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I sneak out a week before the ball to go riding. It's something my father and I used to do together when he was alive. I remember all the stories he told me when he was alive while I ride Phantom through the countryside. The cool wind rushes by my ears, whistling while my eyes watch the scenery flash by.

Phantom gallops, glad to be free from her dank stall, and I let her have her way. I let my mind wander through my favorite story.

"Daddy, how did you and Mommy meet?"

"I'll tell you when you're older."

He did tell me. Through a letter after he was dead. I suppose he intended to tell me my next birthday as it was dated a few days before his death. I review the memorized words in my mind.

"When your mother and I were young, we met. You remember that meadow we always ride to, Cindy darling? That's where I met your mother. I was a young noble, impetuous and an avid hunter. I was hunting when I first saw her. She was there in that meadow. She was painting the royal castle not too far away. Your mother was dazzling, Cindy. I'll never forget the way the sun hit her dark hair, turning it golden. I forgot my quarry at the sight of her. I got down and approached her, a simple peasant.

We talked and laughed in that beautiful meadow. When we parted, we agreed to meet again the next day. Oh, how quickly those secret meetings flew by! We fell in love so quickly. We were indiscreet, Cindy, and you your mother became pregnant. With you, daughter.

We quickly married, against my family's wishes, to conceal our deed. Within a few months, you were born. Then I discovered your mother's... illness. It broke by heart. I never stopped loving your mother, Cindy. But I wanted what was best for you, so I tried to distance you from her. It only drove her further away though, and she killed herself. So I refused to tell you of her, hoping that you would understand better when you were older.

I'm sorry, honey.

I stir and realize that Phantom has taken me to the meadow. I pull up my reins and stop her. It's then that I see it. There's another horse here. I dismount and let Phantom roam. I know she'll never leave me.

I walk up to the other horse. "Hello," I coo to it. "And who are you?"

It snuffles my shirt, smelling me. "Stop it!" I giggle and make my way to its saddle. The horse is still sweaty.

"Poor thing," I whisper, and the horse turns its warm, dark eyes on me. "You must be roasting." I stoke its broad face and trace the white star between its eyes. I take off my apron and begin to rub it down. The horse nickers and I smile.

"You like that, don't you?"

"Who wouldn't like having such a pretty girl tend to him?" a masculine voice asks.

I turn quickly, dropping my apron in shock. No, my mind isn't playing tricks on me. That really was the prince's voice. For here he stands in all his royal garb.