The Lost Child

chapter 2

I woke up the next morning, my eyes still aching and pillow so wet. I couldn't get up, I've just wanted to lie there all day in silence. Ellie came in and pulled the curtains. The sunlight splashed on my bed that I could barely open my eyes.

"Better now ,Miss?" She said softly. Ellie was pretty and blond with sweet blue eyes. Always amusing and sweet. She never asked why I was crying or why I'd been angry lately and that's why I love her. Though she was a maid, I'd never treated her like one. No limits, just sisters.

I nodded though I still looked depressed. She opened the windows to my balcony ,letting the cold fresh air fly in. How much I need that! I felt alive again. Breathing. Happy. I pushed myself up and sat on the bed.

"Well, Miss, we've made you a new dress." She said as she called in Sophie. She held a brown paper bag with a long gown in it. I saw a red ribbon slide out the bag.

"Oops that's supposed to be a surprise " Sophie said as she tried to hide the ribbon.

I smiled and talked in a weak voice. "Come on show me " I jumped out of bed ,trying to hide the depressed tone in my voice. She pulled it out and there slid the red silky dress, long sleeved but only till the elbow and those sleeves were semi transparent. I quickly grabbed it excitedly and asked them to wait outside till I put it on. They exited. That crack of the door being shut always made me feel relaxed. Alone. No noise. Only me with my thoughts. I stared at myself in the mirror, holding the dress. Something was wrong. Though I loved dresses , I wasn't that happy with it. Anyway I changed and put it on. It was tight at my waist and it slid like a waterfall to the ground. So fancy but I loved it. I felt pretty in it. I went to the door and called them in to see them. They were sisters to me, I had to show them. They came in and grinned at the dress.

"Miss, you look perfect" said Ellie. Sophie was always a quiet girl, anything she wanted to say was always clear in her eyes.

"Oh , King Stephan asks you to join breakfast today in the Grand room if you won't mind" said Sophie. I nodded and walked out of the room.

"Hey, thanks for the dress. I love it" I yelled as I walked. I heard them laugh. As usual ,so joyful.
 
   I walked down the staircase ,heading to the Grand room. That was the biggest room in the castle, we often have breakfast there. Just sitting there in the bright morning, staring at the wide window extending from the ceiling to the ground and showing everything behind it. The garden, the sunrise if it was dawn. Everything so lively. I pushed the great doors and went in. Stephan and Simon were already there. They stood up and I curtsied.

"Sweet sister" started Stephan with a smile. "Have a seat my dear" he gestured towards the seat beside him. "You know.. Phillip asked to talk with me..he says it's something important , you know what's it all about?"
It struck me like a spear. Phillip popping to my mind again was too painful. How can I forget all these years? Maybe he'd propose..? I hoped. I shook my head to Stephen's question, hoping inside me that he'd ask for my hand. I smiled to myself at the thought and Stephan noticed. "Okay..." He laughed.

I ate my breakfast and drank my morning tea, my mind somewhere else, thinking of my love... Phillip. He would never break up with me. I know it.

I stood up and left the room. Walking down the hall , I hit Phillip. I tried to look away but I had to face him.

"Why are you still here?" I tried not to sound broken. I felt the gash in my heart open up again.

"Because I'll never leave" he smiled.

"What?" I was shocked.

"I'll never leave you, Lia" he held me hands softly. "I love you"

I couldn't stop myself from crying. He gently wiped my tears and cupped his hands on my checks. "Darling, I'll propose .. After last night I felt I've ruined everything. Not living the life I wished with you, waking up everyday to see you , a lot of things Lia. You're my life. If I lost you now, my life would be tasteless.." I screamed and hugged him so hard. Finally.. The only thing I've ever wanted ,is coming true!

I was speechless. I tried to find words to say but I had nothing. I smiled and he kissed my hand. I felt myself blush so I ran to my room.
I ran in and jumped on my bed. "Ellie, I need a perfect dress tonight !" I called out happily.

"Yes, miss " she replied " for what if I may ask?" She could read the happiness on my face and she smiled.

I walked to her and blushed " he'll propose"

She blushed and grinned "really ,miss?" I nodded with a smile. She laughed so hard and hugged me. I never felt so ecstatic. She whispered.."when, miss?"

"I don't know, but Stephan says Phillip wanted to tell him something and I met Phillip on my way. He said he'd propose but I don't know when.." I said. I shrugged at the last part.

She stared at me for a while then started. "Maybe ..Sophie can sneak around the castle and get the news.." She smiled to herself as if we're committing a crime. I nodded and we both laughed.

We called Sophie and Ellie explained to her what she should do and she went to Phillip's room to talk with his maid.

"Do you think my brother will accept his proposal?" I asked Ellie, who was cleaning my desk.

She answered with looking to me. "His Majesty wants your happiness ,miss, I don't think he'll refuse " she sounded serious.

"I hope" I said , staring at my balcony. I walked out my balcony and stood there, staring at the forest which was once my only home. My thoughts faded , I could only think about him. His handsome face. His soft words. His amazing self. A knock on the door broke my thoughts. Sophie ran in with a smile drawn from ear to ear.

"It's tonight, miss" she started " he'll propose tonight"