A young man sat down wearily. Even though there was a festive air everywhere else, he couldn’t seem to enjoy anything right now; not his overstuffed red cushions on the golden throne or the beautiful white marble room with its strip of red carpet connecting him to his subjects. Even his crown was off; its fire reds and sea blues seem to have dulled. It didn’t sit right on his head.

He normally had a smile that lit up the room and looked like he was in the middle of a wonderful joke, but his usual joyful expression was hidden by a look of annoyed worry. Arai had run off again. He knew she could be quite the wild girl, but she never seemed to think of how much trouble it was when she leaves the castle.

“You called, Your Majesty?” The captain of his guard was only a plain man by looks; his peasant exterior hid his lean strength and array of weapons.

“Arai has gone into the woods again. Take a group of men in after her, and when you find her, escort her back to me.”

The captain left in such a hurry that his top robe flew back enough to reveal a previously concealed knife. The metal doors slammed behind him, and the king was left to worry alone.

He knew it was his fault she had disappeared. Arai was like an unexpected gift; the very fact she was in his life is a miracle. But thinking he knew what was best for her, he might have pressured her too much. If only he had waited to tell her of his plans until he knew she was ready, she might not have gotten upset and run away.