Dawn's heart raced as a black-headed knight was leading her to the throne room. She couldn't help but notice how clumsy-like the knight was.
"Is this the type of knight this prince has?" Dawn mused in disdain as she watched the black-headed knight almost trip for the hundredth time," So does your prince treat you well?"
"Uhh yea!" the knight replied smiling," He is a good ruler! Though many people think otherwise."
Dawn couldn't help but wonder if the knight was being truthful or just trying to please his prince. She asked, "Have you ever thought of leaving him?"
"What! No way! The prince and I have been friends for the longest of time!" the knight replied with a frown.
"I'm sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean to imply anything," Dawn stated, feigning a guilty look.
"It's okay. You seem too nice to be trying to bribe me to join your kingdom," he replied with his infectious grin
"Boy, this knight is dense…" Dawn pondered though she couldn't help but smile along with him.
They continued walking in silence until they made it to the door that must've led to the throne room.
"Don't worry! You will do great! The prince will treat you fairly," the knight assured as if he knew how nervous she was.
"Thank you, sir?" Dawn replied, just realizing she never knew his name.
"Asher but I rather go by Ash!" he replied with another one of his grins before he opened the door to announce her presence.
"Come in," a chilling voice rang.
Ash led her in and there she saw the same purple-haired boy except now he looked older.
He was on his throne and even though Dawn knew he was blind. His dark eyes seemed to go straight into her.
"Welcome! Princess Dawn," he stated as if he seemed bored.
"Where is my mother!" Dawn exclaimed in an un-princessly way.
Dawn expected him to get angry at her for her outburst but his face kept his calm and almost bored look.
"Ah yes. Sir Ash! Please help Sir Drew escort Queen Johanna back," he stated.
"Yes, your majesty!" Ash exclaimed as he gave Dawn a nod and then left.
"Did you bring your mother's greatest treasure?" Prince Paul questioned after a moment of silence startling Dawn.
"Yes, your highness! I have it right here in my hands," Dawn replied, as she held the ornated box.
"So you did," Prince Paul frowned, as if disappointed.
"Yes. Do you want it?" Dawn asked hoping he wasn't sensing her nervousness.
She was startled by the sudden laugh he gave out. It was the type of laugh that seemed like it held no happiness in it seeming as if almost forced.
"You take me as a fool?"? He asked as he stood up.
"Whatever do you mean?" Dawn replied, getting worried.
"Your mother is the type of lady who has no physical treasure but instead I have heard of her vanity far and wide," Prince Paul explained as he made his way towards her, "besides! I know that people care for beauty more than treasure! At least every human I have met does and after talking to your mother. I can tell what her treasure is.
Dawn couldn't help but notice how he looked up close. Now that he was only mere inches away.
"So am I right?" he asked.
"How'd you know I was right here?" Dawn asked, trying to change to subject.
"I can hear you. Every movement you make. I can hear," he replied as he did the familiar scowl," Now back to the subject. Am I right?"
"This prince is no fool," Dawn gulped to herself," I have to tell him."
"Well?" Prince Paul asked impatiently.
"You are right! My mother's greatest treasure is her beauty!" Dawn admitted clenching her fists.
Dawn sighed as she stared at the one person that now held her and her mother's future based on one-life changing decision.

Notes:

Sorry...sort of a cliffhanger lol
Also I hope Ash's introduction was good lol (Also his full name isn't Asher...I just needed to make it seem more sophisticated sounding lol)
-RG