The Footsteps to Freedom

Chapter 16

Hey guys sorry again for the late update :( ive been busy recently. thanks for putting up with me!!!

The next morning, Alice woke up early, but she was still the last one up. She hadn't slept soundly at night, and kept having nightmares about her parents. Still tired, Alice got up and left the room. She knew that the protest was scheduled to start at 9:00 AM, though it was only 6:30 AM. They were all gathered around downstairs, trying to eat some breakfast. Alice sensed their jitteriness and was glad she wasn't alone. Unable to swallow anything, she politely refused to eat anything, and went around searching for that one familiar face that would definitely calm her down. A familiar face she did find, but it was not the one she was looking for.

"Good morning Alice," Gregory smiled.

"Why are you here? Don't you think my parents will notice if you aren't there?" Alice said quickly. "They will get suspicious and it will ruin the plans."

"Not to worry," he smiled. "They sent me out to do some things, and I stopped here quickly. Everything is running smoothly, and my brother Andros has got everything under control."

"Andros is your brother?" Alice was surprised.

"Yes he is. Technically, I am the mastermind behind all the plans," Gregory said.

"Yes, but I am the man in action!" Andros laughed as he joined the two. "You couldn't have carried out the plan without me."

"That is true, little bro," Gregory laughed.

"Then I tell this to you both," Alice said. "Remember the contract we signed, and everything will run smoothly."

"Alice, I think that you really have the potential to be a great Queen. You captured the hearts of the people, and that is the most important quality in a Queen," Gregory told her, and she blushed.

"Even so, I don't think I can handle it," Alice told him.

"Don't forget that I did spend the past few weeks watching your every move, so believe me when I say you definitely can handle it," Gregory told her.

"Thanks," she mumbled, blushing furiously. "Now if you will excuse me, I need to find Thomas."

Alice hurried away from them and sat in the first available seat she found. She surveyed the room but could not find Thomas anywhere. So, she decided to go over the plan in her head one more time. After everyone left, she would stay here with Thomas and two other men who are supposed to guard her in case she has to feign hostage. They will be watching the news, since the news will be covering the protests. They will sit in the house and watch the news until they hear about the king's surrender. Then, a car will be sent for them and they will go to join the celebrations in the castle. She and Thomas will take their places as the new Queen and King & everything will fall into place after that.

"Feeling nervous?"

Alice returned to reality as she noticed Thomas lounge on the couch next to her. The room was emptied out, as it was a two hour drive from here to the palace and they all needed to be there for the protest.

"Morning, love," she smiled, her jitters quickly disappearing. "Just a little nervous, now that you are here to scare my jitters away."

Thomas laughed his beautiful, soft laugh and Alice thought her heart might melt. "I didn't know I was scary-looking."

Alice hit him with the sofa pillow. "That's not what I meant, and you know it!"

"Alright, don't get angry," Thomas teased. "Just turn on the news."

"I would, but in case you didn't notice, the remote is in your hand, not mine," Alice pointed out.

"But I am too lazy to push the button," Thomas whined.