Guessing Sparkles (WA 2013)

Mind Games

"I may be young but I know what love is." - Forest Gump

Chapter Sixteen: Mind Games

 It was my first time to ride in a carriage. Sure, I've seen a few already, but I never really had a chance to ride in it. Harold told me a lot of things about James—the mysterious guy I was following back at the forest. He told me what he looked like and how much he loved me. Trust me, I didn't know how to react. When he asked me why I couldn't remember what happened before the war, I told him that I didn't really come from his world. And of course, he was stunned. Harold didn't believe it and insisted that I belonged to his time. Oh and yes, he told me that I was Lady Claudia van Halen. That, my friends, was insanely crazy! The last time I checked, I was just a simple girl who came from a middle-class family. Well, that changed when Peter came into the scene—but nonetheless, I was still not considered a royal blood. James, Prince of Oaklace was my fiancee, according to Harold. We met during my eighteenth birthday and since then—we didn't stop exchanging love letters. 

My family agreed in our relationship. The Duke of Walshton, my father, was delighted to know about my blossoming romance with James. He even suggested that the wedding should take place at an earlier time. But everything changed when Lord Trevor of Oaklace killed James' father, King Louis IV, during his sleep. He then took in charge of the throne, controlling all the power. Lord Trevor proclaimed himself a king, which was against the will of everyone at the palace. When he heard about my engagement with James, he talked to my father and warned him that if he won't cancel the wedding—he will die just like what happened to the former king. As much as he wanted to say no, he just couldn't. My father called off the wedding and told James that he wasn't good enough to be my husband. 

James had a back-up plan, however, and admitted that he already had a hunch that it would happen. He built a secret group of brave soldiers who were willing to fight against Lord Trevor and his evil army. During Lord Trevor's ball, James and his army surrounded the whole area and sabotaged the party. He stabbed Trevor near his stomach, but failed to kill him. The council found out about happened and since it was in favor with Lord Trevor's side—they decided to seize James and his army. However, James managed to escape by the help of Harold and Faustino. 

Even after Harold explained everything to me already, I still couldn't remember if it really happened. Harold was really confused as to why I suddenly lost my memory. 

"Oh, we're here now!" Harold said happily and opened the door. "After you, Lady Claudia."

I walked out of the carriage and saw a big house standing before me. There were five pillars in front and everything about it looked so magnificent. The house somewhat reminded me of my house in New York City. The only difference was that it was kind of older than the house I was staying at in NYC. I turned to my side and saw Harold looking at me happily. 

"You'll be safe here," he said and smiled a little. "Mr. and Mrs. Somerhalder are really nice people. Treat them as your new family."

"Harold, what happened to my parents?" I said and frowned. "You've pretty much told me everything that I need to know, but you failed to tell me what happened to my family after the war."

Harold bowed and took a deep sigh. The once happy smile painted on his lips was now gone. It was replaced with sorrow. And yes, it was already enough for me to know what happened to my parents. 

"They didn't make it," he said and looked at me. "Lord Trevor commanded his soldiers to abduct your parents and have them tortured to death."

"Will you be safe, Harold?" I said, trying my best not to cry. "Please promise me that you and James will come home safe."