A Royal Switch

The Prince's Intentions

He was stunned. He was shocked. This princess looked exactly like his beloved Melody. From top to bottom, her features were exactly alike. How was that possible? He never thought that anyone would match up to Melody's beauty, but the princess is nearly as perfect, from head to toe.

He shook his head from his delusions. He knew that that girl isn't Melody. No lookalike would ever compare to the real Melody, and he felt ashamed that he had mistaken the princess for her. He wanted to see Melody. He craved for her. After that bitter encounter, he felt the need to keep the girl at his side even more. He didn't want a princess to ruin his image of him.

Hunter noticed the sun going down, realizing that by then his precious Melody would be returning home soon. He told her that she should leave earlier than the others so that she can return home safely.

There was a knock on his bedroom door. It quietly opened, and revealed his father wearing a long silk robe. "My son, I take it that you have met the princess, have you not?" The king looked sternly at him, and the prince nodded his head.

"Yes, she is..." Hunter thought for a moment, "not what I expected."

"Ah yes. I didn't know that she would have a deep resemblance to Melody, but I guess that might make it easier for you."

Hunter decided not to protest against him. He knew that if he said something now, it would only upset him. All he could do was nod his head. The king gave him a warmer smile. "I know that you love Melody, and I know that this will be hard for you, but I advise you to move on. It would be best for the kingdom." He left the room, leaving his son to his own thoughts.

He wanted to see her. He wanted Melody.

Hunter snuck out of the castle and was on his way to Melody's house.

-*-

"Mother, are you okay? I have some food for you." Melody was taking care of the house and her family while her father was gone, with the help of her beloved Lars, who was helping the children get to bed.

Her mother struggled a little more, groaning as she did. "Mother, no, you must get some rest," Melody told her. She didn't want her to be up and about, getting her condition worse. "I'll take care of the children. Lars can come by tomorrow while I'm off to work." Lars nodded as she said this. Her mother sighed as a reply and closed her eyes.

The children were all put to bed safely and were already asleep when Lars went on his way back to his farm. Melody looked out into the sky. It seems like Daddy's not coming until late, she told herself, hearing footsteps thumping softly across the dirt.

Melody turned back around, assuming it was a small animal, not realizing that the prince was right behind her, waiting at her front doorstep. She didn't notice him tapping his feet on the ground, waiting for an invitation to come in. She didn't notice until he called out to her. Melody squealed slightly.

"Do not worry, it is only me," a familiar voice reassured her, but it only made Melody even more frightened. What was the prince doing here in her home? It shocked her.

"My my, your highness, what brings you here?" she asked him sternly. She knew the prince shouldn't be out at this hour of night! Something could happen to him!

"Nothing much," he replied quickly. "I just wanted to see of you, uh, returned home safely."

Melody stared at him for a long time, not believing him. "If you have come here to collect, I'm afraid we already paid up." She took a step back, not knowing what might happen to her. She knew that talking inappropriately to any of the royals was considered a crime and that she had better watch her words in front of them.