Have We Found Them?
You were in your room, where you’d been locked when they saw the royals coming. You hoped the Prince and Princess had come for you. Come to find you.
As the time went on, you watched as the two of them turned and they were about to get on their horses again, when you heard a very loud voice. For a moment, you couldn’t place it, and then you realised it was your own.
You were a little worried at first that your stepfamily wouldn’t let you go, but then you realised the two you were trying to get the attention of were royals and they could help get you away from here.
That's when you started yelling, wishing they could hear you but unsure if they could.
Thankfully, it worked and you saw them turn back towards the house. You saw James look up and see you. A small smile graced your face as he rushed over to his fiancé. You watched as your stepmother got slapped and the Prince moved towards the house until you couldn't see him anymore.
Within moments, you heard footsteps and you ran over to the door.
“Please help me,” you yelled. “I’m locked in here.”
“Step back, please,” you heard.
You moved far away to the other side of the door before calling back, “the doors clear.”
The door flew off its hinges as you screamed and two men rushed in. Two of the royal guards, if you were to guess.
“You’re requested downstairs by order of the Prince and Princess,” one of them told you.
You stood up shakily, before walking to the door. You turned to them. “Thank you.”
Both of them walked behind you as you walked downstairs. Once you got to the front door, you started feeling less shaky. You turned to the guards. “I know you’re not here to protect me, but can you make sure they don’t come near me? They’ll try to stop anything that could mean I leave them or actually live a happy life.”
They both nodded as you walked out and over to the Prince and Princess. You were feeling somewhat ashamed because you didn’t feel as amazing as you did at the ball. What if they weren’t here for you? What would happen to you then?
Before you knew it, you were standing in front of the royals, with both the guards still flanking you.
“Your highnesses,” you said as you bowed.
You saw Lily take a step forward taking your hand. “Can you please stand and look at us?” You heard what sounded like pleading in her voice.
You looked up, but it didn’t look like either of them fully recognised you. Who could blame them? You looked almost nothing like you did at the ball, not with all the dirt, grime and bruises.
They looked saddened at your appearance. James took your hand and he asked, “we’ve been trying to look for the one we found at the ball. They dropped this ring.” Lily held it out to show you and you instantly recognised it. “It’s a magical ring. It will only fit the person who wore it.”
“Can I please try it on?”
“That’s why it’s there,” Lily said. “Would you like to put it on yourself or do you want one of us to do it?”
You looked at your hand still being held by James. You looked up at Lily, “Will you please put it on for me?”
She picked up your other hand, liking having both of them touch you and hold your hands. She slid the ring on your finger. It fit perfectly, just like you knew it would and a light swirled around all of you.
“It is you,” James gasped, when the light went away. “When I saw you, I hoped it was.” He moved closer to hug you when you winced. He pulled back quickly, looking concerned.
Before he could ask anything, Lily did, “who hurt you?”
“Them,” you responded quietly. “They’re my stepfamily.” You’d never told anyone they hurt you and now, telling them, it felt like a weight lifted from your shoulders.
You moved closer to them, hugging them as they hugged you. James pulled away first, but only slightly, “Is there anything you want from inside?”
You leaned against him, “can I get new things?”
“Are these the only types of clothes you own?”
“Aside from what I was wearing at the ball, yes.”
“Then yes. These don’t look like they fit and aren’t suitable for a royal.”
You nodded. “There are a couple of things I want inside though. That outfit is one and a couple of my parents' things.”
Lily pulled back too and held your hand. “Of course you can. We’ll send a couple of our guards up with you.”
She left for a moment and you leaned into James, feeling his warmth and his arms around you. He kissed the top of your head and pulled back, taking your hands, bringing them up and kissing your knuckles.
When he moved your hands down, Lily had come back with two of their guards. “This is Royal Guards Rosier and Black. They’ll accompany you inside so you can retrieve your items.” She took your hand and kissed your palm. “We’ll be waiting here and dealing with them.” She waved her hand towards your stepfamily.
“Thank you.” You leaned over kissing her cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
The guards followed you inside and you went to retrieve your items.
“Would you prefer to freshen up before going back downstairs?” one of them asked. You recognised the voice but couldn’t place it.
You hesitated. “Are you sure that they won’t mind?”
“They definitely won’t. They want you to be comfortable.”
You looked up this time. It was the same guard who spoke both times, but this time you recognised his voice. “Regulus?” Then you looked at the other guard. “Evan?”
They both smirked before bowing. “Your highness.” They stood back up.
You laughed, feeling free. Friendly faces everywhere today. You smiled at both of them.
“I’ll get my stuff and get cleaned up.”
“We will wait, your highness,” Evan told you. “They will definitely be willing to wait for you.”