The Cost of Royalty

𝐼

𝓽𝓮𝓷 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓼 𝓪𝓰𝓸 ...

𝖂𝖎𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖗 was approaching the kingdom, dew drops covered the castle's windows and the bluish grey skies let out low rumbles. The day was slowly unfolding as the sun rose from the east of the kingdom. Although seemingly a peaceful scenario, it was far from that. 

A mother hurried to her only daughter's chamber, with the governess following her steps. She was holding back a cry, as for the tears, there was no use of trying they were already flowing down her face. 

"Wake up my love, it's time" she said while gently brushing the little girl's hair out her face. Dragging a trunk from beside the bed, she began packing anything she thought would be necessary. Her muddled thoughts weren't helping much at this point. Eventually all that was packed were several dresses, a night gown, a small wooden music box, and a handful of jewelry. The governess helped the girl out of bed and layered her nightgown with a dress and coat. 

Still unaware, she rubbed her eyes and yawned "mama are we going on a trip to the lake this early?"

A knock grabbed their attention; a servant entered and grabbed the trunk while another spoke, " your majesty, the carriage awaits." Wiping the tears off her cheeks, the mother faced her daughter and buttoned her coat, "Remember ante Dina that I told you of? You'll be visiting her for a while, thats all." Ending her reply with the closest she could get to a smile. Hand in hand they walked through the halls of the castle. Murmuring voices of people and shuffles of soldiers and servants echoed through the usually quiet yet joyful halls. 

"My little princess" he whispered with open arms that she hurried into. Almost as if the child began to feel the tension of the situation, she remained quiet. Enjoying the warmth of a hug she will soon miss and listening to her father's steady heartbeat as he carried her into the carriage. 

The king strictly ordered the coachman and soldiers to make no stops whatsoever and to remain cautious at all times. The Queen remained close to the carriage but didn't enter "won't you come along mama?" the child asked in confusion. As if to take the burden off his wife's chest her father spoke up "my dear, our kingdom is fighting evil people right now and as you know, little princesses like yourself need to stay safe at all times. Ante Dina has a beautiful and safe home, we will be by you as soon as we secure the kingdom. Just remember mama and baba love you dearly."  

The stretched roads from Halnevia to Jilnar seemed endless, especially in such weather. The more time passed the colder the carriage became and the harder the winds blew. Not a moment would pass without the soldiers checking on the little princess through the glass. They didn't want their heads off after all.

Although there was a surplus of food, she hardly even looked its way. Her appetite was non existing. She was left staring off into the woods through the glass for a little over two weeks. 

Finally, just a few moments after she woke, the carriage came to a halt. The doors were open wide for her but she refused to get down. Less to do with throwing a fit and more out of shyness and fear. Soldier by soldier, they tried persuading her out but she remained unmoved. Then came a little boy with a a tanned complexion, messy hair, and dark brown eyes. His hand protruded "My name's Omar, come on out mama's been waiting on you all week." She extended her hand, unsure of what to do, and he shook it. This is definitely a gesture special to Jilnar she thought, she never did that back home. 

She followed him out and walked to his side. Finally she spoke, " won't you ask for my name?" "Only if you want me too but I already know it's Isabella."