The Royal Spare (COMPLETED)

10- Of Searches And Realizations

I was immediately suspicious as soon as I saw Lady Cora's face when she went out of the Princess's room for what was supposed to be their morning routine. Her worried expression told me something could be wrong.

Usually after Princess Maiena's morning bath and she has changed into her daytime dress, I would accompany the two ladies for a walk in the garden and have breakfast at the gazebo by the lake inside the estate. I would wait for them right where I was in the sitting room between the East and West wings of the third floor where I could see them as they come out of the Princess's bedroom.

Lady Cora looked at the guards nervously and said something to them. I waited a few seconds but the Princess did not emerge from her room. Something was definitely wrong.

Did the Princess cancel their morning walk because of the weather? No. She wouldn't look that uneasy if that was the case. Also, normally when it was raining, they would still have breakfast together in the drawing room.

Perhaps Princess Maeina was not feeling well? That would explain the worried expression. But still no. Maiena was fine when I left last night and Lady Cora would be more alarmed than she was if that were the case. It's also protocol that she inform me, the Princess's butler Sir Eduardo and her governess Lady Marian, if such a situation occurs.

Could the Princess have sneaked out without her lady-in-waiting knowing?

Yes. That must be it. And yes, I knew about the Princess sneaking out sometimes. I let her. Her very restricted life has kept her inside a tiny glass box, she deserved a few hours of freedom once in a while. It's not like she can go anywhere too far from the royal guard's protection anyway especially Aidan's.

Yes. I have always been aware of how keen my brother was on sensing when the Princess was up to something and how truly remarkable he is on tracking her down. We might as well switch jobs since he has always been more fixed on the Princess's whereabouts and goings on than the Crown Prince's. Although he does an excellent job on keeping them both safe, I've always thought there was a deeper motivation for him when it comes to the lovely Princess Maiena.

Lady Cora attempted to walk past me like she didn't see me but I was quick to follow her to the staircase. Taking two steps at time, I was able to intercept her.

She looked at me guiltily. I barely finished signing "Where's the Princess?" when she whisper-shouted, "The Princess is gone!"

I frowned and signed, "What do you mean she's gone?" She understood me. She and Maiena studied sign language as requested by the Princess to better communicate with me.

"She's not in her room. Her bed was never slept in. She did not call me or text me. I don't know where she is, my lord! Sir Eduardo could check on her any minute now and Lady Marian will be here soon to get the Princess ready for lunch with the dauphin. And Sir Aidan! You know how scary he can get!" She ranted.

Oh, yes. I know how scary he can get.

I nodded to let her know I understood the urgency of the situation but my gut told me that the Princess was okay. I've been her personal guard since I was first inducted in the Elite Order. I was 18 and she was 8. We have a strong connection and somehow, I always knew when I should be worried for her or not and I was always right. At that moment, I wasn't worried about her early morning disappearance.

Aidan, on the other hand was always worried for her so I knew exactly what to do then.

I gave Lady Cora a reassuring pat on the shoulder and signed, "Go back to the Princess's room and make sure nobody finds out that she's not there. I will go look for her. Okay?"