The Princess and the Prince

Chapter three

Camden and I walk through the village, and I stop at almost every store in amazement. We stop at a fruit store and I look at the apples in longing, my stomach rumbles.

"We should be getting back, Belle." Camden whispers in my ear.

I nod and turn, only to run into someone. I fall on the ground with a thud, and my ribbon falls out. "Oh dear!" I exclaim, grabbing the broken piece.

I look up to see a young man a few years older than I. His light blonde hair is wavy, covered with a tattered hat and his eyes are a bright green.

"Are you alright miss?" he asks, holding his hand out.

I nod and grab it, he pulls me up quickly and easily.

"I'm fine, thank you." I reply.

The boy looks up to the sky and mutters to himself, "It's getting to be lunchtime."

"Is it really? Oh, dear." I say, biting my lip. "We need to be going I suppose." I grasp Camden's hand and we begin walking to the carriage.

"Wait!" the young man calls. We stop and let him catch up. "Aren't you going to let me walk you?"

"I suppose you may, but would you grace us with your name?" I reply.

*Wow, being here is making the way I talk different..*

"Luke. How about you two?" Luke peers at me.

"I am Belle, and this is Camden, my best friend."

"Belle? That's a magnificent name." Luke smiles.

"Thank you, Luke." I reply.

Luke looks at Camden, "As is Camden..quite unusual."

"My mother had hoped I would be a boy, so she already had my name chosen. She wished for me to work in the Royal Stables..but it wasn't to be, she couldn't think of another name for me so she kept Camden."

"Ah, so you two work at the palace then I assume?"

I fidget and Camden eyes me curiously as I reply softly, "Yes, our mothers are close friends and are ladies in waiting to princess Anabelle,"

Luke raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"

I clear my throat. "We came here with the princess, actually. We are supposed to meet her at the carriage."

"Perhaps I could meet her then!" Luke says.

"No, no. She doesn't like people coming unannounced, sorry." I reply quickly, as I see the carriage coming into view. "If you will excuse us, we must hurry. Lunch is coming upon us and we must help prepare it."

"Of course. Have a nice day, Belle, Camden. I hope to see you two soon. Perhaps at the palace!" Luke states as we hasten to the carriage.

"What does he mean, does he work there or something?" I ask Camden.

"I've never seen him before, perhaps he works for the prince."

"Well, he's nice. I wonder what the prince is like.." I muse.

"Are you going to meet him at lunch?" Camden questions.

"I might. I'll decide when we get there." I reply, looking out the window.

"Well,we're getting close. You should change back." Camden hands me my gown.

I quickly get dressed and Camden puts my hair up, and finishes just as we stop at the castle.

Johanna rushes out, "Oh, good. You're here. Hurry, Princess. They're waiting for you in the dining hall..unless you've decided not to eat with them?"

I look at Camden and sigh, then back to Johanna. "I can't avoid it much longer. I suppose I'll go."

Johanna smiles, "Good. Come on, we must hurry."

She walks me to the dining room, and introduces me, "Princess Anabelle is here, Majesties."

"Good, good. Bring her in, Johanna."

Johanna bows and then pulls me into the room, I curtsy then take my place at the Queens left side.

"Anabelle, darling. This is the king and queen of England; Henry and Adalyn. Their son seems to be missing," the Queen states.

"Oh, did he go to town? I might have seen him. I just returned from there." I ask Queen Adalyn.

"I have no idea, he wouldn't tell us anything. He stormed out..I'm sorry to say this, but, he isn't very happy about this arrangement." she replies.

"But, in time, I'm sure he will get used to it." King Henry adds.

"I'm sure he will." I reply with a fake smile, just as the door opens and the messenger walks in.

"Prince Lucas has arrived, shall I send him in?"

The king nods, and the messenger bows and leaves. Moments later, the prince walks in.

He bows quickly, "I am sorry to be late, I was just taking a walk to clear my thoughts."

"That is alright," the King says.

"It is an honor to meet you, Prince Lucas. I am Queen Kimberlyn, and this is my husband, King James." the Queen adds.

Should I start thinking of her as my mother..? I am going to be here for a while..I'll decide on this later.

"And this is our daughter, Anabelle."

I stand with everyone and smile at the prince. "It is..nice to meet you, Prince Lucas. I do hope your walk was enjoyable."

Prince Lucas smiles at me and nods, "Yes, thank you, Your Highness." he replies, taking a seat across from me.

I give a quick nod, and then we all sit and begin eating. I couldn't help but think of how handsome the prince looks, though. It made me wonder just how bad this arranged marriage could be...