TO LOVE AGAIN

THE ARRIVAL OF THE GUEST

In a very short While, the queen appeared in the hall way. Sophia as well as Camila could see her standing outside the room.

She gradually began to catwalk into the room as the noise from the sound of her heels filled the quiet room.

Camila! The queen called again.

You were asked to come call the princess, I gave you specific instructions not to go into the room,

but you have chosen to disobey me!

I'm sorry my queen, I didn't mean to be rebellious, but the princess insisted that I come in.

Huh! I see. Against my wishes?

The queen asked again.

Sophia wore a startled face. She was still trying to understand what was happening as the queen and the girl continued to dialogue. The girl was visibly shaking from fear of what could be done to her. Her last knowledge of what the palace environment looked like, was a peace loving place where even maids and royal borns conversed freely. Everything was going south, and she didn't understand why.

I'm sorry! Camila answered in a stutter.

What was the first rule you were given on your arrival? The queen asked again, walking around the girl.

Always obey the queen! Camila replied almost under breath...

Alright! You may now leave. The queen ordered with so much disdain and contempt in her voice.

Sophia who had been watching the entire scene in silence, had grown from being startled to being pissed.

She never knew her parents to be bullies or to show injustice of any sort.

What where you both talking about? The queen questioned Sophia in an interrogative manner.

Nothing that seemed offensive. She was speaking to me about uhmm... Sophia suddenly stops and begins to coughs distracting herself from saying what ever Camila was trying to say to her about her father and the king. The girl could get into trouble, seeing how things were already.

Mother! What's going on? That girl, Camila or whatever, Sophia said trying to remember the girls name. She wasn't guilty of any crime. I insisted she should come in. If you want to punish any one, then punish me. I was caused everything.

You just changed the topic, a sign you both were not having a decent conversation. The queen said and smiled.

Sophia said nothing.

Sophia you're indeed very wise, the queen continued. However the only challenge we have with you is that you trust too quickly, not good for someone heir apparent. The queen said and moved to the window side to join Sophia who was standing there.

What do you mean? Apart from you and father, who else I've I been listening to and who else do I have to trust rather than the both of you?

Sophia asked, looking distressed.

Its not about that, it's about the fact that you forget who you are too quickly and just get involved with these people of no class. Nobody really loves you, everyone is a suspect when it comes to your safety. We're not giving anyone any chance at all, so get used to the changes you might find, because we thought you had come of age to freely mingle, bit I think we must have to really hold on a bit more. You're not ready yet. The queen said rather too firmly.

Is father making you do this? Sophia asked peeping into her face.

The queen was quiet.

Does this have anything to do with Gabrielle leaving the palace too? Sophia asked looking into the queen's face again.

I'm afraid yes! The queen answered very quickly and loudly.

There was short silence***

We found out she had been the one feeding you with stories of life outside the palace. We kept wondering where all the cravings you began to suddenly develop was coming from, we investigated, interrogated and knew she was behind it all.

Sophia wore a disappointed look.

But she did nothing wrong. They were harmless conversations, she keeps me company, nothing more. She didn't deserve to be treated in such a manner. Life gets really slow and tiring when you have no one to hold conversations with, hence my reason for wanting her friendship... She didn't deserve to be laid off that that way. Sophia quarrelled.

Also why did others get laid off too, especially Ma'am Theresa? Sophia asked again.

Because we don't trust anyone anymore! The queen answered strictly.

Mother she was almost like a mother to me. Sophia said almost in a cry.

She's like a mother to you, but I'm your mother. I show you more care than she does. The queen defended. She was the head of all other maids, she was motherly, but she was careless. She was never supposed to allow the unnecessary chattering that goes on previously in this place to even begin in the first place. She was too soft to lead. The queen went on speaking, keeping a very straight face.

Sophia couldn't hide her disgust even.

That woman has no one to return to, she is the only family she's got. Every other one died in war. She's going to roam the world aimlessly in frustration, no one will even accept her, because she's beginning to age. Mother, ma'am Theresa didn't deserve to be treated this way. A simple correction or peharps a one-time scold would have solved it. These people one way or the other stayed alive for because of us.

Sophia said as she poured out her heart bitterly.

The queen smirked. You're a child Sophia. One day you'd see reasons with us. She smiled and began to caress Sophia's shoulders softly.

Meanwhile, how have you been preparing for the big day? Your father have sent out letters to all noble kings and our kinds in general. It will be very grand!

Sophia paused before she replied. She was trying to get back into her mood of excitement.

I was hoping to come to you later in the day... I need the best ball gown ever worn. Sophia said as she gradually began to forget how sad she had felt a little while ago.

This event seemed to be the biggest thing on her mind. She literally couldn't wait for the day to come.

Don't say! my adorable child. We shall have the best seamstress to come get your measurements. We have been told of one already, and we have sent a letter requesting her services. She should arrive by this evening...

While they yet spoke, a messenger appeared before them.

My queen, my princess!

The messenger greeted.

Speak! The queen urged.

There's a woman here to see the royal family. She said she's the king's only sister!

Huh? The queen expressed in shock as both she and Sophia turned to give them selves surprised glances...