who is the princess

chapter two:Love among the stars

Whispers of their presence in the hidden room had spread among the palace servants. The news reached the ears of a treacherous chambermaid, Eveline, who had her own ambitions and saw an opportunity to gain favor with those in power.

Eveline, with a malicious glint in her eyes, wasted no time in informing the palace guards about the intruders. The guards, armed and determined, swarmed the palace corridors in search of the unauthorized visitors.

Amelia and Lily had moved to the palace's grand ballroom, thinking they could blend into the crowd and avoid suspicion. However, just as they were beginning to relax, the harsh clang of armor and the clinking of weapons echoed through the vast chamber. Panic washed over Amelia as she realized the guards were closing in.

"Amelia, we need to get out of here," Lily urged, her voice quivering with fear.

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the room for a way to escape. Her eyes caught sight of a large, ornate tapestry hanging near the far wall. "There! We can slip behind the tapestry and find a hidden passage," she whispered urgently.

With Lily close behind, Amelia darted towards the tapestry, the sound of heavy footsteps drawing nearer. They slipped behind the fabric, finding a concealed door that led them into a narrow, dimly lit passage.

"Where does this lead?" Lily asked, her breaths coming in quick gasps.

"I'm not sure, but we can't stay here," Amelia replied, "We must keep moving."

They navigated the labyrinthine passages, their hearts pounding with each step, not knowing where they were headed. After what felt like an eternity of twists and turns, they emerged into the moonlit gardens, still far from safety.

The gardens were a maze of elegant hedgerows and beautiful statues, but Amelia knew they provided little cover. The guards were closing in, their torches casting flickering shadows on the marble statues.

"We have to split up," Amelia whispered to Lily. "If they catch us both, we won't stand a chance."

Lily hesitated, fear evident in her eyes. "Are you sure, Amelia?"

"I have an idea," Amelia said, trying to sound confident. "Meet me at the old oak tree on the edge of the gardens. It's a safe spot. I'll try to lead the guards away."

Before Lily could protest, Amelia dashed in the opposite direction, using the moonlit night to her advantage. Her heart pounded as she weaved through the maze of hedges, evading guards with each narrow escape.

Amelia finally managed to elude the guards for a brief moment, slipping into a shadowy alcove. She took a moment to catch her breath, her mind still racing with fear and determination.

"I won't let them silence the truth," Amelia vowed to herself.

As she made her way towards the old oak tree, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following her. She turned around, and there, lurking in the shadows, was Eveline, the treacherous chambermaid.

"You can't run forever, little girl," Eveline sneered, a malicious grin on her face. "You and your friend will pay dearly for your intrusion."

Amelia's heart pounded, and she weighed her options. She couldn't let Eveline capture her and Lily, or their plan would be ruined. She needed to find a way to outsmart her.

As Eveline advanced, Amelia spotted a nearby fountain, its water shimmering in the moonlight. An idea formed in her mind. With a quick glance to ensure no one was watching, she activated her moonlit magic.

Amelia focused her energy and whispered ancient words of power, summoning the moon's enchantment. The water in the fountain began to swirl and rise, forming a sparkling shield that separated her from Eveline.

"You can't stop me!" Eveline shouted, trying to break through the magical barrier.

Amelia didn't waste any time. She darted towards the old oak tree, praying that Lily had already arrived at their meeting spot.

Lily was waiting anxiously, her eyes filled with worry. When she saw Amelia approaching, relief washed over her. "Amelia, you're safe! But where are the guards?"

"We don't have much time," Amelia said, quickly filling Lily in on what had happened with Eveline. "We need to get out of here before she finds us again."

Amelia's heart pounded in her chest as she led Lily towards the old oak tree. Her mind was still reeling from the encounter with Eveline and the weight of the princess's secret.

Just as they reached the tree, they spotted a figure standing in the moonlit clearing. It was the prince, Lucas, the royal heir believed to be the princess's brother. He looked as though he had been running, his breaths heavy and his eyes filled with urgency.

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Lucas demanded, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Amelia hesitated, not wanting to reveal her true identity. "I... I am but a humble servant, Your Highness," she stammered. "We were simply taking a shortcut through the gardens."

Lily chimed in, her voice calm and steady. "Yes, Your Highness, we meant no harm. Please forgive our intrusion."

Lucas's eyes searched their faces, as if trying to discern the truth. "Very well. You may leave, but stay away from the palace grounds at this hour. It's not safe."

Amelia and Lily bowed respectfully and quickly made their way back towards the cottage, their hearts still pounding with the encounter. As they retreated, Amelia couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lucas than met the eye.

In the days that followed, Amelia found herself preoccupied with thoughts of the prince. Whenever she caught glimpses of him from afar, she felt an inexplicable pull towards him. It was as if the moon itself conspired to bring them together.

Meanwhile, Lucas couldn't shake the image of the mysterious servant girl from his mind. There was something about her that intrigued him, something he couldn't quite explain. He knew it was forbidden to be drawn to a servant, but he couldn't deny the connection he felt.

One night, fate brought them together again. Amelia had ventured into the palace gardens to catch a glimpse of the moon's radiant display when she unexpectedly encountered Lucas.

"Amelia, isn't it?" Lucas said, approaching her with a warm smile. "I never got the chance to properly introduce myself. I'm Prince Lucas."

Amelia curtsied, her heart fluttering nervously. "Yes, Your Highness. I am Amelia."

Lucas's eyes sparkled in the moonlight as he studied her. "You have an air of mystery about you, Amelia. I can't help but be drawn to you."

Amelia blushed, "I am but a servant, Your Highness. It is not appropriate for you to be drawn to me."

Lucas stepped closer, his voice soft and sincere. "Titles and positions do not dictate the matters of the heart, Amelia. Fate has a way of intertwining lives, and I believe ours was meant to cross paths."