When You Return (The Lost Princess)

Chapter 14:

Rathina
I walk through the marketplace, excitement rushing through my bones. I have always loved walking the street, unnoticed and free. Strolling the the stalls, I notice a child, skinned to the bone, watching a stall of biscuits. My heart breaks for him. I walk to the stall and purchase three buns and walk over to him. His eyes widen and he backs away in fear.
"Oh no. It's alright," I coo, holding out the bun. "Are you hungry?"
He continues to stare at me, frightened. I smile softly, lying it on the ground and backing away slowly. Hands grip my arms and the boys eyes widen. He snatches the bun and runs away.
I tremble in fear as the man growls in my ear. "What are you doing here?"
"I- I-I...."
"I thought I told you to keep someone with you."
I sob, turning and burying my head in his chest. "I'm sorry, I-"
"Rathina, you do not realize how dangerous it is out here. You could be killed!"
I cringe at his sharp tone. He sighs, putting his arms around me.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to frighten you. But when I could not find you, I panicked. I had thought something happened to you."
He pulls away, looking into my eyes. "Promise me you will not leave the palace without a guard."
I sigh.
"Rathina. Promise me."
I pause at the the sternness in his words. I nod. "I promise."
He pulls away and takes my arm. "My father's councilor has requested a visit. We need to return to the palace as soon as possible."
I nod letting him lead me to his horse. He helps me up and then climbs behind me.
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Unknown
I watch as the prince and princess ride back to the palace, my hate for them increasing. She's too good for common folk, is she? Well, he'll regret that... they all will....
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Rathina
Two days later
I pull out my common gown and bonnet and dress quickly. On my way out, I pull a guard aside and tell them to dress as a commoner and meet me by the palace gate. I walk quickly there and wait until he shows. We walk to the market and I keep an eye out for that boy. I check over at the stand, but don't see him. I purchase a couple buns and turn back to the streets. That's when I notice him. He catches me staring and dashes in the other direction.
Without thinking, I chase after him. "Wait!"
He glances back, but keeps running. We run through an ally until finally, he stops, loss for a place to run next.
"Don't run. I want to help you."
He shakes his head. "No you don't. You want to hurt me. You want me dead."
I gasp. "Why would you think that?"
He stands up straighter. "I ain't a fool. Yer a royal. All yer good at is hurt'n peop'l. Ye think yer better than us and tha we should bow down to yer every wish."
I shake my head. "And why do you think I'm royal?"
"Ye talk too fan'cy to be a mere common'r. And tha' man was no othe' than Prince Luke." The way he says his name, as if tasting something bitter. I sigh.
"You do not know Luke. He is a wonderful man. He deserves respect."
The boy spits on the ground. "As much respec' as a don'ke. If he wa' worth respect'n, he would've gone off to war wit his pa. But he don't care for us."
I shake my head. "He stayed because he didn't approve of the war."
The boy scowls. "And so he'll let his people die?! That ain't worth nottin! He sits back and watch's us die and cares nottin 'bout it!" He runs past me, knocking me over. I quickly stand and start to run after, but a hand grabs my arm. I look up into the guards eyes. "Is this how they all think of Luke? That he is a coward for not going with his father?"
The guard looks away and nods.
I sigh, walking the streets, passing out biscuits to anyone I see that looks starved and sick. Each one give me the same look. Hate and distrust. Mayhap they will think better of Luke if I come more.
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Eric
It has been three months and I have not heard from Kal and I cannot help but worry. Is she alright? Has something happened?
I sit, and start writing.
My dear Kal,
I have not heard from you for a while. Is anything the matter? Are you upset with me? Please, I need to hear from you. Anything. Even if you are angered, I hope you will write. Every night I am away, my heart yearns for you even more.
Tomorrow, we are advancing upon them and if all goes well, we will be home in six months. I do believe we will win this war. Mytain is foolish for meddling with such a strong kingdom as ours.
I miss you and cannot wait to see your face again. I love you.
Eric
I stand up and start pacing and begin to worry again.
What if what Robert said is true? I shake my head. Kal's not like that. She is not Osanna.
I growl, running my fingers through my hair. I just need fresh air.
I walk out into the cold night and spot my horse. I walk over and climb atop. I stear her into the direction of the trees and gallop fast. I try to focus on riding, but my thoughts keep drifting to her. Worry engulfs me. I have sent many letters to her. It is not like her to ignore them. I need answers.
A twig snags, and I snap my attention to my surroundings. I curse under my breath. I am surrounded my Mytain soldiers. Luckily, not one of them are horsed.
"Well, if it isn't the royal highness himself," one the men sneers. He lifts his bow. "I should kill you right now."
"Hold your fire, Wentworth. We could use him."
I chuckle. "And how could I be of use to you?"
The man grins evilly. "Information. You are the prince, surely you would know every plan."
I pull out my sword. "I would rather die than tell you a thing."
With that said, I swing my sword, hitting the one closest to me. Then I start into a gallop, riding further away from our camp. No need leading them there. I turn back my head and see them running after me. I chuckle shaking my head. What use is that?
I hear a zip and then feel a deep pain in my shoulder. I groan, trying to ignore the pain. I hear another zip, and I duck. But they weren't aiming for me. My horse stumbles and I fall off, landing hard in the dirt. I quickly jump up and turn to fight off the men. My shoulder rings with pain, but I ignore it. A man runs at me, swinging his sword around. I wait until he is close, then jump to the side, swiping my sword through him, then looking to the next man. I run forward, clinging my sword against his, until he pulls away. Taking my chance, I dig my sword into his middle and turn to the next. A sharp pain hits my leg and I stumble. I look down and see an arrow I reach to pull it out, but feel a blow to my head.
"Take him back to camp. I want him alive. Barely."
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Rathina
For the past three months, I have been buying biscuits and passing them among the people. But still, their eyes are filled with hate. I have not spoken to Luke of their thoughts because I know he would not allow me to continue going.
He has been hiding out under the palace in the hidden tunnels, spying on the councilor.
I sigh, grabbing my basket and filling it with food to pass out. I start walking along the streets. "Why do you continue to do it, Princess?"the guard, Isaac asks.
I sigh. "They need me, whether they like to admit it or not. I cannot let them starve."
Isaac shakes his head. "I have never met someone like you."
I ignore that comment and continue passing out the biscuits. I start down an ally way, staying ahead of Isaac.
"Doing this will not restore your husband's honor." I pause, looking down at the old woman who spoke.
"Whatever do you mean?"
She snorts. "Jus' because you come 'ere everyday bringing us food, does not make us like you or that prince any more."
My frustration rises. "How could you think that way of your prince? He has gone off to war for you, has he not?"
The woman spits on the ground. "No he hasn't. He only went when he heard his precious father was injured." She chuckles. "Don't look surprised, dear, word gets around. If our prince truly cared as you say, he would have left with his father."
I turn away, walking quickly from her, her shrieks of laughter fading with each step.