The Lost Princess

Chapter 14 || Can The World Learn From The Stars

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"It's time to go," Aiden whispered beside me.

"I know, but can't we just let him sleep a moment longer," I plea.

"Ella, Lea's a big boy, and he made the decision to go yesterday, and must deal with that. We have a Kingdom depending on us, and royal guards searching for you. So he must get up," Aiden urges.

"Who are you two discussing?" Leathan voice chimes from right behind me.

Aiden gives him a slight nod, before getting on his horse and riding over to other men, waiting for us. Was that nod all those two needed to clear the air? Only a few hours ago Leathan was ready to rip Aiden's throat out, over speculations and accusations, but now it's as though nothing happened. Did he finally come to his senses?

Leathan turned to me, and helped me onto his horse, before getting on himself, "Aster and Davison," he called to the two men. They came to him at once. The loyalty amongst the small groups is one to be admired. "You are in charge remember to keep the minimum weaponry out. You are on a hunting trip, and nothing more. As soon as the search party leaves training begins. We will see you in two weeks, my friends."

"In two weeks," Davison's says, waving us goodbye.

But Aster walks up to me, "Have a safe journey, my Queen," he smiles, widely his dimples full on display, while giving me a slight bow.

"Thank you, Aster," I reply, but I'm sure my cheeks are rosy red from the treatment. Leathan chuckles and says his farewells before we head to our party.

We began the journey Leathan, and I in the front, Aiden at our side, and ten others following. Men are chatting behind, while Aiden is enjoying the peaceful scenery. "How are you feeling," Leathan whispers into my ear, warming it instantly.

"Much better, the pain as subsided immensely. Thank you, Leathan."

"No, need to thank me, Arabella," he starts, but stops, looking down at my new gown. "I see you found one of the dresses Idean made for you."

"Yes, it's perfect," I gush. It truly is a gorgeous dress I have ever don, the satin green coloring matches my eyes wonderfully, and the feel is soft to the touch.

"You look beautiful, Princess." He really knows how to take a compliment and make me hate it. I turn on him, but instead of his usual smirk when he uses princess to address me, there is a genuine smile.

"What?" He asks, his brows bunching slightly together. I shake my head slightly. "So, you've now, gone swimming. Is there anything else that you would like to do?"

I think for a moment, What are some things I've wanted to do? "Go to a pub, and dance. William told me stories of when he and his wife would go for fun, and it sounded like a good time."

"Alright, then I'll add it to our itinerary," he says with a smile in his voice. I can feel his blue eyes on me, but I don't turn to look.

"So, tell me about the first village we'll be visiting," I ask effectively covering my heated face. Our conversation continued, centered around the traditions of the people, and what their lives were like. He told of festivals, and happier times, to which I am grateful. It may seem selfish, but truthfully I have a limit on how much sadness, and heartache I can take in one sitting.

Eventually, the sun began to descend behind the mountains, and it was time for us to put a pause on our journey for tonight. Leathan and the others dismounted like experts, while I did the most ungraceful thing a princess can do, and fell off the horse!

At first, Leathan and Aiden were very much concerned, but once they realized my health was still very much intact. They laughed loud, and deeply while helping me up. I shot Leathan a glare, but that only seemed to fuel the fire, so I walked away in search of food. My body sore from sitting atop Fergus all hours of the day.

One of the men, Thomas, began handing out bread, and with a broth. "We will be eating much better tomorrow, your majesty, for we will be in town."

"Thank you, Thomas," I reply, and see the large man blush slightly. I have seen both Leathan and Aiden wear the scarlet coloring, but the notion still brings a smile to my face. I take my food and wander to a nearby rock where I can sit, but the dull pain in my legs protests, so I stand and eat in peace until Leathan finds me.

"Can't sit, uh?" He says, a smile threatening to break his concern.

I shake my head to answer his question, annoyance settling on my face.

"I apologize for the way Aiden and I reacted earlier. We shouldn't have laughed," he said, and I looked at his face to see an earnest grin residing.

"Thank you for the apology," I notice he is without food, so I ask, "Did you already eat?"

"Yes, I was coming to tell you we have a tent for you to sleep in." Would he be sleeping in the tent as well, or would it just be me?

"Are the others residing in tents tonight as well?"

"No, we'll be sleeping amongst the stars tonight," he smiled. That sounds lovely. Sleeping with heavens above, and the moon as the only light.

"Then, why must I sleep with a tent?" I voiced, and he saw me resolve.

"You wish to sleep with the men?" He asked with confusion, heavy in his voice.

"I wish to sleep under the stars. Besides, it is not right for your men to work hard to create a tent when it is not needed. I am no delicate flower. If no one else is to have a tent neither am I."

He seemed annoyed by my decision, but instead he asked, "Have you never?" Leathan didn't have to finish for me to answer no. "Then, amongst the stars, you shall sleep," he said with a finality, leaving to talk to the men.

Soon, campfires are being put out, and men are getting comfortable wrapped inside their blanket, laying on the grassy ground.

"Here," Leathan said, handing me his coat, and a warm blanket.

"Thank you," I respond gratefully at the idea of escaping the chilling breeze. Slipping into the warmth of the coat, I instantly smell the woodsy scent of Leathan that lingers on it. Taking a place on the ground, and snuggling under the blanket, I stare up at the night sky.

"Sleep well, Princess," Leathan whispers, close by, and a light smile tugs on my lips, upon hearing him.

"Dream well," I say into the night in response, only to receive a chorus of sweet wishes from the rest of the men, and my heart instantly swells with happiness. I don't know how I was ever able to sleep so peacefully without the knowledge of friends or loved ones, so close by. My parents always slept on the other side of the castle. Idean slept in the maid quarters, and William at his home with his family.

The stars are always together, shining brightly as a family when one goes out the others shine enough to illuminate all. The sky seems like a dream in its own. Can the world learn from the stars, when I fade will another take my place and shine bright enough for the change to be irrelevant? Will the kingdom accept me?

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