LOST AND FOUND

THREE

I rush upstairs to my room and freshen up. I then slip on my black ankle length dress.

I allow my hair to cascade down my back and I put on my tiara before walking downstairs to meet my father.

As soon as I arrive downstairs I see Edward and his family seated at the table. I hesitate but sit down.

My father smiles at me,"So glad you could join us, pumpkin. How was training?" I smile, "It was good, thank you."

He nods, "I'm glad."

As we start eating, curiosity got the best of me and then I asked slowly, "Father, I've heard that you have some news to share with me?"

My mother gasped, "Laura Marie Coraline, your manners are shocking! A princess is never ever so nosy, I-" My father cut her off, "Clarissa." She then remained silent.

I glanced at Melissa who was trying to hold in a chuckle. She looked up at me as I gave her a smile.

Father then cleared his throat as the kitchen staff were cleaning the table. They worked even faster to clean before vanishing back into the kitchen.

My father avoids my eye contact as he states his next statement. "Laura, I want you to marry Edward."

I cough on my water, which caused my mother to have a hissy fit at the table.

"I beg your pardon, father." He smiled, "Yes, you will get married to Edward after your coronation."

Edward smiles at me, "I can assure you that I'm not as bad as what you think, Miss Coraline."

I ignore his statement, "Father, I refuse to marry a man that I've just met. I mean, I do not even know him!"

My father shakes his head, "You can learn to love. I mean that's what your mother and I did."

I sigh, "What if I cannot father?" He sighs, "Laura, you need to be more selfless. You need not to look out for yourself only, think about your people."

I sigh defeatedly, "Well, I am going to be the queen, and I do not need a husband to be one." My mother gasps, "Laura, you'd be breaking a generational tradition. Every woman needs a man by her side. Now I suggest that you stop being so over-dramatic."

I glance at her, "Well, unless she loves him he will not be needed. Mother, there's beauty in being different."

My father says sternly, "Laura you will be marrying Edward and that is final."

I sigh, "May I please be excused from the table?" My father scans my facial expression, "Absolutely not."

Edward takes this as his opportunity to get up from his seat and sits next to me.

I stare at him, uncertain of what his intentions are. He then reaches for my hand, which startled me.

Our parents (especially my mom) stared at us with such admiration, until I hit his hand away.

He chuckled, "How excited I am to marry you, love."

You don't have to be sweet and kind all the time.

I frown, "Unfortunately, the feeling isn't mutual." My dad glared at me, "Laura." Edward chuckled and kissed my forehead.

Lucas came walking to the table, "Sir, Edward your needed in the courtyard as your physical training has begun."

He smirks, "Thank you, guard. May I be excused?" My father smiled, "Of course son." I stared at my dad in shock.

He then kissed my forehead, "Bye my love, I'll see you later."

-Later-

I am currently in my night gown and I was about to get ready for bed, when I heard the emergency siren
Ginger rushed into my room and said in panic, "The rebels have broken in! Laura, we must hurry and get you down to the safe!"

I rush downstairs with her and she takes me to the safe room inside the castle. She was about to turn around and run but I stopped her. "Where are you going to hide?"

"I'm going to where all the maids and staff are." I cringe at the fact of the small space for all of those people to squeeze into.

My father comes out and yells for me to come inside. I yell back, "There is a specific way that you should treat you people! You cannot jeopardise their life."

I grab Ginger's hand and much to her protests she guides me to their safe room.

When we arrive there, there are men and woman trying their best to fit inside.

I call out, "Everyone, come with me!" They all freeze but obey my instruction.

Ginger held my hand, "Laura, are you sure?" I nod. "Yes, I care about all of you guys, therefore your safety is my priority."

As soon as the staff walked into the room the guard's were protesting but stopped when they saw me.

I ran back up to the left wing to make sure that I've left no one behind.

As soon as I get there I see Amelia. She's tide up next to the safe room door.

I rush over to her and untie her. She thanks me profusely and we head back to the other side.

I force Amelia to run along as I want to check that everybody is safe.

But then I hear an unfamiliar voice.

"Looking for someone, princess?"