Charming...?

Prologue

Strolling in the glorious gardens of the palace, Malia admired the flowers that covered the bushes all around her.

She has seen these flowers before, almost everyday, ever since she was born. Sure, they weren't always at the exact place. Sometimes, instead of peonies, primroses covered the land near the west wing. Instead of lilies, either lavenders or violets grew around the right castle walls.

Details details. She could remember it all.

She went to her favorite spot, the wooden bench next to the huge oak tree at the far right of the garden. There she would listen to the relaxing sound produced by the near by fountain.

Sometimes, she would bring a brush or, secretly, a knife to the bench. Then she would draw or carve vines, leaves, and flowers on the wooden planks of the bench. She painted the inside of the carvings with her special paint so that they glowed brightly at night, attracting the garden fairies and sprites to the benches she left her mark on.

Today, she decides to just lay on the grass next to the bench. Just enjoy the sky in the afternoon.

She closes her eyes, listening to the relaxing sound of nature around her, her mind slowly drifting away from her body on the ground.

Oh how far her mind wandered. She barely realizes time had already passed. She opens her eyes to yet again see the vast, blue sky.

The sky was still blue yet the moon, a beautiful crescent slightly shining in the sky, was already walking to go to its place for the evening.

The butterflies' wings glowed brighter as the sky slowly became dark, revealing the scattered stars that shined in it.

Malia stands up, dusting her now-wrinkled dress. She lets out a yawn, stretching her hand to the sky.

After waking herself up, she walks back to the palace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Malia's fingers ran through her hair, separating the tangled strands. Her feet glided across the marble floor. She hurriedly went inside the royal dining room, there her mother, father and brother sat at end of the table.

Exactly 5:00 pm.

Malia was on time for their meeting before supper.

Queen Cassandra, Malia's mother, told her to be there at 5 pm, an hour before supper, for a short meeting.

This made Malia curious and slightly anxious. What could mother have to say that is so important that she couldn't have just told me yesterday.

"Malia! Right on time, sit down.", the queen says cheerily.

"So, what are we gonna have a meeting about tonight?", Malia says.

"Well, your father and I have been talking."

"I noticed."

"Our dearest daughter, since you're turning 19 soon, your mother and I have been planning a surprise for you!"

"Really???", Malia was unsure if this will be a good thing or a bad thing.

What could mother and father have prepared for her 19th birthday? Could it be a pet? Oh how she always wanted a pet dog! Sadly, her mother was too afraid she might get hurt by a pet dog, or any kind of pet.

Maybe mother changed her mind!!

"Yes, since you're old enough, your father and I thought that it was time that you could finally--"

"Get a pet dog??? OH MOM! Thank you!! I thought you'd never let me! I always wanted a Shih Tzu, or maybe a Chow Chow! Such a silly name but fitting for such an adorable dog!"

Her mother and father looked at each other and let out a laugh.

Malia was confused.

"Malia dear, we've decided that it's time you chose your betrothed!", said King Mardok.

Prince Derik let bursts out in laughter.

Meanwhile, Malia had no idea how to react. No wait. She did.