A Princess Reborn

My shattered heart guides me back to the tree where Hannah and I once sat to witness the Starfall. This serene spot has always been my sanctuary, where my mind finds solace. Settling beneath the tree's branches, I let my thoughts wander. Although my plans are far from concrete, I'm confident I'll find a way. Maybe I can venture into town, take up odd jobs, and fund my education independently. Drawing my legs close, I rest my chin on my knees. The pain of my family's betrayal weighs heavily; their rejection is a wound that cuts deep. What have I done to deserve this mistreatment? Tears trace a path down my cheeks.

Abruptly, the sound of crunching leaves interrupts my reverie. I glance up and find myself locking eyes with a handsome stranger.

"My apologies, my lady. I didn't mean to startle you."

"I..." I falter.

"I was merely passing through and meant no harm."

We share a moment of silence, our gazes holding. Gazing into his eyes feels like standing at the crossroads of time. My eyes trace the contours of his muscular form and the way his jawline frames his angelic face. "I...you didn't startle me, sir."

He reaches to his side and offers a white handkerchief. "I don't wish to intrude, but I couldn't help but notice you appear...troubled?"

He approaches slowly, and I accept the handkerchief from him. "Thank you, kind sir."

"Please, there's no need to address me so formally."

While he didn't arrive on a white horse, the white handkerchief feels just as chivalrous. He watches as I wipe away my tears. "The tree offers such lovely shade...and the day has been long. Would you mind if I joined you?"

I gesture to the ground beside me. "You've shown me kindness. Please, take a seat."

He nods and kneels down, resting his elbow on his knee. His presence evokes a mix of calmness and unease. His scent carries hints of musk, lavender, and well-worn leather. The stranger's gaze sweeps over the fields before him, while I sneak another glance at his handsome features. I'm captivated by how the wind brushes his hair against his forehead. When he turns his attention back to me, a soft smile graces his face, his eyes tender and soulful. "I beg your pardon for my rudeness. My name is Rune."

I extend my hand, anticipating a light handshake. Instead, he turns my palm downwards and gently presses his lips against it for a brief moment. The gesture sends delightful shivers down my spine. "I...it's a pleasure to meet you." My heart races, and I glance down, masking my secret thoughts.

"What brings a lady to these fields all alone?" A blush warms my neck. "I'm not a lady."

"Really? Your beauty and grace remind me of a noblewoman."

His perfection astounds me. "I'm just a simple farm girl."

"Then you're the loveliest simple farm girl I've ever encountered."

I struggle to maintain eye contact with Rune, overwhelmed by the intensity of his gaze. Finally, I find my voice. "You're unfamiliar around here, aren't you? Are you new to our village or passing through?"

Rune snaps a twig of grass in front of him, his gaze wandering over the fields again, as if lost in thought. "That's an interesting question. Let's just say... I have an important mission here."

Meeting a handsome stranger was the last thing on my mind when I left home with my knapsack, but now he's kneeling beside me. I'm surprisingly grateful for my impulsive decision. Rune's thoughts seem miles away after confessing his mission. I wonder what mysterious task he's embarked upon. Suddenly, he smiles at me. "It appears you've brightened up."

"Yes... thanks to you."

"I'm here to be of service."

"Thank you. Your demeanor is as gallant as a knight's."

"Oh...well, I am a knight, actually."

Meeting a knight is an unexpected twist. "Well, perhaps someday I can repay the favor."

"Considering you're from these parts, you might indeed."

"I need directions to the nearest village. It would make my journey easier."

Why do I feel a pang of disappointment at his request? If I guide him, he'll leave my life, and I may never see him again.

"Is something wrong?"

"No...do you see those two willow trees in the distance?"

Rune squints and follows the direction I'm pointing. "Yes."

"Follow the road past the left one. It'll lead you straight to our village."

Rune nods, then wipes his hands on his knee. "Well, I should be on my way."

I avoid his gaze, focusing on the distance. I can't show him that I care like a naive farm girl. I sense Rune's eyes on me, but I ignore them as he rises. "Farewell, my lady."

"I'm not a lady."

As swiftly as his entrance brought me hope, his departure dampens it. "Did I say something to upset you?"

"No, but...do you really have to leave now? I have some bread in my knapsack if you're hungry."

Goodness, I'm hopeless.

Rune regards me, as if pondering a complex puzzle, before giving me a courteous bow. "I'm afraid I must go. I hope our paths cross again."

"And I hope you succeed in your important mission."

"I have a feeling the gods are favoring me. Why else would they orchestrate a meeting with an angel?"

"An...angel?"

Is he talking about me? "That's incredibly sweet to say..."

Rune's smile broadens before he turns on his heel and fades from view. A smile graces my lips as I replay our encounter. The white handkerchief he offered, his chivalry-it's crumpled in my hand. I gaze at the cloth, vowing to return it to him someday, if our paths cross again.

I'm being foolish. His travels will likely lead him far from this village...and me. Chances are slim that we'll ever meet again.

Lost in my daydream, I'm jolted back to reality as two hands grip my shoulders. "Ah!"

"Wow, you were completely lost in thought! I could have stolen your knapsack, and you wouldn't have noticed!" Hannah steps forward, smiling at me. Stunned,

I remain silent. Her eyes then flick to my knapsack, and her brows knit. "Hold on-why do you have your knapsack with you?"

"I..."

Without waiting for an explanation, Hannah continues. "And why do you look so...strange?"

A flush of crimson colors my cheeks, but I can't suppress my elation. Grinning widely, I struggle to contain my excitement. "Hannah, I just met a handsome knight."

"A knight? How on earth did that happen?"

"Right here! Can you believe it? I was lost in thought when he suddenly appeared-"

"Wow, tell me all the details!"

"His name is Rune. You should have seen him. He makes the village boys look ordinary."

Hannah's eyes widen. "I can't believe I missed it. What was he like?"

"He was incredibly kind."

"Will you see him again?"

"I don't know, but I hope so. He's on an important mission."

"He sounds like the full package: handsome, kind, and mysterious."

"And, I don't know...our meeting felt destined."

"It sounds like he left a big impression."

"An impression I won't forget easily." Hannah and I exchange smiles, and I'm grateful for her company. "If he makes you smile like this, I hope you get to see him again, Sarah. Really, I do."

"Why are you here?" I ask her.

"I've had enough of my parents' arguing. Mom complains about Dad not earning enough, and Dad is offended because he works hard for us. I needed to escape."

"That sounds oddly familiar."

Hannah looks down, crushing leaves underfoot. "They were still fighting when I left. They're probably still at it. I doubt I'm going back anytime soon."

Gesturing at my knapsack, she queries, "So, why do you have your knapsack?"

"I ran away from home too."

My revelation brings a spark to her eyes. "Well, looks like we're both in the same boat."

"In what sense?"

"You won't believe what happened during the Starfall." Her eyes brim with excitement. "Arkhandra blossomed! Can you imagine?"

"What?! How is that possible?"

"It's unreal, right?"

"I never thought it could happen in our lifetime."

"It's like magic, after the Starfall."

A sense that my world is shifting overtakes me. "The Starfall, the little lamb, and now Arkhandra..."

"I don't know how, but some people say they have an explanation. I'll tell you when we get there. We need to hurry-I can't wait any longer!"

Hannah's already moving ahead, eager to reach Arkhandra. "Everything feels magical all of a sudden, don't you think?" she adds.

She's right. Life has taken on an air of enchantment, with one miraculous event after another. "Alright, let's go!"

"Yahoo! I knew you couldn't resist! Let's not waste any time!"

I won't let this extraordinary opportunity slip away. And perhaps Hannah can shed light on these extraordinary occurrences.