How are you? I'm good! I'm just thinking of you today and saying hi. It feels weird to say 'Happy Death Day,' but I always celebrate your memory today, too. We all miss you, but I know you still watch over us. Have you met Lee yet? Please say hi to him. You'll like his humor.
I love you, Stevie Wevie.
Smooches and think Tink!
Lena
What if Peter Pan and the Lost Boys were a boy band? They would sing pop versions of Disney songs and sing original songs. Hey Disney, call me lol. You need a new creative idea!
Also, this is what happens when I spend the evening listening to 90s/00s boy bands. Lol.
Image made with DreamUp AI on DeviantArt.
Smooches and Think Tink!
the Heretic Princess and the Unusual Angel
Evermore is a kingdom of magic and mysterious grandeur. It’s in another realm hidden within our reality and can only be seen by individuals with open minds and hearts. The whole kingdom looks like a vivid and gorgeous oil painting with tall trees, colorful plants, clear lakes, never-ending hills, a small village, a thriving marketplace, and a beautiful massive castle watching over all of this from a mountain. Magic is believed, accepted, and honored. Because magic is part of the kingdom’s daily life, the people of Evermore also respect and sometimes fear such mystical creatures as giants, dragons, merpeople, goblins, imps, angels, and the fae.
King Richard and Queen Linda Shadowmend rule this intriguing place and live in the massive castle. The people of Evermore love them because of their caring nature. King Richard is tall and muscular and can seem intimidating to outsiders, but he’s a big teddy bear. He’s compassionate, brave, and protective, but laid-back and cheerful with people. When he lets out a hardy chuckle, his electric blue eyes sparkle. His dark-brown hair and beard are also well-groomed, and he always wears musky cologne, which can be a comforting aroma. Queen Linda is a strong woman with otherworldly beauty. She has long blonde hair, stunning baby-blue eyes, and the warmest smile and laugh. She’s the most open-minded queen of all time. She never judges anyone. She’s also empathetic and nurturing but can be vicious when she has to. It’s said that any foe shouldn’t go against her when she’s defending her people and family; it would be the last thing they would ever do. King Richard and Queen Linda are deeply in love with each other. It was an arranged marriage, but luckily, they first met as teenagers, and it was love at first sight.
They only have one daughter. Her name is Sapphire, named after the color of her eyes. Despite having a magnificent life, this princess’s journey wasn’t always glamorous. She had to overcome a lot of obstacles. She also did things that other princesses usually didn’t do or were allowed to do. It was frowned upon that she marched to the beat of her own drum. It took an unusual guardian angel to show her that she didn’t have to change. Her individuality should’ve been celebrated.
It all started on one spring day when Princess Sapphire was only three years old. Her parents and a servant took her into the forest for a walk. She saw a beautiful snow-white butterfly and began to run after it innocently. She wasn’t looking where she was going and before her parents or the servant could grab her, she stepped into a fairy circle. The Unseelie Court of Fairies popped up and surrounded young Sapphire menacingly. These fairies were horned and pale, with dark clothes and irises, and toothy grins. Most fae were harmless, but the Unseelie Court was baleful, warped, chaotic, and easily offended. They loved punishing humans. Her parents and the servant stood under a tree next to the circle, not moving, while Sapphire was in danger.
“Look what we have,” said a fairy scornfully, “another stupid human child stepped into our sacred circle. What shall we do?”
“Let’s make her dance with us,” added another fairy with an evil smile, “Dance with us until she takes her last breath.”
A male fairy snapped his fingers, making Princess Sapphire’s feet move vigorously.
At first, she laughed, but then she panicked and cried for her mother when she realized she couldn’t stop. They danced and cackled around her as she screamed.
“Wait,” cried out Queen Linda to the fairies, “she’s only a child! She didn’t know any better!”
“Yes,” begged King Richard, “you can’t be that cruel!”
The malevolent fairies were looking forward to punishing a human child that day, but Princess Sapphire’s wailing was getting louder and giving them headaches. Besides, the king and queen were squirming like worms on hooks. The fairies decided torturing them would be much more fun.
Rolling her eyes and smiling, a fairy said: “Fine. You can have your annoying child back…for a price.”
King Richard said desperately: “What’s your price?”
“Just three things.”
“Please don’t do it,” exclaimed the servant, “Your Majesties! It must be a trick!”
“We’re saving our daughter,” yelled Queen Linda, “No matter what it costs us!”
“First, if you agree,” explained a fairy, “we’ll remove your ability to have another child since it seems you can only handle one. You didn’t teach her to respect us. Second, we’ll remove her ability to walk, so she won’t ever step into another sacred circle. Third, we’ll make her speech garbed, so it’ll be difficult for people to understand her if she talks badly about us. Do you agree?”
Queen Linda and King Richard looked at each other sadly for a second. Sapphire’s feet then began to bleed.
Without another moment of hesitation, they both said: “We agree!”
A fairy blew some black dust in Princess Sapphire’s face, making her levitate out of the fairy circle and into her mother’s arms. Then, The Unseelie Court vanished with their cackles echoing in the air.
Queen Linda and King Richard held Princess Sapphire tightly. Their hearts broke not only for their inability to have another child but also for her. Because of this, they knew Princess Sapphire would have more trials and tribulations than other children. They hoped she would forgive them for agreeing to this.
Over the next few weeks at the castle, Queen Linda and King Richard tried to reverse The Unseelie Court’s magic. They asked the best sorceresses, wizards, and fae people to help. These people and beings were willing to try to stop the royal family’s heartbreaking fate, but once they were seen, the queen and king were told that this was an unbreakable curse; the curse was running through the veins of all three of them. With heavy hearts, the queen and king accepted it. Princess Sapphire was now wheelchair-bound.
Over the years, Queen Linda, King Richard, and Princess Sapphire didn’t grieve what was taken away from them or hold a grudge against any fae. Princess Sapphire didn’t resent her parents for what they did; she knew they did it to save her life. This was just how the cards dealt for the royal family. Her parents loved and encouraged her to do anything she wanted but didn’t coddle or treat her differently. Despite many struggles, she became a bright, strong-willed, independent girl.
It was now December 1st, the afternoon of her eleventh birthday. It was lightly snowing outside. Fluffy mounts of snow were on the ground, and it also looked like there was powder sugar on the trees, mountains, and rooftops. Princess Sapphire wanted to have an outside party; build snowmen and have snowball fights, but it was bitterly cold, so the party was in the throne room. Little did they know, at that very moment, a strange and kind man was approaching the castle; snow loudly crunching underneath his feet.
The spacious throne room was already decorated for Christmas with the greenest garland and all sizes of pine cones around the staircase railings and fireplace, and a large tree that stood to the side with amazing red and green ornaments. A crackling fire was going inside the fireplace as well, and a golden table was set up in the middle of the room for the birthday party. The queen and king sat in their thrones, happily observing the party. Deborah, who was Queen Linda’s sister and Princess Sapphire’s aunt and tutor, stood by them with a disapproving scowl. She was a stern and frigid woman with her long blonde tied up in a tight bun. She dressed like an old schoolmarm. She never smiled or showed any sign of happiness. She also hated anything magical or unique and made it her mission for Princess Sapphire to act “normal.”
Among the girls in pastel-colored dresses sat Princess Sapphire, wearing a black tunic, gray trousers, a black belt, and a pair of soft black boots. She hated dresses because she thought they were restrictive. She wore her long, curly, dark-brown hair down with her gold tiara on top. Also, she had cuts on her fingers from sewing and wood-carving toys, so she wore leather gloves. Despite her unconventional choice of fashion, she had incredible elvan-like beauty with sapphire eyes that seemed to glow and a spellbinding smile. Aunt Deborah told her that she should dress like a proper princess, but her mother didn’t see it as a big deal.
Princess Sapphire was enjoying her birthday party and the girls and their parents who came were nice, but she didn’t know most of them. She didn’t have a lot of friends. Besides her parents, the princess only had a bond with her nanny, Ginger. Ginger was the daughter of Queen Linda’s childhood friend, Brewelda. When Brewelda’s family fell on difficult times, sixteen-year-old Ginger came to Evermore and became Princess Sapphire’s nanny. Ginger was beautiful with her light-brown hair, hazel eyes, and bright smile. Ginger was like an older sister. She tried to shield the princess from her aunt’s cruel criticisms and hateful views. She even encouraged her to take any chance to socialize with people outside of the castle, even if they couldn’t always understand her.
Princess Sapphire asked her guests not to bring any gifts that day because she had enough things. She asked them to donate toys to the orphanage. However, they brought gifts to her anyway, and it was the same thing: a baby doll. She stopped playing with these kinds of baby dolls when she was five. She liked cloth or wooden dolls, but she appreciated their kindness. She politely smiled and thanked each person.
The girls wanted to have a pretend tea party with their own dolls. Princess Sapphire agreed, but instead of using one of her new baby dolls, she asked Ginger to get her two favorite dolls from the next room: two small ghost dolls she made herself. Each ghost was made of two unused silk handkerchiefs sewn together; they were stuffed with cotton, their eyes were old black buttons, and their mouths were painted on.
A girl asked: “What are those, Princess?”
“I made them,” she replied proudly.
“What?”
Princess Sapphire repeated herself slowly, adding with confidence: “I designed and sewed these dolls myself. They are ghosts.”
The girl’s mother smiled: “That’s clever.”
The rest of the guests gave the princess a peculiar look, and Aunt Deborah rolled her eyes, but the playing commenced. The other girls gave her ghosts cups but didn’t involve them in the game. Princess Sapphire tried to interact with the other girls with their dolls but she was being misheard a lot. She could feel her frustration growing because she was being misunderstood and the girls gradually started to ignore her. Just then, the large door burst wide open, an extremely brisk and strong wind filling the room for a moment. Servants rushed to close the door.
Walking next to two castle guards, a bizarre-looking man entered the room. The heavy-set, tanned man sort of looked like St. Nicholas with white hair and beard, but he also had two bone-white horns protruding from his forehead and a pair of pure white, enormous angel wings sprouting from his back. He had one gold eye and one gray eye. He had a slight limp in his left leg and held a black and silver cane in his left hand for balance. He was also carrying a kitbag in his right hand. Everything that he wore was purple; his cloak, suit, and shoes. For some reason, the party guests and Aunt Deborah were unnerved by him, while Queen Linda, King Richard, Ginger, and Princess Sapphire welcomed him with the warmest smiles.
“Your Majesties,” said one of the castle guards to her parents, bowing, “I’m sorry, but this gentleman says he is here in hopes of being the new bodyguard for Princess Sapphire.”
“I’m sorry for interrupting your party, Your Majesties,” said the man, “I just came into Evermore recently and I had heard about the bodyguard position. Since I had some experience as a bodyguard, I came here right away.”
They did need a new bodyguard for her. The former one left to become a soldier in another kingdom. Princess Sapphire and Ginger thought her former bodyguard was such a killjoy too.
“Do not fret, my good sir,” exclaimed King Richard merrily, “What’s your name?”
“My name is Lee, Your Majesty, but I still apologize for intruding on your party.”
“I don’t mind,” said Princess Sapphire happily, “It’s my birthday party!”
“A princess doesn’t speak,” Aunt Deborah scolded her, “unless when spoken to!”
Princess Sapphire let out an exasperated sigh. Ginger gave her an assuring nudge to calm her and remind her she still had party guests in the room.
Lee smiled and kindly said: “Happy birthday, Princess.”
“Thank you, Mr. Lee.”
“You’re welcome, and please, Princess, just call me Lee.”
Her heart leaping, she was taken back for a second. Did a complete stranger just understand her the first time she spoke without her having to repeat herself? How though?
“Well,” said Queen Linda, “we were going to interview people for that position tomorrow, but we can’t turn you away if you walked all the way up the mountain to call on us, especially if that wind is picking up now. A snowstorm might be coming!”
“To be honest, Your Majesty,” smiled Lee, pointing up at his wings, “I didn’t exactly walk all the way. These ol’ pals on my back might have helped.”
King Richard chuckled and Queen Linda, Princess Sapphire, and Ginger smiled at his silly statement. Aunt Deborah looked appalled, and the party guests looked somewhat afraid.
“Ah,” King Richard chuckled, “I guess you do have a slight advantage, but even if you’re flying, you shouldn’t be in a snowstorm. Also, I bet your life story is so interesting. Why don’t you stay here for the night? You can tell your tale and we can interview you tomorrow.”
“People do say that I have a unique story. My life had many twists and turns, but I don’t want to impose, Your Majesty.”
“Many twists and turns,” Princess Sapphire repeated in an astonished whisper to herself.
“Nonsense,” said Queen Linda to him, “we insist!”
“It’s unnecessary,” said Lee humbly, “I could stay in the inn in town and come back tomorrow, but if it pleases Your Majesties. I’ll stay here. Thank you so much.”
“It’s settled then,” said King Richard.
A servant then took Lee’s bag from him and brought it upstairs to a spare room.
“Thank you,” he said.
Princess Sapphire was intrigued by Lee and wanted to hear his whole story right away. She didn’t know why but felt she would somehow relate to his story. Despite the obvious age gap, she just had a gut feeling that she would be friends with this good-natured man. Her birthday party was fun so far, but the other girls had started to pretend she wasn’t there. She had a plan.
Sounding as formal as possible, she asked: “Father…Mother, may I speak?”
“Of course, you can, Sweetheart,” King Richard replied.
“You don’t need to ask,” added Queen Linda.
Princess Sapphire flashed a sarcastic smile at her Aunt Deborah and then respectfully said to her parents: “Thank you. Since a snowstorm might be coming, should we have the guests go home early? I do not want anyone to be in danger because of me.”
“Princess,” exclaimed Aunt Deborah through her teeth, “we do not stop a party before the cake is served! It’s rude, especially if it’s because you’re just bored of the party! Stop acting like a brat!”
“I’m not bored,” she insisted, “It’s just that the wind was very strong and I’m worried. Besides, I think the girls are getting tired of the party. They’re becoming quite untalkative. I won’t make them stay for the cake if they don’t want to.”
“Princess!” Aunt Deborah was mortified.
Ginger stifled a laugh.
The girls’ parents swore up and down that their daughters weren’t tired of the party, but the girls were more concerned about not getting cake and started whining.
Queen Linda knew what her daughter was doing. She saw how things turned south during the pretend tea party; the girls weren’t including poor Sapphire in the game. She also saw how curious Sapphire became of Lee. Her eyes lit up when she realized he could understand her.
With a knowing smile, Queen Linda said: “I’m sure the girls are having a great time, Sweetie, but maybe you’re right. The wind was dangerously strong. Everyone should go home before the weather gets horrendous.”
Some of the girls burst into tears because they weren’t getting any triple-chocolate cake.
“Do not be upset, ladies, the princess understands.”
“Yes, I do,” said Princess Sapphire with a nod, “we cannot control the weather.”
“Unless the princess is secretly an enchantress who can calm storms,” Lee playfully said.
His comment was random and off-beat but charming.
“I wish I had magical powers,” smiled Princess Sapphire, “It would be wonderful!”
“Not always wonderful,” he remarked.
She thought with curiosity and wonder: “What does that mean?”
“Also,” said Queen Linda to the girls, “all of you will be sent home with a bag of candy, so you’ll have something sweet.”
The servants quickly got the bags of candy from the kitchen, which were supposed to be for the end of the party. A servant handed out a bag to each girl, as the guests were escorted out of the door by the castle guards. The king, queen, and princess also thanked all of the guests for coming. The girls who wanted cake begrudgingly curtsied to them.
When the guests were out of earshot, the princess asked Lee: “Do you mind telling us your life story, please? You seem interesting. Also, my parents might interview you now, if you’re up to it.”
“It’ll be an honor, Princess.”
Queen Linda told the servants to save the cake, for they would sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the princess and eat it later. Then the king, queen, princess, Ginger, and Aunt Deborah gathered in the dining hall to hear Lee’s tale. Princess Sapphire carried the two ghost dolls in her lap. She positioned her wheelchair next to the dining hall’s fireplace and asked Ginger to put the dolls up on the mantel.
“Where should I start,” asked Lee, “What do you want to know?”
“Anywhere and anything that you’re comfortable with telling us.”
“Well, I should start by telling you that I was born with this handsome appearance," said Lee jokingly, referring to his horns, eyes, and wings.
The princess giggled.
Ginger asked: “Why though?”
“I don't know why,” he replied, “It had been the subject of a myth all my life. My father once told me crudely that it was because my mother romanced both an angel and a demon, but I never believed him. I think he only said that to taunt me and tarnish my mother's reputation. He was a cruel man."
Aunt Deborah rudely asked him: "Your mother never told you the truth?!"
"No," he replied somberly, "she died while giving birth to me. My father took me to the kingdom of Xosal after her funeral."
"I'm sorry," said Princess Sapphire softly.
"It's okay. Thank you. Even though I don’t remember her face, I can feel her love every day.”
Then, he continued with his story: “I was also born with the gift of magic, which made my father happy at first, for he was a powerful wizard.”
To show them his gift, Lee pointed to the ceiling; green sparks came out of his finger, making snow slowly fall in the dining hall.
Princess Sapphire gasped in awe.
He then rotated his wrist and the snow abruptly vanished.
“And I could fly, of course,” he continued, “Unfortunately, my father practiced evil magic and wanted me to as well. Even though I had the abilities of a wizard, he quickly began to get angry with me because I wanted to use my abilities for good. He thought I was a weak, useless, ugly disappointment of a son. Like any other young boy, I wanted my father’s approval, so I learned other magical things like herbology and divination, but no matter what I did, he was never happy. I was just a misfit and mistake in his eyes and was beaten daily for it.”
Princess Sapphire felt sorry for Lee at that moment. It was unfair. He just wanted to do good and not be like his heartless father. He didn’t deserve that vile treatment. She also knew how it felt to be seen as a misfit that people looked down on. She wondered who created the rule that everyone had to act the same way.
“Overtime,” Lee went on, “I had to accept that I was never getting my father’s love and approval. I had to gain inner peace and self-esteem at a young age. One evening, when I was thirteen, my father brought a woman home from the tavern. He was drunk. The woman was unconscious from a spell. I recognized the woman from town. She was married to the baker. I had a bad feeling that my father had kidnapped her. My father wanted me to help him kill her for his dark ritual. I automatically refused. He slapped me across the face, but I still refused. He then put a wand at my throat and told me to help him kill her or be killed. Courage suddenly filling me, I thrust my hand in front of my face; throwing my father across the room and bursting our log cabin door open. I could see that my father was now unconscious. Quickly moving my wings, I lifted myself into the air. I picked up the unconscious woman from the floor and flew out of the door, promising myself not to come back.”
The princess cheered at his fearlessness.
"I knew where the woman lived," he said, "so I flew her to her house. The bedroom window was open, and I carefully laid her in bed beside her husband. Her husband woke up and saw me. When I went to town, I usually folded my wings up into my back and wore a cloak with the hood up to hide my horns. When he saw what I really looked like that night, he thought I was a wicked fallen angel trying to take his wife. I tried to explain, but he wasn't having it."
"Oh no!"
"He tried to grab my wings, but I flew away. Before I knew it, the husband and the whole town were chasing me from the ground, throwing rocks and shooting bullets and arrows up at me. An arrow flew into my arm, and even though I knew I couldn't be killed, it was painful. With an agonizing scream, I pulled the arrow out of my arm and tossed it away, still flying. Then, to my horror, I saw that my father had joined the mob and had his wand. I dodged and bob and weaved, as he tried to shoot sparks up at me, but luckily, he was still drunk; his aim was off, and couldn't remember any spell. This was the only time when someone being intoxicated was a good thing.”
Everyone, except for Aunt Deborah, chuckled at this statement.
“I flew higher above the clouds,” Lee told them, “I had to keep on flying, for I knew if my father got a hold of me, he would kill me with magic. I flew through the night.”
"You must have been exhausted," Queen Linda remarked.
“I was, Your Majesty. I could barely keep my eyes open, and my wings were sore. Being so tired, I had to land. When my feet touched the ground, I passed out. The mob would have found me unconscious on the ground if a kind witch named Ruby Quinn hadn’t seen me first and put me in her horse carriage, taking me to safety. When I woke up, my arm wound was healed. I was in the Kingdom of Zaitz, in Ruby’s castle. Ruby wasn’t royalty or rich, just a highly respected witch. The castle was a gift from a king. She was an eccentric woman who wore her red hair in pigtails and always wore green dresses that had leaves and sticks dangling on them. She also had a heart of gold. She let me stay there with her when I told her what happened. She taught me healing magic, history, mathematics, and science. She even taught me sword fighting, while standing or in flight. Eventually, I became her bodyguard, and I was her bodyguard until she died at age ninety. I’ll always be grateful to her! After her death, I traveled from kingdom to kingdom, helping people, until I landed in Evermore.”
Princess Sapphire asked: “Did your father ever try to find you?”
“No, he forgot about me and became a cult leader.”
“That is a tragic and interesting story,” said Aunt Deborah indifferently, “but can he protect the princess? How old is he?”
“I’m two hundred years old,” smiled Lee, “I’m a youngin’!”
The princess giggled.
“Sister,” exclaimed the queen, “age shouldn’t matter! He was a bodyguard for many years!”
“But he has a limp.”
“My limp is from old age,” he replied, “but it never hinders me. If my leg hurts too bad, I just use my wings.”
“You said you could fold up your wings,” said Queen Linda, “can you show us how you do it just in case you ever have to do it quickly?”
His wings curled inward, shrunk, and sucked into his back. He winced.
The princess asked with concern: “Does it hurt?”
“It’s just uncomfortable,” he assured her, “it’s like they’re trapped in a small, tight, restrictive box. They squirm in my back, trying to get free.”
“Then, please keep your wings unfolded,” replied Queen Linda, “I want you to be comfortable.”
He unfolded his wings to their full glory.
“I just don’t think that he’ll be good at the job,” said Aunt Deborah, “with his limp, wings, and all.”
The princess rolled her eyes at her aunt’s prejudice.
King Richard then said: “Well, why don’t we test him? Lee, would you show your skills in a sword fight with me?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
The king got two swords from the wall and tossed one to Lee. Lee caught the sword in mid-air, and his feet left the floor; his wings producing a breeze stronger than the wind outside.
Aunt Deborah exclaimed: “Isn’t that cheating?!”
“No,” replied the king, “he said that he can sword fight while standing or flying. I want to see it.”
When King Richard swung from the right, Lee swiftly blocked it. When the king struck at him from the left, he blocked and quickly came back down to stand. The king didn’t want to hurt him, of course, but he wanted to see what Lee would do, so he pointed his sword at Lee’s neck. Lee blocked it at high speed, putting his sword up in a horizontal position. Then, skillfully spinning back into the air, he hooked his sword to the end of the king's sword, rapidly pulling forward and making the king’s sword slide out of his hand; slightly gashing the king’s palm.
“Father!”
“Are you alright, Dear?”
“I’m fine, my loves,” chuckled King Richard, “it wouldn’t be a sword fight without a little blood.”
Lee landed on the floor again and put a hand over the king’s injury, healing it with a warm white light.
“Thank you. Good form!”
“You’re welcome, Your Majesty.”
Then, Lee saw Ginger accidentally bumping her elbow against the fireplace mantel. The princess’s two ghost dolls were falling. Princess Sapphire let out a distraught yell, but before the dolls could fall into the fire, he zoomed across the room and caught them mid-fall.
“I have to save these fellas,” Lee said kindly, giving her the dolls, “They look like they were made with care.”
“Thank you,” smiled Princess Sapphire, “I made them myself.”
“You have real talent.”
Seeing his sword fighting skills, his healing skills, and this moment, King Richard said: “I think we have found the man to protect our princess!”
Princess Sapphire was thrilled, but Aunt Deborah huffed and ran upstairs.
“I’m sorry about my sister,” said Queen Linda to Lee, “she’s set in her ways.”
“It’s okay,” he smiled, “she’ll warm up to me in time.”
With a laugh, Ginger said: “She doesn’t warm up to anyone.”
“With that settled,” said King Richard, “shall we eat cake now?”
“We will after Sapphire’s surprise,” replied Queen Linda, winking at the king.
Looking puzzled, the princess asked: “What surprise?”
At that moment, two servants came into the room, carrying a tall pink dollhouse. They then put it on the table and Princess Sapphire squealed happily, rolling up to it.
“Thank you, Mother and Father!”
For a month, the princess had been asking to make a haunted house for her ghost dolls, but she would need a lot of wood and black paint.
“I know you wanted to make it,” said Queen Linda, “and it’s not the color you wanted but…”
“It’s incredible,” said the princess excitedly, “A pink house can be haunted too!”
She then rolled to her parents, and they bent over so she could give them kisses.
“I love you both.”
“We love you too,” replied the king and queen.
Princess Sapphire rolled back to her new dollhouse.
Queen Linda asked the servants: “Could you prepare the cake now, please?”
As the servants were preparing it, Queen Linda heard Lee say to Sapphire: “A pink haunted house could be even scarier.”
Then, she saw him sit next to Sapphire, talking to her and listening as she enthusiastically spoke about her ghost dolls and her plans to carve Gothic-looking furniture for the new dollhouse. He encouraged her and even suggested ideas to her. Seeing this, Queen Linda knew that Sapphire and him would get along; this man would protect and care for her little girl like she was his own.
Over the next two weeks, Lee was always with the young princess but never complained. He was happy to protect and help her. He would assist her with getting into her wheelchair. He would stand outside of the doorway during her lessons with her Aunt Deborah, so no one would interrupt. When she and Ginger went outside, he would dig through the snow to make sure that no fairy circles were nearby, for the queen told him about their curse. He was also fun and made the princess laugh. When he would say something silly, the princess would say with a giggle: “You are such a goof!”
He would playfully reply: “Well, I’m your bodyguard and your personal goof.”
Princess Sapphire also felt like she could trust him. He never judged her. He never expected her to act a certain way. She could be her weird self around him: an outspoken, hilarious, overimaginative, excitable, rebellious princess who wore boy clothes and loved toy-making and ghost stories.
One day, a week before Christmas, she was having a lesson with Aunt Deborah. They were discussing arranged marriages. Even though her parents weren’t ever going to put her in an arranged marriage, Aunt Deborah insisted on talking about it with the eleven-year-old princess.
“Arranged marriages are seen as a way to create stable family units and alliances between families,” lectured Aunt Deborah, “It can be a way to protect and increase a family's wealth and inheritance. Arranged marriages are often encouraged by tradition, culture, and religion, and it can be a way to navigate social and ethnic conflicts. Arranged marriages can also be a result of limited choice or disabilities.”
Aunt Deborah said the last sentence with a judging, arched eyebrow.
“But Aunt,” said the princess, confused, “I thought people got married because they love each other.”
With a sigh, Aunt Deborah exclaimed: “What did you say? Can you at least attempt to enunciate?!”
“I thought people got married because they love each other,” repeated the princess slowly.
“Oh, sometimes, Princess. Not always. It’s often seen as a social obligation.”
“But my mother and father are in love.”
“Well, their situation is rare,” replied Aunt Deborah, sounding annoyed, “They met before the arrangement was set in stone.”
“I want to be in love like Mother and Father were,” smiled the princess dreamily, “when I get married.”
“If I was you,” sneered Aunt Deborah, “I would forget those flowery notions of love and romance because no prince will want a crippled and cursed princess. They definitely won’t want a princess who acts so strange either! Just marry a prince from a rich kingdom and be grateful!”
Her cruel words cut the princess deeply this time. Princess Sapphire tried to blink away the stinging tears from her eyes. Even at eleven, she had hoped she would meet her prince charming someday and live happily ever after, even with her curse. Now, she was wondering if that was even possible.
Slamming a large, fat, gray book on the table, Aunt Deborah instructed: “Now…I want you to read the chapter on obedience and take notes.”
Seeing the hurt on the princess’ face, she added: “Don’t sulk, Princess. I’m just helping you.”
Then, she walked out of the room.
Princess Sapphire was gulping back sobs. Hearing the entire conversation, Lee snuck into the room and gave her a handkerchief to wipe her eyes. It broke his heart to listen to the princess cry. He didn’t understand why Ma’am Deborah was so cruel to her niece.
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, Princess,” he said, “but I think what Ma’am Deborah told you was wrong. Marriage is about love and partnership. It’s not a flowery notion. Also, there’s more to you than your inabilities; you’re smart, imaginative, broad-minded, caring, and talented. One day, when you’re older, people will find you so fascinating that there will be lines of princes wanting to meet and marry you. They won’t care about the curse. Don’t worry, Ma’am was just being a Debbie Downer.”
“Thank you, Lee,” she smiled, hugging his arm, “I feel much better.”
“Of course, Princess.”
He then snuck back out of the room so Aunt Deborah wouldn’t yell at him. As he walked, the princess noticed his cane was very scuffed and torn, and that gave her an idea for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, they were having a ball. Princess Sapphire didn’t see Lee all day because everyone was getting ready. All the castle staff were cooking the food, decorating the castle, or helping the royal family dress. The queen wore a marvelous gold gown, her golden crown, a pair of long silk white gloves, and golden high-heels. The king wore a green suit with a green cape, brown shoes, white gloves, and a gold crown. Since Ginger went back home for Christmas, the princess just decided to dress herself and not ask for a servant’s assistance. Unlike Ginger, a servant would’ve tried to talk her into wearing a dress. She wore a green puffy-sleeved poet shirt with black trousers, black boots, black leather gloves, and her gold tiara. Aunt Deborah wasn’t going because she didn’t celebrate Christmas.
The huge, circular ballroom had white lights, evergreen garland, and golden pine cones up and down the walls and around railings and doorways. There was a massive tree in the middle of the room that almost reached the ceiling and had twinkling white lights and sparkling silver and gold pentacle ornaments. Mistletoe also hung in the entranceway of the ballroom and every corner of the room. An orchestra played jovial Christmas carols, as snow gently fell in the ballroom, thanks to Lee’s magic. Half of Evermore was there; dancing, talking, exchanging gifts, and laughing. At the princess’ request, a group of children from the orphanage came to the ball as well. Each child got to pick one of the princess’ handmade toys, which she made especially for the ball. The children were elated. Once she gave out all the toys, she looked for Lee. She still had the long-shaped gift for him in her lap.
She found him by the tree. Lee wore a baby blue suit and top hat with white shoes.
“Hello, Lee,” she exclaimed, rolling to him, “you look quite dashing! Merry Christmas!!”
“Thank you, Princess! Your shirt is nice. Merry Christmas!”
She then held out the big gift, which was wrapped in red and green paper.
“What’s this?”
“It’s your Christmas gift, goof,” she giggled, “Open it.”
“Aw, Princess, you didn’t have to get me anything,” he smiled warmly.
“But I wanted to.”
He then grabbed the gift, tearing the paper away. She carved a new walking cane for him. On top of the cane, she carved an angel figure to be used as a handle.
“Oh, Princess,” he exclaimed, bear-hugging her, “It’s wonderful, thank you!”
She hugged him back and said: “You’re welcome. I just noticed your old cane has seen better days.”
“Well, since we’re giving gifts,” he grinned, reaching into his jacket, “this is for you, Princess.”
He handed her a book with a yellow bow on it. She removed the bow and saw it was a novella called ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens.
“It’s a Christmas ghost story,” he told her.
“Thank you,” she gasped excitedly, “I can’t wait to read it!”
After their gifts were exchanged, they began to dance. Her father and Lee were taking turns twirling her around, pushing her back and forth between them. The princess was laughing the whole time. Seeing the fun, the children wanted to join in. Lee, the king, the queen, the princess, and the children then began to dance around the Christmas tree, singing Deck the Halls. It was a fantastic night. The princess felt so blessed. She was thankful for her loving parents and Lee, her new bodyguard and best friend.
Two years later, Princess Sapphire was about to turn thirteen. The next day was going to be her birthday, but for now, she was having a literature lesson with Aunt Deborah in her bedroom. Her aunt usually focused on princess etiquette, but the queen asked her to teach the princess other subjects. Aunt Deborah reluctantly agreed.
Before that day’s lesson started, Lee told the princess that he was going to help the castle guards carry the table into the ballroom for the next day’s party. He told her if she needed him, just call his name, but she just smiled and playfully said: “I think I’ll be safe during one lesson, Lee.”
The princess would soon regret those words.
The literature lesson was about poetry. The princess would pick out a poem from a book and read it aloud. Then, they would discuss it.
“Remember,” said Aunt Deborah, “enunciate your words. A princess speaks clearly, even with a curse on her.”
Clearing her throat and putting her shoulders back, the princess confidently began reading: “The Little Mute Boy by Federico Garcia Lorca. The little boy was looking for his voice.
(The king of the crickets had it.)
In a drop of water
the little boy was looking for his voice.
I do not want it for speaking with;
I will make a ring of it
so that he may wear my silence
on his little finger
In a drop of water,
the little boy was looking for his voice.
(The captive voice, far away,
put on a cricket's clothes).”
“Well, you spoke clearly for some of it,” sighed Aunt Deborah, snatching the book from the princess’ hands.
Aunt Deborah quickly read the poem to herself and asked: “What is this poem about?”
"It deals with everything from the alienation of an individual to the silence that’s demanded by conformity,” explained Princess Sapphire, “The 'King of the Crickets', whose royal authority and the harmonic chirping symbolizes a call to uniformity. The 'King of Crickets' can also be seen as a metaphor for societal norms or authority figures. Like some kings in real life, I think the authority figure in the poem wants to control the boy and wants the boy to follow the crowd blindly."
Aunt Deborah asked: “All kings?”
“No, my father respects his people as individuals and listens to their opinions, but some kings rule with iron fists; people can’t speak their minds, live their lives the way they want, or breathe without their king’s say so.”
“As it should be,” remarked Aunt Deborah.
“I think kings like that are scoundrels!”
“EXCUSE ME!”
“I think people shouldn’t silenced,” stated Princess Sapphire, “They should defy their king if he’s villainous.”
Hearing this and becoming furious, Aunt Deborah slapped the princess across the face. The slap stunned the princess into silence for a moment.
Then, her aunt slapped her over and over again, screaming: “YOU DUMB CHILD, STOP HAVING THESE ANTI-ESTABLISHMENT IDEAS! MY SISTER’S DAUGHTER WON’T BE A STUPID NON-CONFORMIST THAT CAUSES UNNECESSARY UPRISINGS! OBEY AND RESPECT ALL ROYALTY! WITHOUT KINGS, WE WOULD BE NOTHING!!”
The princess was trying to yell for Lee, but she was sobbing too much. She couldn’t catch her breath. She was scared and hurt. One side of her face was swelling. Her lip was busted and bleeding profusely. Then, she saw her aunt’s hand curl up into a fist. Her aunt was about to punch her when Lee bolted into the room and grabbed her aunt’s wrist.
Aunt Deborah screeched: “Let go out of me, you beast! I’ll compose myself!”
Letting go, Lee then rushed to the princess.
Shaking and crying, the princess hugged his arm tightly.
“Princess,” he said, wrapping his wings around her protectively, “You’re safe now. I got you…I got you.”
With her permission, he then pushed her chair quickly near the window, so he could see all of her injuries better. His left hand becoming clear like water, he touched her face and slowly healed her with coldness; the swelling disappeared and blood went back up into her body.
Queen Linda and Ginger dashed in at that moment too.
Queen Linda exclaimed: “What is going on?!”
“Aunt Deborah slapped me,” cried the princess, still being healed.
Getting in Aunt Deborah’s face, the queen furiously asked: “You dared to hit my daughter?!”
“Repeatedly, Your Majesty,” added Lee.
“And why Sister?”
Ignoring the queen’s question, Aunt Deborah exclaimed: “Have you heard your daughter’s non-conformist ideas? I think she’s becoming a heretic!”
“I encourage my daughter to be a free-thinker, but even if I didn’t agree with it, that doesn’t give you the right to abuse her!!”
“But people might talk,” replied Aunt Deborah in a shaky voice.
“Again,” the queen roared, “you have no right to slap her!!!”
With the princess completely healed, Lee’s hand turned back to normal. Despite her injuries being gone, she was still sobbing hysterically, feeling violated and angry. Ginger and Lee were consoling her in the corner.
“I should have you thrown into the dungeon for this,” continued the queen, “but you’re my sister! Let’s discuss this more in the throne room.”
“No,” replied Aunt Deborah, knowing she was in trouble.
“Yes,” said King Richard angrily, suddenly appearing in the room with two guards.
The two guards grabbed Aunt Deborah by the arms, escorting her to the throne room. The king and the queen hugged the princess, kissing her forehead. King Richard whispered something to Lee and smiled. Then, the king and the queen walked out of the room to talk to Aunt Deborah.
Ginger asked: “What did the king say?”
“He said to show the princess a birthday gift early,” he replied, “he thought it would make her feel better, and he doesn’t want her to be in the same room as her aunt right now. But first, Princess, can you do something for me?”
“I’ll try,” she sobbed.
“Can you take a deep breath from your stomach?”
She did this.
“Now, can you inhale through your nose for four seconds then exhale out of your mouth for eight seconds?”
She did as asked. She did this new exercise until she stopped crying and was relaxed.
“Better now, Princess?”
“Yes,” the princess replied calmly, “thank you, Lee. Can I see my gift now, please?”
“You sure can! It’s outside.”
Her coat already being on, Ginger helped the princess put on her cloak. Lee then led the girls out of the castle. It wasn’t snowing just yet, but the sky was cloudy; as if Mother Nature was debating if she wanted it to snow or not. The wind also bit them through their clothes as soon as they stepped outside. It didn’t take the princess long to spot her gift. On the right side next to the castle, there was a delightful black cottage.
The princess shrieked excitedly: “Is this my gift?”
“Yes,” beamed Lee, “I got permission from your parents, and I made it appear especially for you.”
“Thank you so much, Lee,” she shouted happily, hugging him, “I love it!”
“You’re welcome!” He hugged her with his wings.
“Can we go in the cottage?”
“Of course.”
She rolled into the door so fast that Lee had to fly, and Ginger had to run to keep up. The black cottage was lit up with a yellow magical light. There was a fireplace with a fire roaring already. There was a spot for wood carving and another spot for sewing. There was also a mini-library with all of her favorite books; including ‘A Christmas Carol’, which she read over eighty times by this time.
“This is great,” she said breathlessly.
“I’m glad you like it, Princess,” smiled Lee, crouching slightly because his wings were too big, “You can come out here any time you want.”
Just then, from a tiny window, they saw a guard and Aunt Deborah. The guard was taking her to a waiting horse carriage. She had a bag packed, and she looked resentful.
“Looks like you’re getting a break from her, Princess,” said Ginger happily.
The princess said nothing.
“I have always wondered what made her so hard-hearted,” continued Ginger.
“Probably something from her past,” remarked Lee.
The princess finally said: “It was from something in her past. Mother told me. My grandfather wasn’t a nice man or king. He raised his daughters to only be wives. Mother sort of rebelled; educating herself to be more broad-minded and meeting my father before their arrangement was official, but Aunt Deborah adored my grandfather and cared about what he thought. When she was eighteen, my grandfather arranged for her to marry nineteen-year-old Prince Nicholas, who was from a powerful kingdom. She convinced herself that she was in love with him, while the prince couldn’t care less about her. They were only engaged for two weeks. One day, he unwisely challenged a dragon and died in the battle. She was heartbroken, but just two days after his death, Grandfather arranged for her to marry sixty-year-old King Andrew. During a moment of grief and rebelliousness, she refused. Grandfather gave her a day to reconsider, but she couldn’t do it and he became furious, taking away her royal title. To prevent Grandfather from throwing her out into the street, Mother hired her to be my tutor.”
Hearing this, Ginger asked: “So because her father made her feel like she did something wrong, she treats you badly?”
“Basically.”
“It’s so sad,” said Lee, “having so much anger and self-hatred that she hurts others.”
“Yes,” agreed Ginger, “she’ll never be brave enough to be herself like our princess here.”
“I guess being myself is good,” the princess remarked quietly, staring at the fire.
Crouching next to her, Lee asked: “Don’t you think being true to yourself feels amazing?”
“I do,” she replied, “but even though my aunt is cruel because of my grandfather, I sometimes wonder if she’s right. Maybe my life would be easier if I acted more normal.”
“Princess,” he said, “do you remember what I told you when you asked me if folding up my wings hurt?”
“Yes, you said that it was uncomfortable. They squirmed like they were trapped in a small, tight, restrictive box, trying to get free.”
“Exactly,” he told her, “Like my wings if you would force yourself to be someone you’re not, you would feel uncomfortable. You would be restricted. You would feel trapped in a small and tight box, and no matter how much you squirm, you wouldn’t be able to get out. I bet your aunt is in this box right now, longing to break free. Do not let yourself or anyone else tell you that you need to be somebody different.”
The princess smiled: “How do you always know what to say to ease my mind? Thank you.”
“It’s a gift. Besides, maybe I like protecting a heretic.”
All three laughed.
When they came back into the castle, the princess was happy. When her parents came toward her, she wanted to tell them how much she loved the cottage, but she saw their faces and knew they wanted to tell her Aunt Deborah’s fate.
“Your aunt left,” said Queen Linda.
“I know, we saw her leaving. Are you okay, Mother?”
“Yes, Sweetheart, I’m fine. I’m just sorry she attacked you.”
“I’m alright, Mother.”
“She went to the local inn,” continued the queen, “and she’ll work there to pay for her room. She isn’t welcome here until you say so.”
“And since she’s gone,” said King Richard, “we would like to ask you something, Lee.”
“Yes, Your Majesties?”
“Would you like to be both Princess Sapphire’s bodyguard and tutor?”
Lee looked shocked at first.
“You don’t have to tutor her,” added Queen Linda, “if you don’t want two duties. It’s absolutely fine. It’s just that you’re very intelligent, and the princess respects you.”
Without another moment of hesitation, Lee said yes. The princess wanted to shout out for joy.
Over the next few years, Lee was Princess Sapphire’s protector, teacher, and confidant. He taught her about geography, history, science, literature, art, and much more. She could also talk to him about anything. If she was frustrated or confused about something, she would go to him, and he would give her advice, make her laugh, or comfort her. Things in her life were changing as well. Ginger was no longer her nanny; she was now her lady-in-waiting. The princess was allowed to sit in the throne room while her parents held court too, and she was often asked for her opinion on things.
She was about to turn sixteen. Four months before her birthday, she could tell that her party was going to be different that year. It was going to be a ball. She saw the guest list; some guests were from Evermore but most were eligible princes from various kingdoms. Then, her mother had a dressmaker come to the castle with boxes of ballgowns. Her mother told her that she still could wear anything she wanted, but her mother figured since sixteen was a special birthday, the princess could try picking something more elegant. Even though the princess was dubious about it, she could see her mother had good intentions. She tried on some gowns. The first few brightly colored gowns made her look like a gaudy layered cake, and she thought this might have been a mistake. She then saw the gown in the eighth box. It was a purple, off-the-shoulder gown with black fringe, and she tried it on. It fitted like a glove, and she loved the colors. She had finally chosen a gown to wear on her birthday. The princess could tell that her mother and Ginger were ecstatic about her decision.
On the evening of her birthday, she was a bundle of nerves about the ball. She was just unsure about the whole thing. Her eyebrows were plucked and thinned, which she thought could be used as a new method of torture. Her hair was braided and put up, a silver tiara being on top. She had purple eyeshadow, blush on her cheeks, and red lip rouge painted on her lips. With her purple and black ballgown, she wore a silver pentacle necklace, a pair of black dangling earrings, and a pair of long black gloves. She wore her soft black boots since she thought no one would see her feet.
While she was waiting to be announced, she was out in the hallway with Lee and tucking anxiously at her gown.
He asked: “Are you nervous, Princess?”
“Is it noticeable?”
“A tad.”
“Well, you do know that this isn’t just a birthday ball, right? My mother and father invited all eligible princes in this realm!”
“Ah, yes,” he chuckled, “Your Majesties haven’t been as subtle as they thought they were. You have to have the suitor before you can get the happily ever after with the prince charming though.”
“I know but…”
“Don’t think of tonight as finding potential suitors,” Lee told her, “Take the pressure off. Think of it as finding a companion that can possibly be a suitor sometime in the future. Just have fun tonight. Bond with people.”
“I can do that,” the princess said, taking a deep breath, “but what if…”
“Just have fun tonight,” he repeated.
Just then, she was announced and the doors to the ballroom slowly opened.
Before Lee rolled her in, she asked: “How do I look?”
“Dazzling,” he replied warmly, “Happy birthday, Princess. Smile.”
The ballroom was decorated with white heart-shaped lights, red ribbons, and white and red roses. Swan ornaments were set on all the tables, and white and red candles were also lit.
“Mother and Father are definitely not being subtle at all,” Princess Sapphire whispered under her breath.
Lee stifled a laugh.
As she rolled in, there was an audible gasp from the people of Evermore. They never thought she would ever wear a gown; they were gobsmacked and couldn’t stop staring. Ginger was even taken aback by how striking the princess was and she was the one who helped the princess get ready. Some princes seemed pleasant, while others seemed scared, bored, overly confident, or power-hungry.
“I can do this,” she reassured herself.
“Just be yourself,” Lee said quietly.
Before the orchestra started playing, Lee whispered in her ear: “If you want to stop dancing with someone, just snap your fingers above your head. I’ll come and politely cut in.”
She nodded.
First, she danced with Prince Peter. He had slicked-back strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a green tunic, a green cape, black trousers, and black shoes. He was the same age as her but acted younger. Being more nervous than her, he was soaked with sweat. They barely moved while dancing; he just awkwardly swung her arms to the music. He also had his foot in his mouth the whole time.
“You look pretty despite being crippled,” he said shakily, “I mean, despite being cursed...I mean, you look very nice.”
Giving him a chance, she asked, talking slowly and loudly so he could understand her: “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“I don’t know,” he uttered without thinking, “I mean, sort of. My father made me come. I need to find a bride soon or...I mean…”
She finally had enough; she stealthily snapped her fingers.
“He was forced to be here,” she told Lee, as he rolled her away.
“His loss,” remarked Lee.
She saw a prince across the ballroom. He was standing by a table. He was extremely attractive looking with tanned skin, dark-brown eyes, a smile that could make anyone feel warm and cozy, and a very muscular body from his physical combat training. He also wore all-white formal attire and wore his brown hair in a ponytail. She waved and smiled at him, and he did the same to her. It looked like he was about to walk over to her when a girl in a pink gown stopped him to talk.
Then, the princess tried to dance with Prince Joseph. He had brown hair, gray eyes, and a sly grin that was probably the cause of many girls’ heartbreaks. He was also wearing an all-gray suit. He was more dancing around her than with her.
“You’re beautiful despite the wheelchair,” he said, “I’m sure we would make a cute couple.”
“That’s kind of you to say…I guess.”
“I don’t know what you just said,” he said with a cocky grin, “but I’m sure you want to make beautiful babies with me.”
She quickly snapped her fingers.
“He’s disgusting,” she told Lee.
Lee agreed.
She saw the prince in white again. She waved again. He waved and tried to approach her, but yet again, someone stopped him. He gave her a playful shrug, making her giggle. Lee saw this interaction but hasn’t said anything yet.
Prince Gene then asked her to dance. The pale-skinned prince had platinum blonde hair and black eyes and wore a black tunic, a red cape, black tights, and black shoes. They didn’t dance though; he just stood in front of her and spoke creepily to her.
“I’ll overlook you being crippled,” he said with stomach-turning lust in his eyes, “I’ll keep you nice and safe in my castle if you’re obedient and…”
Lee swiftly got her without her even snapping her fingers. Prince Gene tried to prevent her from rolling away, calling Lee “a ghastly creature,” but Lee zapped him with a mini lightning bolt, and the prince backed away. Then, a castle guard escorted the prince out of the ball.
Lee, Ginger, and the princess were dancing together in a circle dance for a moment.
“I notice you’ve been eyeing that handsome prince in white,” whispered Ginger.
“She has been for an hour,” smiled Lee.
“I want to ask him to dance,” replied the princess, “but people keep stopping him and talking.”
Winking at Ginger, Lee then said: “Princess, I’m going to do something. Please don’t be vexed at me, you’ll thank me later.”
“Lee, what are you…?”
He then pushed her toward the prince. She sped through the crowd, and people jumped out of the way.
“Whoa!” She grabbed her wheels so her chair wouldn’t hit his ankles, but the prince caught her, putting his hands on her armrests. He crouched slightly, and they were now face to face.
“I’m so sorry,” she stuttered, “my…I.”
“It’s okay,” he smiled, “You made quite the entrance.”
She giggled and said: “I guess I did. I nearly ran over half of the guests to get to you.”
He then stood and bowed, saying: “I’m Prince Thomas, but friends call me Tommy.”
“Hello, Prince Thomas, I’m…”
“You’re the belle of the ball,” he declared, “Princess Sapphire! Happy birthday.”
“Thank you!”
“Anytime,” he replied, “I thought the universe didn’t want us to meet.”
“I know, right?”
She couldn’t explain why, but she instantly felt at ease and confident with him. It felt right.
“Since we defied the universe and I almost crashed into you,” she smiled, “would you like to dance with me?”
“Definitely.”
Dancing, he turned and twirled her around, and he crouched to keep eye contact with her. As they danced, they talked. He could understand her every word, and she was amazed. He told her he liked wood carving, swordsmithing, physical combat, and horseback riding. They also laughed about the most mundane things. They were in their own world. She danced with him for the rest of the night. He knew about her curse but didn’t fixate on it.
He was curious about Lee, asking: “What’s going on with the wings and horns?”
“He was born that way,” she told him, “No one knows why. He has magical abilities too.”
“I bet the magic is helpful with being a bodyguard,” said the prince.
“Yes, it is! He’s also my tutor.”
“That’s brilliant,” replied the prince, “My tutor is just some old professor!”
“And by the way,” she added, “he was the one who pushed me to you.”
“I like him even more!”
By the end of the night, she was calling him Tommy and they could both feel the wonderful fluttering sensation of infatuation.
When he was leaving, he said, kissing her hand: “I hope that we will see each other again, Princess.”
Blushing and forgetting about the other people in the room, she replied: “We will soon, Prince Tommy.”
When he left, Lee then went to her and asked: “Are you angry?”
“No,” she exclaimed happily, hugging his arm, “Thank you, you’re the best! I think you’re my guardian angel.”
After that night, Prince Tommy came to visit as much as he could. During their visits, she showed him her cottage, her books, and everything she made. He would contentedly watch and listen to her, for she was showing him her passions. She was so comfortable with him that she even wore her favorite male clothes around him. He told her that she was beautiful in anything and as long as the clothing made her happy, he was happy. He also showed her how to throw a punch and ride a horse. They did everything together; laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was obvious that he was her suitor and the infatuation was slowly turning into love.
Even though her parents thought the prince was a gentleman, Lee chaperoned them during these visits. A day before her seventeenth day, they were out for a walk. The air was crisp, but the young couple’s budding love kept them warm. It had snowed a month early. Snow was crushing underneath them. Icicles dangled from all the trees, twinkling in the dim, bluish sunlight. It looked like an enchanted winter wonderland.
Lee had to check for fairy circles. While he walked away, he heard Prince Thomas ask the princess if he could pick her up from her chair. Lee didn’t understand why at first, but he didn’t stop him. He trusted the prince wholeheartedly. The princess said yes. From afar, Lee could see that the prince was just helping the princess stand on her footrests, swaying her as they talked. Then, he asked her if he could kiss her. A part of Lee wanted to stop it, but he knew he shouldn’t. She wasn’t a little girl anymore. The princess said yes. In a loving and tight embrace, he gently kissed her and she kissed him back; a moment that her teenage mind had been dreaming about ever since she met Prince Tommy. Lee then walked back toward them. He was smiling proudly, for he knew the ‘heretic princess,’ who he had grown to love as a granddaughter, was finally on the path that she paved to her happily ever after.
©Lena Holdman, all rights reserved 2024
In loving Memory Of Francisco "Lee" Valdez
My online friend, who encouraged me to be my weird self. Love you, Babe!
Merry Christmas!
Smooches and think Tink!
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