Almost Caught
1067 Words
I walked out of the room majestically. I had no choice though. I had to act like the royalty that I was.
Father was in the living room, gorgeously dressed like he was the bride. To his right was my stepmother and her son, Donald.
They were both dressed wonderfully as well. Donald the most.
I rolled my eyes as I sat by father’s left, watching the princes walk in and ushered to rooms where they would rest.
In the royal house, there were about a hundred and fifty rooms. Father claimed the rooms were built for days when the king would be hosting a party or anything.
It had been like that right from the creation of the kingdom.
Some winked at me and smiled at me as they walked to the room. I hoped I could see someone I loved among them.
If I did, then I would not dream of ever running away. They were attractive. Handsome to say the least but they were not appealing to me.
I watched as they all walked in alongside father. At the end of it all, the royal guard who ushered them in informed us that they were about 37 princes. 37 Princes? For me? That was not possible.
The news was sent out yesterday. How did such amount of people get to know you quickly?
Who wouldn’t want to have me as a bride? I was quite beautiful, courageous, smart, and strong.
Capable of running a kingdom. Despite being a lady, I had gone to several competitions with other princes and I defeated a majority of them.
A lot of princes have then been wanting to be friends with me. They would see it as a golden opportunity to make me their wife.
A lot of kings had hoped I married their son but I was not interested in any of them. A smile formed on my lips but then, it disappeared.
Everyone seemed to cherish me and acknowledge me. All except Father.
“Some princes would be coming in later tonight and some would be coming tomorrow” The guard announced.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and look at Father. Perhaps, he thought I was nervous as he placed his hands on mine.
“Do not worry about the numbers of princes. It simply means we have a large option to pick from and you are valued.
You are my adorable daughter and I know a lot of princes would want to make you their bride.
I promise you to allow the most handsome and strong one to marry you. No matter the number, you are going to get married to one. “ He smiled and patted my hands.
I nodded and smiled. I still didn’t see anyone attractive to me. As soon as it was time for dinner, we served the meal.
The table was so big that each person could not hear what the other person was saying at the other end that much. We only used the tables on special occasions like today.
For everyone to hear what the speaker was saying, the speaker was going to speak to a guard who would then shout it out for everyone to hear.
Father sat at one end of the table while I sat opposite him.
The Queen, Donald, and the other princes were seated by the right and left of the table still, they were still spaces that could take another thirty-seven.
The table was that big.
“Welcome to my kingdom everyone. Thank you for honoring this invitation and finding my daughter worthy of being your bride that you have to come here.
Thank you all. It is a pleasure” Father smiled and informed the guard who went on to tell another guard and it was yelled till everyone heard.
I felt a lot of pity for the guard. His voice would fade for a little while after the ceremony as he was also going to introduce everyone.
As each prince mention his name, his kingdom, his occupation, and his reason for wanting to marry me, he was to shout it out. Poor guard.
Just before we ate, each prince introduced himself. It is already getting late.
The security in the palace was going to increase as each prince brought their guards.
Also, Father would want to ensure the safety of each prince. How was I going to get out? I could not afford to stay another day.
After everything had been said, we began to eat.
I was not interested in anything they were saying as each prince was trying to prove his worth and competence. Who cares?
As soon as the dinner was done, everyone returned to their room. As expected, some of the princes wanted to start a conversation.
I was tired and was not in the mood for it so I walked back in, packing up the little luggage I wanted to take.
I had to exercise patience so as not to breed suspicion. How was I going to leave unnoticed?
Nothing seemed to be working.
Everywhere was heavily guarded. I had to think of something.
I stuffed my bed with clothes and covered it with a blanket as though I was sleeping. I could not sleep.
I hurriedly changed my garment into pants and a shirt. I removed all the accessories on my hair so as not to need suspicious.
I picked a blanket I could cover myself up with and waited for the right opportunity. I hurriedly picked up mother’s necklace and wore it.
Time was going. It was already becoming dawn yet nothing seemed to work. A teardrop fell from my eyes.
Was I going to be forced to do my father’s wish? Just like the heavens heard a prayer, I sighted a carriage.
I was already dozing off but I tried my possible best to stay awake.
It was like it was going out of the palace. I had to devise a way to get in.
I hurriedly jumped out of the window and sneaked into the carriage. I was lucky I was not seen.
I waited patiently and then, I heard the carriage begin to move.
I smiled as I heard the opening of the royal gates. Finally, it was happening.
“Stop!” I heard one of the guards. “We have to search the carriage”
Wait, what?
- Writer
