Chapter One
I slowly awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside my open window. My eyes fluttered open and I stretched out in my bed, yawning loudly. I could hear footsteps pattering around outside my door and I knew my servant would come knocking soon. I relaxed back against my bed, closing my eyes and listening to the singing birds. They were the only normal thing about this special day. I smiled softly at myself. Today was the mark of an exciting week.
I sat up in my bed and stretched out, yawning again as I heard a soft knock on the door. It quietly swung open to show my servant, Gilbert, standing in the doorway. He looked at me in surprise and quickly bowed his head.
"Sorry, your Highness. I didn't realize you were up already." He quickly said, his blonde hair hiding his soft blush from me. I grinned at him and dismissed the bow with a wave of my hand.
"It's alright, Gilbert. I just woke up." I told him. He nodded before proceeding into my room, walking around and opening the curtains to the windows. I blinked rapidly for a moment as I got used to the sunlight. He stood by the edge of my bed when he finished, folding back my bed sheets.
"I presume you know what day it is, your Highness?" He asked me. I nodded as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up.
"Yes, I do. Today is the start of my coming-of-age ceremony." I could feel a grin from ear to ear when I thought about. Five nights, five different princes. It gave me a shiver just thinking about it.
I stepped away from my bed so Gilbert could make it. Walking over to the window, I looked out at the gardens that my room overlooked, letting out a soft sigh. I couldn't believe that it had been fifteen years since I played down in those gardens. I was only five back then and I was allowed to do that, but now that I've turned twenty, it isn't very prince-like. Any more than it is to talk and eat at the same time.
I turned away from the window and briskly walked over to my wardrobe, opening up its wooden doors. Looking over its contents, I glanced back at Gilbert. His backside was towards me and I couldn't help but stare at his rear. It was so round and cute; it was hard not to stare. Or do anything else to it for that matter.
"Gil, what should I wear today?" I asked him, turning my head back to my closet. I knew he shrugged without looking back at him.
"I'm not sure, my Prince. I would suggest something extravagant but not too flashy. You want to look like a royal but nothing too gaudy." He suggested to me as he finished up with my bed. I nodded at his suggestion and pulled out a tight pair of black trousers along with dark blue linen shirt. It opened up in the front but I would keep it laced up for the day.
I stripped off my pajamas and got dressed with Gilbert's help. He was always so gentle and helpful. It was nice to have him around; he was useful with more than just dressing. After pulling on some black mid-calf leather boots, I stood in front of my full length mirror, looking over my body.
"How do I look, Gil?" I looked at him in the mirror for a response. "Is it nice enough for my suitors?" He grinned and nodded politely.
"Yes, your Highness. I think your suitors will be most pleased once they see you." He told me. I smiled back at him in the mirror before turning and walking over to the door. It was time to meet the princes.
Chapter Two
I made my way to the Throne Room of the palace, Gilbert trotting at my side to keep up. The guards bowed and stepped out of my way as I pushed the doors open and stepped into the room. Mother and Father were already seated in their thrones, their eyes turning to me. I bowed at both of them before quickly taking my seat at my own throne. Gilbert stood off to the side against the wall with the other servants. Our thrones faced two large oak doors, hiding my future behind them.
"Gilbert, please let in our first guest." My father told him. Gil quickly nodded before briskly walking over to the oak doors and pulling them open. A moment later, a tall, slender man stepped into the room.
The man had fair hair and a chiseled face. His eyes were a fierce green and his lips were full and pink. His skin was a tanned brown color and his body had a good build to it. He bowed before us, his bright green outfit practically glowing. It gave a sense of calm and serenity.
"May your kingdom be full and bountiful." He said to my father. His voice was deep and loud, but it had a softness to it that surprised me. He looked up at me and gave me a toothy grin. "And may you always find happiness no matter the circumstances." I gave him an acknowledging nod as he stood up.
"My name is Prince Octavius Ollivander, and I hail from the planet Nublar. I have a gift for the prince from my home. If I may?" He looked to my Father for permission, who nodded his head in response. Octavius smiled his bright smile again as he stepped forward and drew a bouquet of exotic flowers from the inside of his green jacket. I grinned as I took them from him, my fingers brushing against his tanned ones. With a wink, he stepped back and bowed again.