The Lost Princess

Chapter 1 - Caroline de Vere

Soon may the Wellerman come, to bring us sugar and tea and rum, one day when the tonguin' is done, we'll take our leave and go," Caroline's mother, Caitlynn, finished the song quietly, "Good night. Sleep tight." she whispered in her daughter's ear. Caroline smiled and her mother left.

When her mother left, Caroline threw open the doors that led to a balcony. She sighed.

"Beautiful view isn't it?" she asked herself. The night was still, except for the clouds dancing in the sky. She smiled, wanting to explore, but instead went back to bed. She dreamed of all the adventures she could have when she was queen. But in the morning, she changed her mind. She wouldn't dream of them. She would have them.

"Ma'am, what would you like with your breakfast?" The royal family's personal chef, Fergus, asked her as soon as he saw her stir. She was startled a tiny bit yet she answered, "Er, I'll have an egg and bacon." The chef nodded and started cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Caroline's personal dresser and maid, Aislinn, helped her into a nice floor length dress that hung off of her shoulders. The dress was pale pink and faded into white at the bottom. It matched her dark brown hair and her champagne eyes.

Aislinn did Caroline's hair into a braided bun at the top of her head and added a diamond headpiece. She sensed that something was off with Caroline.

"Is everything ok?" she asked her. Caroline just shrugged. In the deepest of her heart, she wanted to journey to different places, see different things, try different foods. But she had a kingdom to rule when the privilege was passed down to her.

"It's just. . . I don't want to rule. There are too many risks and I really want to travel the world. And meet new people and try different things! I just. I don't know." Caroline ranted to her maid. Aislinn nodded as if she agreed with her. And personally, I'm sure she did. As she is a maid, she doesn't get to see a lot of things.

"I too, would like to see the world one day." Aislinn said wistfully.

"Where would you go? Besides in Ireland." Caroline said. Aislinn thought for a moment.

"I'd go to the New World. I've heard great things about it," she stopped, "Where would you go?"

"I'd. . . go to Paris, France. I've heard it's a romantic place and you end up finding your soulmates. Or England. But I want to choose my husband. I don't want my parents doing it for me." Caroline said. Aislinn nodded again. They sat in silence; thinking about what the other had said.

"There. Finished. Do you like it?" Aislinn questioned. Caroline smiled.

"I do."

They stepped out of the bedroom together and tiptoed down the beautiful white marble staircase with a velvet red carpet rolled down the middle.

"Your Highness, your breakfast is served! Enjoy." Fergus exclaimed, setting the plate down in front of her. He beckoned to Aislinn and she went into the kitchen with him. Caroline heard low whispers from the both of them and she got a sick feeling. Three minutes later, they came out of the kitchen and Aislinn sat down next to her.

"What was that about?" Caroline demanded.

"Your parents hadn't wanted to tell you yet. They said that they feel obligated to tell you themselves. So if you get called to their thrones, don't be surprised. . ." Aislinn started. Caroline looked confused.

"Never mind. Your parents will explain all of it." Fergus finished for her.

A royal voice called down from the top of the stairs called; "Caroline! Would you be a dear and come up here?" Fergus and Aislinn exchanged a look of worry. What would happen? Caroline didn't know. Aislinn and Fergus waved her towards her mother and gave a nod of support.