The Princess's Swordsman

Escaping Life

Chapter 2

"Princess? Mistress? It's time to get up," the same maid from years ago shook her shoulder softly. Slowly, light blue eyes opened.

"Good morning," said the Princess.

"Good morning it is your majesty!' the old maid opened the curtains, letting light flood the now cheerful room. Olvia rubbed her yes then sat up. The maid helped her dress, and fix her hair and much more to prepare for the day.

As the Princess looked into the mirror she frowned. The maid bend over form doing the young woman's hair, "Today is the day Miss!" She smiled.

"Yes, I guess it is," was the only thing she said. She stood up, walked to the doors, opened one slowly, and slowly walked down the hall to the throne room where her father was waiting.

"You look lovely as ever," said the King, who looked much older now.

"Thank you father."

"Come they are waiting just beyond those doors." She took her father's outstretched arm as she followed him to another door, "What's wrong my dear? Have you changed your mind?" asked the King concerned with his daughter's frown. She sighed.

"No. It's just that... today is... mom's birthday." He paused to look at her. He wore a small smile but it was a sad one, "I know my dear... I know." And they continued through the doors.

Once opened she saw two men, both of which looked around to be over fifty. Olvia swallowed lightly. The two strange men bowed, "Your Majesty, Princess, my I present King Pratus."

"Welcome to our kingdom King Pratus," welcomed Olvia's father.

"Thank you."

"Y-yes.. Welcome," she bowed as well, almost forgetting herself. The man stepped foreword.

"Ah! And you must be the lovely and beautiful Princess Olvia! You are more beautiful than they say." He kissed her hand, "I... am sorry I am no longer in my youth, I am sure would prefer a, younger man?" Her mouth opened slowly as she thought of the words.

"No, your majesty. I was not."

"Good!" He smiled.

"The wedding will be a grand one Sire!" said the other man standing next to King Pratus.

The rest of the conversations were a blur to her. She paid little attention. She cared little. She was planning something in her head. The whole time. This was allowed, for no one paid much attention to her. Though, once in a while, she spotted King Pratus staring at her. She didn't like it, the way her looked at her. Something wasn't right. She felt uncomfortable. After a while she couldn't bare it, "My I be excused father?" She asked tried not to sound desperate.

"Oh, um, yes of course my dear. As you wish." She bowed and left the room. Once out she speedily made her way to the Palace Gardens for some fresh air and a clear mind. She inhaled the wonderful smell of the flowers.

"There you are?" said a man's voice behind her. She was taken back.

"King Pratus!" She bowed.

"Now now, there will be none of that. You won't be doing that when we are married will you?" There was a pause. A frown appeared.

"No, I guess not." He nodded reassuringly. He took one look at the garden and said, "I never really liked Palace Gardens. They seem like a waste of space."

"Actually Sire, I tend to walk in them ofte-"

"They will be the first to go!" He stated.

"What?"