Short of History: A Collection of Short Stories

ROYAL

Little did Charlotte know, that knock on her door would change everything. It was a soft, rainy day in the small country of Tuguam. The type of day perfect for grabbing a book, snuggling into a big fuzzy blanket, and eating an entire half-gallon tub of ice cream, just because you can. Well that's exactly the kind of day Charlotte was living, but instead of ice cream, it was a nice cup of steaming hot coffee, black of course.

She was getting down to the last few chapters of her book, a intense battle raging on. She was so caught up, so entranced in the fight of words in her hands, she didn't hear the first few knocks on the door. It was only until the visitor started pounding on the door was she able to look up. A look of concern grows on her face as the uninvited guest continues to rap on the door. She puts her book down and stands, coffee in hand. Walking to the front door, she inhaled the scent of coffee bean, calming her before she opens it to reveal four palace guards. There never this far out into the neighborhoods.

"Is this the home of Charlotte Rose Ioane?" One of them asks. She nods in response. "Please come with us."

"O-okay," Charlotte stutters. "Um... can I get dressed first?". As of right now, she's wearing a large, and baggy sweater with nothing else but leggings and slippers. That's not even a bra.

"No, what your wearing is fine," the same one who spoke the first time said. She nods and quickly runs to get her phone. Once she returns they're in a black SUV, parked on the street. She turns and closes her house door, locking it and turns back toward the black car. Cautiously, she walks toward the vehicle, and as she reaches it, a door opens. A man steps out and speaks, "Get in." she nods, complying to the guards command and gets in. He gets in behind her and shuts the door.

Stuttering when she speaks up, she says, "A-am I aloud to know why I'm being taken away from my home and who's taking me away from it?" The same man, who's driving, nods. So she reiterates her question.

"Well..." the man answers. "All will be explained when we get to the palace." Nearly choking on her own spit before he continues, she holds her hand to her chest. "And to answer the second part of your question, I am William, this man in the passenger seat is Henry, on your left is Michael, and on your right is Richard."

"Then I guess it's nice to meet you?" She asks/states. They all gruffly nod and give sort of a grunt. This will be a long ride. She thinks to herself.

As they reach the palace, William parks the car and gets out. Henry then speaks up, "Follow me if you will madam?" Very polite. Charlotte thinks. Michael gets out, then turns to extend his hand, helping her out. She nods in thanks and he nods back, then drops her hand.

Feeling a presence next her she turns and finds Henry. He offers her his arm and she warily accepts the gesture. They start walking, the other two guards following closely behind. This is weird. Thinks Charlotte. Wondering where William went, she blindly follows the rest of the men. They enter the palace door and a breath hitches. It was Charlotte's. She was completely mesmerized by the ancient design of the interior, feeling oddly comfortable in a place she's never been. They make it halfway into the foyer before she spy's a young man dressed in a navy blue tuxedo.

"The prince," she breathes.

"Hello, you must Charlotte, that is Princess Charlotte."

To be continued...