Abigail rose and headed towards the bathroom. After her bath, she selected a dress from one of the clothing items Alice and Naima chose for her to wear. The dress was white with a ruffle trim and organza bow. A small series of embroidered roses was across the top of the dress. The dress was light and easy to move in. 

Naima selected red shoes with pearls across the strap and pearl earrings for Abigail to wear. Alice decided to style her hair with a red rose on the side of her hair to match the embroidered roses. Both smile because due to their teamwork, they created an excellent outfit for Princess Abigail. Abigail decided to take her daily walk in the garden. 

As the maids cleaned the room. Naima asked Alice, “Alice, does Princess Abigail have a suitor?”. 

“There have been a few discussions, but Princess Abigail has not found a suitor, yet,” said Alice. 

“It’s a shame, Princess Abigail looks amazing today. I wish you would have left to meet her suitor or, better yet, a fiancé instead,” said Naima. 

“Yes! Princess Abigail deserves all the happiness in the world,” said Alice. 

Mary, the maid, walked into the room and said, “Weren’t there talks for her to be engaged to either the Armara or Serbo families.”

“The talks never progressed because King Alberto accepted Princess Abigail’s requests not to have an arranged marriage,” said Alice. 

“That’s quite a shame. I have seen Duke Armara, and if his sons are as handsome as he is, then Princess Abigail would have been extremely blessed in her marriage,” said Mabel.

Abigail and Cosmo finally reached the garden and felt the fresh air on her face. She walked towards the gazebo but decided not to enter it because it brought on too much pain since it reminded her of her dream. She often dreamt of her grandfather, but they were only memories. Things she remembered as a child, but this dream was more like a new conversation. 

 Cosmo had joined her on her walk and she noticed he marched towards the garden. She was glad to have a reason to head towards the garden instead of the gazebo. The garden was in full bloom with red roses and African daisies. It was a strong contrast to the white pavement of the garden. She smiled because the garden eased the loneliness and sorrow tugging at her heart. 

She went to follow him and immediately saw Micheal in the clearing. Cosmo meowed at him, and Micheal stopped down to pet him. Cosmo seems to be enjoying himself and even climbs into Micheal’s arms. Micheal then stood and saw Princess Abigail.

She was stunning, and he admired the red rose in her long dark hair. She was beautiful. He wished he could stand by her forever. 

“Hello, Princess Abigail”. He held Cosmo in his arms, and Abigail approached him. He seemed hesitant to remain close to her, but he did not take a step back. 

“Hello, Micheal. Do you have enough time to escort me and Cosmo around the garden?” asked Princess Abigail. 

“I do, but it seems Cosmo does not need an escort since he just wanders off,” said Micheal. Cosmo had just jumped out of Micheal’s arm in pursuit of a monarch butterfly that had caught his attention. 

“Yes, one of my maids, Teresa, warned me that cats tend to wander off, but if they have a great home they return just as quickly as they left. Recently, Cosmo followed me to the dining room and even waited for me in the hall until dinner was over. He is extremely patient,” said Abigail.

“That’s great to hear. I was afraid I would be responsible for letting your first pet run away. I did not want that on my conscience,” said Micheal.

Abigail smiled at him and noticed his blue eyes. She did not notice the small rock in the middle of the path and almost tumbled on the ground. Micheal embraced her before she fell. He was right on time. 

“Thank you, Micheal,” said Princess Abigail. 

“Of course. Do you want to keep walking?” said Micheal. 

“Yes, I wasn’t injured at all. This happens normally. You should have seen me on the day before the ball for my coming-of-age ceremony. I must have fallen so many times when I was practicing,” said Princess Abigail. 

“You cannot be such a terrible dancer. I don’t believe you,” said Micheal. 

“Oh, but I am. During the coming-of-age ceremony, I stepped on several gentlemen, including my own brothers,” said Princess Abigail. 

“Really? I read accounts of the ceremony in the newspaper and did not hear anything about that,” said Micheal. 

“Yes, my mother doesn’t like any negative press and she seems to have a great relationship with the newspapers. That’s why no one outside from the palace noticed that I am a terrible dancer” said Princess Abigail.

“I don’t think believe you are a terrible dancer.” said Micheal. Micheal stopped walking and so did Abigail. He then stepped in front of Abigail and said “Princess Abigail, would you care to join for this dance?” said Micheal extending his hand as an offer. 

Princess Abigail was quite shocked but accepted his offer. 

The walked towards the front of the fountain and stood facing each other. Micheal then place his hands on her waist and shoulder respectively. It seem that they both followe an unknown rhythm.  Micheal’s shoulders were broader than she expected. He was, also, not wearing gloves but his hands appeared to be smooth.

He broke their silence by stating, “Princess Abigail, did you know some people cannot dance if they do not find something to be passionate about in their life. If you wish to excel in dancing you have to find your passion. That’s is what my old dance instructor use to say to me” said Micheal.

Princess Abigail broke their dance as Micheal turned her around. She took a step back and stared at him with wide eyes.

“Micheal, who was your dance instructor?” she said with suspicion. 

“My dance instructor?” said Micheal with a look of confusion.

“Yes, your dance instructor. Who was your dance instructor? Please answer me” said Princess Abigail.

“She was an old woman who taught all of the children in the marketplace. I do not even remember her name. You probably haven’t even heard of her” siad Micheal.

“Micheal, I have a dance instructor who told me the same thing just a few days ago. She has never taught in the marketplace. My family knows everything about her life. So, please tell me who was your dance instructor?” said Princess Abigail.

“An old woman in the marketplace. I was very young when I first learned how to dance and as I said I have forgotten her name. She taught many children. Perhaps your dance instructor was her pupil?” said Micheal. 

“Micheal, it just seems a little bit odd to me that someone in your social standing would have a dance instructor who says a phrase as my own dance instructor? “ said Princess Abigail.

“Someone of my social standing?” said Micheal.

“I meant someone in your line of work who works as a …” said Princess Abigail.

“As a gardener for your family. Just because I do not have a tittle does not mean I am uneducated or unculture.” said Micheal.

Princess Abigail felt herself blushed. Micheal was right she made assumptions about his background. 

“I’m sorry, Micheal. I hope you understand that I was not trying to insult you. I just puzzle about your teacher. You see my dance instructor, Mrs. Freya, told me the same thing a few days ago. She only teaches the children of nobles. It just seem odd to me that you repeated the same exact expression to me” said Princess Abigail.

“Abigail, its just a coincidence. Many instructors use the same phrases. The instructor that was in the marketplace was just an old woman trying to get enough money for food as she passed the capital” said Micheal. 

“Again, I do apologize. I have to go back to the palace for breakfast. I will see you soon, Micheal. Thank you again for the dance.” said Princess Abigail. She then called for Cosmo, and the kitten appeared near her side. 

Micheal saw both of them walk back inside the palace. He was lost in thought. He almost blew his cover. He hoped that Princess Abigail had accepted his explanation. Otherwise, he was in trouble. However, when he was around Princess Abigail he found that he wanted to be his authentic self. He needed to focus again and fast on the goals for the future. He had enjoyed his dance with Abigail, but it had proven to be a dangerous diversion. 

Princess Abigail went to the drawing room and wrote a note to Sir James. It held a very simple instruction- Investigate Micheal, the gardener. She sealed the envelope with an official stamp and asked Mabel to personally deliver the message to Sir James. Mabel often visited Sir James to deliver messages, and she was the most discreet maid after Alice.