Far away from the castle and worries of royal duties... I saw a lady laying in a morning field. She didn't seem bothered when little water beads rolled from the grass and seeped into her clothes.
This young woman didn't even seem to notice me.
It feels like the ground I'm standing on suddenly had grown vines and stopped me from getting any closer.
I have never seen anybody in these fields where I came to escape. I breathe in more deeply when the wind blows my way and all-white daisies, poppies and blue cornflowers gently move around her. Suddenly I feel concerned if she is awake. It's been a while since I see someone sleeping so peacefully. I feel how the sunshine rays are finally breaking through the mountains surrounding us, it bounces on her long red locks, her cheeks, and full lips.
Rosaria, this name almost escaped my lips. It felt like my mind grasped a ghost from a past.
I remember now... I met her before, for a bit when we were both children. Yet the king didn't want me to hang out with the witch's daughter. Yet her mother is the most trusted apothecary in this kingdom.
My father, our king... He said that he was giving me mercy, to forget about Rosaria's friendship with me, about the memories we made. Rosaria's mother had made me a vial of forgetfulness. I only drank it because I begged the king to let me know her name, how she looked and what we were. King gave me kindness. The only things I remember are these and how the little girl wiped her tears when I thought that I had seen her for the first time. That little girl had said with disappointment in her voice: "I am Rosaria and I was your friend once, prince." King has allowed you to know this. Now, I bid you goodbye.''. It was the last time I have seen her, and I never bothered myself to find this girl again. At that time felt like it was a random kid wanting to be my friend. I am a prince. Everyone wanted to be my friend and I was spoiled. Or was I? I will never remember what kind of kid I was with her. It is not like it matters now, even without that vial of forgetfulness I was bound to forget about childhood.
I feel like I should leave. After all, I think my father had a good reason for doing so. Also, with time I learned that not apologising after making a lady cry might leave them holding grudges. These grudges often involved face slaps, gossip or a morning trying to sneak out quietly... Yes, I know.
''The best man can do is give up his riches and when - leave'', the duchess's words sprang into my mind.
As I was finally feeling that I could move my legs, turning around, I heard gentle grass rustling.
It is too late. Maybe Rosaria had forgotten me too? For my own good, I hope she will be embarrassed and leaves without talking with me. No lady sleeps in fields in her nightgown.
I turn around and I'm taken back. Rosaria's stare was direct, her green calcite eyes glittering with an unreadable emotion. When after a few moments Rosaria realized that her hair was entangled between field flowers,
''Prince'' she said while untangling them, her voice still hoarse after sleep. I think sleeping in morning fields doesn't help much either. ''Just leave like you intended, please.''