Rebel Queen

Chapter 18

~oOo~ Ellie's POV

(It was about 4 when Poppy and Bella came to wake me.)

  I was extremely energized when I awoke. I hadn't toss and turn like usual, and I actually fell asleep early. While we were at the cathedral my room's contents were moved to the 5th floor. It was connected to the princes suite.
  Today I wore a silky white gown with gold lace trim. It was soft to the touch. An average day dress didn't go past your knees.
  This one flowed down a few inches behind my feet. The white heels rose 2 inches off the ground making a slight clacking noise each time I took a step on the uncarpeted floor.

  It was 4:30 when I left for the lounge. Nobody was cleaning or shouting, it was peaceful. The middle of summer yesterday felt sweltering. Now it was perfect.
  I arrived at the lounge a few short minutes later. Today we were supposed to meet the prince, and tonight there will be a giant ball held in my honor. 
  Instead of reading a book I opened a window to let in the fresh air. Looking upon the lawn the grass was fresh with dew. Soldiers line the edges of the walls doing exercises. I giggled slightly.

Queen: Enjoying the guards morning training are we? I used to enjoy it too.

Ellie: *giggles* It's funny to watch them being almost carefree..

  Even though the Queen was at least 20 years older than me, we talked to each other as if we were both the same age. After an hour of giggling and pointing out the cutest ones, she started her work load.

Breanna bustled in right after the guards finished their training.

Breanna: Your majesty, your highness.

She falls into a deep curtsy.

Ellie: I don't know about you Esmeralda, but she doesn't have be formal with me.

Queen: Your quite right. Breanna dear do call us by our names.

Breanna: Alright, I came for a chat with Ellie. I haven't seen her since yesterday morning! I came to your room last night, but she said you were already asleep. You look most amazing by the way. Regal, poised, Queen like.

Ellie: *Chuckles* I am a princess, not a queen. Should I wear my crown to remind you?

Breanna bursts into a fit of giggles. When her laughter finally subsides, she clumsily finds her way to the chair beside me.

Breanna: I would love to see your crown. Why didn't you have it on yesterday? I bet it's really pretty!
  By the way did you know you look soooo much like the duchess.

Ellie: I do? I seriously doubt it. Let me see a photo of them.

  The queen stands and walks over to a cabinet I hadn't noticed before. She opens it and pulled out a tan folder with a few labels. On the cover are 3 photos.
  One was of a big family, another a little girl about the age of 3 or 4, and the last of the duke and duchess.
  The duke was tall and muscular. He had brown hair, and icy blue eyes. The duchess was average height. Her hair cascaded down her back in icy blue curls, and her deep blue eyes showed warmth beyond which Ellie thought eyes could show.
  The family (11 people) which I'm guessing were their children and grandparents smiled at the camera. All the children had brown hair. Some inherited tips of their mothers icy blue hair, but it was extremely faded. Their eyes the same as their mothers. The set of grandparents who had their hands on the duchesses shoulders as if to steady her looked very pale. Their hair wasn't like their daughters. It was graying but still showed to be blonde. Wrinkles creased their foreheads and though they tried to hide their tight lipped smiles, they had shown through.
  The last picture showed a little girl in neither of the photos. She had a bright smile, icy blue hair and eyes, a round face, and was dressed in a small blue gown.

Queen: That is their youngest child. Rebels stormed the palace 14 years ago during their eldest children's coming of age ceremony. They took her from the nursery, and we haven't seen her since.
  The case is still open because she was Jacobs fiancé. As the only duke and duchess of the kingdom whose family descends from goddesses and ice spirits, they are the only family who can marry to ours.
  I am these children's aunt. You remind me a lot of her Ellie. Although you have a father.

Ellie: I can't be their daughter. My mother did pass when I was young, but I still have my father. I've had him ever since I could remember.

  Although, I didn't tell them that I didn't remember anything before I was 5.

Ellie: Do they think she'll turn up eventually?

Queen: Well, it's very unlikely. If she was still alive she would be under lock and key in one of their bases.

Ellie: Oh. Well we should still have hope.

Breanna: Your right. If we don't have hope she won't be welcomed back like she might think. Although she was young, she would at the age of 17, expect to be welcomed with open arms.

Queen: Oh! Look at the time girls. Breakfast starts soon. Ellie a reminder you needn't curtsy to anyone anymore. You are a Princess now.

  We get up and exit the lounge. Taking our time to get to breakfast we whisper quietly to each other. When we finally reach the oak doors 2 guards salute.
  The queen and I nod our heads in recognition. A butler steps out into the hall a minute later.

Butler: None of the other Ladies have arrived yet your majesty. His majesty and his highness are inside waiting.

  The butler turns around signaling to the guards that we're ready. They open the doors slightly for him to slip in. From the other side of the door we hear..

Butler: Introducing her majesty Queen Esmeralda, her highness Princess Ellie, and Lady Breanna.

  The doors this time are opened wide. Butlers bow as we pass while guards salute.
  Breanna takes her seat to the left 1 away from me, the queen on my right next to the king, and on my left is the prince.
  I guess yesterday was a buffet, so we could choose what we want. Today a butler placed in front of me French toast, 2 sunny side up eggs, and 2 fruit tarts. On a mini platter to the side fresh cut mango and strawberries sat staring at me.
  I took a napkin and placed it on my lap. Breanna sat quietly eating a little bit at a time. The king and queen asked us a few different questions, but Jacob stayed quiet as his eyes wandered from place to place.

A sudden commotion in the hallway had made everybody go silent.