RONAN

one

"I cannot believe this! Why can't I go to the village alone?" I looked at my father, the king, with anger.

I have been feeling trapped lately. There are guards everywhere I go. I just want a little freedom, but I don't understand why I always have to be guarded.

"Zara, we've talked about this. You are a princess, you have a title. The village people aren't always so trusting. If you want to go to the village, have Erick and Johnson go with you."

I didn't want them to go with me, I see them every minute of the day. "Father, please. If I cannot go to the village alone, can Anita come with me? I need someone to talk to, someone that's not a guard."

I looked over at Anita with a pleading smile. Anita has been my confidant ever since I can remember. She's like the mother I never had. I am so thankful for her.

"I don't know Zara, why are you so complicated. Anita, is that fine with you?" I looked over at Anita in a hopeful manner. Anita returned a soft smile and looked at my father.

"Yes your majesty, I would be delighted." My father nodded and dismissed the guards. "Don't take too long, you both must be here before sundown."

"Oh yes father! I promise." I laughed in glee. About darn time, I can now enjoy the outdoors peacefully with no authority breathing down my neck.

I grabbed Anita's hand and pulled her with me as I ran towards the doors. "Princess, calm down." Anita laughed as I slowed down. I stopped and looked over at her.

"Oh Anita, it's just I've never-" "I know. . well are you ready. Let's go." I smiled kindly and walked beside her.

We were passing through a forest, that was filled with beautiful flowers. Flowers I have never seen. Some looked like bells, and others like birds. Crazy, right?

I was amazed by the beauty of it. I wish I had these types of flowers much closer. The walk to the village was not terribly long.

We were nearing the village, and as we got closer I was able to hear some of the villagers yell. I noticed the village was filled with dull colors like dark brown, mustard, and it looks run down. Maybe it needs renovating.

I could probably talk to father about this. As Anita and  I got closer, i was able to see some people running to the center of the village plaza. Anita right away looked alarmed.

"Princess, maybe we should go, it isn't safe." I had to know what was going on. "No no, I have to see what's wrong!"

I walked closer to the commotion and saw some of my father's guards grabbing a young girl pulling her away from her family.

The little girls mother was screaming and her father was trying to grab his little girl. Oh Lord! I wasn't going to waste another minute standing around like a damsel.

I ran over to the guards. "Princess come back!" I faintly heard Anita, but I couldn't go back, not when this was happening. "Guards! What are you doing?! Give the family their little girl back now!"

I stated with anger and confusion visibly shown. The guards looked confused by my appearance at the village.

"Princess Zara, go back to the castle. I will call your father." "You will call no one. What you will do is return the girl."

I walked closer to the guards until I was close enough. "Princess we caught her stealing bread." I laughed in a sarcastic manner, not believing my ears.

"She is a child! She doesn't know better. Return her." The guards looked like they wanted to say more, but luckily they gave in and released the child.

I moved closer taking off my cardigan to wrap around the young girl. The guards backed off and walked away towards the castle with nothing but what should've been shame.

The young girls family was filled with gratitude and could not believe their eyes. "Princess Zara, how could we ever repay you."

I looked at the family watching as their eyes filled up with tears and my heart with ache."You guys owe me nothing, just take care and be careful."

The little girl came close to me, and I kneeled down with a smile. She was so clueless, just like I was. "Hi there pretty girl." The small girl let out a toothy grin and hugged me.

She was so cute, she had honey coloured hair, and bright eyes. A warmth surrounded me as I wrapped my arms back around the girl, returning the hug with care.

My heart was full. The little girl giggled and looked over at her mother. "Mommy, pwincess zawa is beautiful." I laughed and looked at the girl with emotion.

How could anyone want to harm a young girl. I just couldn't understand. I was in shock by the occurrences.

That I guess I was lost in my thoughts that I never heard footsteps come near. "She sure is beautiful. "

I gasped quietly, as I slowly looked and stood up from where I was kneeling. A man with such aura was leaning against a tree, a couple feet away from where I stood. His identity was a secret, he wore a black mysterious cloak, so there was no telling how he looked. He didn't want anyone to know who he was. Was he some type of criminal or hero? His voice was a rich strong sound. It sounded so beautiful and luring. I wanted to respond to him, I wanted to see his face, but Anita pulled me out of thoughts and vision.

"Princess we must go now, it's almost sundown!" Anita pulled me by the arm and dragged me back to trail that led to castle. As we were walking back I couldn't help but look back at the man one last time, except he wasn't there. He was gone.

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