Friendship

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The young boy got up and smiled at me.

I could see Marina quickly approach us and looked down at the boy.

"Princess, who is this young boy? How did you get here? Whose boy are you?" Marina questioned both of us in concern.

"My name is Isaiah, madam. My father is Jahmal, the lieutenant of the Emerald Knights. I was on my way out after finishing my training at the Imperial Academy until I saw the princess. My deepest apologies for stepping on imperial grounds; I committed a grave sin." Isaiah explained formally as he bowed his head down for forgiveness.

Wow, this kid does not look much older than me, yet he speaks so well. If I remember correctly, many high-ranked knights are part of the royal family in some way. I guess that explains his mannerisms and elegant aura.

"Oh my! You are the marquis's son! My deepest apologies, my lord. Marquess Lena must be waiting for you." Marina responded.

"Isaiah, could you visit me more often? I would like for us to become good friends." I smiled.

The boy grew nervous as he looked at Marina and then at me.

"Only with your permission, Princess. Will that be alright?" The nervous boy questioned as he looked at both of us for a response.

"If the princess permits it, then I suppose that will be alright." Marina looked at me for confirmation.

"Yes! Please visit me anytime! I am always at this garden after dinner!" I explained excitedly.

The young boy bowed down and walked away.

Wow, did I get excited over a kid? I am supposed to be a five-year-old, after all.

For the past five days, after dinner - I waited anxiously for the young boy to arrive. Some days, with treats and others with tea.

To my unexpected surprise, He never showed up.

Tsk. So much for being a friendly, well-mannered kid. Did I just get ghosted by a kid? DID I JUST GET REJECTED?! Maybe I should have been more specific at the time. Yeah, that is probably the issue. Everyone in the palace knows the imperial family eats dinner at six o'clock! What is this kid's problem? If he did not want to hang out with me, he should have just made up some excuse.

I sighed gently as I sat on the picnic blanket underneath the giant magnolia tree. I took another bite of my strawberry macaroon and sipped my honey milk tea.

"Good evening, Princess." Said a gentle child-like voice.

I looked up with a disappointed look on my face. I looked back down and continued to eat my macaroon.

"Oh…look who decided to show their face." I replied with an agitated tone.

vP...please forgive me, Princess. Our academy training classes were canceled this whole week. We only have permission to step on imperial grounds when we only have training classes. Today was our first day back. I should have told you before we went our separate ways last week. I hope you were not waiting for me. I came as soon as classes ended today." The young boy tried to explain as he got on one knee, trying to get my attention.

I shouldn't be this way. If it is true that classes were canceled, I have no reason to be upset.

I looked up at him and smiled.

"Please sit and have dessert with me." I invited the young boy as I patted the spot beside me.

"You must really like desserts. These are a lot of sweets." The young boy said in shock as he sat next to me, crossing his legs.

"I do! Isaiah, is it? Tell me about yourself! How old are you? What are your hobbies? What is your favorite color? Do you have any siblings? Oh! Are you a noble right? what's it like being the son of a marquess?" I questioned with curiosity.

The young boy cleared his throat as I continued to ask countless questions.

"P...please slow down, Princess. L-let me see… As you know, my father is the marquess and lieutenant, Jahmal. My mother is a marchioness, her name is Lena. I am seven-years-old. I am the youngest of my three siblings. I have older twin sisters, Aina and Aline are twelve years old. Uhmm... My favorite color is silver, and I enjoy sword fighting. Living as a noble has its perks, I suppose. Nothing special. I am sure you have a much better life than everyone else since you are the one and only princess from his majesty." The young boy answered nervously.

"Living the life of a princess is not as great as everyone thinks it is. It can be pretty lonely since I have no one my age to talk to. At least you have sisters... I have no friends..." I said in a gloomy voice.

"Well, I am your friend... right, Princess?" The young boy smiled shyly.

I averted my eyes towards his direction. His face turned a flushed red—a sign of embarrassment.

He covered his mouth with the back of his hand and looked away.

I began to laugh out of reaction.

This cute kid is embarrassed by his response. How innocent. Should I tease you a bit?

"Isaiah… since we are friends, you can call me by my name. I do not like being called princess all the time. It is boring. Call me Amara!" I replied with a grin.

The young, shy boy looked at me with shock.

"How could I… possibly call you by your name? You are the princess of this empire! That is treason!" He gasped.

vI will allow you to call me by my name! In fact! Give me a nickname! pleaseeeeee." I leaned in, making him lean back.

"Ahhh."

"I will keep leaning in until you give me a nickname!" I said teasingly as I continued to lean in.

He suddenly fell back, causing him to lay flat on his back.

"Amie… Is Amie… okay?" He replied nervously.

Amie... Yeah, that's cute. I'll allow it.

"I like it! Amie! Amie!" I repeated with joy.

He sat back up and exhaled loudly.

"Amie it is." He said as he reached out for a macaroon.