From Prisoner To Princess [amazon edition]

Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Huddled in the corner of my room clutching my teddy bear, I listen as swords clash and guns fire. I knew those sounds, my father making sure I knew how to wield both even. Today was my sixth birthday and the party ended hours ago. So why are people fighting?

"Mama?" I whimper out, clutching my teddy tighter while shivering. No one answers but the silence.

"Princess Allisara?" Someone whispers my name as light footsteps come my way. Realizing it is my Maid Rainnah. Throwing my teddy to the side, I rush to Rainnah's open arms and cry. She soothes me, begging me to quiet down as she rushed to help me dress. She chooses a long sleeve dress with a cape wrapped around my shoulders. It is late spring and I wonder why she is dressing me so warm. Once dress, she carries me into her arms and rushed to the secret door hidden in my closet.

"Hush, little one. They will hear you." Rainnah hushes as she holds on tightly to me, her worry filled voice shaking as she does her best to keep us hidden in the shadows.

"I want my mama and papa." I whimper out, clutching Raina's shirt.

"I know Allisara. But we need to get you to safety." Rainnah coos, pulling me closer to her. I try my best to stop crying, my lips quivering as I burry my face into her shoulder. Rainnah's footsteps are barely audible and I keep quiet. Something tells me I can't make any noise with all the gun shots, screaming and fighting in the Palace.

The stairs finally come to an end with a small passage way leading to the way out ahead. Rainnah sighs with relief, tightening her hold on me and quickening her steps.

"Just a little further and we will be free." She whispers, I nod. I see Rainnah smiling as she rushes into the cold night, sticking to the shadows of the trees as she tightens the cloak on me doing her best to keep me warm. Finally she rounds the corner to find who she is looking for, a black horse saddled and ready to run. A man in armour sits on top of the horse with a young boy in his lap – the blonde playmate and a knight in training.

"Listen to me Princess." Rainnah begins, her tone urgent and making me pull away to look at her.

"The knight will take you to safety and when the time is right, we will return you home." She places me on my feet, looking into my tear filled eyes I know she is trying not to cry, trying to be strong for me, but something tells me I will never see her again. Reaching into her pocket, the Rainnah retrieves a necklace and carefully places it around my neck.

"This is from your parents. Know that they love you with all their heart." With these final words, she lifts me into her arms for one last hug before passing me to the Knight, tears in her eyes as she watches the young boy wrap his arms around me. The scent of pine is relaxing and I know with my friend I will be safe.

"Protect her." Rainnah pleads to the knight. He looks down at us, patting my head gently before giving Rainnah a nod as a silent promise. He flicks the reigns and the horse takes off, galloping away into the darkness. I look back to see Rainnah crying, waving good bye before rushing into the Palace, my home fading away.

Jolting awake drenched in sweat, I look around the room as the sounds of fighting fades away with the dream... nightmare...

"Memory." I whisper. My hand reaches for the necklace around my neck, but then I remember I left it in my jewelry box in my bedroom. I had turned six that day. Had just celebrated with my family and friends. And it was all taken away from me.

The bed shifts beside me and I know that I must have woken Sky up.

"You okay?" He mumbles, slowly sitting beside me. I nod, not sure what to say as I take in the memory and replay it over and over again in my mind.