The Lost Princess

Chapter 3: Nick

Anna was beautiful with her strawberry blond hair, hazel blue eyes, and lightly toned body. Her mini skirt and t-shirt hugged her in all the right places, and she was rocking those knee-high boots! I could tell the waves in her hair werent natural. She must have put them in before we got here.

So, tell me about yourself, Anna. I tried to start a conversation she looks so nervous almost as nervous as I feel.

Oh well I love singing and acting! Im no good at Spanish though I love the language. My favorite colors are yellow and white and my favorite flowers are roses and tiger lilies. Anna looks away blushing.

Looks like I picked the right type of bouquet then. I laugh out trying to ease the tension.

Yes, you did. No one has ever done that before or even that many flowers before. She admits while brushing some of her hair behind her ear. She is so adorable.

Ill admit Im a bit surprised you did that for me. Youve never even met me or even know me yet you brought me flowers.

It was the right thing to do, plus a beautiful gem such as yourself deserves a beautiful bouquet to match. Anna starts to blush and looks away. James starts to shake his head and Leora looks back at me will eyebrows raised. I cant help the way she is looking at me makes me burst into laughter!

Whats so funny? Both girls ask at once. I cant even answer as I just look at Anna and shrug my shoulders as I sheepishly reply, Ra was giving me a weird look.

Ra? My name is Leora not Ra!

Shes name sensitive. Try not to take it to heart, Leora has just never been up for nicknames. Anna explains to me. James just snickers and earns himself a glare from Leora.

Well, we are here ladies! Sit tight while we get the picnic set up. Nick a hand please. James acts sincere but I can tell there is something Im not going to like about to come out of his mouth. I grab the picnic basket and give Anna a sly wink while getting out of the car.

So, mind telling me why you never mentioned how gorgeous Leoras friend is?

Never noticed. My eyes were only for the princess and it seems someone has found another toy. Fair warning you hurt her Leora will tear you apart. James warned while laying out the blanket.

I must admit none of my toys have been alluring as her, but I dont think she will be the same.

Oh, is the playboy finally going to settle down. James teased. I just shrugged as I helped set the food out! Anna would make a good friend for Leora and a good mate for me if it wasnt for the fact that she would have to leave her home and family. I could never ask her to do that therefore I have to keep my distance, but how can I do that when I want to know everything about her!

You boys ready for us yet? Her angelic voice broke through my thoughts as I set down the last plate. I could listen to her talk all day everyday if fate were that kind.

Yeah, we are just finishing up! James says smoothly. Usually, Im the smooth talker and great with girls but with Anna I seem to be falling over my own feet and loosing my own cool. Im just sitting there on my knees staring at her like shes the only thing in the world!

Cat caught your tongue? Anna asks. I shake my head mainly to ground myself and break the trance I was in.

No, just admiring your beauty. YES! Something that doesnt sound stupid! I see James give me a thumbs up without the girls noticing and take it as a good sign! How long have you girls lived here? I ask hoping Im not being too nosy or cliché.

Ive lived here my whole life! Leora is the same we have been neighbors just as long! Everyone in this town knows the story of how Leora got here but its her story to tell. Anna starts to tell while piling her plate full of fruit.

Its not THAT interesting, Anna! Leora states while giving her best friend a death glare.

Didnt your parents bring you into this world? I ask ignoring James silent please to keep my mouth shut and Leoras glare is now on me! She takes a deep breath and looks a whole lot calmer.

No, they didnt. My biological parents abandoned me in a nature reserve and my parents that I have now adopted me! If I ever meet my biological parents its to just find out where I come from and to ask why they left me. James is glaring at me to keep my mouth shut!

But what if they didnt? I ask.

EXCUSE ME? Leora practically yells. Anna is looking at me intrigued.

What if they didnt abandon you. What if you were taken from them!

Then there would have been missing pictures! News articles, SOMETHING! They would have come looking for me but here I am almost sixteen years later and no sign of them. They dont care! James and I grab our chests. Hearing such negative things about our King and Queen from their own daughter is heartbreaking to say the least.

Are you two, okay? Anna asks.

We have to tell her James! She has a right to know!

Tell me what? Leora asks simmering down from her rage. James just shakes his head no and we all can tell his fighting an internal battle. James looks at me. Leora puts her hands on either side of James face and has him look into her eyes. What do you need to tell me?

Ugh! I cant deny you when you do this, and you know it! Leora, I know who your biological parents are. They sent Nick and I here to find you! James never breaks his eye contact with Leora. Anna looks at me and I just nod my head confirming her silent question. Leora slowly pulls her hands away from James and steps back.

What do you mean they sent you to find me? James looks away trying to find the right words. I can visibly see Leora start to shake I dont know if its from fear or anger. Anna just looks confused.

Well ever since you were kidnapped, they have been searching nonstop for you. With the newest development and some information, we acquired this area was the next place to search for the missing princess.

Wait are you saying you think Im a princess?

Not think. We know! You have all the features of the missing princess including the birthmark on your right shoulder. Plus, the Starlight eyes. I didnt even register what my words would cause, lucky for me I didnt bring up her magic.

So, Leora is a princess? Of what kingdom? Anna was now fuming. She finally had everything hit her. I look at James wondering how to answer her question.

The Star Kingdom in another realm from this one I dont know if youd believe me if I told you. James looks Leora straight in the eyes while speaking. I watch Leora take a deep breath and then say,

Tell me please, I need to know. James looks at her and quickly glances at Anna. He takes a deep breath and looks at me. I nod my head and stand tall.

Youre from a magical realm called the Celestial Realm. You are the lost Princess Amethyst. You were taken at only a few months old, and your parents have been searching the realms for you ever since.

Wait, so you expect us to believe that Leora is the long lost princess of the Star Kingdom, like the old fairy tales? Anna was now looking at us furiously not believing a word we said.

Your fairy tales are reality in some realms, and others are so well hidden no one has ever even heard of them unless they have been there personally. I explained.

Leora was deep in thought. It was like she was on the edge of believing what we were telling her. She walked over to a giant rock and sat on it deep in thought.

Youre not really buying this are you? Anna looked at Leora like she had lost her mind.

It would make sense Anna. Just think about it for a second! What humans eyes glow when they have a strong emotion, or can move water without touching it?! Anna looked at her with sad eyes not wanting to believe it but also knowing her best friend had a point.

But what about me? We promised to stay together forever that way no one could hurt us. If you go off to this other realm, what will I do? Anna was trying to keep her voice from breaking but unshed tears were threatening to spill from her eyes.

James put his hand on Annas shoulder and turned her towards him. He made sure he was looking her straight in the eye.

If Leora decides to come with us and only then, you can come as well. Because of how close you are to her Im sure the King and Queen will welcome you with open arms. I never expected James to say that but I agreed to every word. I turned to Leora, and she was deep in thought again.

Take your time. We dont have to go back immediately. But I do need to tell you that you do have a younger brother and sister that are waiting for your return as well. Leoras head jerks up and she looks at me with a gleam in her eyes and I now see what she meant when she said her eyes glowed with strong emotions.

What are their names? Leora asked.

Ametrine and Jasper. They are twins but born a day apart. James started.

They are triplets actually. I finished.

Triplets? Who is the third? Anna asked. James and I just looked at Leora.

Im a triplet? Leora asked while a smile spread across her face.

Youre the oldest then Jasper and Ametrine is the youngest. James told her. Leora smile grew and she looked at Anna.

We have more family, Anna.

No, you have more family. Im still stuck here. Im happy for you Leora I really am, but Thats your family not mine. Anna looked hurt I walked over to her and pulled her into my arms.

Nick what are you doing? Anna asked while trying not to cry.

Come back with us if not just for yourself and Leora but for me. Come be with me. I really like you Anna and I want us to be together. Annas face turned a bright red and I think I made her speechless, but I meant every word. Anna looks over at Leora and then back at me. I could see the wheels in her head turning.

Ill think about it. She said in a quiet whisper. Soon it was time to take the girls back home and the ride back was quiet and tense. No one said a word but, everyone had something on their mind. Mine and Annas hands stayed interlaced and I kept rubbing circles on the back of her hand with my thumb.

When we got to Annas house I opened her door while James opened Leoras. I embraced Anna and gave her a small kiss on her forehead.

I put my number in your phone so just message me whenever. I know I gave you a lot to think about. And if you want to go out just us two just let me know. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and got back in the car with a soft goodnight while she waited for Leora.

Take as much time as you need. I dropped a bomb shell on you tonight. Ill message you when I get back to my place. I love you. James told Leora.

I love you too. Leora responded to him as he got into the car and her and Anna headed up the walkway. We waited for them to be in the house before we drove off.

So, we play the waiting game now? I asked James as he drove toward the apartment. He looked straight ahead. He nodded slightly and I took that as my answer. I really hope Anna decides to come with us. I really like her and see a future with her. Plus, it gives Leora someone she knows in the Star Kingdom that treats her like a normal person. James and I wont be able to do that unless we are in private. I think thats why James is so quiet right now. He never told Leora that we are junior knights and knights dont marry princesses its just unheard of. Hopefully they will be the first Im rooting for them.

We have to tell them who we are. James suddenly spoke up. I thought I misheard.

What? I asked just to be sure.

We have to tell them we are junior knights, James repeated. I nodded at him.

Before we go back. I added and he nodded in agreement. We arrived at the apartment and we both went straight to bed after unloading the car.