Finding Yourself

Chapter 4

Eleanor's POV

I still had many questions about the mysterious princess. I wanted answers. NOW. I ain't patient!

"So," I started. "tell me when you first met Lysus."

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Raelynn's POV

The question took me by surprise, but I nodded, deep in thought. "Here it goes..."

*FLASHBACK*

"Raelynn," I turned around to see a maid gesturing toward me. "Your Majesties wish to see you."

I nodded absently, and she left.

I was standing in my bedroom, a giant place lined with gold carpets and a huge king-size bed. Slowly, I made my way down long corridors and rooms until I reached my parent's meeting room. Pushing the door, I quietly entered. My mother and father were already there, beaming over something.

My mother began, "Dearest, we have something to tell you. " My father nodded as well and continued, "We have found the right man for you to marry. He is a respected lad with much manners and property. He will be perfect. He will come tomorrow. Get ready."

The news crashed into me with no warning. Me? Getting married to a stranger? Someone I don't even know or have met yet? Impossible. "I-I" started to protest, but shut up when my mother shot a warning glance my way to stay silent. I stood mutely and meekly obeyed.

The next day, I stood outside the palace in a clean skirt waiting for my future husband to arrive. I already hated the idea, despised it even, and planned to ruin the plans. But a greater side of me protested, and told me to do whatever was asked like I was supposed to do.

When he did arrive with an entourage of men all on royal white horses, I fell deep. His chiseled pale face was quite a lovely sight, and his body was muscular and strong. His dark blue eyes stared right at me, with what I though was the same passion I felt at that moment. With amazing grace, he dismounted, and kissed my hand, almost making me swoon or faint. "Pleased to meet you, princess," he spoke in a deep melodic voice. "I am Lysus."

*FLASHBACK OVER*

Eleanor looked deeply into the story, and sighed. "Sounded like a Disney Tale."

"Didn't end like one," I pointed out.

"Now," I looked at her. "Do you have a story?" She thought for a moment, then gave a slight shake of her head.

"It's just boring life. Nothing so important like yours."

I disagreed, "Every life is important; it's priceless under any circumstance."

As the sky lightened, I looked up. We had been talking for so long hours had passed and it was dawn, "Look, you can travel with me. It's obvious you don't want to go back, and I'll appreciate some company. Being lonely sucks."

Her eyes lit up, "Thanks!"

She followed me out of the clearing and into the dense woods. The sun continued to rise until it was full daylight. The woods changed from somewhat haunting to friendly and bright. I imagined my dream life again while we walked, and time slowly ticked by. Finally, I stopped when we reached a creek, "Drink here."

We stood together resting. It was now noon, but the woods were still cool. It seemed to never be warm enough for sweating.

I eventually started a conversation with the girl. I didn't know much about her, and her background seemed mysterious. She obliged with little protesting, and told me about her lifestyle. As she talked, I realized that there were many flaws in my plan as well. In her words, it seemed full of hardships, more than I had anticipated.

We talked the whole afternoon just like that, getting to know each other. I felt less lonely and more sociable. Heck, this was the first time I had an actual conversation in decades. I felt happy, and less afraid of the future. I had a friend. Eleanor is one gift I am thankful for.