The Lost Princess

Chapter 8

I haven't written anything for this book in the last two years- I can't believe I put off writing this for that long. For those of you who have continued to read this, I dedicate this chapter to you. 

The following morning, I woke with flutters at the bottom of my stomach. I had to remind myself that everything that had happened with Bromley was not a figure of my imagination. 

The maids began to filter into my room and started their morning routine which included opening the curtains and letting in the fresh English sunshine.

"What tea would you like for Breakfast madam? We've just had some jasmine tea brought in as a gift to the Queen and she insists you try it."

My heart filled with joy. Back home in Arabia, Jasmine tea was something which I drank every day with no exceptions. 

"I would love some". 

The maids continued making the bed as I got prepared for the day, but not quite sure what to wear for riding. 

"Charlotte- would you be able to help me select a gown for riding today with the Queen?"

Charlotte nodded and then proceeded to do as I had asked. 

Within a half hour I was dressed in a dress which was long but more fitted then my usual attire. In a sense, it drew attention to my curves. 

"You look lovely my lady." Charlotte said bowing, once she had helped me get dressed. "Thank you Charlotte, you have been of great help since I have been here."

She nodded and blushed slightly- showing her true age to be much younger than the responsibilities she was given. 

I made my way down to the stables after getting ready to find Elizabeth straddling up to her horse. 

"There you are my dear! I know we spoke of a ride just for the two of us, but it slipped my mind that I agreed among the court to hold the annual hunting competition on this morn."

"Good morning your Majesty. That's fine, shall I join you?" 

"Of course, you must Lady Aria- there are far more of the Lords than Lady's. I need as many of you as possible."

I smiled at this and then let the stables boy help me up onto a fine horse which reminded me of my Arabian stallion back home. It seemed this morning that everything was reminding more and more of events which had undoubtedly changed my life forever. 

We began to ride out towards where the hunting party had congregated. Among the crowd, I saw Bromley on a dark brown horse- he looked powerful and magnificent. 

My eyes sought his, but as if he could feel my stare, he purposefully looked anywhere but at me. 

"Lords and Ladies, I welcome you to the Annual Hunt, it is a pleasure to see so many of you here to celebrate a tradition which my father had started." I gave Elizabeth a warm smile as she continued, "This year however, there will be a slight twist; we will be having a competition, you must all organize yourselves into groups. The group with the greatest catch will win a special prize from myself." 

Elizabeth stuck with me, claiming that she would simply be helping a friend who had never hunted before- I didn't bother to correct her as it was true. Father only allowed the girls in our family to watch in fear that some of the animals caught may be of danger to us. 

The Duke of Cornwall was also in our group, and with the rest of the Lords we proceeded into the woods. 

"Aria my dear, how have you been keeping?"