Writing Adventures

Flash Friday: Princess Elizabeth

5th March, 2010 - No Comments

The moon rose, casting a silver sheen over the garden. The rain had stopped, but tiny drops still clung to the roses. The pairing stones lining the path glistened and even the dirt smelled fresh. Princess Elizabeth walked the garden with her head back and her arms spread wide. She breathed the fragrance of the plants and gazed up at the moon.

“Isn’t it wonderful, Matty?”

“Yes, Princess.” The young girl trailed after her, trying to keep her long coat from dragging in the mud.

“You don’t sound convinced.” She spun, pulling everything out of the maid’s hands in a flash.

“I’m sorry, Princess, it’s just so muddy and your shoes are positively ruined already.”

“If you’d let me take them off like I’d said I should…”

“Oh Princess Elizabeth, it’s just not proper!”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and turned back to her garden. “Then I’ll just have to get dirty.” She headed towards her favorite trees with her maid scrambling after.

“Oh please, Princess, don’t!”

“Don’t you worry, I’ll say you tried to stop me.” She climbed up the trunk and perched in the crux of her favorite sugar maple.

Leaning back, she found her balance and pulled her poetry book from her purse. Ignoring the maid’s protests and begging, she lifted her face to the moon and took a deep breath. It was a glorious night and she was going to enjoy it.

“Stop it, I’m not coming down until I’m ready.” She turned back to her book.

“Elizabeth, get down out of that tree, right now.” Her father’s voice boomed across the courtyard and bounced off the walls.

She nearly fell, scrambling out of the tree, she curtseyed clumsily so as not to fall at his feet. He caught her arm and guided her firmly back inside, all the way to her room.

“Just because you’re a Princess, does not mean you don’t have to do what you’re told.”
Her nurse stood in the doorway looking triumphant and her maid was mercifully quiet behind her.