Annika's Departure

As Florian and his family left the Terich estate, he glanced behind him and saw Annika's shape at the window of what he supposed was her room. He leaned his head outside the carriage window and softly smiled before he waved. He settled back against the soft red velvet seat cushions and closed his eyes. As he was drifting to sleep, his father began talking.

"Florian." Florian opened his eyes and turned his attention to his father.

"Yes Vater?"

"What do you think of Brigitte?"

"She is...lovely." Florian stumbled, grasping for adjectives to describe the young woman.

"Yes, I thought so as well, she seems to be a fine candidate for your new bride. Of wealth and nobility, she seems bright, and she has the face of a queen."

"Yes." Florian stated, not really caring as to what his father was saying. Brigitte was pretty enough, and honestly he had not really engaged himself in conversation to Brigitte long enough to pass a harsh or kind judgment. His duty was to marry well and to become king, his queen's duty was to produce an heir, love or even fondness was not a guarantee in a royal marriage.

"I am glad you are being so complacent, do remember you are to choose a bride by the stroke of the hand at midnight at the ball."

"I do remember Vater."

"Good." And Sebastian settled down to sleep. Soon after Florian noticed his mother and father's sleeping snores, Florian found his own eyes growing heavy. As he dreamt, he dreamt of the beautiful sun-kissed blonde, Annika.

Annika sat by the old vanity that had once been Miriam's and brushed her long silken hair. She sighed and leaned into look in the mirror. True, she had often been complemented on her beauty, but Annika felt she just looked plain. Not even her dimples could make Florian see Annika more than just a servant-maid. She began to braid her hair when Miriam walked in.

"Hallo my child. Today was a long day, ja?"

"Ja." Annika stated solemnly.

"What is wrong child?"

"Nothing of consequence."

"When you find a way to smile with every insult Lady Gisela, Brigitte, and Hedwig throw at you, yet you cannot hold a smile looking at me now, it is a matter of consequence. Tell me, what troubles your heart?"

"Why did Papa have to die? Why did Mutti have to die? Why am I to be a damned servant to those women who will never be my family!"

Miriam sighed, "I do not have the answers you seek."

"Why can't for once my heart's greatest wish come true?"

"What is that wish Annika?" Annika turned to Miriam and her lip trembled as her eyes searched Miriam. Inwardly, Miriam rejoiced, it seemed that Annika would finally open up, but to her dismay, Annika turned her head.

"Nothing, nothing. I have no reason for tears." Annika said as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

"You act with so much strength Annika, I only hope that strength is not false."

Annika feigned a smile at Miriam, "I have never let my servitude bring my heart to a melancholy tune, so I shall not do that now." Annika stood up and hugged Miriam. "I truly count my stars that you were sent to me Miriam, without you, I would be lost."

"Think nothing of it child. It is late, and I have a feeling we will have much preparations for the upcoming balls, time for your rest." Annika nodded and walked over to her bed.

"Gute Nacht Annika."

"Gute Nacht Miriam." Miriam left the room silently and Annika blew out the candles. She closed her eyes, yearning for sweet sleep to take over her, it never did. After a while, she grew frustrated, placing her feet on the cold stone floor, she walked over to the window and stared out into the distance. Sighing, she placed her hand in her cheek and willed herself to see Florian's face. The dark curled hair that lay in a messy mop atop his head, the green eyes that matched the color clear jade, and the strong jaw. While walking with him, she found herself admiring his appearance. He was truly a handsome prince. Annika cursed herself. She was dreaming of something that could never be, not now, not when Lady Gisela refused to acknowledge Annika's own nobility. She needed to talk to someone, she needed to speak with Priden. Silently she left her room on the top of the South Tower and hurried to the gated gardens. She pushed the open the door. "Priden. Priden please come, I need to speak with you."

"Ah Annika, what troubles you enough to come here?"

"How did you know?"

"Annika, I have known you since you were a babe, and I know you treasure your sleep, what is the matter."

"I can't stop thinking of Florian."

"Have an eye for the Prince eh?"

"No, well yes, but that isn't the reason I am here."

"Come, have a seat."

"Danke."

"Lily ale?" Priden enquired, while holding up a shimmering pitcher.

"Nein, I am fine."

"Right, well what about Florian has you troubled."

"I cannot be a servant to Lady Gisela any longer. I cannot be a servant in my own home. Perhaps somewhere else, in another town, but not here."

"And Florian has brought this trouble upon your fair shoulders, why Annika?"

"I do not know." Annika said, her shoulders slumping.

"I do." Priden said evenly. "My Annika, he knows not of your nobility, he sees you only as a servant, ja?" Annika nodded. "For a few frozen moments in time, he was able to see past your forced servitude to that ungrateful wench, and he saw your heart. The part of your heart you have denied everyone since your father's death. My child, you know what you must do."

"I have never been on my own."

"You have your father's feet. He will guide you."

"Guide me where?"

"I cannot reveal that to you now."

"I hate your vague manner." Annika spoke, irritably.

Priden laughed, "I know. You will meet many people Annika, do not trust them all. You shall know what you are looking for when you find it."

"When will I see you next?"

"Soon Annika." Annika nodded and stood up to go. "Before you leave, here." Priden pulled a brown, worn, leather bound journal from a bag.

"What is this for?"

"When you need help. Place your hand on a page. It will only work in the most desperate of situations, but with this, you will be protected." Annika gently took the book from his hands, she stared at it for a few moments time, then leaned up to embrace Priden.

"Thank you. You have no idea how much you have helped."

"Lady Annika, it is time for you to find your place in life, if I am to help you find it, so be it."

"Good bye Priden."

"Good bye Annika, may the spirit of the elves protect you." Annika ran to her room and quickly changed into an emerald green gown. She pulled on her brown walking boots and tied her hair up. She packed a bag of a few loaves of Brika bread, and flask of water, the book, and a brown dress. She pulled on her black cloak and fastened the clasp around her neck before pulling on the hood. Taking one last glance into the mirror, Annika fled from the room into the night. She never noticed Miriam's tears or soft whispered words.

A/N: Okay so I'm planning on a little more than ten chapters, and I know this one was short, but it was short for a reason, this is the start of Annika's journey.

Brika bread- a bread that is very famous in Märchendorf. It is made of sweet milk, cinnamon, and wheat.

Okay to my reviewers:

Malista: I am glad that you like the German incorporation, I figured it fitting because of the Grimm brothers. As for the mother daughter name similarities, I never realized that. With the exception of Annika and Luise, I guess you are correct when it comes to my OC characters. Thank you for reviewing Andrea's Choice, just for you I shall update that one when I have a chance.

Anonymous: I am growing fond of Annika and Florian too, and I am glad that you like them. As for their relationship...do not worry, I have many plans for them.

Hdshdsfh: Thank you for the review, I love them.

Abbeygirl06: Thank you so much for your review! I apologize for the staleness of the first chance meeting between Florian and Annika, I guess I did not really re-read over it well enough. I will remember that when continuing the character's dialogue and interacment with others.

I love reviews so much, and please continue to do so. I get a nice feeling inside when I'm typing up AP notes and suddenly Frodo (my AOL e-mail bot thing) says "You've got mail" and it is a review! They truly make my day. Please review what you read, and tell me what you think and how things could be fixed. For now, this story is my outlet from school, and I will update my Harry, RENT, and POTC fanfics soon. I have so much going on.