The Things We Want

CHAPTER 1 "TO BE FREE"

"Mother, please. One day outside, it's really all I want!" Ava begged her mother at 5 am the day before her birthday. Only 24 hours before becoming an adult.

"Ava, you've left before and all you've done is gotten lost and in trouble. I'd hate to be upset with you before your birthday darling..." She sighed heavily, looking into her determined daughter's eyes. She looked away, "No... I couldn't allow it. I'm sorry dear, tomorrow is just too important and I don't want you to-" before she can speak another word, Ava turns and swiftly leaves her mother's room, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

So yes, maybe the last time... and all the times she has left the palace things did go... a bit south. How could she have known to open that gate would let all the farmer's pigs out? Or that they would trample her? And the time before that when she forgot where she tied up her horse and was an hour late back home? And the time before that... and the next. Okay, maybe it was smart to keep her home... but it still hurt her deeply. If she can't be trusted to leave her own home, how will she be trusted to rule a kingdom?

Ava rushes through the twisting halls, slowing down a bit as she draws closer to the library located at the center of the palace, just behind the throne room. She runs her fingers along the elegantly detailed walls, as she reaches the tall doors. She takes a deep breath, straightening her back, and she pushes through the doors.

"Ava!" Inside, a young teenage boy called her name. She smiled as he came into view.

"Samuel, so good to see you!" She exclaimed, letting the doors swing shut behind her as she ran forward. They embrace, "Where have you been? I haven't seen you around here in weeks!"

"I've been on vacation with my family! It's a rare occurrence, considering... but the king, he gave us the money for the trip! It was amazing! We visited all the nearby kingdoms that would have us!" Samuel exclaimed excitedly, talking with his hands as usual. Samuel was a youngster in the palace, training to be an adviser like his father. His mother worked in the kitchen to keep the family together, which the Queen insisted to house them all there as one.

Samuel and Ava grew up together, Ava the big sister, Sam the young brother learning things from the princess.

"I missed you so much, mother... yet understanding... has been a bit trying these past couple days," Ava explained with concerned and saddened eyes. They move to sit at a table.

"Good morning Princess Ava!" A maid said as she passed by the table.

"Good morning!" She called back, then settled with Samuel. "I understand that I may be a bit clumsy despite my training, and sometimes things can get out of hand... but I can always get myself out of it and right my wrongs! I'm not that awful... Am I?" Ava melts on the table, her posture loosening as her elbows slide forward on the wood.

"You aren't awful at all Ava! I look up to you so much and you've never let me or anyone else down. So what if you make a few mistakes? Everyone does!" Samuel said excitedly, placing his hand on her shoulder, "Your mother will see. Everyone will. You'll be a great leader for the kingdom someday, I just know it!" He smiled brightly, looking into Ava's sad eyes, which brightened slightly at his confidence and belief in her abilities.

"Thank you, Samuel, I think that was just the pep talk I needed!" Her smile brightened even more, bright and excited, making Samuel furred his eyebrows.

"What's your idea?" He asked her timidly. She looks at him with determination.

"I'm going out! This afternoon, before my birthday! I'll be back before supper, it'll be perfect!" She whispered softly, energy still in her voice. After she finishes, Samuel shakes his head.

"But Ava... against the Queen's wishes? Isn't that dangerous in too many ways?" He asked in a whispering tone, concerned.

"I'll be alright! I won't forget where I tie up Clarence and I won't get into trouble you'll see!" She stood up, fists clenched as she races out the doors again. Samuel sighs, quickly rushing out after her.

"Ava wait!" He yelled, managing to catch up and grab her wrist, turning her around, "Just because you are forgetful and clumsy doesn't mean you aren't confident, defiant, determined, or amazing. It just means that sometimes you need help! Just like everyone else does. It's alright to not do things alone. And in your case, it can help you loads. I'm not trying to sound rude or anything Ava, I just don't want something to happen to you..." Samuel finishes his tangent, looking at the ground. He looks as if he might bow, but Ava takes his arm and he looks back up.

"I know I can ask for help. But I'll be 18 tomorrow. I'll need to do things on my own sooner than I know and if I don't leave now? I'm afraid I never will Sam..." She sighed, looking at him pleadingly, "Please. Don't tell anyone I'm gone unless I'm not back by 5:30, okay?" She begged, keeping her eyes on him trying to use her almost non-existent charm.

Samuel sighed heavily, his shoulders falling forwards, "I guess I can't ignore direct orders from my big sister..." he smiled seeing Ava's face light up.

"Thank you, so much Samuel! I promise I'll be back!" She turned around and continued to rush down the long hall, swiftly turning a few more corners to reach her room.

"Just need my satchel," she takes the shoulder bag from her chair, " and my coat," she said to herself, taking a long-sleeved jacket from her closet hook.

After deeming herself ready, she ran into the hall once more and down to the garden on the first level of the palace. She looked around every which way before stepping outside. This was the easiest way in and out beside the front gates.

Easily slipping past the gardener, Ava ran happily down the path to the stables just outside the palace walls.

"Good afternoon sir Clarence!' She exclaimed happily, running her fingers through the steed's long black mane. Clarence was the sleekest in the bunch, stark black like a raven, but as chipper as a little puppy getting a treat. He was well trained, skilled, elegant, yet playful as well. He was the perfect mix for Ava's personality and outings.

Sometimes she must be regal and elegant, but times like these she could let loose and just ride for the fun of it. After placing the saddle on Clarence's back, Ava looked around one last time for anyone who might tell her mother she left. Seeing no spying eyes, she took a deep breath and climbed onto Clarence's back.

AN: This is an unedited version of this book, and the title is a work in progress, this is purely to see if people would enjoy reading it, so let me know what you think every chapter in the comments!