The young girl laid in the field on the hot sunny day. She yawned her head resting on her hands, the legs crossed over each over. She yawned, sleep beckoned her as the world slowly, but surely, faded away. She woke to see the sun setting, the sky a orange twilight as night was soon to fall. The young girl got up and stretched. She should leave for home or else her mother and father would begin to worry, and she didn't want that, they always worried far too much. She began to make her way to the castle, as it wasn't very far, the walk was nice and quick.

She took step after step humming a toon that the bard had song the other day. Bards were always coming to the city in hopes of playing for her father and mother. They liked music and and art and those kinds of things. Veronika liked them too, so she was always happy when her parents had a eye and ear for good artist, or she thought so at least. She was just nearing the castle gates when she saw the guardsmen standing there. James and Jason had been guards here for as long she can remember. Jason was the captain of the guard, and usually by her fathers side. Today however, he was guarding the gate that opened up to the field, in front of their palace.

Jason "What are you doing out so late young lady? Your parents are ones to worry you know."

Veronika rolled her eyes.

Veronika "I know. I know. That why I'm coming back. I would have stayed out later if I wanted to make them worry."

She crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue at the guard as he laughed hardily.

James "I don't think we should scold the princess too hard captain. I think she's free to roam around the castle as she pleases."

Jason "HA! You always let here get away with these things, because you're still so new here. This little rascal his always getting in trouble so don't let her off the hook so easily."

James was a new guard that began his post about 3 months ago. Since he was so new he was a little afraid of stepping on the toes of the royalty, he was especially easy on Veronika.

Jason "Don't let this little girl push you around. She'll use you did all sorts of things she wants. I know you let her take food from the kitchen the other week."

James blushed and looked ashamed.

James "It was just one piece of bread captain."

Jason "Its one piece of bread today, a full pig tomorrow. Who knows what's next the day after. Don't give this girl an inch."

Veronika put her hands on her hips and pouted.

Veronika "I'm right here you know."

Jason "Oh I know. You're hard to ignore young princess."

Veronika continued to pout.

Veronika "Well no need to be so mean!"

Jason "Oh, I just tease little princess. No need to be so angry."

He reached down and ruffled her hair. Despite herself Veronika smiled and blushed.

Jason "Alright little princess, its about time you get back in the castle."

Jason smiled down to her and pattered her into the castle. Veronika walked through the gates and made her way to the main hall. She thought Jason would follow her in but when she turned around she saw he was still standing guard at the front gate. Before she could call to him she heard another voice calling her name.

??? "Veronika where are you? Its time for your bath. Where are you Veronika."

It was her maid in the castle, Jane. Jane was an older women who was always stern and a little harsh on Veronika. Always going on about trying to make her a proper lady and that she was eating her vegetables and a bunch of other things. Veronika appreciated some of it and knew that she knew well, but sometimes she could be just a bit too mean. Veronika liked looking pretty and wearing nice dresses and doing her hair, but she also didn't mind getting a little dirty every now and then.

Veronika looked down at her new, sky blue, dress her mother just bought her and saw it had green stains all over it. Jane would be furious with her getting the dress this dirty already. She didn't want to be yelled at, despite Jane being an older smaller women she could yell quite loudly and for quite some time, so she looked for a place to hide. Veronika looked around frantically. Perhaps under the table? No that's too obvious, she would be found far too quickly. Maybe behind the knight statue? No she could easily find her there by just looking around for a few minutes, and Jane was thorough.

Veronika couldn't find a place to hide and, she was begging to panic. That's when she heard it. and little whisper that came from somewhere in the room.

??? "psst. Veronika. This way."

Veronika whirled and saw a closet. It was opened just a little bit, and out of it, her older bother peaked his head out. He smiled at her and beckoned her into the closet. She scampered in the closet, as her brother closed the door behind her. He put his finger to his mouth as a way to tell her to be quite, as if she needed to be told. Then they heard jane call out again.

Jane "Veronika! I know you're hear. Come on out girl, you must be dirty after playing around in all that grass! In that new dress your mother just gave you as well! Come on out girl!"

Jane and her brother, Ian, held their breathes for what felt like hours, she could feel her heart beating in her chess. Finally she could hear Janes footsteps slowly fade away. Veronika took a breath again. She looked up to her brother and smiled.

Veronika "Thanks Ian. She would of given me a real tongue lashing had she caught me."

Ian winked at her

Ian "Well I couldn't let that happen to my little sis. Your still just a girl, no need for you to get scolded so harshly. Although getting your new dress that dirty pretty quickly is impressive. You are usually so clean too."

He bent down and inspected the dress, looking at the dirty green blotches all over it. Veronika blushed and stepped away from him.

Veronika "I just took a nap in the yard, maybe I was rolling around a little bit in my sleep?"

Ian didn't seem too convinced, but he didn't press her on it.

Ian "Well we should leave here before Jane comes back."

Veronika smiled and began to sneak off with her older brother. They tip toed through the castle, making as little noise as possible. The massive castle took long to walk through, especially since they had to roam through it slowly. They peaked behind every corner and found a place to hide whenever they heard someone coming. It was fun to sneak through the castle. Veronika thought that her and her brother would have been caught do to there constant giggling. Finally they made it her bedroom.

Veronika sighed in relief after seeing the door, she could change into a different dress and avoid a scolding, thanks to her brother. Ian crouched down to her height.

Ian "Well little sister we've finally made it here. It was quit the little adventure, but I'll have to be on my way now."

Veronika turned to him.

Veronika "Thank you Ian. I was having a good day in the field when Jason started telling that new guard, James, that I'm some trouble maker."

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Veronika put her hands on her hips and pouted. Ian looked at her confused.

Ian "Jason was guarding the front gate? Why?"

Veronika shrugged

Veronika "I don't know. I guess father just wanted him to watch over me for the day."

Ian didn't seem convinced, as he was deep in thought. Veronika watched him for a moment, before she called out to him.

Veronika "Ian, is everything okay?"

Ian "Hmm? Oh yes of course it is. I'm just not used to father stationing Jason in the front gate usually no need for it. So I was just a little confused was all."

He smiled at her reassuringly. Yet Veronika couldn't help but think he wasn't being completely honest with her. She wanted to press him more, but before she could he turned and began to walk away.

Ian "Goodbye Veronika. I'm going to talk to father for a bit."

Veronika "Okay fine, but you better not be lying to me."

Ian looked back at her and smiled.

Ian "I would never lie to you Veronika."

Veronika seemed happy enough with that answer, as she smiled back at him. Ian turned back around and walked down the hall, as Veronika opened the door and went into her room. It was a large room, filled with all sorts of desks, and shelves. Which in turn, were filled with things like clothes and parchments for writing. Despite all the things she owned, Veronika was able to keep her room quite clean. Which she was always a sense of pride for her. Veronika quickly threw off her blew dress, and began looking for a new one to quickly slip on. Something that she could put on easily, without the help of her maids. She found a small velvet dress she could easily slip on.

Now Veronika needed to clean the blue dress before anyone else found it. She needed to find a maid, and have her clean it as soon as possible. Veronika peaked her head out the door, looking down both ends of the hallway before stepping out. Veronika crept about the castle again, slowly and quietly. Luckily she didn't have to stalk around for nearly as long, as she came across a maid in short time.

Veronika "Lily, Can you help me with something quickly?"

The maid jumped and whirled quickly around to where she heard the voice, and saw Veronika crouched and peaking behind a suit of armor.

Lily "Lady Veronika, Where have you been? Miss Jane has been searching all over for you!"

Veronika "Sshh. Not so loud or she'll hear you."

Lily looked at her confused. Veronika walked up to her, and handed her the blue dress.

Veronika "Can you clean this for me? I need it cleaned as fast as possible. please?"

Lily looked at the dress. Turning it over her in her hands.

Lily "Isn't this your new dress, the one your mother just bought for you?"

Veronika sighed.

Veronika "Yes, and I need it clean. Before Jane finds out."

Lily looked concerned, and a little scared. Lily was always a timid girl. Even after being here for over two years, she was quite intimidated by Miss Jane, especially by Miss Jane. Veronika liked Lily since she nice and always let her have extra things like clothes and toys. She thought however it was about time she grew a spine. Today was hopefully that day. Lily still looked unsure, so Veronika thought she should give her some extra encouragement.

Veronika "If you don't clean the dress, I'll have to tell my mother about all the times you've spoiled me, and got me things you shouldn't have."

Lily paled. She didn't fear her mother quite like she did Jane. She knew well enough how much more power her mother had over her then Jane did.

Lily "L-lady Veronika, surely you wouldn't. You promised to never tell her."

Veronika Just looked at her sternly, her hands on her hips. Finally she made her decision.

Lily "Ok, I'll clean the dress."

Veronika smiled up at her.

Veronika "Thank you Lily. I knew I could count on you. Please hurry!"

Lily nodded stiffly and went off. Veronika, happy with herself, began to walk back to her room. Which is exactly when she walked right into Miss Jane.

Jane "You, little lady are in big trouble."

It was a long and silent walk to her mother. It felt like the longest in Veronika's life. Veronika had stayed quit for the whole walk, as did Jane. Which was unusual as she never seemed to pass up an opportunity to chastise Veronika before. Finally after what felt like hours they had made they're way to the library. Her mother must have been in there, since her father was most likely taking council at this time. Her mother liked to read before bed, she always said it calmed her mind.

Both Jane and her walked into the library. It was a massive room. It had shelves layered with all kinds of books. Some of history, others for cooking, and some even had guides on spell work and magic. The library was so big in fact it had a second story. One that was also filled with book shelves. The library had long walk way in the middle that held large tables. At one of these tables sat Veronika's mother. She had a book in hand and candles strewn about her. Jane walked up to her and cleared her throat, and her mother looked up at the best of them and smiled.

Lisa "Thank you for finding her Jane. You may leave now."

Jane nodded, turned, and left. Veronika was a bit surprised about to see her dismiss Jane so soon. As she was so sure both would give her quite the talking to. Veronika looked at her mother, who still wore the same smile on her face.

Lisa "Veronika dear, come here please."

Veronika walked up to her mother as she pulled the chair out for her to sit in. She sat up and looked to her mother. She was a beautiful young women of thirty. Long golden hair fell past her shoulders, and her baby blue eyes almost seemed to glow in the dark. She wore a red dress that was strewn with silver and gold cloth.

Lisa "What have you been doing all day Veronika? We got word from Jason that you had left the yard, but after that we had no idea where you had gone."

This was not the conversation Veronika had expected, and was a bit taken aback.

Veronika "I was playing around with Ian. We where sneaking around the castle."

Veronika thought to tell a lie, but decided against it. She never liked lying to them and could tell that her mother seemed genuinely worried as to where she had been.

Lisa "Why had you been sneaking around the castle? Where the two of you playing a game of some sort?"

This had been the hard part.

Veronika "Well you see... I was napping in the front yard and had just gotten my new blue dress a little... dirty."

Lisa didn't seem to happy to hear this, but let her continue.

Veronika "I had just gotten back in the castle when I heard Miss Jane calling for me. I didn't want her scolding me for the dirty dress so I hid. Ian helped me, only a little though, it was mostly me"

She hastily added in that last part as she didn't want Ian getting into any trouble for her.

Lisa sighed

Lisa "Was that all? You just wanted to avoid a light scolding? You had us confused and scared my sweet. Please try not to hide like that for long periods of time."]

Veronika was more confused then ever. Its not like she left the castle. Why were they acting like she left and went out around town or even further? She was never in any real danger. Was she?

Lisa "Well, I think you should go off to bed now. Night has fallen now."

Veronika was still confused, but nodded in agreement. She got up and off the chair and began to make her way to her room. When her mother called out to her one last time.

Lisa "Veronika."

She turned

Lisa "May you have sweet dreams my daughter."

Her mother walked up to her and gave her a kiss on her for head, and a hug. Veronika hugged her mother back, and turned away to leave back for her room. The walk this time felt far quicker and lighter. It wasn't until now that Veronika realized just how tired she was. Her eyes felt heavy and her feet hurt. She yawned and pushed open the door to her room. She took off her dress and put on her sleep wear. crawled into bed, and was just about to fall asleep when she heard a knocking on her door.

Veronika raised her head being ripped from her warm and cozy sleep. She yawned, and before she could answer, there was another knock at the door. Veronika had finally shacked the sleep tiredness away.

Veronika "Come in"

The door peaked open, and in stepped her father. He was a short young man, no older then thirty-five. He had golden curly hair much like her mother. Unlike her mother however, his eyes were a deep brown. He wore a blue coat and red pants, with funny looking shoes. He always liked wearing funny things. He had a big smile on his face and a book in his hand.

Charles "Why hello my little sweet, quite the day you've had huh? Or so I've heard."

Veronika yawned one last time, and then sighed.

Veronika "Did you come here to scolded me?"

Charles raised and eye brow.

Charles "Have I ever scolded? I probably should have, but I could have never bring myself to do it. Not to my sweet little daughter."

Veronika smiled at her father. He was a man to sweet for his own good, and she loved him for it. Veronika sat up as her father crawled into bed, and sat next to her. He smiled at her and lifted his book to show her.

Charles "Do remember when I used to read to you? You always loved the little stories I would read to you."

Veronika "I was a little girl then only five or six."

Charles "Little girl then? You're still a little girl now, only eleven."

Veronika pouted

Veronika "I'm growing up."

Charles laughed

Charles "Well that's true I suppose, But you still have a lot of growing to do, and to me, as well as many others you are still just a small girl.

Veronika continued to pout. Was this all about what happened today? Why is every one so scared of her roaming her own castle? Why must every one be so cautious? Veronika's confusion started to become anger. It must of shown on her face as her father began to speak again.

Charles "Veronika, what I mean to say is that you still have much growing to do. Next time you get your new dress dirty don't be try to hide it and play games. And by all the gods don't try to black mail our own servants."

Veronika blushed. She did feel guilty for what she had done to Lily. She should apologize.

Charles "Well while I'm here would you like me to read you a story?"

Veronika thought for a moment, and then smiled up at him.

Veronika "I would love it if you did."

Charles smiled back down to her and opened the book and began to read. After a short while Veronika had drifted off back to sleep. She didn't not a sound. Charles smiled down on her one last time and gave her a kiss on her for head.

Charles "I love you, sweet dreams my daughter."

Veronika smiled back, and in her sleep murmured

Veronika "I love you too."

Charles smile grew wider. He got of the bed blew out any reaming candles, and closed the door.