More flowers bloomed within the field than I thought possible. So many wildflowers bursting with colours and each
barefooted step brought me closer to him. My sweet, stable boy, Nicholas. He was laying down looking up at the
blue sky and pointed out the different shapes the clouds made.
I’d snuck out after my lessons with Hector, carrying a picnic basket filled to the brim with fresh fruits, bread, and
cakes. He met me behind the stable house once no one was looking and we ran off into the woods and found this open field.
I played with the petals of a daisy as I looped the ends together to create a flower crown. One already placed neatly on
my head. I was going to get him to wear this one as soon as he sat up.
“Do you think anyone will notice you’ve disappeared, again?”
His voice was carefree and relaxed. His head resting on his arms as he shifted his grey eyes towards me.
“Doubtful. They are all too busy planning Norok’s birthday.”
“Does it bother you how your parents only pay attention to him and your sister?”
“Nope. It means I can hide out like this and spend time with you.”
He hummed at me and turned away to stare back at the sky. Laying on my front, my face only a few inches away from
his, I could feel my heart race in my chest as I looked at him. My mother would have lost her mind if she found out I was
sneaking around with the stable boy, someone below my station she would point out. But Nicholas and I were friends, and I
trusted him with everything. He knew everything about me and I knew everything about him.
“Sit up.”
“I am not wearing that ridiculous crown.”
“Tough. Sit up. Your princess commands it.”
He eyed me again and I could see a slight hint of annoyance roll across his face. Soon it was replaced with acceptance
as he sat up and I placed the flower crown onto his black locks.
“Oh my gosh, you make a beautiful princess!” I jested.
He threw me a glance that would have stopped me dead, if it wasn’t for the laughter that fell shortly afterwards.
“Would I give those lords a run for their gold?”
“Oh, you most certainly would, Princess Nicholas. Even I would be replaced,” I laughed.
“No one could replace you.”
Cupping my cheek, we stared at one another for a brief second before he cleared his throat and dropped his hand
quickly.
“We should head back.”
“Not yet, wait a while longer.”
