I am a Princess

Chapter 3

Footsteps are heard everywhere, slowly I open my eyes finding my self in a very different place than I have had in the last years. «Nothing was a dream» I think as I sit on the bed. I turn to my left side where Lili was asleep, something that stops happening when she felt all the movement that was inside my room, with two responsible people.

"Good morning, Your Highness and Miss Lili. How was your sleep?" Asks the girl who guided us yesterday through the palace at the same time she lifts the cushions that were scattered on the floor.

"Pretty well" we both answered at the same time.

"We'll prepare your bathroom right away your Highness. Miss Lili, Aida will take care of you in the next room so you don't waste more time than you don't have" she says gently, trying to rush things.

"Thank you, I appreciate" I answer.

Lili and I got out of bed without wasting any more time. I quickly try to organize my thoughts and ideas trying to have a clear idea about what is happening.

"Come on Aida. And Sophie, wait for me" Lili says taking some things from her bag before she goes out with Aida. I am surprised by Lili's attitude towards all this; It's so... relaxed.

"Okay your Highness, let's get started." The girl heads to the bathroom while I just keep waiting for her next instruction.

Once the little moment in which I can relax for a few seconds is over, I come out of the bathroom with my robe on. Vanessa, the girl from yesterday, had already retired so I can finally take care of myself. I go to the closet to get a red t-shirt, a brown skirt and a neutral colour cardigan along with some Oxford style shoes.

The door of my room is opened by Lili who was already ready, unlike me who was brushing my hair. We both have noticeably different styles; mine is guided more by a vintage style and hers by something more modern.

I finish with my hair. I take the backpack with my school supplies inside it and then we both leave the room towards the corridor; right where Erick was wearing... a tux?

"You're not going to school like that, are you?" I ask him snidely. Even so, the seriousness in my question can be reflected, on the other hand, Lili tries not to laugh.

"Yes! Why? Is there something wrong?" he replied raising an eyebrow.

I try to find any indication that all this is a joke on his part to make this whole new experience more comfortable, but it is not, he is really planning to go to school dressed like that.

"Yes! Everything in general!" exclaims Lili. "You wear casual clothes to school, not clothes for going to a gala" She ads causing Erick to nod.

"Ok... I´ll be back" He says turning around going back to your room.

A few minutes later, Erick can be seen leaving his room wearing a pair of jeans, a basic grey T-shirt and a brown leather jacket that he left open along with white Vans. Despite not wearing formal pants and a button-down shirt like yesterday, his appearance leaves very little to say.

"That´s what I was talking about" Whispers Lili.

"Better?" He asks, frowning.

The grin on his face reflects the insecurity about what he's wearing despite looking really good for a second try; technically we are avoiding him a bad first day of school.

"Much better" Lili assures.

"We have to go right now or we'll be late" I let them know. Erick's gaze turns confused like mine moments ago. "What's going on?"

"It´s breakfast time and we cannot..." He replies.

"You'll have something to eat in the cafeteria, it's late" I interrupt.

With nothing else to say, Lili starts to move to walk through the stairs and I pull Erick by his hand, all the way down to the entrance of the palace. The three of us get into the car. I turn to the window trying to come up with answers to any questions they may ask me when they arrive, but these disappear when I remember that no one knows about this yet.

I release all the air that I involuntarily held during the whole journey when I saw that we were only a few blocks away. I push away any thought that may make my nerves jump. Unfortunately, my nerves increase with each passing second.

"Lili and I are getting down in the next block, it wouldn't be convenient if everyone watches me arrive in a limousine with the Prince of the neighbouring kingdom" I state.

Erick instructs the driver to stop at my request; he parks at Erick orders and Lili and I get out to walk the rest of the street to the institute.

"Sophie, you will hate me for this but… there is Bill!" Lili yells.

I direct my eyes to where Lili's are, managing to visualize the same guy who approached her yesterday in the auditorium.

"Just go and talk to him, he's good..." I am interrupted by the absence of Lili who is now with that guy.

I start walking towards the entrance of the institute without taking my eyes off my friend who maintains a smile.

My arm is taken in a rough way, forcing me to stop walking instantly; I turn to the person responsible for that act, finding out Estella´s firing gaze. I quickly let go of her grip.

"I need to talk to you!" She snaps.

"I have nothing to talk about with you" I counter.

I try to go around her to continue my way but her hand takes my arm tightly again, preventing me from continuing to walk and getting away. 

"I said that I needed to talk to you" She says sharply.

"What's wrong with you?! Let go!" I insist without getting my arm back to freedom.

Little by little the stares, the whispers and the presence of certain students are becoming present.

"Not until you give us back what belongs to us" She tightens his grip.

"I ... I don't know... what you're talking about" I assure her.

The pain becomes unbearable as the seconds go by, and judging by the stare that Estella maintains she has no intention of letting go of me.

"Not because you no longer live with us means that you will stop paying for everything we gave you"

The stares together with the physical presence of the students is increasing more and more. And considering how everyone around here is I'm sure that the rumours about what Estella just said will not take long to appear.

"What we own you? We don't owe you anything!" I sentence. "Your family never took care of me. I worked to pay my expenses, I'm here because of a scholarship. Your family treated me like a maid and that treatment is not given to anyone. And above all, the money of the foster care system that was meant for me your parents gave it to you. So don't claim something you clearly don't deserve!"

I scream as I can no longer bear the pain that has left my arm numb, but despite everything, Estella's intentions to let me go are null.

"Let go of her!" My saviour of the day orders. Erick opens his way through all the students until being face to face with Estella. "I order you to let go of her at this moment. I will not repeat it, I can get you in so many troubles if you don´t do it" 

Seconds later her hand violently detaches from my arm, making me fall into a small quagmire. Estella leaves but not before giving me a threatening stare.

"Thank you" I mutter.

"Are you ok? He extends his hand to help me stand up.

"I think so"

With my right hand I hold my arm that Estella was hurting. I focus my eyes on the tens of students who have watched the show that Estella put on, feeling my cheeks instantly hot.

"Come on, I'll take you to the palace" He wraps his arms around me, pulling me out of there instantly.

"Thank you." I try to smile but I can´t.

We got into the car. The look of the driver full of amazement is replaced by intrigue but still, he asks nothing which I appreciate. Erick gives him the instruction to take us to the palace.

Being in front of the palace the doors of the gate are opened; The car starts again at a slower speed and we get out of the car when it stops for the second time we enter to the palace.

On the way to my room, we met with the Queen. Her confused gaze inspects us from top to bottom, finally stopping her eyes on me.

"What happened?!" She exclaims in an altered way causing Erick to stare to his feet. "Sweetheart, what happened to you?! Are you ok?"

"Yeah, only my arm hurts a little bit" I answer trying to calm her down. 

Erick removes the cardigan I was wearing, revealing a huge bruise between my shoulder and my arm. The startled look of the queen does not stop being on my arm, and through her eyes can be reflected the number of questions that travel through her mind.

" I refuse to believe that this was an accident. Who did that to you?!” Her questioning tone makes me look at her. Her gaze demanding a response from me. It seems terrified.

"Estrella Rivers" Erick answers without giving me a chance to say a word.

"The daughter of the family you lived with?" I nod briefly. "Why?!"

"They want what they say they deserve for taking care of me these years" I reply.

"They won't get anything from you or us, and that girl will be expelled from the school" She assure.

Her idea is not bad, I would be like getting rid of the Rivers permanently, but I can't allow it either, Estella, like me, has been in that school all her life, I can't allow that she leave her friends behind.

"It won't be necessary! I assert. "After the ball, I don't think she'll do anything to me" 

I turn to Erick for help. I need you to support me on this.

"I won´t take my eyes off Sophie" He affirm. "This will not be repeated" Erick adds.

"Where were you when this happened Erick? You're supposed to take care of her" the Queen asks.

Erick lowers his gaze for a moment, I know I chose him to technically take care of me but this is not his responsibility and I do not want him to feel guilty about what happened.

"Sophie and Lili got off a few blocks before we arrived so that no one would suspect. I waited for her at the entrance, but this happened on the esplanade. I noticed how several students gathered in the same place from which shouts came, I went to see what was happening and I found this; separate immediately Estella from Sophie but she pushes Sophie causing her to fall into a puddle of mud " He explains resuming the story. The Queen's eyes are on him.

"It's not Erick's fault" I decide to intervene. "He…"

"I know" she interrupts, letting out a sigh. "I don't have to be mad with Erick" She finally smiles. "Sophie is better if you take a shower and rest for a while. Okay?

"Yes but... Can I go to the cafeteria?" The Queen purses her lips.

"It will better if you rest, we´ll see tomorrow if your arm is better" She determines and I just nod. "One more thing, call Lili; I need you to come to try on your dresses"

"Of course" At my answer, she walks towards me and not caring about my appearance at the moment she hugs me.

I go up to my room to take a shower as the Queen ordered. The final reaction she had about what happened made me feel calmer and seeing that she was showing concern a feeling of belonging grew inside me.

I take a bath trying not to hurt my arm anymore and then I go to my closet to get a black dotted blouse, grey shorts and a beige sweater along with ballerinas.

Once the routine I followed in the morning was repeated, I dialled Lili's number to notify her about the dress fitting, and, after her questioning about where Erick and I were, and explaining what happened with Estella, we organized for this afternoon; in the end, I suggested that one of the drivers pick her up when classes ended.

A knock is presented on my door. I give permission for the person knocking to enter and Erick is letting him see. For some reason I'm glad he came, it relaxes me to have his presence right now.

"Hi Sophie. How are you? Is your arm still better?" I see the concern in her eyes, I know he feels responsible even though I don't see it that way.

"Yes, thanks for everything." His arms wrap me in an unexpected hug, even so, I hug him back.

"I came to see if you want to go to the garden, it would be a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with the areas of the palace. I also have the impression that you are the type of person who likes nature ”He adds with a smile.

"Sure, come on" I smiled back.

Erick opens the door for me to leave first since I met him I have the impression that he is a gentleman. Outside my room, he offers me his arm which I take with complete security. I love his polite actions.

We left the palace to go to the garden. As we walk I start to ask myself several questions. I do not understand how much he knows about this palace. «Could it be that he comes here a lot? And if so, why is he coming?»

"You come to this kingdom often, don't you?" I ask with some curiosity after seeing how he walks without doubting a step in an area that is completely new for me.

"Yes" He says with security. "As you know England is divided into four parts, North England, East England, West England and South England. North England, where we are, and East England are the strongest kingdoms since we have very large commercial relations; so most of the time I am in charge of bringing the documents here and that forces me to come to the kingdom at least once every three months" His answer left me satisfied, I knew about the kingdoms but not the other.

"So if they have a very good business relationship, as well as being the strongest… why don't they join?" Erick looks up at the sky for a few seconds.

"That has already been discussed several times. A few years ago your parents agreed with mine that when I assume the throne this kingdom would join mine, but your cousin was declared the new inheritor, and now... here you are" I turn my eyes to him.

I was aware about proclaiming the Queen´s nephew the new inheritor, but I didn´t know about the first he just told me, and I am sure that the rest of the kingdom is also unaware of it if so, that would be the main theme at this time. Even so, it would be very good if both kingdoms were united, the economy would increase a lot.

"Why matters if I am here?"

"Because you will assume that position one day; the heiress appeared and that's you” My eyebrows twitch. I still don't see the problem.

"But... why matters if I am heir? Can't they join?" For some reason, Erick smiles but is not a smile that I had seen before, a smile that reflects discomfort.

"Yes, but for that there only has to be a King and a Queen" He answers, looking down at his feet.

"So?" I question. I still don't see what the problem is, it would be the same as it is now.

"For that, two heirs from different kingdoms would have to get marry, in this case, the East and the North of England" 

My cheeks feel hot as I understand the logic that I was ignoring a few minutes ago.

"Makes sense" It's the only thing my brain allows me to pronounce.

"We are here" he announces, lightening the tense atmosphere that had been formed a moment ago by my questions.

The garden is impressive, the spring colours and the totally clear blue sky makes the perfect combination for wanting to be here all day; tranquillity is another aspect that predominates, only the slight sound emitted by the water is heard.

As we walk, we both tell certain anecdotes that have happened to us, I would like to say that they are very similar but no, I would even dare to compare them with water and oil. From what he says, I can define his life as perfect, maybe I'm wrong but and is the impression that he is a Prince who has everything at his disposal but the little stories he mentions about his family makes me believe that.

"Oh no!" I stop, remembering Lili. "I have to send a driver for Lili, she has to try on the dress"

"In that case, let's go back" I nod, and we start walking towards the palace.

After the walk that we both took through the huge and spacious garden, we both headed towards our rooms where I concentrated on organizing a bit on while Lili arrives after sending a driver for her.

I am walking to the main room, where we are going to try on the ball dresses. The emotion that I feel at this moment is greater than I can imagine, the Rivers never allowed me to go to the school dances so this is the first dance and the first party I attend. 

Inside the room was the Queen in the company of another woman who was placing a folding dressing room.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness" The woman greets, bowing.

"Good afternoon" I return the greeting.

I notice how the Queen is about to say something that does not happen thanks to the opening of the doors where a slightly older man in formal clothes enters through it.

"Your Majesty, your Highness" He turns to the Queen and me. "Miss Lili has arrived" After his announcement Lili enters the living room. Later he retires.

"Good afternoon your Majesty" Lili tries to bow which making the three of us laugh. She immediately rejoins as if she had not done such a shameful act.

"I'm glad to see you again, and don't tell me Majesty call me by my name, Isabella" She says with a smile, making Lili respond positively with another.

"How do we start?" I ask.

"Madame Rosaryn will help you both to try on the dresses, she was the one who designed them" Says the Queen directing her eyes to the lady who smiles kindly.

"We'll start with Miss Lili, please follow me" She orders Lili who goes into the folding dressing room that Madame Rosaryn had installed.

Minutes later, Lili is seen wearing a beautiful wide dress in a crimson red colour that highlights her dark skin and makes her look more feminine thanks to the lace that covers the entire dress.

" You like it?" She asks unsure.

"You look beautiful" I answer honestly.

Lili thanks for the dress and then enters the dresses coming out with the clothes she previously was wearing.

"Now you, your Highness" I get up at the command of Madame Rosaryn going to the dressing room.

I shed my clothes instantly putting on the wide dress; Madame Rosaryn helps me adjust the corset. As I left I put my eyes on my best friend and on the Queen, who kept a smile, where they were sitting waiting for an answer.

"Sweetheart, you are beautiful! You look like a... Princess" Exclaims the Queen, getting up from her seat to walk towards me and give me a hug which I do not delay in returning.

"I never imagined seeing you in a dress like that, your mom is right, you're a princess" Assure Lili.

Lili's sincerity gives me confidence. She is the type of girl who tells you that something looks bad when something looks bad which makes her trustworthy.

"It's not that bad, It's not like I am trying on a wedding dress"

"I'm sure that on your wedding day you will be the most beautiful woman in the whole world" The Queen lets out a sigh... my mom lets out a sigh.

"Possibly, but for that I need a boyfriend first and then a fiancé" I reply, trying to lower her emotion a bit.

"You have Erick, right?" Lili's amused look matches her mischievous smile which the Queen soon joins.

"You know well we're just friends, I like him and he's taught me some things that's all" I start to laugh slightly, taking what she said as a simple joke.

"To be honest... you've been very close, plus you look good together" She winks at me. My cheeks get warm again for the second time this day.

"Mom! We just met yesterday in the hallway of the school, we barely became friends" Her smile goes from mischievous to a more genuine full of emotion.

Through my mind, I repeat the first word that I unconsciously blurted out. «Mom». It was not as difficult as I thought it would be, maybe once she's the Queen but is also my mom.

"Sometimes just a glance is enough to know who will be by your side forever" She lets out.

Her lost gaze and soft tone make me think that what she said was her own experience; I would like to know the history of my parents, I would like to know what is behind everything that the kingdom believes about them.

"Exactly! That's called love at first sight” Lili specifies.

"Not for this case" I assert.

I will not let Lili try to turn this into the perfect fairy tale that started with an oversight on my part in the hall of high school.

Madame Rosaryn, who was attentive to our conversation, said goodbye to us by handing the dresses to my mom. My mother offered Lili to stay for the meal, which she declined since her father was arriving today from a trip and they were waiting for her at home.

My mom and I headed to the dining room once we said goodbye to the designer of the beautiful dresses and Lili. Upon entering, the presence of two strangers accompanying my father puzzles me, even so, I continue on my way to my corresponding place.

"How did the dress trying thing go?" My father asks smiling.

"Good" My shyness before the two strangers prevents me from saying anything else.

"An apology Sophie, this is the Duke of Welltmore Augustine and his son Daniel" they both stop at my father's introduction. Augustine, Daniel; she is my daughter Princess Sophie.

"Nice to meet you, your Highness" says the Duke, bowing. We hope to see you at the ball.

"Me too" I complement with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Princess" The Duke's son takes my hand and then kisses it. "I imagine that you still haven't had a partner to dance the first dance of the night, or am I wrong?" He asks arrogantly, with a clear intention hidden in his question.

"I'm afraid if you're wrong, but thank you very much for the offer" I reply, destroying his confident smile. 

"Would it be possible to know who is the lucky one to dance with such a beautiful lady? Of course, if you don't mind"

"Prince Erick" Her face twitches at the sound of Erick's name to the point of open disgust. Something that I did not expect.

"Let's proceed to sit down and have dinner served" my father says, breaking the small moment of tension.

"Wait, Erick is missing" I stop the employees who were at the ends of the dining room just about to start serving us.

"There's no need to wait, he's late, not us" He snaps arrogantly.

Fortunately, the dining room doors are opened by the absent person, Erick. His conspicuously positive mood is the first thing I can identify.

"I am so sorry for the delay, I stayed talking with my father" He walks to his place sitting down in front of me.

"You were just in time, dinner is about to be served" I say, giving him a frank look.