The Lost Princess

Chapter 10: Princess Anna

With Bruce in my arms we loaded back into the carriage. Im very happy I found Bruce. I was drawn to the hell hounds as soon as we walked into the pet shop. Bruce walked up to me right away! Once I heard his voice in my head, I felt like I found my best friend.

What are you thinking about my princess?

Im not a princess yet, Bruce.

Youll always be my princess! And youll make a great one at that!

Thank you, Bruce! Im glad I found you!

Talking with your familiar? Nick asks me.

Yes, I am! I respond back with a smile on my face and I lean into him.

I love this girl so much!

I love you too Nick! Nick looks at me baffled.

I didnt say that out loud, sweetheart! Everyone looks at me.

Is it possible for Anna to get a power with just being adopted by you and dad? Leora asks Queen Jade.

Its a possibility that we will have to explore when we get back to the castle. The rest of the ride is quiet, and Bruce stays quietly in my lap. Soon we are back to the castle and unloading out of the carriage.

Welcome back everyone. Bartholomew greets us.

Thank you, Bartholomew! Can you make sure we have all the supplies necessary for the girls familiars please. Queen Jade addressed him.

Of course, your majesty! Bartholomew looks to Leoras kitten and then to my Bruce and he pales slightly and then gets to work. As we head inside another one of the servants comes out in a hurry.

Your Majesties, Lady Julie is ready for the princesses in the fitting room and the king is waiting for you in his office with important matters my queen! Queen Jade rushes off and Leora and I look at each other with worried glances. Then we head off to the fitting room where Lady Julie is waiting for us.

Ah Princesss youre here! I have your gowns ready to be tried on! She gushes. Leora tries hers on first and it fits perfectly! Its a emerald green strapless dress with a slit up one of the sides and gemstones scattered around making it sparkle. I try mine on next. Its a ruby red dress with a off shoulder strap and corset boddice. It flows down my body like water. It shimmers in the light like a diamond.

I must say you out done yourself Lady Julie! These dresses are beautiful! Leora exclaims! I nod my head in agreement trying my best not to cry with how beautiful they are! I look in the mirror and almost dont recognize myself! I look like a true princess. We change back into out clothes and have our dresses sent to our rooms to change into latter for the ball.

Thank you, Lady Julie they are truly beautiful! I say as I exit the room.

Come on Bruce! Lets go I want to show you your new room! Bruce jumps from the chair he had been sitting on and runs over to me and follows me through the castle to my room. In my room now is a dog bed and some puppy toys and treats. Along with a food and water bowl.

Welcome home Bruce!

I was home as soon as you found me my princess! Bruce says as he checks out the dog bed. I sat on my bed and watched him explore and play with all the toys.

Do you think the people will accept me as a princess? I ask Bruce. He stops chewing on a bone and looks up at me.

Of course, my princess! Your kind, courageous, and royal in all ways that matter! Bruce jumps up on my bed and starts licking my face instantly calming me down.

Thank you, Bruce! I really needed that! I cuddle Bruce close and stay that way until its time to get ready for the ball! Once it was time I got up and left Bruce sleeping on my bed. I went into my bathroom and took a quick shower. Then I went into my closet and grabbed the ruby red dress and put it on matching it with black pumps. I did light make up just putting on some eye liner, eye shadow, and lipstick. Next, I styled my hair by blow drying it out and then curling it leaving it down. I put on some golden hoops and a ruby necklace.

You all ready my princess? Nick asked while coming into my room. He had been waiting in the hallway giving me time to bond with my familiar. I nodded my head.

Im a bit nervous! This is going to be mine and Leoras first ball! I started playing with my fingers which had become a nervous habit. Nick grabbed my hands and looked me in the eyes.

You will do just fine. And if you get nervous, I will be right there by your side the whole time! I hugged him tight!

Thank you! Now, lets go get our selves to the ball! And we left my room keeping the door slightly open for Bruce to come out when he woke up. We walked down the hallway hand in hand. Once we got to the ballroom doors and started fixing my dress and hair making sure everything was perfect! As we entered one of the guards announced our presence!

Welcome Sir Nicholas and Lady Anna! I was being crowned princess tonight with Leora! She however already had the Princess title for her it was just a formality.

Welcome Prince James and Princess Amethyst! The guard announced and I turned around and I swear all eyes were on my best friend. I cant blame them she looked beautiful and she was their rightful princess after all! I was just the adopted princess I dont even know if they would accept me.

You look beautiful Leora!

Thank you, Anna! You look wonderful as well! Where did you get the necklace?

I found it in the jewelry box in my room! Im guessing the same is said for the emerald one youre wearing?

Actually, mom came into my room and gave this to me as a birthday present and I promised to wear it to the ball! Leora said smiling while touching the necklace.

Oh, my girls! You both look beautiful tonight! Ruby said while coming up and hugging both of us.

I see Queen Jade gave you the necklace already! And I see you found the Ruby necklace I left in the jewelry box for you!

You were behind this? I asked.

Queen Jade wanted to give you girls something and she asked me to help pick something out for you and since I knew what your dresses looked like I helped her! Ruby said proudly! Next thing I know Ametrine is coming up to us.

Girls its time to introduce you to the people! Come follow me. Leora and I follow Ametrine to where there are 6 thrones two big ones and four small ones the two big ones in the middle of the four little ones.

Ah there you girls are! Now we can begin! May I have everyones attention please! King Topaz starts.

Today we are gathered not only to celebrate the birthday of all my children finally together again! But to welcome a new princess to our family Princess Anna! We have decided to adopt her as our own! So, not only are we officially welcoming Princess Amethyst as the princess she is, but we are welcoming Princess Anna as well! The crowd erupts into applause and cheers. Queen Jade places a green tiara onto Leoras head and a Ruby one on mine.

All hail Princess Amethyst and Princess Anna may they bring joy and peace to the kingdom! My new mother shouts when shes done placing the tiaras on our heads. More cheers and applause erupt! I feel proud to call myself a princess of these people! From the corner of my eye I see a man in a dark cloak in the corner of the room and I see Ametrine staring at them too. I point them out to my new parents.

Who are you? Remove your cloak! My father yells! He does as requested and hes a handsome man around six foot four. Dark hair, light eyes, and he was staring at my dad like he didnt have a care in the world.

Who are you? Ametrine asks.

Im King Lucas from the Shadow Kingdom and I need to speak to the royal family immediately! Gasps were heard everywhere.

Everyone get back to the ball! We will resolve this I promise! King Lucas, please follow us. King Lucas came up to us and we went into the meeting room my dad usually uses with his guards.

Why are you here? My mom starts.

It has to do with her. He states pointing at Leora.

What about me? Leora asks.

I know who took you and why.

Go on! My dad was getting impatient and honestly so were the rest of us.

I closed off the Shadow Kingdom many years ago to keep my people safe but mainly to keep it safe from my nephew King Orion of the Moon Kingdom! He wants to take back the Shadow Kingdom and for him to do that he needs the rest of the kingdoms to back him. He hired rouge knights to kidnap a prince or princess of the other two kingdoms to blame on me after a month he got his daughter back and you guys found Princess Amethyst which ruins his plans unless she marries his son and the same with Princess Vivian. His plan is falling apart, and he is getting desperate! I need your help to keep my Kingdom safe! We sit down and let the information sink in I turn to James.

James are you okay? I know thats a lot to take in about your dad.

Yeah. Im okay. It explains a lot to be honest! He turns to Leora.

This means if we stop my dad we can go at our own pace we wont have to get married in three months if we dont want to. We can push the wedding and I can propose properly! He grabs Leoras hands and there is a hopeful look in his eyes.

Leora, you can push the wedding back a year and get use to just being a princess and have the perfect wedding! I say looking at her wanting to hear what she has to say. She turns to King Lucas.

If what you are saying is true, then we have a big war on our hands. We have to protect our people and Princess Rosella will have to be ready to take up the throne! She was looking and talking like a real leader. Ive only seen this side of Leora once before and that was when our school caught fire. She wouldnt exit until she knew everyone was safe.

James can you call your sisters in here and have them join this conversation? I asked standing up. He nodded his head and left the room. My mom and dad stood up too.

Dad gather the guards you trust the most tell them there is a rouge amongst us and we need to flush them out spread something amongst them that sounds believable so we can find who took me! This ends now! Leora was not just determined she was angry!

Mom spread a rumor among the maids that we know who the rouge is we just need proof they had to have had help with those whispers Leora heard. I said thinking on my feet.

Good Idea, Anna! With that she left the room and James came back with his sisters.

Roseanna if you absolutely had to would you be able to take the throne today and become queen? She looked stunned.

I need to be married to take the throne! Its my fathers law! I thought on that.

Is there anyone you fancy that you would be willing to marry? James asked. Rosella thought for a moment.

Hes taken. I wont take another girls man.

Who? James and I asked at the same time. Rosella looked over at Nick. Oh, hell no!

Ill marry you, your majesty! William spoke up. Rosella looked him up and down.

What do you think bubby? Rosella asked James. He stepped up to William and looked him in the eye.

You hurt my sister and I will have you digging your own grave! We all could see William visibly swallow, but he nodded his head.

We will hold the wedding here. A small one so your dad doesnt know. That way we can keep the Moon Kingdom safe as well! Leora stated.

I want as little blood shed as possible! James added! King Lucas agreed and we all went back to the ball.