Abigail woke up a little later than usual. However, she still left the palace at precisely 8 a.m. She hoped that Micheal had understood the subtle hint related to her schedule. She hoped he would be waiting there for her. It was strange, but he seemed constantly on her mind, and she welcomed those thoughts. 

She was in her favorite walking dress. It was the color of the sun and complimented her tan skin. However, she wondered if she should call the seamstress and order a few new dresses. She wondered if Micheal would notice at all. 

She reached the fountain and decided to make a left turn. She could not find a trace of Micheal, and soon, she needed to return to the palace for breakfast. Maybe, she thought, he hadn’t understood the hint. 

As she continued walking, she heard a rustle of leaves. Then, “Good morning, Princess Abigail,” said Micheal. 

“Good morning, Micheal. How is my garden today?” said Princess Abigail said in response.

“The garden is as perfect as always. There’s just something that I need to show you if you don’t mind,’ said Micheal.

“No, not at all. Please lead the way,” said Princess Abigail. Micheal walked in front of her and led her down a series of paths in the garden until reaching a blueberry bush. As he lifted the branches, Abigail saw a cat and her kittens inside the bush. The kittens were nursing, but she could see they were around ten weeks old. The cat led a soft meow as Micheal scratched her behind the ears. Soon, the little cat family became aware of the two strangers and exited the blueberry bush. 

Princess Abigail kneeled as an orange kitten approached her. Two kittens were chasing and tousling with each other around the bushes. One never left the mother’s side, and another secretly watched the two humans behind the bush. 

“I found her and the kittens hiding in the bushes about two months ago. Maybe you would like to take one of the kittens with you to keep as a pet,” said Micheal. 

“I don’t think I have no choice since this little one seems fond of me,” said Princess Abigail.

“Of course, he is. He must have fallen in love with you at first sight, and I can’t blame him,” Said Micheal. Princess Abigail felt her cheeks blush at his comment. 

“What about the other cats?” asked Princess Abigail.

“I may ask a few other servants if they want to take them in. But it seems like two cats would prefer to stay with their mother,” said Micheal. Princess Abigail approached the mother cat and scratched her ears as Micheal had. 

“Don’t worry, mother cat, I will take good care of your son,” said Princess Abigail. After saying their goodbyes to the cat family, Micheal and Abigail returned to the garden's center.

“Thank you for your surprise. I never had a pet before,” said Princess Abigail.

“You are quite welcome, Princess. Plus, we all need companionship occasionally,” said Micheal. 

“Micheal, I realized I need your assistance with something!” exclaimed Princess Abigail.

“That sounds quite serious. Please let me know how I can help you,” said Micheal. 

“You need to help me pick out a name for this little one,” said Princess Abigail as she held the cat in her arms. 

“Perhaps, Cosmo?” said Micheal.

“Cosmo, that’s a wonderful name. From now on, your name will be Cosmo,” said Princess Abigail. Cosmo let out a little meow. Abigail and Micheal laughed at the cat’s antics. 

Princess Abigail told Micheal goodbye and returned to the palace with Cosmo secure. When she returned to her palace wing, she called all her ladies-in-waiting and Alice to her bed chamber. 

“There will be a new resident in this wing. Please, everyone, meet Cosmo,” said Princess Abigail. 

Alice said, “Why your highness, he is an adorable cat!”. 

“Thank you, Alice—everyone, we must keep Cosmo safe since he is still quite small. Has anyone here ever had a cat as a pet before?” said Princess Abigail.

One of the maids, with ginger hair, raised her hand. 

“Oh, Teresa. You will help me take care of Cosmo. Please gather all the supplies and maybe some food that he needs to grow healthy and strong,” said Princess Abigail.

“Right away, your highness. Also, should I take Cosmo a bath?” said Teresa.

“Yes, please. Also, please write down everything you know about cats. I would like to read your recommendations on how best to care for him,” said Princess Abigail.

 All the maids, except Alice, look at each other. A few seconds passed before Alice cleared her throat and said, “Princess Abigail, unfortunately, other than myself, the other maids cannot read or write. I will assist Teresa with her task and write down any information she feels will be helpful to your highness,” said Alice. 

Princess Abigail was slightly taken aback at this revelation but did not want to embarrass Teresa further. “Yes, Alice, that sounds perfect,” Princess Abigail answered. 

After the maids were dismissed, Princess Abigail walked to the dining room to meet her family. The table was set, and she quickly took a seat. She was the last one at the table. However, it seem that her family still waited for her. 

“Abigail, you’re quite late today,” said her mother.

“My apologies, I lost track of time,” said Princess Abigail.

“Abigail, don’t you know it's already ten minutes after nine? You ruined our special breakfast today! All is lost!” exclaimed her brother, Alfonso. Abigail grinned at her brother.

“You may laugh, Alfonso, but punctuality is important, especially for a future ruler,” said her mother. Both siblings fell silent after their mother’s comment and did not converse during the meal. 

After almost an hour, they were all dismissed. Princess Abigail quickly went after her brother Alfonso before he left for his room. 

“Alfie, please wait,” said Princess Abigail, hoping the familiar nickname would make him stop.

“Yes, Abby,” said Alfonso. 

“I need to speak with you. Can we meet for tea after my dance lessons? I should be able to meet you at one o’clock,” said Princess Abigail.

“Of course, I can make time for my one and only sister. Should we meet at Grandfather’s gazebo?” said Alfonso.

“Of course,” Princess Abigail said with a smile. Princess Abigail then returned to her room. She needed to continue working with her secretary to understand Mr. Townsend’s records. 

As she headed towards her office, she saw Sir James. They exchanged morning greetings, but Sir James spoke when they entered the room.

“Princess Abigail, I understand why the head gardener’s books were inconsistent. It seems the gardener has been importing flowers from other countries instead of using the ones grown in the greenhouses in the palace,” said Sir James.

“Why would he import them? We have several large greenhouses near the servant’s quarters, and to my knowledge, they have been well-maintained by my father,” said Princess Abigail.

“I do not know the reason. I will be inspecting the greenhouses this afternoon,” said Sir James. 

“Please do. The flowers are very unique. Some of the roses were strains made by my grandmother. I just don’t see why the gardener would not use those flowers. Have you spoken to him regarding this matter?” said Princess Abigail. 

“I did, and his only response was that the imported flowers grow in a tropical climate and are much more beautiful,” said Sir James. 

“Our climate can support those flowers, especially if they are being grown in our greenhouses. Please visit the greenhouses. Once we know their state, we can decide our next steps.,” said Princess Abigail. 

Sir James and Abigail then scheduled a seamstress to arrive at the palace in the next few days. Then, it was time for her dance lesson. 

“Good luck, Princess Abigail,” said Sir James. Princess Abigail was remarkable, thought Sir James, but she pushed herself into an unattainable corner of perfection. 

Princess Abigail went to the ballroom, where her teacher awaited her. Mrs. Freya was a woman in her late fifties who had trained as a ballerina. She had graced countless theaters around the world as a young woman. However, she suffered a terrible injury when she was in her early thirties, which ended her professional career. Despite the injury, Mrs. Freya became a dedicated instructor. Many of her pupils excel in dance, except for Princess Abigail. 

Abigail changed into her dancing shoes as she talked with Mrs. Freya. The dance lessons then began. 

“Princess Abigail, you must keep the rhythm. One, two, three. Again, one, two, three,” said Mrs. Freya.

Princess Abigail moved her feet as she held on to an imaginary partner. Every time she stumbled, Mrs. Freya would have her start again. 

“Let’s take a break, Princess Abigail,” said Mrs. Freya.  Abigail was thankful and sat down next to Mrs. Freya on the bench. 

“Do you know why I was a famous dancer?” said Mrs. Freya.

“Because you were exceptional,”  said Princess Abigail. 

“No, there were many dancers like me. All of whom knew the routines. I was famous because I was passionate and dedicated,” said Mrs. Freya. 

“Mrs. Freya, I am dedicated. Truly I am,” said Princess Abigail.

“Dedicated without a doubt you are, but when it comes to passion towards dancing, you are not,” said Mrs. Freya. 

“Then how do I become passionate?” said Princess Abigail.

“Ahh, much like love is an enigma, so is passion. Once you feel those emotions, they change your life forever,” said Mrs. Freya. 

The short break was over once their conversation ended. Princess Abigail began to dance again and again.