Surprisingly Royal

👸Chapter 3: Grounded

Mary's POV

"What in the world is keeping Ciara out this late?" I mutter, pacing back and forth, nerves all over the place.

"What if something bad has happened to her? What if the King finds out? Oh no... I could actually get beheaded for this." My heart races just thinking about it.

"It's already been five days since she turned sixteen... and still, nothing. Not a word from her real parents."

I stop in my tracks.
"What if they came for her today... and she left without even saying goodbye? Or worse, what if she's found out the truth and she's angry at me for hiding it all these years?"

I start pacing again, completely panicked.

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Ciara's POV

I know Mum is going to be so mad. I mean, it's really late.

I pick up my pace, walking quickly toward home, already preparing the speech I'll give to reduce the scolding I know is coming.

As soon as the house comes into view, my chest tightens.
I pause in front of the door, trying to think of anything I could say to make this better.

Finally, I take a deep breath and push the door open slowly.

There she is pacing in the sitting room, twisting her fingers together like she always does when she's worried sick.

I'm in so much trouble.

She freezes when she sees me, then rushes over and pulls me into a tight hug. Before I can even say a word, she starts checking me all over, making sure I'm not hurt.

"Do you have any idea how worried I was?"she shouts

"Wait, are you okay? Did something happen? Are you hurt?" she asks, scanning me up and down with panic in her eyes.

"I'm fine, Mum. Honestly."

"Then why stay out so late, huh? Do you know how scared I was? I thought... I thought maybe you'd left me," she says, her voice shaking.

"I told you I was with Emily. There was no reason to freak out. And it's not like I have anywhere else to go, Mum you're the only one I've got." I say to her gently

"Going to see a friend doesn't give you permission to stay out half the night, Ciara! What if something had happened? It's dark everywhere, what if some horrible person tried to hurt you? I wouldn't be able to live with myself if anything happened."

She walks over and sinks into the couch, clearly overwhelmed.

"That's the thing, though! Nothing happened. I'm fine! I can handle myself," I say, but the words come out sharper than I meant them to.

She snaps her head toward me.
"Excuse me?! Just because you've turned sixteen doesn't mean you get to talk back or tell me how to feel! And don't think for one second that being sixteen makes you invincible. The world out there is dangerous, even for people twice your age."

"But Mum—"

"No buts! You need time to sit with your thoughts, young lady. No more going out. No friends. Not until I say so."

"Seriously? Mum, please... You've been acting so weird lately and now this? You can ground me in any other way, but not this. Please."

"I've made up my mind," she says, eyes avoiding mine.

"Fine. Do whatever makes you happy. It's always about your rules, your way. It's like how I feel doesn't even matter. You never really cared anyways." My voice cracks, and before she can respond, I run into my room, slam the door shut, and throw myself on the bed crying until I fall asleep.

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Mary's POV

Her words... they cut deep.

They really made me question everything. I never wanted her to feel like I didn't care. All I've ever tried to do is protect her, even if it means being the bad guy.

Maybe I overreacted. Maybe I didn't.

She's sixteen now. And any day from now, the King could come for her. The last thing I want is for him to find his daughter hurt or in danger .Not on my watch.

A part of me wants to knock on her door... explain everything, hold her and tell her it's all going to make sense soon. But I can't. I swore an oath to never reveal who she truly is ,not even to her.

So I just crawl into bed, hoping she finds it in her heart to forgive me one day.

One day, when she finally learns the truth... I pray she'll understand.

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☆☆☆☆

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Chapter Four will be up real soon so stay tuned!
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