A Small Black-Furred Friend and Red Roses

Amaya woke in a room that lacked the familiar lingering smell of roses. She knew she was not in Eveana for she could always smell roses in her room. She slid off her bed, vaguely aware that she was not in her nightwear. Amaya walked to her door and listened to see if anyone was outside. She pulled open the heavy door and it slammed behind sending her running. She ran until she came upon a large set of wooden doors. The doors were engraved and had a set of golden door handles. She tried to pull them open but they wouldn't budge. Why is this door locked? Where is Queen Amarei?

The little princess wandered down the hallway looking for people. It was awhile before she noticed her puppy at her heels. Amaya and the pup came upon another set of doors. This set she managed to pull open. The princess let her puppy in and than slipped in herself. The room was darkened, but Amaya knew it was occupied. The puppy started to growl as Amaya moved closer to the bed. A sound came from an attached room and Amaya froze.

Amarei was brushing her hair when she heard the door close. She guessed it was Amaya only because of the growl of the puppy. She came back into the main room and saw the princess freeze.

"It's alright, Amaya," Amarei said. The little girl spun around and dropped a fast curtsy.

"I'm sorry Queen Amarei," she apologized.

"Don't worry about it. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, um…Queen Amarei?"

"Yes Amaya," the Queen replied. She continued to fix her hair.

"There was a door, and it was locked," Amaya stuttered. Amarei froze.

"There is nothing of importance to you or anyone in there," Amarei answered sternly. Amaya nodded. The puppy came up to Amarei and wagged her tail. Amarei laughed. "Have you named your puppy yet?"

"No ma'am," Amaya responded respectfully.

"Well, what will you name her?" There was a pause as Amaya thought.

"Eve," she stated. Amarei smiled.

"Good girl, Eve," she cooed. The puppy's tail wagged frantically. "I think she likes that name." Amaya smiled.

"Queen Amarei?"

"Yes Princess?"

"I'm hungry," she announced. Amarei laughed.

"Alright, I'll dress and than will get you in a bath and dressed, than we'll eat."

"Okay." Amaya sat on the bed as Amarei went into a very large closet. The gowns had been cleaned since the last time she'd seen them. These were the ones she just left at Dawnacia, as she visited so often. Amarei starred for a moment and debated what to wear. She selected a long dress that was pale blue in color and loose at the bottom. The dress had the crest of Eveana embroidered in black on the right breast. She placed a hand on her hip and felt the scar from an injury long ago. Amarei emerged into the large room to find Amaya playing with Eve on the floor.

"You ready?" The young princess nodded and followed the queen out of the room, Eve at her heels. The hall looked much different from the darkness the princess had seen before. When they reached the room Amarei drew a bath for the Princess and she took a bath. Amaya dressed in a pale purple dress that fell to her ankles so she would not trip. Amarei led Amaya down to the dining hall where there was an exquisite breakfast lay out.

Amaya's eyes grew wide at the sight. She went to sit at one of the sides but Amarei pointed to the seat at the head. She sat and Amaya sat to her left. At that moment, the doors opened and the rest of the court filed in. Lydia sat to Amaya's right, with Morgana next to her, and Jilliana sat next to Amarei. Next to Jilliana was Knight Peter and Miss Chelsea. Across from Peter was Master William and next to William there was Robert, the Master Carpenter. Everyone greeted Amaya with a bow and she smiled and said good morning. They ate in relative silence, though a few said how happy they were to have the princess back. When the meal was finished everyone waited silently, Amarei gave the command.

"You may return to your duties."

"Thank you majesty," they all replied. Amaya watched them leave, however, Lydia, Morgana, and Jilliana stayed.

"Princess, did you sleep well?" Lydia inquired.

"Yes, why did they all wait?"

"You are in charge now, you give the orders, just like I do when we're in Eveana," Amarei explained. Amaya nodded her understandings.

"So now what?" She asked. Morgana made to speak but Amarei beat her to it.

"I want to speak with you in the gardens."

"Okay, um…I…"Amaya drifted off and looked towards the adults for support. Jilliana gave it.

"May we return to our duties?"

"Yes!" Amaya exclaimed. The three ladies left and Amarei stood.

"Come," she ordered. Amaya stood as well following Amarei.

"Eve!" She called. A little black ball of fur tore down the hall to her heel. "Good girl." The queen, princess, and puppy made their way out into the garden without so much as one word. Amarei was unsure of how to say what she wanted. The queen knew she would not see the princess for a few turns of the moon and she was concerned. A thousand questions filled her mind: Would she be safe? Would she be able to rule? Would Lydia give good advice? So many questions she did not have answers to, and so many things she had to leave to fates to decide.

The walk to the garden seemed like an eternity to Amaya. The young princess was not the most patient of people, but she was more concerned with the silence from Amarei. Fearing she'd done something wrong she walked behind Amarei with her head slightly bowed. Eve kept an easy pace with her mistress's heel and when she reached the garden tore off to explore. Amaya watched her puppy go and than allowed herself to take in the splendor. There were flowers of every shade of every color; the fragrance was one of the most beautiful smells the young princess had ever inhaled. She lightly ran her finger over the silky smooth petals. Amaya was intoxicated with the serenity! The fountains spewed water from their tops and the light shone just right so Amaya could see a rainbow reflected in the crystal blue water. Amarei watched as Amaya took in her surroundings, she took a seat on a bench that she had once shared with a friend in what seemed to be eons ago. Eve came running back chasing a butterfly stopping only when she caught sight of her mistress. Amaya knelt down to pet the puppy and played with her.

"Amaya, come sit here," Amarei softly commanded. Amaya stood and with puppy in tow made her way to the bench. She sat and starred up at the Queen, eyes wide with uncertainty. "Amaya, today, I'm afraid, is the day I must return to Eveana," she said. The queen saw Amaya's eyes tear. "I will be back in a few Moon's turn, but I do need to return."

"But…"

"No buts, you need to be strong while I'm away. Lydia and Morgana will stay and you'll have everyone else here," Amarei reminded.

"Can I come to Eveana?" she questioned.

"Not until you get older. It is much to dangerous for you to travel alone," Amarei stated.

"Do I really have to rule?"

"Yes, you really have to!" The Queen laughed.

"But I don't want to!"

"Sometimes its not a matter of wanting, sometimes it's a matter of duty," Amarei explained. The young princess smiled as if she understood, but inside she was very scared. Amarei had gone away before and each time Morgana had been really mean to her. I don't want Amarei to go! "When I do return," Amarei continued, "you'll have learned a lot more about ruling. You'll be able to make decisions all by yourself."

"Okay." There was an awkward pause. "Queen Amarei, when will you leave?"

"Sometime tonight. I'll say goodnight, because you'll be sleeping when I leave."

"Is Lady Jilliana going to?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so, Princess," Amarei sighed. Amaya nodded a very regal nod and tried to smile. She felt like, well she was hurt. Why are they all leaving me? Amarei saw the hurt on the princess' face. I don't want her to be sad today, but how can I cheer her up? Maybe a horseback ride? "Amaya, how would you like to go riding?" Amarei inquired. The princess' eyes lit up. She had not gone riding with Amarei in a long time.

"Yes!" She exclaimed jumping up. Amarei stood and swept the little princess of her feet and spun her around.

"Wonderful! You'll have to change first, and than we'll go." The princess nodded and ran inside ahead of Queen Amarei. Eve was right behind as they raced through the royal halls. Amaya ran to her room and changed as quickly as she could, than she bolted towards Amarei's room, all the time with Eve not far behind. She knocked on the door and Jilliana opened it.

"Princess! My, that was fast; I was just coming to get you. Queen Amarei is ready too."

"Yea!" the princess cheered. Amarei came out of her room behind Jilliana.

"Amaya, Eve will have to stay with Jilliana till we come back, alright?"

"Alright," the princess sighed, "Eve, you stay with Lady Jilliana, I'll be back." The puppy smiled and wagged her tail. Amarei took Amaya's hand and they went to the stables. Master William greeted the two when they arrived.

"Ah, Princes Amaya, Queen Amarei, would you like to go riding?"

"Yes please!" Amaya announced. William smiled.

"Well, I'll get SunDew all saddled up, and Queen Amarei?" Amarei looked around and saw the mare she usually rode when at Dawnacia. The horses name was Evening Rose and she was black as opposed to SunDew who was golden in color.

"I'll take out Evening Rose," Amarei said.

"I guessed. She'll be ready to go momentarily. I'll get my helpers to bring them out for you," William replied. Amarei nodded and she took Amaya outside. Twenty minutes later, they were on their way.

Amarei was a highly skilled rider, but never used her skill when around Amaya. She was always worried that the princess would try something alone and get hurt. The past year, however, Amaya had improved and she could now gallop for a good period of time. SunDew proved to be a very tame horse and was just a perfect match for the young princess. Evening Rose had been raised for royalty to ride and was very good to Amarei. Amarei and Amaya rode side by side, but Amarei was the one directing. The beauty of her Kingdom stunned the young princess. She kept pace with Amarei through the narrow trail that ran through the forest and narrow stream where she was splashed a little. Amarei led Amaya to an open field with hundred of wild flowers. She dismounted and than helped Amaya down.

"Where are we?"

"This is called Aurora's Field," Amarei said trying hard not to wince at her friend's name.

"It's beautiful!"

"Aurora was said to be the most beautiful person ever," Amarei informed. Amaya smiled at this, but found it hard to believe that anyone could be lovelier than Amarei.

"Can I play?"

"For a little while," Amarei said. Amaya immediately went to a huge patch of flowers and picked some. Amarei glanced around to make sure no one else was there. She vaguely remembered the last time she'd been to the field. It had started out as a lovely golden day, but the weather had soon turned foul and she and Aurora had to ride back in the rain. Sol thought we looked so ridiculous coming back soaking wet, but it was fun! A tug at her hand caused the Queen to look down.

"Queen Amarei?" said an adorable six year old.

"Amaya."

"You didn't answer, are you okay?" the princess asked worried. Amarei smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Will these make you feel better?" Amaya questioned, presenting the queen with a bouquet of the most vibrant flowers.

"Oh they're divine!" Amarei gasped placing a hand over her heart. Amaya beamed with delight. Amarei wrapped her arms around the small princess and held her close. Amaya clung to her and rested her head on the queen's shoulder. Oh I wish I didn't have to be a Queen. I would be very content staying here with Amaya. Oh Aurora, I wish you could see her she's so energetic!

"Queen Amarei, do we have to go back?"

"Yes, we should probably start, so we can be back in time to change for dinner," Amarei suggested. She helped Amaya mount and than mounted herself. The two rode back in a quiet silence hearing only the most natural sounds. Amaya's heart thumped with ever step SunDew took. They came back into the stables and Lydia was ready to meet them.

"Queen Amarei, I'll help Princess Amaya so you can get ready," she said respectfully. Amarei nodded and got off the horse. William had just plucked the small princess off when Jilliana came with Eve.

"How was you ride, majesty?"

"Relaxing, Jilliana. Oh before I forget, make sure these flowers get some water," Amarei softly ordered. Jilliana nodded as she took the bouquet in her hands. Lydia took Amaya by the hand and led her away to her room. She said thank you after Lydia had drawn her a hot bath.

Lydia stayed in the large room while the princess bathed. She found a light green dress for the princess to wear. When Amaya finished her bath she dressed and prepared for dinner. Eve was laying in her little bed playing with a toy and Lydia was watching the princess. Amaya looked herself over in the mirror and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"Princess, it is time for dinner," Lydia informed.

"Lydia, why is she leaving?" Amaya asked. Eve sensing her mistress' distress stopped playing and came over to her feet. Lydia looked at the princess.

"She's a Queen, Princess, she needs to rule her Kingdom," Lydia responded. Amaya nodded and stood. Unknown to her, Queen Amarei had been standing at the door listening. The queen's heart ached as she heard the pain in the child's voice.

Amaya followed Lydia out of the room. She saw Amarei from behind and ran to her. Eve galloped at her hells. Amarei heard Amaya and turned around with a smile. Amarei opened her arms and Amaya came straight to them. Amarei held the small child tighter than usual and sighed. She could hear Amaya's heart thumping from the running she'd done. Eve was hopping around them, barking.

"Majesty," Lydia greeted. Amarei smiled.

"I'll take her." Lydia nodded and continued on her way. Amarei stood, but Amaya refused to let go, so Amarei supported the six year old on her hip. She tried not to wince from the injury and held Amaya close. No one said a word as the two rulers came in. They could see the princess was troubled and they knew the first few days the queen was gone would be difficult.

The meal was completed in silence and Amaya dismissed everyone at the close. She than stood and went to leave. Amarei had stood as well and watched the princess get her puppy. Amaya than left with a curtsy and Amarei was alone in a very large hall. The queen left the room and went to the ballroom. She was wearing the gown she had been wearing the day of the party. The tare had been mended and so the gown was wearable. The ballroom had little light in it, because it was not in use. She felt her skin prickle up as she entered the room. The scene began to play itself around the queen. Finally it consumed her and she fell to her knees sobbing.

"Gods Aurora, it was so long ago, yet it feels like yesterday." The words Queen Aurora had wanted to stay had died with her and Queen Amarei kept her promise and would continue to do so till the day she died.

Amaya, having tired of wandering the palace, found the doors to the ballroom. She pushed them open quietly and slithered in with Eve. She saw at the bottom of the small steps, a Queen crying. Amaya thought the gown looked familiar but decided it did not. She slowly walked down the steps, trying hard not to startle the queen.

Amarei was preoccupied with her grief to notice the young princess crawl into her lap. Amaya curled up and wrapped her arms around Amarei. Instinctively, Amarei wrapped her arms around the small child. Amarei held the princess and refused to let her wriggle away this time. She can't see the blood!

"Queen Amarei, why are you crying? Amarei realized where she was. I saw it happen again, I dreamt it!

"I'm fine, Amaya," she assured hiding her sobs. She brushed the princess' hair out of her eyes. "Come, its time for bed, Princess."

Amarei picked up the sleepy girl and carried her back to her room. She had this so many times and she realized it would the last time for a while. Amaya was dozing by the time they reached her chamber. Amarei helped her change and than tucked the little princess into bed.

"Goodnight, Queen Amarei," Amaya said sleepily.

"Goodnight, Princess Amaya," Amarei replied. She walked to the door and began to close it. "Goodbye," she whispered. The door shut and the Queen turned down the hall. Jilliana met her halfway to her room.

"Queen Amarei, it is time," she announced. Amarei nodded and went with her to the ballroom.

Amaya, who had only been pretending to sleep, snuck out of her room only a few minutes after Amarei left. She and Eve raced along the halls looking for the queen. Amaya saw the tail end of the queen's gown disappear around a corner and increased her pace. The princess followed the queen into the ballroom and watched.

Every member of Amaya's court was there to say their farewells. Amaya watched from behind a column as Amarei and Jilliana broke apart from the crowd. They stood in the middle of the room and joined hands. Amaya stepped from the shadows just as Amarei disappeared. The young princess let out a hollow that sent shivers through everyone. Lydia restrained her and calmed her down. The rest of the court helped to put the princess back in bed and than they too went to sleep. Unknown to anyone, Amarei had teleported back. She left the princess a card and kissed her goodnight. Only Eve was awake and saw the queen vanish.