Just a Girl

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

            “And so you see,” Liz said, finishing up the story, “my dad, king rather, might keep Winnie here for longer than her time is supposed to be.”

            “I may never see my parents again.” Winnie said glum and depressed.

            “Don’t worry; I know just what to do.” Mary said, “Follow me girls,” she said gesturing her hand for them to follow her.

            Winnie started to worry.’ What if I don’t go back home? What if this doesn’t work?’ All these fearful things filled her mind as she followed Liz and Mary. Winnie tried to shake these ideas from her head and think of ways she could stop this. She knew deep down that there was only one way to do it. Liz just had to step up to her father and not let him get away with keeping her here captive.

            “Well,” Mary started, “Liz, there is only one way to do this you know.” Mary said sounding sad that there was no other way.

            “What is it? Do I even want to know?” Liz asked, her voice filled with fear.

            “Well, you are going to have to talk to your dad, er, um, king. Once you tell him how you feel he is bound to listen. First, you have to show that you have something wrong in his presence. If he does pay attention to you, he will know and maybe confront you or at least that’s what I’m hoping for. If your mom asks you what’s wrong then what you have to do is tell her you need to talk to your dad and that’s the way it will have to be. Your dad is bound to listen. You don’t talk to him and when you open up to him, he should listen. I’m not sure this will work, but that is the first step to showing your dad that you do care, that you can take charge of things, being a princess and soon to be queen. You run stuff too. You have to get in there and take charge!”

            “I know… I know I have to but I’m afraid… I guess… I will… If it’s the only way…”

            Winnie was lost for words. She was unsure of whether or not Liz would actually ask her dad.

            “Liz, I know that this is the last thing you probably want to do,” I said slowly and carefully, “but it means so much to me that you would stand up to your dad, er, the king, for me… Well, I have never had anyone do that for me…but if you don’t stand up to your dad, or if you don’t accomplish this, well I am just happy that you tried…for me. But I know that I am just a peasant working in a king’s palace, but you are the closest thing I have ever had to a sister, and well I guess I don’t mind staying here for the rest of my life… It can’t be that bad… Whatever does end up happening is the way it shall be.” Winnie ended, with tears in her eyes. Liz stood there speechless and Winnie saw a few tears creep into Mary’s eyes.

            “I…I…I can’t believe you could say all that…I will try… for my sister.” she said crying. Liz ran over to Winnie from across the balcony and hugged her. “I will try for my sister.” she said again.

            “And that’s the way it shall be!” Mary said, “But Winnie, you should report downstairs, for the king will be expecting his dinner shortly.”

            “Please excuse me.” Winnie said and walked out the door, down the millions of stairs and past the millions of doors until Winnie reached the banquet room. A butler stood in the room waiting for her. Winnie walked through the door and he said “Miss, your instructions tonight are different than any of the other times that you have prepared food since you have been here. You shall cook what the king has ordered which is on this piece of parchment. The king will be dining with just his family and his guests so you will report to your room after you prepare and serve the food. Good day.” he said, and left nonchalantly.