Becoming a Princess

Chapter Sixteen

After a few days of rest and water, my voice is working. It's not a clear, fluid sound, but I'm getting there. I'm in my room with Annie and Emmeline when we hear a knock on my door. Belle gets up from her sewing and answers it.

"Good afternoon," I hear Liam say.

Belle gives a little giggle and replies with, "Hello, your Majesty."

"Is Lady Victoria available?" he asks.

Belle nods and opens the door. He eyes look bright and lively again, unlike when I saw him in my hospital room. That was the last time I'd seen him before now.

"Hello Lady Victoria," he says with a warm grin.

"Hello," I reply in a raspy voice and stand up. While my voice is better, it is easier to whisper.

Liam changes his attention to Annie and Emmeline. "Would you mind giving me and Victoria a moment of privacy?" he asks.

Annie and Emmeline blush and curtsy before walking out of the room. My maids also bustle out.

I sit on the edge of the bed and he does the same. His face turns serious.

"Victoria," he starts, "I need to know who hurt you," he says, turning his body to face me.

I look down and playing with the bandages on my wrists. I'd been thinking a lot about what happened and wasn't sure if Fern and Clementine actually needed to go to jail for ten years. It seemed like too much time.

"Victoria," he says more softly and gently moves my chin so my face is facing his. "You have to tell me," he says.

I look into his eyes for a moment before turning away and hiding my face in my hands. Just then, my door is thrown open by a guard. Liam immediately stands up.

"Excuse me, wha-" exclaims Liam.

"Your Majesty," interrupts the guard, "two of the Selected have left the palace. We believe them to be the ones who assaulted Lady Victoria," finishes the guard.

Liam turns to me. "Victoria, you must tell me who attacked you," he commands.

I look my teary eyes into his. "Fern David and Clementine Dove," I croak after a pause.

"Sir, those are the two who fled the palace," says the guard.

Liam looks at me before exiting the room. The guard follows, with me close behind. Liam strides across the hallway quickly, heading for the stairs. He climbs up to the third floor and turns to face me.

"Victoria, I'm going to have to ask you stay out here," Liam says.

I nod my head. Technically, I'm not supposed to be on the third floor because the Royal Family's rooms are here.

Liam and the guard walk towards one of the doors and open it. I decide to go to my room and wait for dinner.

An hour before dinner is supposed to start, my maids walk in and get me ready. They dress me in a simple dark green gown with long sleeves to cover up my wrists. My hair is put in a simple updo and the only makeup that is applied to my face is some concealer to hide the dark circles under my eyes.

I am doing a little sketch of the view outside my window when I hear a knock on the door. Gwen opens the door and in walks Annie and Emmeline.

Emmeline looks at me in awe. "You look absolutely stunning," she gushes.

"Thanks," I say with a smile.

We exit my room and turn the corner into a new hallway. Before we reach the stairs though, a door opens up and reveals Beatrice Clark. She looks at us and rolls her eyes before putting on a fake smile.

"Well, look who's back," Beatrice says with a laugh. "Too bad they didn't throw away the key."

"Excuse me?" says Emmeline.

But Beatrice ignores her. "I mean we were all thinking it, and all wanted it to happen, but I never thought anyone would try to get rid of you. Bravo to them," Beatrice says with a smirk.

"Who exactly do you are?" exclaims Emmeline.

"You know what I don't get?" playfully asks Beatrice, ignoring Emmeline.

"A lot of things," I say with an eye roll.

She shoots me a glare before continuing. "How can the prince like you when your just so...ugly?" It was more of an accusation than a question.

Annie scoffs. "Coming from the one who dresses in potato sacks and paints her face with garbage," she spits.

Beatrice gives the classic mean girl look before turning on her heel and walking towards the stairs.

"How dare she!" exclaims Emmeline.

"Guys, just leave it," I mutter with my raspy voice.

Emmeline gives me a disapproving look and looks to Annie for support. Annie just grins and starts walking towards the stairs.

We reach the dining hall and take our seats, far away from Beatrice who is gossiping quietly with Blair. I keep waiting to see Liam's face walk into the room, but he never does. In fact, the only member of the Royal Family in the dining hall is Princess Celia.

After an uneventful dinner passes, I head up to my room. I realize that I have been here over a week and still have not written a letter to my family. I change out of my gown and go to my desk. I pull out a piece of paper and pen and start writing.

Dear Alessa and dad,

How are you guys? You have probably heard the news about me. I just want to let you know that I am safe. I miss you guys so much. The palace is so different from home. I can't wait for you guys to come visit.

Alessa, let me tell you, it is much cooler here than it is at home. I can actually be outside for more than five minutes. Annie and I have made a new friend, Emmeline. She is hilarious and just like you. You would like her. By the way, I  haven't forgotten to get a dress for you! Any color prefrences?

How's the shop going dad? Miss me yet? I have to say, the food here is good, but not as good as yours! Can't wait to see you!

Love,                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Victoria

I seal the letter and walk into the hallway, looking for a guard. I finally find one and ask him to get it mailed. After that, I walk back into my room and collapse onto my bed, letting thoughts of home carry me to sleep.

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Second one for today! Enjoy :)