“THE MONARCHS would like you in the throne room.” I nodded. “Of course.” The servant left me to figure out where the throne room was. Dr. Wyndsdor had given me directions when I was first subjected to his care in case I ever was called to council. I took a deep breath, praying I could figure out the labyrinth of halls and get to the throne room. I walked down the hall to the spiral staircase ahead of me. I made the mistake of looking down. My vision became woozy. I let go of the dark wooden railing, backing away from it. I walked down the stairs, keeping my eyes pointed upward. How did Louie walk down these monstrous stairs every day? I thought. I soon ran into a white stone pillar, making my theory correct; I was in the Entrance Hall. Was it left at the pillar or right? I questioned myself. I went right. After a long walk, I found myself walking through the doors of the kitchen. It was dark, as though nobody had gotten out of their beds yet. “Ugh!” I groaned, and scuffed my shoe on the tile floor. “How do I get to the throne room?” I questioned myself out loud. “You’re in a very different place if you want to go there,” someone said, coming out of the shadows. She was in a simple (color) dress, a dainty tiara resting on her brow. “Who are you?” “I am Crown Princess Alexandra Providence Pritchard Mitchell I of Simrieg.” I curtsied. I could have guessed. “You don’t have to answer this question, but why aren’t you with the rest of your family?” “This is Maeryn’s problem. I’ve already made an alliance.” “Sorry to be intrusive, but who?” “You’re fine. Some Richizzan prince.” “Understandable.” “Need help finding the room you’re supposed to be in?” “Yes please, thank you so much, your highness.” “It’s nothing,” she smiled and started walking. I followed her. “If I might ask you something?” “Go ahead.” “Why were you in the kitchen?” She blushed and mumbled, “I was hungry. They didn’t give me much breakfast.” I decided to let the subject go, and quickly changed it. “Are you regularly in Kemar?” She nodded. “Until I’m queen, I’m considered the ‘ambassador’ to your country.” “Ah.” A beat of silence passed between us. “Were you at the ball two weeks ago?” I asked, wanting to keep the conversation going. “Yes, dancing with my prince.” I wish I had been dancing with mine. “Sounds fun!” I said wholeheartedly. “I wish it was. Were you there?” “Yes, my father is the prince’s cobbler.” “Really? So you’re a… peasant?” I nodded. “Hm.” We passed through the Entrance Hall and went through a door into a long hallway leading to large, red double-doors. “Here we are. It would probably be best if I left you here. I don’t want to be called into council today.” “Thank you,” I breathed, my words leaving me. She spun on her heel and left. I pulled open the door, stepping meagerly into the room. “Sorry it took me so long, there are a lot of halls,” I explained. “It’s alright. It is rather hard to find your way around this place.” “What do you need me for?” “Can you ratify the suggestion that Prince Edward of Albannak is betrothed to Princess Maeryn of Simrieg?” Is he talking about Peter? “Don’t you mean Prince Peter?” Louie said. The king chortled. “I hope I know my own nephew.” My eyes widened. He was spying on me. What information did I give him? “Yes, sire, I can.” “Pray tell how?” “They were running out of the door hand-in-hand just before the attack, like Peter — I mean Edward — wanted to save her and her alone.” I glanced in Louie’s direction. His jaw was tensed and he was gripping the arms of his throne as though they were his lifeline. I smiled when I noticed he was looking at me. He smiled back, repaid with irregular looks from the councilmen. I blushed and avoided his eyes. That wasn’t the best idea. Their heads turned toward me again. I searched for words, finding some in the nick of time. “Should I go?” “No!” Louie shouted, standing. The council and king looked to him in disgust. He shrank into his chair, trying to look as small as possible. “No, we still have more questions to ask you.” I curtsied. “Yes, sire.” “What truly happened when you found out Edward was a spy for his country?” a council member accused. “I was at the school when I ran into the king. He told me to move along, but I didn’t, curious as to why he was holding my friend.” I paused to take a deep breath. “Go on,” the king ordered. “Edward came out of his room, pinning me against the wall. He showed me his crown, and threatened me with a knife he had taken out of his pocket.” “You knew he was the prince already?” Louie asked, standing from his seat again. “Yes. I have since… I escaped.” “WHAT?!” Louie bellowed, stepping toward me. “The first time I came here, I had escaped from him.” The more belittling my story got, the more faces turned towards me. Soon, all eyes were on me. “Why didn’t you tell me? I could have helped,” Louie asked, stepping even closer. “I know. He threatened me. I… I didn’t want to put you in any danger.”
Read ^ first! ------------------------------------------------------------------ “You can’t torture a prince of another kingdom… or his belle.” I blushed and looked down so they couldn’t see my smile. Or his belle? I lifted my head for half a second to glance at how the king had responded. Lines of anger outlined his eyes and he clenched his fists. “Council dismissed,” he said through his teeth. I turned to walk to my room. Louie ran to me, placing my arm on his to walk out. “Not you two,” the king ordered. What does he want with me? I thought, turning around. “Stand here,” he said, pointing to a spot on the floor in front of him. I compelled, not wanting to rattle him any more than he already was. Louie didn’t follow me, stubbornly staying where he was. He could sway the king without a major problem. “You too,” the king said, motioning two fingers to where I was standing. Louie stepped next to me, placing a trembling arm around my waist as he did so. I gasped, feeling my eyes widen. Not with the king! I urged him in my mind, stepping away. His arm fell. He’s going to ridicule us, then tell us we can’t meet up if Louie doesn’t stop! I didn’t want that. Not for the world. “I don’t care if you disagree with my principals, but this has to stop. Your little… romance… is unacceptable. Hana, you are a nice girl, but you’re still a commoner. Even if Prince Vigilius ends up not allying with Princess Maeryn, this is improper.” I let my head droop. I knew this would be coming. “Of course, your majesty.” “No!” Louie shouted. I was glad he was brave enough to stand up for us. “I’m not letting her go. I’m going to leave her for the rest of my life. I’m going to keep meeting up with her.” “We’ll see.” He stood. “Come with me,” he told me. I nodded. “Yes, sire.” -------------------------------------------------------------- Lol now I have a character after Allie... and uh... used some known last names to me in the meeting last chapter because that's what they're called by and um... yeah. Happy chapter 48! I'm SOOOO CLOSE to being done!! I'd just like to thank the following people: Annelise (WRITE... also 'sup strange hoomanoid) M (One) Allie (Hi) Teachers (Old and new, past and present) RAP (debating between what to call you.) Abby-Cadabby (hi) Cata (Heylo) Clarabolino (mwahaha) The Zoester (I now know how to do the homework assignment I was asking for help with :D) Ivy Rae (Hiiiii!) Me family (I see you all the time) ... the list goes on. :D Happy reading -Oreo
