A/n: This is the first part of the story (the prologue) and much longer than any chapter probably ever will be. Nevertheless, this does give good background information, even if it is years before the story actually begins. But, not to fear! The characters are all grown up as of chapter one… so stay tuned! Reviews are greatly appreciated (as they give good advice and they make me feel special).

Disclaimer: Whilst the idea may seem popular, the characters and plot are mine!!

Ok then, enjoy!

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PROLOGUE:

            Saphron spied the boy with interest and turned to her mother anxiously. “Can I go talk to him?”

            Her mother looked down upon her with scorn. “You know the answer to that.”

            “But he seems to be my age… he couldn’t be more then 10-”

            “I have no wish to reply when you know the answer. You do not associate with commoners.”

            “He doesn’t look like a commoner.”

            “So? Do you believe him to be the prince of Jariva?” her mother asked, mockingly.

            “No, of course not. He could be a noble though…”

            “Would you listen to yourself, child!” her mother scolded. “We are familiar with all the nobles in this area. If he was indeed a noble from somewhere else, what would he be doing milling around our market?”

            Saphron bowed her head in shame when her mother’s words made sense. “I suppose you’re right,” she said with a heavy heart.

            “Of course I am. Now be a good girl and go fetch Mai.”

            She nodded her consent and began to roam the market while her mother sat and rested on a bench. She finally spotted their maid Mai at a fruit vendor and ran up to join her.

            “I’ll pay no more than 6 vrenchas,” said Mai’s gentle yet authoritative voice.

            “Madam! These fruit are exported from Hakforn! They are worth at least twice what you offer.”

            “I’ll pay 6, or not at all.”

            The vendor looked at her hopelessly and then averted his gaze to Saphron. “Would the pretty girl like to sample some delicious mangoes?”

            “No, but she would like to go home,” said Mai. She handed the vendor 6 vrenchas and grabbed the bag of fruit. The vendor stared at her as she turned to leave, but remained silent and put the money in his pocket when he realized it was over.

            As they walked towards Saphron’s mother, Lady Tellikow, Saphron tugged gently on Mai’s arm.

            “Yes dear?”

            “How come you can bargain so well?” She had seen Mai on several occasions and it was truly a sight. Mai never paid more than a vrencha or two over her beginning offer and her tactics worked every time.

            “Experience darling, experience.”

            “Will I be able to bargain like that?”

            Mai chuckled softly. “Why ever would you want to do that? That is for the maids to do. You and your mother are only here to wander and walk a bit. Do you ever see your mother bargaining?”

            “Well, no…”

            “Exactly. Ladies are not supposed to bargain.”

            “But it seems like fun. The market is such an exciting place to be.”

            “You’re still young dear, you have time to grow up.”

            “I don’t want to grow up. Everyone tells me I will grow up to be my mother, but I don’t want to be her. I like being a kid.”

            Mai smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry Saphron, you will never be your mother. Everyone is their own person with unique thoughts and ideas.”

            Saphron smiled back and grabbed Mai’s hand. “I’m glad I have you Mai.”

            “I’m glad too.”

            They approached Lady Tellikow and bowed quickly (Saphron bowing because Mai had). “I bought everything you ordered,” Mai said in an obedient tone. She handed the Lady a small leather bag. “You’re remaining vrenchas.”   

            “Good,” said Lady Tellikow, quickly opening the bag and counting the money to make sure it was all there.

            The three then proceeded toward their ride and headed toward the Tellikow Estate, the group of large mansions and plots owned by the family.

            As soon as they reached there, Saphron bounded toward her father’s study, hoping to catch him free. She was lucky and he was alone, busy reading some papers. He looked up as he heard his daughter arrived and smiled. “How was the market, child?”

            “It was wonderful dad! We bought so much stuff. I even saw a boy my age!”

            Her father raised an eyebrow. “There are many boys and girls at the market at this time.”

            “No, but he was different.” She had no problem confiding in her dad. “Mom insisted he was a commoner, but I know he wasn’t. I just know it.”

            “Why? Did you speak with him?”

            “No. I wanted to, but mom said I couldn’t.”

            Her father smiled. “We’ll have a talk with mom. I see no problem with you meeting other kids your age. When was the last time you interacted with a child?”

            Saphron scrunched up her face. “I think when I was four a noble and his daughter came to visit. Not since then.”

            “My God! You’re eight now.”

            “I know dad.”

            “You mean to say you haven’t played with anyone your age for four years?”

            Saphron nodded. “Mom doesn’t like it and most nobles don’t have kids anyway.”

            “Why didn’t you tell me you were lonely?”

            “I wasn’t exactly lonely… I had- well, have- Mai. I would’ve told you, but you’re always busy.”

            “Come here,” her father said, and put the little girl on his lap. “When the negotiations with Jariva are all finished, I will be all yours. How does that sound?”

            “Wonderful! Will you take me to the market again?”

            “Whatever you want darling.”

            “Thank you!” She hugged her father by twisting slightly on his lap and kissed his cheek. “You’re the best dad ever!”

            Her father smiled. “And you’re the best daughter anyone could ever ask for. Now scoot and let me finish my proposal to King Folon.”

            Saphron smiled and nodded. King Folon was the king of Jariva. If he would agree to a treaty with her country, the whole nation (including her dad) would be put to rest. King Salkane- of their country Malkoy- was often too busy to negotiate himself, thus leaving his job to his younger brother, Saphron’s dad. While Saphron’s dad was a prince, he chose to marry a noble (now Lady Tellikow), thus making his daughter a mere noble herself. Saphron didn’t care in the slightest, and she knew deep down that she wouldn’t have even minded being born a commoner. Truth be told, she would have preferred it.

            The whole estate was preparing for dinner, and Saphron was forced into wearing a frilly pink dress against her will.             “Do I have to?” she pleaded with the maid, who unfortunately wasn’t Mai.

            “Yes dear. You are having guests from a far and your mother requested you arrive in this very dress.”

            “Are you sure mother said so?”

            “Positive dear.”

            “Oh all right.” She acquiesced and even let the maid adorn her in heavy golden jewelry. If she had learned one thing in her eight years, it was: don’t mess with what mom says. Saphron always played by the rules, and that meant doing what her mother said. It aggravated her on many occasions, but it was life and she could do nothing about it. She was certain this is what destiny had planned for her. Imagine her shock years later when she learned different.

            Half way through dinner, Saphron found herself immensely bored. Every noble and ‘anybody who was anybody’ as her mother put it, had come to join them for what turned out to be an uninteresting party. Nobles from other lands had joined them and it was rumored that the king from Jariva might show up. Saphron hoped this was true as it would speed along any negotiations.

 The king, Salkane, had joined them as well, but he seemed only minutely interested in the affairs of the party. The whole time Saphron could feel that he really wasn’t there… meaning physically his body was present, but his mind was busy elsewhere. Upon spying his niece’s gaze, he gave her a good-natured smile from across the hall. Though surprised he had even noticed, Saphron smiled back. She always loved her uncle for he shared many qualities with her dad. Her uncle and her never got much chance to bond because he was the king, but she could normally look forward to any visit he made.

            Seeing that nobody even cared about what she was doing, she decided to take a walk outside. The air was crisp and pleasant, with the temperature a calming 75 degrees. She smiled to herself, took off her shoes, and began to spin with her arms outstretched.

            “Hey, be careful!”

            Saphron stopped and almost fell, but grabbed onto the person whose voice had interrupted her. Once steady, she quickly removed herself and faced the intruder. Luck have it, it was the same young boy from the market. “What are you doing here?” she asked curiously.

            “I was bored.”

            “Are you supposed to be here?” she questioned. While she didn’t think he looked like a commoner from his clothes, he very well could have been. How he had managed to get through the guards was another story all together.

            “You tell me.”

            “No,” she guessed.

            “Then should I leave?”

            Saphron debated this for a few seconds and then shook her head. Some company would be better than none. “You can stay as long as you don’t get caught. Mother, I mean Lady Tellikow, won’t be happy.”

            His eyes seemed highly amused, but he nodded appropriately.

            “So who are you?” Saphron asked.

            “My name is Adam,” he said smoothly. “Who are you?”

            Saphron almost balked. “You don’t know who I am?”

            “Why would I ask if I did?”   

            “So you’re not from around here?”

            “No. So what’s your name?”  

            “Honey Tellikow,” she lied, keeping her last name, but changing her first. Tellikow was a popular last name in the area and there were many of them, even amongst the upper class nobles. She didn’t want him to know she was the king’s niece, as that was always followed by awkward periods of silence and covert stares.

            “You must be a noble,” he observed, noting her clothes and the fact that she was comfortable in some extremely affluent member’s lawn (unknown to him that it was her own land).

            She laughed somewhat nervously. “I suppose you could say that, but we barely have any money at all. We were invited because our relatives are common guests here.”

            “So where exactly is here? I know it’s the estate of one of the king’s relatives.”

            Saphron nodded. “The king’s brother. He married a Tellikow and so the estate is the Tellikow Estate.”

            “Tellikow? Aren’t you Tellikow as well?”

            She pretended to laugh bitterly. “Yes, but not this league of Tellikow. I’m sure you’re aware of the multitudes of Tellikows around here. I think my relatives here are some distant cousins or second cousins of the king’s brother through marriage.”

            “Wow, that was quite a mouthful. Seems like your jealous,” he said.

            “Jealous in the sense I wish my family were even half as rich. Not jealous in the sense that I’d love to switch lives with any one of them. Why, I wouldn’t even trade with their daughter, Saphron.”

            “Saphron?”

            “The king’s brother’s daughter. She’s only a noble technically, but many see her as a princess since the king has no children of his own and she is the only daughter of his brother.”

            “Oh.”

            “She’s a very stuck up haughty girl though,” Saphron added, her mouth twisting into half a smile.

            “You know her personally?”

            “I’ve seen her around. I get all her old and used clothes because there aren’t many girls our age and size,” she added, hoping that would explain about her apparently luxurious dress. As for the jewelry, she had luckily taken it off and stored it before coming outside.

            “That must be awful,” Adam said sympathizing.

            Saphron laughed. “Anything but. We don’t have the money for good clothes so I really don’t mind. I’m just happy I don’t have to spend any time with her alone or as friends. Rumors are that she is pretty vicious for a girl my age.”

            “She must be dreadful.”

            “It comes with the money.”

            He nodded thoughtfully.

            “So tell me about you now that I’ve been on about me for quite some time,” Saphron said, now finding it hard to create new and believable lies.

            “There isn’t much to know. I’m not around here, but I’ve come to visit as my dad’s on a business trip.”

            “How’d you get in?”

            “My dad was allowed in. He has some business with a couple other guests.”

            “So you were invited.”

            “Technically no, but no one seemed to mind much.”

            “So its okay if you’re here outside with me?”

            “Yes.”

            “If your dad is here, it must mean you’re a noble of some sort?” she asked hopefully, for her own sake.

            “No, not quite a noble.”

            She smiled through her disappointment. “So is your father just a real good business man?”

            “You could say that.” 

            “I’m sure one could, since these parties are normally banned to commoners.”

            “I guess we’re just lucky,” he said with a smile.

            The two kept talking until it became really dark and they decided it was necessary they part.

            “How long are you staying here?” Saphron asked, now totally at ease with Adam.

            “A week or two.”

            “That’s it?”

            “Yeah, my dad’s a real busy man.”

            “What are you doing tomorrow?”

            “Nothing really. Do you want to meet?”

            At eight, the concept of being shy around new friends was not even perceivable. “Yeah, if I can.”

            “Where?”

            “There is a beautiful park near by that my mother allows me to visit alone.” She quickly explained its location in terms he could understand.

            “So I’ll meet you there at noon?” he asked.

            “Perfect,” she said, a smile showing off her happiness.

            “Good night then,” he said with a bow, making her laugh. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

            Saphron waved as he walked away, a mixture of joy and guilt spreading over her. Sure, she was ecstatic about her new friend, but the fact that she had lied so much to him was starting to make her feel bad. What if he found out who she truly was? Surely he wouldn’t like her then. She resolved that if he hadn’t discovered her secret, she was not going to tell him herself. This was her first friend in a long time and she was going to cherish the opportunity.

Adam walked over to the exit at which he saw his father leaving. His father approached him and gave him a quick hug.

“How was dinner?” Adam asked.

“Ahh… good, good.”

“The negotiations?”

“Very good. I have a feeling things will be looking up from now on.”

“As in ally good?”

Adam’s father nodded. “I think that Malkoy is very willing to set up a treaty with us. If that goes well, I have no doubts.”

“But won’t our people be suspicious?”

“Perhaps. But I am sure the majority would rather have a treaty than an ongoing war.”

Adam nodded at his father’s words. “I hope things work well between us and them.” Unknowing to his father, he had a slight ulterior motive. If things went well with Malkoy, he could hope to see Honey in the future. Of the little time he had spent with her thus far, he already found her enchanting and intelligent with a happy nature. She was everything he could hope for in a friend, even though she was female. He couldn’t tell her father because he knew she was barely a noble. No doubt his father would disapprove of him spending any time with her. Nevertheless, he wasn’t planning on letting this stop him. He was going to meet her tomorrow regardless of what anyone thought or would think.

 His conscience did creep up on him when he remembered the fact that he hadn’t been totally honest with Honey. She didn’t know who he really was and as much as he hated lying, he was going to keep it that way. He didn’t want her intimidated or scared… he wanted her to be herself around him. Better she think him a commoner than a prince… the prince of Jariva.

            The next day couldn’t come soon enough for Saphron. As soon as she had showered, eaten, and had her morning lessons, she ran to find her mother.

            “Were you running?” her mother asked in a disapproving tone.

            “I’m sorry. Do you think I could go to the park?”       

            “Why?” Lady Tellikow’s suspicion was more than evident.

            “It’s the best time of year to watch the birds return. Madam Janhul thought it would be a good idea.” Madam Janhul was Saphron’s science teacher, a cruel woman with harsh ways… consequently a woman Lady Tellikow admired.

            “Madam Janhul advised this?”

            “Yes.”

            “I suppose it can’t hurt.”

            Saphron suppressed the smile that wanted to creep onto her face. If her mother saw her happy, she would quickly ban this little freedom. Upon getting the approval, she headed out and towards the park. Again, the weather was beautiful and even if she wasn’t planning on meeting someone, a trip to the park would have been a welcome escape.

            As she neared the entrance, she spotted Adam almost right away. He waved to her, a smile on his face and his eyes excited. “You made it,” he said, as if he had almost doubted she would.

            “As did you,” she replied, happy that it all worked out. “Were your parents okay with you coming?”

            “Let’s say they had no objection. Did you meet with trouble?”

            “Nothing a few exaggerations couldn’t fix.”

            They ventured to the lake at the end of the park and sat and talked there for what seemed like hours.

            “Sometimes I just feel so lonely,” admitted Saphron. “I have no one to talk to at home and I don’t have any friends.”

            “Same. I feel so trapped and isolated from everyone… its almost unreal. One day I’m going to get away from it all.”

            “How?”

            “I’ve always dreamed of being a captain on a ship.”

            “But that’s so dangerous!”

            Adam laughed. “How so?”

            “Haven’t you heard all the pirate stories? What about those tales where the whole ship falls sick with some incurable disease? Or you could get lost! What if you never returned home?”

            “God Honey! You make it seem so bad. One day I’ll take you on one of my ships and you’ll see for yourself.”

            “Really?”

            Adam nodded, pleased to see her fears ebb away.

            “That’s awesome! I’ve never been on a ship before. Actually once, but I was just a baby then, so it doesn’t count. You promise you’ll take me?”

            “Promise.” They shook on it.

            As they grew weary, Saphron realized it was best to get home lest her mother become more suspicious and perhaps inquire to Madam Janhul.

            “So will you be back tomorrow?” Adam asked.        

            “I’ll try my best. Same time?”

            “Yup.”

            Saphron gave him one final wave and then treaded up the path and in the direction of her home.

            Adam watched her leave with a tinge of sadness. He had had a great time talking with her and they seemed to have a lot in common. He felt she could understand her perfectly, which utterly confused him. How could she, at most a noble, go through the same day to day problems and obstacles as he, a prince of the second largest country in the world? Settling on that she just had a very rough life, he let it go at that.

            As he walked back to where he and his father were spending the night, he came to the realization that even though only two visits had passed between him and Honey, she was already the best friend he had. He wondered if she enjoyed his company as much as he enjoyed hers, but his thoughts were interrupted by his father’s voice.

            “There you are son! Where were you?”

            “I went for a walk.”

            His father nodded. “Well come, son, it is time to eat.”

            “Did you get any further on the negotiations?”

            “Oh yes. I met alone with King Salkane and his younger brother this afternoon. Quite extraordinary men, if you ask me. They both seemed to have the same ideas about the future as I do and they are willing to work towards a time of peace between our lands.” King Folon briefly explained the details to his attentive son. Then, upon remembering something, he confronted his son. “Did you know that King Folon has a niece a little younger than yourself?”

            “I heard about her,” he said vaguely, hoping his father wouldn’t ask for the source.

            “She came up quite a few times, but I haven’t met her yet. She is rumored to be quite a girl.”

            “You can say that again,” said Adam. “I heard she is extremely wild and haughty.”

            King Folon laughed. “You must be thinking of some other girl. Saphron, I believe her name is, is known to be quite a darling girl with a bright future in front of her.”

            “Why?”

            “It is rumored that she will be the inheritor of Malkoy.”

            “Why her?”

            “The king has no children and she is the sole child of his brother. It is only fair.”

            “Perhaps,” Adam said noncommittally. It didn’t matter what his father thought… his mind was set. If Honey didn’t like the girl, she couldn’t be good at all. It just wasn’t possible.

            They ate their meal in relative silence and then the king excused himself, saying he had lots of work to attend to. Adam nodded, went up to his temporary room, and read himself to sleep.

            He awoke at 4 in the morning after a weird nightmarish dream. He couldn’t remember much except that Honey was in it and her life had been in danger. Funny thing was, the only other thing he could remember was both he and her being on some kind of large ship on which he was the captain. After realizing it was just a result of their talk earlier on the day and had nothing to do with real life, his pulse began to slow and he drifted back to sleep.

            Since he had gone to bed quite early, he was up and fresh around six. He wandered around despairingly, hoping the six hours till noon would pass faster. When the time did finally arise, he gave an excuse to his father and set out towards the park. It was a long walk from where they were staying, almost two miles, but Adam didn’t seem to mind. He was anxious to see Honey and nothing else mattered.

            Upon arriving at the park, he found his usual waiting spot and looked around for any sight of his friend. Less than two minutes later he saw her approaching. He smiled and she saw him, hurrying to where he was standing.

            “Did you have to wait long?” she asked.

            “Nope,” he said. “I just got here.”

            For a little change, Honey lead them to the mountain area, a beautiful deserted section of the park. They did a little rock climbing till they reached a small plateau upon which they sat. From their high elevation, they could see much of the city, including many large impressive buildings.

            After talking about various things for an hour or two, Adam brought up the topic of Saphron. “My dad said she’s supposedly a very nice girl.”

            “Is that so?” she asked with an amused smile. “I suppose few people really know her well enough. Anyone can put on a convincing show.”

            “You’re right. I’m just sorry my dad is deceived by the rumors.”

            Saphron laughed it off. “Don’t be. It’s not like it actually matters for anything.” Or so she thought.

            “I guess you’re right.”

            “Aren’t I always?” she asked laughing. Then, turning serious, she added, “You know, I’m going to miss you when you leave.”

            “I wouldn’t leave if I had a choice, but it’s really not in my hands.”

            “I’m glad I met you,” Saphron said honestly. “Life sucked before, but you seem to be making it all better.”

            Adam was taken aback by such candidness, but he felt the same way. “If only all little girls were like you,” he said wistfully.

            Saphron shook her head. “Sorry, but there’s only one me, and I want it to stay that way. If everyone were like me, then I’d be nothing special.”

            “Don’t worry,” Adam reassured, “nothing can take away how special you are.”

            A week passed and before they knew it, it was time for Adam to leave. They met at the park for one final goodbye.

            “I can’t believe I’m going to lose you,” Saphron said, almost to the point of tears. Their days together had brought them very close and there was almost nothing they couldn’t share.

            “You’re not,” Adam said firmly. “I will see you again. Remember? I’m going to take you on my ship.”

            Saphron’s face brightened. “Oh yeah.” She thought for a couple of seconds and then saddened again. “But it’s going to be such a long time from now.”

            “It’ll pass faster then you think,” Adam said with a warm smile. Deep down inside he knew he was making false promises. Chances were he’d never see Honey again. Chances were he’d never get a chance to tell her the truth. The odds were against him and he was old enough to realize that.

            “I hope so,” Saphron said. “I guess this means goodbye… for now.”

            “Yes, goodbye for now,” Adam said, pulling her in for a quick hug. “But before I go, I want you to have something.” He reached behind his neck and unclasped something. “This is my lucky charm and I want you to wear it at all times. It will bring you protection and strength from inside and it will give you something to remember me by.” He put it around her neck and clasped it shut.

            Saphron lifted the chain and locket to get a look at it, and she saw a beautiful, intricate gold design with a diamond in its middle, hanging from a delicate golden chain. Her mouth dropped in wonder and she looked at Adam in surprise. “I don’t think I could keep this, it’s much to expensive-”

            “It’s nothing,” said Adam, not letting her continue. “And I’m a guy, what use do I have for such a necklace?”

            She nodded in agreement. “But why do you have it?”

            “My great aunt left it for me before my birth, thinking I would be a girl. I wore it anyway under my clothes and it has served me well. I think you deserve it more than I do.”

            “Oh thank you!” Saphron cried. Realizing she didn’t have anything to give him in return, she inspected herself quickly. As her eyes wandered to her hands, she found the perfect thing. Pulling off a silver ring, with the simple engraving ‘love and happiness’, she looked up to Adam. “This is for you, in return. I want you to keep it so you’ll never forget me. Is that a deal?”

            Adam took the ring without objection and slipped it onto his pinky (the only finger small enough). “I’ll never forget you… and that’s a promise. I should get going now. Take care and live well.” He hugged her once more, and then turned to go.

            “Good bye,” Saphron said sadly as she watched him leave, feeling like a piece of her heart was leaving with him. She was too young for real love, but the love in friendship is true as any other.

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            That’s all for now, folks! Hope you liked it so far… lemme know if you did (or even if you didn’t) by slipping in a small (or perhaps large) review. Any ideas/suggestions are welcome and even corrections could be useful (the grammar is definitely not perfect). I’d love to go on talking forever, but I suppose I have better things to do… yeah. A’ite then, review.

~zea