Noble Songbird

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand

adventure was about to happen."

~Winnie the Pooh

Adalynn

They would probably be looking for me by now. Normally, I never stayed out past curfew, but I just couldn't leave the gardens, there was more music this time than usual.

My father would probably have a fit when he realized I was out this late, especially with it being past dark. And my brother would most likely lock me up in my room for days. But I didn't care, I needed to be free from that stuffy castle, even for an hour or two.

No matter how much space a place could have, it's still possible to feel trapped inside.

I lay my head down on the bench, my blue dress dragging in the mud as I enjoyed the melodious notes. I never understood where the music came from, all I knew is that it was there to welcome me whenever I went outside. I never told anyone though, I didn't want anyone to believe that this was my only Gift. I'd rather have them believe that I just haven't received mine yet.

On my stomach, I heard the unmistakable sound of a chirp.

"I know it's late Flap, but maybe it's good for me to rebel a little bit. Tired of being the perfect little princess all the time. And anyways, I don't exist, remember? So how could I possibly break curfew if I do not exist?"

Flap chirped at me again, in the dark he blended into the blue bodice of my dress.

"I can't go inside just quite yet, the music isn't over," I told my tiny, fat fairy wren. Understanding me, he nestled back into my bodice and I layed my head back down.

As I drifted into the music, I heard a rustling in the bushes. So quiet, I almost couldn't hear it, which was saying something for me. The sound was different, normally I would have guessed any assortment of wild animals: rabbits, cats, raccoons, etc. but this noise was strange... Sort of like...

Boots.

Shooting up from my lounged position, I peer into the darkened bushes, not even bothering with the fact that I dumped Flap on the floor.

He's a bird, he's fine.

"Who's there?" calling to the darkness, I went against every instinct in my body to stay away. Maybe this is why they said curiosity killed the cat.

Another rustle. Quicker, sharper. Whoever it was was hiding, and their breath and heart beat quickened. Obviously they were not expecting to be caught.

"No use hiding from me, I can hear you breathing." Somehow I knew that was a stupid thing to say.

The breathing stopped.

"No use holding your breath either, just makes your heart beat faster. Which is, you know, easier to hear."

"Fine, you got me," a male voice said, and from the bushes emerged a darkened figure. He was tall, at least a whole head taller than me. I couldn't make out most of him, but he seemed to be young.

"Who are you?"

"Better question is who are you? And why are you wearing a crown?"

Oh no. I immediately touched my golden tiara, no one was supposed to know I was here. Father would be so furious. Now I see why I have a curfew.

I tried regaining my composure and changed the subject, "You know you are on palace grounds, right? I don't think you are supposed to be here..."

"Neither are you, but here you are. No other royal family is supposed to be here, and I am pretty sure it's against the law to impersonate a princess," even though he was accusing me of being an imposter, his voice was undeniably attractive, and I highly bet that it belonged to an undeniably attractive man.