Savior of the Realms

Chapter 3

"I still don't know what you were doing in that old study room," Mom said an hour later in my room.

"I told you, I was searching for an old notebook where I used to keep history notes," I lied, trying to keep my voice steady. "And nothing really happened except for the breaking of an already broken desk."

"And what exactly made you go there without guards? Haven't I told you before to take care and always have guards with you, even going to the kitchens? Scarlett, you could've been hurt, or worse, you could've died," said Mom fiercely. "You know really well what's been happening in the palace and yet you have acted most irresponsibly. I just told the Captain of the Royal Guard to assign a personal guard to accompany you everywhere, considering the recent circumstances."

I felt extremely guilty at that because I knew that she was right. My mom tried to stay strong in front of us, but she was a human being, and she was as nervous as the rest of us. "Yes Mom, you're right, I should have thought about my behavior beforehand. I'm really sorry." I said.

"Anyway, I was going to send for you to come to the throne room because we have something to discuss," she said, returning back to her normal tone.

I bolted upright. "Is everyone alright?"

"Oh yes, don't worry. But you're almost nineteen and I think it's time we find you a respectful suitor to court you until you become eligible for marriage."

"But mom, isn't this too early? I mean I still have a lot of stuff to learn and I haven't even finished the history of this continent. I still have books to study and stuff to do. And it's not long before I'll be busy helping Dad rule the country," I retorted incredulously.

"I know, but courtship wouldn't take that much of your time. You love to experience stuff, so don't you want to at least try this? It won't hurt to get to know him," Mom said patiently.

I sighed. I already expected that Mom would tell me this, but I still feared that it would come in the way of my research. I was already distracted by the incident of the study room and unusually tired at this time of day, so I just accepted.

"Ok, but at least let me know his name." I said tightly

"It's Prince Venustus of Rhondane. You only met him once when you were six when we attended his brother's birthday party."

How could I forget him? At that time. I used to loathe parties, but I was forced to attend them because I'm the Crown Princess. So, when my parents were busy with the other attendants, I sneaked into the palace, seeking a quieter place to play with my toy doll. That toy was my favorite; we were inseparable. I found a corridor not too deep into the palace to sit and play. Not more than five minutes later, the prince turned up. He rounded the corner and his eyes fell on me, followed by my toy.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"I'm Princess Scarlett of Traxiva," I replied with the words Mom made me memorize to respond to anyone who asks me that question.

We spent most of that day together: he showed me his room, which was packed with toys, we ate together at lunch, and we cried together when it was time to say goodbye.

I never saw him again, but he was my first ever friend. I haven't really had a lot of friends, it was only Anne, and even though he and I never met again, he was still the first.

"Yeah, I remember him."

My mom sat up. "Great. Be prepared, he'll be here tomorrow."

"What, so soon?" I said miserably.

"Tomorrow. Five in the afternoon. Don't be late," Mom said, closing the door behind her.

I lay down on my bed, thinking. So, I was right about the idea of magic, and that someone was here in the palace. And he or she was following me. Who'd want to follow me, though? And why didn't they kill me instead of escape? The prospect of a guard following me everywhere in the palace gave me a sense of security, but it would still make investigating harder. I also nearly read all of the books that have a relation to magic and that don't but didn't find anything relevant. So I decided to avert my concentration to finding that thing that's lurking in the palace. I felt like I needed someone to talk to about all of this, so I got to my feet, heading towards the kitchens.

Through the doorway, I could smell the pleasant aroma of lunch. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until I saw servants stirring pots, cutting vegetables and walking past with delicious-looking plates and trays. I looked around for Anne, but couldn't spot her, so I thought maybe she's busy with the food right now.

Disappointed, I headed for one of the corners deep into the kitchen where there were sofas and a large fireplace. I sat down there looking at the hearth, wondering what Anne would say about all of this. I was deep in thought when a voice beside me said: "Your Highness," a servant said delightfully, curtsying. "Would you like me to bring you something?"

"Thank you. Just a cup of water, please." I said, smiling.

The servant came five minutes later with the cup, set it down, then curtsied and waited for me to drink.

When I finished, I said, "So what's your name?"

"It's Susan. I just started working here last week," she responded enthusiastically.

"And do you like it here?" I asked.

Susan seemed surprised at my question, not having expected that she'd ever see me, let alone speak with me. That is one thing that annoyed me about being a princess. People think that you're not a human being like them, as if status and titles make you a god. What they don't get is that I love speaking to them more than I ever loved speaking formally in royal ceremonies or events with stiff royals and aristocrats.

"Yes, your highness, everyone is so kind and caring here and I'm thankful for the opportunity of working for the royal family."

"That's great, Susan. Are you on duty now?"

"No, I'm just helping around while trying to get to know everyone. My duties start after dinner; I clean the kitchen."

"Would you care to sit?" I asked, gesturing at the empty place beside me on the sofa.

She looked puzzled, then smiled and sat down.

"Now, I kindly ask you to call me Scarlett. I sometimes come down here to chat in my free time."

"Yes, everyone here loves you!" she said.

"And I love everyone. So talk to me about your family." I said, drawing the conversation towards her.

"My father died a year after I was born, and mom's a nurse. I also have a 7-year-old little sister, Lily. Despite her young age, she is obsessed with art and she makes beautiful paintings," Susan said, fondly. "It's only been a week but I already miss them."

I didn't know what to say, but I felt her pain. Mom rarely travels with dad and when Tom accompanies them, I usually go too. But I certainly miss dad right now and wish he was here with us.

As we were conversing, I noticed that everyone started to leave the kitchen with food trays that were probably going to the royal family's private lunch room.

"Unfortunately, I have to go now because as I see it, lunch is ready. I hope to see you again when I get down here next time. Oh, and by the way, nice hair." I said merrily, getting up to leave, but not before getting a glimpse of her flushed face.