The Unexpected Visit

Chapter 1

I look to my right and then my left--there is nothing here, only darkness. I could have sworn I heard something but maybe I hadn't; I'm a bit discombobulated. Out of nowhere, I hear a woman's voice and drop, pretending I'm asleep. I am lifted up and carried out. The voices continue, and when they stop and put me down, I mumble something I can barely understand. I can feel their eyes staring at me intensely, and then something stabs my arm and I hear a fading laugh.

When I come to, a guy is standing over me. He says something I can't quite make out and reaches his hand towards mine, which I take blindly. We start walking down a hall and he introduces himself as "Owen." He then says my name, "Beca", as if he's known it all his life. How does he know my name?!? My nickname anyway, still only my friends call me that; not just anyone. He takes me to a door labeled Couples Area. I panic, but his hand somehow finds mine, and the panic leaves.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" He asks, looking at me with sparkling eyes.

I nod my head, not sure what else to do. We walk through the door to see there are guards everywhere. The guards suddenly surround us and separate us. When I come to again, I am staring at the unconscious Owen. In the light, he looks different; a head full of dirty blonde hair, a little bit of a tan--he is very muscular and handsome too.

"He always was a difficult one," says a woman's voice. I look around but no one is there. "You won't be able to see me unless you think hard about where I am. By the way, the name is Lexie but you will call me mom."

I wince at the word "mom." According to my adoptive parents, my true parents are either dead or waging a war against each other. I start to say something but decide against it, considering I'm not entirely sure of the meaning behind her words

"I hope you don't like him," says my mom.

"That is too bad Mother, because I do," I reply, putting extra emphasis on the word mother

"Ugh....I guess I'll spare him, but only because you like him," she says.

I then see her: she looks identical to me except for her height--she's much taller than me, perhaps because of the heels she's wearing. She has wavy auburn hair, sparkling emerald-blue eyes, and the same face shape as me, like an oval. She is studying me as well; and after she finishes staring a hole into my face, she turns to the wall and releases both of our bonds with a push of a button. I race over to Owen as he slowly opens his eyes, which are a brownish-green color. My Mother leads the way to where I will hopefully find out why I'm here and not at school like I should be. Shoot! I have a game this weekend! My thoughts are interrupted as I enter a vast room. My Mom takes a seat higher than the rest of the people here. I wonder why so many people look exhausted?

"In case you were wondering, this is where the people in the stands live, specifically in the cubbies behind them. I think it is wrong, but sadly, I must obey your Mother, who is our Queen," Owen whispers softly.

My Mother shouts in a voice louder than I thought a person could ever utter,"This is my daughter; she is to be crowned Princess and rightful leader when I am no longer here."

Princess!? Someone approaches with a crown speckled with jewels along the frontside on a pillow. It is not nearly as big or as beautiful as my mother's crown but still very beautiful. When they reach me, they bow. In response, l curtsey, and the crown is placed upon my head. I stand and everyone bows. I look towards Owen for reassurance as everyone rises, and he nods his head slightly, giving me the perfect sign. I have to admit; it was a little weird curtseying without a dress on--not that I really enjoy wearing dresses. I honestly did not want to learn how to curtsey but it luckily came in handy.

"That was amazing!" I said later to Owen and my Mother.

After our walk to the dorms where Owen stays, my mom and I then go to where I will stay: the princess's suite. My Mother had sent Owen to put on different clothes, something more befitting for a boy dating me. I am then also sent to change into my princess attire. Apparently jeans and a t-shirt are not appropriate to wear as a royal. Ugh, I guess I won't be seeing my jeans again, I really liked those too.