The Next Step
1145 Words
Alexis POV
I slowly opened my eyes to the sound of hushed voices in Jessica's room. "How is she now?" someone asked.
"She's fine, just fainted from shock," another voice responded.
I recognized Lydia's voice next. "David, what are we going to do now?"
David's voice was somber. "We need to keep the princess hidden until we get further instructions from the council. And for now, the news of the king's and queen's demise should be kept under wraps."
I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse. "Please tell me it's a lie."
Lydia rushed to my side, concern etched on her face. "Oh, my dear child, you're awake."
I pushed myself up, desperation in my voice. "Please, where are my parents?"
Lydia's expression was gentle, but her words were like a blow. "They've been taken to the palace, dear. They'll be embalmed there until further notice."
Lydia's words hung in the air....
I was speechless, overcome with grief, and tears streamed down my face. Jess walked into the room, sat beside me on the bed, and pulled me into a tight hug.
I wiped my tears, trying to compose myself, and asked, "Where's Aunt Cecilia and Uncle now?"
David's expression was grim. "They've been taken to the dungeon, but... it seems someone is working with them. They claim they received the information they wanted anonymously, so we're currently without a lead."
I nodded, trying to process the information. "Can I see my parents?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
David's expression softened slightly. "Yes, you can," he replied.
We arrived at the palace, accompanied by Lydia, Jessica, and Ruben. I requested a private moment with my parents, which was granted. As I stood alone with their bodies, I knelt between them, overcome with grief. "Mum, Dad... how could you leave me like this?" I sobbed, tears streaming down my face. "I need you, I don't know what to do without you. Where do I start? This is too much... you can't just leave me like this."
I stood up, wiped my tears, and made a vow. "I promise your killers won't get away with it."
When I emerged from the room, Lydia and Jess rushed to hug me. I turned to David, my expression set. "I need to meet the council."
"The council's already requested to meet with you," David replied.
I instructed Lydia and Jess to wait in my quarters, then followed David to the throne room.
As I entered, the council members greeted me somberly. "Good morning, everyone. What's next?" I asked, trying to compose myself.
Elder Joseph spoke up, "You must take your parents' place on the throne."
The others nodded in agreement. "Okay," I said, "but I need a little time to catch the anonymous culprit behind my parents' death. And it's not yet time to reveal myself to the public."
Council member Garrison cleared his throat. "You could leave that to the palace security details. The throne can't remain empty for long."
I shook my head. "You're asking me to take the throne without knowing who killed my parents? No way."
Garrison's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "The king's and queen's death is a great loss to us all, but we must consider the country's needs."
I countered, "Don't you think I'm too young to take the throne without guidance?"
Elder Joseph reassured me, "That's why we have us the council to advise you."
I looked at the council members, my voice firm. "And you're not my parents," I said, my words hanging in the air.
I took a deep breath, my decision clear. "I'm sorry, but I won't be ascending the throne until my parents' killers are caught."
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, but I stood my ground, determined to see justice served for my parents.
I looked at the council members, my voice firm. "And you're not my parents," I said, my words hanging in the air.
I took a deep breath, my decision clear. "I'm sorry, but I won't be ascending the throne until my parents' killers are caught."
The council members exchanged uneasy glances, but I stood my ground, determined to see justice served for my parents.
The council members nodded in understanding. "Okay, Princess. We understand your decision," Elder Joseph said.
I turned to David. "I've decided I'll be starting high school tomorrow as my nanny's niece. That will be my cover for now. Since no one knows my identity, I need to keep it that way. Change my name, and get the details ready. I need to start high school tomorrow, ASAP."
David nodded, taking notes. "Anything you need, tell me. I'll be your contact with the council."
I continued, "I won't be coming to the palace for the main time. We don't know who's watching our movements in and out of the palace."
I turned to the council. "We need to tell the press that the royal family is going on a long vacation and won't be attending any occasions for now. Until my ascension to the throne, they'll trust the council to take care of the throne until our return."
The council members nodded, and David made a note of it. "I'll take care of it, Princess."
I thanked David and the council members, then left the throne room, making my way back to my quarters. As I walked, I found myself standing in front of my parents' quarters. On impulse, I decided to visit their room.
I entered slowly, running my hand over the familiar furniture. My gaze fell on the pictures on the table, and I smiled through my tears. That's when I noticed an envelope hanging behind one of the photos. I opened it, and my dad's handwriting stared back at me.
"Hey cupcake,
If you're reading this, it means we're no longer with you. Your mother and I have something in our secret place for you. Please go there, and you'll find all you need to guide you. We're so sorry we left you so early. We love you, our princess."
I finished reading the letter, tears streaming down my face. Now, it was time to go to the one place I'd been avoiding.
We first dropped Lydia and Jess at their house. I told Lydia, "I'll be coming back after collecting my things from the mansion tonight, I have some things to take care of. Thank you so much for everything you've done, and I'll still be needing your help going forward."
I turned to Jess, giving her a hug. "You'll need to take care of me at school," I said with a small smile.
"No problem, I'll always have your back, girl," she replied, hugging me back.
With that, I was on my way to the mansion, once my favorite haven, but now a bittersweet reminder of what had been lost.
- Writer
