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"Open the gates! The honored guest has arrived!" one of the guards said shouting. Snow White was playing near the fountain at the time. She clenched her teeth and ran toward the castle gates in a hurry.

"Welcome, lady Grimhilde. We've been waiting for your arrival" the emperor held her hand and escorted her to her room. Snow followed them to know what's the situation.

"You shouldn't bother yourself, your majesty. You could've let a servant lead the way." Lady Grimhilde smirked, looking at his expression. "No! It's my honor, my lady!" Snow couldn't judge what's happening. She had to go back before she gets caught. She ran towards her room panting.

"Milady, you look pale; perhaps your not feeling well? Should I prepare you a warm bath?" Snow's maid Aemelia Seemed to be concerned. "A-ah no, I'm fine, Amy, I want warm milk please.", "Yes milady." Snow sat down and puffed her Yellow dress on her bed and tried to collect her thoughts. She mumbled, "who is she?" She frowned and said, "why did dad escort that lady and treat her nicely?!" "...now." "Snow?", "y-yes Amy, is there anything?" she said, coming back to her sense. Amy looked at the milk and walked near Snow feeling concerned, "thanks, Amy...put it there", "Milady, drink it; you may feel better. What can I help you with? What's bothering you, Milady?" She said as she drew closer to her and patted her head, "who is that lady?" She said, fidgeting her hands, "lady Grimhilde, she is the honored guest that the emperor himself invited. I can see why you're worried Snow, I've never seen the emperor do something like this..." Amy pursed her lips and sighed "...don't worry Milady." Snow suddenly stood up. "I want to play in the garden." She gulped the last sips in her glass and dashed towards the garden.

        She looked at the top of the tree then gasped, "hello birdie! I miss your chirping, I miss your songs. Can you sing me a song?" as she was speaking, the bird chirped and prepared for his performance, Snow began to doze off, not long until she slept on the garden grass and gave in. As she was sleeping soundly, lady Grimhilde walked by her. She glared and stared at her, then went as if she didn't see her. Snow opened her eyes, "Huh...lady...Grimhiled..." Snow mumbled to herself when she saw her long red dress flutter at the edge of her eyes, "she startled me." Snow stood up and brushed the dust off of her dress. She looked at the red burning sky then walked herself to the break room. "Lily." "yes, princess." "I want chamomile." Lily looked at her knowing that she is not feeling well. "The tea is ready, princess." Lily put the tea on the table. " princess...you look dull. Is there anything I can help you with?", "help me...?" She thought to herself, -why do I feel that I need help when there is nothing wrong....?- she looked back at her with a smile with dim looking eyes "I must be overthinking these days Lily nothing big.", "Nine?" Lily looked down immediately thinking that she might've crossed the line but Snow answered her with a soft childish voice "I'll be eleven in about two months" knowing that she came to the castle just recently. well, it's a big gossip in society for someone who doesn't know the princess's birthday, They might lose their honor. " I wish you have a pleasant birthday princess Snow." Snow put her head on the table heavily, as if an old helpless woman possessed her body, she mumbled to Lily, "I hope I have a pleasant birthday...", "I'll try my best to make you the happiest my princess. I'm sure his majesty the emperor is planning a great birthday for you." She said leaning herself towards Snow's chair, making her feel at ease. "Lily, you are the best!".

         After a long day of overthinking Snow dug herself in the silky blue blanket putting the extra part on her warm face, feeling the night breeze on her ears. Even though she had so much on her mind but a child is still a child. sleeping was the best part of her day, not that she didn't enjoy her days but that she enjoyed them too much that she couldn't help but sleep to begin another one. even if she had a bad day, nothing stopped her from dreaming of tomorrow.

MIRIAM ALQAM.