The Lost Princess

Alice

Alice's Point of View

Beautiful. The way the wind lazily winds its way through the trees. The dancing flowers beneath the royal blue sky. I breathe in the fresh air. The aroma of roses, cymbidium orchids, dahlias, and other flowers invade my senses.

The soft grass tickles my skin as I lay on my bed of flowers and grass. The hummingbird's' wings make a soft vibrating noise as they beat frantically against the air. Sweet honey satisfies my hunger as I suck on honeysuckle. It is heaven. My own paradise.

However, everything must end, no matter what. This is only the eerie calm before a storm. I can already see the rain clouds coming to destroy my garden. The day is already fading to night.

I don't want to leave. Not for Him. I do not think I am able to endure another night beneath his greedy gaze. His eyes seem to see right through me. Whenever I see him, a chill runs up my spine.

Once when I was singing and dancing in my chambers, I had turned around to pick up my scarf and glanced into my mirror, only to see him leaning against my doors. He smirked and then backed away. A second later I heard my main chamber door softly click. My doors were locked, how did he come in?

Ever since that day, Sir Vlad had looked at me knowingly. All I can think about is how many times has he been in my chambers? How long and how many countless times has he watched me? Does he watch me sleep?

I stand up and brush off the grass and flowers that cling to my dress. I might as well get this night over with. In the shadow of my garden's gate, stands a guard watching me. I walk toward him and smile.

"Hello Damien," I say as I curtsey to him. He smiles and bows.

"And to you, my Lady. .Today was a beautiful day wasn't it?,", his deep baritone is soft.

"Yes, if only it could have lasted longer. Is Sir Vlad here yet?," there's no use making small talk. He knows that I despise Sir Vlad.

"Not yet, however there is another gentleman here." He takes my elbow and escorts my towards the manor.

"Who is it?," I ask as we pass beneath the main entrance.

"Prince Gregory of Telkin," Damien smiles softly. His eyes twinkle in the fading light. Damien had favored the idea of the Telkin Royalty becoming Mithias Royalty.

I do not blame him. Life in Mithias is no longer peaceful. Not since the deaths of the royal family. Though, there are rumors that the heirs to the Mithias throne are still alive. Just hidden.

Mithias, before the deaths of its rulers was peaceful and bountiful. However, now it's corrupted. The Nobles are supposed to be helping the people. They don't. They're too preoccupied with trying to become the new King or Queen.

The advisors are not much better. They are doing the same, but are using the people. They lie and pretend to do what's best for the people, not themselves. Having the Telkin royalty become ours will bring peace and hope. Also harmony to Mithias. A kingdom without a true, selfless leader isn't a kingdom at all.

"My Lady?", Damien's voice brings me back from my musings, "He has arrived".

"Who do you speak of?" I turn towards him and notice he is not looking at me at all. I follow his gaze towards two men emerging from a carriage. The first to emerge was strikingly handsome, but young. Young and excited. I can hear his voice from where I stand.

The second man, if possible is even more handsome than the first and older. But what is inside? Is he kind, gentle, full of justice, or is he cruel? Who he is is more important than what he may seem.