The Princess: Stranded

1

Flying was my greatest fear. Just the thought of being strapped into a seat thousands of feet above ground, with only a flimsy seatbelt between me and the sky, sent shivers down my spine. Then the feeling when the pressure gets in your ears during takeoff made my unease worse. 

"Your luggage is in the trunk," Ma announced, while Uncle Matt lagged behind. Those two were inseparable, always together in their own world, even when I teased them about it they would look at each other and pretend to be sweet.

"Nikki, let's go!" Uncle Matt called for his daughter. Dominique, Aunt Kayla's spitting image but quieter, joined us.

Despite Ma towering at five foot eleven and my brother Sebastian standing tall at six foot one, I felt small at just five foot five. Dominique, only four years younger, was a striking five foot nine.

"You forgot Mr. Clifford," Dominique said, handing me my cherished stuffed toy. Mr. Clifford had been a gift from Uncle Matt years ago, my steadfast companion through thick and thin and he's a little worn out but I take good care of him. I know that I'm a twenty three year old but when you have a life like mine, human friends are limited or almost non-existent. It's not that I hated it, it's just suffocating sometimes.

"Your moms had an important event to attend to and they regret not seeing you guys off," Uncle Matt announced, tucking his shades of white hair behind his ear. It was always like this—either Mom or Ma had something pressing to attend.

"I'm used to it," Dominique murmured to herself, though I heard her clearly. Wealth wasn't all sunshine and rainbows; sometimes, it just meant less time together.

Enough of being sappy.

"Take care of yourself Princess Ashley and Lady Dominique," Vi wiped her tears. She had practically raised me. Tales of my parents and their history were my bedtime stories. Aunt Kayla and Uncle Matt's breakup remained a mystery.

"It's only for a few days Vi and don't go inside my room Sebastian," I warned my little brother. While I looked a lot like Ma, Basti got his looks from Mom; he was a handsome version of her. The adults would tell me I adored Basti when were younger, but blah, little bros are fucking annoying.

I saw Benjamin quickly disappearing down the halls.

Basti rolled his eyes and vanished down the hall. Boys, I swore, had monthly periods too. Despite having his own room, he preferred mine, rejecting my offer to switch.

I waved at Ma as we climbed into the car. Despite her weariness, she exuded warmth, kissing my forehead before I drowned out the journey with music—Munn's "This House Is Not A Home."

Dominique and I were flying to another country for business and a bit of relaxation. She had trained under me for six months, proving an invaluable assistant. Yet, at nineteen, she deserved to explore and enjoy life.

"Princess, we're here," Dominique woke me from my nap as we boarded the private plane.

Dominique sat opposite, outlining our itinerary. Her beautiful chocolate eyes rarely smiled; perhaps Sebastian could change that. I always find them cute together. Later, I'd ask what she wanted to do upon arrival, hoping at least to see a glimpse of her smile.

"Got it, Princess?" She asked, focused on me. I nodded, thanking her for the brief. I'd review the schedule later.

The captain introduced himself as we prepared for takeoff. With six of us aboard—captain, first officer, two cabin crew, Dominique, and myself—the plane taxied down the runway.

I gripped Mr. Clifford tightly, cursing at every bump. Dominique's eyes fixed on me; I ignored her amused gaze. The turbulence mocked my fear of flying, as the plane ascended, and my ears popped.

The ding sound of the plane rang and my companion unbuckled her seat belt and walked elsewhere. How can people walk in the air without a care and no worry from the turbulence?

I cursed when one did come.

"Drink this," Dominique handed me motion sickness medicine. "Thanks," I mumbled, and she replied with a nonchalant hum.

We exchanged small talk, easing my nerves. "You should rest, Your Highness," Dominique suggested, and I nodded, drowsiness overcoming me.

The ding signaled turbulence; Dominique buckled up and peered out the window. "It's stormy," she whispered. Her words, always audible to me, now sent chills down my spine.

Countless scenarios raced through my mind. I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to summon happy thoughts, but dread filled every corner. When I finally opened my eyes, Dominique wore an unfamiliar expression.

"Your Highness," her voice was the last thing I heard before everything went black.

°°°

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