The Lost Princess

Chapter 1 || Truth and Wisdom

< < < < - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > > > >

"We can not!" My father screamed, at the Chamberlin. "The protection is their's, yet they still ask for more. No, they must pay! I want them gone and done with," he continued, irritation heavy in his voice. I have never seen father like this.

"My dear, Arabella, you must be mad! Sneaking about the castle, so close to the King's place of work," my lady's maid, Idean, scolds, shooing me off with her handkerchief. She appears uneasy, causing me to instantly feel awful.

"I apologize, Idean, but I grow tired of the same old boring routine. I'm supposed to be the princess. I should be learning the ways of the people beyond the wall. Not that I don't enjoy your company. It's just, I'm forced to stay in the confines of the castle, never seeing the lands I am to one day rule? How am I to do well by the people if I don't know them?" I ask, voicing the same questions I have been asking since the day I turned fifteen--old enough to get the full tour of the castle.

Mother came out of the office then. She must have heard what I voiced, for she answers. "My darling girl, Eralibaen, although peaceful and great in many ways. The people do not take kindly to royalty. You would not be as welcomed as you wish, so it is best to stay here away from them. Just as they want. We may rule them, but it is best to respect their wishes and stay away. Isn't that right?" Mother adds, directing her question at Idean with the slightest head tilt.

"Yes, my queen, you speak with truth, and wisdom," Idean replies, not skipping a beat. Strange. That is the same thing William had said when I had vented about my mother a week or so ago. She speaks with truth and wisdom. Maybe that is part of the respect instilled in the servants that I grew up with. They do not speak ill of royalty. Then, why am I frequently the butt of the jokes?

"You see, now, I believe it is time for you to be in the garden. I must be off. Goodbye, for now, darling." Mother takes her leave. Her elegant blood red dress turning swiftly as she turns back, where father just was.

When Mother is well out of sight, I look to Idean, who is smiling at me with adoration, as she always does. "Idean, the people can't really be that dangerous to me, can they? If they are anything like you, William, and any of the other servants, they mustn't be that bad. If I were to go out, would they truly hate me so." I questioned my mother's words, even as she spoke them, but I knew I couldn't speak against her, so I asked Idean.

"You know, as well as, I, your parents have reasons for all they do. If they would rather you not be out and about there must be a reason. It's best not to question. Now, off to the gardens with you," she finished quickly, leading me.

I groaned softly, "I hate that answer."

Idean laughs quietly, "I know, my dear, but that is the only answer I will be giving you today. Come now."

I follow her with my shoulders slumped.

I love the gardens, always have, but today I feel more restless than ever before. I want to climb up the giant wall holding me hostage. Idean leaves as soon as we reach the arches leading to the gardens, but not before turning to me. "Please, my dear, do not forget to take your medicine. You forgot yesterday, and you know, as well as I, too long without can be bad."

I nod knowingly and head into the array of colors that acts as my paradise. As I walk the aisle of roses and tulips, I silently dream of my leaving. Who would I encounter? What would I see?

"Arabella, why so down? Ya' didn't miss morning supper again did ya'?" William, one of the guard's and my good friend, jokes. Referring to the time I decided against eating one morning, and I was in such a foul mood. I refused to make the cooks make something, so waited until afternoon. William still likes to tease me about it.

William's dark black hair is beginning to gray on the sides, and he is wrinkling from years of laughter. His bright blue eyes, however, never change. Still smiling, holding just enough mischief to keep me on my toes.

"No," I shoot back, sticking my tongue out at him. To which he just snorts.

"So, what is it?"

"What's it like outside the wall?" William shifted nervously.

"Arabella, ya' know--"

I cut him off, "No, I don't. Not really."

He looked to be fighting a battle, I couldn't see, before he sighed deeply, "Fine. Outside is--"

A loud sound called, meaning the guards are switching. No!

"Please, finish," I begged.

"Ya' will find out in due time, Arabella, and when ya' do, ya' will be a great ruler. Don't fear young one. Now, I must be going." I waved him off and watched him leave.

I smile thinking of the words William said. He believes in me.

I walk back to the wall and stare at it thinking, once again, about what lay on the other side. Suddenly, a cloth is stuffed in my mouth and nose, causing me to gag. Worse, I can't breathe. Unconsciousness is right on the brim of my mind when I feel rough hands hoist me onto a shoulder.

"Help," I mumble.

"That's what we want, Princess," a man whispers into my ear. However, before I can respond, for darkness is engulfing my vision. No one is coming. The guards are switching. I'm all alone.

< < < < - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - > > > >

Hey fellow bookworms!

Thank you so much for reading and your support! Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below, and or voting. I will be updating every Tuesday and Thursday.

@LibMikie101 Thank you for supporting the book when it had 5 views and 0 votes! You are a rockstar!

Thanks again!