The Prophecy

Chapter 15

Lizzie's POV: I sighed as I slowly got out of bed, wincing in pain slightly. Breathing deeply, I got up and grabbed a pair of pants and slipped them on before pulling on a blouse and walking from the room. Walking out of the building, I walked out to the stable as I spotted a little girl cleaning up hay. "What are you doing out here", I asked.

"Cleaning the stables, my Princess", she answered politely with a small curtsy.

Tilting my head slightly, I took in her ripped clothes and dirty appearance as she shifted nervously. They have children working here? "Did I do something wrong, Princess", she asked anxiously. "I apologize if I have done anything-"

"No. No, it's not that", I told her. "It's just...shouldn't kids your age be in school, or at home with your parents", I asked, watching her face sadden.

"I...I have no parents", she admitted quietly. "They died when I was very young", she explained.

"Where do you live then", I frowned.

"Here...actually", she answered shyly. "I-it's not that bad. The horses keep me company", she smiled slightly, causing my heart to ache. 

"Have you eaten", I asked, causing her to shoot me a funny look.

"I usually get scraps", she shrugged, causing my face to redden angrily. 

"What's your name", I asked her calmly.

"Alyssa", she stated.

"Have you eaten today, Alyssa", I asked her nicely.

"I-I'm not that hungry", she said rather quickly before her stomach growled as if to disagree, causing her face to redden.

"Come on", I said, taking her hand.

"Oh no. I'm not...", she trailed off. "I'm not allowed inside", she explained, causing my anger to rise. 

"Well, that's about to change", I muttered angrily.

Walking into the castle, I took a quick look around before taking the girl's hand and rushing down the hall quietly. Running into my room, I sat her down on the bed before smiling kindly at her nervous appearance. "Just stay here", I said before hurrying from the room. 

Storming down the hall, I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an apple and a bowl of soup before returning to my room to find the girl looking through my clothes with a cheery smile. "I brought food", I announced, watching her jump back as her face crumbled slightly.

"I-I didn't touch anything. I swear it", she said guiltily, causing me to raise an eyebrow.

Setting the food down on the dresser, I made my way over to her and pulled a handful of jewelry out her pocket. I watched her panic as a small smile spread across my face. "Wow, I'm actually a little proud, but I would usually go for weapons and a few gold coins", I shrugged, handing the jewelry back to her.

"You-you're not mad", she asked in bewilderment. 

"A little disappointed really", I said, watching her face fall. "I expected a little more. Here. Eat up, and afterward, I'll show you how it's really done", I said, handing her the food as her face lit up.

While she ate, I walked over to the sewing machine in the corner and picked out a fabric and got to work as the little girl looked over at me curiously. "What are you doing", she asked, getting up from the bed and walking over toward me. 

"Making you an outfit, silly. If you're gonna steal, you gotta have somewhere to put it", I chuckled, watching her eyes sparkle. 

"Can it be red", she asked me excitedly, causing me to smile to myself.

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Josie's POV: I covered my mouth as a yawn escaped my lips as I quietly made my way down the hall toward Lizzie's chambers before pausing as I heard a small giggle down the hall. Frowning in confusion, I spotted Lizzie talking to a little girl before walking up to a guard calmly. My eyes narrowed as she walked back over toward the girl before pulling out what looked like a dagger and the guard's coin purse. "See. It's all in the wrist", she smiled, as the little girl looked at her in awe.

Leaning against the wall, I watched her point down the hall toward one of the servants before the little girl ran off. "Aren't you supposed to be resting", I asked.

"I got bored", she shrugged.

"Are you seriously teaching that little girl how to steal", I asked in amusement, causing Lizzie's face to redden.

"O-of course not. That-that would be wrong", she smiled innocently. "Where were you last night anyway", she asked.

"Don't change the subject, Lizzie", I told her sternly.

"Okay, yes. I was, but she was starving, Josie. She has nobody. She just...", she trailed off.

"She reminds you of us", I nodded in understanding as Lizzie smiled sadly.

"Look, Lizzie! I did it! I did it", the girl said excitedly as she showed her a bag of coins and what looked like a scarf.

"Good job, Alyssa. You'll be on you're way to freedom in no time", Lizzie smiled proudly, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Oh, please", I scoffed, causing the two to look over at me. 

"What? You think you can do any better", Lizzie challenged with a evil glint.

"Oh, I know I can", I smirked, before looking down at Alyssa. "Did she tell you that she nearly got both of us killed on the regular", I asked, causing Lizzie to shoot me a dirty look.

"Fine, we'll bet. When I win you have to tell me who's taking up all your time lately", she suggested, wiggling her eyebrows.

"And when I win, you have to give me your blue top", I smiled.

"I love that top", she hissed.

"Scared? You can always back out", I challenged, causing her to shake my hand with a huff.

"Deal", she nodded.

"I'm gonna win", I sang.

"In your dreams", she scoffed before looking down at Alyssa. "Watch the pros show you how it's done", she smiled, causing me to laugh.