A Princess Reborn

We're standing outside the abandoned cabin that Eric found for us to stay overnight in. "We'll be safe from the elements here."

Although Rune has thanked him for his great find, he can't seem to stop praising himself. I suppose he's just happy to have been of some use. "And to think: if I hadn't used my good senses to explore the area, we might never have found it."

"I'm just surprised that someone would leave such a lovely place behind."

Having a lake and waterfall in your backyard... who wouldn't want to live here? "They must have had their reasons," Rune says.

"Perhaps his true love was kidnapped, and he went off in search of her."

"We should set up for the night. I'm famished, but before I join you, I need to scout the area. One can never be too safe." I study Rune's face. The day has been long, and he's always maintained a steady pace. I haven't seen him eat anything while we were on the road. "You two head indoors. I'll be with you soon." With that, he walks off.

"Let's go inside, Sarah."

I'm surprised by how cozy the cabin is on the inside. Whoever lived here took great care to ensure it was a comfortable space to live in. Eric rushes over to the large fireplace, dropping his bundle of brushwood, while I take in my surroundings.

"Will you and the knight be wed soon?" Eric wipes his hands on his pants and looks at me expectantly. "What?!"

"Are things not serious between the two of you?"

"Why would you ask me such a random question?"

"It's pretty obvious."

"Is it? Well... the answer is... no."

Eric nods, then busies himself with starting the fire, which he successfully achieves moments later. "There we are." He stands back, admiring the yellow flames. "I brought some ginger beer from home. My mother's best brew. Sit down, and I'll pour us each a mug." Eric places his flask on the table, grabs two mugs, and within minutes, we're sitting across from each other, sipping on his mother's homemade brew.

"I'm sorry if my question about you and the knight seemed like prying. But since I've tasted love, my life has changed." He's younger than me, yet he speaks about love as if he's a master of romance. "The first time I looked into Hannah's eyes, I was lost."

"Really?"

"It's true. We were just wee children, the best of friends. She'd run into my house as if it were her own and drag me out of bed as soon as I opened my eyes."

That does sound a bit like her.

"And then, one day, she kissed me."

"She kissed you?"

"I swear it on my father's life, and I'll never forget that day as long as I live. We were just outside our chicken coop." Eric's eyes glaze over, and I take another sip of my ginger beer. "But I wish I'd reacted differently."

"Why?"

"I was a young man, unsure of myself. The kiss took me by surprise, and although I wanted her to kiss me again, I took a step back and stared at her in shock."

"Oh..."

"Hannah's lips quivered. I could see the tears glistening in her eyes. And then, before I could say anything, she ran away."

I wonder if this is true. There must be a perfectly good explanation. There were no secrets between Hannah and me.

"I realized that I had to fix the situation. I couldn't have her thinking that I didn't want to return her affections. So, I picked a bunch of wild flowers and went over to her home."

"And?"

"And... she laughed when she saw me with flowers. And acted like I was a fool."

"So what did you do?"

"I tried to rectify the situation, but alas... when I approached her among her new friends, she'd act as if she didn't know me. And then... well, she became friends with you... and I hardly saw her. All she spoke about was Sarah, your tree, and somehow, she no longer considered me a part of her life."

Wow... that's quite a story.

He gets up from the bench. "I'm going outside to collect more brushwood for the fire."

Once alone, I glance around the cabin. The knapsacks draw my attention. I know just the thing to lighten the mood. The tiredness on Rune's face... a delicious meal is sure to lift his spirits. I spring into action, unpacking the knapsacks and checking all the ingredients I have to work with. That was so nice of Father to gift Rune with his produce. I guess I should thank you, Father.

The cabin door opens, and Eric returns with his arms full of brushwood. He walks over to the fireplace and starts feeding the fire. "This should keep us going for a while. What are you busy with?"

"I'm preparing a meal."

"Oh, that sounds fantastic. My stomach's been rumbling for quite some time."

"Eric? Do your parents know where you are?"

"Oh yes, they do. My father and I are close, and we never lie to each other. Besides, my poor mother would die of grief if I were to just disappear."

"Oh..."

"And yours?"

"No..."

"Oh."

"I know what you're thinking: what a terrible daughter to worry her parents so. And you know what? Maybe you're right. Maybe I've been completely unfair to them."

Eric shifts uncomfortably and focuses on the fire again. "If there's one thing my father told me, it's this: 'Son, whenever you see a prize pig at a bargain sale, don't hesitate to buy it.'"

"Huh?"

"Whenever you need to pursue something that's worth it, do it, maiden. Perhaps when your parents come to know about the noble cause that took you away from home, they'll understand."

"Perhaps they will. Enough of this sadness. What should I serve with the meat?"

***

After I've prepared the meal, I set it aside to wait for Rune's return. In the meantime, I start to explore the cabin. I walk down the passageway and brush cobwebs out of my way. Whoever lived here had great taste. The cabin is so well-appointed, though a bit dusty from being abandoned.

I hear the front door of the cabin open, and Eric greeting Rune. I walk to the living area and find both men there. "Hey, shall we eat?"

Within minutes, we're all seated at the table. I lay out the spread, and everyone starts eating. For a while, there's no conversation. I glance at Rune and Eric, who are devouring their meals. I wonder if they're truly enjoying the food, or if they're just incredibly hungry. As if he read my mind, Rune takes a moment to speak to me between bites. "This meal is delicious. I never knew you were such a good cook."

"Why, thank you."

"You keep amazing me." My heart flutters at his honest praise.

"I have to agree. It's the finest meal I've had in ages." Eric licks his fingers to emphasize his compliment.

"Do you believe in the legend of Princess Liana?"

I hesitate, and Rune answers the random question without looking up from his food. "If you

mean that old wives' tale about the royal family being shipwrecked, and Princess Liana being saved when she drifted ashore... no. I'd sooner believe she was adopted by mermaids."

It was Hannah and my favorite story.

"I'm surprised that a knight should say such a thing," Eric says.

"Why? I've pledged allegiance to the current royal family - a royal family that actually exists."

"So then, how do you think they died?"

"Soldiers of a rival kin, assassination by someone who wanted to get rid of them. How normal royals die in our day and age."

"Hannah dreamed of being Princess Liana. And I always believed she could be. She's certainly beautiful enough to be a princess."

I place my hand on top of Eric's. "Don't worry, Eric. We'll save her. Won't we, Rune?" Rune hesitates, then finally nods.

"Who knows, it might turn out that my love is Princess Liana, and when we save her - we'll be wed, and I'll be royalty."

"Princess Liana was killed, along with her family. It's tragic, but the only people who would believe otherwise are naive village folks."

An uncomfortable silence descends on the table.

"Sarah, do you believe in the legend?"

"Of course, I believe in it. Even if that makes me a naive village girl."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult -"

I get up from the bench before he can continue. "Anyone for tea?"

Rune pushes his plate aside. "Thank you for the lovely meal. I think it's time we put out the candles and go to sleep. I don't want to draw any attention to this cabin tonight."

"Good idea. I'll keep watch. You need your rest, sir."