My rival. (GXG)

Gone memories

"Princess!"

The girl was startled by the unusual voice as it reverberated in her ears near the tree. Silently, she turned her golden eyes away and peered up at the tree limbs, widening them a little. "Slow down! It's dangerous!" Her eyes glinting gently with apprehension mingled with mirth, she suggested it.

The Princess cocked her head to the right as she observed Abitha roll her green eyes humorously and hang upside down from the tree limb, effortlessly supporting herself , her long white hair that cascaded into the air. Her feet were curled under the curvature, enabling her to support herself. Distracted by the princess's caution, Abitha chuckled. "Princess, there is no need for concern regarding me. I have been climbing trees ever since I could walk two feet," she said, sliding back to her normal position and gracefully landing on the ground.

"You're the commander's daughter." The princess spoke softly, averting her gaze from the book that was currently being read on her lap. Abitha's soft lips curved into a grimace, her gaze set on the girl, her body bowing before her grace.

Abitha responded, "Indeed, I am," exhibiting a modest nod of the head. The princess raised an eyebrow, her mouth curling slightly at the corners. "You've got great agility, I see." Abitha raised a hand to remove a stray hair from her face as she laughed. "Thank you, princess," she replied modestly. The princess nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Do you ever get scared up in those trees?" she asked gently.

"Not really; it comes naturally to me."

The princess nodded and elevated herself from the ground, her golden tresses bounding a bit. Abitha hadn't seen the girl before, but she knew who she was. Every vampire knew. Any imbecile would make sense of her social appearance.

Abitha watched as the royalty moved gracefully, a sense of regality in every step. She couldn't help but sense a tinge of unease in the presence of nobility, even though she had never interacted with them directly before. The princess turned to face her, her warm golden eyes peering down at the diminutive girl.

Abitha was tiny. Very tiny for her age. She barely reached the princess's chest, and it was ironic because she was just a few months younger than the regal girl. Despite her stature, Abitha held her head high, attempting to emanate confidence in the princess's presence. The princess beamed enthusiastically, her demeanor kind and inviting. "You must be Abitha," she said gently, her voice melodic and calming. Abitha nodded, feeling her head instinctively gaze down at such grace and warmness.

The princess beamed dazzlingly, her small canines jutting out through her lips as she chuckled quietly. She reached with her fingertips, grazing Abitha's pallid cheek, and raising her head up. "That's a beautiful name." She cooed gently, observing how those green eyes lightened with faith, so intense that the princess couldn't help leaning closer to study them, to learn them as if playing an instrument. Abitha shook her head and looked away, keeping her eyes closed with a subdued murmur. "Mnu." She muttered meekly, keeping a surly expression on, and the princess smirked down at her, observing how her pallid ears turned scarlet. She pressed the point of her left ear down and laughed heartily when she noticed it was as red as a matured apple. "You're adorable when you're grumpy," the princess teased, delicately tracing circles on Abitha's flushed cheek.

Abitha couldn't help but break a smile at the princess's teasing remarks, feeling the warmth broaden through her cheekbones. "Stop it," she muttered, attempting to sound stern but failing as her lips twitched into a grin.

The princess placed her hands on her hips, gazing down at her with amusement glinting in her irises.

"Are you going to hang me upside down on a tree if I don't?" She wondered ironically. Abitha shook her head, the corners of her mouth elevating into a full smile. She shook her head, keeping her timid eyes down. "I would never do such a thing to a princess," Abitha replied, her voice gentle and filled with sincerity. The princess chuckled, reaching out to delicately tip Abitha's jaw up so their eyes met. "Good, because I sort of like having you around," she said with a smile. "You're quite shy."