The King of Stars and Storms

Chapter six

Christopher, Alfie and the Supreme were sitting in her office. They had just gotten back from the court of faerie and the boys were telling the older woman what they had found out on their rescue mission. "Are you sure that's what they said? That Elizabeth is the long lost princess." "I'm just telling you what they told me. They were hired by the king to find her and the way to identify her was the birthmark on her shoulder. And that she did their job for them by going to them." He relayed the information to her. "She didn't know either. Not until they told her anyway." Alfie joined in. Before they could carry on, one of the Supreme's guards walked in and handed her a letter. Once the guard had left she turned to Christopher and handed him the letter. He glanced at Alfie confused, took the letter and started to open it. Christopher read the letter, eyes frowning as he scanned the page word for word. He placed it in his lap once he finished. Both Alfie and the Supreme stared at him waiting for him to say something. "It's from Elizabeth. She's safe and well. She's at the castle and she met her biological family. She said not to worry about her and that we'll see her soon." "So this means she's alright. That is her handwriting." Alfie pointed out. Christopher rose out of his chair. "Christopher are you alright? You seem out of it." "I just want to see if she's alright for myself. The last time I saw her she was being dragged to the dungeons and they could have done god knows what to her." Alfie knew where he was coming from, Elizabeth could tell you she is fine but inside is a completely different story. "Can't we just go find her? Make sure she's happy with our own eyes." Alfie begged. The Supreme sighed. "Yes. but don't go getting into trouble. That is the last thing we need. You are to go straight there and straight back once you've seen her. Do you understand?" The two boys nodded. "Yes, miss." She waved her hand dismissing them and the next thing they knew, they were riding west to the courts of the king.

Elizabeth tossed and turned under the covers as the same recurring nightmare played in her mind. She bolted up, sweat dripping off her forehead. The doors swung open and in walked Mary looking worried. She rushed over to Elizabeth and perched down next to her, lovingly brushed her hand over Elizabeth's face. Elizabeth was breathing heavily, her chest rapidly rising. "Hush now. It's alright. You are alright, you're safe now. It's over." Mary said soothingly. Tears were now flowing down Elizabeth's face. She managed to get her breathing under control and wiped the tears away not looking at Mary. She hated looking vulnerable in front of other people. "I'm sorry for waking you up," Elizabeth spoke, her voice cracking. "It's not a problem. You want to talk about it?" Elizabeth shook her head. "It's nothing you could do anything about it anyway." Mary sighed. "Was it about what happened five years ago?" Elizabeth nodded, unable to get out the words. Mary lent forward and embraced her daughter.

Elizabeth sat in her window chair reading the book of the week. She sat her book down when she heard the click of the door and jumped to her feet. She turned to face the incomers. "You have visitors, princess." Elizabeth was shocked no one but a few people knew she was there. "Thank you and please call me Lizzie." The woman bowed and exited the room. The people who walked in next took her by surprise. "Christopher? Alfie?" What are you doing here?" She smiled, rushing over to them and pulling them in for a hug. Both boys returned the hug. Tears threatened her eyes. "We wanted to see you with our own eyes," Alfie said. "So you got my letter?" She asked looking at Christopher, who just nodded. "So you know that you didn't have to come all this way." "We know, but what is family for." Elizabeth sighed. "I just want you two to know that I had no idea about any of this." She rambled. "It's alright we know. The queen told us as much." They laughed embracing again. Elizabeth looked up and spotted Luca standing outside the door and pulled away. "Luca." She walked towards him. "This is my best friend Christopher and my little brother Alfie. Alfie, Christopher, this is my twin, Luca." Luca nodded stepping closer to Elizabeth. "It's nice to meet you. I just wanted to make sure you are alright." Elizabeth smiled softly. "I'm great thank you."