Once a Princess, always a Princess

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Staring up at the building I call "home", I couldn't help but let out a sigh as pangs of longing for the remote islands, it's people and the hut stirred in my stomach. Me and Xavier had stayed there for two extra weeks and in that time I had gotten to know the locals, especially Mariana, who was around the same age as me. We had become friends and spent long nights sipping fruity fluorescent juices whilst chatting about boys and clothes. The young man from my wedding night, Rodreco, still held her captivated and they were the sweetest couple ever. Just thinking about the golden girl and her twinkling laugh made me think of Bella and I couldn't wait to see her.

Stepping into the foyer of the palace I couldn't help comparing its simple colours to the vibrant scene of the village I had just left. Their culture amazed me, being so rich and magical, a far cry from the one I had returned too, and the buzzing and cheerful atmosphere that was always present was one I intended to be in again one day.

Xavier squeezed my hand. I looked up at him.

"Ready to tell them?" He asked.

I wasn't, but I had no choice but to get it over and done with, I had done worse things in the past anyway. Nevertheless I shot a worried glance at Xavier.

"It'll be fine. It will have to be. They can't do anything about it now." He gave me a mischievous wink.

Succumbing to my fate, I took a deep breath and with a determined "ok" I led Xavier down the hall.

Spotting Maria coming our way I questioned her on the whereabouts of my parents.

With a quick wide eyed glance at mine and Xavier's entwined hands she answered graciously "The queen is having tea in the west wing gallery with the Lady Anita, did you have a nice trip my lady."

"Yes, thankyou Maria." I said grinning mischievously at Xavier, a great trip.

"Very good." she bowed her head and moved on her way, a warm smile on her lips.

We walked down the long corridors, our feet echoing on the polished oak floors, my heart hammering in my chest.

When we reached the door to the west gallery Xavier gave my hand one last squeeze, shot me an encouraging smile and then rapped on the door before opening it and leading us through.

My mother sat elegantly on the cream chaise lounge, not a hair on her head out of place. Her sharp eyes flicked to us as she heard the door click shut. Xavier's mother's head followed suit.

"Oh children, your back." she gushed gesturing for us to sit down, a big smile on her rose lips. The warmth I felt from her still astounded me compared to the coolness emanating from my own mother.

I took the seat next to her and Xavier took the one oposite me next to my mother. I was glad to be sat next to Anita, hopefully she could offer me some protection from my mothers scrutinising gaze.

"Your fathers are out playing golf so you will have to see them later, but did you have fun?" She asked, thankfully keeping the topic quite light.

Giving a sigh of relief, I delved into a few innocent tales of our time away, keeping most of my attention on Anita, but soon that sizzled out and a heavy atmosphere settled over us.

"Has the press died down?" Xavier questioned, a question I didn't really want to know the answer too as I was afraid I already did.

"Only a tiny bit." My mother answered giving me a pitying look. "They are all just waiting for your return like vultures." Shhe made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat.