Chapter 35Sitting on the balcony in my hidden tower, I enjoy the view from up here as I work on my laptop. Five days have passed since the Cabinet meeting and Arian has been collecting confessions from those that were in cahoots with Juden with the help of his men. True to my word, their innocent family members were released from prison with only specific assets seized. With each new confession, the Royal Coffers grew and with this, I have been setting a plan into motion of revitalizing the Slums. The first thing I want to do is fix the roads.“I thought I would find you up here.” Sky’s voice calls out from the door way. Looking up from my screen, I smile at him as he comes to sit beside me on the cold concrete, a plate of sandwiches in one hand and a bottle of apple juice in the other.“Ellisia told me to bring you food if I could find you.” He hands me the plate of food, taking my laptop much to my protest, but my stomach growls reminding me that I haven’t eaten anything since brea
Chapter 36Today is the day I enter Noble Society. I think as the Blanchard Estate Maids work diligently on my hair and make-up. I told them I want a natural look for my face, not wanting to deal with a layer of make-up that my clumsiness will easily wipe away. Grandmama even agreed that simple and elegant is better for me. I am to be portrayed as a strong approachable leader, not a glitzed up Noble here to find a wealthy husband.The dress we decided on was sent back with Lidia after my measurements were taken in order to finalize the details for tonight. We agreed that day that for formal events Hidden Treasures will be my only suppliers of gowns and dresses. Lidia’s work was stylish, elegant and she had all of my measurements so all I need to do is call her for a gown – or any outfit as I soon later learned that her dresses already adorned me the day of the Cabinet meeting – when I need one.“Time for the dress.” Clarice, the Maid in charge of helping me get ready exclaims in excit
Chapter 37“Allisara!” I shout, catching her before she can hit the ground. Her eyes are closed, hand clenching the plate that had her Hors d'oeuvres on. Her breathing is shallow, her chest barely able to take a breath.“Shut all the doors, no one leaves!” Eathan shouts as I slowly lay her onto her back. Guards rush to do what he says as I focus on Allisara. She is pale, too pale, and I realize someone managed to poison her.“Secure the kitchen and all the food. Someone find me a poison test and the vials of antidotes!” I call out, watching as Allisara stops breathing. Panicked, I begin C.P.R. praying that my chest compressions are helping to keep her alive. A Maid rushes towards me with Everette and Lillian behind her, the two elderly shaking with fear and rage. The Maid carefully works to draw her blood before she test it, the machine beeping as it analyzes the poison that she ingested. Thankfully it doesn’t take too long when the machine beeps loudly to a different tune and the lig
Chapter 38My body feels like every inch of it has hit a brick wall. It reminds me of the time when I was eighteen and had just finished looting some rich store owner and decided taking the roof tops was a great idea. That great idea soon became regret when I slipped jumping towards my next roof top and missed by an inch. The ground thankfully was covered in garbage bags and I did not break any bones, but I was bruised and sore for a few weeks and decided to never take roof tops again.“Alli?” Opening my eyes at the sound of his deep voice, I notice I am not in my room. What happened to me?“Alli, I am right here.” Turning in the direction of Sky’s voice, I notice him staring at me with concern but also relief. My brain feels groggy, like that time I had drank too much vodka.“What happened?” Lifting my free hand, I wince when the movement tugs on the I.V. in my hand.“Careful.” Sky moves, his hand supporting the one with the I.V. and helps me lower it onto my stomach.“You were poiso
Chapter 39“How many people are we sending to prison out of the two-hundred and four people?” Taking the file from Arian, I sigh as I think about the many people being kept in the Dungeons and holding cells of the City Prison. It has been two weeks since the failed attempted assassination on me at the Ball my Grandparents hosted and in those two weeks Arian and his Shadow Guards managed to find information on more Traitors. This time, these people were part of the working class and many had been employed by the Nobles that supported Juden. This brought the total number of Traitors from one-hundred and fifty-seven to the current total. The only good news to all of this mess is the fact that there will be many jobs available throughout the Kingdom.“A good one-hundred and twelve men and women will be sent to different prisons giving the severity of their crimes. After that, the rest with less sever charges will be sent to the outer Province to live out their lives under Military control
Chapter 40“Do you want to tell me what that was all about Alli?” Curled up in Sky’s lap, the two of us sit in the green house surrounded by flowers. During my small breakdown, Sky scooped me into his arms and rushed me to the safety of the Royal Gardens and right to the green house. I cried as he did this, finally grieving for the life I lost when Demitrias came and took me from that prison. How I stole and conned to survive and save up enough to leave the City Zalaris and move to the country. I cried and cried for God knows how long before I was left trying to catch my breath and Sky comforted me until I could breath normally again.“I guess everything finally hit me all at once.” Closing my eyes, I listen to the steady beating of his heart, feeling exhausted after my break down.“I went from a Princess to an amnesiac child in the Slums then back to a Princess with a Kingdom in shambles all because of a greedy man.” My lips quiver as the pain I feel deep inside my soul washes over m
Chapter 41Sitting on the porch of Ron and Liz’s house, I watch as the construction crew begin to tear up the rundown and old road. It has been three days since my small break down in Sky’s arms and with a new resolve to do right by my people, I called around the construction company I planned to hire and asked what is the earliest day they can start their work. The owner of the company was excited to work with me as the future Queen and said within two days as long as the plans were sent to him so he can sort out a crew. During that call, I emailed the file to him and explained that I wanted to start with the Slums in the South and work my way out.“It’s so nice to see a change for once.” Ron comments as he takes a seat beside me. I hum in agreement, taking a sip of hot chocolate. Yesterday morning I sent a group of Guards to go door to door with construction notices that would begin today, the people were hesitant at first to see my Guards, but when they read the notices and learned
Chapter 42“So how was dinner last night?” Lia asks as Clarice and Millia helps to dress me for the Parade, a cream princess off the shoulder court train lace tulle ballgown with sequins. The bodice is made of intricate lace, the sweetheart neckline cut lower than I would like but the train is what surprised me. We agreed tulle did not look good on me weeks ago, but this full ballgown made of tulle with slight lace detailing really did look good on me.“It went well. Ron and Liz hit it off with my Grandparents and they agreed to coming for more events my Grandmama hosts. I think Liz and Grandmama are going to be spending more time together.” Millia carefully curls my hair into a cascading updo, the amethyst tipped hair pins shining in the light as she rearranges my hair. I asked her why she is curling my already curly hair and she stated to neaten them and add a regal flare to my look.“Sounds like Liz needs it.” Millia chuckles out, making me smile.“She does. Liz and Ron are the onl
EpiloguePacing her room, the Princess wonders if now is the right time. Plans were made to hold her Coronation next Saturday as this Sunday she will turn twenty-one. She knows with the small fights and skirmishes caused by that Traitor and his rebels that her people need a distraction, but deep down this nagging feeling tells her something bad is going to happen.The door to her room opens causing the Princess to jump in fright. Her boyfriend, realizing he startled her, takes quick strides and pulls her into his arms.“Are you okay Allisara?” He asks, pressing a soft kiss on her cheek.“I am worried about next week. The Princess admits, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her body as close to his as possible.“Next week you will be crowned Queen-”“And the Rebellion could be in full swing by then.” She cuts in, worry etched into her voice. The man sighs, pulling away from her slightly to look into those violet eyes that melts his heart, giving her a reassuring smile.“Nothing w
Chapter 56Sitting in the waiting room of the hospital wing, my left leg bounces as anxiety and worry courses through me. Kian is pacing the floor, his eyes full of anger while Lia and Mia mumble prayers. Alice is sitting beside me, staring at the doors as we all way for a nurse to confirm whether or not we can visit our friend. Sky had gone for a coffee run with Arian and Adam; the two guards having rushed here as soon as they got the news.“Princess.” A small voice calls out causing me to jump to my feet and march towards the Nurse that came through the heavy doors.“How is he?” I ask right away, taking the Nurse’s hands in mine.“He is resting now. The surgery was a success.” A collective sigh goes through all of us, the tension and worry in the room breaking as we all visibly relax. Max had been in surgery the moment he was sent back to the Palace. As soon as we all managed to return home, we had made our way to the hospital wing. The nurse typing on the laptop in the corner was t
Chapter 55Exiting my carriage with the help of Sky, I wince slightly from the discomfort caused by waking up in Sky’s arms this morning. Last night he and I had fully committed to one another and this morning when we woke up, he made sure to show me how much he loves me.“Did I over do it?” Sky asks as I link my arm through his.“Yes.” I pout as he leads me towards the stage where I will sit during the execution. I can already hear the crowd demanding bloodshed for all the heinous acts Juden and his men have committed and I will gladly give it to them. My Grandparents, Kolten and Arian are already seated on stage, each one wearing a black suit. Taylor and her own unit are spread out in the crowd, listening in for information in case any of Juden’s men are mixed with the crowd waiting to free their leader.Sky helps me climb the stairs to the stage, escorting me to the microphone that sits to the right corner of the stage we will be sitting on. Below me is another platform, one that h
Chapter 54Gasping awake from my dream, I look around the room and realize that I am safe and sound in my own bed. A fire roars in my fireplace, dimly lighting the room and keeping it warm and my body feels so sore and weak."Allisara?” I shiver at the sound of his deep voice, my head turning towards my bedroom door. There Sky stands, his emerald eyes locked onto my violet ones.“Hi.” I croak out, tears falling down my face. He rushes to my side, pulling me into his arms as soon as he sits on the edge of the bed and I begin to sob. How did I forget him, my Sky?"What’s wrong? are you hurting?" He asks, rubbing my back and doing his best to soothe me."I’m sorry I forgot about you." I sob out, my arms snaking around his neck. He pulls away in shock, his eyes wide as his hands move to cup my face.“You…you remember me?” He whispers, his own tears falling down his face.“Yes!” I manage to say before his lips slam against mine, claiming them in a heated kiss. I melt into his embrace, part
Chapter 53Pouting beside my cake, I watch as Demitrias talks to all those girls that surround him, my cousin being one of them. My mother just announced that I am to marry him before my fifth birthday party began and I am not happy. Not once has he wished me a happy birthday or come my way.The girls are called away and finally he is alone. I do my best to march towards him, wanting to talk to my friend and see why he is being so mean to me.“Allisara get out of my way.” He sighs out, annoyed by me."No." I cross my arms over my chest and stomp my foot. He is my fiancé now; he needs to talk to me."Move or I will make you." He grounds out, glaring at me."Why are you being so mean to me?" I nearly shout, tears filling my eyes."Because I don't like you. You're just a dumb girl I have to marry." With that he pushes me to the side, nearly knocking me onto the ground. A pair of arms catch me and the scent of pine fills my nose. Before I can say anything to the person, he gently pulls me
Chapter 52"Sky.” Lia appears from the shadows, a smile on her face as she appears beside Noir."Mia is watching the shack but she is there. Alli is there.” Relief fills me as I slump in Noir’s saddle. We are so close to saving her now.“How many people?” I ask, climbing from Noir. I let his reigns fall to the ground.“Four men. The shack only has one main room and one bath room. Hunters use it to camp out during hunting season.” She takes out a dagger from her boot and motions for Kian to come join us. We all agreed Alec will stay with our horses so that we have an easy getaway.“Alli is close to bathroom door. She is passed out on a mattress. It seems only one man is guarding the door, like he is waiting for someone.” She draws the shack as best as possible in the ground, using a circle to show Allisara and triangles for the kidnappers.“Three are inside playing a card game and drinking. I have a feeling they are drunk. It’s the guy guarding the door we need to worry about.” Lia con
Chapter 51“Allisara!” I call out into the dark. It had been a while since I heard her call out my name and I am beginning to grow frantic. The lights flickered on suddenly, the Ballroom filled with cowering Nobles clinging to one another. I look everywhere for her, spying the man she danced with on the floor with a bloodied nose. Rushing over to the man, I kneel beside him and look over his injuries.“Where is she?” I demand after making sure that his nose isn’t broken.“I don’t know where she is. I went to grab her to keep her safe and the next thing I know I have a fist flying into me and a bloodied nose.” The man answers. Standing to my feet, I look around the Ballroom once more. Three songs. Three dances. She promised me that and then the rest of the night she would be mine. Now she was gone.“Sky!” Turning to the sound of my name, I catch Alice and Kian rush towards me through the crowd.“Alice. She’s gone.” I mutter out, panicking.“Sky, it was Juden’s men. They knocked the pow
Chapter 50Looking at my reflection in the full length mirror, I do my best to make sure the hickey Sky had given me yesterday is hidden. Today is the day of my first Ball in the Palace and I do not need tongues wagging within the Nobles gossip circles. Lidia had done a good job choosing the gown I would wear today, a dusty rose coloured gown made from organza and lace with a slit up the left side of the gown. The sleeves were full length that started flaring out at my elbow and thankfully the material hid the mark on my shoulder. My hair was kept in loose curls with a decorative clip keeping the strands out of my face while my bangs were styled with a small flat iron.Millia and Clarice wanted me to wear stilettos but I opted for a pair of rose gold peep-toed kitten heels. It will be a long night tonight and I want comfortable shoes that I can dance the night away in or fight if something happens.Since the broadcasting three days ago I have been feeling uneasy. Max and his men promi
Chapter 49"You did great, Allisara." Entering the Palace hallways, Sky pulls me to his side and kisses the top of my head. I blush, still liking the way my name sounds on his lips."Thank you." I whisper quietly, reaching up and pulling the tiara from my head. Sky chuckles, taking the dainty jewelry from my hand and passing it to Clarice as she comes beside me, asking her to take it to my room. She complies and then is gone in a flash. Sky and I walk quietly down the halls, aimlessly wandering for a moment until we find ourselves in the kitchen."Where are you taking me for our date?" Sky asks as he watches me from where he stands leaning against the counter, an amused smirk on his face watching me run around the kitchen and trying to not get in the way of the staff. An idea came to mind as and soon I found myself getting a picnic basket together as I know it will be perfect for our date."You'll see." I shrug, giving Sky a wink as I place the last items into the basket. He rolls his