The Remembering

Princess Katalina Shane

"Kate, I need you to get up and put this on," Victoria said as she shook my shoulder gently. I open my eyes and see her face full of worry, an odd thing for the fearless woman, then again she had been like that since Amanda left.

"Did something happen to Amanda? Is she well?" I sit up as I question her, but instead of answers, her eyes begin to water.

She stands and opens my wardrobe as it makes an old creaking sound. Then she pulls out my most beautiful gown, my only gown, that has yet to be worn.

She clears her throat and begins to speak, "The Queen has demanded that you return to the palace." She averts her eyes from me and places the gown on my bed. As she opens the rugged door, she speaks her final words. "I have packed all your belongings, it is time for you to take on your duties as a princess."

I sit stunned as the words continue their endless torment. Why would my mother want me now? How does she expect the daughter that she abandoned to poverty to return to her? Doesn't she have other children to claim?

I stand swaying as I numbly change into my royal garments. Will she greet me? What does she even look like? Maybe like me, with dark hair and pale skin. I look in the rusty mirror, putting some of my hair in braids. I look around for my leather boots, but instead find a pair of heels in its place.

I take the shoes and walk out the room straight into the small kitchen area. "Where are my ridding boots?"

Victoria looks up from the dress that she is sowing. "It's packed away, the Queen wished for your return to be as a Princess should present herself."

I scoff and open my bag, taking out my hunting gear. "Oh, I will present myself as I am. Not as she wishes me to be!" I rush back into my room and change into my leather pants and long sleeve shirt while putting the detestable gown in a ball and stuffing it back into my bag along with the heals.

Victoria chuckles at my actions. "You will keep them on their toes, they most certainly won't know how to handle their commoner princess" I smirk at her words and brush my hair with my fingers. Just then, there's a knock on the door, and the poor thing simply falls. The soldier faces me looking terrified and embarrassed.

He clears his throat and steps over the door. "My team has been sent to retrieve and escort Princess Katalina Shane back to the castle." I snort at his introduction, and Victoria slaps me in the arm lightly, holding back her own smile.

I look him straight in the face as I speak, "I'm Katalina and pretty sure that when introductions are made, one is expected to speak their name?" He blushes slightly and murmurs out, "I'm Quil, I can go get a carriage while you change. I'll be back in a moment." He turns to leave, and I stop him.

"I will not be changing, and I will be riding my horse to the castle. If you wish, you and your men can divide the weight of my bags." He stands still, and I walk right past him and his men out to the barn. 

As I open the door, I can hear the exited neighs of my mare Storm. Her pure black mane shining in the morning light. "You ready to go back?" I gently pet her head as she leans into me. "I'm not either, I want to stay here far from my mother and her demands. Let's hope she hasn't arranged the sexes of my children yet." I shake my head as I lead her out of the stall. 

I put her saddle on and put on her a bridle with no bit. I walk out of the barn, and she follows me as I walk up to the group of six soldiers, all looking at me in bewilderment. I turn to Victoria and give her a hug.

She whispers in my ear, "Stay safe, if you need to, run east, the quickest way to the border of the kingdom." She holds me tight for a moment longer before letting go, and I nod at her in acknowledgment of her words. We both turn away from each other, and I mount Storm before turning to the soldiers.

I look at them and put on a fake smile, "Alright, let's get this over with. Lead the way." Quil nods and turns to the path towards the castle, and just like that, we head out on the long and tedious journey.