The Return of the Princesses

Chapter 16

"So... you mean to tell me you are from here, but also lived in another dimension?"

"Yes...no... I mean..., that's what I'm trying to figure out." 

Three hours I have spent in the library explaining to Adam what has happened, but he is yet to understand or believe me.

"And that is why you have been speaking differently than before you disappeared."

"Yes."

"And your real name is Beverley."

"Well, I now have two names."

"Right, okay. And all the other princesses are from that dimension as well."

"Yes."

"And you don't know how you got there."

"No, but Maleficent is explaining it to me."

"MALEFICIENT! You mean to tell me you have been in contact with that monster? Talking with her? And that she knows you've travelled dimensions?!" He bolted out of his chair and jolted his face right into mine.

"Adam I can explain, she's not bad!"

Adam quickly started pacing the room. I got out of my chair and knew I had to start defending her.

"She's pure evil, Belle. Beverley.. Whatever you are." 

"Whatever I am? Excuse me? " I instantly fell offended by his words.

The stress in his face fell, "Belle, I'm sorry, I just-"

"No, Adam. I'm the same person I was before I disappeared, whether you or I, believe it or not, it's the truth. I am that person. If you cannot begin to respect me, you have more to fear than scary ole' Maleficent. Where I come from, there is equality amongst the people. There is none here. If you need me, I'm going to plan an inauguration and ball, to be a productive person in this society." 

I stormed out of the library, red-faced and all. 

"Princess Belle."

"Jesus Christ Marlee. You scared me."

"I'm sorry, your majesty." She curtsied, "I was just about to come retrieve you because we must commence on planning the ball and inauguration."

"Perfect, that's exactly what I left the library to do."

---------

A few hours later I found myself sitting at the same table where I first met everyone. There were empty dinner plates, snack plates, and empty tea cups. The candles had to be lit because the sun had set about 45 minutes ago. 

"So when you walk in, everyone will rise, blah blah blah. You'll be handed the sceptre and orb, along with a prayer. Crown goes on your head. Then-archbishop will rub the holy oil on your collarbone and forehead.  " Issac explained for the last time.

I nodded in understanding. I remember watching inaugurations in history class on dozens of royal people...Funny I'm now one of them.

"I'll see you a couple of days before the inauguration to practice reciting the prayers, I know it gets nerve-wracking" Bishop Grant added. 

"The cake has already been planned, for the ball that will take place after, of course. And you will have two dresses, one for your inauguration, and one for the ball! Marlee and Lucy will help design them... but come to me if they don't live up to your standards. I want a rough print by tomorrow; this show needs to get on the road. Also, Invitations. You must start writing them out. Are we thinking a big crowd or small? Maybe small for the inauguration and big for the ball, keep it intimate. What do you think?" Issac fired off all this information at me; this is what he was best at. 

"Uhm, yes. Small then large. I'll write the invitations and get the outlines of the dresses by tomorrow," I mumbled as I quickly wrote it all down on a piece of paper. "Make sure the names and addresses are on my desk within the hour; I shall start this evening."

"That's what I like to hear," Issac smiled from ear to ear. " MEETING DISMISSED! Princess must get her work done, and we all have our work to accomplish. This is going to be the party of the year everyone; we will reconvene tomorrow." 

Without another word, everyone rose from their chairs, waiting for me to exit the room. I grabbed my piece of paper and didn't hesitate to say goodbye.

-----

An hour later I found myself three invitations deep. I was sitting in the darkness of the library, with only a few candles surrounding me. 

"Signed, Princess Belle of France" I spoke out loud as my quill rubbed the hard sheet of paper. 

I crossed off Princess Merida of DunBruch, letting out a sigh at the long list of names following.

I started off the next letter, "Chief Moana of Montunui-" I started.

"Princess Belle!" Someone barged into the library. 

I jumped in my chair. " AH! What! Jeez, you scared me."

The guard looked panicked, " I am so sorry your majesty but the castle in under attack, I need to get you to safety right now."

Oh no.

"Okay, let's go." I dropped the quill and blew out the candles. Down the hallway, the guard was holding my wrist and quickly walking me through the hallways.

Adrenaline was pumping through my veins, a real invasion. I had never seen any real danger in my life. 

From somewhere in the castle you could hear echoes of men shouting and men running.

He escorted me into a bathroom, where a whole in the wall appeared.

" That doorway was not there this morning."

"It is a secret door, your majesty. Please go down the stairs. Marlee and Lucy are already down there."

 I took the first step down the stairwell but turned around as the guard started closing the entry- way.

"What are you doing, we need Adam down here."

"Princess, Adam will not be accompanying you. He is the head of the royal military, he is leading the fight against the invasion right now."