“So, Lily,” Asher addressed me as he sat next to me against a tree, wiping his feet in the grass, and the sun aiding in drying them, “how about you come meet my parents? They really want to meet you, ever since I found you in the forest that day.”

  “Your parents know about me?” I didn’t expect him to talk to his parents about me, especially enough to want to meet me. Asher chuckled.

  “Of course. And don’t worry. They are pretty nice for royal parents. As long as you are respectful. Anyway, I was thinking you could meet them tomorrow?”

  I was surprised he suggested so soon. I was quite nervous, but I’d love to meet his parents, if they were as nice as him. I nodded.

  “Sure. That sounds great. I’ll meet you at the markets. It’s the closest to the pace,” I held out her hand, waiting for him to shake it. I didn’t know why I did it, but I just didn’t know what else to do after saying that. Asher chuckled and took my hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it up to his lips, and kissed my knuckles once again. My face went slightly pink and I shook her hand out his grip. Why did I have to get flustered so easily by any gentleman?

  “Stop with that. It can’t be proper for a prince to do that to a commoner,” I crossed my arms.

  “What’s the change in attitude? As if you care about being formal to me. You speak to me like I’m merely your pet fish,” he flicked my lightly on the forehead. I pouted angrily. He just ughed at me, which didn’t make me feel any better.

  “I must go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Princess.”

  *

  I stared into my mirror, brushing my brown locks. The brush glided smoothly through them, not a knot in sight. I pulled the top half of my hair into a bun, leaving half of my hair down. I picked up the silver pin from my desk, sliding it into my neat bun, keeping it in pce. I brought my hands back down into my p, looking at myself for a couple more seconds. I nodded to my reflection in the mirror, watching as it did the same movement as me.

  ‘I look presentable. But is that enough for royalty? Oh I don’t know. Why do I care about my appearance anyway? Asher will be there to help if I need it,” I thought, trying to reassure myself. I stood up, pushing my stool back.

  ‘Maybe I should buy a bit of makeup at the market? Some cheap lipstick or something. Yeah. Good idea. I’ll leave now so I have some time before Asher gets there,” I smiled to herself, grabbing some coins and walking down the stairs of my house, about to exit. I stopped when I heard my fathers voice.

  “Where are you going sweetheart?” His croaky voice came from the other room. I backtracked and opened the door to my father’s room, peeking in. He was ying in bed, arms by his side and eyes closed.

  “I’m just going to the market, dad. I forgot to buy the food when I went yesterday because I met a new friend,” I expined. I felt bad lying to my father, but I didn’t want to stress, or excite him, too much with where I was actually going. I opened the door slightly more, entering his room. My father opened his eyes slightly, moving them to look at me.

  “Ah of course. Good. You must have friends. You barely go out enough. A couple times a week for maybe an hour isn’t enough. I know you just love to look after an old hag like me but you are still young. And I have your mother, even if she is quite busy. Anyway, go to the market. Get some sun. And make sure to buy yourself a little treat,” he waved his hand, telling me to leave. I nodded.

  “Of course. I love you dad,” I went to the door, turning one more time to check on my father then I left his room. I made her way out of my house, shutting the front door with a soft click.

  My baby pink dress swished in time with my legs. It was a 20 minute walk before I could see the bustling of the markets. I came to a stop when I saw the painting store again. Damian’s painting store. I pnned to just walk past it, hoping that I wouldn’t bump into Damian, but with my luck, that wasn’t possible.

  “Hello Lily. Nice to see you again,” it was unmistakably Damian’s low, soothing voice.