The Lost Princess

Chapter 2- Me? Interesting?

Following Arthur through the grand doors, I began to feel nervous. I didn't know what to expect, would I receive any attention, would the ladies be horrible to me? Back home, I was the princess so I had had lots of friends and people were kind to me.

"You'll be fine, try not to worry." The duke said giving me a warm smile. He had already become a father like figure to me and we had only met a few hours ago.

As the grand doors opened, we were announced.

"The Duke of Cornwall and his ward Lady Aria Arynn." A few people turned around to see the Duke I presumed, but then their eyes landed on me and several whispers were heard.

Giving me a warm smile, the Duke looked at me encouragingly.

"Let me introduce you to the Queen, she has been meaning to speak to me, and from the looks of the court here it looks like she is certainly keen to meet you Aria."

I nodded and followed his lead, giving a few smiles to some of the people who looked at me. This situation was strange for me you see, at home, I was confident, myself. I'd only been here for a few hours and I was feeling nervous and weak, not my usual cheerful strong self.

"Your majesty, the Duke of Cornwall and his ward Lady Aria Arynn." The Queen's personal announcer spoke.

I bowed politely at her majesty, unsure whether to meet her sapphire eyes. From across ocean's I had heard of her immense beauty, from her fiery hair to her slender figure was spoken about even in Arabia. And indeed the rumours were true, every detail that spoke of her seemed correct- yet why she wasn't married confused me, surely she must have received a large handful of proposals.

"Queen Elizabeth," both Arthur and I had said.

"Arthur, where in the heavens have you been? It seems the court have not have the pleasure of having you at court for the past three weeks!"

"I apologise sincerely your majesty, I had lots of business to attend to, and I didn't think that your highness would realise my lack of presence."

"Well I did, and I noticed your new ward?"

"Yes, her father and I are very good friends but he travels lots and entrusted me to be Lady Aria's guardian for the time being."

"Lady Aria? Where are you from?"

I looked up to her, and nervously smiled. "I'm from Arabia your highness." I said and looked back down on the ground.

"Arabia? I have never had the pleasure of travelling there, what is it like."

"I-it is a beautiful kingdom your majesty, and has fin-fine food an-and the people there are wonderf-" then all of a sudden the memories of everything that had happened came rushing down on me. I could feel the sobs threating to spill out.

"Lady Aria has had a long journey your majesty, please excuse her?" I thanked Duke Arthur a thousand times in my mind for suggesting that idea. I felt as though I were about to breakdown, and I was never really a crier.

" Yes very well, but I wish to get to know her more. What do you say Arthur?"

"I think that is a splendid offer which Lady Aria would love very much. Isn't that right?"

I didn't know what to say so I just nodded, really wanting to get out of this grand hall which seemed to be suffocating me.

"Good. Lady Aria I invite you to stay at court as my guest."

"Thank you your majesty, I hope you do not take offence to this, but m-may I think about the offer, I am not quiet feeling myself at this moment."

"Very well, should I call for the physician?"