As I land on the ground with a thud, I groan at the pain of my body colliding with the dirt and rocks.
"Anabelle, where on earth are you?" a voice calls.
That's what I would like to know.
I stand up and dust off my clothes, and I look around; seeing the forest surrounding me.
"Anabelle! There you are!" a woman walks up to me, exhausted from the running she has apparently done. "You have got to stop running off like that!"
"I..I'm sorry, were you talking to me?" I ask in surprise.
The woman rolls her eyes, "Well, don't see any other Princess Anabelle's here, now, do we?"
I gasp and my eyes widen. Princess?!
"Please, refresh my memory..who are you?"
The woman laughs. "Are you joking?"
"Humor me," I reply.
She sighs and grabs my hand. "Alright, you're Princess Anabelle Lousia De Grandé of France. I am your lady in waiting; Johanna." she replies as we begin walking.
"Thank you. Now, where are we going?"
"Ah, well, that part you didn't know anyways. If you must know, we're going to the lake." Johanna states with a smile.
"The lake?" What's so special about a lake?
"Yes, your parents insisted that we go to this lake," Johanna stops and opens the door to a carriage that appeared on the road. "Well, get in!" Johanna urges.
I quickly step into the carriage. "If I may ask, why exactly do they want me to go to the lake?"
"It's a special lake, you shall learn more about it once we get there. Now, excuse me, Majesty." Johanna concludes; stepping to the back of the carriage.
I nod and sit in silence for the rest of the ride.
After at least thirty minutes, the carriage stops. I lean my head out and see Johanna stepping to the window.
"We are here, My Lady." She states, curtsying.
The footman opens the door and holds out his gloved hand for me to grab, I do so and step out and down to the wet dirt.
"Oh, my." I exclaim as the dirt smudges my dress.
Johanna bites her lip. "Apologies, Majesty. I should have warned you about the dirt."
"It's quite alright, Johanna." I smile at her and step towards the lake.
"Ah, is this Her Majesty?" an elderly woman asks, holding out her wrinkled hand.
"I..yes, I am. Who might you be?" I ask, tentatively grabbing the woman's hand.
"I, am the Lady of the Waters." she replies in a far off voice.
"Lady of the Waters?"
"You have not heard of me?" She clicks her tongue in disapproval. "Your parents should have better prepared you, my dear Princess."
"Prepared me? What is to become of me?!" I exclaim, frightened.
"Oh, oh, do not worry Your Highness! No harm! No harm. I am only here to tell you your future."
Relieved, I sigh and close my eyes. "Oh. Alright. What must I do?"
When I open my eyes, the Lady of the Waters is smiling at me. She points to the lake. "You must step into the waters."
"How far?"
"All the way, Majesty,"
I bite my lip. "Okay."
I release the woman's hand and begin walking into the water. I make it neck deep, before finally closing my eyes and holding my breath. I feel the water come up to my chin, cheeks, and then my whole body is plunged under water. After ten seconds, I jump back up to the surface.
I walk to the shallow end of the water, and the woman is smiling brightly at me.
"So? What is my future?"
"It is..quite interesting," she replies. "I shall not tell you all. But know this, your life shall never be the same."
I nod. "Is that everything?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. That is all." The Lady of the Waters bows and then dissapears.
I put put my hands on my hips. "Well. Thanks for drying me off!" I exclaim sarcastically.
Almost instantly, my hair and dress are clean and dry.
"Thank you," I say in surprise. Johanna rushes to me.
"What did she say, Majesty?"
"That my life will never be the same," I reply, walking to the carriage.
"That is all? Oh dear oh dear, the King and Queen will not like this."
"I'm sure they'll be fine." I wave Johanna in dismissal. "Don't worry."
"Oh, I do not fear for myself, Princess. But for you." Johanna states, rushing to the back of the carriage again.
"For me? Johanna, what do you mean?!" I call, but no answer. I sigh and step into the carriage. "Well, time to meet the parents." I mutter to myself.
YOU ARE READING
The Princess and the Prince
Romance"Once upon a time, there was a Princess.." she reads only that far before the book begins flipping its pages and blowing wind in her face. "What's happening?!" she exclaims, and seconds later, she dissapears. Mr. Jones walks over to the book and fli...
