Ella POV

Riding. It's one of the few things that can take my mind off of my troubles. Sure, there are other things, but the water's too cold for swimming, and the trees aren't as fun to climb if there's no leaves to hide myself in.

So I ride.

My horse, Sorrel, gallops over the dull grass, leaving barely any mark on the stiff ground. Winters here are very...colorless, to say the least. The skies aew gray, the trees are bare, and the grass is more beige than green. In fact, there isn't any sign of green anywhere. And it never snows here, so there's no hope of that graceful white blanket covering the dull colors.

"Ella!" I hear my father cry out. "There's someone who would like to see you!"

I sigh. This is what I was hoping to escape from. It's probably another snobby prince from who-knows-where, someone who my father expects me to fall in love with.

I must be the most un-princess-like princess out there. You'll rarely catch me in a dress, and I have no interest in those prim-and-proper rituals. Most girls would kill to be a princess- I'd kill to be a normal girl.

Of course, being a princess means that I have to marry a prince. So far, every one has been the same- Snobby, overly fancy, and making absolutely desperate attempts to win my heart, only to recoil when they get a taste of my tomboy-ish personality.

I ride Sorrel back to the stables. Dismounting, I notice that she looks nearly as disappointed as I do.

"Don't worry girl, I'll be back for you." I assure her. "Then you can hear about the reject of the week."

***

I walk into the throne room, seeing my father and an elegantly dressed man standing in the front. He had short black hair, pale skin, and a rather pointy nose.

"Please ignore my daughter's hair, Prince Dylan." My father says, shooting me a glare.

I roll my eyes. "My hair is fine."

"Yes, it's perfectly fine" Dylan says, his voice making it clear that he felt the exact opposite way. "Now, my lady, shall we take a walk through the garden?"

"I do not walk." I snap. "I ride."

Suddenly, Dylan approaches me, his face nearly touching mine. Father has left, probably to encourage us to talk.

"I know who you are, Melody." Dylan hisses. "And your life will end just like it did before."

With that, he turns around, walking out. As soon as he is gone, I run to the stables. Dylan's words echo in my head. Melody. Melody. Melody.

I collapse against the wall of the stable, tears beginning to run down my face. I know who I am-or rather, was. It haunts me every day and night, chasing me. But no matter how much I try, I can't bring back a single memory...

I was never meant to be Ella Stone.

All I want is to go back.