Maroon dress swishing back and forth, bubblegum pink buns bouncing up and down. Passing every monster, slashing the sword into them all. The only thing that mattered most was to get up that mountain.
It all started with the princess, who usually dragged the knight around the kingdom with her non-stop; however, that day was different. Breakfast and lunch had passed, and Hollyberry still hadn’t seen the princess. Growing concerned, she checked her granddaughter’s room, striding down the hall and finding her lying in bed.
“Up and at 'em!” Hollyberry exclaimed, ripping the blanket off her granddaughter.
“Ugh, do I have to?” the princess replied, not moving from her sprawled-out position on the bed under the covers. The only thing seen was two bright pink curls peeking out of the blanket.
“Is something wrong? You're usually so energetic and ready to play with the knight?”
“Speaking of the knight, he is always so insistent about accompanying you everywhere. Where is he?”
“I haven’t seen him... It’s too much effort to get up and play... I think I’ll just stay here instead...” the princess responded promptly, falling back asleep.
How odd, Hollyberry thought to herself as she left the room. She strode down the hall, her magenta shield still strapped to her back and her crown weighing heavily as she made her way down to her office. Strange, she thought, looking around, seeing that there were no knights on duty. She entered her office, walked to the balcony, and threw open the glass doors that separated it from the room. Hollyberry looked over her kingdom, usually bustling with activity; kids playing tag, adults going to work, etc. But rather than being greeted with her lively city, she saw barren streets, tumbleweed rolling by, and factories with no steam- a sight of a deserted kingdom. How can this be? Hollyberry pondered. First, my granddaughter, now this? What is going on around here? Hollyberry continued, decidedly puzzled by the current situation. Just as she was about to leave to try and figure out more, someone shouted out her name.
“Queen Mother!” Wildberry cried out, throwing himself into her office with her.
“There you are. Something bad is happening in the kingdom. I had to make sure you were safe.” He continued, checking her for injuries.
“Ha ha, I’m fine- why wouldn't I be?” Hollyberry chuckled, smiling at Wildberry.
“Haven’t you noticed how no one’s around?” He replied, eyeing her curiously.
“Why of course! But why would that affect my well-being? But while we’re on the subject, do you know where everyone is?” She responded.
“The guards didn’t show up for roll call. It seems that they are all in their quarters. When I confronted them about not showing up they insisted on relaxing, saying they needed a vacation and claiming that the castle would be fine without them for a day, despite my insistence otherwise.”
“Why in the cookie would they think that?” Hollyberry said, pacing around the room with growing concern.
“I can’t figure it out, Your Majesty. They also kept mentioning a voice that they heard, something along the lines of, ‘someone else can do it.’, Maybe someone from one of the neighboring kingdoms would know? Maybe Clotted Cream in the Creme Republic or Eternal Sugar in Sugar Paradise?”
“What a fantastic idea, Wildberry! I think it will be easier to visit Eternal Sugar since Sugar Paradise is closer, but first, let’s stop for a drink of berry juice!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Your Majesty... This issue seems pretty urgent...”
“Fine.... No need to be such a berry wart.” Hollyberry jollily replied.
“Gather your things and off we go!” She continued, excitedly pointing to the door, passionate to start this adventure to help the kingdom.