“Martha, why do you think I’m different?”

“Different?” The maid stopped combing the princess’s hair in surprise.

“Yes, the village children call me weird and a creep… The princess broke off.

“The maid stared in surprise at the young girls upset face. “My lady, I reassure you that you’re not different or weird! I personally think those are quite inaccurate words to describe your ladyship, on the other hand I think special would be an appropriate word."

The princess looked up at her in surprise, “y-you think I’m special?” her voice wavered a little.

The maid smiled, “Yes Emma I think you are quite an extraordinary child! But we must hurry your mother is expecting guests and has told me to inform you that she expects you to be on your best behaviour."

Emma gave a small smile. “Yes of course!”

. . .

A maid hurried into a large circular room. “They have arrived you highness!”

The queen turned around, face blank. “Very well, let them in and fetch my daughter."

“Yes my lady!” The maid gave a quick bow before hurrying out again.

. . .

“Your expected now my lady!”

Emma nodded taking a deep breath. It would be the first time in two months that she would have seen her parents. Emma was sad that they didn’t seem to want to spend time with her. The maid’s had said it was because her parents were always busy. But Emma new there was more to it than just her parents being busy. She just didn’t know what.

Slowly she began to make her way down the stairs. To her immense surprise someone stood there waiting.

It was a boy. He bowed deeply as she approached him.  Her eyes widened in surprise as he gently took her hand and then without warning suddenly placed an awkward kiss on it.

She drew her hand back in shock “What are you doing!?”

The boy grinned pleasantly at her his brown eyes dancing.

“Nice to meet you too!”

She stared at him. “I’m sorry but who are you?”