The Lost Heir

Found

Sunsets are always a marvelous way to end the day. They show that the world is still beautiful even when it is harsh. It's a wonderful sight to see when there are wars raging on. I'm sure if the sun could speak, it would point out that when everything is coming to a close, there will still be a new beginning that follows. Perhaps I'm just a fool. How could one manage to interpret all of that from a simple days end.

"Cosima! The chickens need to be fed!" Mother roars. I rush to my feet and over to the chicken coop. After the chickens are fed, I join mother inside our home. We begin eating the dinner that she prepared.

It's just mother and I now. Father died when I first became of age. We manage fine without him, although it was difficult at first. After all, he died over something as miniscule as bumping into a knight. It was the knight's fault, not his. The knight was drunk and rose to arms before father could even apologize.

"Did you sell enough eggs at the market?" She questions.

"Enough to pay taxes. I heard the oddest gossip while I was there. The king set up his guards in Aloric. They're searching for the missing princess." I exclaim.

She drops her spoon into her bowl, looking up at me intently. "Did you hear anything from the gaurds themselves?"

"No, mother. They were searching the taverns, asking around I assume."

"We have to leave." She quickly runs to her room. While she's busy packing some things, I hear the sound of horses outside. Clanking of metal catches the attention of mother. I get up and open the front door. The worst thing to do is to let these men into our home, I rather face them head on.

"Good evening, gentlemen. We only made enough food for two. I'm sure the family down the road could ensure you have your fill." I joke.

"We're looking for Mirabelle and her daughter, Cosima. Are you Cosima?" One knight states. Mother comes up to the door before I could say another word.

"What business do you have with us?" Mother asks.

"Take them. Do as you like with the old woman, but do not harm the princess. The king would have our heads if she is hurt." The knight shouts.

The knights grab mother and I, throwing us on their horses, shackling us as they do. I want to scream at them and tell them they have the wrong people, I'm no princess. I know that yelling at the knights, especially yelling that, would not come to do any good, so I keep my mouth closed the whole ride.

It takes about two days for us to arrive at the castle. Mother has told me plenty of times during this ride that I should not say a word until I'm in front of the king. She's stated that they will separate us once we enter the castle, so I'm prepared when they take her away. They'll only lock her up for the time being, I could plead to the king for them to let her go.

Once we're in the throne room, I notice how crowded it is despite its size. The knights that brought me here stand close to me. There are also five nobles in front of me. I gather that they are the princes and princesses. The youngest one is Alice, I think anyone could distinguish her from the rest. If her jet black hair didnt give it away, it would probably be that she's obviously younger than the rest. She's only seven. The others are near my age or older.

Of course I've heard stories of the others. William is the eldest, he's already fought in several battles. He's the crowned prince so it is his duty. Severin is next. Since the queen died during the birth of Alice, Severin handles politics. Mainly just keeping the people happy and safe. Not much is known of Bryce, except that he's great at war tactics. He's the brains of the whole operation. Lastly, Rosalie, she's known for her warmth. She shows the people kindness and hope when they think they have nothing to be hopeful for. She shows them that being a noble, is only just a title.

To interrupt my thoughts, I hear a door slam. A man parades in and sits on the throne. He looks at me with recognition, although I have never met him before in my life. "You look like an exact replica of your mother."

Everyone in the room stares at me, anticipating something to happen. Maybe they're waiting to see what the king will say or do next, or maybe they're waiting on me.

"Your Royal Highness, it is an honor to be in your presence." I curtsy as the words stumble out of me. "I am confused over the circumstances, however. You believe I am the lost princess?"

He laughs. "I know you are the lost princess." He swings his arm to dismiss the knights out of the room. "I'm sure you have heard the story of how I became king."

Every child within the realm has. The previous king and queen were to have princess Emaline join one of King Dominic's children in marriage. It was merely a truce between the two kingdoms. He discovered that they offered the same deal to another. The other kingdom they offered the princess' hand to, they were enemies of King Dominic. The previous king and queen, King Joseph and Queen Estelle, invited him into the castle. The two kings fought to the death. Whoever won would be king.

No one knows what happened to the queen. Stories have been told about her. She died fleeing the castle, along with others that were true to King Joseph. That is only one of the stories I've heard and it is the one that I believe the most. Many stories were conjured up about the princess as well. People believed her to still be alive. That somehow the three year old escaped. That brought many of King Joseph's loyalists hope.

"I have listened to the stories." I answer.

"Tremendous. Now, Princess Emaline, I would appreciate if we could succeed with finishing the truce that your parents promised me. You will be under my official protection unless you betray me as they have. To my understanding, you have spent your life on a farm. Rosalie will show you to your quarters and teach you the ways of a princess. You will spend your days getting to know my sons and courtly life. Any requests before we depart?" He waits for me to answer.

"I don't mean to offend, but you're mistaken, Your Highness."

"I am not mistaken. We recieved some news that claimed you were the princess. Since it was the only lead we've had in eighteen years, I sent my men for you. Princess Emaline, I hardly believed it at first. Now that you're standing in front of me, I'm certain."

It takes me a moment to process the whole situation. Yet, there's no time to think. There never is. "If you truly know me as the princess, then please address me as Cosima. In my mind, Princess Emaline died along with the king and queen. And I did not come here alone. You know of the woman who raised me. She is my mother, more so than the queen. Release her. I will do as you command as long as you keep to your word that she will be free and unharmed." I instruct.

He nods, "She will stay in the dungeon. We will not harm her for the time being." Then he gracefully exits. The elegant and beautiful blonde princess walks up to me, escorting me towards my quarters.