A Peasant and A Princess

Chapter Eleven: Plot

It took me three days to fully plan my excursion. I went out into the garden often to look for weak spot in the guarding of the walls. It wasn't that hard to figure out, considering the fact that the palace is designed to keep out assassins and intruders, rather than keep in troublesome princesses.

I would have referred to it as an escape, but that would make it sound like I didn't plan on coming back. I simply wanted to see Mallory. I figured I could sneak out at night and return in the morning. If I was careful, no one would even notice I had been gone.

After writing down a final note on my detailed map of the palace I had drawn for this occasion, I went out into the garden. The sky looked cloudy, so I hoped it would rain to aid my feigning of illness.. If that didn't work, I would fake a migraine. I had been practicing, so hopefully that would pay off. I sauntered through the rose for ten minutes before it began to rain. I wondered how much longer I could stay out without seeming suspicious.

My question was answered for me, when Sarah, a housemaid came rushing out of the house, and ran towards me.

"Miss Edith sent me to fetch you, Your Highness," She panted.

"Did she?" I asked casually, staring off into space. Was that something sick people do? I don't really remember the last time I was sick.

"Yes, Your Highness. Are you quite alright, Your Highness?" She asked.

I simply nodded and coughed a little into my handkerchief. Sarah paid no mind to my slight coughing, and so I coughed a little harder. She simply continued to escort me towards the palace.

Miss Edith met us in the casual tea parlour, and finally someone noticed that I might be sick.

"Princess, were you out in the rain again? You do know that can make you sick, don't you?" She chided.

I nodded and brought my handkerchief to my nose.

"You look sick. Take tea in your room, we can't have an ill lady prancing around."

I nodded, and tried to look kinda miserable, before Sarah walked me up to my bedroom.

By the time Jane arrived with tea my me, I had managed to warm up my forehead considerably, and practiced speaking in a nasally tone for a bit.

"Your Highness, should I call for Doctor Rylan?" She sounded legitimately concerned for my well being. If I wasn't a royal, I think I would have done well in acting.

"No, I think after my tea, I will try to sleep for a while. I wish to not be disturbed." I responded.

Jane simply nodded and left the room. My plan was going surprisingly well so far. Hopefully Murphy's Law would stay wherever it came from.