ROYAL-TEA [ON HOLD]

6.

It was too easy to be true.

I had, however, come this far, and he wasn't going to stop me.

I had my legs across his body and knocked him out with a punch before he knew it. Then I got up and grabbed my bag, before running away.

*&*&*&*&

I changed into something much better once I left the palace grounds completely. I pulled a hijab over my hair and a pair of sunglasses.

The airport security let me pass quite easily, meaning no one had discovered my escape yet. I found myself hoping that Sofia would not get into trouble over my disappearance.

Once I picked up my ticket, I prepared to get on the plane to MossDale. I was flying coach, knowing that no one would expect that of me. I had just sat down when I spotted someone who looked a lot like Anthony.

He turned and we both gasped. He was flying economy class. And the idiot was using a credit card.

I got up and went to him, meeting him halfway. "Did you follow me?"

He sneered then answered pompously, "as if!"

Just then, I caught a glimpse of Sofia running to the line with a small duffel bag. I turned to look at a guilty looking Anthony. "You told her?!"

"I couldn't help myself. She was looking for you everywhere!"

"Your Highness!" she called, coming closer. "Your High..." Anthony had covered her mouth, and I turned to see people staring at the three of us.

"She's being sacarstic. We act together, we have a show tomorrow at the Playhouse!" I lied through my teeth before turning back once people went on doing their business. That was so close.

"Sofia, you can't be here."

"She can. I let her tag along," Anthony spoke on her behalf.

"Shut up Anthony."

"Ouch, he was just trying to help."

"Shut up Sofia."

"Sorry I tried."

I instantly felt guilty for being mean. Sofia only did what a loyal servant would have done-followed to ensure I was safe. I couldn't risk having her stay with him though.

I was not sure about having her with me either. Maybe my dad would find us too easily. I had to try and find a way to keep us safe.

"I think I know what to do," I told the both of them, "but it requires neither of you to disclose who you really are."

*&*&*&*&

A royal Bloominum limousine drove past me, carrying Sofia away. We exchanged a secret look as the vehicle pulled away.

"Wow Sofia, you pulled it off," Anthony said quietly as he sat next to me.

"She will marry royalty," I foresaw quietly. "And she will be Queen someday."

"Ahem! What about me?"

"You are going to Portino, remember? Your connecting flight leaves in the next thirty minutes. Be gone!"

"No hugging? You know how Portino can mean the end of my life?"

"Because they make a lot of port? Sure. You like to drink, don't you?"

Anthony sighed, "who will I be staying with?"

"A man named Ashish. He is part Rrandlovski. Very charming retired army general. I already talked to him. His home address is 1109, N Street, Grapes Side. It is near the lake."

"Lake?"

"Lake Italianas."

"Oh goodie. More Italians than I can handle."

"You should be happy you get to handle a miniature Italy. I have to handle a miniature Spainiard colony."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Get out of my sight."

That is how, a few hours later, I found myself in the Hunters' other ranch in Gardenia, on Mt. Casablanca, with a good natured Russian man driving us up the mountain trail.

The man was Dimitri Hunter, Jeremy Hunter's father, and his charming wife, Anya Komiskova Hunter received us quite happily.

I was finally free, even though it was for a little bit.