The King and I | Prince Caspian

Chapter 1: On The Run

     Adella was never good at following orders. It wasn't intentional. She tried to do as she was told, she really did, but for some reason being told she couldn't do something made her more inclined to do the thing. Perhaps it was her desire to prove herself-to show others that she was her own person. Or maybe it was recklessness, the way her thoughts and ideas trumped everyone and everything. Whatever the reason, Adella often found herself in troubling situations due to her lack of obedience, and this was no exception.

    She stood with her back against the cold stone of the castle halls, listening as the footsteps of the Telmarine guards grew closer. The castle was crawling with them, which was not unusual, but today it put her on edge. Normally Adella would waltz past them without a care in the world. Today was different. Today she was an unwelcome guest.

     It had been less than 24 hours since the queen had birthed a son, and Adella hadn't slept a wink. She had been anxious about the day ever since the pregnancy was announced, knowing that a male baby would make Caspian the next target on his Uncle's quest for power. Adella was quite close with the prince. In fact, they were best friends. Although Adella grew up in the Telmar orphanage, she was mentored by Caspian's professor, Dr. Cornelius, since childhood, so naturally her and Caspian spent almost every waking moment together. Unfortunately, this friendship made Adella many enemies amongst her peers at the orphanage. The girls' channeled their anger and jealousy into relentless pranks and harassment that made life at the orphanage a living hell. However, Adella found solace within the walls of the palace and her moments with Caspian. He was all she needed.

     That's why she couldn't lose him.

     Dr. Cornelius had assured her that he had a plan to rescue Prince Caspian if the King was given a male heir, and he told Adella not to step foot near the castle when it happened so as not to be associated with his escape. He should have known she wouldn't listen. She couldn't help it. She had to know if Caspian was alive.

     Adella held her breath as she hid from the guards, hoping they would detour down another corridor and not find her hovering near the prince's room. Much to her relief, the sound of their voices vanished as they exited down the stairwell.

     After waiting a few moments to ensure the coast was clear, Adella crept towards the Prince's chambers, twisting the doorknob as gently as possible. She pushed the door open just wide enough for her to slip herself through and then quickly shut it behind her. As she looked up, she felt a sickening fear wash over her.

     The room was completely destroyed. Splintered arrows were scattered across the floor and wedged into the bedposts and walls. The pillows on the bed were nothing but a pile of feathers, and the curtains were completely shredded. Adella frantically rummaged through the mess, searching for anything that might indicate Caspian was still alive. There was no sign of blood, but then again it would be difficult to spot in the pile of fabric and broken wood. Caspian's boots were still at the foot of his bed. His sword still propped against the chair at his desk. It was as if he had vanished.

     Adella tried not to assume the worst.

     Her next instinct was to find the professor. She raced to his study as fast as she could, creeping past guards and servants. When she arrived, she was surprised to find the door wide open, but the professor was no where to be found. Immediately, Adella's attention was drawn to a large book that lay open on the desk, an arrow pierced through the middle. She felt a chill down her spine. Something wasn't right.

          "Looking for something?"

          The sudden voice made Adella gasp, and she stumbled backward.

     "Or should I say, someone?" Lord Miraz stood in the corner, flipping through a book that Adella recognized as one of the professor's old Narnian texts.