The beginning of a dream

Justin woke the next morning, disorientated with his surroundings. It wasn't the first time that he had to remind himself of where he was. He hoped that would subside sooner rather then later. He was still groggy, as he ran his hands though his hair. He got up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, determined to make it downstairs for breakfast this morning. He walked to his wash stand and shuddered as he splashed the ice cold water onto his face. He was used to the house servants in his own castle who would come in and deposit hot water for him every morning. Justin had noticed that there were not as many personal servants employed in the castle as he was used to and wondered why. Oh well, it was the jolt awake that he needed. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was long and unruly, but he liked it that way. He was not what people expected from a prince, but he didn't mind any of that. He had never had the pressure of a future crown being placed on his head as his brother had. He was glad to be minus that burden in life, and content to walk outside of everyone's notice if he could at all help it. His mind drifted to a red dress and an unlikely conversation. He hadn't meant to confide in her the way he did. In truth, he wasn't ready for the words that seemed to spill from his lips. What made him say what he did? He wasn't sure, and wondered if he might regret opening up at all. He wondered if Venessa had been laughing at him after he had left her room last night. Surely not. He tried to push his insecurities from his mind. It had taken him a while to fall asleep the night before, and as he dressed, Justin became aware that he had dreampt of the Princess. Yes, she had been walking beside him, smiling as she chatted away about he knew not what (about what, he did not know). He couldn't hear her voice, but he remembered her excitement. He heard himself promising her something ...and then she offered him her hand. Suddenly, her words became clear. What was it she had said... “Walk with me.” That's it, she had said, “Walk with me, Justin...just for a little while. Walk with me till we part ways...but not for a while. Will you walk with me?” The last thing he remembered was taking her hand in his. He felt it's warmth and then all faded to dark. Now awake, he saw her there in his minds eye seated on the sofa beside him. He remembered watching her face. Her expression was so genuine...her eyes hadn't been laughing at him. She had offered her hand as a sign of friendship, and he had taken it. He hadn't realized how in need of human interaction he was, and how lonely he had been feeling up until the point she had accepted him so readily ...so sincerely. He quickened his step as he exited his room, anxious for the company of a certain princess.