The years went by and I grew accustomed to my new life. Father was called away to another war within a month of him being at home. I grew worried as time passed by but everyone reassured me that he was quite fine. A man called Larenzo Festen was in charge of the palace while the prince was gone and I had gotten quite used to him. He had blonde hair that went to his chest that he tried to keep styled and neat. He had blue eyes that always seemed to shine. Lorenzo seemed young and energetic as he always tried to find time for me. He would at least have dinner or lunch with me every day and gave me joy each time that I got to speak with him. On occasion, he would visit me as I would walk through the garden. Amanda got along with him and they would talk for hours. They would stop talking at times if I got close enough to hear them.

“It is almost your 5th birthday, little princess!”, I snapped out of my daydreaming as Amanda spoke to me.

Before I could give a response Lucus came in as if he was out of breath.

“The prince is finally back!”

We all looked at each other.

Father was back. After years, he finally came back.

Before I could think I bolted past him and ran. I felt a rush of emotions and I knew I had to see him first. Everyone was too distracted looking outside to see the prince. They did not even notice that I ran right out of the door. As I opened them I saw him getting off of his horse. As he was handing the reins over to the barn boy I ran towards him.

He saw me coming and I felt tears stinging my eyes, demanding to come out.

I stopped a foot in front of him and I tried to catch my breath.

I looked at my feet not wanting to look up with tears coming down.

“ Did… did you forget about Elle?” I asked.

It is true I loved the life I had with Amanda, Cecelia, and everyone. The whole palace adored me as I tried to be sweet. I got used to getting what I wanted but I did not realize the pain I felt had been swelling up in me.

How could he have left me for so long?

As I stared at the ground I felt him put his finger under my chin and pull my head up gently. He had bent down to one knee and I tried wiping my tears away. He picked me up and held me against his chest.

“I did not forget about Elle.” He spoke to me in a warm whisper and he took me inside.

He walked me to his office and sat me in his lap. I had missed those emerald green eyes staring at me. Lorenzo walked in a looked a little surprised to see me there. I beamed my best smile towards me and he chuckled.

“I see the princess has missed you, my Prince. Do you wish for me to retrieve her maid to get her before we speak about business.”

“No, she will be fine here.”

Larenzo seemed happy with that answer.

“How did things go in the battle, sir?”

Father looked down at me for a minute and sighed as he replied, “We had the Baten troops pushed back within their own territory. I did not see the Thasian’s having striking an allegiance with them.”

“It would be helpful if we got help from The Cecitial Kingdom. They are our partner in trade and we have good relations with them at least.”

“You know I will not comply with my Father’s and their King’s demands. They won’t help because of that.”

Lorenzo sighed and came over where he could kneel in front of me.

“Well, while you were gone the princess has been growing quite well.”

“I remember the letters you sent me regarding her growth.”

Father got letters about me? Since when did Larenzo write to him about me? He never mentioned this.

“Well, my prince, her 5th birthday is coming up and…”

“No”

“Excuse me?”

I looked at him and pouted as I said “Elle is turning five! I have been four for a year!”

He smirked and raised his eyebrow at me. “I see you have gotten quite a sass to yourself as I have been gone. I know how years work, child.”

Lorenzo cleared his throat and spoke quickly, “When a princess turns 5 it is customary for a certain celebr…”

“I said no. We will celebrate here. No guest”

Lorenzo bowed his head and sighed.

“I will take her to Amanda so you can get some rest.

He stared at me long and after a few minutes, he sighed as he allowed Lorezo to escort me back to my room where Amanda and Cecelia were waiting, along with Lucas, who was not pleased that I had run off.

“Princess! You cannot just run off like that without an escort! You must be mindful of this and your Father will not forgive any of us if you continue to do such things!”

“Elle is sorry!”, I said with my most pitiful face and I looked to Amanda, “What kind of party do princesses have for turning 5? Lorenzo said there was a certain type of party and Daddy said no. That we would have no guest and would stay home.”

Amanda looked relieved when she heard what Father said and shook her head.

“Well, there are royal family traditions but your Father has picked something more fun for our Elle!”

Before I could ask anything else they told me it was time for my nap before dinner and got me set up. I wanted to fight it and demand more answers but I felt my body grow more tired as I put my head on the pillow.

When I woke up I played hide and go seek in the Garden with a few of the maids. I loved the chocolate reward that they would give me if I found everyone. I had gotten used to everyone Aweing over me. As I munched on my chocolates under my now favorite tree, I felt happy as the breeze passed through my hair. Amanda took me inside to switch me into new clothes since I had gotten dirty and it was time for dinner. I looked in the mirror to see my favorite green and teal dress on me with a bow to match. In my previous life I would never had cared for dresses or anything so decorated but I have grown to love it here.

As we entered into the dining room I saw that Father was not there yet. As everyone was talking amongst themselves about his return I slipped out. I headed to his office since I guessed he was in there. Before I could even get to the door I heard shouting. I quickly recognized father’s voice and I dashed ahead and peaked in to see him yelling at Lorenzo.

“I know what the traditions say but I will not have that happen to her!”

“Sir, the 5th birthday is when she is introduced to the rest of the royal family. It is so they can recognize her as one of their own.”

“Father has already seen her. He saw her before I had even known about her! Instead of telling me about her or sending me a letter, he said nothing! He let me believe that my Caroline was dead and I was better off at war! I only came home because of rumors! He already saw her, he does not need to ever see her again. Caroline wanted her safe here. She was right to keep her away. She will stay here. And that is the last we will speak about it.”

Lorenzo sighed, “As you wish, I will start the arrangements for her party here. I will have our city bakers start on her chocolate cake preparations and have everything set.”

Father looked at him, “You already knew this would happen.”

“I have no idea what you mean, my prince.” He said with a smirk.

Father shook his head and opened a book and motioned for Larezo to look. I leaned the door open a little so I could see what it was and I tripped forward!

I tumbled in the study with my face hitting the floor.

“Ow!” I cried out and Father grabbed me.

“Now look here Lorezo, It seems we have a little spy in our midst.”

Am I going to die? I wondered. Is he going to scold me?

“Chocolate cake!!” I yelled. They looked confused at each other.

“Elle is here to tell you it is dinner. I was afraid you did not want to eat with me! I heard Larenzo that I will get Chocolate cake!!!”

Father looked at my suspiciously but carried me down to the dining room.