I Am Proud.

"Your Majesty, I will now leave you." Father looked in my direction and he smiled at me. Walking down the steps, through the huge throne room doors, he went away. The throne room was cleared out, except for the three of us.

"I am proud, of what you both accomplished. It's not every day that you see a youngster stand up for what is right. Prince Elias, I am proud that you found a friend that you can bring to court and assure that she'll fight before the council.

"Lady Rebecca, I am proud that you stood up before the council and protected the lower class, even though you could have protected your class." I looked up to him and smiled.

"I may be from a high-ranking family, but I've never seen us suffer. It has been the businesses and working class, that suffer in these times. It's only right, to fight for the lower classes since they grow our economy." He smiled, standing up and leaving the throne room with a smile, where it was just the two of us.

I jumped onto the Prince and hugged him. Tears trailed down my face, as I cried in happiness. Seconds later, I pulled back and Elias looked shocked for a minute and raised his hand like he was waiting for a fist bump.

"I knew you would show them your power." Our hands collided as we made a handshake, that consisted of high fives and fist bumps. I nodded, I was even proud of myself. I didn't think that my plan would make it to paper.

"I'm still mad at you." I dropped my smile instantly, glaring at the Prince who wore a smirk. Pushing him away, I turned around and walked along the red carpet. Reaching over the audience section, for the cloak that was draped, I fastened it to my neck.

"Where are you going?" He came over and helped pull my hair gently. I let him since I couldn't see what I was doing. I focus my attention on the stained glass, looking at the beautiful dragon.

"Home, I have lessons that I need to attend to." Stepping away, I glided through the hallways, remembering the path to the front door. Right before I turned around the corner, Elias stood in front of me, heaving in deep breaths, with his hands blocking my way.

"We still have a tour to finish." I bent under his arm, moving away. Pulling the hood over my features, I walked over to Gerald.

"Duchess Rebecca Willow." When I heard my full name, I turned to the frustrated, hotheaded prince. With a raised eyebrow, I let out a sigh, meeting his teal eyes.

"Your Highness, I have studies to attended all day. When you come by the estate, I would like to visit you, and not be in my studies. Besides, I'll be back again." People began to look in the direction, of the handsome prince, and the hooded figure, that the Prince was talking to.

"Fine, I'll be over at the estate, when Duke Willow leaves His Majesty." Looking into his dark greenish-blue eyes, I couldn't help but wonder, why the prince gets angered when something doesn't go his way.

"Your lessons are canceled. However, you do need to get back home, for the tea party." Father came from behind me, and Gerald smiled lightly.

"Duke Willow." The Prince stood up straight, as he looked into Father's eyes, he looked embarrassed. "I'll leave with the lady. We still have things to discuss." I narrowed my eyes at the Prince.

Bowing to the Prince and my father, I glared at the young man, who immediately stopped his steps. "I'll take my leave now, I have a tea party to attend. Your Highness, whatever needs to be discussed can be discussed at the estate." Turning around I looked in Gerald's direction.

Pulling my hood tighter, as I walked past the group of people that were touring the castle. To visit the castle, you have to have either the King's or any royal blood permission or pay for a ticket, that could range from 500-1000 dollars.

Stepping into the SUV, I let out a breath of air, earning a look from Gerald. "Duchess, are you okay?" Pulling off the cloak, I looked back to the castle. I was tired, and yet I still had to drink tea with nosy ladies.

"I wish I was older, less controlled. It won't be until I turned sixteen that I get the official title of Duchess. Which I don't know why you call me that, both you and the Prince." I looked to the man, then continued.

"I plan to be wild for the next couple of years. Gain my independence through my motives, and words." He chuckled in the background and I found myself looking out the window again.

"Aren't you already wild?" He asked, I thought back to my last moments, I guess I have been, however, I want to be free of the chains of rules. Ever since I turned five, Mother has beaten the rules into my soul.

"I guess I am." I thought back to Elias, he has changed me, within the short time of being with him. "I think the Prince is a bad influence." I chuckled and Gerald looked questioningly at the youngster.

"You seem close to Prince Elias." I nodded to his speculation, then turned away, ending the conversation. Silence filled the car until we arrived at the estate that Mother dashed out and clutched onto me.

"You did well, your father told me." Placing a kiss on my forehead, I looked to the ladies, keeping my shock out of my face. They smiled at the lovely sight, I was happy my mother was giving me praise.

"Thank you, Mother." She released me, I followed the ladies to the tea room. I longed to visit the garden, however, I had plenty of time to do so later. Listening to the ladies, daily plans and thoughts, enlightened me, filling my head with ideas.

***

"Duchess Willow, Duke Willow," I spoke as Duchess Eleanor Willow stood before me, with her husband by her side. I noticed that Rebecca wasn't anywhere to be seen, seeing my confusion, Duke Willow spoke up.

"She's busy at the moment. Let's start our lesson." I followed the man to his office looked into secret areas that she would hide. Still not finding her, I was worried, even though, the Duke told me not to worry.

The lesson lasted for two hours. I beginning to think that this was punishment, for bringing his daughter to the lion's den. When he finished the meeting, he stacked up the papers and stood in front of the window.

"Where is she, Duke Willow?" I looked at the old man's features, as he continued to look out the window, turning my focus to where he was looking. I saw nothing of interest.

"She's out in the gardens." I turned around when he gently placed his hand on my shoulders. "Elias, Rebecca did well in court today. It was the first time in a couple of months that she received praise from her mother. However, I was not pleased to see my daughter, thrown into a lion's den." I looked at the angered father, as frustration and worry passed through his face.

"Rebecca is more than capable to tell off the council. It's about time that a citizen with a backbone steps into the matters. My father is growing more ill because the Councillor is throwing problems in his direction.

"Rebecca stated the facts, that I could back up. Forgive me Duke Willow, but I think that this accomplishment will lead to a greater future for your daughter." I turned around and walked over to the door.

"Your Highness, do you treasure her?" Duke Willow looked at me with cold eyes, I thought for a moment.

"Rebecca, it a dear friend of mine. My only friend, that doesn't have alternative motives. Duke, if you're wondering about romantic feelings, there is none for her. One, I'm too young, two, I don't think she's even interested in me. Three, I just want someone to reach out to with my problems, and she's been there." I looked out the window.

"So yes, I treasure her. And I want her to pursue her dreams." Turning around from the Duke, I left the room in silence.

Walking down the hallways, I walked to the backdoor that lead to the gardens. Stepping into the cool evening, my footsteps padded on the concrete, as I walked to the study area.

"You're asleep," I muttered as I walked to the lady. She was resting under the big willow tree, wearing a less magnificent gown, just a simple baby blue dress with bell sleeves. Taking a seat by the lady, she mumbled something.

I watched her face, as she made small wrinkles, flinches, and flutters. As her dream was causing her to think.

"Wait!" With a gasp, she bolted forward. Panting, she looked to the sky, which has darkened, with a couple of stars sparkling. Turning, she looked me into the eyes, confusion was apparent, but she looked relieved for some reason.

"What did you dream about?" I asked, she smiled while looking up at the sky. She shifted on her legs, getting in a comfortable position.

"It was so vivid, I was speaking to a dragon. He was speaking in riddles of course, but it was amazing to see one. Every breath, every sound, and every sparkle of his red scales are still playing in my mind." She paused to stand up then walked to the water fountain.

"A dragon was in your dreams." I summarized, standing up with her. Her reflection was in the water, as she turned to face me.

"What are you still doing here?" She asked creating ripples in the image.

"I wanted to spar with you, but you couldn't be found, and Duke Willow went overboard on my lesson. Were you worn out, by the meeting?" I questioned as she looked into the statue's eyes.

"By everything this day has brought." She picked up a puddle of water and threw it at me. The water felt cool against the skin, thus the water wars started. 'two can play this game.' I thought.

After ten minutes, water dripped from our faces, and our hair. We walked into the mansion, a little soaked, and the duchess widen her eyes in shock.

"We had fun," Rebecca spoke as her mother looked at her with huge eyes. Her daughter and the Prince were wet because they had fun. Duke Willow chuckled in the distance, as he looked up from a magazine.

Over the next couple of days, both of them were slightly sick, and it was their fault.