My father's Princess

Chapter 8

When we were little we expected being a princess would be everything you could hope for and more. We learned that princesses were always happy and cheerful. We read stories about how princes would rescue the princesses. However we never expected the part about princesses getting no privacy. We just assumed princesses didn't have to do things they didn't want to. And we were never told that being a princess could be a nightmare instead of a dream. But storybooks were right in one sense, the ugly step sisters. Not that they are ugly on the outside, because we all know they get pampered every second of their lives, but that they are ugly on the inside. They're spoiled, they're rude, and they're just plain old mean. With Riley and Sam I always felt like stepsisters were just like normal sisters. Celeste and Cynthia however, will stop at nothing to destroy me, but do mom and Damian notice? No, not even a little bit. One ok thing about the castle is my maid, Baylee, who is tolerable. I like to let off steam by talking to her. She listens and nods and sometimes adds a comment, but she never says that I complain to much or argues. In a way talking to her is comforting. However the only thing that I really ever find peaceful at this madhouse they call a castle is riding my horse. When we moved in Damian got us all horses. It didn't take long to bond with mine, Abigail. Abigail is a black stallion who right now I would consider my best friend. Sometimes I just dream about hoping on her and escaping the world. The only thing unbearable about riding is the stable boy, Cameron. He's so annoying and rude. Thankfully he only has to get Abigail ready to ride then I don't have to see him until I come back. I know it's mean to wish, but sometimes I hope he would leave the castle and never come back again. Then one day, my wishes were granted.
I walked into the stables full of anger. One of Cameron's stupid remarks could make me explode. "Is Abigail ready yet? I want to be able to leave in 3 minutes or less." I knew was just lighting a fire. Cameron would usually just respond with something like "Of course not I didn't know you wanted to ride her until just now," or "It takes longer then three minutes to get a horse ready your royal pain in my ass." However today there was a different response from the stable boy. "I will try and have her prepared as soon as I can my majesty." What? Then I realized that he wasn't Cameron, but he was pretty hot. "Where's Cameron?" Was it just me or did his hair fall perfectly, making his face look like it was glowing. His dreamy voice awoken me from my thoughts. "Cameron broke his leg last evening. My name is Cooper." Cooper. Even his name sounded as sweet as he looked. He moved with haste and elegancy as he readied Abigail. "Its a pleasure to meet you Cooper." He looked up astounded that the princess was pleasured to meet him. "The pleasure is all mine, my princess." I knew he was basically required to say that, but I felt my heart melting. "Cooper?"
"Yes, my majesty?"
"Why don't you prepare scarlet as well and join me for a ride. I want to learn more about you." I knew by the twinkle in his eye he felt the same way I did. "That sounds wonderful, my princess."I knew my cheeks blushing a bright pink. "Annabelle." He paused and a sparkling smile lit up his face. "You can call me Annabelle." He looked astounded. I didn't think his smile could get brighter, but it did. Both horses were ready within just a few minutes, and we set out for a long ride. We talked and rode side by side for hours laughing and talking. I learned a lot about him too. Cooper's last name was Tate, and he moved from sheavesland after his dad left him and his little brother when he was six. And now he lives with his grandma and mom. I told Cooper all about me too. "What do you want to do when you grow up?" He asked with his beautiful blue eyes. I could tell he really wanted to know all about me as much as I did him. I had to think about the question for a while. The last time someone asked me I wanted to be a ballerina. Then u knew. "My dad saved thousands of lives, and I want to do the same. I want to be a pediatrician. I want some kid to see me in the grocery store and give me a hug. And say, It's you! You're the doctor who saved my life! Thank you! And I want to smile and hug them back. Though, I won't know the little kids name because I've saved uncountable lives, just like my dad. I want to change the world, and I believe that I can."
"I believe you can too." He was such a great listener, almost better than Baylee. Baylee! Oh, I couldn't wait to tell her all about today. Then again, I really didn't want this day to ever end. We headed back to the stables after three hours of riding. "Oh Annabelle! I'm so sorry. We must of lost track of time. You've missed dinner." I could tell he felt bad, but honestly I usually ate in my room far away from my crazy family anyway. I giggled a little bit so he would know it was ok. "Don't worry it's no problem. How about I call a chef to bring us a basket and we can eat out here and watch the sun set?" I wasn't sure if that sounded completely cheesy and clichés, but Cooper looked over joyed. "That sounds great!" We laughed and ate while we continued our wonderful day. Though to my dismay, it had to come to an end. After the sun set we both stood and packed up. "May I have the pleasure of walking you back to the castle Annabelle?" He looked pleadingly into my eyes with his beautiful crystal eyes that sparkled as bright as the stars in the sky. I couldn't say no even if I wanted to. "I would enjoy that." He held the basket in one hand and my hand in the other, and we walked towards the castle.