The Lost Princess

Chapter 2- Caroline de Vere

Caroline walked for hours on end only stopping to take a break to eat. She walked into a farmer's market at the border of her kingdom and was there, looking for food at a low price.

She weaved her way through the crowd of people to get to where she needed to go. Someone in front of her however wasn't watching where they were going and accidentally knocked her over. Caroline screamed, fell backward, and the person who made her fall over fell on top of her. It was a boy. He seemed about sixteen and had messy jet black hair. He had startling green eyes and wore a torn shirt and pants. He seemed out of breath when he helped her up.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to knock you over. I was running from the butcher." He said all this really fast.

"It's quite alright. I was just looking for the farmers so I could buy their food." Caroline said as the boy bent over and helped her up. She could see his face clearer. His face looked reckless, like he'd been in too much trouble but didn't care at all.

"I'm Declan. What about you?" he asked.

"I'm Caroline." she responded.

"Are you from around here?" Declan asked, waving his hand around. She hesitated.

"No. I'm visiting family." Caroline lied. Declan nodded like he understood.

"Hey. I gotta go. I'm running from the baker. I stole some cookies for my family. We live on the streets." Declan explained, glancing around. Caroline nodded and said, "It was nice meeting you though. I hope we see each other again soon."

"Me too. If you need me, just holler my name and I'll come running." he jokingly bowed, kissed her hand, and ran off. Caroline heard the baker yelling, "Catch that kid!"

She saw Declan duck into an alley she never realized was there and the baker ran right past him. He caught her gaze and winked.

She walked over to where he was hiding and he pulled her, by the hand, into the alley.

"So, see what I mean? I'm not on good terms with the baker, butcher, and basically everyone." Declan said.

"I can see that." Caroline said breathlessly. Declan grabbed her arm gently and led her through the alley they were in. Declan stopped suddenly and seemed to stop breathing when he saw three figures laying on the ground, apparently asleep. He let out the breath he was holding and gently shook them awake.

"This is my mom, Orla. And my dad, Nolan. That's my sister, Teagan." Declan said, pointing to each of them in turn.

They each waved when Caroline said, "Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm Caroline."

"So what brings a lovely young lady like yourself to this part of town?" asked Orla. Caroline blushed.

"Well, if you must know, I ran away. My parents are forcing me to marry a-" Caroline stopped suddenly, wondering if she should tell them that she is royalty, "a man I am not on good terms with."

Orla and Nolan nodded as though they understood. Teagan just looked at her and smiled.

"Would you like some food? We can share." Declan offered. Caroline looked at how much food the small family had. It was only enough for two people. And they all looked like they were starving.

"No thank you. I actually was just out to get some food though. Would you like to come with me?" Caroline asked. Orla and Nolan looked at each other. They shrugged.

"Only if you want to take them." Nolan joked. Orla and Caroline laughed lightly.

"I'm able to take them if you want. Or you all can come with me." Caroline said. Teagan looked at her mother with pleading eyes and her parents had to give in.

"Yes. We can come with her." Nolan finally said to Orla. Orla faced Caroline and said, "We will come if you'll allow it." Caroline smiled.

"Of course."

The five walked throughout the farmers market and stopped at various places and shops. Caroline bought enough meat and food to last Declan, Teagan, Orla, and Nolan at least a week. They had tried to protest but Caroline wouldn't take no for an answer. She bought food for them anyway. 

"I don't know how we can ever repay you. Thank you so so so much! You have no idea how much this means to us" Orla said, tears brimming in her eyes. Caroline smiled.

"Glad I could help. Now, I best be on my way. It was lovely meeting you! I hope we meet again soon." Caroline started to go for a handshake to Nolan but he instead grabbed her and wrapped her in a hug. He let go and Orla did the same. Teagan hugged Caroline's leg and Declan wouldn't let go for at least three minutes.

Caroline was so touched by everyone. She left a small gift of $300 for them. They wouldn't find it till later.

Caroline gathered her stuff and walked off, waving back at the smiling family.