As the cool breeze grazed the tall trees and the birds flew cheerfully, Princess Avery Orianna quietly opened her huge window. Awoken by the ray of sunlight hitting her eyes, she was excited to face a new day. Her golden locks swayed gracefully behind her as she sat by her window, admiring the luscious green forest that stretched on the horizon of Ynkerthia Kingdom. 

The large mahogany doors of her room creaked as a servant entered her chambers with a broad smile on her face. 

"Good morning, Your Highness. Breakfast is ready." The servant declared, bowing her head in greeting. 

"Thank you, Meylin. I will head into the dining room in a few minutes." Avery said, a soft smile on her face. 

The servant bowed her head in understanding before leaving. Avery rushed to the bathroom that was connected to her bedroom and freshened up. She removed her nightgown and changed into one of her favorite blue dresses. The corset top was designed with white laces and the sleeves were slightly puffed. The skirt of the dress flowed gracefully, the ombre of light blue to navy blue complimented her porcelain skin. 

She combed her hair and clipped one side with a silver rose pin that was gifted to her by her grandmother. Finally, she painted her lips a light pink and powdered her face lightly.

Brushing down her dress to straighten it and remove the invisible wrinkles, she walked her way outside her chambers. The knights that guarded her room greeted her, and she returned it with a curt nod. Her heels echoed through the halls of the palace while she walked her way to the dining room, greeting all the servants and knights that she walked past. 

"Princess Avery has arrived!" A knight announced her arrival as she stood in front of a huge wooden door. 

Once the doors opened, the scent of fresh bread and tea wafted through her nose. She almost drooled at the sight of fresh pastries and various cheese plated on the table. She immediately took her spot across from her mother while her father continued to read a few documents, work, she presumed, at the end of the table. 

"Good morning, dear. Did you manage to sleep well?" Her mother said, handing her a piece of bread. 

"Yes, mother. I slept well. How about you?" She replied, taking the bread and reaching for the many of the various cheeses beside her. 

"I slept well, too, darling. However, I noticed the slight bags under your eyes. Don't tell me you stayed up all night reading again?" Her mother raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her daughter. 

Avery stopped spreading the cheese on her bread and looked at her mother with wide eyes. It was as if she had been caught stealing cookies from a cookie jar. 

"I... Maybe I did kind of... read a little more than expected." Avery sheepishly smiled at her mother, who shook her head with a soft smile grazing her face. 

A knock was heard from the door. 

"Enter," King Aurelius commanded. 

The knight entered and approached the King. He handed him an envelope with a red seal in the middle. 

"Must be an invitation or something," Avery thought, nibbling on the baked goods in her hand. 

King Aurelius opened the letter and nodded at the knight, ushering him to leave. He began reading the letter while the Queen and Avery continued on with their meal. Even as curiosity piqued them, they just waited for the King to announce the contents of the letter. 

"It's an invitation to a party. It's from the Hollingrew Kingdom," the King stated after a few minutes, setting the letter on the table.

"That's a surprise. A wealthy kingdom inviting us to a party? That sounds suspicious," Avery raised an eyebrow at her father. 

"It is, but it's also a chance to interact with other kingdoms and maybe form an alliance or trade," her father replied, sighing. 

"When will it be held, dear?" Queen Allaera asked, focusing her attention on her husband. 

"5 days from now. We must prepare by then." 

"Am I required to go as well?" Avery whined, shoulders slumping as she looked at her father with big round eyes. 

She knew how her father was weak to her pleas and it was obvious how her father looked at her with scrunched eyebrows. 

"Yes, Avery. It's time that you socialize with other royals your age. You cannot just always spend time with the elderly and weave baskets." Her mother held back a laugh from her words, saving the King from giving in to his daughter's request. 

Avery's mouth opened slightly and pouted, "What's wrong with weaving baskets and tending to the horses?" 

"Child, you..." Her father trailed off, thinking of the right words to say, "You look like an old woman at every party. You only converse with middle-aged people." 

Avery was in shock, her eyes widened and her cheeks tinted in embarrassment. Her reaction caused her parents to laugh softly, eyes softening as they looked at their daughter. 

"We're not saying that you can't do those things anymore. We just wanted you to experience something new for a change." Her mother said, reaching out to place her hand on top of Avery's. 

"That's fine, mother. I think I could attend the party," she looked down at her plate and when she looked up, her mother was smiling at her fondly. 

"How could I say no to my wonderful parents?" She thought as she straightened her back. 

"I'll also try and make friends my age," she added, smiling softly at her parents. 

The King and Queen smiled back, making Avery's heart flutter and thrum with mixed emotions.

* * * * * * * * * * 

Avery strolled the palace garden, a few books in her arms. A couple of servants that passed by greeted her cheerfully and she smiled warmly at them in return. 

As she walked down the garden, she instinctively took herself to the gazebo. It was designed with orchids hanging from the entrance, a round beige couch in the shape of the gazebo and the exterior was painted white and gold. There was a medium-sized round table in the middle which had a glass tabletop and golden legs. 

Avery sat on the couch, setting her books on the table and picking up the one at the top. As she was about to flip through her book, the crunching of the grass diverted her attention, making her look at the horizon. 

A toddler who was about 5 years old ran to her, wrapping his small chubby arms around her waist. The toddler looked up at her and smiled widely, eyes sparkling and the dimples on both cheeks appearing. 

"Sisi Avery!" The toddler exclaimed excitedly. 

Avery patted the toddler's head and giggled, gasping in surprise, "Cryus! Sweetheart, what brings you here? It isn't summer vacation for you yet, right?" 

She smiled at the toddler fondly, chuckling at the attempt of the child to call her sister. Lifting him up, she sat him on her lap and placed her book down on the table. A brief moment of attention for her beloved cousin wouldn't hurt, right? 

"Mama wanted to talk to Uncle. I finished my lessons earlier, you know?" Cryus chirped happily. 

Cryus Orrine is the son of King Errin and Queen Riona from the Empire of Taegeris. Growing up, Cryus was attached to Avery like a little brother. Every season, the family visits the Ynkerthia Kingdom at least three times a year or whenever both families are invited to a party. 

"Oh. I see. That's good," Avery mumbled before hugging the toddler, "I missed you soooo much!" 

"I missed you so much, too!" Cryus giggled, hugging the Princess back. 

"Prince!" A servant called out, running towards the gazebo. 

Avery faked a gasp and looked at Cryus, "Did you sneak out of the palace again?" 

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The toddler giggled and looked at Avery sheepishly. She then poked his sides, tickling him as she giggled along.

"You naughty boy. You couldn't wait for a servant, hm?" She said playfully, still drawing out melodic laughter from the child. 

"It was my fault, Princess. I didn't bring him to you sooner. I apologize," the servant bowed her head, apologizing and panic lacing her voice. 

"That's alright. This little one is used to sneaking out anyway," Avery smiled softly, looking back at Cryus. 

"Sisi Avery is always here! I know because Sisi told me before," Cryus declared proudly, wrapping his arms around Avery's neck, hugging her once again. 

"Aww. That's right," she pulled away and grinned at the toddler, "Now, do you want me to read for you, darling?" She pinched his cheek softly. 

"Yes, please! I want the ones with dragons and knights!" Cryus cheered happily. 

Avery snickered and decided to read a book about dragons from ancient times, which was Cryus's favorite kind of story. Luckily, she brought one with her instead of her usual romance novels. Being a little careless has its perks, it seems.

"Shall I prepare some tea and snacks, Princess?" The servant offered, her voice strained as she contained her squeals at the adorable sight in front of her. 

"That would be lovely. Thank you," Avery replied before proceeding to read to her beloved cousin. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

Avery was ecstatic when she found out her Aunt and Uncle would be staying until the day of the party. She had missed a couple of months without seeing Cryus and she was excited to read to him more about dragons as well as play with him. The small family stayed in a larger guest room designated especially for them. 

After a cheerful and hearty dinner, Avery headed back to the gazebo. At night, when everyone was either busy or sleeping, she would sneak out to the gardens and stay there to watch the fireflies flutter. 

She often brought a book with her and since she did not get to read her book earlier, she decided that now was a good time to read. It was a good thing she left them in their original position from that morning. 

"Do you want me to make you some tea, Princess?" The familiar voice of her servant called out. 

She turned to face her with a grin, "Only if you join me, Meylin." 

The servant chuckled and bowed before heading back inside the palace to prepare some tea. It wasn't unusual to see both women together as they were childhood friends. Meylin's mother was the head maid, which led to the two girls always spending time with each other. 

Social status aside, they never let it get in their way. However, Meylin would always be on her best behavior when there were other royals, even if Avery told her it was alright not to be too formal. Meylin was assigned as Avery's personal maid as per the request of the Princess, which Meylin happily agreed on.

Meylin came back with a tray of cookies and tea after a couple of minutes. She sat beside Avery as she set their tea and favorite treats. 

"Have you fulfilled your promise to me?" Avery questioned, looking at her friend with a teasing smirk, book forgotten and attention diverted to her friend's love life. 

Meylin blushed furiously, a small gasp left her lips, "How could you ask that so suddenly?! I haven't... I haven't even talked to him properly yet." 

"Oh. I forgot. They're supposed to go to the Hollingrew Kingdom to notify the people there about us attending," Avery giggled. 

Meylin huffed and whined, "You're too cruel, Avery. No matter how much I try, I could never get Captain Richtan alone." 

In moments of privacy like this, it was the only time when all formalities disappear and their friendly chatter and kept secrets come to light. 

"Don't worry. I'm sure when they come back, you'll have a chance to confess," Avery reassured her, caressing Meylin's hand and sighing dreamily, "I hope someday I can find a love like yours." 

"What kind of man are you searching for, actually?" 

"I want a man who is independent, strong, kind, muscular, and smart." Avery replied, staring into the night sky, eyes sparkling at the thought of her ideal lover. 

"That sounds like a knight to me, Avery. You're sure you don't like Captain Richtan? Because if you do, I swear I'll add salt to your bath from now on." Meylin squinted her eyes at the Princess, threatening her in a playful manner. 

Avery giggled, "What nonsense are you talking about? The captain is not even my type of guy. You can have him all you want, silly." 

"Just make sure of that, because even if you're the Princess or my friend, I will threaten you." 

Avery laughed out loud and Meylin followed. The two basked in the silence of the night and the sounds of their laughter, along with the sounds of the crickets, were the only sounds that filled the air.

* * * * * * * * * *

"Let's get you changed." Meylin said, unbuttoning the dress from the back. 

"It has gotten pretty late, huh? If it wasn't for the butler catching us, then we might've stayed until morning," Avery smiled at the mirror in front of her. 

"Well, whenever the two of us are together, it's hard to break up the conversation," Meylin chuckled, looking at the Princess through the mirror. 

Once the dress dropped onto the floor, Meylin immediately helped the Princess remove the extra clothing, like the thin clothing the Princess wore to keep her warm, before slipping up her nightgown. 

"You had better head back now, Meylin. It's late and I'm sure your mother will scold me tomorrow for keeping you up late," Avery asked, a sheepish look on her face. 

"Nonsense. Mother couldn't do anything about it anyway, since we've been stubborn ever since we were little." 

"You're right. Even if she tattled to my mother, she would just get a reply of 'Let the girls have fun.'" Avery chuckled, smoothing out her nightgown before facing Meylin, who groaned. 

"The Queen is so cool about it while my mother keeps on telling me to sleep early." 

"Well, it is pretty late right now. You should probably head back. Mother will scold me tomorrow if she notices the bags under my eyes again." 

"Don't stay up too late, alright?" Meylin chuckled, "Goodnight, Avery." 

"Goodnight, Meylin." 

The two girls hugged before Meylin did what she was told. Once the door was shut, Avery headed to her bookshelf and scanned through her numerous books, fingers gliding gently along the spines of the thick books. 

"I should probably get my other books from the study room," she muttered to herself. 

She slipped on her thick baby pink robe, tying the front to keep her warm from the cold night air. She headed out of her room and walked her way to the study room.

There were guards scattered, patrolling the whole palace. When some guards saw her, they would just bow and then continue on with their duties. Even late at night, they never said anything to the Princess, since she would just be stubborn about heading back to her room as always. 

Arriving in the study room, Avery closed the door behind her. She strode to the bookshelf dedicated to romance novels. Her breath hitched in excitement as she scanned the books. It hadn't been long since she arrived, but she already knew what books to get. But scanning some more wouldn't hurt, right?

"Princess?" 

Startled, she turned around to see Captain Richtan standing a few feet away from her. She mentally hit herself for not hearing the creak of the door. 

"For the love of Athena, this man never remembers how to announce his presence soundly!" She thought, sighing.

"Captain. What brings you here?" Avery asked, relaxing. 

"I saw someone enter this room and thought maybe it was Meylin," The captain replied, a hint of pink dusting his ears at the mention of the maid's name. 

"Meylin went to bed just now. Her mother would be furious if she headed back later." There was a hint of teasing in her voice and surely, the captain noticed it. 

"Please don't tease me, Princess. It's been a long day and lately, it's hard to get some alone time with her with all the events and training going on. The few minutes were never enough, since they always turn into mere seconds." Richtan groaned, walking towards the soft red couch in small steps. 

"You two are impossible. I should seriously ask Father if you could have a day off or something. Or... maybe a week is better," Avery resumed while scanning the shelf for other books. 

"I would love that idea, but my men are too insufferable to be left alone. The vice captain is going to just agree with their antics if I left them." He sighed in defeat. Imagining the possible scenarios that might happen made the knight shiver. 

Avery chuckled softly, glancing at the knight who was now seated on one of the couches in the middle of the room.

"I would actually help the vice captain manage the knights if that's what it takes to get you and Meylin to have some time alone." 

"No. Absolutely not. Knowing you, Princess, you might just join them and thrash the whole knight's quarters." The terror in the knight's voice made Avery laugh out loud. 

"Although, we do miss you singing during our drinking sessions and having fun with us," Richtan added. 

"It's just been so busy. I miss singing for the knights as well, but... Father held me captive in order for me to study. I hate studying, you know? All those trades, social sciences, and ruling a kingdom... They're just too much." Sadness filled the Princess's voice as she turned around to face the knight, clutching 3 books to her chest. 

"Meylin misses your singing, too. I know it's hard and you hate studying, but I assure you, Princess. Once you're finished, you can finally do all the things you've always wanted to do and more." The knight smiled warmly. 

"You're right. Thank you, Richtan." She smiled then sighed, "I probably should head back before the head maid checks on my room." 

"You mean Meylin's mother?" 

"Yeah. I'll be banned from reading books at night if I don't head back soon." 

"Let me escort you, then." Richtan stood from his seat and ushered Avery to walk first. 

He opened the door for her and they both rounded the corner to where her room was, walking side by side. 

"I wanted to tell her how much I love her, but somehow, the Gods don't approve and keep on interrupting us." Richtan complained, kicking the ground lightly like a child.

"Stop being so childish. I'm sure Meylin tried as well, but... maybe it's just not yet the right time." Avery tried to hold in her giggles, but failed to do so. 

"Ugh. I just want her all to myself, you know? I can tell how the other knights look at her as well. Sometimes, I just want to poke their eyes and tell them that woman is mine!" He exclaimed, making Avery let out a hearty laugh. 

"Goodness, Captain! You're so possessive, but here's another idea. Why don't you just shout your confession once you see her?" Avery looked up at Richtan, who stopped in his tracks. 

She noticed her door, but her eyes never left the captain. She was smirking at him in a challenging way that made the knight groan and sigh. 

"That's great actually, but if it so happens that the King and Queen are present, then I might just bury my head on the ground." 

"It's better than having her mother present, though." She wiggled her eyebrows. 

Richtan clicked his tongue and opened the door for her, "Goodnight, Princess. You better get a loooot of sleep because your mind seems to be in a playful mood." 

Avery laughed at him, "Goodnight, Captain, but remember. I have given you ideas, alright? I'm actually trying to help and I'm still cheering on you both." 

"See you tomorrow, Princess." Richtan bid, smirking at her before shutting the door. 

Avery shook her head fondly before setting the books on her bed. She took off her robe and hung it behind the couch. She then climbed on her bed and sat comfortably before picking up a book that read, Princess, Don't Fall in Love with the Monster. 

Opening the book where she left her handmade bookmark, she sighed in content, not caring if she stayed up late or having to hear her mother's complaints about her sleepiness for tomorrow's breakfast. 

As the silent and peaceful evening progressed in the Kingdom of Ynkerthia, little did they know that somewhere in a kingdom known for its greedy and ruthless king, someone was planning how to destroy and claim the small peaceful kingdom.