The Footsteps to Freedom

Chapter 6

“Alice!” Queen Sophie cried as she entered the throne room. The queen sat on her throne and the king was sitting on his. An empty chair sat to her right, and Alice knew it was supposed to be hers. The queen was still too weak to come up and greet her, but the king stood and came towards Alice. He threw himself around her, and Alice wrapped her arms around him.

“Princess Alice, welcome home,” the king said warmly.

“Thank you, father,” she said, testing the name.

“I waited almost twenty years to hear you say that word,” King Henry said happily.

“I’m glad to say it then,” Alice said, but without much enthusiasm.

“Alice dear, come give me a hug!” Queen Sophie called to her, and Alice did as she was asked.

“I cannot believe this day has finally come! You will not believe how surprised I was when I saw you the other day,” Queen Sophie cried.

“It was more a surprise for you than me, that’s for sure,” Alice told her.

“That’s right! You just found out now. Well, I’m sorry you had to have this all come to you at once,” Queen Sophie apologized.

“I’ll admit, it definitely wasn’t easy,” Alice confessed. “But I understand why you had to keep it a secret.”

“Poor Alice! I really hope you took it alright,” Queen Sophie looked genuinely worried.

“Hopefully, I will be fine Mother,” Alice said.

Queen Sophie broke into a smile. “Say it again,” she pleaded. “It sounds like music.”

“Alright Mother,” Alice agreed. “Can I please go up to my room?”

“Now? But we didn’t even have dinner,” Queen Sophie pointed out.

“It’s been a long day for me. I don’t want dinner,” Alice told her.

“Okay then. Let me assign you your personal servant and guards, and then they will show you to your room,” King Henry said. He called in a few people and they rushed in. The four men would be her security guards and Molly would be her personal maid. Feigning satisfaction, Alice said goodnight and followed Molly up to her room.

“There you are, my princess,” Molly announced as she pulled the door open.

“Thank you Molly,” Alice said, and waited for her to leave. When she didn’t, she asked, “Do you need something?”

Molly bowed. “Your Highness, I need to make sure everything is alright before I leave. Shall I prepare a bath for you? Or maybe a cup of tea before bed?”

“No thank you, I don’t need anything,” Alice assured her.

“Then let me get you your nightgown,” Molly said, and turned to the large closet in the room. After a minute, she pulled out a white gown and held it up for her.

“Thank you again Molly,” Alice said as she came to take it from her.

“Don’t you need help changing?” Molly asked her.

“What? No, I can manage on my own,” Alice said firmly.

Molly looked skeptical. “But your highness, it is my job...” She faltered.

“That’s okay. I definitely don’t need help changing. If anyone asks me, I will tell them you did your job and more, but please, I can do this by myself,” Alice insisted.

“Al...Alright, your highness,” Molly said dubiously. She stood there for a minute.

“Do you need something?” Alice asked.