Missing Royal (9 page)

“Shanice.” Valentino lifts my chin so I’m looking at him. “Are you all right?”

“Can we get out of here?” I’m so lost, so confused.

“Your wish is my command.” He spins me around the room and watches the other dancers. Once the king and queen are out of view, he leads me from the room. “Follow my lead,” he whispers as we pass the guards.

“Stop! Where are you going with the princess?” one guard demands.

“She isn’t feeling well and has asked me to assist her to her chambers.” Valentino speaks forcefully, holding me close to him.

“Is this true, Your Highness?” The guard asks.

“Yes, now please let us go. I feel ill and my heart hurts.” I feign agony, lying my head back and dramatically putting my hand on my forehead.

The guard steps aside and lets us pass. Once we’re out of earshot, Valentino begins laughing. I wrap an arm around his neck and laugh with him.

“Oh, thank you, my dearest prince, for saving me so heroically.” I can’t erase the grin that spreads from ear to ear.

“It was the only thing a noble man such as myself could do.” He plays along. I wait for him to put me down but he doesn’t. Instead, he carries me to a part of the castle I haven’t seen. A room that’s dark and empty, moonlight shining through each window along the wall. At the opposite end are long velvet drapes. He pulls them back pulls me onto the balcony they were hiding.

“Much of the castle has been empty for a while. With Mendina destroying everything, there are no kingdoms to trade with, no traders coming through the city. This world is dying, Shanice. You parents knew that if you stayed, they might lose you. You once asked me why they needed you, why I couldn’t just find the others on my own.

“And the truth is, I tried. You see that white mountain?” He points far beyond the kingdom to a double peak that is as white as the moon itself. I nod.

He puts me on my feet and leans against the rail. “On that mountain lives a witch, an Oracle. She knows what happened to every kingdom, how they fell, when Mendina struck each one. She knows the fate of every royal out there. When I asked for her help, she said one thing to me. One sentence—‘Find the lost princess, for only she can restore the damage Mendina has done.’”

He looks at me, gauging my reaction. I inhale, unsure how to take this. Why me? Then he keeps going. “Your parents debated for a long while whether or not they would bring you back. As you said, they left you seventeen years ago. Would you even
want
to come back? Would you adjust to this life, or would you always be an outsider?

“After I spoke to the Oracle, I told my father what she said. And he spoke to your parents. They had a meeting for three days. They brought the council together. But they all knew that if we were to restore this world, we would need to bring you home. So they asked for volunteers, anyone willing to go to your world and get you.

“Two people stood up—Javiar and myself. And because I’m the prince, because I’m the one who spoke to the Oracle, because I’m betrothed to you, they sent me.”

My breath catches twice. I’m too stunned, shocked to say a thing. He’s the prince I’m betrothed to? He’s to be my husband? He knew all along and still kept me at arm’s length? Perhaps Javiar was right—he’s toying with me.

“We’re betrothed?” I know it shouldn’t be my main concern right now but it is.

“Yes. I only just found out.” He looks at me carefully, like he’s considering his next move. “I understand if you don’t want to go through with it. You’ve already made it clear that you will only marry for love. And—” I shut him up by pressing my lips to his.

He seems stunned at first but recovers quickly enough to wrap his arms around me and return my kiss. “You’re right, you know,” I mumble.

“I will only marry for love. I refuse to marry anyone just because I’m told to.” Must’ve been the wrong thing to say because he steps back.

“Where does that leave us?” I thought that by kissing him, I had answered that question. But I realize it’s rash and silly. And just the sort of thing the drama queens back home say.

“I’ve loved you for a long time, Valentino. That being said, I’m not ready to be married.” He runs his hands through his perfectly curly black hair.

“You’re right. I understand. We should get some rest, as we will be leaving in the next couple of days.” He throws back the velvet drapes and storms away before I can catch up to him.

I’m taken aback by how fast that went downhill. Somehow it hurt him that I don’t want to marry him by force but because I love him, and I don’t understand it. Just as I think I’ve made progress, things start backpedaling.

With a sigh of resignation, I stumble into the
corridor
and search for my
chambers
. I turn into the wrong corridor three times. Four times I walk into the wrong room. Thankfully, only one of those rooms was actually occupied.

On my fifth attempt, I’m so lost I’m not even sure how to make it back to the room where I started. I consider calling for help but that would be the lamest thing in the world. If they had newspapers here, I could see the headline reading something like, “Princess Gets Lost in Her Own Castle.” Under that, it would say, “How can we expect her to save the world?” If they had Twitter they would tweet things like “#Princess got lost in her own #castle. Please find someone else to #save the #world.” I could continue going on with the “if they had” game, but mostly I’m just depressing myself.

“You all right?” Javiar leans against the wall, crossing one leg over the other, folding his arms across his chest.

“Not really.” I turn away, hoping above all else that he doesn’t ask me if I’m lost.

“You look a little lost,” he states. At least he didn’t ask. I sigh.

“What makes you think that?” I cross my arms as well, getting defensive.

“Maybe the fact that you’ve been walking in circles. Or maybe the fact that you keep opening doors and then closing them the second you realize they’re the wrong door?”

“How long have you been following me?” I raise an eyebrow, terrified of his answer.

“Since Valentino stormed off.”
Crap!
“Which begs the question, why was he so angry?”

“It’s really none of your concern.” I start back up the hall just to avoid Javiar. I don’t care if he can help me—I will find the room on my own. And when that doesn’t work, I will sleep in some random empty room

I’ll say I couldn’t sleep and went for a walk or something like that. Valentino definitely never needs to know this happened. Javiar easily catches up to me, obviously not caring that I’m upset with him.

“I’m sorry,” he says so quietly I barely hear him. I stop in my tracks and turn around.

“What?”

“I’m sorry for asking, for being rude, and for letting you wander the corridor for so long before offering my help. Would you like me to take you to your chambers?”

I almost say no but if I’m being honest with myself, I really don’t want to sleep in a random room.

“Yes, please.” I hold my head high and play the royalty card now. I know it isn’t fair or right but I can’t help it. He watched me struggle for at least thirty minutes—it’s easy to stay angry at him. I glare at the back of his head the entire walk.

I realize too late that I should’ve been watching where we went so I can know how close I came to actually finding the right room.

“Thank you.” I hmph in his direction before entering my room and letting the door slam shut. I almost go back just to have someone to talk to but instead I just fall onto the bed and mentally kick myself for all my stupid mistakes tonight.

Edda must know the trick to getting me up is to open the blinds and let the sun wake me. The drapes are open and she’s sitting in the chair knitting something, just waiting for me to wake up. “Good morning, miss.” She smiles as I sit up, rubbing my eyes.

I’m sure my hair is a mess and my clothes are as rumpled as the sheets. “Morning,” I grumble. I miss camping with Valentino. I miss his smile and the way he got me to get up laughing rather than groaning.

“Your mother and father wish for you to join them for breakfast in their private quarters. I suggest you get up and are dressed before they’re ready for you.” She doesn’t move, just states the facts.

“No breakfast in bed?” I laugh and throw the blankets back. I stand on my toes and stretch the sleepiness away.

“Not today. In fact, probably not for a long while.” She sets aside her needles and string. As I finish stretching, she pulls a dress from the armoire and has it ready for me to put on. She laces the back, but this time, it isn’t so tight.

“Better have a seat so I can fix your hair,” she says and I take note that she’s a head shorter than I am. She grabs the brush while I sit.

A soft knock on the door causes Edda to stop midstroke, leaving the brush on the table so she can open it. I don’t hear a word said before she closes the door and returns.

“They are ready for you. We’ll have to leave your hair down for now—I’ve found its best not to keep them waiting.” She finishes quickly and tells me to get going.

“Edda, I don’t know how to get there,” I say, panicked at the idea of getting lost again.

“He’s just outside the door. Trust me, I know better than to leave you to find a room alone,” she says with a smirk and ushers me to the door.

At first, I worry it’s Javiar or Valentino but sigh in relief when it’s a serving boy I haven’t met yet. That makes me feel better about Edda’s comment. I had worried Javiar would tell the whole castle about last night. I realize he could have and I just don’t know it yet but I think of all the things I know about him and can’t see it in him to embarrass me like that.

My guide doesn’t say a word, doesn’t offer his arm but just bows and leads the way. I clasp my hands in front of me and follow him, grateful not to have to make small talk. Once we arrive, he opens the door for me and bows as I walk past him, then closes the door behind me.

The king and queen are sitting at a long table. A servant takes my chair and pushes it in as I sit. I’m not entirely sure the proper way to greet my parents, so I stay silent, hoping they greet me instead.

“I trust you slept well, Shanice, and have been welcomed by the entire court.” The queen smiles at me. I love the way she smiles, holding back how much joy she truly feels—if only to make it less awkward. But her eyes shine and show all the happiness in the world.

And that alone makes me feel closer to her. She truly cares. They both do. “Yes. It has been wonderful.” I smile, the happiest I’ve felt since arriving.

“Good. We have been worried but it appears you are adjusting quite well,” the king says. “We are most concerned with the tasks upon your shoulders—part of the reason we wished to see you right away this morning. Time is running short, as Mendina is out of kingdoms to destroy. We fear if we wait any longer, she will begin burning forests and villages as well.” He takes a bite, and my mother picks up for him.

“We know it’s soon and we had hoped to have you with us longer before sending you away again, but time is of the essence and we need to end this war now. We need you to find the others before it’s too late.” Sadness fills her voice, making her accent stronger, more prominent.

I nod. “I know. Prince Valentino has filled me in. I am aware that the Oracle on the mountain is where I must go to get the information I need, and I am prepared to leave as soon as possible.” I say the words, matching her voice of concern. But I’m not ready. Not even a little bit.

Breakfast is laid out before me. I eat, knowing this is my last meal in this castle for a long while indeed. Then again, it may just be my last meal period.

In preparing for a long, cold journey, I realize I completely forgot about my backpack and checking up on Star. The days have all blurred into one. I haven’t spoken to Valentino about visiting the Oracle but I know I need to.

He did say we would be traveling together. But without knowing where he is staying, I go to the stables instead. Star almost breaks down her stall door when she sees me. “Hey.” I pat her head. “I’ve missed you too.” I open the door and wrap my arms around her neck.

“You wouldn’t know where my bag went, would you?” I ask her, knowing she can’t actually answer me. It doesn’t save me from the odd stares of the stable boy as he enters, probably coming to see who’s in there.

“Have you seen it?” I ask him this time.

“I’m sorry, milady.” He bows. “I have not seen a bag.” He looks around, trying to find any task he can begin as to avoid the awkward stare down with me.

“Please have her ready to leave in an hour.” I nod toward Star and walk out. I need to pack a bag of food, clothes, and multiple blankets. There’s no way I will survive with just one.

As I don’t know where to find any of the provisions I’ll need, I return to my chambers. Edda already has my clothes packed. “Thank you,” I say in surprise, taking the bag from her.

“I will allow you a minute alone,” she whispers as she leaves the room. I look up and find Valentino sitting in the chair, watching me.

“Were you going to tell me your plans or leave without a word?” He remains cool, composed, as he questions me. I don’t know if I’m angrier with him or myself.

“I planned on discussing it with you. I didn’t know where to find you,” I state, holding my head high and pretending to have the same cool he does. I almost mention last night but decide against it. He doesn’t need to know.

I notice him curling his fists and taking deep breaths. “I can’t go with you.” My heart sinks.

“What?” I lose my cool in an instant. I can’t do this without him. I would like to pretend I can but I can’t.

“The Oracle will only talk to one. She won’t say a word if I’m there. However, I do know the location of one missing prince. See the Oracle and then meet me in Garverdale a week from now.” He must’ve known I was leaving today or he wouldn’t have been able to plan this.

“A week? Why so long?” I don’t want to go a week without seeing him.

“Trust me, it’s how long you’ll need.” He rises, kisses my hair, and goes to the door.

“A week? And what about Garverdale? I don’t know where that is. Nor do I know how to get to the mountain.” I have to ball my own fists just to keep from squeaking out the last few words. “I’m not prepared to do this alone.” I don’t care if I look childish or silly or weak. I can show my true self in front of him.

His calm manner is gone. “You won’t be.” Tears are welling up in his eyes, just as they are mine. I don’t understand why this has to be so confusing.

But he doesn’t stick around to explain. He leaves me alone. Again. I collapse on the bed, with no willpower to move though I know I should be getting to the Oracle as soon as possible. Every minute counts. Mendina is moving in closer and the two remaining kingdoms fear they are going to lose everything. But if what Valentino says about his mother is true – Mendina doesn’t want it destroyed - , I have a feeling his father’s kingdom is protected.

That begs the question, what about mine? But I shake off the feeling of unease. I open the wardrobe and find my shirt and jeans folded nicely. I grab them, ready to put them on when a hand rests on my arm.

“Those will be far more annoying than these.” Edda nods to the jeans and places a pile of clothing in my hands. I lay them out on the bed—a pair of trousers and a black long-sleeved pirate-looking shirt.

“Thank you.” I stuff my clothes into my bag before slipping off my dress and pulling on what appears to be boys’ clothing. But she’s right. These pants won’t chafe like jeans do.

“And here. You will need these.” She hands me what looks like armor. I take it and put it on over the clothes. Light chainmail to cover my torso. Leather cuffs for my wrists and boots for my feet. I feel like a true warrior and wonder if I look just as good. “And I believe you will need food.” She hands me another bag.

“Again, thank you.” I hate good-byes. I hate that I have to leave. I’m terrified of going off on my own, with no idea what I’m doing.

“Be safe, Shanice. Mendina was once a princess—now she’s a monster. And I fear for you. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and you are far too kind to be the one who ends this war.”

“Perhaps that is exactly why I am the one who can stop it. Only with love will this war be won.” I don’t know when I decided that to be the case. But the words resonate with truth.

“You are wise beyond your years, Princess. Be safe.” She kisses my forehead, and with sadness in her eyes, she watches me leave. I don’t know whether I should say good-bye or consider my time this morning with my parents good-bye enough. Are they expecting me?

I suppose it can’t hurt to say good-bye, so I find my way to the great hall where I assume they will be taking care of royal stuff. The doors are open and the guards don’t say a thing, so I assume it’s all right for me to enter.

I walk in and peek around the corner to see if they are there. They are and they look sad, scared, and angry. I turn the corner and approach quietly—quite a feat in chainmail.

My mother stands when she sees me, and the man speaking to my father bows to me and steps aside. Both the king and queen beckon me to come closer. I stand between them, feeling out of place.

They each take one of my hands. “Today our daughter leaves in search of the missing royals, those who have been lost after their kingdoms were destroyed. Today she risks her life to end the wrath of Mendina and bring peace once more. Today our daughter goes on the quest no one has yet accomplished. This day, we bid our princess good-bye in hopes that tomorrow she returns our hero!” My father takes my hand and raises it like a champion. The people cheer, though there are only a few compared to the crowds last night.

And despite how silly I thought it was two seconds ago, I feel stronger. I feel braver. I feel ready. And I know this moment may never come again. So despite not knowing if it’s acceptable, I turn and wrap my arms around both my parents.

“Good-bye,” I whisper. And before another word can be said, I leave.

Solemnly, I march toward the stables as if I’m marching into battle. I hold my breath, hoping that Valentino snaps out of his brooding long enough to say good-bye before I head to that mountain.

It seems like a pretty straightforward path to me, from what I could see of it last night. Then again, I’m in a world that doesn’t have road signs. I may leave and never make it back simply because I got lost. Last night is proof it could happen.

I open the door and find the stable boy waiting for me. Star is saddled and ready to leave. I tie my bags to the saddle and mount. Breathe in, breathe out. Waiting. Giving Valentino two more minutes before I leave, hoping more than anything he comes to say good-bye.

“Best to take the south road until you hit the fork. Go west and it’s a straight shot from there.” Javiar walks in, calm. He couldn’t care less what happens to me. It’s why I didn’t mind not getting to tell him good-bye. But Valentino is different. And I hate knowing that if I die on this quest, I will never get a chance to fix things with him.