Wilting Rose

~Chapter six~

Who was Eva Whiteworm and why was her name on this letter. Maybe I had to find her.

I decided that was what I was going to do, it would be my mission for the day, maybe week; it depended on how long it took to find her I suppose.

I delved into my abyss of a wardrobe, hopefully I would find something more suitable. I pulled out a sleek black dress that pooled into a slippery pile at the bottom (a mermaid style). IT WAS GORGEOUS! Quite fancy but GORGEOUS. I quickly plaited my hair in two sleek French braids and reapplied my mascara and concealer; I had to stay fancy now even if it was out of my comfort zone.

Once I had left my room, I wondered around for a while, still unaccustomed to this new mammoth home I had. I saw some guards up ahead so I turned down a different hallway. More guards. Different hallway. More guards. This cycle went on for quite some time. All of the guards had on metal embroidered uniforms and held a staff like spear in their left hand. 2 guards were positioned at each dead end or doorway.

I decided maybe I should ask one of them where this mysterious Eva Whiteworm was. "Miss what are you doing?" One of them asked me. I was thankful that I didn't have to start the conversation but since when were royals questioned.

Instead of answering his question, I asked one back. "Do you know who I am?" Maybe he would let me pass and tell me what I needed to know.

"Yes you are betrothed to Prince Zion, miss but what are you doing down here?" God he was persistent.

"If I am the future King's future wife, should I be questioned? If I am the future King's future wife should I be told where to go? The answer to both of those questions is no and you will let me pass, right now! Oh and before I forget you will also tell me where Miss Eva Whiteworm is staying I need to speak with her." I'd given him quite the speech so he should answer my question or I suppose order and let me go where I please. Some of this princess stuff was actually quite fun and very empowering.

"Miss Eva Whiteworm is dead and according to her brother you did it so I will have to ask you to return to your room as everyone is in a lockdown until we can prove it was you." Omg he was so persistent and did he just accuse me of murder in front of my face.

"You know what sir," I said with obvious distaste, "I will leave but I will not be going to my rather luxurious chambers, instead I shall be going to my betrothed's and I will have you fired for treason of you future queen. You will not accuse me of murder and you will not be protecting my soon to be halls and you will not ever and I mean ever step foot in this place again unless," I held a finger up, " Either I permit it or you are heading to your cell to rot." And with that I turned on my heel and left.

A plan was already forming in my head and if I dare say so quite a brilliant one. Step one, go in crying to Zion's room.

It didn't take long for tears to stream down my face freely; all I had to do was think of my parents and the life I had lost. I knocked five times on Zion's door, a knock I hoped her would come to yearn for. It would help me so much if I had the king wrapped around my finger.

When Zion opened the door, his reaction was mixed.  Confusion and excitement and also worry and sadness. I wasn't sure what that meant but maybe I could use them to my advantage. He pulled me into a hug as soon as he saw my tears, then dragged me to his bed and sat me down. All of his other emotions vanished, well other than worry. This was good.  I could use this.

"What's wrong?" He coaxed. His voice was softer than usual, more caring. My plan was working. I gulped before I answered, making sure to take my time and stutter, he has to think I am delicate; about to brake; in need of someone strong to hold me up.

"Well.. I um I really d..don't like um," I sniffed, "Sni..  snitching b.but I'm um I'm really," Another sniff, "Worried, pe..people they're um they're saying um they're saying that I," My voice wobbled, another sniff, "They're saying that I did it." Then I collapsed into his arms, tears flooding out of my eyes, I looked like a maniac but it was fine because he was buying it.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it, no one will make my betrothed upset on my watch. Everyone who accuses you will be punished and put on trial for treason and exiled appropriately." He comforted me. Step 1 of my plan complete.

"Thanks Zion, I should probably head back to my room now." I sniffed, "Thanks though, this really means a lot to me." I told him and with my closing sentences I shuffled back to my room. I could see the disappointment in his eyes through the mirror above his desk. I had an idea. That would be step two. Once I had left a smile crept across my face and I wiped my tears on my arm.

I would have to redo my mascara, a princess should not have smeared make up.