Runaway

Chapter 5: Time

CHAPTER 5: TIME

The morning after the attack, the palace was heavily guarded. Guards were everywhere. The damages and the aftermath were quickly polished and cleaned up. The palace infirmary was packed with people. Whoever those Southern Cross rebels are, they are aggressively sick. Those rebels may create only a few casualties but it was serious and fatal ones. Whatever their reason for attacking, I'm sure it involved the King.

I didn't get enough sleep last night because I was over thinking about what could happen and what did happened. The King's condition was still unstable last time I checked. He was shot near the chest and on the leg. There were three fears on my mind that kept me awake last night. First, the King could die and I could lose a father. Second, my mother would probably go insane losing my father. Third, if my father dies, I being queen will be approaching sooner than I'll expect it to be.

I pushed my thoughts away as my maids entered my room.

"Are you guys okay after the attack?" I rushed to them on the door.

"Yes, my lady. We have survived yet another attack." Martha smiled sadly and the others nodded in silence.

"We are sorry about what happened to the King, Princess Flare." Lyn whispered silently, taking my hand in hers. I could almost feel the hot tears in my eyes but then, I reminded myself to stay strong so I could suffice whatever weakness this situation could cause.

"Don't worry; it's not your fault. The King will get better soon."

"We wish him a speedy recovery."

With that, we group hugged with arms linking on each other like how nets could catch something falling.

"Okay now, girls, we have to do work. So let's do this." Serah beamed as she went to my bathroom to prepare it for my bath and the others were busy cleaning around and preparing my dress and cosmetics. While they were busy I pulled myself out of the warmth of my bed and hid the evidences from last night's escape under my bed.

Two arguing voices from my walk in closet caught my attention. I stood up and went to my closet silently.

"This is the perfect dress!" Lyn argued, holding a red gown with star like sparkles.

"No, this one is!" Rosy face palmed. "That's too bright and flashy. The queen told us to pick something formal and elegant."

I cleared my throat and their argument hushed down almost too immediately.

"Before you two could continue arguing over a gown, would you please tell me what is going on?" I raised my eyebrows. "Why does the queen want me to wear something formal and elegant? Is there any upcoming event that I should've known?"

They look at each other like they were hiding something from me.

Something strange is going on. I do not like not knowing relevant information.

"Is there?" I asked curiously. Rosy shook her head 'no' before Lyn started to talk.

"I thought you know why, my lady, because we really don't know why the queen has personally ordered us to pick your outfit."

"I don't know too." Something is going on without me knowing it. I don't know why but I feel nervous. This palace is surely full of surprises.

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After few hours I was scrubbed, bathe, cleaned and polished from head to toe. I was already sitting in front of my mirror. I am wearing a strapless dark violet ombre gown that fades to white down and black heels. I let Martha dye my red locks to black so that I would look a bit more elegant.