"Dawn, you'll be needed today. The Sun family from Oscana is expected to arrive by lunch, and they will be staying with us for a few days.Your father and I have spoken about them in the past. They have a son just a year older than you," Dawn's mother explained to her over breakfast.

"I have plans today," Dawn said, hoping beyond hope that she could get out of the meeting.

"What plans?" her father asked, exasperated, "reading? You've been spending your days outside doing God knows what. It's not right for a young lady to do so."

"Father, you've given me permission each one of those days to go outside."

"You best watch your tongue," he said, giving her a sharp look. Dawn mentally rolled her eyes.

"Dawn, dear, you can skip your plans for one day can't you?" her mother said, "I would really appreciate it if you kept Prince Abraham company."

"Not unsupervised, of course. I don't trust any young man, no matter his status, with our daughter," her father interjected.

"Fine, mother," Dawn agreed, reluctance heavy in her voice.
..................................................................................................................................... 

"What am I going to do?" Dawn asked herself as she closed the door, sliding down to the floor and putting her head in her hands.

"Dawn, are you well?" Aspen asked from the arm chair. He had busied himself with a book meant for teaching children how to read, but now he looked at Dawn with concern in his gentle eyes.

"No, Aspen, I'm not."

"Do you need a doctor?"

"I do not need a doctor. I need to not be a princess."

"Did something happen?"

"Yes. The royal family from the next country over is arriving today and I have to entertain their son. My parents are most likely going to try to marry me off to him in the near future."

"Son? As in, a boy. Like me." Aspen inquired suspiciously.

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Is he your friend too?"

"I've never met him. I'm actually quite surprised that my parents are letting me speak with him at all, as they're quite particular about whom I interact with."

"So he is not your friend?"

"No he isn't. Why do you keep asking that?"

"No reason."

"No one could ever replace you, Aspen, and you know that. You're my only friend and I care about you very much," maybe a little too much.

"You too are my only friend. You are my home."

"That's very sweet, Aspen. That does remind me of something: we need to find proper living arrangements for you. Aren't you sick of staying in my bedroom?"

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that you need a house, and a place to go to school. You need to be around your people so you can learn from them."

"I do not want to go anywhere else. I want to stay with you."

"I know that, but wouldn't you at least like to meet others like you?"

"I do not know."

"Aspen, you can't stay in my bedroom forever. There's a whole world to see, with so many people to meet. You're fortunate that you can actually travel and do as you please."

"Why do you want me to go away? I was made for you, to be by your side. I do not want to see or do anything unless I am with you." Dawn could tell he was beginning to become upset.

"I don't want you to go away, but I want you to have a normal life. It's not fair for you to stay locked away in this room. I could still visit you at your new home. We would still be friends."

"No. I do not want a new home. I only want you. I am upset." Aspen was flushed and tense, clenching his hands in the covers of the bed.

Dawn was interrupted before she could get out what she wanted to say.

"Your highness," a guard called from the entrance to her rooms, "Queen Aurora has requested your presence in the main hall."

"Just a moment! I'll be right out."

"Aspen, look at me," she said sitting beside him. "Please don't be angry with me. I can't bear to leave knowing that you're upset. I care about you so much, and all I want is your happiness. We'll continue this conversation later."

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Aspen, please, say something."

"You," he touched her cheek for emphasis, "make me happy. None of those other things matter."

She leaned into his touch. "I'll be back in a few hours. Please be careful, there are guards outside. I've left you food if you get hungry later." Dawn quickly embraced him before scurrying out the door.
.....................................................................................................................................

"Princess Dawn, you seem distracted," Prince Abraham told her, noticing she wasn't paying any attention to his story.

"My apologies, Prince Abraham. I just have a great deal of troublesome things on my mind. Please, continue." Dawn needed to focus on the boy before her, instead of the one just up the stairs.

"Oh that's enough about me. Let's talk about you."

"What about me?"

"What do you like to do? Tell me about your likes, dislikes, anything really."

"Well, I like to read, and spend time outside. As for my dislikes," Dawn tried to think of something that was appropriate for a lady to say, "I dislike bugs."

"Doesn't everybody. Tell me about your life here at the palace. I've always wondered what the other royal families are like."

"I'm on break from my studies, but for half a year I have lessons. My parents are good to me. It's actually quite lonely here. We don't get many visitors." That was an understatement.

"It's a good thing I'm here to keep you company then, is it not, princess?"

"It is indeed," though she would rather spend her time with Aspen.

They were called to dinner by a servant. It was a happy event, but Dawn could not stop her eyes from glancing at the door, counting down the minutes until she would be released.

That sweet moment finally came. Dawn politely excused herself, ready to dash away as soon as she was out of sight.

"Princess Dawn, may I escort you back to your rooms?"

Dawn cursed under her breath, but put on a smile as she turned around. "Of course."

They finally reached the doors to her rooms, but it seemed to take an eternity.

"Excuse me if I'm being too forward, Princess, but I must say, you are one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever laid my eyes upon."

"That's very kind of you to say."

"I'll say it again, you are truly beautiful, Dawn, if I may call you that."

"Yes you may, and thank you. Good night, Prince Abraham."

He kissed her hand and departed.

Dawn had never received this kind of attention before. It made her flushed with pleasure, but also guilty. She felt nothing towards Abraham but friendly affection, while she had these strange, passionate feelings towards Aspen. But still, the attention from both was endearing. 

Dawn closed her bedroom door, pausing for a moment to look at the hand that had been kissed. 

She must have looked for a little too long. Aspen was right in front of her, taking her hand and inspecting it for himself.

"There is nothing here."

"I know that, Prince Abraham just kissed me." She realized immediately that that was the wrong thing to say. Irritation flashed in his eyes before he calmed himself. Was Aspen jealous? The thought had Dawn's heart beating faster.

"What is a kiss?" Yes, that was definitely a hing of envy in his tone.

"It's when you press your lips against someone's skin. You can kiss anywhere, not  just the hands. Most people kiss on the lips too."

"How do I do it?"

"Are you going to kiss me?" she asked him, incredulity in her voice.

"Yes."

Shaking her head, she took his hand and gently pressed her lips against it, showing him how. Her face was aflame when she pulled away.

She offered Aspen her own hand, but instead he placed both of his hands on the door, surrounding her head. He slowly leaned forward, eyes intent.

What was he doing? Was he actually going to kiss her? 

Oh my goodness. He's going to kiss me. I am about to be kissed. I'm not ready. How do I kiss him? Does he even know how to kiss someone? Do I even want him to? Don't lie to yourself, Dawn, you know you do. Does my breath smell like dinner?

Aspen paused, an inch was all they separated them. His eyes searched hers, questioning.

Yes. Please. Do it. Dawn's mind screamed, but she couldn't say anything for the life of her.

"Dawn? Are you decent? I'm coming in!" her mother's voice called from the sitting room.

Oh my God!

"Aspen, you need to hide! Now!" Dawn whisper yelled, "hurry, you only have a few moments. Under the bed, go!"

He slid under the bed. Fortunately, he was not so large that he couldn't fit underneath.

She crouched down, lifting the bed skirt, "Don't move a muscle, and don't make any noise. She can't find you."

The door to Dawn's bedroom came flying open. Dawn jerked to her feet.

"What on earth were you doing down there?" her mother asked, arms across her chest.

"Just looking for a hairpin," Dawn lied, "do you need something, mother?"

"Tell me what you think of Prince Abraham?" she asked, sitting on the bed.

Dawn knew where this conversation was going, but decided to pretend she didn't for the sake delaying the inevitable.

"He's perfectly nice. Polite, respectful, very flattering."

"Yes, yes. What kind of husband do you think he would make?"

"I suppose a very kind and loving husband, if he had the right girl."

"Well, that's what I wish to talk with you about. Your father and I have been thinking about him as a betrothal option. Though he seems fond of you, so perhaps we won't even have to broach the topic."

"I don't know, mother. I've only just met him." Dawn's mind flashed back to her conversation with Aspen, she had uttered these same words only days before.

"You've still got a few years before you marry. You'll have time to get to know him, he could court you."

"Must I marry a royal? What if I wanted to marry down?"

"Dawn, why would you even say such a thing? That absolutely will not happen."

"Why not? What's so bad about marrying down a class?" or several, Dawn's brain added.

"You are a descendent of the Sun, you will not disgrace your heritage by marrying those buffoons below you."

"No one is below me. I'm no better than anyone else."

"Then maybe you deserve to marry some peasant."

"Maybe I would like to!" Aspen was a peasant, after all.

"We will continue this conversation when you are willing to listen to reason," her mother said frostily, leaving and slamming the door on her way out.

After taking a few moments to collect herself Dawn said, "you can come out now, Aspen."

He did, coming to sit beside her. Dawn was hyper-aware of his leg pressed against hers.

"You seem very upset. You have been like this all day."

"I know. Some days are better than others I suppose. I can't believe I used to agree with her."

"What did you agree with?"

"I thought I was better than anyone below me, but then I met you, a peasant, and you are simply amazing, Aspen."

He smiled, "I am only one person. You said you have never met anyone but me."

"That's true, but I just know she's wrong. She'll see someday, I hope."

"Dawn, she said that you would marry the prince. You said marriage is when a man and woman live together and have children. Will you do that with him?"

"I won't. I'm going to pick who I marry. I have been unhappy for sixteen years, and it's time I took control of my own happiness. I will marry a man I love, and who loves me back, and that's that."

Aspen simply smiled, a smug look upon his face that Dawn did not see.

 

2: Chapter Three

Dawn woke to a pair of arms wrapped tightly around her. Startled, she turned only to see her Tree Boy sleeping peacefully, not woken by her movement. 

Relief flooded through her. She had thought yesterday's events were a dream. 

Dawn took this uninterrupted time to take a good look at him. 

Up close she could see that he was even more beautiful than she had thought. Dawn envied his high cheekbones, highlighted by the morning sun. His full lips were slightly open, breathing small puffs of air onto Dawn's face.

Dawn sighed, moving closer and cuddling her face into his neck.

Wait. This was so wrong. How could she be acting like this? If her mother knew what she was up to right now, Dawn couldn't even begin to imagine the names she would be called. 

She quickly banished these thoughts from her head, but decided she should definitely stop laying with him like this. Slowly, ever so slowly, she pried his arms away and slipped out of bed. She took one last glance at him. Dawn blushed, and stepped away to her bath chamber. 

Dawn shut the door, stripped of her night gown and stepped into the steaming pool of water. She hadn't had a servant help her bathe since she was little. It was the one part of her day she refused to be helped with.

She took a deep breath and submerged herself for a moment, watching her hair float around her head. She stayed under until she needed air, then popped her head above the water.

The door was open and the Tree Boy was standing there, a blush on his cheeks.

"What in the name of God are you doing in here?!"

"I am sorry! I was afraid when I woke up alone."

Dawn's anger vanished. She realized how it must have frightened him to wake up alone. "It's fine, but you need to leave. You can't be in here right now."

"I am sorry," he mumbled as he walked out.

Dawn let out a huff and finished the rest of her bath, one eye on the door. She took the connecting door to her dressing room, not daring to walk through the bedroom.

Taking extra care to cover herself, Dawn finally emerged from the dressing room.

The Tree Boy was sitting on the bed, head hanging in shame.

"You are upset with me," he said, not looking at her.

"I'm not upset," she joined him on the bed, "you just startled me. It's perfectly all right. You didn't know what I was doing and you were afraid. I'm not angry at you, I promise."

He finally looked at her, uncertainty in his eyes.

"Oh, come here you." Dawn reached out and gave him the biggest hug she could. "Now we're even I suppose."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I saw you yesterday, and you saw me just now. Hopefully there won't be any repeats of the situation."

He relaxed into the embrace. "You are very nice to look at."

"Oh, my. You can't say things like that. It's not proper."

"Why is it bad? I see that you look nice. I want to tell you. I think many things look nice."

"You're just trying your hardest to make me flustered, aren't you? What I meant was that we're not even supposed to be in this room together, much less seeing each other undressed. Now you're saying that I look nice naked."

"Why can we not see each other in that way?"

"Because we aren't married?"

"What is married?"

"It's when a man and a woman have a special ceremony with a priest. They live together and have children."

"And we are not married?"

"No, we've only just met."

"Oh."

"All right, let's change the subject to something completely unrelated: breakfast. I'm absolutely starving, how about you?"

"I too am 'starving'."
.....................................................................................................................................

Only after breakfast was had, arrangements were made, and Dawn and the the Tree Boy were back in the clearing could Dawn relax. All of the sneaking around she had been doing lately had her on edge. She sat against the oak where he had been found, his head pillowed on her outstretched legs. 

"Adam?" she offered to him.

He said nothing.

"Jacob?"

He simply rubbed his cheek against her leg.

"Abraham?"

Nothing.

"Magnus?"

"I am simple. I need a simple name."

She paused for a moment, thinking about the names she knew.

 

"I've got it. I could call you Aspen. It's very simple, it means tree. It's fitting, considering that's where we met."

He turned onto his back, looking up at her. Brown met blue as they gazed deeply into each other's eyes. Something happened. Dawn could feel it, almost like a "click" in her chest as their connection grew stronger. 

"Hello, Aspen." Dawn tested out his new name.

"Aspen," he said, testing it himself. He smiled.
.....................................................................................................................................

Aspen shook Dawn's shoulder, trying to wake her.

"What? Is something wrong?" she grumbled sleepily.

"Look at the sky."

Dawn opened her eyes, looking out the opened curtain. He was talking about the sunrise, it had just begun.

"Would you like to watch the sunrise with me?" Dawn asked him.

"Is that what it is?"

She nodded, and took Aspen's hand, taking him to the window. Dawn dragged the ottoman by her bed over and they sat together.

Dawn shivered, the morning chill was in the air.

"You are cold."

"Only a little."

Aspen wrapped his arms around her. It was very comforting to be held, Dawn realized. No one had touched her like this in years, not even her family. She tentatively brought an arm around his waist. 

Her Tree Boy, her Aspen, her friend. He took away the constant ache in her chest. Before she had felt empty, her heart heavy with sadness. Because of him she now felt complete, the ache soothed.

Friends didn't feel about each other the way Dawn was beginning to feel about Aspen.

This thought was locked away quickly, out of fear that if she tried to make something more of their friendship, he would be taken away. She should be grateful with what she had. Dawn really, truly was, but she was beginning to feel tiny inklings of something more. 

She had not a clue as to what Aspen felt towards her.

The sky was now a beautiful swirl of pinks, yellows, and oranges.

"What is your name? You have never told me," Aspen wondered aloud.

"Dawn, meaning the sunrise."

He appraised her briefly before looking to the sky. Her golden hair and pink cheeks certainly matched what he was seeing now.

"It fits you. Both are beautiful."

Just for a moment, Dawn dared to think he felt the same.

3: Chapter Two

Dawn had no free time for a week. There was the banquet, plus a solar eclipse celebration, as well as her tests before the break. Another benefit of being schooled by herself, she got half the year off.

She wanted so badly to go back to the forest.

Actually, Dawn wanted more than that. She wanted to be a Tree Person. It wasn't that she disliked her parents or the luxurious life she lived. She loved her parents and enjoyed having nice things, but if being a Tree Person meant being happy then she would gladly give up everything she had. She would trade her silk dresses for cotton ones, her crown of jewels for a crown of flowers.

"Dawn, sit still please. You're making me anxious," her mother chided.

Dawn stilled. She needed to focus on this etiquette exam or she would have to take the course again. Dawn neither wanted nor needed to sit with her stuffy old tutor for six more months.

She passed the exam, with only a few marks off for her jitteriness earlier. She was free. 

"Mother, I'm going to spend some time outside today. I need the fresh air. I'll be gone for a while so I'll bring lunch. I promise to be careful and be back by dinner," Dawn said, giving her mother a pleading look.

"All right. But do bring a hat so you don't roast. You best keep that promise to be back by supper," she gave Dawn an indulgent smile.

"That was much easier than I thought," Dawn mumbled to herself. Her mother must have wanted some alone time with father. The thought sent a disgusted shiver down her spine.

Dawn rushed up the many stairs to her rooms. She put on a light dress and boots for walking. She also found a hat (her mother was right about some things) and remembering the dirt of the clearing, a blanket to sit on. Just before she left Dawn remembered to get a book, though she wasn't sure she would read it. 

Dawn hurried to the kitchens, and asked her favorite cook Luna to make her a lunch. Thanking her, Dawn ran outside to the court yard.

Dawn was once again at the edge of the forest. She placed her hand on the oak she had embraced. That day felt so long ago. Without hesitation she walked the straight path, hoping it would lead her to the clearing. It did.

"Oh... my," Dawn stared in awe. She wondered if this was the right clearing. She almost turned to go, but then saw the creek on the north edge, same as last time. 

How could this have happened? 

Dawn's mind lit up with realization. Her tears had hit the ground here. Could this be what caused the clearing to look this way?

"Was God listening?" she whispered.

In just a week's time, the clearing had gone from dirt to lush green grass. She wanted to run her fingers through it and smell it, she had never seen grass this perfect. In the center of the clearing, with the sun shining on it, highlighting it, was a giant oak tree. So tall she had to bend her neck backwards just to see the top. It was beautiful. 

She stepped closer, dropping her things. The tree had thick, snarling roots, but they didn't go out very far. How could a giant tree have grown in just a week? It had to be some king of magic.

Then Dawn saw a truly odd thing. The tree was hollow in the middle, like someone had split it open. She peered inside, hoping an owl or squirrel wouldn't jump out. 

Her jaw dropped.

There was a... person inside the tree. A boy.

A Tree Boy.

He had to be. This boy looked exactly like the Tree People. He had the same brown hair, slightly brown skin, and possibly brown eyes too. Dawn couldn't tell, he seemed to be sleeping.

Dawn reached inside and touched him, she couldn't help herself. His eyes popped open.

She shrieked and yanked her hand away.

He stared.

She stared back.

He climbed out of the tree and started towards her.

Dawn couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All she could do was stare as this magnificent creature walked slowly towards her.

He stopped right in front of her. She had to look way up to see his face. He was so tall, so beautiful.

The Tree Boy wrapped his arms around her.

Dawn was frozen. Every ounce of blood in her body rushed to her face. 

The Tree Boy sighed and held her tighter.

Slowly, very slowly, Dawn brought her arms around him.

This was hardly proper. Dawn didn't even know this strange boy. If someone from the palace saw her they would shoot the poor boy dead for touching her. 

Dawn didn't care. 

The Tree Boy sighed, and slowly let her go. Dawn didn't want to admit to herself that she was disappointed. 

He stared at her again.

Dawn decided he didn't plan on moving any time soon, so she took a good look at him. She stared at his beautiful face, with its fierce yet gentle bone structure. He wasn't slender, but he wasn't massive. He was perfect. Her eyes roamed the golden brown skin of his chest, and then they traveled down-

"Oh my God! You're naked!" Dawn covered her eyes and, if it was possible, turned an even brighter shade of red. 

He didn't do anything but cock his head to the side, confused.

Dawn ran back, yanked the blanket off the ground, and shoved it at him. 

She had never even had a friend before, but she just saw a naked boy.

What was happening?

She dared to peek through her fingers. He was holding the blanket, but he was definitely not covered.

"Oh my goodness! Please cover yourself! I'm going to die if you don't!"

Sensing her distress, he did what she asked, though he still seemed very confused.

Now that the most important areas were covered, Dawn could take her hands away, though it seemed her face would be red forever.

"All right. Please, please tell me who you are. I'm so confused right now. Are you going to hurt me? What's happening?"

"I do not know who I am," his voice was very soft, hesitant almost, as if talking was a new skill, "I like you. I will not hurt you."

"Well that's good I suppose. How did you get here? "

"Not sure. Been asleep until you arrived. You are very loud."

"I'm not usually that noisy. You gave me a fright though."

"I do not mean to frigh- frighten you," he struggled with the word.

"That's all fine and good. What's your name?"

"I do not know. Do you have a name for me?"

"No. I could give you one, I just need some time to think of a proper name."

He said nothing, they lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. Well, it was uncomfortable for her, but he seemed happy to look at Dawn some more.

"Why do you keep staring at me?" Dawn asked. There was no irritation in her voice, only curiosity.

"You are nice to look at."

Dawn's fading blush came back to life. 

"Um, are you hungry?" She decided to change the subject.

"What is hungry?"

"Um, I suppose it's when your belly feels empty, so it rumbles. Yes, that's it. It doesn't feel nice, either."

"Oh. Then, yes. I am hungry."

"Come sit." He sat by the tree while Dawn brought her lunch basket over. Thankfully Luna always made her too much food, so she would have enough for herself and the Tree Boy.

She handed him the bread first. He crammed the whole thing in his mouth and quickly chewed before swallowing the whole lump.

"You don't have to eat so fast. There's plenty of food." She handed him a fresh apple next.

He studied the apple for a moment. "This is also nice to look at." He took a bite.

Dawn smiled. A real smile, like the children.

"Are you hungry too?" he asked her, his mouth full of food.

"Oh, I suppose I am." She had only noticed her hunger just then. She had been too busy watching him. He too was nice to look at. 

They ate their lunch in silence, sneaking glances at each other.

Dawn decided she felt brave.

"Will you be my friend?" she rushed.

He said nothing.

"I'm sorry. It's just, I've never had a friend before and I'm so tired of being alone and I think God made you because I kind of asked for a friend but I wasn't supposed to-"

"What is a friend?" he interrupted her.

"Oh," she was relieved he hadn't said no, "a friend is someone who you like to spend time with. Friends like the same things and have lots of fun together, at least I think that's what friends do."

"I like you. I am liking this time I am spending with you. I will be your friend."

Dawn smiled again, a huge smile.

He grinned right back. 

.....................................................................................................................................

Dawn looked at the sky. She could tell it was almost supper time. Disappointment gripped her heart.

"I have to go."

"Go where?"

"To my home. My parents are expecting me to come back."

"Can I come?"

Panic filled her at the thought of what her parents would do to this poor boy.

"I don't know."

"I thought we were friends. Are you not my friend anymore?" He looked upset.

"Of course I'm your friend. You know what? I'm feeling a little wild. You can come back with me."

"Really?"

"Yes. Let's go. I'll have to sneak you in somehow. No one can know that you're with me, or you and I both will be in a lot of trouble."

"What is trouble?" he asked as he followed her back to the courtyard.

"Trouble is bad. Nobody wants to be in trouble. You might get taken away from me."

"I do not want to leave you. You are my friend."

"I don't want to leave you either."

They reached the courtyard. She looked out for any guards or servants. It was clear. She touched the oak tree before leaving.

"Come, we have to be really fast. We're going to run around to the side of the palace and sneak into my rooms."

They sprinted across the courtyard and around. By some miracle they weren't caught.

There was an easily climbable tree right by her window. It would be quite the safety hazard if their kingdom wasn't so peaceful. Dawn quickly gave the tree boy a crash course in climbing, and together they made it to Dawn's window. 

Once inside, Dawn led him to her bed chamber.

"Stay right here. You can look around the room if you want. If anyone knocks on the door, don't answer it. If someone comes in, hide."

I have a boy in my bedroom. I have a friend now, who I've seen naked, and is now in my bedroom. This is very bad. But why am I so excited? These thoughts raced through her head on the way to the kitchens.

"Luna!" Dawn called, "could I please have your help with something? It's for my sewing exam." This was a lie. Dawn had already had this exam, but Luna didn't know that.

Thanks to Luna, Dawn located some old men's clothes for the Tree Boy. She really had to give him a name. 

Dawn went as quickly as she could back to her rooms.

"I've found some clothes for you to wear," she told her new friend.

He stood up, preparing to drop the blanket.

"No! Go here. Behind the dressing screen. You simply cannot be naked in front of me."

"Sorry," he apologized and dressed quickly. He emerged with his buttons still undone.

She stepped up to him and began to fasten his buttons. It was a strangely intimate thing to do. Dawn blushed.
.....................................................................................................................................

After Dawn's supper (and sneaking the Tree Boy his own) it was time for bed. She quickly bathed and dressed. Dawn was again struck with how intimate it was that the Tree Boy was seeing her in her nightclothes. 

"Where will I sleep?" he asked her.

Even though it was so wrong, so improper, she offered, "You can sleep in my bed, with me."

Having no knowledge of the wrongness of this action, he gratefully slipped under the covers. Dawn was sure to lock the door to her room. 

When she lay down, the Tree Boy cuddled up behind her, wrapping his arm around her. Dawn smiled, despite herself.

She looked out her window, towards the sky.

Thank you.

She smiled again. 

4: Chapter One

During her lessons Dawn liked to look out the window. She was often scolded for it by her tutors, but that window was a magnet, drawing her eyes to look at the things she could never have. Those things being friends, or even interaction with people her age. The only people she ever spoke to were her servants, tutors, and of course her parents. 

"Everyone else is beneath us," Dawn's mother often told her. Her father had never said it, but she could tell he agreed. She herself believed this was true, but only because she had never had a chance to be proven wrong. Dawn had always played and worked by herself. She was an only child, and had never had a friend.

"Your highness, could you please give me an explanation of our social hierarchy?" the tutor asked, clearly annoyed but still required to show the proper respect.

"Um, sorry. . . yes, I can. At the top is my family, descended from the original Sun People. Next is the Stars, which are the lords and nobles, followed by the Water People, who are the merchant class. Then the Earth People represent the peasant class."

"Correct," Dawn caught his eye roll as he turned around.

Her eyes were once again drawn to the window. She liked to watch the Star kids walk home from their own tutoring sessions. Dawn enjoyed listening to them laugh and she sometimes caught bits of conversation about a particularly annoying teacher or a handsome boy. She sometimes pretended she was a part of their groups, laughing and talking and carefree. But really she was by herself, and would ride home in a carriage alone in another hour. 
.....................................................................................................................................

Finally released from her lessons (with no extra work, the only benefit of staying that extra hour) she roamed outside, not in the mood to bother with her parents. There was a banquet tonight, and she wanted to wait as long as possible before she had to begin the process of getting ready, much less the actual banquet.

With years worth of sneakiness, she was able to go to the outermost courtyard of the palace, where the servants and cooks went for breaks. The grass was tall and wild as it was only occasionally tended to. Dawn loved to lay in it and pretend like no one could ever find her. But today, she decided she was going to walk to the edge of the courtyard.

She was met with the edge of the forest. Dawn contemplated going in. She was worried about being lost, and she wasn't very brave. She had never even seen this many trees before. Dawn's parents didn't like them because the Earth People built their houses in the trees. Because of this they earned the derogatory nickname, "tree people."

Dawn placed her hand on a tree. It felt like such a scandalous thing to do; she felt a little thrill in her heart. Gathering her courage, she took the first step. 

She walked in a straight path, hoping to remember it on her way back. She touched every tree possible, and began to run. Dawn held out her arms and let her hands slap against the tree trunks as she passed them. 

She stopped when she couldn't breathe. As she gasped for air, Dawn took in her surroundings. She was in a small clearing, with a wide creek on the north edge. Laying in the dirt, not caring about her dress or hair, she looked.

There were people. 

It was two children. Earth children. Dawn had never seen the seen these people before. She stared, enraptured. 

 They were playing. Perhaps they were brother and sister. The boy pushed the girl into the creek. In a very unladylike gesture, she stuck her tongue out and splashed water at him. They both laughed and began to have a play fight in the creek. Dawn had never seen anyone act like that before.

All too soon, a woman, probably the childrens' mother, called them back to her. The kids gave each other a final shove before racing back to her. The girl won.

Dawn watched them leave, wishing they would come back. They had never seen her. She wanted to watch them forever. She wanted to follow them and be with them. She had noted, but not really cared about their plain cotton clothes, or their messy hair and dirty faces. Instead she noticed their demeanor. Dawn hand't seen a real smile in a long time, not even from herself. A foreign emotion, one she hadn't felt in a long time, welled up in her chest: jealousy.

She used to feel this envy watching the Star children at banquets or walking home from school, but quickly learned that feeling jealous would do nothing. Now it was back with a vengeance. The aching in her heart increased rapidly. 

"I need to stop hurting," she whispered, eyes lifted towards the heavens.

Dawn wanted to say something else, but quickly trapped it back inside. How could she? She was a princess, one of the luckies girls in the whole universe. But why was she so unhappy? She had no right to feel this way. She should be dancing and singing with joy, but instead tears filled her eyes.

"I want a friend," she whispered to the ground, not brave enough to tell God, who had no time for her wants.

The tears fell.

She somehow made it back to the wild courtyard. Before she completely left the grasp of the forest, she wrapped her arms around the outermost tree. It was strange, but no one could see her. She felt its rough bark, the strength and tallness, and the overall magnanimity of the oak. Dawn wondered how the tree could be a peasant when it felt like a king.

Dawn sighed, let go, and stepped out. She didn't look back as she trekked back to the palace, hoping God would hear her need.