The Forbidden Princess [Paused]

Chapter 5: Nina Is Suspicious

Saturdays are meant for relaxation. Even at the palace, I had freedom to do whatever I pleased. I wasn't forced to practice violin or have History, English, Science, and Math. The only thing I was required to do was my "queen duties" as Father would call them.

And that's what made me blow up at him and be forbidden on palace grounds-I didn't want to do it anymore. I was tired of wasting my free time working when I could be reading or out in the garden.

If Mother was still alive, I wouldn't have to do my "queen duties" as much and I most certainly would enjoy them more. Mom would have taught me how to be a perfect queen. She would have taught me how to be a proper lady. However, since she passed, Nina, my teacher, and my father had been teaching me. Of course, I turned out fine, but not as great as I could have been. Though I did wonder sometimes how I would have turned out if Mother was still alive...

This Saturday, I was determined to have the most fun I had ever had-even more than last night. I couldn't though, because we had a visitor. A visitor from the palace.

"Hello," the guard said when Nina let him in. "I am Gerald Williamson, the head guard at the palace."

"Oh yes, of course! Hello Mr. Gerald, such a pleasure," I said curtsying as I spoke.

"Princess, how have you been? Your father wanted me to check on you."

"Fine. I mean, it's of course not the palace down here, but I'm getting along just fine." We sat down at the table while Nina cooked up breakfast.

"Great to hear that, Miss. I was also wondering if you feel safe enough here?" Gerald asked me.

I nodded. "Of course. I feel very safe. Not as safe as I would at home, but safe enough yes."

"Are you sure, Princess? I could always have guards down here to keep an eye on you."

Nina darted over to the table. "Oh yes! That would be so nice to have. I thought I heard people outside last night and it scared me. It would be wonderful to have some guards. Don't you think so, Charlotte?"

Nina heard me, I thought. She heard us last night and now I'm going to be guarded once again. This is just grand. I have to tell someone... "Yes, Nina. That would be wonderful," I said. I smiled and gave Gerald a slight nod. "Yes, sir. That would be wonderful."

"Alright," he said. "I will have guards down here right away. Sorry to take up your time, Princess. If you ever need anything, just alert the guards and we will personally take care of it for you." He spoke in a whisper close to my ear, "Even if your father doesn't directly approve." He straightened back up and continued, "Good day, Princess Charlotte, and good day to you, Miss Nina." Gerald bowed to us and was on his way out the door when Nina stopped him.

"Wait!" she called. "Would you like me to have a plate ready for you when you return? It's really no trouble."

Gerald respectfully nodded in her direction. "Yes, that would be extravagant. Thank you for your kindness, Miss Nina. I shall be right back." And with that, he was gone.

"I'm so glad that we will have guards now! This will feel more like home don't you think?" Nina asked.

I forced a smile and nodded. "I think I might go visit Arthur if that's alright," I said.

Nina suddenly stopped baking and turned towards me. Her face was hard to read, but I could tell she didn't like my idea of visiting Arthur very well. "Er, sure, Miss. Do you know where he is at?"

"I have a pretty good idea. I'll be back in a while," I said. I decided to pack some food, so I slung my bag over my shoulder and stuffed various fruits and vegetables in the bag along with my school books which were already in there. I waved good bye to Nina and headed out the door.