Hiding Royalty

1

It was just becoming the evening, the sun's warm glow was slowly fading, and two childhood friends were sitting outside, staring up at the ever changing sky. The man, Liam, had his arm lazily draped over his friend's shoulder and he was busy animatedly talking about the crazy things he had seen in the forest.

"And I swear on my life, I saw a dragon!" His companion, Emma, simply rolled her eyes and looked up at the flamingo pink sky.

"Keep telling yourself that," she muttered and he punched her shoulder jokingly. The pair burst out into laughter, their cheeks turning a flushed red.

Their heads turned to the sound of pounding footsteps, and the sight of a panting messenger from the palace took them off guard slightly. Could they be in trouble? Their laughter ceased and they stood up to greet their abrupt visitor.

"Liam Tomson and Emma Reed?" The messenger managed to get out and the pair nodded slightly at the sound of their names, "The King and Queen request you to come to the palace immediately!"

Emma looked over to Liam with a panicked expression on her face; no one got called to the palace for good reasons, once you entered those stone walls you would never leave. Grabbing her hand, Liam walked slowly and cautiously behind the messenger who was busy catching his breath.

"It will be fine Em," he whispered into her ear and she tried to stop the shaking that affected her whole body. She didn't want to die, but there was no disobeying the King and Queen. If they wanted you dead, she knew she would be killed before she even had a chance to ask why.

The village watched as the two young adults were led towards the palace that looked over the small kingdom, some wept for the two young lives whereas other sent prayers to a god above. Liam kept his eyes forward, not wanting to see the pity of the people.

He did let his eyes wander to the palace however; it was a magnificent building that had a slight ominous feel about it. It stood tall and proud on the top of the hill, isolated from the peasants' houses below.

The royals lived a life that was only fantasy to Liam and Emma; a life full of gold and fine food, extravagant parties and fine gowns. Sometimes women like Emma would dream of such finery, but the life of a royal didn't come without hazard. Assassins and revolutionaries would always be a threat to the monarchy, there would always be people wanting to overthrow the centuries-old tradition of a King and Queen.

As they neared the foot of the hill, the guards saluted as they were led up the grand stairs towards the prestigious palace. Liam and Emma were still unsure as to why they were being called, what they could have done wrong and what fate would fall upon them in the cold walls of the palace.

"Don't worry, they have called you for a good reason- I can assure you," the messenger said as they neared the tall gates of the palace, and Liam sighed a breath of relief.

When they entered the grand building, both Emma and Liam felt out of place in their peasants' rags and shoes with holes in them. All around them were people dressed in fine clothes adorned with jewels and gold.

"But what could the King and Queen possibly want from us?" Emma whispered as they were led down spacious corridors; Liam had no answer so instead just looked forward and ignored her question.

They didn't need to question for much longer as they were stopped by a large pair of doors, and were told to empty their pockets. It all happened in such a blur that Emma almost tripped as she was led into the room where two thrones stood proudly, the King and Queen sitting regally in their own chairs.

"Emma," the King nodded at the peasant woman, "and Liam."

"Yes, Your Majesty," they both bowed low, avoiding eye contact with the royals.

"I have a task for you two," the King's voice was somber in tone which surprised the two young adults, "Some bad news has fallen upon this household. Assassins are after our daughter, the beautiful Princess Lyra."

"I am sorry for your distress," Liam said in a serious voice, trying his best to not do anything to offend the royals. He kept his gaze firmly on the stone floor beneath him, and his voice was soft and slightly monotone.

"I need you two to help smuggle her out of the country. You two are both young, agile and have a vague understanding of the beasts that live in the forest- is that correct?"

"Sort of, Your Majesty. Although all we know of the beasts you speak of is folk law. But I am up for the challenge, to protect your daughter," Emma said, finally raising her gaze from the floor to see the worried face of the Queen.

"Then it is settled, you shall smuggle Lyra out of the country to avoid the assassins who are planning to take her life. Any information that you have been told today is not to be told outside these walls."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Liam said, already annoyed at the idea of spending a few days with the spoilt Princess.

"They must leave tonight my dear, they will stay here till midnight. Plan your route, take whatever you need. Just keep our Lyra safe," the Queen's voice shook slightly as she pleaded the two peasants and both felt empathy for the worried mother.

"We will do everything in our power to keep her safe," Liam replied, knowing that his words would do nothing to console the Queen.

"Then it is settled, you shall leave here tonight and smuggle our daughter out of this country onto a small island off the coast. It is my own private holiday island, so it will be accommodating for you all," and with that, the King dismissed them, telling them to prepare for the long trek ahead of them.

So Emma and Liam have been called to smuggle the Princess out of the kingdom! What will happen next? Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

~ Ella