Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

Alina walked through the Castle Gardens, a massive matrix of walkways, all lined with every bush and flower imaginable. She had been bathed, her hair braided, and was now wearing a clean white dress. She carried a stick as she walked and periodically would poke at a leaf or twig. Her favorite part of the garden was along the western wall which bordered the city. Although she had been to the city several times, she always wondered what was on the other side of these walls. Every time she had been out riding on her steed, she had never remembered to fly over, and would always scold herself every time she returned.

            Something caught her attention and she turned to see a rabbit leap from some nearby bushes, followed closely by a boy of about twelve. He saw Alina immediately and came to a halt, staring at her in apprehension. His clothes were in decent condition, but were quite soiled, presumably from climbing the wall.

            The two children studied each other, neither of them sure of what to do. After a few moments, Alina broke the silence.

            ‘Who are you and what are you doing in here?’ she inquired.

            ‘Please don’t tell anyone,’ the boy said nervously.

            ‘Well, answer the question,’ Alina said, getting her nerve back.

            ‘I was chasing a rabbit,’ said the boy.

            ‘I can see that,’ said Alina. ‘How did you get in here?’

            ‘I climbed the wall,’ he said, almost proudly.

            Alina furrowed her brow in disapproval. ‘Do you know who I am?’ she asked.

            ‘Yes,’ he replied, once again unsure of himself.

            ‘Then why don’t you call me Your Highness?’ she asked.

            ‘Do you want me to?’ he responded, genuinely curious. ‘My mama says that you must get tired of being called that all day.’

            Alina was quite taken aback by this. ‘Oh, does she?’

            ‘Do you?’ he asked.

            ‘That’s none of your concern,’ she replied.

            ‘Oh, please,’ he insisted. ‘I’ve never been around royalty before. I want to know what it’s like.’

            ‘You are so impertinent!’

            ‘What does that mean?’

            ‘Don’t ask stupid questions,’ she said indignantly.

            ‘Do you not know?’ he pressed.

            Alina glared at him, not sure how to respond. ‘What is your name?’ she finally asked.

            The boy squared his shoulders and smiled cheerfully. ‘I’m Liam,’ he said.

Later that night, as Alina was getting ready for bed, King Andrian came by to tuck her in. Wearing her nightgown, she climbed under the covers and her father lay down next to her and put an arm around her. She snuggled up next to him and started playing with the pendant hanging around his neck. The red shard of stone sparkled in the candlelight as she turned it over in her small hand.

            ‘Why does the stone need this small piece to send things to the other side?’ she inquired.

            ‘When the stone was broken, it lost its power,’ her father replied. ‘The mages were able to cast a spell that makes it work again when the stone is whole.’

            ‘And you can send anything you want?’ she asked.

            He nodded. ‘Anything the red stone touches will vanish and reappear wherever the green stone is. It uses magic.’

            ‘Does it even work on people?’ she asked, her eyes lighting up.

            The king looked down at the pendant and his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. ‘Yes it does,’ he said solemnly.

            Noticing the change, Alina tried to think of something else to ask about. ‘Where is the other stone?’ she inquired.

            Andrian took a deep breath and started getting up. ‘It is time for you to sleep now,’ he said, kissing her on the forehead.

            As he stood, Alina sat up in bed, still full of energy. ‘I met a boy in the garden today.’

            Andrian raised his eyebrows. ‘A boy?’

            She nodded emphatically. ‘He wants to be a knight.’

            ‘Really?’ said her father. ‘Did you tell him he should not be getting into the Castle Gardens without permission?’

            ‘I did,’ she replied proudly. ‘And then I gave him permission.’

            Andrian tried his best to look serious, but could not help but smile. ‘I see.’

            ‘Can you help him?’ she asked earnestly.

            ‘Maybe,’ he replied. ‘But right now it is time for you to go to sleep.’ He pulled the covers over her as she lay down again. ‘Good night, Princess,’ he said, smiling.

            ‘Good night, Papa,’ she smiled back.

            Alina snuggled into her pillow as Andrian blew out the candle and left the room, taking one more moment to look at her before closing the door.