The Lost Princess

II

Bailey
Eight Years Later

I had finished my meet up with Peter, and was walking home. Since the time I meet him, eight years ago till now, Peter hasn't changed. He's still a traveling stable boy, his blonde hair swoops in his eyes, and his eyes were still greenish gray emeralds. I did still have a crush on him, even at sixteen while he was seventeen. I haven't really changed either, but Deliah has changed.

Her punishments have been brutal and she constantly drinks. Her sobriety has flown out the window, as well with her soul. She whips me, bangs my head on the wall or floor, starves me, and whacks me with a metal pole that she found. I am still forced to wake up early to sew dresses. The only other person who knows she's doing this is Peter, who has promised to keep it a secret.

I walked in the house to smell rum and pee. It was a constant smell, that I had chosen to ignore. She had already eaten, so I made my way upstairs before I heard, "Bailey! Come here!" I sighed, walking towards her.

"Yes miss?" I replied.

"Rose and Lily are returning home. I need you to clean the house and me up," she responded before passing out. I carried her over my shoulder, and took her to the bathroom. After filling the tub with water, I wash all the dirt from her body. Then, I scrubbed her black hair till it was shining. I drained the water, and let her dry off. The I slipped on some clothes for her, before going downstairs.

I filled the bucket with water, and began mopping the floors. I started around the kitchen, went to the dining room, then finished at the living room. I polished all the windows and I dusted the lamps, vases, and the little cracks in the walls. I swept the dirt from the steps, into the kitchen, and put it into the garbage can. I scrubbed the steps, until they shone. Then, I turned over each couch that she had peed on, and speayed my lemon zest fragrance on it. I went outside to beat the rugs, came back in, wipped the table, fluffed the couch pillows, and I was finished.

Deliah came downstairs and inspected the house, "Good job. They should be here soon." There was a knock on the door. I opened it to see two figures standing there with suitcases and smug looks. Lily's black hair and brown eyes stayed exactly the same, evil and hatred towards me. Rose was still pulling her act, I knew, because she had flashed me a quick smile.

I let them in, and they rushed to hug Deliah. Rose sank into the couch and sighed. Lily started staring me down, and scoffed. Rose bounced up, "Mother! Guess what? So, I was walking in the courtyard at school and they were talking about..."

"King Edward and Queen Victoria are having a ball for Prince Aaron!" Lily interrupted. Rose gave her a scowl, which Lily returned with delight. Deliah and Lily started jumping up and down. "And guess what! Everyone is invited! Neighboring kingdoms, too!" Lily exclaimed.

I stood up, "So, can I go?" Lily and Deliah stopped to stare at me.

Deliah went upstairs and brought a ton of papers, "Sure, if you can complete all these see a orders." Lily doubled over in laughter.

"What's so funny?" Rose said for me.

Lily stopped, "She only has two weeks to get this done. And why would the king and queen want to see you?"

I shrugged, "I just want to get out of the house and have fun, that's all."

I also wanted to see Peter, but that wasn't important. If they hear I was talking to an Amsterian, they would disown me. Well, they already have.

Amelia
I walked into the ballroom to see dozens of people rushing around, setting things up for the ball we were hosting. The gardeners were talking with the florists about which flowers would go where. The builders were setting up a platform for the three man orchestra to play on. The bakers and chef were discussing food and beverage. Right in on th middle of the hub, was Mother and Father. I walked over to them, and curtised.

"Oh, hello Amelia. Do you like the decorations for the ball?" Mother smiled.

I nodded, "Yes."

Father smiled, "Perfect! Oh, call your brother Aaron for me, you two have to see the guest list of the princes and princesses attending the ball." I nodded, but Aaron was already standing behind me.

Father smiled, and walked us into his office. Aaron had brown hair with silver eyes, and was two years older than me. Father shows me the prince list and Aaron the princess list. Aaron nudged me, "Emerald is coming." I groaned at her name.

Princess Emerald was the princess of the United Pearl River Kingdom or the UPRK. She had jet black hair and big brown eyes. She was very rude with a big mouth, like her father. Emerald would boast about things, and say how amazing her kingdom is. The UPRK is a bunch of districts filed under King Derek. We don't usually invite them, but this was Aaron's choosing ball, so all eligible princesses were welcome.

"I know you don't like Emerald, but I felt that it would be nice for them to visit. Only this time, ok?" Father begged. We nodded and he smiled.

This was going to be a very long day.