The streetlights illuminate the town as the carriage drives through. Women dressed in colorful kimono's dance around the town and I watch in enthusiastic awe. It all looks so magical and I'm grateful that I'm able to experience it for the first time in my life.

"Father, can I join the festivities?" I ask him once I'm introduced.

"Yes, but have a guard escort you around." He immediately replies. "Natsu, will you walk around with her?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." He replies.

"Can Lord Stin-." I start to ask, but then notice he's out of sight. Looking around, I don't see him anywhere in the crowd. Last I saw him was when I was escorted out of the carriage. My father waits for what I'm about to say, so I look up. "Never mind." I finish.

I guess Natsu will have to do. I think sadly to myself.

Father smiles. "Well off you go then." He waves us off. "Don't stray off too far and make sure to keep full eyes on her." He commands. Natsu nods and grabs my arm, pulling me to the center of the square.

"Look, so many flowers!" I gasp in delight pointing. Releasing my arm from his grasp, I run to the flower crown stand. Amazed at the sight, I pick up a flower. "Oh, I must make a flower crown!"

The woman at the stand bows. "Your Highness, what a surprise. Would you like me to make you a crown?" She smiles and picks up some willow branches. Motioning to the assortment of flowers, she gives me an enthusiastic smile.

"May...may I make one, myself?" I ask, staring at the flowers. The woman looks surprised, but then smiles warmly at me and nods in response. "Of course, Princess, whatever you would like."

I feel a crowd of eyes watching me and see the villagers glancing my way. A crowd of children watch me too, looking at me with wide eyes.  A little uneasy but curious, I smile at them. For all my life, I was sheltered in the castle, but for the first time in almost eighteen years, I'm finally able to see what my kingdom is really like.

The children in return, giggle.

"Thank you." I grin, turning to the woman and begin picking out flowers. Natsu chuckles from behind me. "What?" I glare at him.

He shrugs. "Nothing."

"So, this is how you make it." Matilda the woman, who later introduced herself explains to me. She goes through the process and I have a lot of joy in making the crown. The crowd of children gather around us and awe in delight at the finished crown. "Princess, you did very well indeed." She praises and raises the crown, putting it on my head. "You look so much like your mother." She says with warmth.

I look up, almost making my crown fall. "You knew my mother?" I gasp, whispering quietly. The thought about the festival out of my mind instantly.

"Yes, she was a great friend of mine." Matilda pats my head affectionally. "She was always so kind to her people. I can tell you're very much like her." She looks up smiling as if remembering something. "We used to sing this song together. A special lullaby, you might know perhaps?"

Matilda hums a tune of a song and my eyes widen, instantly recognizing it. It's the song Virgo used to sing to me when I went to sleep. It was my mother's favorite lullaby and now it's mine.

Smiling, I join her in singing.

-Play Song-

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Where the north wind meets the sea
There's a river full of memory
Sleep, my darling, safe and sound
For in this river all is found

In her waters, deep and true
Lay the answers and a path for you
Dive down deep into her sound
But not too far or you'll be drowned

Yes, she will sing to those who'll hear
And in her song, all magic flows
But can you brave what you most fear?
Can you face what the river knows?

Where the north wind meets the sea
There's a mother full of memory
Come, my darling, homeward bound
When all is lost, then all is found

We both smile after we finish. "You have her voice too." Matilda whispers. "Beautiful and angelic."

"Can you tell me more about her?"

"I wish I could, Princess, but not today." She whispers, grabbing my hands in hers. "Maybe some other day. Come and visit whenever you like, I'm just down the street." She points to the clump of huts down the right of the square.

"I would be happy too." I grin.

Just then, a hand touches my shoulder. "Princess, we should head back to your father." I look up to see Natsu, a blank and bored expression on his face.

"Go on." Matilda waves. "We'll speak later, Princess." She gives a bow. "I'm so pleased we were able to speak. It's wonderful to see the kind and beautiful face of our princess."

Hugging her, I whisper. "I'm happy to meet you too."

After waving, I follow Natsu through the crowd, while people make way for us. I wish Sting was here, but as before, he's no where to be seen. Natsu walks beside me, hand on his sword. I roll my eyes at his presence, wishing father would let me have more freedom.

I wonder where Sting went off to. I think sadly to myself.

-•-•-•-

Hey guys! I hoped you enjoyed the chapter!

Sorry, it's a little short but don't worry, next chapter will probably be up soon.

Anyway, remember to comment and vote!

Thanks for reading!

By my Angels!

❤️❤️❤️

Date Published: January 9th, 2020
Word count: 913