The not-a-princess

Pink and crimson blushes

This time there was no doubt, she couldn't take the words from my tongue and I replied swiftly, "long skirt, formal, preferably without sleeves in any colour." 

This time she was the one that was stunned. she probably didn't expect me to know so confidently, especially something not in my strong suit. "That's great, I have just the dress for you, also did you get the bikini I gave you?" 

I nod slightly red at thought of wearing it, "so I'm going to shower as well," I say thinking that if I am going to be undressed I might as well look nice. 

Ria nods once again shuffling through her clothes and calls out, "don't forget to shave." I hurry away, embarrassment colouring my face . Once I'm back she holds out a baby blue, sleeveless flowy chiton with a golden dress-belt. [Some of my favourite colours to wear] I gasp in surprise and give her a hug, god she knows me so well. I'm glad to have met her. Once I put the dress on, it was comfortable and soft with the right amount of elegance and a relaxed look. 

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The beach was packed with Evergirls having picnics, sun bathing and dancing in bare clothing while the Everboys swam laps, played volleyball and showed off their muscles. It had untouched age-old glittering sand that trickled through my sandals and I could see the secrets of the deep blue. It felt majestic, I had never been before but it certainly was loud. I found a shady spot and rolled out my brightly patterned beach mat and applied sunscreen. I heard the stories the tide brings in and the dunes scattered like treasure. 

Little did I know it was the calm before the storm. The mermaids and fairies shared their hair care tips. and the gentle embrace of the sky made me feel at home. Even though I have never felt so alone. Even though the beach wasn't real. I picked up my book. 

I read one. 

Then two. 

Then three. I didn't know what else to do.

 Everybody was doing his or her own thing. I watched enviously as couples splashed each other and boys build sand sculptures and girls drank wine. Everybody fit so well. Ria had long left me once we set foot. I caught her red bikini once or twice but that was it. I didn't know anyone else. I couldn't fit in at all. I never had time for myself or others. I was always too busy with my heritage and protecting Excalibur. 

I never had time to see what colours looked good on me and how I wanted to dress or who I wanted to love or had time to pick a sport I liked or a creative hobby for fun. 

Fun, huh. I looked at the two moons in the sky despite it being day, they were often there. A mother and her daughter. Tears pricked at my eyes. My mother was power hungry and had a lust for perfection. 

She sent me here too...no... no matter how my mother is, I can't reveal anything. 

Not yet.

As the glowy yellow orb starts to set, the floating market - a bunch of traders that come and go with treasures of foreign places - begin to set up their hovering tables and queer objects at one end of the shore. All the kids flock their like bees to honey, boys trying to impress girls with unknown flowers they bought. 

I too get up, intrigued having obviously never mingled with commoners this much. Ria ran up to me hands open in front of her, palms up, "Got any money? I ain't gonna pay you back, just a heads up." 

I nod and fish into my pockets when an idea struck me. Suddenly I knew how to get rid of my loneliness, "I have no rejection to offering you some coin however come, lets explore the selling of goods. Together. Then I'll hand the money to them for whatever you wish to buy." 

Her eyes shone, "Really?". "Oh, your the best," she cried happily, throwing her arms around me. I felt warm and it felt good. So we spent some time like that, upturning vintage clothes, nearly breaking some antique china and haggling for the best quality make-up. But of course, this wasn't going to last. And when Kieren came back with some snow cones, Ria left and I was once again alone.

So I went back to my spot, begrudgingly and hesitantly picked up a book. My heart wrenching with the pain of being alone. Something I couldn't stand anymore. I was 15 and all my life I've been too busy being overshadowed with responsibilities and never the right chance to- 

A scratching sound made me turn my head. There by my side dug into the sand werewords. Words that made my blood go cold and want nothing more than to be rid of existence. 

Scrawled were the words: I have it. At what stake are you willing to get it back. 

I scream. 

The nearest person who was James ran up to me. his brows furled in confusion and his voice laced with worry he asked, "are you alright,princess? You look pale." I gasp and my shaky finger points to the sand where the words have been erased. 

He looks serious, "if it's a crab, I understand.I'll skewer it and barbeque it for you. It would taste nice with some applewood-smoked chevre and salmon pate." He suggested with a grin. I took a deep breath and clear my throat, ready to clear the misunderstanding when I noticed his well carved bare chest and strong muscles leaning over me. 

Going red, I start stammering, suddenly feeling hot again. He brush my hair from my face and since when was his hair so chocolaty? And his lips... so pink. 

"I d-don't think I need any medical attention. I just want, want to go back." I stutter, my insides fluttering. 

James himself couldn't stop trying to subtly brushing his fingers against 'her' soft locks of hair and sub-consciously berating himself for looking but he couldn't help himself. 'Her' bikini was such a nice subtle yellow and it made her curves and model body looks so... good? 

Fit? 

Perfect?

 At the back of his mind, he sort of made a wish for her to no longer be so modest. It was accidental. It wasn't to be perverted. It was just caught up in the moment. Wishes don't go unheard. Out of previous embarrassment when I stripped to my bathing suit a while back, I couldn't handle it and wore a shawl but as it slipped from my shoulders, I saw James go hot and flustered looking at my chest. I don't pick up my shawl and instead lean back, my breasts in full view. 

He too starts stammering, "I- I should take you, you know, uhm back to your d-dorm."