Lost Royalty

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

As they were walking through the village they received several curious glances. Elle couldn't help but hear people whispering.

"They found her!"

"I wonder why she is so important."

"What has happened to her face?"

Elle tried to ignore them all, but it was difficult

"Elle!" she heard someone call. She turned to see Mrs. Ovens, who was quickly dropping into a curtsey to Andrew. "What on earth had happened to your face, dear?"

Elle blushed slightly and looked to the ground.

"And you're covered in dirt! That simply won't do, Elle. You are in the company of royalty."

Elle smiled slightly. If only she knew.

Oscar recognised Mrs. Ovens from the search.

"You are a tailor, right?" he asked her, kindly.

"Yes, sir."

"Elle needs a dress." He told her.

"Well, I have several things that might work if you want to come and have a look?" she asked.

"Yes, please," Andrew said, and they all began to follow her.

They all crammed into her little store, looking at the rows of fabric.

"Do you want a day dress?" she asked Elle. Elle nodded her head.

"No, something nicer. You need to look proper." Andrew butted in.

"Why?" Elle asked. "Surely that would be uncomfortable for riding?"

"Elle, you're a princess! You have to look respectable!"

"A-a princess?" Mrs. Ovens stammered. She looked to Andrew and back to Elle again.

"Apparently so," Elle said.

"Then I will give you a dress fit for royalty. When do you need it by?"

"Tomorrow morning," Andrew said.

"But that is simply not possible! I can't make a dress overnight." She looked extremely worried.

"Then Elle will need the best dress that you have."

"Of course, sir!" she said and began rushing around to find what she needed.

"I actually mad a dress for you for the party." She said to Elle. Elle was blown away. Someone would actually do that for her? But she didn't want a ball gown. She would stick out like a sore thumb. Besides, it would be next to impossible to move around in.

"It's quite simple, so it isn't really a ball gown." Mrs. Ovens said, almost reading Elle's mind.

She held it up and Elle was speechless. It was beautiful.

It was a simple and modest dress, with no frilly layers or delicate bows. It was certainly fit for royalty in Elle's mind. But to wear a dress like this was a scary thought.

"You'll have to get used to dresses like this one, princess," Oscar said, grinning at her. Elle's horrified look made everyone laugh.

"It's perfect, Mrs. Ovens," Andrew said, taking it from her. "I think it's time we find somewhere to stay."

"It'll have to be the inn. There isn't much else around here." Oscar said.

"You can stay at my house. I'm sure ma won't mind. You'll have to share rooms, though." James said.

"Perfect," Andrew replied, with a bright smile. He really didn't want to stay in the inn.

They walked to James' house in silence. James' family wasn't the richest in the village, but they were well off and had plenty of space.

When Mrs. Parson opened the door for them she gasped in disbelief.

"James, you're back!"

"Hello, ma." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I have some guests for the night."

Mrs. Parson looked at the people with James. When she saw Andrew she curtseyed.

"Come in." she gestured for them to come in. They were lead down a hallway and to a sitting area. She didn't even look twice at Elle's ripped and stained dress.

They sat down and James explained everything to her.

"I always thought you were too beautiful to belong to that nasty Mr. Winters!" she told Elle once they had finished. Elle blushed in embarrassment.

They spent an enjoyable evening with the Parson family. James had a sister, Gemma, only a year younger than Elle, and they got along extremely well. They had several similar traits, including their love for books.

That night, Elle was sharing a room with Gemma. She lay awake long after she had heard Gemma fall asleep. Her mind was just too awake.

What were her family like? Would the accept her? How would people react to her being back? Would she even like living in the castle.

These thoughts kept her awake for hours, and by the time she finally drifted off, she only had a few hours left to sleep.

***

Elle awoke to hear someone else in the room. Gemma was awake and sat on her bed, reading a book. When she saw Elle awake she looked up and smiled. She set her book to one side.

"Good morning, Elle." She said.

"Good morning."

"Are you excited for today?" she asked.

"I'm more nervous. I just don't know what to expect." She said. Gemma could tell that she hadn't slept well.

"There is a basin of water over there if you want to bathe yourself. I'll wait outside."

"Thank you."

When Elle was done, she called Gemma back in. Gemma pulled out Elle's dress and helped her climb into it.

The dress was just as beautiful as she remembered from the previous day.

"Can I do your hair?" she asked with excitement. Elle nodded and sat down on a wooden chair.

It didn't take long, but by the time it was finished they were being called down for breakfast.

Everyone was already sat around the table, and when they saw Elle there was a collective gasp. She really did look stunning. Just like a princess.

James tried not to keep glancing over at her, but it was difficult. She just looked so beautiful.

When they were finished eating they got up to leave straight away. The plan was to reach the castle in the early afternoon, and it was already mid-morning. None of them had realised how long they had slept for.

When they had reached the horses they said their goodbyes. They thanked the family, and the men shook hands with James.

When it was Elle's turn to say goodbye to James, she pulled him into a hug. Some might say that this wasn't proper, but Elle didn't care at that moment.

"Don't forget us, the unimportant people," he whispered into her hair.

She pulled away and gave him a soft, but very real, smile. "I don't think I ever could." She replied.

As they rode away, James couldn't help but be sad. But he knew that he shouldn't be. Elle, or Elizabeth as he should probably call her now, was going to live a better life. She would have whatever she needed, and a family to care for her. Those thoughts alone were what comforted James when he watched her ride off into the distance.

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The next chapter is super exciting, but for sure the most emotional yet! :)