Chapter 1
Getting Away
Bianca stared forlornly at her reflection. Golden curls, pretty green eyes, a good nose, and nice tall body. But Bianca hated it. Everything about her screamed "Princess" from her pretty hair to her silk slippers. But being a princess was exactly what Bianca didn't want to be. Instead of attending tea parties and balls she wanted to go out and explore the woods or go riding with her father.
"Why did I have to be born a princess?" Bianca asked herself, flopping onto her silk comforter. "Why couldn't I have been born into a peasant family were I could cook and go play with my brothers whenever I wanted?"
Just then a maid stuck her head in the door.
"Your Highness, the Queen wants to let you know it is time to get ready for tea with the Lord and Lady Lucas."
Bianca sighed. It was time to get ready. Ever since her mother had caught her sneaking down to the kitchens to help the cooks, she had insisted on turning Bianca into a lady. For the past few months, nothing but people had swarmed the castle, all of them trying to make Bianca into a lady. They made her new dresses, did her hair, and forced her wear jewelry and make up. Her new lessons were sewing, manners, and dancing instead of Latin, Writing, and History.
"This is the last straw!" Bianca cried suddenly, jumping up. "I've got to get out of here!"
Bianca quickly threw open her wardrobe and looked for the shortest, oldest dress she had. She found an old green frock that she used for painting out in the garden. It was slightly worn but still had the look of someone rich and noble. She took off her fancy pink silk dress and slipped into the green dress. Searching through the wardrobe one more time, Bianca found a pair of old boots that she had forgotten about. They were worn but they still fit so she put them on. Looking at herself in the mirror, Bianca realized that her hair was still done up. She began pulling out all the hairpins, causing her long, curly hair to tumble down her back.
"There!" Bianca said, pleased with her new appearance.
Suddenly, the door opened and a maid walked in. She looked startled at seeing the Princess dressed for painting.
"I'm sorry milady. Am I intruding?"
"No of course not. I'm leaving for a bit but you must promise me that you will tell no one."
The maid nodded and quickly left. Bianca followed soon after and slipped down the stairway to the courtyard. From there she wandered to the stables. She pushed open the stable door and crept all the way to the last stall. There her favorite horse, Honey, was eating her oats. She rubbed Honey's neck and gave her a carrot from the basket of food.
"Hullo! May I help you?" a voice said.
Bianca whirled around to the face of a kind looking boy. He had brown curly hair that fell into his face and the most beautiful grey eyes she had ever seen.
"No. I was just visiting the horses," replied Bianca, glad that he did not recognize her
"Do you wish to ride?"
Bianca shook her head.
"No… I'm not very good. I was instructed when I was younger but I sort of gave up when I got older," Bianca said, holding out her hand.
The boy shook it and smiled.
"My name is Daniel but you can just call me Dan," he said.
"I'm Bianca. Are you new here? I've never seen you around here before."
Dan nodded.
"I just started to work here. My father is ill so I must work now," he said looking down at his feet.
"Oh. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I offer my utmost condolences and I hope that he gets well soon," Bianca blurted out, quite ashamed at her forwardness.
Dan looked surprised at her fancy wording but just shrugged.
"Thank you for your kindness, Bianca," Dan said, smiling.
His smile made Bianca's heart melt but she just smiled back.
"I best be going now. My parents are probably wondering why I've been tarrying so long," Bianca said. "It was a pleasure to meet you.
