The king was out in the castle's gardens, pondering what he could do. Then across the way, he saw a maiden, the fairest of them all.

"You there, who are you?"

"M-me?"

"Yes."

"I am of one of your gardeners, Ellie, my lord," She stumbled as she attempted to curtsy, and the king bit his tongue so he would not laugh. It'd be rude to laugh at someone, especially at a woman of such beauty.

"You, a gardener? How? A woman with such beauty as you deserves to be a queen." He said with such shock

"I have had offers but never have I accepted, for it is not a life I seek."

"But why?"

"I prefer to earn it, it makes me appreciate it more, even something as simple as picking an apple."

"What wisdom you hold."

"My lord, before you began to speak with me you looked troubled about something, may I ask what it was?"

"A small issue with my daughter that is all," He said shrugging it off as if it weren't important, as he didn't wish to bother Ellie.

"Is there any way I could help you?"

"She does enjoy meeting new people."

So the king hurried up the stairs with the beautiful woman, Ellie. He could only imagine how Avery would react when she found out she had a new person to play with. But what truly happened was far from what he expected.

When he entered she immediately smiled... until she saw the king with a strange woman. She began to morph her features into the demonic creature that she became when she was angry.

"Shhh honey it's okay, she's just here to play games with you," he said quickly, trying to calm Avery so he did not scare off Ellie.

"I, it's okay, I can leave if she would want that," she said shyly, sounding sweet and honest.

"No, it's okay. Avery, she likes plants too, she works in the garden."

"Really?"

"Yes honey, do you want to play with her?"

"Okay..."

So the king left the room and left the two to play.

"So, what's the deal?" the five-year-old asked, with a glare that could rival that of a wolf.

"Wha-what?"

"What do you want with my daddy? Do you want power or money?"

"No no, he just saw me and thought you might like me."

"I don't believe you," she almost snarled.

"Could I give you a gift to prove it?"

"I like gifts..."

"Here - a white rose."

The rose was white as a pearl and equally magnificent. The petals were softer than silk, and the stem was vibrant and thornless.

"It's very pretty."

"Yes, it is."

"I like you."

"I like you too, Avery."

"What is your name?"

"My name is Ellie."

"That's a very pretty name."

"Thank you."

The king returned to see the two conversing and laughing. Smiling, he made sure his plan was perfect.

His plan was to marry Ellie. He would have to wait, however, so she could get to know him. Or else she would reject him, and he could not take no for an answer.