The wind is rough today, just as he expected it. He has it hold onto his hat so it doesn't blow away. He's not hoping to run after it again and end up dirtying it in a pile of leaves.

Milo walks briskly down the street, his hands shoved into his pocket as he takes familiar routes around the small town, dodging passers-by and accepting a newspaper from a small boy on the same corner he always is, folding it up into his bag to give his dad later.

It's only about 11am now; he has over enough time before he has to get home and collect the eggs from the chickens and milk the cows..

For now, though, the day is his to spend. Time is his to spend, and he is definitely going to do exactly that.

Milo's steps take him exactly where he usually goes. He stops just outside the large brass gates of the castle, the one where the king and queen live. He's always wanted to paint the building, in all of its magnificent colours. The King and Queen don't do public appearances anymore, for some reason. Not for years. He's no idea why, but he doesn't want to question. He doesn't think it's any of business what the royals get up to, so long as his father gets to keep the farm.

Walking along the tall metal fence that separates common ground from royal ground, Milo crouches down and begins to collect the smooth pebbles that lay hidden between the tall grass.

It's like a jackpot here, he thinks. All these lovely smooth stones. He can put them in his room later.

Just at that moment, Milo glances up, his gaze just happening to lock with that of a person, standing at the railing of the balcony of a small room inside the palace, their face peering down at him curiously.

Milo is more than surprised. They look like royal, but he's never seen them before. He nods his head politely. "Good morning. Did I disturb you? It really wasn't my intention to. I'll leave, if you want me to," says Milo, sounding a lot more awkward than he should.

Who is this mystery person? And why do they look like royalty? He finds himself wishing to be friends.