Princess illusion's

"Princess Arabella turns 16 years old today, the queen will be holding a banquet tonight where royals from across the globe will attend..." I immediately turned the tv off, that's all I've heard all morning. Princess this, princess that, princess no one gives a damn. My bedroom has become the only place in my life where I don't have to be princess Arabella Edwards, I could just be me. Simple, normal, non-royalty me But that only lasts so long. Knock knock "Princess, the queen wishes for you to join her. Please if you would come this way" My maid is a nice women, she's been here all my life and she has to be one of the most normal people here. "Thank you" I tell her before following to her to the main dining table. The room to anyone else would be impressive. High ceilings, carved artwork lining the walls and a table big enough to fit 30 people which is always decorated with large flowers along with fresh food. The room how ever to me was nothing but a show. It's like the decorations are to keep your focus in order for you to miss the amount of awkwardness the royal family sit in when we are actually together, which isn't a lot. The public view us exactly how we want them to. A happy king, a loving queen and a smart daughter who will some day rule. Although really it's a absent king, self obsessed queen and a princess who wants nothing to do with royalty. "Yes mother?" "Arabella, why aren't you dressed appropriate?" She asks I look down at my silk pajamas. Rule number one : always dress to impress, no one shall see you at your worst "It's early mother and no one is about. It's just us" "Whether it's just us or not, you are a princess so you better act like one. Go now and get dressed and once you come back we shall discuss some arrangements for tonight" With out another word I leave the queens presence, not because she asked but because I simply prefer to be away from her. Laying on my bed when I return is a large arrangement of flowers. Each one different colours, just how I like my flowers. Colourful. "Happy birthday princess" Came the voice of my maid "Your always the first to wish me a happy birthday Lydia. Thank you" I hugged her tightly knowing she would not only be the first to wish me a happy birthday but she would be the only one. Even though my mother was organising a banquet, it was actually her gain. She is very 'business' orientated. "I have another surprise belle" she said eyes gleaming. "Which is?" "I'm taking you into the town. Obviously this is going to be a secret and you must stay hidden but I know how much you hate it here" "I better get ready then!" I almost screamed. She would make this the best birthday ever, I always wanted to leave this palace but I was never allowed unless with the queen or king to make public appearances. It didn't take long to get dressed into what Lydia said were "casual clothes" and it also didn't take me long to decide I prefer being dressed this way although my hood is rather big to help cover my face. Finding it surprisingly easy to sneak out with Lydia we were soon on our way. I couldn't help but be a little nervous but I had faith that my disguise would work. Being able to walk the streets felt amazing. You must all think I'm crazy, rude people passing, children screaming and shops biggest sale displays. I felt free, I felt normal. I've wanted to be able to feel this way my whole life and now I finally am. It was just a shame that in a few hours I would be confined to the palace again. Dreams can only last so long, we all wake eventually. "Oo let's get some fresh pastry's, they smell so good" I insisted "Okay princ...uh belle" Ignoring Lydia's slip we proceed to buy fresh pasty's which I was looking forward to eating. It would be my first food that wasn't especially prepared for me after hours of creating in the palace kitchen which I've never actually seen. When leaving the shop my excitement got the better of me and I accidentally barged into a young girl. The force of falling backwards knocked my hood off revealing my true self. The gasps of people around me was all that could be heard before people began creating a crowd. The girl grabbed my hand and began pulling me away. "This way, come quick" With no other option I carried on following this girl down back lanes. I could also hear Lydia following me clearly worried. We stopped when we realized we were now alone. "You should be safe now" she huffed catching her breath "Thank you so much" "Oh it's the least I could do since it's my fault you got seen" "No I wasn't looking where I was going. What's your name?" "I'm Lilian although I prefer Lilly" "It's lovely to meet you" "And you princess it's an honor" "Oh please call me belle I hate formalities" Lydia then stood beside me before tapping me on the shoulder. "We best get back, the news will get out and once the queen knows she will send all her guards and it will be a mess" I wanted to tell Lydia that I didn't want to go back. I wanted to stay here, I wanted to be free. Why couldn't I just run now. None of that was possible though and I knew Lydia would be in trouble if we didn't get back soon. I didn't want Lydia being punished. "Let's go then" I sadly smiled It seemed to only take seconds before getting back into the palace. My trip was over to quickly and I awaited my punishment. "I see you returned" my mother stated "Guards fetch her maid" she added on "Her name is Lydia" I told her "Don't you speak back to me" Rule two : never raise your voice, smile sweetly and agree The guards brought Lydia into the room. She was red faced and nervous as she stared at the floor. I could see her hands trembling. "You will leave now and not return. Under no circumstance do I want to see you ever again" the queen ordered "Yes your highness" Lydia replied timidly "No! I will not stand this. She is the only one that understands me, she is my only friend and you shall not banish her" I Yelled I was yelling, I was yelling at my mother who happened to be the queen. This didn't happen often. "Look what you have done! You are a bad influence. Leave now!" The queen barked back Tears streamed both mine and Lydia's eyes as she hurriedly turned and ran out of sight. She had gone. My only glimpse of real humanity had just walked away from me. "I hate you!" That was the only thing repeating in my head so I shouted exactly what I was thinking. "I hate you so much queen" With that I found myself in my room, door locked, bag packed, escape route planned. Goodbye princess Arabella