Chapter 2 My Prince

The prince's gaze shifted, and there was a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "I'm searching for my beloved tiger. He's my cherished companion, and I sensed he might enjoy the company of your cat. He appears somewhat lonely without any playmates."

We observed our pets playing together, their friendly antics bringing smiles to our faces.

"They do look rather endearing, like brothers," I remarked.

The prince agreed, "Yes, indeed. It's as if they have a deep connection already.

"I can't help but wonder if they'll remain as close when they grow larger. Leo, my tiger, will surely become a massive beast."

"Our pets were more than just animals; they were sources of comfort, companionship, and joy."

I shared my sentiments with the prince, "Mr. Fluffy, my cat, brings a lot of happiness into my life. He eases the loneliness that sometimes creeps in. I lost my mother when I was very young, and I don't have any siblings. It's just my father, me, and Mr. Fluffy."

The prince listened with empathy, acknowledging the void that loss had left in our lives.

"I can relate. My mother passed away when I was just a baby. I'm the only child, and life in the palace can sometimes be quite solitary." I sensed the prince's loneliness as he spoke despite his princely exterior.

Our conversation was interrupted as my father approached us, signaling it was time to return home. "Ella, my dear, it's time to go," my father gently declared. The prince understood, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face.

"Father, I have met Prince William," I told my father about my new friend, and he smiled at the prince. "It's nice to meet you, your highness." He said while bowing. The prince replied, "It's nice to meet you too, sir."

Prince William turned to me and said, "I have to leave now, but I hope to see you again when you return with your father. We can share stories and explore the gardens further."

I nodded eagerly, the prospect of future meetings bringing warmth to my heart. "I would love that, Your Highness. Until we meet again."

As the seasons transitioned, the gardens transformed, revealing their diverse beauty. We would often meet under the tree that had witnessed our first encounter. I sang my songs, and Prince William said that he was my number one fan. The tree's once barren branches were now adorned with lush foliage, casting dappled shadows that danced upon the earth below.

One bright morning, I arrived at the palace gardens with Mr. Fluffy. The sun's gentle rays kissed my skin, and a light breeze played with my hair as I approached our meeting spot. Leo, as always, greeted us with his majestic presence, his sleek form exuding an aura of grace and strength.

The prince soon joined us, his eyes lighting up with delight. "Ella, it's wonderful to see you again," he said warmly. "And Mr. Fluffy, of course. How have you both been?" I felt a sudden flutter in my heart every time I saw his handsome face. He was only 15 yrs. old but he was well-mannered for his age. He treated me like a lady even if I was only 13 yrs. old that time.

I smiled in return, feeling the camaraderie we had developed over time. "We've been well, thank you, Your Highness. Life has been full of pleasant surprises since our first meeting."

Leo approached, nuzzling against me as if to express his joy. I extended my hand, gently patting his head. "And how have you and Leo been, Your Highness?"

The prince chuckled, his bond with his feline friend evident. "We've been as close as ever. Leo and I make a great team, don't we, boy?" Leo responded with a contented purr, and the prince continued, "I've been looking forward to our conversations."

"Your Highness, hearing about life in the palace is captivating. The finery and details must be fascinating." I felt my cheeks flush again into a bright pink.

"Indeed, the palace holds wonders, but it can sometimes feel confining. The weight of responsibility sometimes overshadows the finery." He nodded.

I don't understand this lovely feeling whenever I see his smiling face but he does make me feel this way without so much effort.

"Someday, you will have the power to change people's lives, which is very important," I told him. Indeed, this man will have an even more challenging responsibility in the future.

Prince William was smiling. "It demands dedication and commitment, don't they?"

"Absolutely! You manage the realm, but it's not just duty; it's an opportunity to nurture and protect what's dear to us." I agreed. I can't hide my admiration for him.

"Well said, Ella. And beyond our duties, what dreams do you hold? What stirs your heart?" He asked curiously.

I reflected, "I've always been drawn to nature, Your Highness. The blooming gardens and whispering trees are like melodies that speak to my soul. I dream of tending to a garden of my own one day, where every petal tells a story."

The reality is it's you who stirred my heart my dear William, but of course, I can't tell that to him. I was thinking this and I think I'm going to melt if he knows this.

"A garden, you say? How wondrous! There's a serenity in cultivating life, watching it flourish and thrive under your care. Your passion for nature is truly admirable." Prince William said while grinning.

"And Your Highness, what dreams fill your heart beyond the palace walls?" I asked curiously. I hope it's me. I thought dreamily.

Prince William was gazing into the distance. "My dream? To rule with fairness and kindness, uplift my people, and make decisions that better their lives. It's a responsibility that goes beyond the crown; it's about serving and ensuring the well-being of all."

"Your compassion for your people shines through, Prince William. It's a noble dream that speaks volumes about your character." I said with admiration but hoped it was me that could fill his heart. I sighed.

Prince William was smiling. "Thank you, Ella. Our dreams may differ in scope, but they share a common thread-the desire to nurture and protect, whether a garden or a kingdom."

"Yes, indeed. A shared aspiration to create and safeguard the beauty around us, in whichever form it takes." I agreed.

One day, as we strolled amidst the gardens, I couldn't help but admire the vibrant flowers that adorned the palace grounds. "Your Highness," I said, "the palace gardens are breathtaking. The diversity of flowers and their colors is truly captivating. I've read about exotic flowers from distant lands. Do you have any of those in your gardens?"

The prince nodded; his expression filled with pride. "Indeed, Ella. The palace gardens house an array of exotic blooms and gifts from different lands. Let me show you one of my favorites."

We walked to a secluded corner of the garden, and there it was – an extraordinary orchid unlike any I had ever seen. Its petals were a vibrant shade of indigo with delicate patterns resembling constellations in a night sky.

"The Starry Night Orchid," the prince explained. "It's native to a land far to the east and only blooms for a few days each year. Its rarity and beauty make it a treasure within our gardens." He was staring at me intently with those captivating eyes again.

I gazed at the flower in awe, admiring the intricate details of the petals. "It's exquisite, Your Highness. To think that something so unique can be found here is truly remarkable."

The prince smiled. "It's a reminder of the rich cultures and treasures our kingdom is fortunate to be a part of."

As we continued our walks through the garden, I tripped and nearly fell but he caught me. I felt something when he held me, even if it was just an accident. 'Oh, my goodness, I felt my cheeks blush' and ever so gentlemanly, he helped me up.