My Story Blog

Chapter V

“Good evening, Austin. I am sorry I was late. I found an injured hummingbird. It needed to be helped.” Dawn bowed.

  “I thought you said animals were a burden.” Austin narrowed his eyes.

  “They are not!” Dawn said.

  “It is what you had said.” Austin insisted.

  “If I did, I suppose I had a dose too much of champagne!” Dawn furrowed her eyebrows.

  “Perhaps…” Austin let it go. He looked up at the ceiling.

  Dawn did also, seeing such beauty, that she took a step back to the door.

  Angels were flying about with ribbons wrapped around their bodies. They were flying up in the clouds with each other. Music notes were flying in the air and the angels were riding Pegasus’ at times.

  Dawn fought the urge to make the horses come alive. The urge to really see the angels fly. The urge to see notes floating in the air. The urge—

  “Beautiful, is it not?” Austin’s voice broke through her thoughts.

  “Yes…it is.” Dawn said dazed.

  “There’s a bathroom through there, so you can change.” Austin explained. He sat down on his side of the bed and let Dawn change.

  “Thank you.” she said simply and left to go to the bathroom.

  Austin nodded after the door closed. He then threw a baklava biscuit at the trash can. He muttered curses under his breath about Dawn. “Dawn? Dawn are you done?”

  No answer.

  Austin sat up. “Dawn?”

  Still no answer.

  He got up and knocked on the bathroom door, accepting silence. He opened it.

  Austin gasped when he felt a breeze of cold air. The window was wide opened, with a strip of pale blue cloth on it.

  The cloth from Dawn’s nightgown. Austin glared at a picture in the bathroom. He glared at a specific person.

  He was glaring at Conner.

“Dawn! DAWN!” Austin yelled. He was dressed in his pajamas, but had his boots on.

  Austin first searched the forest, calling her name. He once even called Conner’s, though he was sure Dawn didn’t like the boy.

  Austin then searched the animal pens. Every single one. No one. Not even a foot print.

  The rose gardens were empty also. So was the bush garden. Only the willow garden was left.

While Austin was searching the willow garden, he ran into Conner.

  “What are you doing out so late, Brother?” Austin asked suspiciously.

  “I just heard you calling for Dawn. She’s not in your bedchamber?” Conner looked troubled.

  “No, she isn’t. I believe she crawled out the window.” Austin explained with his eyes narrow.

  “Out the window?” Conner croaked.

  “Yes.” Austin nodded. I can do it now, while he’s alone. While we’re alone. But why now? I’m looking for Dawn…it would be better if she were here.

  “Well, Brother, we might as well make some use of ourselves. And actually cooperate here. You go right, I’ll go left.” Conner said evenly.

  “All right.” and the brothers did so.

Austin found Dawn curled up by a fallen down tree. Her head was down in her arms, and she was shaking.

  “Dawn?” Austin’s voice quivered.

  Dawn sniffed and raised her head. She did not turn to face Austin.

  “Dawn?” he said again.

  The princess turned her head and hissed, baring her teeth. Her eyes were blood red and her canine teeth were sharp. The black hair fell over her eyes, and dark purple circles were under them.

  Austin screamed and ran away. “CONNER! CONNER!” he roared. “CONNER!”

  “What?! Did you find her?” Conner came running.

  “N-no! L-l-look!” Austin gasped.

  “Look? Look where?” Conner came closer.

  “Over…th-there!” Austin yelped.

  Conner was going to ask if he was in pain, but decided against it. He went to where Austin had come from. “Dawn?”

  Heavy breathing was his answer. Someone with dark hair and a pale blue dress drenched with black liquid was standing with their back to Conner.

  “Dawn is that you?” Conner asked gently.

  The girl did not turn.

  Conner moved forward. “Dawn, I am moving toward you. Give me a sign who you are.”

  The person turned around. Their eyes were bright orange, with a tinge of green. Her lips were blood-red. Purple circles were still under her eyes, and the black hair had no white in it while it hung over her face.

  “Oh, my goodness. Dawn?” Conner took a step toward her again.

  Dawn took one step back. She shook her head wildly. “Go!” she said hoarsely.

  Conner marveled at Dawn’s eyes.

  “So your not Dawn?”

  “I am. Please go.” she gasped. Dawn backed away more.

  “What is wrong with you, Dawn? Why are you like this?” Conner stepped forward again.

  “Please, C-Conner!” she stuttered on his name.

  “But why?”

  “I . . . . . . . I do not want to hurt you.” she looked up and her eyes bored into Conner’s.

  He stepped back, feeling the power from her gaze. “How could you hurt me?”

  She choked and shook her head. “You must go now. You have seen too much. Please!” she begged. Dawn stepped back.

  “Dawn—”

  “JUST GO!” she bellowed.

  Conner turned and ran, feeling a boom from the loud voice Dawn had used. It was so inhuman. Yet, he thought Dawn was just a beautiful as she was when she was normal looking, with the piercing blue eyes, the jet-black hair, white streaks, rosy lips, cold attitude. He loved it all.

  “D-did you s-see?” Austin whimpered.

  “Yes, I did. We should go.” Conner said coldly.

  “What am I going to do, Conner? I am going to marry a monster!” Austin whined.

  “If you will not take her who will?” Conner stared straight ahead.

  “You’re the one who loves her!” Austin pointed out.

  “That is not true! Austin, I would not love the one who is already to be married.” Conner said ferociously.

  “You do say that all the time.” Austin realized.

  “Well, Brother, I suggest we not tell anyone about this encounter. If Dawn escapes again, let her go. She seems to…need it.” Conner sighed. “Good night, Brother.”

  “Good night.” Austin nodded and they both turned their separate ways in the castle hall.

Chapter VI

Conner awoke the next morning with memories flooding back to him of the night before. A picture of the monster-Dawn flooded into his mind.

  “Dawn.” he whispered. He jumped out of bed, showered, and dressed himself. For breakfast, he went to the kitchen and found Cook Devon making eggs and bacon.

  “Conner! A pleasant surprise!” Cook Devon smiled.

  “As you are pleasant to me.” Conner smiled feebly. Devon slid some eggs and bacon on Conner’s plate.

  “What’s got you down this mornin’?” Devon frowned as he turned back to the stove.

  “Dreams. They scared me, but made sadness fall over my happiness.” Conner explained depressingly.

  “Dreams of…?” Devon asked as he flipped an egg.

  “Princess Dawn…my brother…” Conner muttered.

  “Ah.” Devon nodded. “You fancy her?”

  “No!” Conner frowned.

  “I saw you staring at her during dinner last night.” Devon chuckled.

  “Guilty.” Conner put his hands up playfully. He leaned his head on his fist and thought of the night before. Oh! I didn’t see Crimson with her! he thought wildly. His eyes got wide as he realized the raccoon that had always been by her side hadn’t there.

  Cook Devon laughed. “All right, well put your dish in the sink across the kitchen. I shall see you at lunch.”

  “Oh, I won’t be here for lunch. I am going to visit my uncle. I have not seen him yet. Do you know anything about him?” Conner asked.

  “Well, he is not doing the best I can say that. He’s got aches and pains, his head is always hot. Can barely get out of bed. Has to be fed by hand.” Cook Devon shook his head sadly.

  “Will he live?”

  “Will he live? Of course! Yes, yes! Do not worry about death, Prince Conner. Just a bad fever, that is all.” Cook Devon said quickly.

  “Oh, good. Well, I must visit Ruby.” Conner nodded quickly. “Thank you, Devon!” and the prince ran out of the castle.

Conner stopped at the rodent pen, picked up Ruby, then started for the forest.

  “Dawn!” he called. He just had to talk to her about the night before.

  “Y-yes? Who’s there?” answered a loud voice.

  “Dawn, it’s me Conner.” Conner called.

  “Doctor! Ray….Ray, well I don’t know what happened to Ray but he just…” Queen Mil’s voice drifted off. 

  “I understand.” Dr. Brian nodded. He ordered people to get a cot and carry King Ray up to his bedchamber. The servants did so.

After a while, Austin and Dawn went up to see the king.

  “Uncle? Uncle, are you all right?” Austin asked.

  “Come to me, boy.” King Ray said hoarsely.

  “Uncle?” Austin moved forward and took his Uncle’s hand.

  “Ah, there you are. I am fine, boy. Tired. Aching. But I am sure I will get better.” Ray said with his eyes half open.

  “I am happy to hear that, sir. This is my betrothed, Princess Dawn. She wished to come with me.” Austin stood and dropped Ray’s hand harshly on the bed. He also ignored the groan of pain.

  “Your Majesty.” Dawn bowed.

  “Dawn. What a beautiful name.” Ray smiled.

  “As to a beautiful girl?” Dawn asked.

  Ray chuckled. “Yes. Of course.”

  Dawn barely smiled. Her face was cold, as usual, but the tone of her voice was light.

  “All right off to you. I heard Conner was in the forest, so I guess you two are on your own.” Ray said huskily.

  “Yes, Uncle.” Austin bowed once again with Dawn.

  “Good day, sir.” Dawn left the room after Austin.

  Austin chewed at his lip while Dawn kept her head high and proud. “I am sorry about your uncle, Austin.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Dawn.” Austin said stiffly.

  Dawn was silent. Once again, the couple had their arms linked, but Dawn hadn’t pulled away yet, as Austin had hoped. He needed her to trust him.

  “Would you please let me go? I wish to take a tour of the animal pens on the castle property, if you do not mind.” Dawn stared straight ahead.

  “I suppose you can. Be back before it is time for bed. Do you need a candle light?” Austin asked.

  “In the forest? Near plants? Isn’t that dangerous?” Dawn asked, knowing the answer.

  “Well, yes. I suppose so. Take a heat lamp. It will provide enough light.” Austin stopped at his bedchamber and went in. Dawn waited at the door.

  “Here, take this one. I have plenty more in my closet. I will see you in a few hours, then, Miss Dawn.” Austin said.

  “Of course.” Dawn said grimly. She took the lamp and then made her way to the stairs. The skirt of Dawn’s dark blue silky dress was flowing swiftly behind her. At the draw-bridge door, Dawn took her hooded-cape, which was also dark blue, and threw it on. She pulled up the hood, and tied a loose knot around her throat.

  She strode across the draw-bridge over the moat, and then took the path to the hound pen.

  Dawn was well aware that the whole time she had been with Austin that Crimson was sitting quietly on her shoulder. Finally, he twittered in her ear.

  “Crimson, I was not serious when I agreed with Austin about the burden of animals. You know I just love animals. And I would die, if you taken away.” she massaged behind the raccoon’s ear.

  I thought so, came Crimson’s voice in Dawn’s head. I am not fond of this Prince Austin, though. His smell is most unwelcoming.

  “Yes, I agree. When you look at him, what do you see?” Dawn asked curiously. She stopped in the path and tore across the lawn to the maze of willow trees. She settled under a nice tall one.

  I see a harsh, stony, and cold heart. He does not treat people well. I also see some kind of plan forming in his mind. But I cannot look deep enough to see what the plan is. Crimson said thoughtfully.

  “What do you know of the plan, although you cannot see much?” Dawn asked. She placed Crimson on the ground next to the trunk of the willow tree.

  Yes, I do not see much. But I see that it is bad. It has something to do with power…and…well it is much too hard for me to describe. I am sorry to disappoint you, Dawn. Crimson somewhat nodded.

  “You are so wise. You could never disappoint me.” Dawn cooed.

  I thank you. But it is not I who is wise. I just know a lot by being able to see into peoples’ minds. Crimson said humbly.

  “Nevertheless…” Dawn said.

  What are you thinking?

  “Of Conner. He seems…different. Do you not think that the coldness of heart should run in the family?” Dawn looked up the trunk of the tree.

  You never know. Perhaps Conner received this kindness from others of the family. Mil does not seem cold. Mayhap Conner’s birth-father was kind. Crimson thought.

  “You are very right…” Dawn said. “Hmmm, I think I see Conner. Crimson what do you think of him?”

  He is kinder. He shares the love of animals with you. Ruby, remember the ferret? Well, she seems strong. He is most definitely interested in you. Crimson explained.

  “Well, thank you, Crimson. I cannot believe how easy it is for you to impress me.” Dawn smiled.

  I’m glad I can make you smile. Crimson hopped onto Dawn’s lap.

  Conner was walking around the willow tree garden. He would laugh at times, looking at Ruby.

  Perhaps he can talk to Ruby also. Crimson said.

  Dawn nodded as she gazed at Conner. He bent down to look at a flower. He sniffed it, and sneezed. Dawn almost smiled as he laughed.

  He came closer, and Dawn decided to climb up the tree. She wasn’t sure if Conner purposely came to find Dawn, or if it was a mere coincidence.

  “Come on, Crimson!” she whispered-yelled.

  Do not worry, I am coming! Crimson jumped onto the trunk and crawled up.

  The bark tore at Dawn’s dress but she ignored it. Even when a thorn tore at her cheek and blood dribbled down. Dawn winced, but otherwise showed no sign of pain.

  Are you all right? Crimson noticed the blood.

  Dawn nodded. “Let’s see what Conner will do.” she said when Conner neared.

  “…Ruby, no!” he laughed aloud. Ruby jumped off his hand and onto the shrub. Since it was firm, she could crawl on it.

  “Ruby, let’s stop over at this tree so I can give you so food.” Conner picked up Ruby quickly and plopped her on his shoulder.

  Dawn gasped slightly as she felt a sharp pain on her cheek. Another thorn dug into the wound, as she had leaned her head on a branch. More blood fell down her cheek.

  Conner stopped at the trunk and looked around. “Who’s here? Show yourself!” he demanded.

  Ruby sighed aloud, and said, “Hello, Prince Conner.”

  He looked up and saw Dawn and Crimson. “Oh, Dawn! I did not know you liked to stroll in the gardens as I do.” Conner smiled.

  Dawn did not smile. Her expression was soft, though, and a smile was begging to come on. She willed it away. Dawn cocked her head. “I shall come down.”

  “Would you like any help?” Conner stood back.

  “No, no.” Dawn shook her head. Sliding her bottom off the branch, Dawn grabbed hold of another branch so she was hanging, her feet a few feet off the ground. Dawn let go.

  Conner realized Dawn would have been hurt if she felt the ground, and immediately ran under. The princess fell on top of him, and the two were lying on the ground on top of each other.

Chapter IV

“Oh, my goodness! Conner, I told you help was not needed!” Dawn rolled off of Conner.

  “I am sorry, Dawn, but you would’ve been hurt if I hadn’t done that. Far more than a back ache, which is what I have now.” Conner explained as he dusted off his shirt.

  Dawn nodded stiffly. He was still feeling pain from the wound.

  “Oh! Are you all right?” Conner asked, noticing the blood on her cheek.

  “I-I’m fine. It’s nothing.” Dawn shook her head. Pain was etched on her face.

  “No it sure is something. Did you injure it twice or something?” Conner tucked the black hair behind Dawn’s ear. She inched away a bit.

  “Please, just let me help you once.” Conner said desperately. It wasn’t out of interest it was out of mere kindness.

  Dawn hesitated. She looked to Crimson, but his face was blank. She sighed. “Um…all right.”

  Conner nodded, satisfied. He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket on his pants and took a bottle of water to make it moist. He then wiped at the wound.

  Dawn felt his hands. They were callused, but gentle. Conner’s breathing was slow and calm. He took a bandage and put it on Dawn’s scratch. She smiled, but was sure that Conner didn’t see it, because he did not smile back.

  “All better?” he asked.

  “Yes. Thank you.” she nodded. Dawn shook her head so that all the hair that was tucked behind her ear would come out.

  “Why white?” he asked.

  She supposed he was referring to her highlights. “Because it was possible.” she said, with an obvious tone.

  “Ah. I see. Dawn?” Conner looked straight into the girl’s eyes.

  “Yes?” she looked straight back into the black eyes.

  “Do you wish to marry Austin?”

  Dawn looked taken aback. “Well I have not much choice.”

  “True…but if you did?”

  “I am not sure.”

  “Oh.”

  Dawn was sure. She would certainly not marry him. She would have much preferred Conner, if she had to.

  “Dawn, as I have told you before, I am interested in you…and—” Conner was cut off by Dawn.

  “Have you ever been made to be married? Sorry to interrupt.”

  “It’s fine. And yes, I have. Her name was Belle of Frem. She had long, curled, brown hair. Her eyes were big and brown. She was cold and mean. I finally admitted that I had not wanted to marry her. Belle did not want to marry me, either. You would think that would hurt my feelings, but it did not.” Conner explained.

  “I do not think it would. It would only if one were to love the other, but the other did not love back. I would not think it to be insulting either.” Dawn replied.

  “You are a different girl, Dawn.” Conner cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. A smile was brought to his lips.

  “Is that a compliment?” Dawn asked, widening her eyes in innocence.

  Conner laughed. “Yes!”

  Dawn smiled. It was a small, content, smile, but it was fairly noticeable.

  “Thank you, then.” and the two sat there, leaning on their sides, gazing into each other’s eyes.

  I like this man. Crimson told his mistress. Dawn’s eyes twinkled.

  She is nice. Ruby told her master. Conner smiled a boyish smile.

  Finally, Dawn leaned forward. She blushed, but still did so.

  Conner followed. Dawn closed her eyes slowly. Their lips met.

  Conner embraced Dawn. By this time it was dark, the stars were shining down, and the moon was up. In mid-kiss, Conner opened his eyes and saw Dawn’s black moon ring shining. His eyes smiled and then closed again.

  Soon they broke apart. Dawn looked surprised but pleased. Conner was smiling.

  But Dawn soon looked distressed. “I must go! Austin requested me to be back at his bedchamber in an hour or two! Its almost been three! I am sorry, Conner. Thank you, though.” she stood and picked up Crimson. While she was running across the lawn, she looked back smiling.

hope you liked it!

  “Oh? Do you?” Conner asked as he lifted Ruby off his shoulder.

  “Yes. Crimson and I have been together for ten years now. I found him when I was eight. We met in the castle’s attic. Poor dear. Everyone hated him until I took him under my wing.” Dawn explained smoothly. Her voice was no longer cold, but sounded rather annoyed.

  “Not the whole story is it?” Conner put Ruby on the forest floor.

  “No.” Dawn said. She had jet black hair, with white streaks that you could barely see. Dawn also had deep blue eyes.

  “Ah,” Conner looked at the time. “Oh, dear. I must go. Dinnertime. Shall we run together, or would you like to walk back alone?”

  “I shall walk back alone, thank you.”

  “All right. I shall see you soon.” and Conner ran off to his castle.

Chapter III

“Brother, where have you been?” Prince Austin asked coldly, taking hold of Conner’s shoulder firmly.

  “The rodent pen.” Conner said stiffly.

  Austin tightened his grip. “What were you doing there? Having a nice chat with Princess Dawn were you?”

  “No, Brother. I demand you to let go of me.” Conner glared.

  “Never.”

  “Now!”

  “How many times must I say it?” Austin tightened the grip even more.

  Conner tore his shoulder from Austin’s hand, showing no sign of pain.  

  “Brother, those who give more thought to them around him will be much more knowledgeable.”

  “Don’t speak to me in riddles, idiot.” Austin drew himself to his full height, an inch-and-a-half shorter than Conner.

  “Since I do, you cannot call me idiot.” Conner said calmly. “Now, Brother, if you don’t mind I’d like to go and eat dinner with my kinder family members. I’m sure Princess Dawn is expecting you to meet her here. Good day.”

*       *       *

“Princess Dawn.” Austin bowed slowly.

  “Prince Austin.” Dawn did not bow, but spoke flatly. Crimson stood still then chirped loudly.

  Austin showed now interest.

  “What a burden it is to be made to keep these animals near us.” he said and rolled his eyes. He smiled, thinking Dawn would feel the same.

  Dawn hesitated, but then said, “Why, yes…yes it is.” and she smiled back blankly and took the arm that was offered by Austin.

  “Off to dinner now. Once again, everyone is there besides me.” Austin laughed.

  Dawn let the smile come back, but it was cold and fake, just as the one before. She heard Crimson twitter quietly in her ear.

  “For dessert I have baklava for you. I did not want it, so I decided that you could try it.” Austin went on.

  “You had it for yourself, but did not want it. So you give it to me?” Dawn asked slowly and frostily.

  “Yes. Is that not what you want?”

  “Well, I do not take extras from people, and I certainly do not want to be felt as an extra that can be just given things that are not wanted, and is expected to use, eat, or care for.” Dawn took her arm abruptly from Austin.

  “I apologize.”

  “You should.” Dawn said callously.

  Austin did not stop, but was stunned by Dawn’s rudeness. “Princess, you should not be rude to those who have power over you.”

  “You have no power over me.” Dawn said swiftly.

  “I’m sorry, but I do.” and the two entered the Royal Dining Room. There was The Great Hall, for feasts and parties, but the Royal Dining Room was smaller with a long table that could fit fifteen people.

  “Austin!” Queen Mil displayed another fake smile on her face.

  “Good evening, Mother.” Austin kissed his mother on the cheek then led Dawn to her seat next to the queen.

  “Thank you.” Dawn said stiffly. She was extremely uncomfortable from the talk with her soon-to-be husband.

  Austin was silent as he took his seat beside Conner. At the head of the table was King Ray. He was Austin’s uncle and Queen Mil’s brother. The man took the place of Mil’s husband, who had died a year ago. The queen was still mourning a bit over his death.

  At the other end was Cook Devon. Queen Mil, Dawn, Conner, and Austin were alone in the middle of the table.

  “Good evening Princess Dawn. I am sorry I failed to greet you at the gate this afternoon.” Ray apologized.

  “Good evening. You did not miss much.” Dawn said carelessly.

  “Ah.” Ray nodded unsurely. “Anyhow, I would like to thank our cook, Devon. To Devon!” Ray raised his wine glass.

  “To Devon!” everyone echoed.

  Conner stole a look at Dawn. Luckily, she did not notice, so Conner gazed at her until her glass was firmly on the table. Dawn did her movements with much grace. Conner noticed on her index was a gold ring with a red gem. On her middle finger was a silver ring with a black moon on it.

  “Feast!” Cook Devon shouted loudly. Everyone but Conner and Dawn immediately ate their food.

  Austin took his chicken leg first and devoured it.

  Dawn winced and looked away not caring if she was being impolite.

  Conner looked disgusted and tapped Austin’s shoulder.

  “What?” Austin asked angrily with chicken spitting out of his mouth.

  “Swallow! And use a fork!” Conner shoved a fork in his face.

  “Fine!”

  Conner began to eat with more manners. “Uncle.” he said when he looked up. He had been eating before, but had stopped. His face was gray.

  “Ray! Ray, are you all right?!” Mil jumped up from her seat and ran over to her brother.

  “No…no.” Ray rolled his eyes and his head fell backward.

  “RAY!” Mil screamed. “GET THE PHYSICIAN!”

  “Go, Conner!” Austin said. He was just sitting there in shock.

  Conner wanted to force Austin to get the physician himself. Nonetheless, Conner raced off.

  Dawn stood and took her napkin. She went to the kitchen and wet it. “Queen Mil, put this on his forehead.” Dawn said worriedly.

  “—Sniff—thank you—sniff—Dawn.”  Mil took the napkin and placed it over the red forehead of King Ray.

  “Your Highness!” Dr. Brian came running.

My first story to show to you. It’s not finished, but I’d like for you to tell me if it interests you.

Chapter I

“Are you sure you do not request any more?”

  “No, peasant. I beg for you to leave me.”

  The servant bowed to the harsh prince and left the room.

  Prince Austin sat down again and placed his baklava pastries on his bedside table. When Princess Dawn arrives this evening, I shall retrieve the pastries for her, Conner thought. He was cold, mean, and easily made upset. His brother, although, was different. Prince Conner was polite to everyone, even servants, calm, and spoke enough to be known as a Prince of Straux Kingdom.

  A knock on Austin’s door interrupted his thoughts. “What?”

  “Please come down, for Princess Dawn has arrived.”

 “I’m coming!” Austin said a bit too annoyingly.

  “Please, Queen Imani said not to argue. Prince Conner is already there!” said the servant.

  “Do not speak to me! Realize your place in this kingdom! Filthy little peasant. Lead me to her!” Austin said coldly.

  “Yes, Your Highness!” the servant nodded quickly and glided down the stairs of the castle.

*       *       *

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Prince Austin.” Princess Dawn bowed.

  “As it is to you. This is my mother, Queen Imani. She prefers to be called Mil. Queen Mil. This is my brother. Prince Conner. We are same age, born a few days apart. I was born after. We are not twins.” Austin bowed back.

  Dawn simply nodded. She did not smile. She did not show any emotion besides blankness. A raccoon, small for one, for that matter, sad on Dawn’s shoulder. She often gave it a pet and then left it still.

  “Would you like to go for a walk in the castle?” Austin asked politely. He felt awkward, seeing as he had never been polite before. Not even to his own mother.

  “Oh, no. I am gracious for the offer. May I stroll in the forest myself? Alone?” Dawn asked and stroked the raccoon once more.

  “Um…” Austin looked to his mother.

  “Oh, of course dear.” Mil nodded and smiled warmly. She caressed the soon-to-be-daughter-in-law.

  “Such a pleasure to meet you all.” Dawn bowed quickly and left.

  Conner seemed interested. “Mother, may I go check on the rodent pen?” The castle’s “rodent pen” was closest animal shelter to the forest, and the path was right along with it.

  “Perhaps…yes I believe so.” the queen nodded and plastered another smile on her face. Imani was in pain everyday. She barely left the stables unless she had urgent duties. The queen was known for her love of horses, and of plenty other animals for that. Mil said the stables calmed her nerves, and made her relaxed.

  “Thank you, Mother. I haven’t seen Ruby all day.” Conner smiled. He hurried out. Ruby was a ferret that had been Conner’s friend since as long as anyone could remember.

  “I shall see you soon at dinner, Brother.” Austin said curtly. He practically spat at his own brother, who was taller, more skilled, and older. Some say wiser and kinder.

  “Yes.” and with that single word of displeasure, Conner left the castle.

Chapter II

When Prince Conner arrived at the rodent pen, he saw Ruby pounding right for him. Ruby jumped on Conner and nipped happily.

  “Ah, Ruby. A pleasure to see you!” Conner laughed. He placed the ferret on his shoulder when he heard the footsteps of Princess Dawn.

  Dawn stopped abruptly when she realized Conner was there, hearing her coaxing her raccoon to speak up. “Crimson, I beg of you to speak to me. What did you think of—Prince Conner!” Dawn’s anxious face went cold and red.

  “Oh, hello Princess.” Conner stood. Ruby sat upon Conner’s shoulder, very still.

  “I was on my way to the forest as I believe you know! Did you follow me, or merely want to visit these…pets of yours.” Dawn said “pets” as if she were saying “idiot” or “scum.”

  “Not pets. Never pets. The animals choose you. This here is Ruby. A ferret, as I believe you would know.” the eighteen-year-old patted the ferret and took her in his arms.

  “Ah.” Conner noticed Dawn’s face was a bit less cold. “Well I shall be on my way.”

  “I shall come. You would never want to get lost in the woods. My father died there.” Conner said quickly, for he was intrigued by the mysterious ways of Dawn.

  “I do not need help! I am perfectly capable doing things myself. Off to you!” and Dawn walked into the forest with raccoon on her shoulder.

  Conner ran after her.

  “I do not take commands from someone who does not belong to this kingdom, but of a kingdom farther away.”

  “True.” was all Dawn said, and she was still walking.

  “Well, my truth is that I am interested in you. Perhaps my brother is not.”

  “That’s nice.” Dawn did not slow.

  “What is your raccoon’s name?” Conner caught up to her. He did not reach out to pet it, but looked at it.

  “Crimson. Little Crimson is his full and proper name, but he prefers to be called Crimson. And your little pet?” Ruby asked, showing much disdain.

  “Once again I tell you, I do not have pets, the animals choose. This ferret is named Ruby. People who call it ‘that ferret’ will ever be unappreciated.” Conner explained calmly.

  “I see. Do you mind?” Dawn reached a hand close to the ferret’s head.

  “Eh…” Conner hesitated, but soon nodded.

  “I understand how protective you are of this—I mean Ruby.” Dawn said. Her face was still cold otherwise showing no emotion. Crimson twittered when Dawn touched Ruby’s head. She pet.

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