The Forgotten Princess

The next few days were eventless. My daily routine was the same. In the morning I have my studies, in the afternoon it was physical training.

I have just finished my breakfast when Leon entered the dining hall.

"Good morning princess Alicia." Leon bowed slightly.

"Good morning sir Leon." I answered. "I will in the classroom shortly."

"That won’t be necessary." Leon smiled.

"Won’t be necessary?" I looked at him confused. "And why is that?" I asked.

"Because we will be going out of town." Leon’s smile widened.

"Going out of town?" I asked in disbelief. "But I can’t go out without permission."

Thinking of going out to town excites me. But I do not want to get my hopes up because stepmother won’t approve of it.

"Why are you frowning?" Leon asked. He slowly approached me and cupped up my chin. "Smile. You are the most beautiful when you smile."

"Beautiful?" I felt my face become hot. I might be blushing again.

Leon smiled at me with amusement.

"Don’t worry. Your grandpa gave me permission to take you to town. I have told Tricia to prepare you commoners clothes." Leon said. "We will be going to town incognito. There will be a festival today. And tonight there would be fireworks."

"Fireworks!" I said excitedly.

"Yes, fireworks." Leon gave me a bright smile. "Go to your room and prepare." He patted my head.

"I will, right away." I said. I stood up excitedly a walked out the dining room towards my room.

***

I am now wearing commoner’s clothes. I am wearing a light blue dress and a light blue scarf on my head. My hair was tied in a ponytail.

"Are you ready?" Leon said. He was also wearing commoner’s clothes. His shirt was color dark gray and his pants were black.

"Yes I am." I looked at him with excited eyes.

Leon stood in front of me and caressed my cheek. "Clothes can’t mask your beauty princess."

I feel a blush creep on my cheeks again.

"T-Thanks." I replied shyly.

"Ahem!" I hear grandpa’s voice behind me. "I can see that the two of you are now prepared."

"Yes grandpa. I am excited to go to town. It has been a while since I have gone out the palace." I smiled at him.

"It looks like you really are excited, haha." Grandpa patted my head. "This is the first time I saw you smile like that."

"Really?" I said. I know that I seldom smile. But this last few days I just feel that my life is turning for the better.

"You and Leon will pose as siblings." Grandpa said. "Leon, guard my granddaughter well."

"Do not worry general Robert." Leon said. "She is in my capable hands."

"That hands are what I am afraid of." Grandpa murmured to himself.

"I beg your pardon general. Did you say something?" Leon asked.

"Oh no, no. I didn’t say anything. Haha." Grandpa lied.

’Meow’

Snow was rubbing her body on my feet.

"Oh Snow." I picked her up. "I’m sorry, I can’t take you with me."

’Meow’

Her meow was like she was sad that she can’t come.

"Aww I’m sorry." I hugged her. "Do not worry, I am sure to take home some treat for you from the festival."

’Meow’ snow rubbed herself on my face.

"Haha I know, I know. You are welcome." I said. It was as if I can understand every bit of Snow’s action.

"Well now the sun is up in the sky. Let us go little sister." Leon offered his arm.

"Okay big brother." I take his arm and smiled at him.

"Remember to take her home once the fireworks are done." Grandpa said.

Leon said the fireworks will be lit at seven in the evening. It was still early to go home but I won’t object. Just by going outside gives me great joy, even if it is only for a while.

"Do not worry general." Leon said. "I will bring her back in one piece."

"See you later grandpa and thank you." I have him a peck on his cheek and smiled at him. "Good bye." I waved my hand.

Leon and I walked away. Grandpa looked at us in a daze.

"This was the first time Alicia gave me a kiss." Grandpa said. "Hahaha, that’s goo. She is starting to move like her age. Not the old her that is only silent and doesn’t smile."

He smiled at the retreating figure of us.