"Mother, why do I have to wear this stupid dress!" I was stuck wearing a blue dress. It was awful. "Gwendolyn, sweetheart, will you stop complaining. You have to wear a dress, because it is not lady like to wear a tunic and breeches to a formal occasion.""Father would have let me worn it." "Yes, but your father also has no sense of formality." "Oh? You question the King's formality? If I remember correctly, I believe that is treason." In the open doorway stood the king. "Father!" I ran and threw my arms around him. "You didn't think I would miss my daughter's birthday did you? And Vivian, you look stunning as always." "Tristan, you're late, please go change out of your armor, it has dried blood on it." "That is one thing I did not miss Viv." "Yes, yes. Now hurry along!" Father left the room and mother helped fix the crown atop my head. "If it is a party for you, then you must look your best!" "But, I don't want this party." "Quick, we must hurry to meet your father." Mother ushered me out of the room to the hall before the grand staircase. Father met us there. "Well you changed fast." "You had everything set out, all I had to do was show up. The servants even offered to dress me." "Anyway, we are running behind schedule!" "Vivian, if those people down there are true friends, they won't care if we are late." "Whether they are friends or not, it should still be a point to be punctual." "Yes dear, we should not want to instill such bad habits in to our daughter." "Sarcasm is one of those bad habits." "Oh lighten up a bit sweetheart. Come on, where is that smile I love so much?" Mother faked a smile. We all fake smiled, I hated my life right about now, and father hated all balls and galas. Only mother could have been wearing a sincere smile but she seem frustrated as well. The trumpets blared as we reached the staircase. "Now announcing the arrival of the most beloved Royal Family." That was a little much wasn't it? I figured that everyone already knew we are loved. We didn't need it proclaimed from the rooftops. Right? We made our way down the stairs, I almost tripped on the flowing fabric of my dress. Ugh, I really hate this thing. At the base of the steps, mother pulled me aside. "Gwendolyn, there is someone I would like you to meet." Here we go again, another snobby friend of mother's. She lead me to the head table, where only the important people, The Royal Family and high ranking officials and their families sat. Was someone new elected in to a position? Then it dawned on me, Sir Arthur was seated at the left side of the king, and he had a son which I had not formally met. "Gwendolyn, this is Flynn. Flynn, this is Princess Gwendolyn." "Very nice to meet you Princess." Flynn said with a chuckle "And you as well, Flynn." I said, also laughing. "I do not understand, what is so funny?" "Mother, I've already met Flynn. We met earlier today." "Yes, we sort of 'ran into each other'." At this remark, we could no longer retain our laughter. We laughed until our sides ached. "What do you mean?" "Vivian, the boy was not watching where he was going and ran straight into the princess." Sir Arthur interjected. Sir Arthur was one of the only people who called Mother by her name and not by her title, and well it was okay with her. Sir Arthur and her lived in the same village when they were younger. They were both from humble beginnings and look what they have to show for it. One a queen and the other leader of the Royal Guard. I wonder what I'll do with my life. I hope it is something cool like slaying some huge beast or being the best ruler Houndsvalley has ever had! I don't wan't be just another forgotten ruler in a history book. I want to do something great. I was snapped out of my daydreams by Mother's voice. "Hmph. Well then, if you two already know each other. I suppose I shall leave you to talk and I shall go enjoy the festivities. Arthur, Sarah, will you join me?" The adults rose from their chairs and left the table. "So, are you okay? I mean like from earlier?" "Oh, yes I am perfectly fine. Not a bruise or scratch on me." Flynn let out a sigh of relief. "It's fine trust me I'm not going to have you thrown in jail for assaulting royalty. It seems like we going to be seeing a lot of each other, and throwing you in jail may not be the best way to start a friendship.
