The Princess' Second Chance

CHAPTER 2

Mary quickly escorted me back to my room to change into appropriate clothes; although if it were up to me, I would have just gone in my workout clothes. After Mary gave her approval on my appearance we went and greeted the butler.

The butler noticed my presence immediately.

“Hello Princess—” he bowed. “—I am your majesties butler, Simon.”

“Hello Simon. What brings you all the way here?” I asked; not wanting to engage in useless small talk. I needed to know why this man was here and what he wanted.

“His royal highness has sent me to convey his royal decree.” He responded briskly.

“And what is that decree?” I knew I was being impolite, but I could care less.

The butler cleared his throat before responding. “His royal highness orders you, Princess Zariah Marie Antoinette, to return back to the palace. He sent me to escort you back.” He replied as he bowed, refusing to make eye contact.

“And if I refuse?” I asked, already knowing I had no say in the matter.

Simon’s head snapped up as his face twisted into confusion; like he excepted me to be trilled at the idea of being allowed back.

“My lady, you do not have an option. I am required to escort you back.” He responded quickly.

“Very well. When will we be leaving?” Knowing there was no use fighting. He had issued a decree just to bring me back. But why now? I was not supposed to be brought back to the palace for another 4 years. Did he find something out? No, if he knew about my private finances, he would have sent guards to arrest me—or kill me.

“We are scheduled to leave tomorrow morning Miss.” Tomorrow? That was too soon.

“Why so soon?” I asked. I needed more time. I had yet made preparations with my businesses. It is not like I could tell Simon I needed more time to tie up loose ends. I was supposed to live a quiet life—they could not find out about what I have been doing. That meant I had to do everything tonight.

“I do not know Princess.” Simon responded. Of course, he knew; he just could not tell me.

“I should go prepare for our departure then.” I replied, already turning to leave. “—Please make yourself at home for the time being. I’ll have Mercy arrange a room for you and your entourage.” Turning to Mercy who was waiting by the door I nodded at her, giving my orders. Mercy nodded back understanding what she needed to do—distract them. Mary and I quickly headed to my bedroom, knowing there was much for us to do tonight.

“Help me change.” I said the moment the door closed. I had already started taking off my workout shirt. Mary hurriedly brought me a new pair of pants and a shirt along with a cloak. I was changed in a matter of minutes. Using the secret door in my room I quickly used the tunnels and was out of the castle and was heading into the nearby town. That was where I had my headquarters set up for my secret guild. The men and women who worked there did everything for me. They kept in contact with spies all over the country and some were even in other countries. They were also the ones who ran my merchants that were stationed everywhere.

Arriving at the base, disguised as a regular clothing store, I used the backdoor to enter where we usually met.

“My lady! —” Trevor, one of my guilds exclaimed in shock. I never show up unannounced; and from my expression he knew immediately something was wrong.  “What’s wrong?” He asked as he got up coming towards me.

“Where’s Stephen and Red?” I asked quickly. Stephen and Red were a couple that oversaw running my entire corporations. And one of the few who knew my real identity—including their son Trevor.

“Mom is out front—I’ll go grab her. Dad is currently out though.” Trevor responded. I nodded letting him know to go get Red. He ran out of the room turning to look at me once before hurrying along. I sat down while waiting for them. The rain outside had picked up some more and I could hear it hitting the roof. I watched Mary pour me some water from the jug that was placed on the table; finally taking a deep breath. I had not been able to get more than two sips in when Red came through the doorway with Trevor following behind her.

“Princess.” She bowed, holding onto her skirt.

“Hello Red. Come sit; we have urgent matters to take care of.” I said, not wanting to waste time with chitchat. Red pulled the chair next to me as she poured herself a cup of water as well.

“What’s going on Princess?” She asked after she had a sip.

“My father has ordered me back to the palace—I am to leave tomorrow morning.” I paused to catch Red’s expression. “—How did we not know this was going to happen? What happened to the informants in the palace?” I asked.

“We haven’t been able to get a hold of our informants in the palace for weeks. Stephen went down to the capital to see if he could find out what was going on.” Red said as she quickly bowed here head; knowing that I would be mad not knowing about this.

“Why wasn’t I informed about this?” I asked, getting up to start pacing. What if they were discovered? That would make sense as to why my father is telling me to go back. But why would he send a butler and not guards?

“We didn’t want you to worry over nothing.” Red explained, her head still bowed.

“Well, it doesn’t look like nothing anymore does it?” I sighed. “But what’s done is done. Now we have got to figure out what to do next. I am leaving you in charge here until I can figure out what is going on. Send a message to Stephen, let him know I will meet him in the capital.” I told Red as I grabbed a piece of paper that was on the table and started writing instructions for when I am gone. “If you need to get in contact with me urgently send a letter to our clothing shop in the capital—that is where I’ll set up new headquarters. Pack up here and meet me there in two months.” With that I got up from the chair. I had to stop somewhere before I left.

“I’ll see you in two months then Miss. Safe travels.” Red and Trevor bowed.

Now, I needed to go find Sir Ayden.