The Lost Princess

Chapter 5: James

I looked at Leora in bewilderment.

This is what? I asked her shakily.

This is where my adopted parents found me. Ruby and Tom found her here? Most humans cant find this clearing. Its too close to the magical tree.

They were walking the trails and heard me crying and followed it, finding me here. She looked so shocked I went up to her and wrapped her in my arms.

Leora are you okay? Anna asked softly. Leora nodded Then she squinted her eyes and walked over to a bush on the far side of the clearing pulling out a dagger but not just any dagger one of our enchanted daggers only high ranking knights, and Junior knights sent on special missions get those, so what was it doing here.

What is that? Anna asked confused. Leora just shrugged her shoulders.

Its an enchanted dagger from the Celestial Realm. Nick replied.

Okay but whats it doing here. And right by where Leora was found as a baby. Anna was getting more and more confused, but Nick and I were finally putting the pieces together after all these years of searching for the kidnapper he was right under our noses!

It means someone either stole it from a knight or we have a rogue knight in our ranks! I exclaimed. We wrapped up the dagger carefully not to touch it and put it in Leoras bag.

So, what is your story? Leora asked me. Why Did you decide to become a knight?

Im a prince too from the Moon Kingdom but Im third in line so I decided to become a knight. I grew up hearing stories of the lost princess of the star kingdom and I became entranced. Jasper is one of my closest friends. Hes quite the jokester. Ametrine was closer to my twin sisters and still is.

Wait you have sisters? Are you a triplet like me or? Leora cut me off.

No nothing like that we are a year apart. Rosella and Roseanne may look alike but they couldnt be any more different from one another. I respond.

So how many kingdoms are there in the Celestial Realm? Anna asks jumping into our conversation.

Four the Star Kingdom, the Moon Kingdom, the Sun Kingdom, and the Shadow Kingdom. We dont know much about the Shadow Kingdom. Not for the last eight hundred years. It used to be a kingdom for the outcasts, the people who preferred things a little on the morbid side but since the last King died no one has made any contact. We dont even know if there are any royals left there. Nick explained and both girls listened intently, hanging on to his every word.

What about the other Kingdoms? Leora asked. Nick and I smiled.

The Sun Kingdom is all about life and light colors and beauty. The King and queen have two sons and a daughter. The oldest son, Prince Liam has been training his whole life to become king. Princess Vivian is closed off and anti-social. And the youngest son, Prince Ray has been training with his brother so he can be his chancellor. That is if he doesnt fall in love with an eldest princess.

And the Moon Kingdom? Anna asks?

The Moon Kingdom is all about balance and serenity. The King and Queen have two daughters and one son, my sisters and I. Rosella is all about getting ready to be queen and being poised and proper. Roseanne is boy crazy to say the least. She is what my parents call a wild card or what you would call a wild child. Me Im training to be a knight that way I can still protect my people and other kingdoms even without wearing the crown.

And what about my kingdom, the Star Kingdom? Leora asks.

The Star Kingdom is all about peace and unity. They are ruled by King Topaz and Queen Jade. You are the oldest Princess Amethyst. Prince Jasper is Jokester and loves to pull pranks. Princess Ametrine is a poised and graceful princess who loves reading and horseback riding. The Star Kingdom has been in grieving since you went missing so expect a lot of balls and parties to happen when you return. I look over at Leora and shes deep in thought. Anna seems to be processing as well.

What are we going to wear? Anna asks and that brought not only a smile to Leoras lips but a laugh as well.

Dresses will be provided for you to pick from. Nick responded. Nick looked at where we were and then looked at me. Its time to get changed.

Changed? Out here? Leora almost screamed.

Not you princess. Nick and I. We need to get our uniforms on. I tried to console her. Leora nodded her head and her and Anna turned around while Nick and I went behind a couple of trees to change. My uniform consisted of dark blue slacks and a dark blue long sleave shirt with a navy blue over coat decorated in my royal medals and on my hip was my enchanted dagger and my short sword. I already wore my boots everywhere I went when I hiked so that wasnt much of a change.

All ready! I said when I came out. Leora turned around and her eyes almost popped out of her head. Annas did the same when she saw Nick. His uniform consisted of black combat boots black slacks and navy blue t-shirt and a navy blue over coat with the Star Kingdoms crest on the chest. On his hip he wore his short sword and his enchanted dagger.

You two look amazing. Both girls said at the same time. That brought a laugh out of both Nick and I.

Alright Nick, would you like to do the honors. Nick nodded his head and went over to a tree with what looked like an oddly shaped knot in it and placed his enchanted dagger inside. Next to the tree a portal opened.

Ready ladies? I asked with my hand outstretched. Leora nodded and grabbed my hand as we walked toward the portal. Anna followed close behind. As Nick walked through with Anna he grabbed his dagger and put it back to his hip. And we all walked into the Celestial Realm!

The first think we see is the vast land in front of us. We enter into the fields where the kingdoms all gather together for weddings, Olympics, and gatherings of any kind. Its neutral ground where most peace treaties are held.

Its beautiful! Where exactly are we? Leora asks.

This is neutral ground. To the North is the Sun Kingdom, to the west is the Moon Kingdom, the south your kingdom the Star Kingdom, and to the east the Shadow Kingdom. Nick explains while pointing each direction. Leora and Anna listened and took in every word.

How are we going to get to the Star Kingdom from here? Anna asked eyes full of curiosity. She was looking around trying to soak in everything she was seeing. I pointed over to a field of Pegasus.

We are riding those there. Leora and Annas eyes grew wide, then gigantic smiles spread across their faces. Nick just laughed and shook his head. He grabbed Annas hand as I grabbed Leoras. We lead them to the pasture where the caretaker was.

Good evening gentlemen, ladies. How can I help you? The caretaker asked as he looked up.

Two of your finest Pegasuss please. I said with my back straight.

Im sorry sir but those are reserved for the royals.

Then its a good thing Im Prince James of the Moon Kingdom returning with the Lost princess of the Star Kingdom. The caretakers eyes grew wide as he took a closer look at me then at Leora and Anna.

She didnt want to leave her best friend behind. Now two of your finest please. He quickly set to work. As we got up on our Pegasuss Leora started to get fidgety.

Are you okay? I asked her.

Yes, just nervous. Are you sure they will like me? What if Im not what they expected? What if I cut her off by putting a finger to her lips.

They will love you. Not only because you are their daughter but, because you are an amazing person and will be an amazing ruler one day! I was smiling. I meant every word I said, and I knew she believed me because she not only smiled back at me, but she also stopped fidgeting.

Okay everyone ready? Lets head out! We took flight and the girls held onto us tightly as we steered the Pegasuss toward the Star Kingdom and toward a new future for their kingdom! As we flew Leora and Anna kept soaking in their new surroundings. Soon we were flying over houses and the castle came into view.

I see the castle! Anna yelled over the wind. As we got closer we could all see the tall towers and the flower garden on the west side of the grounds, arched entryways, and the balconies from the multiple bedrooms. We landed near the front door.

Sir James, Sir Nicholas welcome back. Bartholomew greeted us. He was the steward of the Star Kingdom. He had dirty blond hair, brown eyes, and tan skin. He stood six foot five and made sure everything ran smoothly in the castle.

Good to be back Bartholomew! I helped Leora down as Nick helped Anna.

Who do you have with you gentleman? Bartholomew asked.

We need to see the royal family Bartholomew. Now! I stated in my no nonsense tone.

Right away sir! Bartholomew rushed inside and we followed behind waiting in the throne room. Not very long later the royal family arrived. Leora stood by my side.

We are here. What was so important that you needed us all Sir James. King Topaz addressed me.

King Topaz, Queen Jade, Price Jasper, and Princess Ametrine I would like you to meet Leora the lost daughter of the Star Kingdom known to you as Princess Amethyst! The royal family look at me eyes wide and then their eyes go to Leora. Queen Jade is the first one to move.

Amethyst is that really you, my child? Have you really come back to us? Leora looks to me and I nod my head.

I think so I was adopted so I dont know my biological parents and things have been happening the past few days that I cant explain that I was hoping you could help me with. Leora started to ramble.

Like what child? King Topaz asked gently. A tone he only took with his children.

Well, when Im feeling a strong emotion my eyes or hands start to glow. Leora starts.

When shes extremely sad it starts to rain. When shes furious the wind starts to blow strongly. Anna buts in.

Those were just coincidental. Leora says.

Who are you sweety. Queen Jade asks.

Shes my best friend. We grew up together. She is like my sister. I couldnt just leave her behind I promised her we would be together forever! Her adopted parents never showed her any attention it was like she was just a paycheck. Im all she has! Leora buts in.

Is this true? King Topaz asks.

Yes, your majesty. My name is Anna.

Then you are welcome to stay with us as long as you like. You created happiness for our daughter and were there for her when we couldnt be. We cant thank you enough. Suddenly Princess Ametrine comes over and hugs Anna.

Thank you for being her sister when I couldnt. Daddy, can we adopt Anna and officially make her a part of the family? King Topaz looked at his queen and they both smiled and the rest of the royal family came forward.

Welcome to the family Anna! Prince James exclaimed.

Your majesties can I ask a favor? Leora asks.

Please mom and dad are fine. King Topaz said while smiling,

My adopted parents found me in a clearing as a baby and have been caring for me as if I was their own. Could they possibly come here as well? I couldnt possibly think of living without them in my life. Leora explained. King Topaz and Queen Jade looked at each other and then back to Leora.

Bring them here to meet us we want to thank them for caring for you. After that we will find a place for them in the near by village That way you can visit them anytime you want! Queen Jade answered her.

Oh, thank you thank you thank you!!!

Now the elephant in the room what do you want to be addressed as? King Topaz asked.

What do you mean? Leora responded confused.

Well honey we noticed Sir James introduced you as Leora but your birth name is Amethyst. Queen Jade explained. Leora looked to the floor with her hand on her chin thinking and just the gesture made the royal family laugh.

What? What did I do? Leora asked.

Nothing princess thats just what the King does when hes deep in thought. Nick explained.

Oh. Well, I guess you can call me both until we figure out which one fits me more. Leora said with a smile on her face.

Sounds like a plan to me. Prince Jasper and Princess Ametrine said at the same time and everyone busted out laughing. Yep I think Leora is going to fit in just fine.