Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 32

Oria was scouting closer to me as I continued my fabricated story.

" I think I've always liked Prince Theo, ever since he brought me here but even the first day, he wasn't interested in me. When he brought me to the cottage, all he could stare at was at Rachael and she was the same. It hurt, you know? Like she already had Prince Frederick, she couldn't give me Prince Theo?"

I forgot that Oria saw me run to Theo after he was shot by her.

But it seemed like she was so engrossed by the story she didn't seem to remember.

" I was dumb, I stuck to Theo like glue and I pretended that he wanted me. He was just too nice to tell me he loved Rachael."

Oria scouted closed, so now that she was sat in the middle of the room.

Just a few more feet.

" Theo never was great around girls." She smiled like she was remembering a memory.
" Even as a child when the Queen had guests for dinners, Theo stuck to her like his life depended on it."

**

Zak could see the castle from the jet, they were only ten minutes away, ten minutes from saving Clara.

" I don't think this is a good idea," Peter said,
" She's scheduled to leave next week at the festival. Maybe it's best if we just wait for her."

Peter had been irritated ever since Clara stayed behind at the castle, Zak was beginning to feel like Peter was starting to resent her for it.

But Ian had spent weeks attempting to break into the castle's security system. He finally managed to crack the code regarding the force field.

" We haven't had contact with her for days. We recently just have been able to hear her voice. She doesn't sound okay." Ian said.

Just hold on Clara, just for ten more minutes.

**

Rachael didn't know what to do. Prince Theo had his head down and he hadn't said anything since they arrived in the safe room.

" Theo, are you okay?"

" It's my fault. If I had just believed Clara." He was muttering to himself.

" I don't know what's happening but what I do know is Clara wouldn't want you like this. You need to calm down."

" Why am I here? Why should I be protected when she's missing?" He stood up and reached for the door.

Rachael grabbed his hands, " I can't let you leave, it's for your safety."

" Rachael please let go." His voice was soft but firm and she almost did.

" Captain Darius is looking for Clara, I'm sure she just lost track of time. Everything is fine." She didn't even believe herself. Both Clara and Oria were missing and all she could do was keep Prince Theo safe and that was what she was going to do.

" How do you know that?" Theo looked pained, " Why else would Captain Darius order you to take me here? Someone wants me dead."

**

The sun was setting, illuminating the room in a warm glow. Oria was now seated close enough if I reached forward I could touch her.