The Hidden Princess

Chapter Three

"She was curled up on the floor surrounded by many Forget-me-nots."

After the scare the night before Liora decided to spend the entire day in the library, immersing herself in books that transported her to worlds beyond the palace walls. She delved into tales of the ocean, each description a poignant reminder of Rowen's mesmerizing blue eyes. She explored the mysteries of the forest, vividly recalling the short-lived adventure she and Elana had shared in her enchanted room. And she yearned to roam the vast plains, to feel the wind on her face and the freedom of open spaces.

Despite the bittersweet ache that tugged at her heart with each page turn, Liora persisted in her reading. She wanted to preserve these fleeting glimpses of a world she could never truly experience. Yet, as the hours passed, a simmering frustration began to bubble within her. She grew resentful of her parents, her siblings, even her closest confidante, Elana. Though she knew it wasn't Elana's fault-she had only left the palace to tend to the princess's needs-Liora couldn't help but long to accompany her friend, if only for a brief moment of freedom.

"Princess, I have been searching for you everywhere," Owen's voice broke through her reverie, his tone a mix of relief and concern. He had been combing the castle all evening, his worry mounting with each passing moment.

"I'm sorry, Owen. I just needed some time alone," Liora apologized, genuine regret coloring her words. Though she craved solitude, she hadn't intended to cause him such distress.

"It's alright, Princess. But next time you need to be alone, please retreat to your room. That's the only place I can allow you to be without my supervision, or in the company of Elana or another guard," Owen responded, a hint of frustration underlying his relief. He hadn't realized how deeply her absence had troubled him, and he was determined to prevent it from happening again.

"I am truly sorry, Owen. I didn't mean to upset you. I just needed some space," Liora said softly, her eyes filled with remorse, as Owen watched her intently. He nodded in understanding but remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Feeling guilty, Liora sighed and returned to her book, trying to focus on the words in front of her. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered between her and Owen. She knew she had hurt him, and there was nothing she could do to change that now.

As Liora and Owen strolled through the gardens that evening, enjoying the fragrant blooms and the peaceful sunset, they reached the gate at the edge of the palace grounds. To their surprise, the gate was open, a clear sign that something was amiss.

Owen's training kicked in, and he immediately sensed danger. "Princess, we need to return to the castle immediately," he said urgently, his hand on his sword as he guided Liora back towards the safety of the palace.

Once inside the safety of the castle walls, Owen escorted Liora to her room, his senses on high alert. He could feel the tension in the air, the fear that gripped the palace at the possibility of an intruder. Instructing Elana to stay with the princess, he hurried off to find the king.

As Owen made his way through the corridors of the castle, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. He knew the importance of informing the king of the potential threat, but he couldn't help but worry for Liora's safety. She was like a daughter to him, and the thought of any harm coming to her filled him with dread.

Finally reaching the king's chambers, Owen found the king deep in discussion with his advisors. Without hesitation, Owen stepped forward and informed the king of the open gate and the possibility of an intruder. The king's expression hardened as he listened, his concern evident. He immediately ordered for the guards to be summoned and for a thorough search of the castle to be conducted.