As I sat at my window, detailing my plan, the loudmouthed canary burst forth into rapturous melody again.
“Be quiet! I have had enough of your screeching,” I sighed. I covered the cage with a small blanket.
Maybe Mother can get me a lovebird, or even a budgie, I thought. I sighed again and settled down to read more of my book.

I soon got bored and started making elaborate braids in my hair. When I had finished, about twenty minutes later, I was like a princess. My head and hair, anyway. Then I let it all down again through the window so it curled down on the garden floor.

There was a glint of silver. It was that idiot Prince again!

“I have come to take a token of my love! A lock of your hair, fair maiden.”

He was holding a dagger.