Long Lost Princess

Chapter 3

Packing up my entire life, well what was deemed "appropriate for a princess", was harder than I thought. I had guards in my room, milling about the kitchen and standing up and down the block. I think they were even on the roof. Mom said that we had always been followed, but they were constantly hiding in the background, someone to just watch and make sure I was okay. But geez, trying to pack my underwear in a way where they couldn't see it was difficult for sure. They tried to do that whole watch without really watching thing but I'm only 17. It's embarrassing. Not to mention the palace representative that was sitting in my bedroom, determining what was good enough to bring with me.
    Palace representative. In my bedroom. Something I definitely never thought I would say. But when all was said and done, my bed was still made the same way, most of my clothes were still hanging in the closet. Actually most of my things were still where I had left them. The things I was allowed to take were very minimal, Shaunda, the rep., rejecting most of my old jeans and t-shirts until my mom gently reminded her that in the palace, it was not going to be constant dresses and ball gowns. She also tried to reject the bear my mom had given me for my 8th birthday, the one I spent in the hospital, but I refused to go anywhere without it. To my knowledge, that was the first gift that had been given to me as Megan Cerenes and not Princess Ellia. Pictures and such were allowed to come with me as well as books. And while she said that I would be allowed more clothes that fit my tastes but were newer, she seemed to be very offhanded about it. It's not that she was unkind, but more that she thought she could pick out better.
    And now here I stand, in the foyer of the palace. A few paparazzi were outside, trying to get a glimpse of who would be allowed in while the prince was gone. I'm sure the common idea was that I am in an arranged marriage with the prince. But mom's car behind us slipped in unnoticed. They had only left a few minutes ago, wanting to see me off and say goodbye. She said to say hello to the prince. The prince. I forgot, I went from having one brother, to now having two. Unless Jeremy doesn't count as my brother now. This entire thing is so confusing.
    Apparently James knew the whole story growing up. Knew about me and that I was still alive but in hiding. Shaunda told me this on the way over. So once he's back from his country tour, he and I will meet. He didn't know where I was or what my name was so he knows less about me than I do about him. I at least had the media blasting everything about him to grow up with. I wonder when they will tell him I'm back.
They also mentioned that I don't have to join him on the tour now but will have to eventually take my own after my 18th birthday. As for now, I have to learn the part of being a Princess. Shaunda had tsked at me the whole ride over, muttering about how I sat and how I was dressed.
    As they led me up the stairs to the wing of the palace that I would be staying in, I glanced down to my left, and stumbled in shock. The banister- the one from my memory-It was there. I must've sat here and listened to something important.
    I started thinking more. The nightmare made sense then. I must've been remembering what was happening, the fear I felt must have been real. Those flashes, the gun shots. The hand holding the gun. It wasn't just a dream like mom said, it was a memory.
    "The room you had growing up will have to be refurbished for you, I'm sure you will no longer find it suitable. But we can allow you to choose a few of the decorations if you'd like! And then while it is undergoing the change, THIS! Is the room you will stay in" Shaunda made the exclamation as she flung open the french doors to what looked like an entire apartment.
    I stepped inside, looking around and taking everything in. A small foyer with an ornate mirror opposite the door, off to the right was a sitting room, Bigger than the living room back home, I thought. A piano was set off in the corner of the room, overlooking the window. The couches were both angled toward the fireplace and a kitchenette was behind them against the far wall.
    To the left of the foyer was another door. I opened it to the largest bedroom I have ever seen. An enormous four post bed stood on a raised platform with a fireplace in front of it. A few chairs were standing by the window and 2 doors stood opposite it.
    "The left door is your bathroom, it also connects to the sitting room. The right is your closet. It is pretty bare right now, but we will have someone shop for you to help fill it up. A seamstress will be in tomorrow morning to take your measurements and help create the dresses you need for events." With that I actually turned to her.
    "Wait a minute, I didn't think that I would have to attend any events until my birthday, what events?"
    "Well there are trainings you will need to undergo to make sure you are ready. Small dinners with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries. Not to mention media releases. The seamstress also takes your measurements for outfits that are shown in public outings, your current clothes are fine for inside the palace but traveling anywhere else publicly, you will need other clothes. Your grandmother will explain more to you later when you meet for lunch."
    "Okay...Thank you, Oh! One more question. Are there any televisions in this room? Or somewhere else to watch it?"
    "Yes dear, of course. Just take that remote on the bed, and press the TV button, it will raise out of that dresser."
    "Okay thank you."
    "If that will be all," Shaunda began. "Then I will leave you to unpack. You can also summon one of your ladies in waiting to help. Lunch will be served at 1 PM in the dining area. We can come and get you if you would like."
    "Yes please," I replied. "Do I need to wear anything specific to lunch?"
    "Nothing specific, but I recommend the blue dress you have. It will look very nice on you." And with that, she excused herself, closing the door behind her.
    I looked around, the meager possessions I was able to bring with me were stacked by the bedroom door. I knelt next to the first box, pulling it towards me. On the top was my favorite picture of Lila and I. I pulled it out and hugged it close to me. 2 hours by car isn't that bad. I have to text her. I grabbed my phone which had been forgotten since early this morning, and unlocked it to about 60 texts, all sent from my friends. Every one of them was asking where I was. That rumors were saying the Queen was on campus and that someone might have caught a glimpse of her.
    Lila had texted me after I missed the first class we had together and asked if I was okay. After the second, she told me she was grabbing my homework for the classes I had missed today. 
    I texted them back saying there had been a family emergency and that I had to be pulled away for a few days. Technically true right? I didn't want to lie to them, but I didn't know how much I could really say.
    I added that to my list of questions to ask. Then texted my mom and dad that I loved them and missed them. I texted the same to Jeremy. I'm sure mom and dad told him at least some of what was going on. He probably knew the whole time, like everyone else. How could he not?
    And then I was alone. The quiet in the room was deafening and I had no idea what to do next. I guess I can turn the TV on, some noise will be good at least. I pressed the button on the remote, which honestly seemed more like a tablet than anything else, and watched the screen of the TV come out from a hidden compartment. The news was the first channel that came on the screen and I barely paid it attention while I got to unpacking.
    An hour later and I was getting the last of my things put away when I heard the name of my hometown come from the TV. I turned around and raised the volume, paying more attention.    
    "The queen made a surprise visit to the town of Mysell, seeming to quickly stop at the local honors high school before making an appearance at the commemorative plaque marking the location of the death of her son, Prince Vincent and daughter-in-law, Princess Chiara, as well as the death of her granddaughter Princess Ellia. The protestors in the area fell quiet as the guards escorted the queen to the site for her to pay her respects. Meanwhile, a young woman of unknown origin and name reportedly was escorted into the palace by a royal motorcade earlier today. Could there be a royal engagement on the horizon? Let's turn to the experts on the royal family. Jill?"
    Shaking my head, I turned the TV off. I checked the time on the clock next to the bed. 12:45. Damn it!
    I ran to the closet and grabbed the outfit I had laid out. The blue dress and the nude pumps that went with it. So much for wearing this for graduation. Another thing to ask about.
    I rushed into the bathroom to wash my face quickly and apply some makeup, stopping when I saw the sheer size of the room I was in. An enormous shower, a glorious soaking tub with jets and double sinks greeted me. Even, I think, a sauna, tucked away into the far corner opposite the shower. This place has everything.
At 12:55, a knock at the door alerted me that someone was there. I opened it and saw the guard that had been speaking earlier at the school standing on the other side. He was tall like the other guards I had seen, but had a leaner look. His dark hair was cropped close and ice blue eyes stared straight ahead. He was the most amazing guy I had ever seen, even more handsome than Luke.
    "I am to escort you to lunch." He stated simply, his eyes still staring above my head. 
    "Um. Okay." I responded. I stepped into the hallway and shut the bedroom door behind me. We began walking in a slightly awkward silence, taking turn after turn through the halls. "So... are you the queen's personal guard?" That was a dumb question. What the hell are you actually thinking. But he took it in stride
    "No, I am the lead of the personal protection. I was the first one to get to the scene 10 years ago. However, I am now assigned to you as your personal guard."
    "Oh, okay. What is your name then? So I don't have to just refer to you as guard."
    With that he glanced at me and smiled slightly, "Lionel" He said. His smile nearly made my heart stop. It was breathtaking. We continued walking, making an ever increasing maze through the palace and finally wound up getting to the dining room.
    "The queen is waiting inside." The door opened and he escorted me into the room.
The dining room was just as lavishly decorated as everything else in the palace and I stood there, waiting until the queen acknowledged me. She finally gestured to the seat to her right and I sat down, placing the linen napkin in my lap, trying to sit as straight as possible. Workers brought plates over, fig salad with mozzarella and greens. My stomach rumbled as I took in the sights.
    The queen smirked slightly and began to eat. It wasn't until the plates were clear of salad that she began to speak to me. "I'm sure you must have many questions. And I will do my best to answer them. But please be aware that I have questions as well. You are my first grandchild and while I have gotten updates about you during the time you were away, I feel as though I still need to know you." A second plate appeared in front of the both of us, a small piece of meat, with carrots, asparagus and potatoes on the side. "Therefore, I propose we take turns. You may ask me any appropriate question and I will do the same, agreed?"
    Nodding, I took a small bite of the meat. It tasted like a roast with a blend of spices. I swallowed and asked "What is going to happen during the next few days? I'm assuming I have a type of schedule, based on what Shaunda told me."
    She nodded. "Yes, tomorrow morning we shall have breakfast at 7 AM. Then there is a seamstress coming in to take your measurements for any gowns that we may need for you. At 10 there is a tea meeting that I am taking with the Prime Minister to discuss when to introduce you to the world as the princess. You will also be sitting in on that meeting. Lunch will be at one again and then we will begin your classes. After tomorrow, you will have classes from 8 until noon, a break for lunch and then you will have your schooling until 5. Dinner is taken at 7 PM and after that you will have time to yourself.
    "Now," She began. "Tell me about the classes you are taking."
    I swallowed the bite I had taken and told her about my math class, English and Science classes along with my other electives. "My next question is about graduation. Will I graduate with my class?"
    "Graduating with your class may not be possible. While the guards are convinced we have eradicated the threat, I think otherwise. There is not enough evidence to convince me that there are not still small sects lurking. We want to ensure your safety. But we can certainly gauge that based on what happens. Does that sound fair?" I nodded. This woman certainly knows how to compromise.
    The rest of lunch went similarly, asking questions back and forth. She wanted to know about who I am, what I liked and as much as she could. Mine were mainly about how different my life would be now.
    "Am I able to go shopping with my friends at all? I'm not going to stay inside all the time right? Plus the city has an amazing fashion district. Are people going to be allowed to visit me? Will I be able to visit them?"
    She had an answer for every question and was able to come up with others herself. I ran out of questions long before she did. Finally lunch was finished and she stated that a decorator would be meeting me in my room after. I stood as she got up and before she left, she clasped my hands, "I'm so glad to be able to see you again. You look so like your father." She remained composed but I thought I saw a flicker of pain cross her face.
    Lionel came to escort me again and as we were leaving, I asked "Do you mind if we see where the pri- my parents lived before. I wonder if I will remember anything."
    He turned to look at me, a bit startled, but obliged and turned the next corner we came to. "You must be aware, Princess, that your injuries were quite severe. You may remember some but you may not remember anything. Do not be alarmed if you don't. You were young, and it was a traumatic experience. The doctors informed us that it will take a long time for your brain to heal and form new pathways to the memories you had."
    Staying silent, I continued to follow him until he led us outside. "What were my parents like? You must have known them" He nodded, before continuing.
"Your father was a kind fellow. Very strong willed and very smart. He knew how to take command of a room. But you were able to command him around fairly easily." He chuckled. "Your mother, she was the adventurous type. Always wanting to try new experiences but she was also quite charitable. She would often volunteer at the soup kitchens nearby or the animal shelters in town. You would never know it was her, until you saw her eyes. You have the same ones. Such a grey that was able to sparkle and draw the attention of anyone. Your eyes seem to draw everyone in, like hers. On my first day, your mother came up to me and immediately started asking me questions, wanting to get to know me. She knew every palace guard by name."
    "It seems like you were close to them." I commented.
    "Your parents were assigned to me during my training. I was in the first car to arrive on the scene." He said quietly.
    "How old were you when you started working for the palace?" There was no way this guy was older than 30 at all.
    "I was 13," He replied. "The guards are chosen from specific families. Every guard you meet here is the descendant of chosen families, dating back to the 1500's when this country was founded. We know our jobs from the time we are born. Obviously we don't immediately begin to be guards, but we train and go on public outings from the time we begin. I was 14 when your parents died."
    We arrived to a cottage on the grounds of the palace, about a quarter mile away. "This is where your parents lived. Due to security reasons they had to be on the grounds, but it was far enough away that they were able to have their own lives as well. That was one condition I'm told your father insisted on. Since their passing, it has largely been left alone."
    He pushed the door open, allowing me to enter. And as I stepped into the dimly lit room, the overhead lights flickered on, showing me the home of my childhood. 
    For an abandoned cottage, it was evident that it was quite grand at one point. Most of the furniture was covered in dust sheets, but the ones that remained visible showed the truly ornate nature that was typical of the palace. The royal crest was visible in the parquet floor. The place was clean for sure, but the kind of clean that you feel in museums, not the lived- in clean that came with a home. "Your grandmother couldn't bear to come in here after what happened," stated Lionel. "She was too upset and seeing everything just made it worse."
    I walked around, running my fingers on a low bookcase that was near the couch. The room had a familiar feeling, like I had been there before. But it also coupled with the  rational part of my brain that insisted that I was making it all up. The open floor plan showed the entirety of the kitchen and dining room as well. A small place but obviously made for entertaining. The hallway caught my eye and I headed down it, turning into the second door on the left. My feet leading me before my head could catch up.
    I opened the door and there it was. The bedroom from the memories I had. The small flashes of white furniture, was the dresser I had against the far wall. The blue was the same color of the sky that the room was painted in. "It really was mine." I breathed, not wanting to change the vision I had when I was younger, of what I remembered of the room. A small stain on the carpet brought to mind when I spilled paints and it never completely came out. Hidden behind the dresser, there would be a small hiding spot where I hid my diary.
    I stumbled over there, pulling the dresser out of place and pulling out the diary My hands trembled as I ran my fingers over the velvet cover. Opening it, I saw a 6 year old's handwriting, "Property of Ellia, Princess of Lidane." My eyes began to water, seeing what had been left behind. It was starting to come back to me in bits and pieces, the rest waiting just out of reach.
    "The queen also had a room for you at the palace. You would often spend nights with her there. She adored you as a child." Lionel said cautiously. "That is the room she is redecorating for you now" I nodded, my eyes watering as I took in the entirety of the room. Lionel looked at me, seeming torn. He's probably embarrassed by me. Eventually, it was time to go, as I had to meet with the decorator.
    We trudged back toward the palace, me lost in the memories that were starting to trickle back to me. Lionel quiet as he normally was, seemingly lost in thought but it was anyone's guess as to what he was considering.
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Three whole chapters. If you've read this far, I want to thank you for sticking with me.
I know it's a bit slow at this moment, but there's some big things coming in the next few chapters and I have the whole book mapped out.
Im going to start trying to upload more consistently- it's hard because I'm currently writing and editing the chapters at the same time and as soon as something comes that I want to include, I write it down-skipping throughout the book a lot. But I have about 10 entire chapters finished and in the editing process at the moment.
Again, thank you all for sticking with me through this!