"It looks to be a necklace my lady."

 "Indeed it does."

A clear blue gem cut in an oval shape hung from a silver chain. It felt warm.

"I believe this is a magic item, my lady."

"Magic?"

"Yes." Amelia spoke, leaning down to get a better look. "Based on the feel I get from this item, it would be safe to assume it's meant to protect and defend."

"You can tell all that by looking?"

"You may not be aware, my lady, but I'm talented at reading aura's."

"I see."

Cradling the gem in my hands it felt like my wounds hurt less. The morning light shone through it, giving it the appearance of deep ocean water. It made me think of Warren.

I held the gem up, admiring it for a moment.

"My lady, Kali?"

After a moment, I pulled it to my lips, planting a soft kiss on it. Amelia looked stunned.

"This is the first gift I've ever received…I'll be sure to treasure it, Warren." 

I whispered his name. I guess I can't forget him either, and the irony of that is not lost on me. I smiled at the thought with a small chuckle.

I wore the necklace constantly. The only times it was ever off was when I bathed, at Amelia's behest.

"You wouldn't want it to get damaged in the cold water would you, my lady?"

"How can a gem capable of protecting me from beasts not be fine against the cold water I bathe in, Amelia?"

"A beast has an aura of danger! It's completely different, my lady. Water wouldn't be what the gem is made for, and would then be vulnerable to it."

I squinted my eyes at her. What she said seemed plausible, and I didn't know enough about magic to argue.

I sighed.

"Fine~."

I continued the next few days resting. Watching out the windows for any sign of the young noble boy. I never saw him, but after my third day stuck inside a small bouquet of flowers appeared on the doorstep.

"My word! My lady, don't touch those!"

"Why not? They're just flowers, Amelia."

"They could be laced with poison!"

I raised my eyebrow at her in disbelief.

Sure, I was a cursed child sent away to these fearsome woods to suffer, but my father…

In regards to anyone hurting me, my previous nanny had tried to strangle me in an attempt to no longer care for the castaway princess. Upon word of this reaching my father's ears, my father had her flogged to death, and her entire extended family torn limb from limb.

So, if someone knew better, they would not try to harm my life. No matter how despised or cursed I am, my father begrudgingly respects his royal blood that flows through me, and thus acts accordingly.

But even with all those dreary thoughts I picked up the bouquet. A mix of lilac, baby's breath, and light blue roses. They smelled wonderful.

Without thinking, I buried my face in the flowers. They tickled like small clouds brushing against me. I couldn't help my smile, it felt unbelievable that this was happening…

"Oh!"

"Hm?" I turned towards Amelia who looked in awe. "What is it?" Her hands covered her mouth as if in shock and her eyes lit up.

"Ah. It seems as if spring has come for you, my lady!" Amelia had tears in the corner of her eyes.

"What!" My face flushed as I looked over at her with indignation. "That is not what this is, Amelia."

"A necklace of protection. Flowers on the doorstep, perfectly designed. My lady, you've even mumbled this man's name when you're bored and looking at the gem. What else could it be!"

My mouth hung open like a fool. I couldn't say a single thing to refute her.

"It's not anything like that. We've-we've barely spoken a word to each other!"

Amelia points at me with a sly smile full of glee.

"My lady, you're averting your eyes!"

"Ugh! Whatever Amelia, what does it concern you!?"

"My lady." Amelia said coming close and holding on to my arm gently. “If there is a man out there that can look past your curse… my only wish is for you to be happy like any other lady is!"

"I'm very happy with my strength, Amelia."

"Can your strength repair your wounds, give you gifts of beautiful gems, or pull you close under the moonlight and give you a gentle kis-"

"Fine! Fine! Okay." I shouted embarrassed. "I don't really care all that much to pursue this but-I'll just go with the flow of things. I won't turn away from anything that happens, okay?"

"And you'll tell me the details, right, my lady?"

"I can't tell you his identity but, sure."

"Yes!" Amelia let go of my arm and did a small victory dance.

Thinking about it now, nobles do usually live on gossip as if it's needed to survive. So being isolated out here with no word of the outside world must be quite rough for her more than the average person.

"Amelia, once I become rich and successful, I'll make sure you get to live a good life."

"Bahahaha. Sure, my lady Kali! I'm looking forward to it."

Smiling wide and with kind hearted laughter Amelia and I continued the rest of our day in smiles, chatting all about the mysterious young nobleman being so kind to me.