Once in a faraway land lived a princess, unlike many others. Her name was Vanessa, famously known to many as the warrior princess.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Princess Vanessa: URGH! Shut up! Give me five more minutes!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Princess Vanessa: Fine, happy, I'm up! Give it a rest already.

(Like every day, my stupid alarm woke me up from one of my many dreams about me becoming a knight, but as always, it never lasts).

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Maid Louise: Princess, may I enter?

Princess Vanessa: Yes, you may!

(Door opens and Louise steps in)

Maid Louise: I hope you had a good night's sleep, Princess.

Princess Vanessa: Not really, but that's not new.

Maid Louise (Laughs) That's true; well, hopefully, your day will get better.

Princess Vanessa: I wish, but it'll probably be the same as always.

Maid Louise: That reminds me, your parents wish to see you, princess.

Princess Vanessa: Huh? Do you know what the issue is?

Maid Louise: Unfortunately not, princess.

Princess Vanessa: Oh, thanks for informing me anyway.

(I hope it's not about yesterday because I'm not to blame for mistaking that sissy of a prince for a princess).

Maid Louise: All right, it's time to get you dressed, princess. Today, you have dance lessons with Sir Luke, followed with sewing lessons with Lady Mary, and lastly, riding lessons with Sir Ricardo, and then you must meet with the king and queen.

Princess Vanessa: Ricardo? I thought I had Sir Asher?

Maid Louise: The king decided it was better than Sir Ricardo instructing you to ride, you seem to listen to him more than you did with Sir Asher.

Princess Vanessa (Laughs) That's true!

Maid Louise: And after your last lesson, Sir Asher quit saying you almost killed him.

Princess Vanessa: He's such a coward. All I did was scare his horse so he would go faster.

Maid Louise (Laughs) You must try to act more mature princess, your parents worry for your future.

Princess Vanessa: Well, they don't have to; I know how to take care of myself and----------- ouch!

Maid Louise: Too tight?

Princess Vanessa: Yes, loosen it a bit. I can't breathe.

(Louise loosened the strings of my gown).

Maid Louise: Better?

Princess Vanessa: Yes, thank you.

(She finished tying all the strings and let me look at myself in the mirror).

Maid Louise: You look beautiful, princess!

Princess Vanessa: Thank you! I can do the rest by myself.

Maid Louise: All right, please try not to take too long, I'll have your breakfast served in 10 minutes.

Princess Vanessa: Won't my parents join me?

Maid Louise: The king and queen have urgent matters to attend to, so they already left and will be back in the evening.

Princess Vanessa: Okay, thank you. I'll be down soon.

Maid Louise: Okay, I'll be waiting, princess.

(Louise closed the door and left).

Princess Vanessa: I'd better hurry and finish getting ready, or I'll be late again.

(I brushed my hair and slipped on my shoes. I also put on some makeup and then left my room).

Princess Vanessa: I wonder what's for breakfast.

(I said that while running down the hallways).

(Five minutes later, I finally arrived in the dining room and sat down waiting for my breakfast).

Maid Ella: Ah, you're here, princess! I will now bring your breakfast.

Princess Vanessa: Thank you, and could you please call everyone to come to the dining room?

Maid Ella: Right away, princess!

(A minute later, Ella came back wheeling in a tray and followed by the rest of the staff).

Maid Ella: Today, we have pancakes, bacon and eggs, orange juice, pudding, cupcakes, strawberries with whip cream, and a banana spilled.

(She said while putting everything on the table).

Princess Vanessa: Wow!

Maid Ella: I also bought the entire staff except for the royal guards as they already ate and left with the king and queen.

Princess Vanessa: Even Ricardo?

Maid Ella: Sir Ricardo went out to eat with Lady Daniella.

Princess Vanessa: Ah, okay! At least everyone else's here. Please take a seat, everyone.

Maid Ella: But----------

Princess Vanessa: No, but it's an order!

(They all sat down at the table after hearing those words).

Princess Vanessa: Now, I order you all to share my breakfast with me, and since it's an order, you must obey.

Maid Louise: But princess, we're just servants. We are not supposed to stay at the royal dining table.

Princess Vanessa: You're not just servants, you're all my friends, and I don't care about all those rules, so forget about them when you're around me.

The Entire Staff: Okay, princess, as you wish.

Princess Vanessa: The titles too, we're all just the same. To you guys, I'm just Vanessa and nothing else.

The Entire Staff: Okay, Prin-------- We mean Vanessa.

Princess Vanessa: That's better! Now, let's eat.

(At first, it was awkward, but everyone started relaxing. Later on, as we all shared stories).

Princess Vanessa: All right, I finished eating! I have to go now, or Sir Luke will be mad that I'm late again.

The Entire Staff: Have an excellent lesson Prin----- Vanessa!

Princess Vanessa: Thank you! Hopefully, I won't mess it up.

(I waved goodbye to them while leaving the room. While walking down the halls, I saw a sword in the hand of a statue and took it).

Princess Vanessa: Wow, this sword is so pretty. It must be a rare one.

(I started practicing my fighting skills with the sword, forgetting the time for a while).

Princess Vanessa: Oh, no! I got distracted. Now I'll be late. Sir Luke will not spare me today. (I said as I put the sword back in the statue's hand and started running towards the ballroom).

(Five minutes later, I came bursting through the ballroom doors expecting to see Sir Luke, but I didn't, so I tried to sneak out to my seat without being noticed).

Sir Luke: You're late again, princess!

(I jumped when I heard his voice from behind me).

Sir Luke: You wouldn't have been afraid if you were on time as a real princess. Princesses should---------------------------------

(I sat down as I knew he was about to give me his long princess speech).

Sir Luke: This is all for today. I dismiss you.

Princess Vanessa

(Finally, this lecture is over. I couldn't stand it anymore. I better leave now before Sir Luke gives me another of his interminable speeches).

Sir Luke: Just a moment, Princess!

Princess Vanessa

(Oh no, just my luck! What does he want?)

Sir Luke: May I have a word with you, princess?

Princess Vanessa (Smiling gracefully) Sure!

Sir Luke: Why are you always late to my lessons? Don't you think you must know how to conduct yourself in the ballroom?

Princess Vanessa: It's not that, sir!

Sir Luke: What is it then?

Princess Vanessa: It's about my sleep!

Sir Luke: What about your sleep?

Princess Vanessa: I'm unable to wake up in the morning. I can't hear my alarm clock. It's not my fault.

Sir Luke: Whose fault is it then?

Princess Vanessa: Your dance lessons are too early for me.

Sir Luke: Sleep early and don't waste your time doing useless things. Your lessons are indispensable as it'll help you become an outstanding princess. I hope it won't happen again.

Princess Vanessa: Yes, sir!

Sir Luke: I dismiss you!

Princess Vanessa: Yes, sir!

(That was quite a lecture there! Why can't he understand how important it is for one to sleep? Whatever enough about that! Next up are my sewing lessons with Lady Marry).

5 minutes later

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Lady Marry: Enter!

Princess Vanessa: Sorry for being late, Lady Marry!

Lady Marry: You're not late, princess?

Princess Vanessa: I'm not?

Lady Marry: No, you're not! You're on time, princess. Check your watch if you don't believe me!

Princess Vanessa (Checks her watch) You're right! I'm five minutes in advance.

Lady Marry: Do you wish to start now or wait for the five minutes to pass? What do you want to do?

Princess Vanessa: Let's start now!

Lady Marry: Okay, princess! Have you done the exercise I asked you last time?

Princess Vanessa: Yeah! It doesn't look pretty, though.

Lady Marry: Give it to me, anyway! I'm your instructor, and my job is to teach you not to judge you.

Princess Vanessa: Here it is!

Lady Marry: It's not bad for a first try.

Princess Vanessa: You're lying to me, Lady Marry! My sewing is atrocious and doesn't look like anything.

Lady Marry: Sit with me, princess!

Princess Vanessa: Okay!

Lady Marry: Your sewing is not bad, just a little messy. Doing it the right way gives you something like this.

Princess Vanessa: It's so tricky!

Lady Marry: It's easy! You're not focused enough.

Princess Vanessa: I'm focused, but it still doesn't work out as I planned it.

Lady Marry: There's a secret to embroidery!

Princess Vanessa: A secret?

Lady Marry: To do a satisfactory embroidery, think about someone you like. The fundamental key to success in love.

Princess Vanessa: Someone I like?

Lady Marry: Yes, princess! Ease your mind of any unnecessary thoughts and think about the one dear to you.

Princess Vanessa: I don't believe in those things, Lady Marry!

Lady Marry: You don't believe in it now, but you'll feel it once you're married.

Princess Vanessa: I'll never get married!

Lady Marry: Why is that, princess? Don't you wish to have your own family one day?

Princess Vanessa: For the time being, I prefer not. If I were to get married, I wouldn't be able to make my dream come true.

Lady Marry: Your dream? What's your goal, princess?

Princess Vanessa: I want to become a knight and protect the weak.

Lady Marry: What a beautiful dream, princess? I'm confident it'll come true.

Princess Vanessa: Do you think so?

Lady Marry: Yes, I do! That's all for today, princess! Continue exercising on embroidery! You may go!

Princess Vanessa: Thank you for your lesson today, Lady Marry! I'll see you tomorrow!

Lady Marry: Have a good day, princess!

Princess Vanessa

(Up to my last lesson of the day, my riding lesson. Save the best for last as the saying goes).

10 minutes later

Sir Ricardo: You're right on time, princess!

Princess Vanessa

(This is my childhood friend, Ricardo Salvinia. We grew up together, and we're very close).

Sir Ricardo: Let's begin the lesson, princess! You still have to meet up with the king and queen.

Princess Vanessa: I won't do anything!

Sir Ricardo: What's wrong, princess? Did you catch a cold?

Princess Vanessa: No, I'm fine!

Sir Ricardo: What seems to be the problem?

Princess Vanessa: Why are you doing this to me?

Sir Ricardo: What have I done?

Princess Vanessa: Why are you treating me like everybody else's does?

Sir Ricardo: I don't understand what you're trying to tell me, princess. Please be more specific!

Princess Vanessa: There!

Sir Ricardo: What?

Princess Vanessa: Princess? Why are you calling me princess every time you're with me? Why can't you treat me usually?

Sir Ricardo: ???

Princess Vanessa: Is it because of our social status? Can't you behave with me like everyone else because I'm a princess?

Sir Ricardo: No! You know that's not the case at all. To me, you're normal! You're just like everyone else, Vanessa!

Princess Vanessa: Repeat it!

Sir Ricardo: What?

Princess Vanessa: My name! Say it one more time!

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa!

Princess Vanessa: Don't call me princess when we're alone!

Sir Ricardo: Yes, Vanessa! Are you ready to begin your riding lesson now?

Princess Vanessa: Yes, we can begin!

Sir Ricardo: Get on the horse!

Princess Vanessa: Okay!

Sir Ricardo: Get on it slowly!

Princess Vanessa: Like this?

Sir Ricardo: Yes, that's very good!

Princess Vanessa: What do I do now, Ricardo?

Sir Ricardo: Now, pull lightly on the lasso to move the horse forward.

Princess Vanessa: Okay!

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa, not so tight!

Princess Vanessa: Oh no! Don't run so fast, horse!

Sir Ricardo: Princess?

Princess Vanessa: Ricardo, help me!

Sir Ricardo: Try stopping the horse!

Princess Vanessa: I don't know. Help me! The horse is getting wild!

Sir Ricardo (Gets on his horse) Relax, Vanessa! I'm here! I won't let anything happen to you; trust me!

Ricardo got as close to Vanessa as possible with his horse, got on Vanessa's horse, and pulled lightly on the lasso which stopped the horse violently, causing Ricardo and Vanessa to fall off the horse.

Princess Vanessa: Are you okay, Ricardo?

Sir Ricardo: I'm fi--------------- fine!

Princess Vanessa: Sorry, Ricardo! I know I'm dense.

Sir Ricardo: No, you're not! You're light as a feather! Are you okay, Vanessa? You're not hurt, are you?

Princess Vanessa: No, I'm safe, thanks to you!

Sir Ricardo: It's evening! The king and the queen must wait for you as we speak.

Princess Vanessa: Do you have any idea why they want to see me?

Sir Ricardo: No, I got no clue!

Princess Vanessa: Okay, I'll be on my way to greet them. See you later!

Sir Ricardo: See you later, Vanessa!

Valencia Meeting Room

Knock! Knock! Knock!

King Louis: Enter!

Princess Vanessa (Bow gracefully) Good evening, father and mother!

King Louis: Good evening!

Queen Elizabeth: Good evening, dear! How were your lessons?

Princess Vanessa: It went wonderfully!

(Those people taking are my parents, King Louis and Queen Elizabeth Williams).

What did you call me here for, father and mother?

Queen Elizabeth: Well,---------------

King Louis: Let me do the talking! It's your coming of age ceremony soon.

Princess Vanessa: I'm aware of that!

King Louis: You'll soon be turning 18! It's time to think about marriage. For that occasion, I've organized a courting for you. I've invited all the princes of the neighboring kingdoms to attend, and you've to choose your future husband among them.

Princess Vanessa: Marriage? I don't want to get married!

King Louis: What do you intend to do with your life?

Princess Vanessa: I intend to become a knight and protect the weak.

King Louis: What nonsense are you spouting? Knights are for boys and not for girls.

Princess Vanessa: I don't intend to get married! It's too soon!

King Louis: When will be the right time for you? Look at yourself! You behave like a tomboy and cause havoc to your instructors and suitors. Sir Asher quit his job because of you. Princess Vanessa: I didn't do it intentionally!

King Louis: You're getting married, whether you want it.

Princess Vanessa: Mom, say something!

Queen Elizabeth: Sorry, dear! I can't do anything.

Princess Vanessa (Rushes out of the room crying)

Valencia Meeting Room Exit

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa, why are you crying?

Princess Vanessa: You knew, didn't you?

Sir Ricardo: What?

Princess Vanessa: What?

Princess Vanessa: You knew what this meeting was about, didn't you? Why didn't you tell me?

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa, I---------------------

Princess Vanessa: I hate you, Ricardo!

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa, wait!

Valencia Kingdom Exit

Princess Vanessa (Running with high speed) Leave me alone!

Vanessa was running so fast that she didn't notice the rock in front of her.

Sir Ricardo: Vanessa, watch out!

Princess Vanessa: ???

(I felt Ricardo's arm pull me back into his arms).

Sir Ricardo: Are you okay, Vanessa?

Princess Vanessa: Let go of me!

Sir Ricardo: No, I won't! I won't let go until you listen to me. I was aware of your upcoming marriage, but I couldn't do anything about it. The king forbids us from uttering anything to you.

Princess Vanessa: I'm sorry, Ricardo! I didn't know.

Sir Ricardo: It's okay, Vanessa! I know you didn't mean it.

Princess Vanessa: What will I do now? There's no way to avoid this!

Sir Ricardo: There is one!

Princess Vanessa: What way?

Sir Ricardo: You have to leave the kingdom. Your father will change his mind once he realizes you've gone missing. You can come back afterward! What do you say?

Princess Vanessa: I'll do it!

Sir Ricardo: Good! Take these with you!

Princess Vanessa: But that's your ark and arrows. I can't take them with me.

Sir Ricardo: Don't worry, Vanessa! I still have my sword. I don't need these!

Princess Vanessa: Thank you!

Sir Ricardo: Take my horse with you too!

Princess Vanessa: I can't ride a horse. I'll fall!

Sir Ricardo: Don't worry! Vanessa is a good horse. She won't let you fall!

Princess Vanessa: Vanessa? Did you call your horse after me?

Sir Ricardo: Yeah! I think Vanessa is a pleasant name. Now, go before the royal guards get here.

Princess Vanessa: What about you?

Sir Ricardo: Don't worry about me! I'll manage it. Now get going!

Princess Vanessa: Thank you for everything you've done for me! (I said, waving as I rode off).

Sir Ricardo

(Goodbye, Vanessa!)

Valencia Meeting Room

Queen Elizabeth: Have we done the right thing?

King Louis: Yes! I'm sure one day, Vanessa will understand that I took this decision in her best interest.

The following day

Valencia Meeting Room

Knock! Knock! Knock!

King Louis: Enter!

Maid Josephine (Bows) Josephine greets the king and queen!

King Louis: Rise!

Maid Josephine: Thank you, your majesty!

Queen Elizabeth: What did you want, Josephine?

Maid Josephine (Kneel) It's terrible, my queen!

Queen Elizabeth: What happened?

Maid Josephine: It's about the princess!

Queen Elizabeth: What about the princess?

Maid Josephine: The princess is missing!

The next Chapter is coming on August 18, 2020!!!