A Princess Reborn

After Mother had once again driven Hannah away, and Father had made sure the lamb was securely restrained, Mother instructed me to go to my room. Seated on my bed, she spoke to me with arms folded across her chest. "Honestly, my patience is wearing thin when it comes to you. Do you wish for me to meet an early demise?"

"No, Mother, that's not my wish."

"Then why the defiance? Why oppose all my wishes?"

"You understand my feelings about the lamb... and Hannah. I'm not deliberately disobeying you; I simply don't agree."

"Is that so? And you believe that justifies your behavior?"

"Isn't it? I'm not a child anymore, Mother. I possess free will, whether you accept it or not." Mother gazed at me, a sense of helplessness in her eyes. "You continually disappoint me. Such a lovely girl, yet your manners leave much to be desired."

"That's not true, Mother. You raised me well. Aren't you proud that your daughter is standing up for her beliefs?"

My mother was left speechless. She shook her head and headed for the bedroom door. "You will stay in your room until morning. I'm locking it this time. You've shown me that you cannot be trusted."

"As you wish, Mother."

As I heard the sound of the door being locked, I anticipated tears to well up, but none came. I was drained of tears. A hollowness consumed me. Everything seemed bleak... and I couldn't discern a way out of this unbearable life. The turning of the key in the lock triggered something within me-a detachment from my sadness. Maybe it was better to relinquish hope. By not expecting anything, I could avoid disappointment, hurt, and sadness.

However, a vision emerged: Hannah laughing beneath the Starfall, Laya's affectionate licks on my face, and the handsome knight who had crossed my path. Finally, a single tear trailed down each of my cheeks.

As if on cue, a clinking sound reached my bedroom window. Frowning, I drew back the curtains and saw Hannah, poised to toss another pebble. It felt like a sign, an indication. I opened the window, and she tumbled inside. "I bet you'd win a month's wages if you guessed how surprised I am to see you," she teased.

"You'd win the bet... if I were earning any wages."

"Don't look so down. I've got good news."

Only a miracle could bring happiness to me at this moment. "What is it?"

"I did it."

"You did what?"

"I rescued Laya."

"How? When?"

"While your mother was with you. Thanks for the distraction, by the way. It worked like a charm."

I knew she was trying to lighten the mood after my mother's scolding. "I'm glad I could help. But what about my father?"

"After that scene, he went to the butcher shop. I think he's still there, slicing prime rib. I truly sympathize with him."

I stared at her, attempting to digest her revelation.

"So? Aren't you going to say anything?"

I reached for Hannah and embraced her in gratitude. "Hannah, has anyone ever told you how absolutely wonderful you are?"

She smiled shyly as we both settled on my bed. "Oh... you know... now and then."

"I can't believe how brave and resourceful you are. It's simply amazing."

"It was nothing, really. I couldn't allow Laya to be harmed. That's all."

"And that's why I love you so much. You're the kindest person I know."

"No one has ever said that to me."

We both burst into laughter, then I jerked, bringing my index finger to my lips. "Shh, we shouldn't be too loud. I think this time Mother might actually do me in."

"You could be right."

"What happened to Laya?"

"Safe and sound at Mad Betsy's yard."

"Good thinking! The townsfolk might think she's eccentric, but she adores animals, so I think she's wonderful."

"True, she might be as batty as a cave, but at least we know Laya is safe among her rescued friends." Hannah looked around my room, taking in the surroundings. "It feels like it's been ages since I've been here."

"Well, Mother isn't exactly welcoming."

"No, she isn't."

She glanced downward, a fleeting hint of sadness crossing her face. "Hannah... I'll understand if you don't want to be friends anymore."

"What? No! No, that never crossed my mind. Have you forgotten our oath so quickly?"

"Our friendship oath?"

"Yes." She extended her pinky finger, and I intertwined mine with hers.

"No sword raised against us shall prevail."

I met her gaze and repeated the words we'd exchanged countless times. "As we have spoken, so let it be done." Releasing each other's hands, we sat in a brief but potent silence, underscoring the gravity of our promise.

"Do you think we'll ever be able to love someone else the way we love each other?" Hannah wondered.

"You mean, with the same bond?"

"Yes. Have you ever thought about it? I can't imagine it."

"Well, I hope the man who captures my heart possesses qualities like yours."

"Like me?"

"Yes. Brave, strong, genuine."

"I hope my one true love will be just like you too."

Her expression dimmed slightly. "Do you think that guy you met in the fields fits that description?"

"The knight? I don't know... I hardly know him."

"I suppose. So, would you... you know, be with him if he asked?"

A blush crept across my face at the thought. "I wonder what it's like, being with someone," I mused.

"Me too."

"You should ask Brianna. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to enlighten you."

"I once saw her in the barn... with the wine merchant."

"Nooo! You actually saw them?"

"Yes, I was taking the milk buckets inside. The first thing I saw was his bare buttocks. Brianna's back was against the wall, and he held her legs up, pushing against her with force."

"And?"

"And she was yelping like a puppy dog - and he grunted like a hungry pig."

We look at each other in wonder, then we burst out in laughter. "You've cheered me up, Hannah."

"Then my work here is done," she said as she got up from my bed, smoothing out her dress.

"You're heading home now? It's quite dark out, and your way back goes right past the tavern..."

Even on the outskirts of town, I could see the distant glow of the tavern on Two Willow Road, where intoxicated men would likely be reveling for hours. Hannah glanced out the window, her unease palpable. The thought of walking past there alone filled her with fear. "You're right... I didn't think about that. Could I stay over, Sarah?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Thank you! You're the best friend ever."

"I can't just let you go into the night without knowing you're safe. I wouldn't be able to sleep!"

"Oh, Sarah, you're incredibly kind. I've never had a sleepover before. I'm excited."

"Me too. Come on, climb into bed with me." Hannah hopped into bed, and we snuggled under the thick blanket. "This is nice. I wouldn't even mind sharing a room with you."

Once we were cozily tucked under the covers and the lantern had been extinguished, we continued to whisper in the dark. "I don't believe it's a coincidence that all these remarkable events have happened so quickly," I mused.

"You mean the Starfall? And Arkhandra's bush?"

"Yes, and Laya."

"You've always been the wise one, Sarah. What do you think it all means?"

"I think it signifies that the world is shifting, and our lives will shift with it." Hannah turned to me, propping her head on her hand. "Do you really think so?"

"What other explanation is there? I believe these are signs, guiding us towards..."

"Toward what?"

"Toward our destiny." She looked at me in astonishment. "I hope my destiny is brighter than the mundane life I'm leading," she confessed.

"I truly believe all your dreams will come true."

"But why should they? I'm just a sheepherder's daughter..."

"I've told you before-your beauty, kindness, and courage make you deserving of all the goodness this kingdom has to offer."

Hannah turned her gaze to me, and our eyes locked. "You're describing yourself."

"Me? Oh, I'm certainly not brave, and I'm just... ordinary."

"No, there's nothing plain about you. And you are brave-actually, you're the bravest person I know."

"Why?"

Once again, she shifted her gaze, now looking up at the canopy of my bed. "My family's circumstances have toughened me, but you've had your dreams stolen, your emotions trampled on, yet you remain gentle-hearted and pure. That's true strength, Sarah. Nothing can shake you."

I looked over at her face, bathed in moonlight, and contemplated her words. "So, we're going to the Festival of Spring tomorrow, right?" she asked.

"As I said, nothing short of wild horses could keep me away."

"Perfect. I'll slip out before sunrise to ensure your mother doesn't find me here."

Hannah yawned. "And we'll meet at the fountain in Market Square. Now, though, I really need to sleep. My eyes can't stay open any longer."

Within minutes, Hannah drifted into slumber. I observed the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest as she lay peacefully beside me. Soon enough, I succumbed to sleep as well.

My dreams transported me to an unfamiliar place, one I'd never seen before. A woman stood before a large brass bowl adorned with strange inscriptions. Her hands hovered above the flickering flames within.

"The sign is here," she declared.

She addressed a man nearby, who had been observing her intently.

"My Lady Keres, I am at your service. What would you have me do?"

"We don't have time to waste. The girl will soon be aware of everything. We must find her before she does."

Keres turned to the man, and suddenly, I focused on her eyes-emotionless voids. "Come to me, Ryder. I shall bestow upon you a great blessing-a magical gift to aid you in your mission."

Without hesitation, Ryder approached, standing before the woman. She waved her hands over him, and dark smoke billowed from her hands, slowly moving toward him. It wafted up to his nostrils.

"Now go, travel like the wind. Locate her and bring her to me!"