The Forbidden Princess [Paused]

Chapter 8: We Invade the Palace

I awake on the floor of my peasant room, the sheet wrapped various ways around me. I was breathing heavy and sweating a little, my body shaking.

I slowly untangled myself and climbed back into bed, trying to at least attempt to fall back asleep. Alas, it didn't work. I laid on top of the bed and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours before Nina came to wake me up.

"Rise and shine, Princess! I laid out a dress for you and breakfast is ready. Time to get ready for school!" Nina exclaimed.

I groaned and slowly lifted myself out of the bed to get ready for the day ahead. Nina had already left so I got up even slower. I was tired. I was afraid-afraid to face Jesse and Arthur. What did my dream mean? Why were they in it? Why was Jesse kissing me in the dream? Did it mean I liked him?

No, I told myself. It means nothing. It's just your mind making things up.

Yes, I agreed with myself. It's just my imagination...

I reached the dresser to find a maroon dress laying there for me. The closest color to royalty there was: enough red present to hide the purple, but it was still there if you look closely.

I slipped on some socks and the short black boots I have always worn when I was forced down here. My hair looked alright, so I just put it up in a pigtail and floated out of the room.

"We have buttered bread for Her Majesty today," Nina said, shooting me a grin.

"Thanks," I said. "But I'm not hungry. Can I just take lunch and get going?"

Nina looked at me sadly, but changed her expression almost immediately. "Sure, Charlotte. Here's your lunch and have a great day at school!" She handed me the lunch bag with a smile on her face. I could tell it was fake. I could tell she wasn't happy here. I vowed that I would make it up to her as soon as I returned.

I smiled back at her and left the house. A guard jumped out of no where and asked if I wanted escorted to school.

"No, it's quite alright," I told him. "Besides, it would be obvious that your from the palace. But thank you, sir."

He nodded and returned into the shadows. A couple minutes passed before I heard a loud thudding noise. Then I heard someone calling out for me. I knew it was Jesse as soon he mouthed the first four letters of my name.

I turned around to see him running full speed towards me, his bag grasped tightly in his right hand. He finally stopped directly in front of me and seemed to be breathing very heavy from running.

"Char, why didn't you wait for me? I told you I'd walk you to school."

I shrugged. "Sorry, Jesse. I forgot about it," I lied to him.

He straightened back up, threw his bag on his shoulder, and reached for mine but I jerked it away.

"I want to carry my bag today, please."

"Oh," he said disappointed. "Okay. Just thought the princess of Harling would want-"

"Jesse! Please be quiet! Someone will hear you!" I whispered to him.

He rolled his eyes then smirked. "Oh, alright. If it'll make the princess happy." Jesse gave me a wink.

I shot him a angry look and walked away towards the school. I didn't stop until I reached the building and sat down beside Arthur.

~~~

Once school was over with, I walked with Arthur out of the building and Jesse lagged behind us. I didn't mind walking with Arthur, it was Jesse that bothered me. My dream about him bothered me. I tried to forget about it, but I just continued to see it in very clear detail...