The Romantique Times

Chapter 8 - The Stay

Chapter 8: The Stay

*Edited* 

Victoria's POV

I couldn't remember much about what happened, but when I woke up, I was staring at the ceiling that was somewhat familiar. But still, where was I?

 "Vicky! You're finally awake!" I heard my sister Lily calling out, grabbing my lifeless hand excitedly. What exactly happened?

"Good morning Lily," I said but was surprised at how hoarse my voice sounded.

I tried to get up, but I was too weak, and my bones ached.

"Morning? Vicky, it's the late afternoon already," Lily had a confused look. And she was right. The sun was already beginning to set when I looked out of the window. Window in my bedroom?

Oh that's right, I'm in the palace! How could I forget?

"How long was I asleep?" I asked again.

"You've been asleep for about 2 days already, Miss Victoria," I heard a voice.

I suddenly realised that it belonged to Maria, the one that was in charge of everything for our stay in the palace.

"What... What happened?" I looked at her, still unsure about what was going on.

"You don't remember?" she tilted her head slightly as she looked at me worriedly.

All I could do was shake my head.

"Alright then, you stay here, and I'll get back to you soon," she said, and lifted the hem of her dress before running out of the room.

Boy, was she fast.

"Lily, what happened?" I asked her as she made her way under then covers to sit beside me.

"You almost drowned, Vicky. Don't you remember?" she said.

"I what?"

"You almost drowned," she answered once more. I thought back but felt a sting in my head. I honestly could not remember anything.

"Two days ago you went to the Easter's celebration with Prince Wilfred. But you came back in his arms, completely drenched and unconscious. He was really worried. I bet Maria went to tell him that you're finally awake," she said, and leaned gently on me.

I tried to recall. I was at that fancy celebration, and I got bored. I went to the backyard with Danielle...

Danielle. The name sent a thrill down my spine as I finally recalled the incident.

I remembered it all too well; she was trying to kill me.

Lily hugged me tightly, comforting me as though we had swapped places, like she was the elder one protecting the young one; protecting me.

"You're safe now," she said.

I held onto her hand around my chest and she rested her head on my shoulder. In just one event and I almost lost my life. If that's the case, wasn't Prince Wilfred's life in even more danger?  

Wilfred's POV

I was rushing over to Victoria's room now. Maria had come to inform me that she had finally come around. Did she know how worried I was that she had slept for so long?

I finally stopped in front of her room as the other servants were struggling to catch up with me. I took in a deep breath and opened the door to see Victoria and Lily sitting up on the bed.

I heaved a sigh of relief as Victoria turned towards me and nodded slightly.

 "Good evening, your highness," she said, and tried to get out of the bed.

"Stay there, don't worry," I said and walked towards her bed. I sat beside her and had the impulse to pull her into my arms and tell her how worried I was but I kept myself composed and held her hand.

"How do you feel?" I asked eventually after taking in all of her pale face.

"Never better," she said and smiled gently.

"Good, good. I do not want to rush you, but I must ask," I said, and she nodded.

"Do you who did it? Who pushed you into the pond? Was it Danielle Travensky?" I asked, hoping to get a definite answer.

She hesitated for a moment, as if surprised that I knew Danielle, then nodded.

"Are you able to walk?" I asked her again.

She hesitated, since she had difficulties getting out of bed, but finally she said, "I can try."

I smiled at her determination, but I won't risk it. "Maria, get her ready, we're going for a trial." Maria helped her out of bed and supported her well before disappearing into the bathroom as I sat on the bed with Lily who was smiling away.

"Did you have fun here?" I asked to break the silence.

"Oh yes Prince Wilfred! Thank you very much for the dresses as well!" She smiled at me, showing those teeth that were slowly growing. I chuckled and ruffled her hair.

Then I remembered, "I'll have my men tell your parents about the stay. Could you tell me your address?"

"Err..." She hesitated and her eyes wandered around the room.

"What's wrong?" I asked, peering into her face.

"My parents... They're... Dead." She finally looked at me and smiled weakly at me, eyes watery.

 "I... I'm sorry," was all I could say.

"It's okay. It has been quite a long time ago. So..." She said, trying to sound strong, but how much can a little girl hold back her emotions? Soon, she broke down into tears.

"Lily?" I heard Vicky calling out from the bathroom, worried.

"I-I'm fine, Vicky!" She shouted, clearing her face hastily.

Victoria then stepped out of the bathroom in a simple dress and a loose corset, and even so, she looked magnificent.

"What happened?" She came forward and sat on the bed, pulling Lily in for a hug.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know," I said, feeling guilty and pity for these sisters. She looked at me, confused.

"Your parents." Her eyes darkened, before turning away from me and hugged Lily even tighter.

"It's okay, Lily," Victoria said and stroked her hair gently. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Lily stopped sobbing.

"Please pardon me, your highness. I can't help it," Lily said and bowed slightly towards me.

"It's fine. So you don't have a proper house now?" I asked.

"That, unfortunately, is right," Victoria said, slight ashamed.

"How about you make the palace you home?" I asked after thinking thoroughly.

"No, no we can't. Definitely not," Victoria said immediately.

"Why not? This room can be all yours," I said.

She hesitated a little before saying again, "No, we can't." I guess I'll have to use the usual method.

"Nobody defies the Prince! You will be staying here for the rest of your life until you have a better reason to leave!" I said in a joking tone.

"Yes, your highness!" Lily called out.

"Lily!" Victoria protested.

"You don't want to be sent to the dungeons, would you?" Lily said as though it was a matter of fact.

"Exactly!" I agreed with Lily, thanking her in my mind for always lightening up the mood wherever we are.

"I..." she was still hesitating.

"Well then, that's settled then! Is there anything you have to bring to the palace?" I asked.

"No... We don't have anything," she said shyly.

"Very well! Welcome home, Miss Victoria and Miss Lily," I said, ruffling Lily's hair and took Victoria's hand to kiss it, making her blush uncontrollably.

 How cute.