LOST AND FOUND

FOUR

I turn around and see a tall figure in a black hoodie.

I fold my arms, "Who are you?" He lets off a deep chuckle. "Luke."

He takes a step closer to me and he caresses my arm. At that time I've realised how crippled my robe was.

"Who do you work for?" He smirked, "Now that will remain my secret, princess." "Well then, what do you want from this castle?"

He smiles, "Melissa."

I was taken back. "I beg your pardon?" He nods, "You heard correctly, I want Melissa. Your sister."

"You will not take my sister away from me." He folds his arms, "I've realised that. Therefore we shall steal from your castle until we can receive her."

I furrow my eyebrows, "Well, take all you want. But my sister will not be taken by you."

He nods, "Hmm. We shall see about that. She's not as innocent as you think, princess." With one quick movement, his gone. "She's only fourteen!"

I  then rush back to the safe room where I see my family in tears. I glance at Melissa before I pass out on to the floor.

-Next Day-

I wake up in the hospital ward. Susan sees me and immediately rushes over to me. She checks my temperature.

She discharges me and says that I need to just stay hydrated.

I bump into Melissa she hugs me. "Laur, are you alright?" I nod. "Yes, Elissa may I ask you something?" She nods, "Of course."

"Well, why do the rebels want you?" She gasps, hesitates before staring at the floor.

I stare at her, "Elissa?" She sighs and clutches her arm. "Laura, have you ever been to the village?"

I shake my head, "Mother and Father forbid us going there, remember?" She smiles, "You should really go out there sometime."

I stare at her, "Okay, well what does the village have to do with the rebels?"

She blushed lightly, "Well, one day I was at the fountain in the centripetal of the village.

I decided to make a wish and through it in the fountain. On my way back home I stopped by the local orphanage as usual. I then meet a tall handsome, mysterious young gentleman. We played with the orphanage kids together and I got to know him. Believe it or not, but I fell in love with him. When he told me that his father was forced to work with the rebels I stopped seeing him."

I gasp, "Melissa. Why did you hide this from me?" She shrugged and shed a tear, "I tried getting over Ryan, but I've failed miserably."

I hug her and kiss her forehead, "This shall be our little secret." She holds me in her arms and sobs softly, "Thank you, Laur."

-Later-

I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I agree that I should go to the village. Get a feel for the people, and see the environment they live in.

I decide to wear my black leggings and black oversized t-shirt and my sneakers. I sneak into the kitchen and steal one of the chefs aprons.

I then throw over my black coat and I allow my blonde hair cascade down my back. I search in my jewellery box and pull out my reading glasses.

I then walk out to the garden, making sure to keep my head low.

I got stopped by Lucas, "Hault. Who shall you be?" I sigh and look up, "Can a princess not go for a walk in her garden?"

He bows, "My humblest apologises princess. Please, proceed."

I nod and walk out to the garden and walk through the maze.

I glance behind me and see that the guards have their backs towards me. I then climb up the large Apple tree before jumping over the wall.

I then begin running into the village. I'm amazed at how ten steps away from the castle that there's a whole new world.

I walk around but make sure to make myself as inconspicuous as possible.

I purchase a few jewellery items and some other small goodies.

I drink in the poverty that surrounds me. My mind wanders to solutions to fix this issue.

Completely oblivious to the people around me I feel a harsh push against me which causes me to stumble to the ground and I see that my jewellery has been stolen by a grown man.

"Hey!" I protest. Just then I see the guy is hauled to the floor by a tall figure.

The figure takes the jewellery from the man and walks towards me. I watch the man get up and run from the tall figure.

The tall figure helps me up and opens my hand to put the jewellery in. "You alright miss?" I nod. "Thank you." He nods.

He stretches out his hand, "Maxwell Hugh. But I'm known around here as Max." I shake his hand, "Laur."