I got out of bed and went to find Nanny Emilia. She was in the library, reading a book.
"Good morning, Theodosia," she said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes," I said. "But I had a strange dream."
I told her about the dream, and she listened patiently. When I was finished, she said, "That's a lovely dream. I'm sure you're remembering when the miss would play with you in the garden. She loved to push you on the swing near the roses."
I smiled. "I wish I could remember the last time I saw her."
"I know," Nanny Emilia said. "But she's always in your heart."
I hugged her. "Thank you, Nanny Emilia."
We spent the morning exploring the palace. She showed me the library, the jewelry room, the dining room, and the sitting area. Then we went out to the palace garden.
As we were walking, we overheard two maids talking.
"Ugh it's my turn to clean the stables" one of the maids said. "There have been weird sounds coming from the stable at night."
"I know," the other maid said. "I'm scared to go near it."
I turned to Nanny Emilia with a smile. "Do you think we should investigate?"
Nanny Emilia hesitated. "I don't know," she said. "It might be dangerous."
"But what if someone is hurt?" I asked.
Nanny Emilia sighed. "Then they should be more careful." she said.
"We're going."
We went to the stable and peered inside. It was dark and quiet. We could hear the horses rustling in their stalls.
"I don't see anything," Nanny Emilia said.
"Maybe we should come back during the day," I said.
"I think that's a good idea," Nanny Emilia said. "It's part of the reason I was against this."
We were about to leave when we heard a noise. It sounded like someone was crying.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
Nanny Emilia nodded. "Yes," she said. "It's coming from the back of the stable."
We crept to the back of the stable and saw a small figure huddled in the corner.
"Hello?" I said. "Is anyone there?"
The figure looked up at us. It was a young boy. He was dirty and his clothes were torn.
"Please help me," he said.
I looked down to see his tiny ankle was caught in a wolf trap. Evanil told me wolves frequent the area so they have traps everywhere. It looks like he got caught in it, broke it out of the ground, and managed to make it to the stables.
"Don't worry," I said. "We're here to help you."
We took the boy to Nanny Emilia's chambers and gave him some food and water. He told us that he had been lost in the forest for days. He had been attacked by a wolf and after escaping had been badly injured by the trap.
"I'm so glad you found me," he said. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along."
We stayed with the boy until he was feeling better. Then we called for the royal doctor. The doctor said that he would make a full recovery. He would need to rest and eat little by little until he can eat fully. He prescribed some herbs and was off.
I was glad that we had been able to help the boy. It made me feel good to think about something other than saving myself.
As we were leaving the room we set him in, we ran into Evanil. He was with a knight.
"Theodosia!" he said. "I'm glad I found you. I was looking for you."
"What is it?" I asked.
"I heard about what happened," he said. "I'm so glad you're all right."
"Thank you," I said. "Luckily, it was just a young boy."
"Of course," Evanil said. "He is just a boy. Be careful next time. Don't be too curious.."
I smiled. "Okay, I understand" I said.
I knew that I could always count on Evanil to come rushing to me. He was a good man who thought of my safety truly.
"You did a very brave thing," he said. "I'm so proud of you."
I smiled but a tinge was felt in my heart. I still haven't discussed the engagement to him. In a way, I'm avoiding it.