Royals

Chapter 2 - Preparation

A/N Hey guys! Back with another chapter of Royals! Id love to hear your thoughts on this new story! Feel free to leave a comment or private message me! And dont worry, I'm working on two more chapters of Crying to the Moon and The Villain's Daughter. Anyways, thats all for now, so let's get into it! Love ya!  -Liv

At the woman's announcement, I turned my head towards the window to see a large, ivory stone castle. In that minute, I think I was in too much shock to realize that I stopped shivering as my mouth was agape. The guards parked the large vehicle just outside of the steps leading up to the castle doors. I didn't even notice the doors were open until the woman cleared her throat as she waited outside of the car. I blushed of embarrassment and took her hand once more as she led me up the steps. She proceeded to use the brass knocker three times until the door immediately opened. As we stepped inside, I couldn't stop staring at everything around me. The minute you entered the room, you were met with two staircases along each wall with a beautiful, detailed iron railing. Straight through the middle of the stairs were large, French doors showing off the view of snow blowing adrift outside. A squeal turned my attention to a young girl in a gorgeous gown standing off to the right in another entryway. She looked almost the same age as me, but with much darker hair pulled back into an up-do and sea green eyes. She approached us with a grin spread across her face and excitement written all across her features. I began to back away until the elder woman placed her hand on my back to stop me once more. She spoke with gracefulness, "Della, I see you've stumbled upon our newest guest."

At that, I whipped my head to the woman in confusion. Guest? What the hell does she mean by guest?

The young girl, whom I'm assuming is Della, held her hand out in greeting, "Hello, I'm Della. It's nice to meet you!"

I only looked her up and down in confusion. How does she know this woman? They look nothing alike. Maybe she's a distant family member living in the same home.

The woman spoke up once again, "Della, I'd like you to show Alayna to her room. Give her a small tour and I'll have the maids get her cleaned up."

Della's eyes were alight with happiness as she squealed, "Really?"

The woman gestured to me and Della linked her arm in mine, leading me through the castle.

After giving a tour so that I wouldn't get lost, I proceeded to ask Della a few questions. We seemed to get along well enough and she seemed to be trustworthy. There was something about her that made me feel comfortable and welcome here, but don't get me wrong, I'm still cautious as hell.

"Why am I here? Am- will I become her slave? Your slave?"

She gave a light laugh and stopped to face me, "What? Slave? Who told you that?"

I avoided her eyes, feeling a bit foolish by her reaction, "I just thought-"

Della answered in her kind voice, "Sweetie, no. Lady Anne brought me in just like she did with you."

My eyes widened in surprise, "So you were.."

She gave a small smile and nodded, "I was on the streets, withering away to nothing from starvation. Anne found me, asked me a few questions as to how I ended up on the streets, then brought me in to live here in the castle with the others."

I furrowed my brows, "The others?"

Della smiled and gave me a doubtful look, "Come on, you didn't just think it was me here, did you?"

I shrugged, causing her to giggle, "It's alright. I was confused when I arrived as well, but definitely not as wary as you are. After talking to Lady Anne, I felt like I could trust her. I'm surprised you're still as closed off as you are."