Royal Escape

Chapter 5

I managed to make it to my destination without running into Ian. Which is quite the achievement since Ian is typically always around me and knew where I was even if I didn't.

But I still ran into everyone else in the castle. The maids, the guards, the servants. I even ran into the stableboy.

Their looks toward me was pity, and they all tried their hardest to not make eye contact or speak. They sure made no effort to stop the whispering though.

Apparently everyone knew about what had happened this morning- news travels fast here. Not that it can be helped. When the only heir has been betrothed to a neighboring prince whom has been portrayed as inhumane, I suppose it would be something to talk about.

But that wasn't something I wanted to think about. I needed the rumors to be a lie, I can't have my people in the hands of such foes.

Once in my room, away from the outside world, I heaved a great sigh.

I never thought I would actually appreciate the silence in my room.

I ponder in thought of what the next few days of my future holds. My life has changed before my very eyes but I don't feel frightened like I did before.

Maybe because I knew that if things didn't work out, then Heath has a plan.

Who am I kidding? No matter what Heath may have in store for me, I can't just back out of an arranged marriage. Especially since my father is the one who wanted this for me.

I'm doing it to better my kingdom.

But how come even when I say that in my mind, I don't feel like I'm doing any good? What if Tallenor's prince isn't good for my people.

I can't let my people suffer. Not while I hold power.

I exhale heavily and undo the ribbon that holds my hair back.

What am I to do?

I nervously pace the floors, my boots shuffling across the floor and my occasional sighs the only thing heard in the dead silence.

A knock at the door stilled me in my position.

"Milady, the Queen is here to see you." I knew Ian's voice from the moment he spoke, even if it did sound strangely different.

I wonder how long he had been out there?

"Let her in." My voice deceived me by quivering slightly. Before the door opened, I straightened my posture to try and collect myself.

My mother stepped inside, her hair had been brushed and looked like liquid gold again. Her attire was changed, she wore an elegant satin gown that dropped off her shoulders. She looked like she had held herself together only to crash when she saw me again.

"My beautiful little girl. My sweet, sweet angel. Come, darling. Let mother hold you." With her arms spread wide open to me, I did the only thing that felt right at that moment.

I fell into my mother's arms and wept. I cried for my people, I cried for my kingdom, I cried for Ian, I cried for mother and father, I cried for Heath, and I cried for myself- because soon I wouldn't be me anymore.

"M-Mother, I-I don't want this. I-I'm so scared. What if he's awful to me? To my people? I just c-can't!" I felt her arms tighten around me as we both sunk to the floor. She cooed me and rocked me back and forth.

"Hush, my little one,
Don't shed a tear,
Mother is here to chase away your fears."

My tears begin to diminish as I hear the sweet lullaby my mother use to sing to me as a child.