LOST AND FOUND

THIRTEEN

It's been a week since Max's departure. I've been coping to say the least.

I made sure to send a package of letters to him, which he wrote back to.

I make my way to breakfast as I see my father nodding at Edward.

I furrow my eyebrows and they spot me. Edward says soothingly, "My love, have you heard?"

I furrow my eyebrows and shake my head as curiosity and anxiety fill my head. "War has broken loose in the east."

In the east.

Max is in the east.

Max.

My Max.

My Max is in the east.

I glance at my bracelet.

My father shakes his head, "Well, we're going to need to wait and see what happens."

I say worriedly, "The guards are in the east." My father shakes his head, "Yes, I am aware of that." Edward kisses my forehead. "They're grown men. They can manage."

I storm off to the dinning  room. I see my mother stare at Melissa's empty seat.

"I miss her too mother." My mother glances at me, "Yes, well, it was her unwise decision to leave."

I shake my head, "She loved him, mother." My mother scoffed, "What do you know about love Laura, nevermind her."

I stare at her, "When you love someone, you're willing to do the most impossible things for them." My mother chuckles, "Yes well, if that means giving up your title then love isn't really worth it."

Then it hit me.

"You've never been in love, have you?" She gasps, "Laura Marie Coraline! I beg your pardon!" I remain silent.

She abruptly gets up from the table and storms off to her room. I take a bunch of napkins and place food into them.

I then quickly rush up to my room and fetch my satchel. I then place the food into my satchel along with some other goodies.

I then change into my training clothes and then I jump over the garden wall. I rush over to the old tree house.

I climb up the ladder and I get tackled into a massive hug from Melissa. I smile as soon as she let go of me.

"How are you?" I laugh, "I'm alright thanks." She nods. I greet Ryan and we have some small talk.

I take off my satchel and remove the contents. Melissa gasps, "Laur, no. You do not have to do this." I shake my head, "No, you know me. I can never go anywhere empty handed."

She smiles, "Chocolate chip pancakes?" I smirk and nod. She grabs Ryan's hand as they devour what's in front of them.

I turn around and stare into the distance. My mind keeps travelling back to Max. Is he alright? Is he safe? Is he hurt? Is he surviving?

I feel a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You okay Laur?" I turn my head and nod. Melissa gives me the look.

I sigh and tell her, "War broke loose on the east. Max is in the east." She furrows her eyebrows, "Why? Have mother and father found out?"

I shake my head, "No, they went for training." She nods, "Oh I see. Well, I think he is going to be alright Laur. He is strong, and he needs to come back home to you."

I blush at the last part, "Maybe." Ryan says slowly, "Ironic though, why would you send guards to the east? When the training should actually take place in the West?"

I pause, "I beg your pardon?" He nods, "Yeah, his supposed to be in the West." I shake my head, "Well, I'm uncertain, but I hope he's alright."

Melissa kisses my forehead, "Your strong. You can handle this."

-Later-

I walked back inside only to get stopped by my father. "Laura. Why did you fall off from the other side of the wall?"

I remain silent. He flares his nostrils. "You've been sneaking into the village." I nod.

1..2..3..

"Laura! What were you thinking?! You've been disguising yourself! You are hardly around and this is what you get up to? I am so disappointed in you! I forbid you from stepping outside this castle!"

I furrow my eyebrows, "Father, what type of leader would I be if I led my people without knowing what they go through? I would be ignorant, hypocritical and inconsiderate. I needed to see what was out there! I needed to see what I was not exposed to. Life is more than wealth, money and authority. There's things like love and  compassion. So forbidding me from my own personal right, is wrong. I deserve to see what my people go through therefore making a good queen and leader."

He stared at me before storming off. I glance at my bracelet and clutch it close to my chest.

I hear an applaude, "Well done, Miss Coraline."

I turn around and see Amelia smiling at me. "You are ready, my queen."