14 short years later Maxima turned from a small, chubby baby into a strong-willed, independant, princess of Maltare. Laid out on her bed was a pink silk dress. Elegant and intricately designed. Usually Maxima would scowl at such a vulnerable dress. But underneathe was sturdy riding pants. She asked her stylist,Rosa, for something sturdier than a dress but Rosa had to follow orders from the king and queen so they settled on a compromise. People often speculated Maxima. Why would she need to learn how to fence? She has a thousand guards willing to die for her. The reason is a thousand guards may not be enough some day.

Maxima had wings. Other kingdoms would do everything in their power to kidnap Maxima. She would be an amazing weapon. Not only did she have wings, but she was stronger than most men, and amazingly clever. This is why Maxima did everything in her power to keep her secret. Her mother was the only other one who knew. Even her father didn't know. It was better for him. For one thing Maxima always wore a very tight corset to hide her wings. They had to hire Rosa, the best tailor in the kingdom, who didn't need to measure Maxima to make her clothes.

But she wasn't perfect. She sometimes took off her corset and cut slits in some of her outfits and took midnight flights. This, in itself was extraordinarily dangerous, should someone see her. One time she was mad at a cocky "suitor". He was saying how Maxima could never be queen by herself (which is what Maxima intended to do someday). That she needed a king because girls weren't smart enough and that she should stick to her etiquette lessons. Maxima accidently broke ever bone in his jaw. She meant to just slap him in the face, but she didn't know her own strength. She forced her cousin to claim that he fell down the stairs, rather than to reveal her.

She hated that cocky suitor and barely regretted breaking his jaw. Her father even suggested sending him a card. Would she marry someday? Maybe, she thought. But if she were to marry, it would be out of love. Most princesses married out of benefit. Is he a prince? Is he rich? Has he bought you lots of jewelry yet? Maxima swore to herself she would never be so blind. The only males she were fond of were her dad, Gazzieur, and Fang. Gazzieur was only 7 years old but very creative and intuitive. He was the prince of Deralia and Maxima enjoyed his frequent visits with his talkative, but very sweet elder sister Nudgelie. Fang was a servant in the castle. Maxima has learned it would be wise and kind to learn the names of every servant in the castle. But she liked Fang especially. He's a great friend, listener and he shared the same views as her. And if she did marry, she would have equal power. Unlike lots of kingdoms where the kings have the majority of the power.

Maxima pulled on her dress and hid the pants underneathe. Then she braided her hair down her back and hurried down to the first floor to get some breakfast. On her way, she bumped into Fang.

"Good morning, Fang," She said cheerfully.

"Max," She smiled at the fact that he stopped calling her Princess. That title annoyed her so, and Fang knew her preference of the nickname. She continued to descend down the stairs and Fang followed her.

"In a hurry?"He asked, as the princess scarfed down her breakfast.

"A new family has moved into the kingdom and I wish to greet them," said the princess.

"May I come with you? I don't work today and I don't have anything to do,"

"Of course,"

"Have you learned their names?"

"I've heard they've got a son named Iglande, but those are just the rumors going around,"