The heels of a tall, slender, middle-aged woman clicked as she walked

down the halls of the palace. The walls were laced with ancient abstract
designs. Entering her daughter's room Lacey stood with her arms
around the pillow. The soft silk sheets were stained with her tears and
her sniffles were barely a whisper. The woman held her head and
sighed knowing full well why her daughter was depressed. Gently
placing her fingers on her small frame, the duchess cradled the petite
six-year-old in her arms. Wiping the tears from her eyes Lady Sofia
smiled encouragingly at her daughter. At this moment it was time for
Lacey to learn about responsibility.
“My dear child,” Lady Sofia said gently, “I know the feeling of desiring
for a pet but you have a duty to your country.” “England needs you to
be focused and ready to lead them.” “You’re a princess.”
Lacey slouched her shoulder, sighing. She didn’t understand the need
for such extravagant measures in developing a child’s knowledge and
discipline. Five different lessons a day including sport and vocal
exercises was hard enough
“But Mom,” Lacey whined “I barely have friends or communicate with
others my age. I just want a pet.”
“Maybe your father was too hard on you,” Sofia commented, “Let me
tell you a story about the past for I was in a similar situation.
“I hope it’s a good story” Lacey pouted.
“Of course,” Sofia laughed.
It was late afternoon around four. I was in the fitting room is attended
by three maids. The dress flowed elegantly onto the ground. The maids
stepped back to look at their masterpiece. At least that’s what they
called it. There approving looks mocked me as I was quite anxious when
I attended the fall picnics held at the summer palace.
I walked unto the circular platform where rose bushes and tall palm
trees dance stood. The room was filled with noble men and women in
their expensive gowns. My palms started to sweat and my eyeballs
went everywhere. My giddiness made me try to run but the crowd had
already surrounded me. As I looked at each person’s face my breathing
increase rapidly. They started to give me weird and disapproving looks.
Trying to calm myself down I closed my eyes but my wedge heels
caught the hem of my dress. I tripped and fell into a nearby fountain of
white chocolate fondue.
Everyone laughed at me and it was so embarrassing. Surprisingly four
kittens came out of nowhere and started licking the chocolate off of me
and I started laughing as well. That day I learned not to talk this
seriously and make the best out of any situation. I asked my dad if I
could keep the kittens as my own but we were in the Caribbean and
could not bring them back home to England. They would have to be
sent away. Luckily a farmer who worked at the summer palace offered
to care for the kittens. I visited them every time I went on vacation.
“And that’s how you get to own a pet if you are a member of the royal
family,” Sofia said as she ended the story.
“Ok mommy I understand,” replied Lacey, “If I want a pet I must leave it
at our summer palace but at least I get to have a pet.
“And why do u need to focus on your lessons more,” asked Sofia.
“So, I would not embarrassingly trip into a fountain of fondue.” laughed
Lacey.
“Oh Lacey.” chuckled Sofia.