The Hidden Royals (ON HOLD)

31.

"Why was Prince Lukas with you?" Nathaniel asked as Esther walked into the cafe

"He escorted me home," Esther said, walking towards the stairs, "I'll be down in a few,"

Esther walked up the stairs and into her and Elliana's room. She sat on her bed, taking out the journal and staring at it. 'What should I do?' Esther groan, got up and put the journal in her dresser to keep it hidden. She undressed and dressed into her beige floor length dress that she wore often. She left her room, went downstairs and into the kitchen, helping Nathaniel.
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"What did Princess Olivia want?" Elliana asked, sitting down in a chair

"She just wanted to know how I was doing and showed me around the palace," Esther said, wrapping the utensils with a napkin

"That was it?"

"Yeah, not much happen,"

"Wow, thank god I didn't go, but at least you saw the whole palace. Is it beautiful?"

"Yes,"

"Huh? Why are you acting like this? What got you so down?" Elliana asked, worried

"Nothing. I'm just tried from walking," Esther bluntly said

In reality, she was too focused on Princess Olivia's condition. Did Princess Olivia have a plan? Will the plan be successful?

"I can do the utensils, so you can rest," Elliana said, reaching for the container

"No, its fine. I can finish this. You go to bed, you had a more active day then me,"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, now go. I know you have to be at Fabian's by 8am, so get to sleeping," Esther smiled as she shooed Elliana off

"Fine then. Goodnight, Esther. Love you," Elliana kissed her head and walked away

Esther let out a sigh. She didn't know how long she had until Princess Olivia call for her. Esther finished the utensils and set it in the kitchen. She checked on the ovens to see how the bread was baking. Nathaniel finally trusted her to bake. Esther bit her lip and ran out of the kitchen, to the stairs and up then to her room. She carefully walked into her room, not trying to wake Elliana up, went to her dresser and took the journal out then out of the room and to the kitchen. She checked on the ovens once more before sitting out the counter and setting the journal in front of her. She let out a shaky breath and opened the cover to the first page.

'March 03, XXXX; Katherine is 13

Its been 7 months since I started living with Julian, my father and a year since mom died. I met my have half siblings, but they don't like me. The Queen looks down on me. Her and Julian got into a fight last night because of me. She wants to kick me out, but he won't let her. Julian lets me stay with him in his office, but he's going to get me a teacher. I didn't want one, but he says I'm a princess and should be able to have an education. Princess... I still can't believe that word. How could I have gone from homeless to royalty. To many things are happening, but I can't disappoint Julian. He may be my father, but he's the king, so I can't slack and I have to show him I can be better than my half-siblings...'

"I guess mom had a hard time adjusting to her new life," Esther mumble, as she continue to read

She stopped in between to check on the ovens, taking out the baked goods and setting it on the racks. She turned off the ovens and went back to reading her mother's diary.
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Esther stared off into the distance as she remembered everything in her mothers diary. The diary wasn't even two years of her life living in the palace. So many things have happened. The plague continuing to infect and kill people while the royal family does everything in their power to find a cure and help the citizens.

"-Excuse me," A hand waved in Esthers face, Esther blinked

"Oh, I'm so sorry. What did you order?" Esther asked, smiling at the customer

The customer repeated her order and Esther grabbed the baked goods for the customer.

"Thank you and come again," Esther smiled and handed it to the customer

'Focus, Esther. Its time to work. I can think about the diary later.' Esther shook her head and went back to getting the customers orders
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"Esther, are you fine? You've been zoning out today," Nathaniel asked, worried as he sat down

"I'm fine, dad. I'm just tired, that's all," Esther smiled at him

"Are you sure? You haven't been you since yesterday," Nathaniel stated

"I guess the exhaustion finally hit me," Esther chuckled, "But I really am fine, dad. I promise," Esther placed her hand on top of his

"Okay," Nathaniel let out a defeated sigh, "Just know that I'm here for you to talk to, alright,"

"I know, dad," Esther smiled

'But you can't know.'