Falling for Royalty

Chapter Nineteen

**Evelyn's POV**

I awake after feeling that I had slept in longer than normal. Lynda is dusting and I couldn't help but feel a little angry. "Lynda, why didn't you wake me!" More of a surprised statement than a question.

"Evelyn, there's really no point considering you won't be attending the events planned."

I sigh. "You're right, I'm sorry."

She hands me a tray. "Here's your breakfast. Eat up!"

I inhale and smell sausage patties, biscuits, fried eggs, and a ham and cheddar omelet. I feel my mouth water lightly. "Mmm..." I take a bite of the omelet and let out a small moan. "This is delicious!" I shovel the rest of the food in and sip at my juice. She laughs and takes my tray before leaving. I look at the closet and instantaneously remember the secret passage that led to a room that I recall was dark and eerie. I shudder at the thought but curiosity got the best of me and I grab a box of matches I had found that were labeled 'in case of emergency.' I throw on a robe and go to the wall on the left. Placing my fingers on the wall, I trace the lines, looking for any sign of a hidden door. I hear the door open and sigh at having found nothing and walk out to see William. Maybe it was just a dream I had, but I had to be sure. I had to ask him about it.

"Was it a dream, or did it really happen?"

He laughs. "Do you really think it best that you go back down there? You were clinging to me like a baby!"

I slap his chest. "Shut up! I just want to know what's down there!"

He walks to the closet, motioning for me to follow. "Then, I suggest we go back down there." He walks to the right side and after several seconds, wooden boards move aside to reveal a dark passageway. I go to the left side and grab the box of matches.

"Here, we'll need these!" I hand him the box of matches and he grabs my hand as we proceed into the darkness together. He lights the first match and points it towards the walls, lighting a torch that leads to light up a trail of torches along the wall, going around the room. He proceeds to the other wall, doing exactly the same thing.

I gasp. "It-its beautiful!" It was a large room with painted walls of myths. A large chandelier hung from the middle of the room, lit by little candles. There was a round, tile island in the midst of the room, surrounded by shallow water with koi fish swimming. A bridge led from where we were standing to the island which had a table and two chairs set up. I look at William. "Did you know about this?"

He shakes his head. "No, I've heard stories of a room like this one with underground tunnels but I've never found it up until now. Maybe you're just good luck."

We take a final picture in our head before heading back up. I hear my door handle rattle and panic. I hold a hand up to his chest, making him stop and I get to the ground, pretending to look at my shoes.

"Evelyn?" Lynda's voice.

I look up and smile my best smile despite my racing heart. "Lynda!"

She frowns and rushes to my aid. "Are you okay?"

I nod and get up. "Yes, I'm fine."

"Evelyn, you're not supposed to be out of bed. You need to rest, worry about your clothes when you aren't room bound."

I nod. "Okay. I will rest."

She smiles. "Good. And if you see the Prince, tell him the King and Queen wish to see him."

I shake my head. "Will do." She leaves and William comes out laughing.

"Guess I better report to the Royal Chambers."