Dawn and Conner Continued….4

  “Oh, Conner.” was the simple, frosty, unhappy tone.

  “Why are you not happy to see me?” Conner searched for the source of the sour voice.

  “Oh, I don’t know. I think it is because the night before someone found me on the edge of the forest looking like the horrid monster I am!” Dawn said sarcastically, with an edge of frustration.

  Conner chuckled.

  “Dawn, I do not care for what the other side of you is,” he looked around in the trees. “all I care for is you.”

  “Huh.” Dawn was not asking a question. She was stating her interest.

  “I can do that only if you tell me the truth…and where you are in this forest.” Conner asked.

  “Turn around.”

  Conner turned after he finished staring in front of himself.

  “Now turn back.”

  Conner turned back and to his amazement, Dawn was sitting on the grass with a patch of daisies around her. “The truth?”

  “I never intend to tell you, Prince Conner.” Dawn stood. She did not smile, but her face was grim and dejected.

  “Will it ‘hurt me?’” he asked with his face unhappy now.

  “Hmm…yes.” Dawn nodded. “I do not want any pleading from a prince. I am sure you would be disgusted with yourself afterwards when you received nothing but unpleasant scowls from the one who you begged.”

  This angered Conner. “You cannot trust me.” it was not a question.

  “Why need I?” Dawn asked coldly.

  “If you’d like to start a relationship, then you—”

  “Excuse me? Relationship? Closest thing I was to a nice and calm relationship was when I was destined to marry that fowl Prince Austin. And I still am. Should you not interfere with your brother’s brides?” Dawn cut Conner off.

  “I—”

  “You will not be able to bribe me with jewels, either,” Dawn continued. “I am not drawn to much, honestly.” she reached up to an animal on her shoulder. It was Crimson.

  Conner jumped, realizing Crimson had been on the princess’s shoulder the whole time.

  “Does he scare you?” Dawn laughed. It wasn’t a happy laugh. It was a cold, heartless laugh.

  “No,”

  “Oh?”

  “You do.” Conner said darkly.

  Dawn laughed the scary laugh again. “How?” she asked, seeming to know the answer.

  “You have let the other part of you take over. You let the scary, monster-like part rule over the calm—but cold—and normal attitude you have. I mean, had,” Conner shook his head in disgust.

  “How is any of that scary?” she stopped smiling and narrowed her eyes in anger.

  “I have no idea.”

  “Huh…” Dawn nodded. She stroked Crimson, and thought that she felt evil; all she needed were black nails. They were already extremely long. “Well, you have not changed the way I am. Come back tomorrow and try again.” Dawn said sarcastically.

  “Oh, I will.” Conner began to back away. “I will.” he breathed and ran off.

 

“Crimson, that boy never gives up. Am I really that intriguing?” Dawn asked sourly. She sat back down.

  Dawn, forgive me, but were you born yesterday? During the night, you’re a…a monster! How interesting is that?

  “I do not know.” Dawn said simply.

  Do not lie. Crimson hissed.

  Dawn sighed. “I am upset. You called me monster. So I must be one.”

  You are being ridiculous. You are making everything harder than it has to be. Relax and let things flow. I know we planned to tell him that you…change during the night every second Saturday of each month, but he’s seen what happened. We just have to explain to him now.

  “Have to? Why do we have to?” Dawn asked.

  Because he already knows…what happens to you! He’s seen it, which is even worse.

  “You are right, Crimson. But you have to admit, I am a monster!” Dawn sighed again.

  I could not think of any other word. Have you not remembered? No one has a name for what becomes of you at those times. And Conner was right, you do not have to let misery and inhumanity take over you.

  “I do not. But it is easier if I do.” Dawn insisted.

  You disgust me. Crimson lightly scratched Dawn’s face. It’s easy either way. You just cannot believe in yourself.

  Dawn winced as the thoughts burned along with the scratch. “Hmph.” she glared and crossed her arms.

  Crimson climbed off Dawn’s shoulder and to her hands. He lightly nibbled the black moon ring.

  “Don’t touch that!” Dawn snapped. She pulled her hand away and shined the black ring.

  You are scared. Crimson stated.

  “I am, Crimson.” Dawn sighed for the third time.

  You’ll get through this. Just try. Crimson jumped back onto Dawn’s shoulder.

  “What now?” Dawn stood.

  The willow garden. We will wait for him.

  Dawn nodded reluctantly and grabbed a bag of honey cakes and pumpkin juice. She ran off to the maze of shrubs.

Chapter VII

 

Austin awoke that morning much later than everyone else. His chambermaid was standing at the door.

  “Fetch my slippers!” he snapped.

  “Yes, Your Highness.” the maid bowed.

  “Where is my robe?” Austin demanded.

  “Right here, Prince.” the maid said quickly. She got the robe and put it around Austin’s shoulders.

  “Dismissed!” Austin spat in the maid’s face.

  She nodded and returned to her spot.

  Austin cursed under his breath as he passed maids gossiping in the hall.

  “Prince Austin!” “Your Highness!” “Sir!” were the greetings that Austin received. He merely grunted.

  “Devon! Give me some eggs.” Austin demanded rudely as he sat down on a chair helplessly.

  “Yes, Prince.” Cook Devon sighed. He got a plate and poured eggs on it and brought it to Austin.

  “Where’s the salt?” Austin snapped.

  “Right here.” Devon placed it by Austin’s plate.

  “Where’s Conner?” Austin asked.

  “He went to the rodent pen.” Devon grumbled.

  “Has he come back yet?”

  “Yes.”

   “Where is he now?”

   “I do not know.”

   “Alright then.” Austin shoved the eggs away. “These are awful. Worst you’ve made Devon. Give me a banana. Make sure its yellow.” Austin made a face.

  “Yeah, okay.” Devon took a banana and handed it to Austin. “Be off.”

  “I’m going.” Austin snapped. He left the castle abruptly and ran to the willow gardens.

 

“Dawn!” he called, as he did the night before.

  Dawn froze in the trees. “Crimson!” she whispered urgently.

  Hush. Do not worry.

  “Alright.” Dawn nodded.

  “Dawn!” Austin called again. “DAWN!”

  “Crimson…” Dawn hissed.

  Shush. And Crimson climbed up the tree. Dawn followed. “Crimson, I swear you’re going to pay for this dress.” she hissed.

  “Dawn, if you’re here, please answer me,” Austin pleaded. To the silence, Austin said, “I know you are here. You just disgust me. I’ll leave you then, in your dense silence.”

  Dawn made a face, but Crimson, lightly biting on her finger, held her back from screaming at Austin. “I can’t believe Mother actually made me marry the dim-witted prince. This whole place is dim-witted.” she said sourly.

  I agree. Crimson nodded.

  “I don’t believe Conner is coming,” Dawn paused. “Crimson, I’ve thought about this for quite sometime, and I think we should just leave.”

  But the marriage. Your mother would disinherit you if you back out. It’s simply not an option. Crimson said.

  “She may disinherit me, but I’d accept it. I do not want to live under rules anymore. It’s absurd to me. Simply absurd…” Dawn’s voice trailed off.

  I daresay you are absurd. What about Conner? I can tell you have feelings for him. Crimson shook his head.

  “What about Conner? He was just another man that was interested in me. I say, he’d most certainly try to forget me if I leave. He’d most certainly want to. Who would want to be engaged with a monster like I?” Dawn wondered aloud.

  Rubbish. But if you insist…Crimson said.

  “Yes, I do insist. It would be for the best.”

  It shall be settled. You must tell Queen Imani at once.

Chapter IX

 

“Tomorrow? Are you saying that you are withdrawing your part of the marriage?” Queen Imani asked astonished.

  “Yes, Your Ladyship.” Dawn curtsied quickly.

  “Well, then,” Imani turned and looked at the awaiting servants. “Please call Dawn’s guards. I’m sure the carriage was stored in the barn.”

  “Thank you, My Queen,” Dawn curtsied again. “Do you wish for me to go fetch my clothes?”

  “I do.” Imani said and turned her back, bowing her head as she resumed her place at the thrown.

  “Good day.” Dawn rushed out of the room, Crimson trailing at her heels.

  Are you sure you are doing the right thing? Crimson asked.

  “Yes, I am sure. But I do hope I do not run into Conner. I hope to not have to bid him goodbye.” Dawn said, picking up the gray skirts of her depressing and tore dress.

  I believe you still have feelings for him, despite the fact you wish you didn’t. Realize it, Dawn. Crimson ran to be at Dawn’s side.

  “Hush up, Crimson. I do not believe I asked for your opinion.” Dawn snapped. When she reached her bedchamber, Dawn threw her clothes into the leather suitcase and soon was packed and ready.

  You are very dim. Crimson insulted his mistress.

  “Why, thank you,” Dawn said sarcastically.

  Ridiculous…Crimson thought.

  “I do not love him, as I’ve said plenty of times.” Dawn spat. She was getting angry now.

  Settle down now, Miss Dawn. I shall stop nagging you about your truthful love for Prince Conner. Do forgive me. Crimson bowed.

  “Oh, hush up,” Dawn glared. She pulled the hem of her dress over her black boots, and began lacing them up more securely this time. “My guards are waiting with the carriage. We cannot waste time, for I will not tolerate having to say good day to Prince Conner.”

  Whatever you say, Princess. Crimson mocked.

  Dawn growled as she grabbed her hooded-cloak and draped it over her shoulders, tying it under her chin.

  “Good afternoon, Princess,” Dawn’s first guard stepped forward. “I believe Prince Austin is coming to bid you goodbye.”

  “Did message get sent to Prince Conner?” Dawn asked.

  “No. Do you wish for it to be sent to him?” the First Guard asked, pausing from turning the handle on the carriage door.

  “No, no! Please, let us get this over with. I would also much prefer not to have to say goodbye to Austin, but if he has already been sent for…” Dawn said quickly.

  “Yes, he has arrived.” the First Guard gestured behind Dawn.

  Dawn looked straight ahead and turned. “Prince Austin.” she curtsied.

  “Princess Dawn,” Austin did not bow. “I am very sorry to hear that you are leaving my family and I. ‘Tis all too early. What made you think this way?”

  “I did not feel the love from you as I wished I did.” Dawn said flatly.

  “Oh,” Austin said. “Certainly, you will visit?”

  “Perhaps.” Dawn nodded.

  “It was a pleasure to meet you, but I daresay, despairing to see that you have withdrawn yourself from the marriage. I shall always remember you, as I have the many other betrothals that soon declined my marriage.” Austin put his hand on Dawn’s cheek.

  “Thank you, for the pleasure of meeting your family.” Dawn pulled away.

  Austin bent down and kissed Dawn’s cheek, then stepped back.

  Dawn curtsied and then said, “Please tell Queen Imani, King Ray, Cook Devon, and Prince Conner I say goodbye, and I give them my luck.”

  “Of course.” Austin waved as Dawn closed the door to the carriage, and stepped back again.

  Dawn ignored Austin and waited for the carriage to take her home.

  She couldn’t wait. Of course, she knew she wasn’t going to be welcomed warmly. Let alone welcomed at all…