The Unexpected Crown

Twenty-five

It's Jasmine who lets me inside, tossing a warm  blanket around my shoulders. Her arms envelope me in a tight hug, knocking the air out of my lungs. But I hardly care. I'm safe.

As she releases me, claws that can only belong to Mother pull me in close. She pats my head and I squirm in discomfort. Never has she hugged me to just hug me. Someone important must be near to warrant such affection. Instantly, I think of Hunter. Could his gorgeous blue eyes and sandy blond hair be wondering around my house?

The head guard from the palace, Officer Jacobson, stands stiffly in the corner; watching Mother embrace me in an awkwardly painful manner. The only emotion I see is a flash of discomfort in his eyes. He knows it is all an act.

"Lady Corrine, I am grateful for your health, Their Royal Majesties have requested that I bring you back to the palace as soon as I find you." The Officer that usually remains by King Cole's side announces loudly.

Irritated, Mother sneers at him, "She will not return dressed as a scullery maid!"

"I'm afraid my orders come from those with more power. She leaves now." His face remains stony.

"If it is alright, kind Sir, I would feel much more comfortable in my own clothing. I'm sure that Prince Hunter would prefer to see me at my own satisfaction. I promise I will not be long." I sing authority though I know the man wishes he could just lug me along to the palace. But he and I both know that I am right. Hunter wants what is best for me - right now that just means a bath.

Jasmine follows me into my bathroom, preparing the water while I pick out a simple, green, day dress to wear back to the palace. I don't want to stand out, just blend in without causing too much of a scene. But I'm sure my kidnapping just stole Hunter's attention away from them, causing their malicious stares to be sent my way.

"Miss, it's ready." Jasmine calls, pulling me away from my nightmares.

"Thank you, Jas. You have no idea how much I needed this." I laugh a bit to myself, thinking of the last seventy-two hours.

"Yes" She speaks softly, "How was it? Are you safe now?"

"I don't think I'll ever be safe. It was scary, I just wanted to get out, and these men! Oh! They took me to a cell, I had to eat food like an animal. Their leader was so angry at me, he forgot to shut my cell when storming away... that's how I got out. And I just didn't" My throat tightens and tears sting my eyes, "I didn't think that I would make it!"

Jasmine pampers me as I cry out the past few days. She washes my hair, dries me off, and hands me my robe before I can manage to move at all. I wrap the pink silk around my waist and sit, sniffling occasionally as she styles my hair.

In a half an hour, I'm dressed in my green ensemble with white heels. Jasmine plaited my hair into a braided crown, small wisps of curls frame my face. A decent amount of makeup is applied to fix my puffy eyes, leaving me looking  like nothing was wrong in the first place.

"Thank you, Jasmine." I hug her in gratitude before turning to walk down the stairs.

But before I can reach those glorious steps to freedom, nails scratch against my skin when pulling me into Mother's parlor. With newfound pride, I fight against her grip. A loud smack to my face settles me down. My cheek tingles in pain while I look anywhere except at Mother.