, and gasped as a worn but still elegant book fell out. It was brown and had gold embroidery on it, and when I opened it, I saw stories in it.
"Thanks." I said. A book?
"Not just any book." Mother said, as if reading my mind. "It's a fairy book. It grows with you. Don't be surprised to find pictures, letters, diary entries, or other things in it."
I was amazed. "Wow! Thanks!"
"Three more things." Mother said, pulling out a second, smaller package.
"What, is it my birthday and I don't know?" I asked, grinning, as I tore off the wrapping. I gasped as Mother's highly prized necklace fell out. It had a woven silver chain, with small, perfectly round pearls. I knew that mother treasured it. I gave her a big hug.
"Another one." Mother said, pulling yet another tiny package from a pocket in her simple gown.
I opened it and saw a small box, the size of my palm. I looked up at mother to see what this was. Her eyes twinkled. She took it from my hand and opened the lid, and pulled out a jeweled necklace. Then, she closed the box, and it grew bigger. She opened it again, and this time, pulled out an entire gown!
"A fairy trinket." My mother explained, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Just think of what you want, and the box can give it to you. Well, unless you ask for a human, or all the riches in the world, or - or something like that."
I took the box from her and studied it. "Wow. Oh, thanks so much!" I threw myself at her and gave her a big hug.
"Your welcome. Use it wisely. Take care of them all." She said, and left.
I looked at the gown and matching necklace. The gown was a light, turquoise blue, no frills, simple but elegant. Very pretty. The necklace was a clear cerulean blue, and matched my eyes exactly. Of course mother would know what looked best on me. She had a better sense of taste than I did.
Why had she given them to me? Had she known . . . I shook my head. I wouldn't run away just yet. But when the right time came, I would leave the palace forever.
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A/n: Done with my 4th chapter! I hope you liked it! I can't know unless you review . . . I'll update soon, I just want some reviews first!! So please R&R and I'll post the next chapter!
Aviastar: Writing . . . hey looks like I AM writing more, aren't I?
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"R-run away?" I repeated, sure that I hadn't heard right.
"Yes." James picked up his bow and arrows and resumed shooting at the target.
"B-but why? Why would you need to run away?"
"I want to." James said simply.
I stared. Of all the answers I could have received, this one startled me the most. "You want to leave?" I said incredulously.
"Yep. This life is getting too boring. No offense Lela, you're a great friend, but honestly, I want more out of life." He said, avoiding meeting my eye.
I shook my head. "So you're telling me that all these years, you've been my best friend, and now you just decide to leave - without even telling me?!" I heard a high, strained note in my voice, and I hated it.
James sighed. "Lela, I've given this a lot of thought. And I've decided it's for the best."
I was about to argue when suddenly, a thought struck me. "Take me with you." I said my voice hard and commanding.
"No." James replied equally firmly. "I'm sorry Lela but I'm NOT taking you with me. You're the princess of Kyrria - you can't just leave like that. Besides, everyone will think of it as a kidnapping."
"I'll say it's a short trip. Mother would probably let me -" I started.
"It's not a short trip." James said softly. "I'm leaving for good."
I gaped. I had no idea what to say. "Does your mother know?" I asked finally.
"All I've told her is that I'm visiting cousins near Bast." James said with a wry smile. "I want to have FUN, Lela, not get cooped up in the palace. If I have to lie to get my way, then so be it."
"What exactly are you planning to do?" I asked with heavy sarcasm, "Just go and say, 'Oh, hi. I'm a palace servant who's run away for an adventure. Got any idea where the ogres are?' You'll be eaten by ogres before you get anywhere!"
He shrugged. "Nope. I'll just say, 'How do you do, I'm a friend of the princess', please don't eat me,' in Ogrese to them."
"James, please don't do this. Or at least take me with you." I begged. "I hate being princess at a palace who only cares about my looks. I hate it!"
James stood up abruptly. "I've got to go. I'll see you tonight." He told me curtly, walking away. I stared after him in frustration. I turned to go to the library - and walked right into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" I said. "I wasn't watching where I was -"
"That's quite all right." Said a familiar voice. I looked up at the smiling face of Prince Darren.
"How - How long have you been standing there?" I demanded.
"Just a little while." Darren said evasively.
I glared at him, suspicious. But since he obviously wasn't going to tell me more, I stalked away.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
As usual, I was fussed over by all my maids, trying to get me ready for the ball. They flitted around, trying on this and that, getting gowns, slippers, jewelry, hair ornaments, etc, until my nerves were really strained.
Finally I was fitted in a light, floaty, midnight blue gown with pale pink rosebuds embroidered on the hem and sleeves. The sleeves were long and almost touched the ground, but I had to admit, the gown was gorgeous. Then, my hair was curled and primped and whatever they did to it, until I was sick and tired of balls in general. Matching slippers and hair ornaments followed, then finally, a tiara and an oval sapphire pendant, and then I was ready to go.
I managed not to trip on my way to the ballroom (and my tiny feet don't help much) and made rather a grand entrance. Half of the people there turned to look at me and I wished I could sink through the floor. They whispered to each other, and I assumed it had to do with me and Darren.
Immediately, Father grabbed me and made some formal introductions with some important people from some small country that I had never heard about. I smiled charmingly, didn't speak at all (unless I REALLY had to), and just basically stood there, feeling like a complete fool.
When I was through with the introductions, I made up some lame excuse and slipped off into the gardens. The roses and orchids and other flowers made me feel slightly calmer and less annoyed with my parents because of the never-ending balls and banquets.
I heard quiet voices ahead, so I halted abruptly and stepped through a secret opening in the lilac bush. If I kept walking straight, I would reach a little clearing where there grew a weeping willow and some candle trees. I thought that if I kept this way, I would go unnoticed by everyone.
I was wrong.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
I didn't hear the footsteps behind me at all. I was way too absorbed in my angry thoughts about James' secrecy and startling confession. Then, I heard it. Soft footsteps behind me.
Before I could whirl around, a hand gripped my wrist. A gloved hand that smelled like leather went over my mouth before I could scream out for help.
I remembered suddenly my brother teaching me to defend myself. I jabbed my elbow into my attacker's stomach, and he grunted. But he held on firmly and his grip only tightened.
I struggled and kicked but this attacker was strong. Just as he was probably about to drag me off to someplace, a voice I didn't recognize spoke up. "Let her go."
My attacker whirled around. A boy around my age, maybe older, was standing there. When my kidnapper didn't let go, the boy pulled out a bow and strung an arrow to it.
"I can shoot this thing pretty well. I've never missed a shot. So, unless you want an arrow in your eye, you can release her." He said calmly.
My kidnapper hesitated. Then, he stepped away from me. It was obvious he hadn't expected to meet anyone else but myself this night.
"Good. Now -" the boy was cut off as the man bolted into the woods.
For the first time, I spoke up. "What if he has a weapon with him and he's waiting in the woods?"
My rescuer didn't even glance at me. Then, he said, rather coldly, "He had no weapons on him. I would I seen, even if it was hidden."
I stared at him. Why was he so rude? "Uh . . . t-thank you. You probably just saved my life."
"Your welcome," was the reply.
"Um - I'm Lela." I offered. I didn't want anyone to know that I was Princess if I could help it.
"Ted."
"Pleased to - oh, why in the world do we always have to say stupid things? Hey, um, Ted, do you think you could teach me some archery?" I said.
Ted stared at me. "You want to learn archery." He said flatly, as if it was scandalous.
I glared at him, my hands on my hips. "I believe that's what I said, and I think that I spoke in Kyrrian all too clearly."
He looked startled, and then laughed. I liked his laugh; it was light, rich, and full of warmth. I took a moment to study him. He had blond hair, which was really blond, almost golden. Brown eyes, framed by dark lashes, chiseled features - he was probably a noble of some sort. Not all that bad looking, either.
"Are you a noble?" I blurted. I knew I shouldn't have asked, since I didn't even tell him if I was or not, but it was really all too obvious with my elegant ball gown.
Ted instantly stiffened. "No."
"Oh. Sorry. Are you here for the ball?" Why was I asking these stupid questions?
"No. I came here to see the candle tree grove."
"At night?"
"That's the only time I can get away."
"Oh. Sorry." Was that all I could say? What had happened to the sarcastic and witty remarks I usually made? "That person - his grip is tight. Any tips on how I'm supposed to get away from him?"
Ted looked thoughtful. "Yes, actually. You might want to . . ." he explained to me all kinds of useful tips and things that I would never have otherwise learned. I could only nod and try to absorb all of the information. The ball was completely forgotten as we tried out the moves.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
Ted, in front of me, grabbed my arm. I lashed out with my foot, and Ted let go, hopping on one foot. "Ow, you kick hard." He said, while grinning.
"Sorry!" I said, horrified that I'd hurt him.
Instead, he darted behind me and grabbed my shoulders. I put my hands on top of his, grabbing his wrists, and threw him over. He flew and landed hard. "Okay, you got the hang of everything." He said, wincing. "You're good to go."
I beamed. I was probably glowing at that very minute. I'd always wanted to learn how to defend myself, but no one would teach me. That is - until Ted came along.
"Lela." A sharp voice said. I whirled. James was standing by the edge of the woods. "What are you doing?!" he burst out. "You just left the ball and everyone was worried! I came to find you . . ." his eyes traveled from my now filthy gown to Ted.
"Who are you?" he asked coldly.
"I could ask you the same thing." Ted replied equally coolly.
The two boys glared at each other. "You're no noble." James said. "You may look like one, but I highly doubt you are. And yet, you're in the presence of -"
"James." I said warningly, shooting him a vicious glare.
"Lela, I don't think you should get in any more trouble tonight." James said. "And I have no idea what you were doing, but it doesn't seem all that fitting to me. Pr -"
"James!" I practically yelled. "If you say that word, I swear I will murder you myself!"
James shut up, but he was still eyeing Ted coldly.
"Lela, I have to go. See you - I don't know. Whenever we happen to meet." Ted flashed me a smile, and I smiled back. He disappeared into the forest, taking a path which, I knew, went directly to the town. Why was he going to the town?
"Lela, I think you have some explaining to do." James said, crossing his arms.
"So do you." I replied. Furious, I whirled on him. "You just HAD to interrupt! Why should I explain anything? What about you? You obviously haven't been telling me anything!"
James looked aghast. I had never been so furious with him before. It was very satisfying to be yelling at someone.
"Lela, please. I'm only trying to help." He said finally.
"Oh, really? Why couldn't you just see it my way?" I shrilled. "We were having fun, and you interrupt! And you want me to tell you things! Lately, you haven't been telling me anything, even your plans for leaving! AND, you almost revealed my identity - twice! Can't you just see that I want to be normal?"
He sighed, brushing back his light brown locks. "So? I'm only a servant. You're one of the most important people in Kyrria. It matters what you do - the whole country could suffer. It doesn't matter what I do. And, as for seeing it your way, how about mine? I walk in, see him grab you, you tackle him - doesn't exactly look like best friends."
"And keeping secrets, ignoring me, and yelling at someone who's trying to teach me how to defend myself is." I responded sarcastically.
"He was teaching you to defend yourself?" the surprise was evident in his voice.
"Not only that - before you came, some guy tried to kidnap me, and he saved my life." I added, feeling a flush of victory as I felt James' stunned silence.
"Tell me everything."
I did, telling him all about the events of that night. He was horrified that someone might actually have succeeded in kidnapping me, (even if the person was to dumb to remember to bring weapons), and was embarrassed of his immediate (and incorrect) assessment of Ted.
"I really have to apologize for that, don't I?" James sighed when I was done.
"Yes! See, you should have maybe listened to me before jumping in, being all protective." I said caustically.
"And you have to tell your parents what happened." James told me.
"What? NO! They'll make me go everywhere with an armed guard! I can't! I won't be allowed to do anything I want to!" I said, sounding shrill and whiny to my own ears.
"If you don't, I will." James threatened. "I AM loyal to Kyrria's king and queen, you know."
"No, you are not telling them." I said, shaking my head. "I - I order you not to. If you're loyal to the king and queen, then you're loyal to me. And that means you don't tell them anything, because I said so."
"Lela, I have to. YOU have to. The whole royal family may be in danger!"
"I said, NO." I stood up straight and walked away, leaving James standing there, confused, behind me.
*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*
James told, anyway. I seethed with rage, and ignored him for the rest of the week. I was surprised that James hadn't left yet, since he was planning to run away, but even if he had, I wouldn't have cared.
Father and mother had called me downstairs the next morning, to chide me about leaving the ball. Everyone had been looking for me, as James had said.
I had apologized meekly (so not me) and hoped that they knew nothing of last night's events. Dead wrong.
"James told us about what happened last night. We've discussed it, and assembled a guard for you. Five men armed and trained well in all weaponry." Father said. Seeing my look, he grinned. "I know it's annoying, but they'll do whatever you tell them to do - except leave, of course. It's for your own safety."
How would I ever get anything done with FIVE men following me around? "Can't I just have ONE bodyguard? Instead of five?"
Mother sighed. "Sorry dear, it's not safe. I know what you're feeling, but it's not the end of the world."
Yes it is! I wanted to shout. But on closer inspection, her face was pale and tired, and she didn't look so well. "Fine." I grumbled. "But don't expect me to like it. I think I shall loathe it."
Mother and Father exchanged amused grins at that. "It doesn't matter if you shall loathe, as long as you do." Father said, winking at mother. I had no idea what was so funny, and I didn't care. I stomped up to my royal bedchamber.
Mother came in a little later, with a package under her arm. "Oh, honey, it's not that bad."
"Yes it is." I muttered.
"Here. I brought something for you." Mother handed me the package. I eagerly opened it, despite my anger, and gasped as a worn but still elegant book fell out. It was brown and had gold embroidery on it, and when I opened it, I saw stories in it.
"Thanks." I said. A book?
"Not just any book." Mother said, as if reading my mind. "It's a fairy book. It grows with you. Don't be surprised to find pictures, letters, diary entries, or other things in it."
I was amazed. "Wow! Thanks!"
"Three more things." Mother said, pulling out a second, smaller package.
"What, is it my birthday and I don't know?" I asked, grinning, as I tore off the wrapping. I gasped as Mother's highly prized necklace fell out. It had a woven silver chain, with small, perfectly round pearls. I knew that mother treasured it. I gave her a big hug.
"Another one." Mother said, pulling yet another tiny package from a pocket in her simple gown.
I opened it and saw a small box, the size of my palm. I looked up at mother to see what this was. Her eyes twinkled. She took it from my hand and opened the lid, and pulled out a jeweled necklace. Then, she closed the box, and it grew bigger. She opened it again, and this time, pulled out an entire gown!
"A fairy trinket." My mother explained, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Just think of what you want, and the box can give it to you. Well, unless you ask for a human, or all the riches in the world, or - or something like that."
I took the box from her and studied it. "Wow. Oh, thanks so much!" I threw myself at her and gave her a big hug.
"Your welcome. Use it wisely. Take care of them all." She said, and left.
I looked at the gown and matching necklace. The gown was a light, turquoise blue, no frills, simple but elegant. Very pretty. The necklace was a clear cerulean blue, and matched my eyes exactly. Of course mother would know what looked best on me. She had a better sense of taste than I did.
Why had she given them to me? Had she known . . . I shook my head. I wouldn't run away just yet. But when the right time came, I would leave the palace forever.
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A/n: Done with my 4th chapter! I hope you liked it! I can't know unless you review . . . I'll update soon, I just want some reviews first!! So please R&R and I'll post the next chapter!