The Lady's Curse

Friends

...

"Your highness, we caught a thief." A man said behind him. As he held the thief by his collar.

"Oh dear, it was child." Melanie said.

Since the thief looked tall, it was a young teenager who stole the money.

The boy had dirty blonde hair and ruby red eyes, he didn't look like a normal commoner.

"Is that your pouch?" Peter asked.

"Yes it is." She responded.

"Hey you, give it back." Peter glared at the kid.

He was absolutely frightened, but he held tight to the pouch and said, "No! My sister won't be able to eat if I let go!"

"Hey you-" Peter got mad that he was using that as an excuse.

"Is that so? Keep it then." Melanie cut him off.

The boy was surprised, Melanie had such a warm expression... 'how could she trust me so much?' he thought.

"How could you trust him?" Peter argued.

Melanie whispered, "look over there, that alleyway. She looks exactly like this boy don't you think?"

In a nearby alley, there was a little girl who also had dirty blonde hair and ruby red eyes.

She was crying, as she watched her brother get scolded for stealing.

Peter sighed, "let him go."

"But s-sire-" the knight hesitated.

Peter have a cold glare.

He bowed and put the boy down.

The boy bowed to Melanie in his thanks, and ran towards the alley.

"You're awfully kind to strangers." Peter said.

"I try my best." She chuckled.

!!!

Melanie suddenly remembered, and gasped.

"What?" Peter was surprised.

"M-my Ice Creamm!!" She said as she ran back to the stall.

"You two go back, I'll accompany her." Peter said, as his aids bow and head the opposite direction.

"Listen lady, I know you want this but you have to pay." The man said.

Melanie's expression was adorably sad, she wanted to eat it so bad.

"How much is it?" Peter said.

"1 gold." The man said.

Peter handed him two gold, "Give her the ice cream..I also want one."

Melanie happily accepted the ice cream, and she waited for Peter to get his.. the chocolate ice cream.

"Why aren't you eating?" He asked.

"It would be more delicious if you're eating with someone." She replied.

"Here you go." The man handed the ice cream.

They both walk away from the store, Peter hesitantly ate his, whilst Melanie already started on hers.

"Is it good?" Melanie asked.

"This is my first time... It's good." He said as he continued to eat it.

She chuckled, "His highness is very honest."

"Just call me Peter." His gaze averted.

"Oh? How could I.. to the crown prince?" She replied.

"But you call Lilianne...by her name." Peter's voice was weakening.

He was embarrassed by what he was saying.

"That's because she and I are friends." Melanie replied.

"You're right.." Peter said.

Melanie laughed, "my strawberry ice cream is good, want one?" She offered.

Peter was never offered such a thing, so he took a bite.

"Ooh!" He couldn't help but say.

He really liked it.

Peter, naturally did the same and offered his ice cream.

Melanie took a bite, "Yumm!" She said.

"This is fun, don't you think Peter?" She said.

"?!?! I thought...?" Peter was surprised, they stopped walking as he stared at her in shock.

"You can only share ice cream with your friends. Since we just did, we're friends!" Melanie smiled.

"Oh? Is that right? Then can I call you by your name aswell?" Peter said as they go back to walking.

"Of course." She chuckled.

'It wouldn't hurt to befriend a lonely boy like Peter. It's the least I can do...' she thought.

As the day went on, they spent time together.

They explored stores, bought food, and watched plays.

And got to know eachother, like what friends would do.

They took a break from walking around and sat on a bench.

"Wahh! How fun." Melanie said as she leaned back.

Peter stayed quiet.

In the bench they were seated, they could see the beautiful town.

The sun was setting, fairy lights were lit.

The town radiated, and the liveliness of the people were fun to watch.

Music was being played, people looked so happy.

A normal person seeing this would be smiling, and laughing. But Peter... Looked so troubled.

As if he wanted to cry.

"What's wrong?" Melanie asked.

"No..nothing." He replied.

"I won't force you, but we're friends now. Friends are supposed to tell eachother their struggles." Melanie said.

He stayed quiet for awhile...

"I'm not fit to be the crown prince. Father is sick, I'm still uneducated...

I'm afraid those people's smiles might disappear...

Im not good enough..." He looked down.

"Sure, you may not be good enough..." Melanie said, surprising him.

"But that doesn't mean you can't improve. It takes time, just you surviving as the crown prince.. winning wars, and talking negotiations... Is something only you can do." She said as she watched the people.

Peter sat up and gazed at her.

"That's why, you're doing really well. Everything you've done until now... Is remarkable." She looked at him with a  bright smile.

"Remarkable...?" He replied.

"Mhm, it doesn't matter what other people says, if they're so confident why don't they go to war and negotiate with other empires?" Melanie scoffed.

"Pfft!" Peter chuckled. "What are you saying.."

Melanie couldn't help but laugh with him, "Good job, keep on learning, and be yourself." She pats his head.

Peter's eyes widened, his gaze couldn't leave her.

'ah that's what is was... all I needed... Was a compliment, no one ever.. said I did well... No one comforted me when I lost... This is what I needed all along..." He thought.

She put her hand down, and stood up.

"How about another round of ice cream? It's the best dessert to take during evenings!" She smiled.

Peter nodded, as he stood beside her.

They walk together as the sun completely set.

'Thank you...Melanie.' He thought as he glanced at her.