The Lost Princess

Chapter 5- Dinner's can be surprising

I lied flat on my bed, after a very long day in the market. It was much busier than I had expected... Well I guess the entire day was unexpected.

Whilst in my thoughts, Nanna came and sat next to me on my bed.
"Your parents would be proud of you princess", she said stroking my head, "you've managed to keep it together when you have lost everything."

I smiled warmly at her, "I haven't lost everything, I've still got you Nanna."

"And I'm not going anywhere so-", she said but was interrupted by knocking on the door. "Yes! Coming," Nanna said rushing to the other side of the room.

I heard her say something to whoever was on the other side of the door and then slowly came to me, peering at the letter in her hands.

"It doesn't say who it's from princess."

"Let me open it." I said reaching for it. I loosened the seal, not recognising where it was from.

Princess,
We know where you are, we have eyes and ears everywhere so don't even think of escaping again.
You've taken refuge here, but be warned, Queen Elizabeth won't protect you forever.

From,
-X

By this point my hands were trembling with absolute fear. How could they have found me? Nanna and I had made sure to cover our tracks.

Nanna grabbed the letter from me and began to read it.

"We must leave princess, now!" She said scrambling up to start gathering our things.

"No Nanna, we can't." She paused for a second, utterly confused. "That's what they want us to do. They know we have protection here, if we run, we lose the security of the palace, the security of the Duke of Cornwall."

Nanna paused for a moment, I realised that the truth in my words could save us.

"Very well, but if anything else happens we must inform the Duke of Cornwall and leave here." She spoke, with the hint of fear trembling in her voice. "My! Look at the time, you're late princess!" Nanna said, looking at the grandfather clock in alarm.

"Quickly put this dress on, it matches the ribbon I see you bought." Nanna pulled out a black and red dress that had a very alluring look to it.

"Are you sure this is the fashion here Nanna, it looks quiet.... mature?"

The black and red in the dress almost looked scandalous, "Yes my dear, I'm certain, the shopkeeper said these sort of dresses were in fashion for ladies your age."

"Very well," I said, quickly putting the dress on, along with plating the red ribbon into my hair.

Once I was ready, I made my way to the banqueting hall, hoping I wasn't too late. With my luck, I saw the Duke of Cornwall walking towards the hall as well.

"Ahhh, Aria, what a coincidence, shall we enter together?" I nodded, glad that I wouldn't be entering alone. "I heard you went to the market today, how was it?"

"Very busy sir, but it was wonderful, they had practically everything there."

"Indeed they do, many items from the new world are imported and brought to the market here. If you ever need any money to buy anything please do tell me, remember I'm here to look after you Aria."