The Celestial Princess (Royalty AU)

Chapter 1

Celestine

The sun had already passed its highest point in the sky when the clouds blocking it began to let a few raindrops fall to the earth. Riding through the forest on my beloved mare, Avyanna, I felt the small drops if water splash onto my face and I hope that I would be able to deliver these flowers in time before it might rain any harder on my journey back home. I had no doubt that the adorable and playful filly that my Aunt Maeve gave me on my thirteenth birthday would grow to be the most strong, powerful, and beautiful horse that I've relied on for all my life to take me anywhere I needed to go. In return, I fed her, bathed her, and gave her love and compassion to show how much she meant to me. With a possible storm happening in the middle of April, I knew Avyanna would lead us back to our village where our home at the local flower shop resided. It was a proud business my aunt had grown from nothing and with the flowers we grow and care for until perfection, I, too, was proud to contribute when I was old enough.

We were almost to our destination as I saw a light in the distance faintly glowing which I could only assume to come from the house that belonged to the customers who ordered these flowers that were securely resting in the knapsack carried by Avyanna beside her flank. There's never been a customer we've ever turned away that was within our delivery radius. I was sure Avyanna could travel long distances with her speed and strength, but Aunt Maeve strongly suggested I try not to travel far from the village we lived in for there were dangers that I may not be prepared to face. I understood she was looking out for my safety, but I was about to enter my twenty-first year living on this Earth in a week and it's like I was still a small infant in her eyes. I could really not complain though because, while I am curious about the world outside of my home, I am in no rush to leave the only family I have and the simple yet beautiful life we've made. Seeing Aunt Maeve give up so much to keep ourselves happy with almost nothing, there was no way I'd want to leave her alone for my own selfish desires.

I muttered a simple command to get Avyanna to stop in her tracks as we finally reached the house, and I dismounted my horse before reaching for the flowers that were, thankfully, still perfectly arranged and undamaged in its small basket. I walked over to the front door and knocked politely before brushing off any raindrops that may have fallen on top of the scarf that wrapped around my braided hair. I waited a few seconds before the door had opened to reveal an older man who looked like he was in the middle of cooking something with his ragged attire stained with flour and sauces. Seeing me with the basket of flowers in my hands, he chuckled warmly and exclaimed, "Aha, sorry I look like a mess. Was making something special for the missus for our anniversary." I smiled in admiration and nodded before handing him the flowers, "No need to apologize. I do hope you wife adores the bouquet arrangement. We took great pride into making sure they were lovely and perfect."

He took them from my hands and smiled in satisfaction as he looked at the blossoming flowers before nodding in approval. "It seems everyone was right about you and your aunt", he complimented while searching in his pockets for some money, "They claimed they've never seen such gorgeous arrangements of flowers from anywhere else. Even said that it was as if an angel from heaven took care of them in her garden and brought them to the Earth to share with everyone. Well, they were right about an angel caring for these flowers, especially with a beautiful, young girl like you doing so." I blushed in embarrassment. He's not the first to compliment me for my beauty, but I've never really had anyone try to court me. I wasn't sure why, and had become content with it. My Aunt Maeve said it's because most young men are too afraid to approach pretty girls like me and miss out on winning my love. So far, I believed her, and am waiting to see who light be brave enough to win my affections.

"Thank you, sir", I told him as he handed me his payment for the flowers, "But I just enjoy this because I love doing it. If I could make someone smile with something so beautiful yet so natural, then nothing else would be worth the effort I give. I do hope your wife smiles at the sight of the flowers you'll give her and remembers how much you care about her." He blushed then and smiled at me, "Much thanks to you again, Miss...?" I answered his question, "Oh, you may call me Flora." He nodded and bowed gracefully as he regarded me one last time, "Miss Flora, a pleasure doing business with you. I wish you a safe journey back home and give my best wishes to your aunt!" I nodded in gratitude and waved goodbye as he closed the door. A sense of uneasiness began to settle into my heart after hearing him wish the best for my aunt. I was reminded of poor Aunt Maeve's condition as of late and how she's gotten a little weaker these past few weeks. It was the greatest reason I volunteered to help out more with the orders and take care of things for her so she'd relax and take care of herself.

I mounted back up on Avyanna and fastened the wrap around my body before pulling the hood over my head in case the rain worsens as we travel back home to our village in Shepshed. The sun had started setting and I wanted to get back before it got too dark. Gently prompting Avyanna to ride faster with the small nudge of my heel, she proceeded to trot faster across the dirt and I held on tightly as to ensure I wouldn't fall off. Riding through the forest once more until the sight of my village was in sight, I thought once more about what could lie for me in the near future and if there was something bigger waiting for me, whether it was here in Shepshed or out there in the world. The man to whom I delivered the flowers to tonight seemed like an honest and caring man to provide for his wife and remind her of his love. A deep part of my heart seemed to yearn for something like that or even close to it. Though, with the way no one had even tried to pursue me, I wondered if the one I was waiting for, might be waiting for me somewhere else.