The Stolen Throne

Chapter Eight - The King

Lucy rushed from her chambers, hooking an earring to her ear. She hurried down the corridor, lifting her sky blue skirts to allow her to move faster. 

Almost running, she made her way to the first floor to reach the ballroom. A figure moved into her path, forcing her to stop. It was one of her uncle's spies.

"They want to kill the spymaster." She whispered, the woman's dark cloak shielded her face from view.

"What? Does my uncle know?" Lucy asked urgently, moving around the woman and saying it out of the corner of her mouth as she walked past.

The woman gave an elegant curtsey while whispering, "Yes, but you will be able to pass the message on quicker, will you not?" Lucy made no movement other than to continue on her journey to the ballroom.

When she was several paces away, she flicked her hair off her shoulder. The woman rose from her curtsey and turned to walk in the other direction, a smile flickering on her lips. This princess wasn't nearly as naïve as everyone thought.

*

Lucy entered the antechamber to the ballroom, where her father and Esmeralda were waiting with Edward for her so that they could be announced. Esmeralda's lip curled in displeasure as she eyed her stepdaughter.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Lucy uttered whilst sinking into a curtsey, "I was in the library and I was too absorbed in my book."

Esmeralda made a small "hmph" sound before turning her pretty head away from her.

"It's quite alright Lucy, dear. You're barely late at all." Her father smiled kindly, to which Esmeralda frowned deeply. She opened her mouth to speak but the king had already gestured for the heralds to open the doors.

A small fanfare trumpeted as the doors opened, leading to the elegant staircase which led into the ballroom where the courtiers were waiting.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Edward of Perland." Applause sounded as Edward made his way down the steps.

Afterward, Lucy stepped forward as the herald announced, "Her Royal Highness Princess Luciana" When she reached the bottom, Edward was waiting for her, offering his hand for her to take. She took it and let him lead her away from the steps.

"Their Royal Majesties, King Thomas and Queen Esmeralda." A louder sound of applause met Lucy's ears as the King and Queen made their way down the staircase. They made their way to the centre of the ballroom and a waltz struck up as others found partners.

Edward dragged her across to the centre to dance, it was almost as though he sensed that Lucy had something to tell him. He also seemed to understand her urgency as he didn't even bother making small talk.

Lucy waited until a few moments so that the louder part of the song would mask her voice to any eavesdroppers. She plastered a fake smile before saying, "You need to leave as soon as possible."

Edward kept his emotions in check and laughed as if Lucy had just uttered something amusing. Lucy didn't miss the flicker of confusion that passed through his eyes, however. 

"Why?" Lucy barely even saw his lips move before he twirled her lightly.

When she was facing him again, with one hand in his and the other resting on his shoulder she whispered, "She's planning on killing you. You must leave." 

Edward gave an imperceptible nod as the music crescendoed.

They made their bows to each other and Edward took Lucy's hand in his and lifted it up to kiss it.