The not-a-princess

Fattened up by a stranger

The royal carriage, gold and adorned with blue gemstones rattled down the cobbled streets like a ticking time bomb, carrying a certain princess to fate. Which was the most unknown to her that would either crown her or crush her. (If you didn't get it yet I'm taking about me, princess Maeve of Camelot) I didn't worry a second though, it would ruin my perfect hair and I already knew that I was the best at everything I did. It was only 5 in the morning and still dark. 

Once we'd arrived, I picked up my blue tulle gown and headed inside the towering, flowered gates above me. The school for good...finally! 

The multi-coloured pansies brushed against my glass slippers and the smell of croissants pranced through the air. My stomach growled. Princesses don't eat breakfast I reminded myself, don't lose your lessons just because of some temptations. But on the other hand, man, am I hungry – it never killed anybody to eat one thing, I'll take something from the kitchen on my way. And true to my word as I pushed through the carved oak doors into the dark kitchen I noticed a flash of green. 

Shoot. My first day and I'm already caught breaking rules? No! how could I let this happen – there goes my reputation. Despite my shaking hands; I flick on the light switch without another thought. Blinking to adjust to the brightness, I freeze. Sitting on top of the counter with her legs dangling into the cutlery drawer is a young girl around 15. She was wearing a hello kitty pyjama top with laced underwear (ew, where are her trousers at?!) and had her pretty short, dark hair (it had streaks of green which I had seen earlier) were in messy pigtails. She also had a paintbrush tucked behind her ear with splatters of colour on her face and a pastry hanging from her mouth. Her large doe eyes focused on me, narrowed then she crinkled up into a smile. 

"Hi! I just made some croissants, want to try? I added some chocolate too, don't tell professor, she'll kill me for not sticking to the diet." I let out a sigh, relieved I'm not in trouble. Also who is this and why is trying to make friends with me 5 in the morning, I'm here to train not get fattened up by strangers in their underwear. 

Yet, a smile poked through and I couldn't help but blurt out, "yes, I do not see the reason not too. Do you, er tend to bake quite a bit? Or paint some of the times? Or... stuff early in the morning?" 

The girl jumps of the counter (and I notice how tall I am, hehe, towering over her) and bends down – reaching into the ovens to bring out a tray, "I'm an experimental artist, and I have perfected the art at baking! And also not sleeping... my roommate's dozing off probably until twelve, heh" 

I reach in and grab the smallest croissant, separated it into two and bit into the edge of it, "You have permission to call me by my name, Maeve- Oh the lords! This is simply amazing!" It was I could taste cinnamon and the chocolate centre melted right down my throat – it was gorgeous. I tried to restrain myself from wolfing it down but I did certainly eat the rest half. The girl flicked the rest of her croissant to a large Labrador who wolfed it down. (where did that come from..?) It then licked her hair making a braid stand up on one side.

 I –tried to - take a good look at her in the dim kitchen light, I could just about make out her slight freckles on her nose an evident sun tan and...mismatched socks. It contrasted to my own: Asian brown, perfect hair and not a thing out of place as I was taught to be. "I'm Ria and this baby here is Tapioca because her eyes are large and full of sweetness!" I finally decide that I liked her and I felt a friendship spark, with my heart and stomach full, I grinned. I could feel warmth flow around me but it might just be the croissant. 

She suddenly leaned forward and grabbed my hand, "Since your here, I'm looking to shake off some energy. Wanna dance? There's no one here so don't worry." She then whistled and Tapioca slammed a paw on the radio that I did not even know was there. Some 'funky beats' played– not to my taste. But it's never too early to dance, I grabbed her by the waist and spun her. 

Little did I know when Ria had taken my hand to dance, she'd slipped my gold ring off my finger. Ria just laughed and shoved me back much tomy surprise, "you can do more than that, watch this!" she learn proceeded to shake her arms, legs and hips in such a horrific way I thought her limbs are going to fall off. 

I lost all formality, "Wha- what are you... doing?" 

 She pouts, "I'm not THAT bad, okay. Just feel the beat, you know and wiggle wiggle." What a child. 

Just as I opened my mouth to protest, I heard I sort of light footsteps as if someone is on their tip-toes and... twinkling? Ria hears the sound as well before cursing in an unknown language. She then shoos her dog, switches the music off, grabs her sketchbook and my hand. I suddenly feel frozen to my spot – are we going to get caught? Was the radio too loud? She finger then sparks a bright crimson light and poof! I cough and get hushed. What just happened? 

I open my eyes slowly. Nothing, we're still in the kitchen and I can still see Ria and her soft lips, blue from the coldness of the kitchen. With a bang the door swung open and a tired fairy in her flowery nightdress floats in, she flicks off the lights, her droopy eyes passing over us and walks right out mumbling something about racoons wearing hats. "In these past few seconds, could you clarify them? What just happened?" I ask aloud. 

Ria looks around, and leads me out a back door into the dimly lit garden and shrugs. So helpful. I press her with a look. "I can copy others talents, I stole this from Renald." That doesn't explain anything, that's not very helpful either, I roll my eyes, "and..." 

"Huh, oh, Renald can turn invisible by command. Wait everyone knows him... are you new?" She pursed her lips, "Oh no! Its introduction day – I haven't fixed my uniform yet!" 

That... was a lot of emotions in those couple of sentences and she's definitely not the brightest crayon in the box, "Yes, I am starting today. Though, I wonder, are you cold?" I notice her shivering under the moonlight as we shuffled our way around the pond and offer her my over coat. 

"Your coats ugly." 

"Its okay madam, I know understand its not to your preference. I'll take it back then." 

"No, where's your dorm at?" 

"It should be at the Purity tower under the number... 17?" 

Silence.