Chapter 2

A Sunny Day

Light streamed onto the bed covers as Sunny Pearls opened her eyes. Her black hair bounced the light back, leaving a shine that would've stunned many men and women. She looked at her hands and found them delicate-looking. But Sunny wasn't delicate at all. Her petite figure hides the fact that she could defend herself and her strength beats any common man. She likes to go rough but her hands remain as smooth as ever. She had no idea how she kept that up but she liked it.

Staring in front of her, she saw her guard, sleeping on the floor. Sunny frowned; Cornelius shouldn't be sleeping on the cold, hard floor! She got up with a pillow and blankets in her hands, heading towards her friend. The fabric was made from the finest materials; pink with white flowers embroidered on it. It had such a luscious feel to it. On the way to her guard's aid, she held the fabric to her face.

Mmmm… Roses… She thought. The sweet smell wandered off into her and entrapped her in her world. She felt like everything had disappeared except for her and the gentle fabric. It was wonderful. This was why she told her father to buy it. At first sight and smell, she fell in love with it and it was her favorite blanket ever since. She almost lost herself in the scent. But as quick as she was hypnotized by the smell, she reverted back to her main goal: to comfort her guard.

She peered in his face and giggled, he looked so peaceful! Unwilling to awake him, she gently lifted his head and replaced the floor with a soft pillow from her bed. He grunted and rolled to one side. Lifting her blankets, she placed them on him. There, he's sure to have a better sleep now! She thought to herself. Sunny smiled. She was always glad to help her friend and protector when he was in need.

Sunny stroked his light brown hair and saw the angelic look upon his face. She gently kissed him on the cheek and opened her chamber's door. The stone was cold against her feet as she slipped out. It made her body shiver as she met with the cool wind of outdoors. The scent of flowers bloomed inside her nose. It was intoxicating. Eyes looking back at her sleeping guard, she stepped out fully with her clothes. As quietly as she could, she closed the door behind her and left Cornelius sleeping.

The clouds raced through the skies while the trees glistened of last night's downpour. The birds sang a beautiful melody and they chirped happily. Flowers started to bloom slowly and they let out a pleasant fragrance in their wake. Sunny smiled and laughed softly to herself. A song grew in her throat as she hummed a lullaby that her mother used to sing to her when she was just a little girl.

"Boy is this view wonderful!" She'd exclaim and point everywhere, admiring the best works from Mother Nature to her palace gardens. The roses, lilies and buttercups lay everywhere, spreading their brightness to the day's sun rays. The sky made it look like even the slightest drop of water was magic and alive; full of life and enthusiasm. Everything looked like it was out of a story, a tale; not believing it existed at first sight.

King Richard looked at his daughter and his gaunt face brightened up. His large figure brought a commanding influence to his guards. Although is kind, he can also be very cruel. Just a few sunsets ago, he had executed a man for seemingly trying to hurt his precious daughters. At the execution, he gave no mercy. His eyes were stone cold. No one harms his precious treasures and think they can get away with it! If you had looked right into his eyes right then, you would've thought they were on fire. He looked like a madman, going to his death. It was terrifying. And it was hard to believe this same gentle man was that cruel and heartless before.

Richard took a few short strides and grasps his youngest daughter cautiously, embraced her, tickling her with his brown mustache.

Sunny giggled slightly and tried to free herself but it was no use. Her father's strong arms held firm and they both laughed together.

He liked to hear his daughter's sweet laugh. It was just magical how her laughs can brighten the darkest of days. He would be so sad if his daughter didn't laugh because she was depressed over something. At the times when she was mad at him for not letting her into the outside world, it hurt him to forbid her. Sometimes, he cried when he found her missing because of her restriction being held so hard on her. He did want to let her out and choose whatever she desires but as her father and King, he must make her obey him.

"Father, stop it!" She'd laugh. Sunny loved her father. Kind and a great ruler, he was the greatest father she ever had. Even though he restricted her from the outside world, she knows he cares about her.

Richard let go of his precious treasure and wondered if her mother would be proud of her right now.

Her mother...

It seemed so distant, so far away. So long have they all shared a memory together. King Richard remembered the last time she uttered a word. She meant to say to him that she loved him but all that came out was to take care of Sunny for her. Tears ran the most that day when she died. Queen Linda died of an unknown disease. The terrible disease made her voice go away and she closed her mind against everything else. It was almost impossible to get through to her. But Sunny had found a way and she tended to her mother's needs.

"Father... Are you thinking of Mother?" Sunny said quietly. She realized then that her father was crying. A drop fell down his cheek and she wiped it away and soothed him by whispering comforting words to him.

"Father, its ok... It wasn't your fault; she knew we both loved her..."

"I never had the chance to say goodbye..." He sobbed. His hands were stroked by his daughter in empathy. She, herself, was crying too.

"It's alright, she knows..."