This morning I woke for a trip to the village market with Renee. We walked through the village, my subjects bowing to me. "Thank you for joining." I nodded "Of course.. You are not only my house aid, Renee.. You're my childhood friend. I consider you my sister."

She smiled "You flatter me." "It's the truth.. Now, what is there to buy?" "Fruits and vegetables.. Also Prince Orton urges us to by a white chicken.. Brown chicken gets him sick." I rolled my eyes "It's chicken all the same." "So what of the ball last night?" I shrugged "Brianna returned.. Feels great to have her back after months without her.. I saw my mysterious charmer." I felt my cheeks warm up.

"You still fancy him?" "Certainly.. Something about him draws me in.. I just lose myself in him.. You can't understand unless you had feelings for someone." "I understand fully.. I have feelings for someone, Nicole.. I understand fully." I grabbed her arm "Feelings? For whom?" She shook her head "It's no one." I looked at her "Renee, I am your princess and I command you to say who." Her cheeks pinkened. "Do not get upset." "Why would I?" "It's Dean."

I looked at her shocked. "Dean? That wretched creature? Oh you poor girl." We laughed together. "He always visits me and says the nicest things.. Makes me feel a level higher than I actually am." "Talk to him." "Are you mad? I could never talk to-" "Morning ladies!" We both turned and saw Dean, raggy and smiling. He stepped close to Renee. "You're looking lovely this morning." She smiled "Thank you, but these are just rags." "Who knew rags could look this beautiful?" I cleared my throat "I'm heading to Mr. Harper's.. Dean, please tend to my dear aid."

He nodded and turned his attention back on Renee as I turned and approached Mr. Harper's book shop. "Morning Mr. Harper." "Young Majesty." He bowed.. I rolled my eyes "Never bow unless you see the queen or king around." "Ahh, I'm man old.. I forget." I laughed "Please, you grow wiser with age."

He chuckled "You flattering child.. Now what can I do for you?" "Mr. Harper, I've read all there is to read.. Surely you have something new?" He nodded "Lying somewhere around here. I'll check for you." "Much thanks." I walked around, my fingers grazing the books.. I heard the door open. "Old man Harper! I've made the dangerous trip for my father." My heart jumped at the familiar sound of his voice.

I heard him walk in my direction "Old Harper?!" I looked and our eyes met. "My maiden.. A thousand pardons." "Accepted.. Mr. Harper is locating a book for me." He nodded "It's been long hours since I seen your face." "Yes.. And it's been long hours since I seen my mysterious knight." "Mysterious knight, you say?" I nodded as he stepped closer to me. "Yes, I grow tired of all the waiting for our next encounter.. I wish he would send me a token or a letter of his true affections.. I long for him, if only he told me he felt the same."

He stood close, our lips almost touching "If I am to see him, I'll tell him to send you anything you desire." "My knight and I thank you kindly." We both leaned closer but Mr. Harper shuffled in, we jumped apart. "My dear majesty, a new book.. Book of forbidden love and sorrow." I grabbed the book and handed him a silver coin.. "My thanks, wise Harper." I walked out, my mind blurred.