Annabelle Of Aralynn

Princess In Hiding

   I didn't want to leave them. Mom and Dad insisted this is for my safety. I don't understand, he's my friend. He always was so nice. What made him do this? Mr. Barnaby, my castle steward, ushered me away into a carriage. Mom and Dad said they loved me. And off I went, frightened. But I have to trust them.

   The carriage landed along a trail, the unicorns pulling it along. Etheria, the princess's unicorn was one among them. After hours of dappled shade from the trees pouring through the window, the carriage stopped.
   The door opened.

"We've arrived in the village of Dunwiddie, Little Majesty," a tall man with light brown slicked to the side hair extended his hand to the child.

   Princess Annabelle lifted her dress as to not trip on it when she stepped out of her coach. A small panda with purple-blue eyes tumbled out after her. Chuckling at her clumsy companion, she gently lifted her into her arms.

"Mr. Barnaby, may Chochi and I go to the market? I've been in the carriage for forever," the small princess pleaded.

The steward tapped his chin in thought then crouched to the six-year-old.

"Yes, Princess. However, please stay in sight. Here," he reached into his coat and pulled out a few coins. "You've been so well-behaved for so long. Go get a treat for yourself and Chochi."

   Princess Annabelle hugged her steward and thanked him. He watched as she excitedly skipped toward the village market.
   The little princess greeted each villager with kindness. She knew each of them from visiting Enchancia many times before. Princess Sofia was practically a sister to her.
   As the small princess browsed the market, her attention was caught by Chochi, who was staring at the pastry stand with glittering eyes. She knew what her little companion was after... Cream puffs. A sweet little pastry with a whipped frosted filling. It was Chochi's favorite treat.
   Annabelle giggled and approached the stand, and Chochi.

"One cream puff please, Miss."

"Oh, Princess Annabelle! Its lovely to see you again, dear. I'll go get your cream puff right away," the vendor turned and started to prepare it.

"Excuse me... But are you a princess?"

   Annabelle heard a voice she did not recognize, which startled her and she stepped away before turning to see who addressed her. She his shyly behind Chochi in her arms.
   It was a boy, a village boy from the looks of it. He had blonde hair with a light brown at the roots. His eyes, filled with an almost excited curiosity were a slate blue. Odd, the small princess has never seen this boy in the village before.

"I..." Annabelle trailed before trying to speak more clearly. "I am. I am Princess Annabelle Aravella from the kingdom of Aralynn."

"Aralynn?" The boy questioned. "Isn't that a long way from here?"

   The young princess was about to respond, before the boy spoke up again, almost in a panic.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Your Highness!" He bowed to her. "My name is Lucas Bazer."

Annabelle curtsied politely. "Its nice to meet you, Mr. Lucas."

"Just Lucas is fine, Princess. So why are you so far from your kingdom?"

"Well... I'm visiting."

"Visiting the royal family?" Lucas asked eagerly.

"Y...Yes. My family is close friends with Enchancia's royal family," Annabelle explained.

"Princess!" Barnaby ran to her. "I apologize, but your father needs me back right away. I am unable to escort you to the castle."

"It's OK, Mr. Bartleby. I know how to get there," Annabelle responded.

"Little Majesty, I insist you have someone go with you. For your own safety. Do you know anyone who can escort you?" The steward asked.

"Not really..."

   The air was silent as they thought of what to do for a few seconds.

"I'll take her," Lucas then piped up.

   The steward and royal child looked at the villager in surprise.

"I know Enchancia very well," Lucas said again. "I can take her to the castle."

Hello, everyone. This story is Princess Annabelle's side. Its a spinoff sequel of the story of Lucas Bazer. I have been given permission to use this character. The account is @lucasbazer on tumblr. Enjoy the rest of the story!