A Heart of Gold A Heart of Stone (Complete)

Chapter Twenty-One

           

Coral was sat near the window by the time the sun had finally risen above the trees, the book she was reading was held loosely between her legs as she stared down at the floor. Her eyes were closed in frustration there was nothing to do and one day in and she was already going crazy. The sound of smashing glass made her snap her eyes open. The glass on the bedside table had hit the opposite wall depositing the shards on the floor
"Oh that's just fantastic." The pirate grumbled as she placed her book on the window ledge and began to pick the fragments. "I can just tell this day is going to suck."

Adelaide wrapped the towel around her body attempting to kept the warmth in with the thick fibers, she closed her eyes before she remembers that if she closed her eyes tight enough sometimes she could swear her mother was there keeping her safe but when she opened them she was always left with a hole in her heart, Adelaide shook her head and quickly dried herself off, she redressed in her nightgown and was about to leave when a reflection in the mirror caught her attention.
"I do hope you haven't forgotten about me my dearest."

The princess snapped her head around to look at Rothbart. The princess backed away quickly but hit her back against the door handle causing her to double over in pain, falling to her knees.
"Go away. I'll raise the alarm." She labored to get the words out.
"Why? Only you can see me child." Rothbart looked down at her and rolled his eyes at her expression. "No need to look like a rabbit caught in the headlights Adelaide."
"How long were you there?" She huffed trying to regain her breath.
"Don't worry your modesty is still intact. Would you care for a hand?" His eyes narrowed in satisfaction as she begrudgingly accepted his open hand. He pulled her up so quickly her face was mere inches away from his chest. Coughing Adelaide backed away gaining her personal space once again. "No need to be so wary in my presence darling after all we will be husband and wife soon." Rothbart waved his hand in front of her and the pain in her back disappeared. "As you can see I am a kind man and as such I have come to inform you I am giving you a longer period in which to accept my offer."

Adelaide looked at the man her face a mixture of wonder and anger.

"You have until the end of the month." The sorcerer grasped her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it before he faded from her sight leaving Adelaide alone, a knock at the door made her jump.
"Adelaide we're heading off for breakfast. We'll see you down in the canteen. I'll make sure we save you some." Kida called through the door.
"Ok thank you Kida. I won't be long, promise."
"Brilliant." She could hear the smile in Kida's voice and laughed lightly when she heard the bedroom door shut. Opening the bathroom door Adelaide walked into the main room and headed over to her closet. She pulled out a yellow skirt and fastened her black belt around it before pulling on a cream bustier top and brushed her hair quickly before moving to find her shoes, she decided on a pair of black and white Mary Jane heels. Deeming herself fit for going out she opened the door and locked it behind her.

Adelaide ran down the west staircase along the first corridor and around the corner to where the canteen was located. There, coming from the opposite side was her father, she skidded to a halt outside the canteen doors she was debating whether to go in and join the hustle and bustle or wait for her father, she was about to walk through the doors when she caught her father's stare, a mixture of shock, surprise and sadness as he looked into her eyes. His gaze then traveled down to her feet then back to her face.
"Father, I'm sorry but I have to-"
"Adelaide." Her father interrupted her loudly causing the chatter in the canteen to quieten down, so the students could listen but not arouse suspicion. "You have disappointed me." He began in a quiet and elegant manner.
"But Father-" She began her father raised his hand interrupting her again his tone becoming even quieter and more elegant.
"It is one of my firm beliefs that a princess should act like a princess."
"Yes, I know Father but-" Adelaide began.
"And yet here you are dressed like that and running around the corridors like a vagrant!"
"I know I am sorry, but it is urgent." She stammered, the King shook his head and moved past her.
"Do my wishes mean so little to you?" He said solemnly, Adelaide stood up straighter at his accusation.
"Actually Father..." Adelaide raised her voice causing the King to turn back to face his eldest daughter. "I rushed to see you because I have decided to agree to the arranged marriage you have set up for me!"
The King stared at his daughter blankly before his gaze returned to normal.
"If that is so I shall go and inform King Dymas." Bowing his head in acknowledgment he grasped his hands behind his back and began to walk towards the head teacher's office. When she saw her Father turn the corner Adelaide let out a long sigh. She'd done it, she finally made him proud. She was smiling when she turned to look into the canteen although her smile quickly vanished when she saw all the eyes looking at her. The princesses were all sat with their mouths hung open whilst the princes looked anywhere but at Adelaide and for once in their lives the villains were sat in shock. Adelaide's eyes flicked over the faces until she spotted Hans in the back his eyes were narrowed but he looked just as dumbstruck as everyone else. Pushing her hair behind her ear Adelaide walked over to the table where the princesses were sitting and leant over into the middle pulling a slice out of the rack she quickly buttered it and took a bite out of the corner. She looked over at Elsa and Rapunzel realizing no one was going to talk, the princess shrugged her shoulders and walked out the room toast in hand and headed to help Queen Elinor set up for the art lesson.