"Young man," Mr. Barnaby said in a serious tone. "That is a kind offer, but the Princess's safety is very important. I need a guarantee that she will be unharmed on her way there."
"I can do it, Sir!" Lucas responded. "I know Enchancia like the back of my hand, and I know the safest route to the castle."
Princess Annabelle looked up at Barnaby. He was thinking about it. She knew.
Chochi climbed up to the princess's shoulder, sniffling. She could smell her treat, freshly baked, and full of the sweetest cream.
Annabelle noticed the vendor hand her panda a fresh cream puff. The princess handed her payment over, thanked the woman and returned her attention to her steward and new friend.
"What's your name?" Barnaby asked.
"I'm Lucas," the villager gave a quick bow respectfully. "Lucas Bazer."
"Well, Mr. Bazer, I don't sense any ill intentions... There's something about you. I trust you'll escort Little Majesty safely. I am putting her protection in your care."
Princess Annabelle smiled, noticing some excitement sparking in his expression.
"I won't let you down, sir! There won't be a scratch on her. Not one!"
"Good. I place her wellbeing in your care," Barnaby outstretched his hand to which Lucas shook it.
"Can you please wait here now, Lucas? I must retrieve Princess Annabelle's horse and luggage."
"Oh, um, sure."
The little princess followed her steward, Chochi still munching on the cream puff in her arms.
"Mr. Barnaby, you'll come back for me, won't you?" Annabelle asked in a small voice.
He turned and kneeled to meet her gaze. "As soon as all of this is over, and you are once again safe... I promise."
"OK... I trust you."
Barnaby patted the young princess on her head, receiving a smile in return.
She approached her magical winged steed and pet her muzzle.
"Etheria, there aren't any unicorns here so can you hide your horn? Please?"
Etheria nickered, using her magic to conceal her iridescent horn so that it was invisible to human eyes.
"Thank you~" Annabelle chimed.
"All of your luggage is attached to your personal cart on Etheria, Little Majesty. Come, your escort is waiting," Barnaby took the little girl's hand and lead Etheria by the reins with his free hand.
Lucas looked up from shuffling his foot in the snow. "Oh! You're back."
Barnaby kneeled once more, bowing to the princess. Annabelle's eyes welled up, then she flew onto her steward. She hugged him tight.
"Be good, Little Majesty," he mumbled in her ear as he returned her hand. "And stay safe. Don't worry, I will return to you."
The steward pulled out of the hug, keeping his eyes on hers.
"Well then... Off you go, Princess. To the Castle."
YOU ARE READING
Annabelle Of Aralynn
Fantasy(Sofia The First) Princess Annabelle is the heir to the throne of Aralynn located in the Mystic Isles. When her childhood friend, Prince Blake of Staezia, suddenly changes his entire attitude and steals the throne from his parents, he sets his sight...
