A Princess Named Harry

Chapter 17

Outside, Harry, Kaitlyn, and their parents stood waiting for the carriage to arrive. "Well, are you girls excited?" Caroline asked them. The two princesses answered yes. Kaitlyn smiled and added, "I haven't been able to see my friends in a while, so it'll be wonderful to see them again."

"Kaitlyn," called the king. "Don't forget that Harry is going with you too. You need to properly introduce her to your friends."

Kaitlyn ran up to him, hugged him tightly, and replied, "Yes, I know, Dad. I'm sure we'll all be the best of friends!" She then turned to Caroline. "You look beautiful today, Mom, and look we're both wearing pink!"

Kaitlyn's dress was a light pink dress with white lace topped off with pink floral jewelry, and a hairpiece. Caroline's dress was surprisingly similar to Kaitlyn's.

"You look beautiful, too," Caroline replied.

Harry stood from a far distance, watching her family smile and laugh without her, it stung.

"You better go back to Harry," said Caroline. "I can see the carriage approaching, so hurry."

"Go on," agreed the king.

Kaitlyn grinned and cheerfully replied, "Okay!"

She ran over to Harry, who was wondering what to say to her. "Um," she started. "I also think that the princess's dress is very beautiful."

Kaitlyn glanced back over at the adults before responding in an overly happy and loud voice, "Thank you, but . . . " Her voice suddenly became quiet and menacing. "If you're only saying that because you want me to compliment you too, then don't. Why would I ever compliment you?"

She pointed at Harry's dress with a disgusted look. "I mean just look at what you're wearing. Could it be any plainer? It cries out I'm garbage!" Her lips curled up into a twisted smile. "Don't you feel any shame? You're a disgrace to the royal family both you and your lowly mother."

Harry was shocked and scorned by Kaitlyn's words. The carriage had finally reached them, and she would have to ride in it along with a royal princess, who hates her.

"Harry!" shouted her mother. "What are you doing? The carriage is here!"

Before Harry could respond, Kaitlyn grabbed tightly onto her shoulders. She dug her nails into her skin and whispered into her ear, "I wouldn't say anything if I were you."

"Harry!" Caroline shouted again.

Kaitlyn released her and went on ahead inside the carriage.

"Hey, Harry! Can't you hear me? Hello!"

Harry forced herself to lift her head and smile at Caroline. "I understand . . . I'll . . . I'll see you later."

She didn't want to get in the carriage. To say that she was scared was an understatement, she was terrified. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her chest, her body was trembling, and her shoulders burned, but, despite all that, she summoned up enough courage to go into it. The fear of letting her mother down was what she feared the most. When the carriage doors were shut and they started to move, Caroline sighed heavily and frowned.

"What's wrong?" asked the king.

"Didn't you see that huge difference?" Caroline asked him. She stared at him intently while awaiting his response.

"The huge difference?" he asked. "And what might that be?"

Caroline sighed again and said in an annoyed way, "The dresses! I'm talking about the difference in quality between the girls' dresses!"

"Oh!" he gasped, "Yes, compared to Kaitlyn's, Harry's was quite plain."

"Right?" agreed Caroline. "I'm worried about that girl. It's as if she's rejecting this change entirely."

The king pulled Caroline close to him. "Oh, I'm sure that's not the case." He leaned in closer to her. "Just give her some time. Soon, she will turn into a beautiful flower that will surpass us all."

The two hugged and kissed each other softly. Caroline looked back the carriage that was already so far away. She replied glumly, "I hope you're right."