The Captured Princess

Chapter Six: Theo

Where had she gone? I had searched all around town and she was nowhere to be found. I just couldn't figure out what to do. She wasn't in her usual sparring area, she wasn't at the bakery she sometimes visited, and she wasn't in the market. That only left...

I'm an idiot.

Obviously she was back at the castle then. But how could I have missed her? Was I really that oblivious?  

After arriving back at the castle, I gave my horse off to a stable hand headed upstairs. Princess Adira's chambers were higher up to keep her safe from any threats that could come about. I was normally stationed right outside her door with one other guard, but today I had been sent to fetch her. And because I missed her, her defense was weakened. For that, I kicked myself.

I stopped outside her door and nodded once to my fellow soldier. Then I knocked on the door to Adira's chambers. I didn't hear anything at first, so I knocked again.

There. A quiet voice answered, calling me in. she sounded... sad? Oh boy...

I crept into the room and looked around. Adira was on her large bed, curled up in a ball. Her long hair was arrayed all around her and she had her eyes closed tightly. I caught a glimpse of something wet glistening on her eyelids. Tears?

Quietly, I walked over to the bed and kneeled so I could look her in he eyes. "My lady?" I may have liked Adira, but she was still a princess and I was only a guard. I had to be respectful, especially in the castle.

She peeked her eyes open a tad, and I expected her to smile upon seeing me.

Only she didn't. Instead, she frowned and closed her eyes again which in turn made me frown as well. I couldn't think of a single thing to explain why she was acting this way.

"Princess? Are you alright?" I asked. Maybe she was ill. That would explain why she was lying on her bed, fully clothed.

Adira groaned and rolled over, so her back was facing me. Now, I was really confused.

 After glancing around the room one more time to make sure we were alone, I sat down on the edge of the bed and placed my hand on her arm. It was soft, and warm. I almost smiled, because even now while she was angry or upset at something, she was still beautiful in every way possible.

I felt Adira tense up slightly at my touch and I swallowed, becoming nervous. Was it something I had done?

"Princess Adira, please tell me what's wrong. I cannot help you until you speak to me," I tried patiently. I hated knowing that she was unhappy and I wanted to change that right away.  

Hope you're enjoying this story! Sorry it's been a really long time since I've updated, I'll try to make them more frequent.

Theo - Ithildae