Audrey POV

As I sat in the bumpy carriage as my mind wandered to no extent. Often times I found myself drifting back to Natalie. How her skin was gently kissed by the sun, the way her hair shined in the moon light, and her intense brown eye that held to no end. I remember the smile she gave me when I looked back at her, it seemed sad and quiet. Unlike the loud and somewhat arrogant girl I befriended years ago.

Unconsciously, I put my hand up to the brooch I wore near my heart. At first I couldn't find what she meant when she said to go by the tree, but then I saw it. Wedged under a tree root out of sight from the wandering eye. I felt my cheeks burn as I thought of her more and more. That is until I received a knock on my door.

A soldier rode up and announced that we will be arriving in Mavered, Baldonia's capitol, in just a few hours more.

After that disturbance my mind would no longer go to one of the few people that brought joy in my life. Instead, I thought about what the future would hold.

I remember meeting the princess when we were younger. She had dark skin and black curly hair, along with brown eyes. However, they weren't the same as Natalie's. When we were children I remember Princess Anika being kind and charming. We were friends. But I'm not certain how it will be if we get married. I shook my head, doing my best not to fret over the 'what ifs' and grabbed the book next to me and began to read to distract me.

The thought crossed my mind when Natalie said she could not read. I slammed the book closed and groaned. I was too distracted for my distraction!

And instead I just sat there, staring blankly out the window, watching the trees go by.

***

My eyes shot open as we had come to an abrupt stop. I looked up at the starry sky, and then at my surroundings. Tall buildings were cascading down hills and torches burned bright all around. I must have fallen asleep, because we were finally in Mavered. I quickly wiped the sleep from my eyes and waited for the door to be open for me as I quickly adjusted the small and simple crown I wore. When the door opened I cautiously stepped out.

In front of me was a magnificent castle. The color of the bricks were that of sandstone. In front of the gates were two long pools of water, reflecting the fiery light from the walls. It was surrounded by large bushes with pink hydrangeas blooming within the thick bundle of leaves.

I followed the cobblestone pathway up to the large black cast iron gate where four important figures stood.

The king, queen, prince, and princess. I offered a bow.

"Thank you for welcoming me into your home." I said,"it is a great honor to see you all again. I hope our arrangements go smoothly." I smiled.

The royal family in front of me offered the respective bows and curtsies.

"Your highness, we welcome you with opened arms." King Randolph said. Randolph was very tall, with black curly hair and a straight beard with streaks of gray. His eyes were gray and welcoming. The golden crown he wore on his head was thick with small spires on his crown that was encrusted with large rubies.

"Yes, it is good to finally meet you your highness." The queen said. She was tall and thin, wearing a deep red dress with long sleeves with fabric stretching now by her waist. She held deep brown eyes with black hair piled up in a bun. Similar to her husband, adorned a gold tiara with intricate metal work involved and held a large, round ruby at the top.

Next was Prince Maverick. We didn't exchange words but instead offered a bow to one another. Maverick was three years older than me, making him twenty one. His skin was a bit lighter than Anika's, and had looked just like his father but thinner.

And lastly Princess Anika, we were the same age and her curly brown tangles dripped down her shoulders that was adorned with a small silver tiara. Her dress was a tightly fitted yellow gown, with white lace weaving intricate patterns up the bodice and fine embroidery into her skirts.

" It is a pleasure to see you again, your highness." She said, with dark brown eyes shining up at me.

"The pleasure is mine." I replied as I bowed once more and placed a kiss on top of her gloved hand.

Once our formalities were over they lead me inside of the palace and had one of their servants show me to my room.

It was detailed yet simple. The golden tiles on the floor matched the elegant wall paper. On the wall in front of the door were three very tall and thin windows with designs molded into the frame. Long red curtains draped to the floor with yellow tassels at the end.

The view was absolutely incredible. It had a wonderful out look of the city, the mountains appearing far out on the horizon.

In the center of a shorter wall was a high canopy bed with dark silk sheets. Across the room were two book shelves on either side of a large desk. In the center of the room was a small table, and two chairs with deep green cushions that reflected the light. Below it was a plush brown carpet with complicated patterns sewn into the cloth.

I walked over to the desk and sat down on the skillfully made chair. I took off my crown and placed it at the corner by the wall. Then searched the drawers for any stationary that may have been provided for me.

I pulled out the small bundle of paper, an ink pot, and a pen. I lit a candle and started working. The strokes of the ink were long and smooth as it danced across the paper.

After a few hours and the candle burning low I decided I was done. I sat back and looked at the small masterpiece, cracking my aching knuckles in the process.

I took the paper and set it into one of the small cabinets so it can dry without being seen. Then grabbed the candle and walked it over to the bed. I changed into some more comfortable clothes and crawled into the mass amount of sheets and pillows. Carefully I placed the gifted brooch onto the bedside table and leaned over to the candle. Then with one swift breath, snuffed out the flame.

The windows that towered up to the ceiling allowed rays from the moon to dance among the glass.

My mind drifted to the night before. How the moonlight looked casting behind her, how her brows were fixed with worry and a playful smile at her lips. I gripped the bed sheets hard, bundling small clumps of fabric in my fists before I pulled the blankets up to my shoulder and curled into a ball.

And prepared myself for what would come of the next few days.