Arianna/Thea

As Princess Alyssa spots me, her eyes light up with delight. "Thea! You are also here!" she exclaims.

I was surprised that she even remembered me after our brief interaction.

The maids parted as I neared the princess.

She was in a beautiful red gown with intricate golden embroidery. The gown flattered her, making her golden skin shine. She was a sight to behold.

"No one in Kysoria can hold a candle to you, Princess Allyssa. You look stunning." I said with a smile.

A blush appeared on her cheeks making her glow even more.

"Why yes, Princess Alyssa, you are the most beautiful girl in the kingdom," Meliana said as she stepped in front of me blocking me from the view. She bowed low with a sugary sweet smile.

She should at least make it a little less obvious that she is trying to win her over.

"It is an honor to meet you, princess. I am Melina, I am have been working for the king for 5 years, your highness. I won't let any harm get to you." The princess nodded to Melina without replying.

I guess she also caught onto her fakeness.

"Ah! We will get back to our duty." Melina replied flustered. As she ushered us in the corner of the room. Where we stood, beside the soldiers keeping an eye around the room.

A wave of homesickness washed over me as I took in the scenes before me. Everything about this room reminds me of my home which I had left behind, my friends, my life.

I guess that is why people say, you have to lose something to get something in return.

For I have lost my home, my life, I got my freedom.

But is my freedom worth the cost of losing everything?

"How did you know the princess?" Meliana asked, her jaw clenched as she tried to tamper her fury and jealousy.

"I met her once," I replied nonchalantly.

"Where?" I am not going to tell her that I sneaked into the garden that is restricted for someone like me.

"Around." I shrugged. She looked like she had something to say when a maid appeared, handing Melina a scroll.

After the princess was done getting ready, she started pacing around the room, there was a hint of worry on her face.

As Melina was nowhere near me to nag me again. I went to the princess.

Wanting to know the cause of her worries.

"Your highness?" she turned to me. "I couldn't help but notice a flicker of worry in your eyes. Is something troubling you on this special day?" i asked, my voice filled with genuine concern.

Princess Alyssa hesitated for a moment, then sighed softly. "Well, Thea, it's just that... I don't know what to ask for as a gift from my father, the king. Today any wish I have will be granted. But, I have everything a princess could ever want, and yet, I feel unsure about how to make the most of this precious gift. As I will only get this opportunity once a year."

"it is indeed worrying." My heart goes out to the young princess, understanding the weight of her dilemma despite her tender age. I take a moment to collect my thoughts, then offered her a reassuring smile.

"What would you have asked if you could have asked for anything?" she asked me.

"My parents," I replied without a second thought. "But I can't have them as both of them have died."

"i am sorry for your loss." she replied looking genuinely sad.

"But! If you had asked me the same question, two weeks ago my reply would have been different." I said changing the subject. I don't want to make her sad on her birthday.

"Really? What is it?" she inquired.

"Freedom."

"You see I was not the apprentice of the great witch Artemis then. But I was in a very powerful position. I had everything at my fingertips but I didn't have my freedom." I paused lost in thought.

"Now you are free?" she asked.

"Yes. In a way."

"Are you happy with your freedom?"

"The thing is I don't know. If it is worth losing everything I had. But I am sure of one thing.

That if I hadn't chosen my freedom, I would have regretted it my entire life." I replied with a smile.

"Princess Alyssa, you may have everything in terms of material possessions, but there's so much more to life than tangible gifts. Perhaps what you truly desire is an experience or an opportunity that money can't buy."

The princess expression grew serious as I continued, "but make sure of one thing. No matter what you ask for. Make sure you will have no regrets later."