Owl Monster Boyfriend: Milton (special preview)

I look over her bookshelves, seeing languages from every corner of the earth. Athena sits down on her bed and takes a book from under her pillow.

“What’s that?” I ask her.

“It was my mom’s.” She clutches it close.

I go and sit down beside Athena. “It must be something very important then.” I smile at her. “Can I see it? Or am I not allowed?”

“Are you a princess?” Athena asks me. “Because you can see it if you are.”

“My grandmother calls me princess,” I tell her.

Athena pouts then hands over the little book. “Then you can look at it.” She sits patiently as I glance over the little green book. The gold lettering has faded away and the impression of a small gown is indented there. Inside is mostly pictures of castles, fairy tale artwork, and the like. Each picture has a small description with them.

“This is so nice,” I tell her.

“Did you know that only princesses can save princes?” Athena asks me. “I know it sounds silly, but it’s really very true.”

I smile down at her. “Is there someone you want me to save?” I ask as I hand her the book. “Did you trick me, Athena?”

“A little, but only because I needed the truth.” She hugs the book again. “Will you save my dad?” She asks. 

“Milton?” I arch a brow at Athena. “Is he really a prince?”

“He’s handsome, lives in a palace, and he’s very chivalrous and smart!” Athena spews the words in a rush. “Of course, he’s a prince.” She then frowns at me. “You think I’m just doing little kid talk, don’t you?”

“Your dad said you’re very smart. So I don’t think you would say this for no reason at all.” I pat her hand on the book. “But what does your Dad need saving from that you would need a princess?”

“He’s cursed,” Athena whispers to me. “He thinks I don’t know. But I put all the pieces together.”

“Cursed?” I tilt my head. “What sort of curse?”

Athena looks around cautiously as if she’s worried someone is listening. “I told you, he’s a prince and yet he’s always so alone.”

Oh no, Athena is being underhanded and playing dirty. She’s trying to play matchmaker for her dad and I.

“He’s been cursed since my mom died,” she pouts. “Ever since then, he’s been trapped here by himself. He says he’s ok, but I don’t believe him because even I get lonely here.”

“I’m not sure if I, alone, can help,” I tell Athena. “Sometimes, it takes more than the princess to save the prince. The prince has to want to be saved first.”

“Just try. Promise?” Athena holds up her pinky.

I hook my pinky with hers and shake. “Fine. Promise.”

I am moved in not long after that. Milton provides me with the things I requested, which even includes the fancy cosmetics and toiletries I had written down just to make the list longer than the bed and chest of drawers I needed.

My first day is a Sunday, so in the morning, I get up and make breakfast for Athena and myself. She stands in the kitchen with me, watching in awe as I use chopsticks to cook with.

“How do you do that?” She’s standing on a stool beside me.

“That’s just how I was taught,” I reply. “I used to stand and watch my grandmother cook, just as you’re doing.”

After we have breakfast, I take Athena out for a walk. Usually, I take my walks in the park near the store, but the land surrounding Milton’s place is twice as big as the park. There are small, stone pathways leading around the house, some cut through the trees and others lead to various gardens. There is even a small swing set where Athena and I play for hours.

After lunch, I tuck Athena in for a nap and I am left to my own devices. Sundays are the off days, as Milton calls them. If I so want the day off, I just have to inform him so he’d be prepared to care for Athena. If I so wish, I can spend the day with Athena, which is what I decide to do since it is my first day.