Ally was a beautiful princess, locked up in her tower by her parents, the great king and queen of the province.
They believed Ally needed to be protected from all evil in the world until she was old enough to be crowned the Queen of their country at 18.
Ally would be 18 in a few months. She sighs, wondering how her life would be completely changed. She feels like she'd be chained up to her role for eternity, only being allowed to live as a Queen and not live as a normal person. She did not want it, but there was no one else but her to be the successor.
She climbs up onto the little seat-window sill and peers out the almost minuscule window. The past few weeks she had spotted a handsome, young man tending to the palace gardens, through her little gated window.Every time, he'd come at noon and water the pretty tulips outside.
Ally always wanted to shout through her window and ask for the person's name. but each week she gets scared, never having talked to anyone outside of the castle since she was born, apart from her parents and the maids.
But one day, out of blue, the man looked up and caught Ally staring right at him. Ally flushed as red as the tulips he had been watering and her heart thumped against her chest as the stranger shoots Ally a soft, heartwarming smile.
Ally thinks it's a very clear sign from the universe to take her shot and ask him for her name. So she takes in a deep breath and pops her head out. "Hey! You!" he startles and looks back up to Ally. He must've been told by his parents about her for sure.
"Are you talking to me?" the boy reddens, pointing to himself.
Ally grins, "Duh, who else? What's your name? I'm Ally Dawson, Princess and soon to be Queen."
"Of course I know who you are, Princess." the stranger replies curtly, bowing to
Ally. "I am Austin Moon, the son of the gardener."
"Oh? The son of?" Ally questions. She did think the boy seemed quite young to take over from the previous gardener. "Yes, Princess, my father. He injured himself so I am taking over until he's fit to work."
"How old are you?"
"I will turn 18 in November, Princess. Just a few months younger than you, Princess."
Ally hums in acknowledgment. So they were the same age. "Call me Ally, Austin."
Austin stiffens, "Princess, if someone hears I might get into trouble."
Ally laughs at Austin's frightened face, "Don't worry, Austin. No one comes here. Call me, Ally. Let's be friends."
Austin looks conflicted for a few seconds but nods and smiles brightly at Ally, "Ok Ally. I'll see you tomorrow."
Ally beams, "See you tomorrow, Austin"
Ally made her first friend.
-
Every day, the two would spend chatting about anything and everything. Ally knew Austin was watering the flowers for way too long than he was supposed to, but she didn't mind. Ally likes talking to Austin. She likes talking to him a lot.
-
Austin came to water the plants, the 4th time that week, and Ally knew the old gardener only watered the flowers twice a week, though she had no complaints.
Austin started doing some silly dance to make Ally laugh. Ally snorts. He was weird.
"Als, look. I'll do a back flip." Austin beams, getting into position.
