The Night We Met

Chapter Six

"Tomorrow at midnight it is, mystery boy."

Guinevere finally makes it back to the palace after the farm incident, when all of the sudden, she sees her mother pacing back and forth, muttering words of worry and fear. Although when she spots Guinevere coming through the secret door, her face that was once filled with fear just a few seconds ago was now replaced with anger.

 "Where were you!?! I had ordered almost the whole nation's supply of butlers to look for you, after I heard you ran for it! You better have an amazing explanation Guinevere, especially since Queen Eliana has another reason to taunt our family name now!" Queen Anastasia screams at her daughter. "I ran outside to catch a breath since Maria accidentally tied my corset a little too tight, which was my fault since I thought I could take it, and well, who does not want to impress a prince," Guinevere nervously rambles, hoping her mother would believe it. "Um...and then I guess I must have passed out due to the night's events, and again the corset. I mean that would explain why I woke up in the morning with little recollection of the exact details, so uh...yes that is my reasoning," she plays off that plea with a wavering smile, hoping that would sell it. "So where exactly did you "pass out" Guinevere?" she asked with a skeptical tone. "Because none of the butlers outside seemed to find you, nor did Christopher, when he ran after you." Guinevere hadn't known he ran after, which takes her by surprise due to their situation, but that doesn't matter at the moment since she is trying to find a clever response, but nothing is coming to mind, so she makes something up on the spot. "Well Christopher told me not to say anything, but he actually did find me after I ran. When he finally caught up with me, I realized what I was doing was senseless and irrational, but I still did not have the courage to go back into the ballroom, not after the scene I just caused. After I told that to Christopher, he completely understood, and told me I could stay in one of his guest rooms for the night, and of course it was the room that was farthest away from Queen Eliana's room. And now I am here." Guinevere lets out a giant breath, after saying her excuse all in one go. "Well that was very respectable of him, but shall you ever do something so humiliating and nonsensical next time, you will face the consequences!" the Queen shouted. "Of course, mother," Guinevere bluntly stated. The princess quietly goes back to her room relieved, yet not so relieved when she remembers she had promised the "mystery boy" that she would meet him at midnight.

'How far away is the farm again, and what do I wear, does he remember his promise, did I imagine him all together?' These were only some of the thousands of thoughts that are racing through Guinevere's mind while she is heading to her room.

"I know you were not telling the truth my lady," Maria bluntly states as she sees Guinevere come into the room. "How did you hear me?" Guinevere anxiously asks. "I have excellent connections with the butlers. Now, tell me the actual truth please. I promise I will not tell the Queen," Maria tells the princess. "Fine. Well the running out of the ballroom part was true, but after that I kept running, while I was unaware of where I was running to. So eventually I stopped running, and I realized I stumbled upon a farm, and decided there was no point in running any further, so I decided to call it a night and fall asleep there. Yes, I know that sounds bizarre and crazy, but I assure you it is the truth. Anyway, then there comes the morning, and some man woke me up, and helped me here. There. End of the story," Guinevere tells the maid, while also cutting it short, to ensure no speculation on the reference to the man. 

"You slept on a farm? Do you forget who you are Guinevere? You are royalty for goodness sakes! There are countless horrible things that could have happened to you! And who is this so called "man"? Did he hurt you?!?" 

"Well when you put it like that, it does sound pretty bad, but I swear I am perfectly well, and the man was kind. I assure you that he had no intention of harming me. You have to trust me Maria!" Guinevere exclaims, trying to convince Maria. "I am trying to trust you, but you need to stop being so reckless all the time! You really do frighten the people who love you Guinevere, and that is of course including me." "Thank you Maria, I think. I love you too. And I will also try to stop being so reckless," Guinevere says, which causes both of the girls to burst out into abrupt laughter.  

"I know this is definitely not the right time to announce this after that discussion, but I have one more piece of information to disclose. Please do not get mad!" Guinevere guiltily tells Maria. The princess then told Maria the rest of the details of the night, and how she had promised him that she would meet him at midnight. 

"So, can you help out a princess in need?" 

 "This boy better be worth it," Maria sighs.