The Footsteps to Freedom

Chapter 7

"Without further ado, I present to you, my lovely daughter, your Princess Alice!" King Henry announced as Alice walked onto the balcony where her parents stood. She took a deep breath and plastered on her nervous, fake smile. She curtsied to her people the way Gregory told her to, and then cleared her throat.

"It is a great honor to stand here as your princess today," Alice began her speech as people quieted down. "I have dreamed of this day for a long while, and am pleased that it has finally arrived! My people, I have lived the first nineteen years of my life amongst you, and have learned your ways. I know of your trials and tribulations, and with this knowledge, I will do my part and better this kingdom. My people, you have provided for me a safe haven for the first nineteen years of my life, and for that, I thank you. Now, I must do my part along with my father and mother to ensure your comfort, security, and happiness. Long live King Henry! Long live Queen Sophie. And long live the people of Westphalia!"

Covered in sweat, Alice flashed her fake smile to the crowd as the applause filled the air. Soon, everyone began to chant: "Long live Princess Alice!'' The sound of their chants filled Alice with nerves, as she realized what she had just done. She couldn't believe she gave her speech without stuttering. Overwhelmed, she continued to smile and wave to the crowd as she followed her parents back into the palace, mindful of her walk. Gregory had shown her the proper way to walk, and it took her a while to get the hang of it.

"Oh Alice, you did great!" Queen Sophie beamed.

"You are a natural!" agreed King Henry.

"That went better than I expected," Gregory mumbled. "Though your voice was too fake, and so was your smile. We need to work on that."

Alice frowned. "Of course it was fake. The whole speech was fake!"

"We will work on your attitude as well," Gregory said as he wrote something down. "Now it is time for morning tea."

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 After dinner, Alice was given a half hour break. She decided she was going to write Thomas a letter and set out to find Molly. After Molly gave her paper and a pen, Alice raced up to her room despite her exhaustion. She sat down to write the letter, eager to start.

My Dearest Tom Tom,

Oh how I miss you! Life in the palace is not easy at all! Today was filled with all this training to make me a better princess. I feel so exhausted. Do you remember the man who came to bring me to my doom? Well he, Gregory, is my personal advisor. I do not like him at all! All day, he has been criticizing me for everything! Can he not show me some mercy? Does he not remember that this is my first day as a princess? I so wish I had my old life back! How's everyone? How are you? My heart aches for you constantly. I hope

Her writing was interrupted by the entry of someone. "What are you doing?"

Alice looked up to find Gregory standing over her. "Just writing," Alice mumbled. He swooped over and snatched the letter. "Hey! Give that back!"

"Who is this Tom?" Gregory asked.

"That is none of your business!" Alice shrieked. She tried to grab the paper but he held it out of her reach. Without another word, he began to tear the letter.

"You are not allowed to maintain your previous personal connections," he told her. "Anyone that you had known in your previous life does not exist now. You should not be in contact with any of them. It is for the best."

"I shall do what I please!" she cried.

"These are your parents' orders. You will not, I believe, disobey them, now would you?" Gregory asked.