Her bare feet brushed past the ferns as she passed through the bushes. Her dress only just didn’t reach the ground, so no dirt would collect on the bottom of it. Asher was beside her, much taller compared to his best friend. 11 years. 11 years of meeting in the forest everyday and pying for hours. As they slowly grew older, they would often just walk around in the forest, talking about any concerns or dreams they had, or anything random really.

  “How do you even find time in the day to come and visit me, with all the work you have to do pre-coronation?” She asked, smiling because he was so committed to meeting up with her everyday. Asher waved his hand dismissively.

  “Of course I’d find time for you. When I do become emperor though, I might see you a bit less, but I promise I’ll meet you at least once a week,” he reassured her. Lily didn’t expect any less from him. He valued their friendship and so did she. Of course she would understand that we would soon be quite busy with working to make sure the kingdom was always at its best, so once a week was more than enough for her.

  “I’m gd. It would be quite saddening if I wouldn’t see you again. I’ve grown to like you quite a lot. You are my very best friend,” she remarked, turning her head to look up at him. His jet bck hair outlined his handsome face, Lily felt like she was in a dream. It was hard to believe that she made friends with the future emperor and had been friends with him for years.

  He suddenly stopped walking, and Lily stopped right next to him, wondering what was bothering him. He looked down at her, his wonderful brown eyes meeting her own.

  “Let’s promise. We will never abandon each other, no matter what. If there is a problem, we will meet here ok?” He held out his pinky, looking at her with hope in his gaze. Lily smiled softly and wrapped her pinky around his.

  “Of course,” she said softly, tightening her grip around his finger. Asher smiled back, nodding in relief, slowly letting his pinky unwrap from hers, standing back up straight. They stared at each other for a couple seconds, birds chirping in the background, making the atmosphere very comfortable. It would look like an awkward situation, but it was the complete opposite.

  The chirping stopped very suddenly, and the trees in the distance could be heard shaking. Asher tore his gaze away from Lily's, looking deep into the forest, completely alert. He clung onto the tip of his sword, ready to unsheathe it at any moment.

  “I’m sorry Lily, but I must leave now. The beasts are back and I must protect the city, including you. You understand, right?” He looked at her for approval. Lily was a bit sad he had to leave so soon but she nodded.

  “Stay safe. If you die and abandon me, you’ll break the promise,” she was half joking, half telling the truth. He chuckled.

  “Don’t worry, my love. I keep my promises,” then hurried off into the forest, his sword in hand, before disappearing behind the tall trees and shrubbery. Lily watched him until he was out of sight. She sighed, putting her hand where she assumed her heart would be. Her feelings weren’t valid in this situation. He was a prince, and she came from a small house in the poorer part of the city. Even if she wasn’t very poor, had nice food, a nice house, great parents, she wondered why she wished for more. Not money or anything expensive. Unless a prince counted as something expensive.

  It didn’t really matter anyway. Best friends it would be. He promised to never abandon her, and he would keep his promise, right?

  3mmy