Princess in Hiding

Chapter 4

This day was a busy one. We were all busy preparing the things for the homecoming ball next month. It would be more likely to be hell, as the day of the ball gets closer. I'm in the sewing room with Nikolai, Pavlos, and Dmitri.

        They started to make Princess Aikaterina's dress. Nikolai is a renowned fashion designer from all around the world. Pavlos was also famous in shoe designs and Dmitri here was famous for his accessories. They were drawing the pieces for the Princess and I'm confused why they called me in.

        "Uhm... why am I here exactly?"

        "You're here because you would help us with the fabric and the others. We already asked the Princess for your help and she agreed."

        I'm starting to think. I'm always saved from Aikaterina's harpoon-like mouth. By the way, Aikaterina was really not nice. She was also a witch like her mother. My friends told me that they were starting to believe that Aikaterina got her attitude from her Mom. I'm glad because they won't bother me, trying to ask why I resemble the Queen.

        "I'm just standing here. I'm not doing anything." I said.

        "That's the help we need. Your presence." Dmitri answered.

        "My presence?"

        "Yes, honey. It would be a great mistake if we asked the Princess to stand in one corner while we work on her outfit." Pavlos shook his head. "So instead of having her stand, we asked for you."

        "A replacement?"

        The three shrugged and they continued they work.

        I stood here in one corner looking everywhere to keep myself busy. They made me sit when I felt a little tired and they were gracious to give me some refreshments. They were all nice. I felt good when I'm with them. Like they were my friends. They were constantly talking to me while they work. They were asking about my past and I think I gave too much away.

        Anyway, they wouldn't use it. It would be some useless information for them. After an hour, they sent me off and I went to the Princess right away. She was with the Prince Eros in the garden. Both were dressed in their riding habits. The Princess saw me and she just acted like she didn't. Well, I'm just a plain nobody. She wouldn't want anything from me.

       After some minutes, the Queen went out of the palace wearing a simple dress. She was with her own personal servers and I'm glad that I'm not going to be alone here. I curtsied to the Queen and she sat on the chair beside me.

        "Aikaterie." She called me. There's that chilling tone again.

        "Your Majesty?"

        "Who named you?"

        "My aunt, my Queen."

        "Why were you named that way?"

        Where's she going with this? "She told me that my name meant purity and innocence."

        She nodded. "You know, my daughter sees you as a threat."

        My brows met. "Your Majesty?"

        "You heard that right. I also think that you are. If I can sense more threats from you, you'll be out of the palace."

        I don't want to piss off the Queen so I just nodded and surrendered to her wish. Why do they see me as a threat? I have a clean background and have a great one. Why am I a threat?

       "You are probably wondering why we see you as a threat." She said. The refreshments just arrived and I took the pitcher of juice. "You have the same name as my daughter. You are a redhead and have blue eyes. The things we looked for when we searched for Aikaterina. When she came, you also did. I don't know your motives but I'm keeping an eye on you."