The following morning, the princess departed from the kingdom accompanied by a retinue of knights, eager to immerse herself in the vibrant street market just beyond the castle walls. The air was suffused with the enchanting scent of freshly-baked bread and the dazzling array of handcrafted goods on display captivated her senses. Upon her arrival at the bustling marketplace, she was met with warm smiles and reverent gestures from the gathered crowd, a testament to the deep connection she shared with her people.
Amidst the lively market, where merchants proudly displayed their goods and villagers bustled about their daily tasks, the princess's gaze landed on a familiar face. Amid the bustling throng, she caught sight of Donavan.
Their eyes locked, and in that instant, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Despite the clamor and activity surrounding them, it felt as though time had momentarily frozen. It was a fortuitous meeting that revived memories of days past. The princess couldn't contain her smile as she approached him, and the young man appeared equally thrilled by their unexpected reunion. As they exchanged warm greetings, the knights stood watch, ensuring the safety of their beloved princess while granting her the freedom to relish this serendipitous encounter.
"Princess Iris, may I have the honor of creating a portrait for you?" Donavan asked. The guards hesitated, but she gestured for them to step aside. "Yes, please. All the knights can step aside," she instructed, before following him.
The princess and Donavan ventured into the dense forest, the sunlight filtering through the canopy above and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. As they walked along the winding path, Donavan pointed out various flora and fauna, his enthusiasm for nature infectious. Princess Iris listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder at the majestic beauty surrounding them.
After a while, they arrived at a tranquil clearing, where a small waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool. The princess gazed in awe at the serene scene before her, the sound of the rushing water soothing her. Donavan set up his easel and canvas, ready to capture the princess's likeness amidst the enchanting backdrop of the forest.
As he began to sketch, the princess couldn't help but be moved by Donavan's skill and dedication. The forest echoed with the sounds of nature, providing a harmonious backdrop to the artistic process. The princess sat regally, her gaze fixed on the artist as he brought her portrait to life with each stroke of his brush.
The princess cautiously approached Donavan, her hand trembling as she drew the dagger from its sheath. "I need to know if you're real," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. With a swift, determined motion, she lunged at Donavan, fully expecting to feel resistance as the dagger pierced through him.
The princess and the boy sat facing each other in the dimly lit chamber, a heavy silence hanging between them. "I need to understand," the princess finally spoke, her eyes searching the boy's enigmatic gaze. "If you are not real, then what are you?"
The boy sighed, his features reflecting a profound sadness. "I am as real as the emotions you feel, the thoughts you have, and the memories we've shared," he answered, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity.
"But how can you be real if I can't touch you if I can't prove your existence to anyone else?" the princess countered, her frustration evident in her voice.
The boy reached out and gently took her hand. "Can you feel this?" he asked softly. "The warmth of my touch, the reassurance of my presence - aren't these real to you?" Iris couldn't help being silent as she didn't want those sweet memories to disappear.