Whispers of Fate: love,loss & the crown.

Princess Elena POV

"... too stubborn and wild for a lady! You're a princess for crying out loud" my mother, Queen Elsa. A complete ice queen, always disapproving of what I do and hating every moment of me not taking after her. Don't get me started on the fact that her precious first daughter is an exact copy of her in character.

Princess Eleanor, an ambitious princess moving like a hawk, waiting for the perfect next to be king prince she can get her claws on. Being Queen has always been her dream not mine, I pity the unfortunate soul that'll have to put up with her.

"Mother..."

"Queen!"

"Well you're my mother aren't you? Mother, I am not your typical example of a proper lady, granted. But I am still a lady if my possession of breast and lack of male genitalia is any indication. Please do excuse my presence, Queen" I said emphasizing on the queen.

"You stop right there, you..youu rebellious child. I'm not done with you" she said with an icy stare

" what would you like me to do for you mother?" I said purposely to irritate her

"You could start by learning some manners and probably get your hands maid to select much better dresses for you"

"Is that all mother? I'm a very busy person you know" I said warily with my shoulders slumped because I wasn't ready to deal with her

"Don't slouch! Even after all theses years you still haven't learned to stand properly like a lady should. At this point, we'd be the one begging to give you out, the likes of you end up with men far less than a lord"

"By now, I'm sure everyone in Wessex knows of me. If that would be all then please excuse me, queen" I said with a mocking bow

"Ohh Elena. You think of yourself as the most luckiest, to do whatever you may at your will. One day you'll come to realize that we, who act stupid, and trained like animals are not fools for being what we are. You'll sooner or later learn how the world works and treats we women" the almighty queen said. I was really getting tired of these talks

(Turning to the queen) " i don't consider myself lucky, what I have now, I paid for it. The one thing I'm sure of is I'll never regret not wanting to be like every other girl, to become Eleanor, to become you. Everyday I'm grateful I don't have to bend to the wills and want of a man"

The Queen comes closer to me and holds my face

"What a naive little fool you are (kisses her forehead). I do hope the day you realize all I do and say (Elena scoffs) is because I love you. Eleanor is the eldest and of course bound to be wise. You. You. (Kisses forehead again) you will learn soon enough" and after the awkward moment, she walks away.

Wasting my precious time.

I'm guessing you're wondering who is this girl, who has no respect or regard for the one person she calls queen and mother. I am Elena... scratch that. I am Princess Elena, second girl child of King Edward the 10th of and Queen Elsa. Sister to the Queen reagent Princess Eleanor and I am nothing like a proper lady. If getting expelled from every lady school in London and across England is any indication.

It was a sunny day in Wessex, summer time.

"Your highness, the king has asked you to meet him at his throne quarters" said a meek servant. I snort at the thought of any servant being meek, they had no choice. With a nod i dismiss her and hurry to meet my father. I'm sure you all think I have a dysfunctional relationship with my father, sorry to disappoint. King Edward wasn't just a good king but the best father ever, he knew every single thing about me and secrets, I couldn't say the same for my mother though. Wessex castle wasn't small, no it was huge and large so it took me time

"Father!" I shouted, running to hug my father like a 5 year old would. I could see the disapproving looks Miss Pearl would give me if she saw me. Lol, who cared.

" dear Elena, how are you my jewel?" My dad asked me. He sounded different?

" I am bored for sure, never in a million years would I have known that traveling across desert and towns would be much more fun that being here" I said with a huff, which earned me one of my fathers whole hearted laughter.

" you're too wild at times child. It's not fit for a lady" anyone eavesdropping would think I was getting scolded by him but atlas he was busy mocking me. He was so different.

" (snorts) mock me all you want, on the fourth night I'll be across Europe to see Lord Thomas. It's been a while and I think he has become too rakish for my liking. Time to set his head straight"

" would it be weird if I said I still didn't like that boy? Whenever the both of you are in one place it breeds trouble. That's by the by Elena. I am sure you're wondering why I have called you"

" as I should father. What is the matter?"

" Do you still remember the favour you'll forever owe me princess?" At that my heart skipped. It's been months since my father talked to me about it. He knew why I ever agreed to that, he knew I didn't enjoy it but I was too selfish to refuse the offer in exchange for my freedom. What could I have done? What were my chances? I could either stay in the castle and become another accessory or have my freedom to do what I wanted and when I wanted. No one knew in the whole kingdom who I secretly was for the king, and everyday, sometimes I wonder if my mother was right. No one could know who I was to the king.

No one knew, nobody could ever know that I, second born princess was the king's secret assassin.

"Why, of course I do remember. Such things are hard to forget I tell you" I tried to make it sound carefree but it came out clipped.

"This is not of my doing dear Elena, but an agreement is an agreement. I do know you do not enjoy doing this but as a king..."

"I know. You saw a chance to make things easier for you and you took it. That's what a good king would do"

"But not a good father" he said with a sigh

"Did you summon me here to make it known that you feel you're a disappointment to me your daughter or did you call me because there's someone out there that needs to be silenced for life"

" rose, I do need you to do something for me but this time you won't need to get your hands bloodied." I scoffed at that, like it was a new thing.

"I have heard that Prince Alistair is reluctant and hesitant about his engagement to your sister Eleanor, I need you to go fetch him and do what you must" I gave a deep sigh.

"you really are a terrible father you know. Why would you want to subject any man to the torture of having Eleanor as a wife?" That earned me a glare. Clearing my throat I asked

" how are you sure I'll be successful in bringing this goddamn prince over here to Wessex?"

" you're a smart girl Elena. And I didn't give you the name dark rose for show you know. I trust you'll get him to agree to this. Remember Elena, this is for Wessex. You must not fail and that's an order from your king" I kneeled with my head hanging in the form of a bow

"consider it done" and with that he left me without another word.

I slumped down on the floor. I'm sure you're wondering what the hell is happening. Let me start from the beginning. I was 5 years old when I realized I didn't want to be stuck in the palace, wearing gowns and heavy accessories, going for tea parties and balls all my life. I wanted to see the world and beyond. I was an explorer. When I turned 15 I wandered around and found a guard practicing with a sword in the fields, it peaked my interest. A wandering mind I had or so I've been told, the sword held power and I didn't want to be a helpless royal. After putting in so much thought to it at age 15, I met with the king my father and begged to able to learn the art of the sword and the skills needed to defend myself. Of course he barked and told me a girl wasn't allowed access to such let alone a princess, but I have been one to get what I want and I remembered saying

'Give me my freedom to do what I want and in return I'll do whatever you want for as long as I live'

What a fool I was, the king after a week granted my wish but told me he'll cash in his favour on my 18th birthday. I was sent far away in pretext of going to learn the ways of a lady while in reality I was learning how to be a good fighter. I was the best my master had ever taught, at least that's what he told me, on that very day I clocked 18. I had my first kill, nothing is much more traumatizing than watching the life drain out of a human. Anyways I'm not going to dive into the past as I like to keep the past in the past.

"For heaven's sake Elena, now you're on the floor like a child?" At the voice of my elder sister I groaned. No way did I want to deal with that wrench after hearing that I'm to bring her nut headed future husband here.

"I find it oddly comfortable sister. You should try it sometimes you know"

"That's the difference between me and you Elena. Thank the lords I'm the first born child and not you, this kingdom would be totally hopeless with a reagent like you"

" I assure you Eleanor that I'd rather pick this life I live a hundred more times than the boring, pretentious life you had carved out for yourself. Although I'm not surprised, after all the Apple doesn't fall far from the tree"

Eleanor was livid but with an icy stare she moved forward towards me and whispered in my ears

"Spoken well dear, although I wonder which tree you fell off from. You're nothing like any of us or the royals before us" with utter disgust Elena stepped back looking at her sister

"Are you trying to imply something? If you may I have matters to attend to... but you wouldn't understand as you're too dense to really understand the kingdom you are supposed to one day rule"

"Power is politics Elena. But you wouldn't know this as I can swear you live a life worse than a rakish prince. I mean a girl at 19 who has been deviled..."

"Enough Eleanor. I do not care about virtue and everyone around knows that. I can't actually see where virtues has taken you to now huh? The people will forever love me more and trust my words over yours"

"You call me pretentious but you are also one dear. You say you're not interested about the palace,kingdom and people affairs and still yet you always talk about how the people and governors trust your words more than mine. Perhaps you're acting so uninterested so..."

"Tsk tsk tsk. A fool is what you are my dear elder sister. Yes I am more than not interested in all this matters for they bore me to death. However, I remind you of this so you know that people may bow at your feet but will never believe a thing that comes out from that wretched mouth of yours. I dare say your future not only as a future queen but as wife lies in my hand dear princess. You see I am in charge of delivering your dear prince here. (Circling Eleanor) just imagine, a woman of no virtues with your beloved. A disaster if you ask me, I could make him hate you, I could do whatever I want" Eleanor's pale face was worth the taunts, she looked at Elena with disgust and left. Sighing Elena decided to retire to the stable to take her horse Sally. Of course Elena would never stoop so low as to try to sleep with the idiotic prince but she couldn't resist tormenting her sister. Riding as fast as she could on sally, Elena recalled how her childhood with her lovely sister was before she found out she was to be the future Queen.

It was barely dawn when Elena woke up and got dressed, she had wanted to stay at least a few more days but the tension in the palace was just too much. Why stay here and be miserable? She'd rather be far off in Europe with her friend and there she can be able to device a good plan to bring the stupid prince her sister is to wed down here to Wessex. People might wonder why was this such a big deal, it really was as if Eleanor was refused in any way she'd do anything to become queen reagent.

Her job was to deliver the bastard here in good condition and make sure he was ready to exchange rings and meaningless vows with the royal hawk.

" bloody hell! Watch it" this one of the reasons she didn't like coming to France. It was always rowdy. Unfortunately for her, Thomas her best friend and confidant was here. Along her father, he was the second person in the whole world she trusted but only to a fault. She stopped at a hackney

" To Grand castle please" and with that the coach man or whatever they are called moved his horse. You'd think I would've rode my own horse but no. Instead my stupid mind had left my poor baby back at Wessex, I'll need to send words back to the castle to have her delivered to me.

" Grand castle?"

"Oh my! We're here already" giving him his correct money and some generous tips. Grand castle is just as grand as its name, big, spacious and ruled by an obnoxious, annoying Lord Thomas.

" ahhh. My oh my, luck must be on my side today. Princess Elena" he said with a perfect bow. "Or should I say commoner Elena? Why in hades are you even dressed like that?! And you came to my palace in a hackney!"

"Are you done with your tantrums Thomas? And how the hell did you know I was to arrive in France today?" I said walking into his house without even glancing at his dotting footman

"Well I received a letter from a certain king, stating.. no threatening to end me if any harm was to come upon his daughter while she's in France. I dare not point out to him that it is I who should be more worried about safety as you can take upon even 30 strong men if you chose to" he said wild a slight frown

"I do hope you do not expect an apology from me for my father. And by the by, why are you even in France? Last time I checked this place sort of brought back unwanted memories" I said strolling into his library

"You hurt my feelings dear Elena. You have only arrived into France and my home and you don't even ask how I've been. For Christ sake, we haven't seen each other in a very long time I tell you. Other friends would be hugging and and trying to catch up but in our case..." I didn't actually have time for his nonsense. Yes, other friends would be all over each other trying to catch up. But me and Thomas were different so I didn't bother letting him finish

"Father has asked me to bring my dear sister's husband to be back home so they can have a wedding. Seems like our dear ole prince Richard has been having troubles making a decision" I said picking a book that I very much needed to read and strolled out finding a room I may be comfortable in.

" I thought you were supposed to be an assassin?"

"I shall stay in this room. Please do well to bring fresh, nice and good clothes to me in an hour time. I wish to take a bath and sleep. And dear Thomas you mean a lot to me and I love you. The reason I have come to France is because apparently acting rakish and careless has become a trend that you have come to love. In essence, I'm here to put your head straight" and without waiting for a reply I shut the door at his face.

Peace atlas. I threw the book on the bed, if I was going to get this goddamn prince back to Wessex then I needed to know everything about his country, castle, literally everything. This was the only thing I hated about this whole thing. I decided I'd get a good rest and when I wake, will deal with how I'll handle this stupid prince.

"(Huffs) killing is better than this"

"Your highness. Your highness" said a sweet and annoying voice. Opening one eye, there stood a lady maid with her hands folded and she looked scared? Arrrgghh I hated it when girls showed how scared they were

"And you are?" I answered

"Rosemary your highness. Lord Thomas had sent me to come fetch you for dinner and also put away the new clothes you had asked for" " you're certainly not French. Si?"

"I'm not French. I lived with my father for years before coming here to France to stay with my mother. My father is an English man"

" very well Rose. I can call you rose right? Thanks for waking me up and please do tell Thomas I shall be down with him in 20 minutes and please do call me Elena".

" I fear I can't do that. But your wish is my command. And oh... do..umm... do you need me to stay and dress you?" Poor Rose. Seems she's served a lot of rich people. Ladies and gents, rich women and ladies somehow don't know how to put on their damn garments themselves! But I wasn't one of them.

"No. You're dismissed" I said in a cold voice. Well I didn't mean to but after looking at the long, big gown that had a low neckline. I was livid. If I wasn't planning on killing Thomas, this should've done it! But then I had also been the one asking for nice, fresh, good clothes. But couldn't he get something that didn't scream 'I'm so rich and have a disgusting taste in fashion?'. With a sigh I undressed and wore the stupid nice dress. It fit perfectly. Well it better did for Thomas own good.

" you do know I treasure food more than the sight of a beautiful woman" Thomas said as I sat down next to him in the dining hall.

" your recent records proves otherwise" I said while taking a sip of the expensive wine set on the table.

" enough already Elena. I'm a man, that too a young one who have needs. And fortunately for me I'm not celibate" he said aching his glass mockingly at her.

" I swear I can't stomach arguing with you. While it's fun, you're a mean ass"

" that's part of the package my beautiful princess. (clears throat) let's move on to more serious matters. How do you intend to convince Prince Richard into marrying your sister?"

"You mean following me all the way back to Wessex and marrying that wrench" I said frowning.

"To be frank with you I don't know what to do or what I'll say to him. Throw me in a mission where a person proves as a threat to Wessex and I'd definitely know what to do..."

"By killing them" Thomas interjected nodding his head.

" this is all new to me" I said slumping back into my chair. Thomas looked at me with a deep frown.

"One would think as a princess you would've learnt how to sit properly. No wonder you couldn't even finish any finishing school"

" good thing no one knows about my lack of training as I do not think I'll ever need them"

" oh you will my dear. You're going to see the prince aren't you? You'd have to live in the castle with his parents" I turned my head glaring daggers at him.

"Fool" I said smacking him on the head. " do you think father would've sent me all the way there to convince that delinquent into marrying my sister if he was already in his homeland? I've been told he is one of his estate in Yorkshire. Apparently, he's parents became too unbearable and as a coward has used work as an excuse"

" wait! How come I don't have an estate in Yorkshire?!" I swear I'll kill Thomas soon.

" how am I supposed to know?! All you do is drink and sleep with wives of Dutch's!"

" can we stop talking about my sex life now? I don't feel comfortable sharing details about the women I bed no matter how close we are"

" whatever" I said with an eye roll. " how are you Thomas?"

" what do you mean how am I? I'm fine" "You know what I mean. (sigh) why are you in France, that too in this place"

" I own this place remember?" He said taking a sip from his wine.

" either you tell me or we do it the old fashioned way. I know you. This place has been locked up for years, you have refused to even visit France! So start talking now"

" I'm tired Elena, it'll do the both of us good to retire now" he said giving her a cold stare she has grown accustomed to thanks to dearest mother. Lost in thoughts she hadn't realized when he stood up and she jumped up immediately to block him challenging him with a glare of her own.

" please Thomas" for the first time in a long time she saw him cry, not waiting a moment hugged him. " I'm so sorry. How long?" She said while hugging him. Somehow she figured it out, the outrageous partying, drinking, gambling. How hadn't she realized?!

" I found out last two seasons"

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

" no idea. At first it was unbelievable, after all these years she was alive and never for once bothered to look for me" he gives out a dry laugh. " she didn't want me in the first place! Why would she even care?!"

" have you spoken to her yet?"

"No. I can't Elena. I just can't. I want to hate her but she's my mother"

"You're a strong man Thomas and I'm glad she's not in your life. She won't ever know what she's lost and that's enough punishment" Elena said holding his face before he stepped away to stare at the open fields through the windows.

" I wanted to end her. When your father sent news of your arrival, I thought it was the best opportunity to get rid of her for good but well I later realized for some damn reason my weak heart still loves her and craves the motherly attention she gives her other children"

"WHAT! She has children now?! My lovely Thomas, please do well to forget her" I said hugging him from behind. Anyone watching us would think we were couples, well we sort of are couples. I loved Thomas as much as he loved me but as a friend don't get it mistaken. With a sigh I realized Thomas right now wouldn't be able to help me with my plan on bringing that idiot from Yorkshire. He needs to stay here in France and i need not to trouble him with my own problems.

" I'll be leaving for Yorkshire in two days" this made Thomas turn around immediately to face her

" if it's because of...."

" no it's not. You need to deal with this in France. No more avoiding the problems cause you do that a lot. Closure is all you need Thomas and that's why you won't be helping me out with this quest of mine. I need you to be sane for me, trust me you'll be forever miserable if you don't get the answers you need"

" well if you've got just two more days, we might as well have fun"

" like crazy kids?" She asked smiling " like kids dear tooth monster" he said laughing and sprinting across the hall and Elena did not disappoint as she chased him around acting like they were children.

The past two days has been the best she's had in a very long time. She and Thomas spent their day playing games, running around the castle like children, dressing as commoners and going into the local market. Now she had to go see Mr coward in Yorkshire and she wasn't in the least pleased about it.

"Excuse me madam?"

"Announce me in. Princess of Wessex. Princess Elena"

"Yes your highness" Nothing is as annoying as waiting for an obnoxious prince

"Good day princess. I wasn't informed you were coming" at the sound of his voice I looked up and my oh my. He's absolutely gorgeous, handsome, his eyes screams danger and power and it made me wonder what lied in the depth of those eyes. "Please, do you come in" he said with a humble bow

"Well, I wouldn't have had to come here if you had just come to Wessex. You do know it really displeases me that I have to come drag the supposed future King of Wessex down to the place he's meant to rule one day" I said with a stiff shoulder while giving my coat to the butler. From his face I could see the prince wasn't too kin to what I just had and to be honest I did not give a shit.

"Please, why don't we leave the matters for later. Harrison, please make sure her highness is settled in well" turning to me he said, "and I'm sure you've had quite a journey. Why don't you rest and tomorrow discuss your reason if visit to my estate. Hmm?" He turned away to walk to God knows where and well, I'm Elena, a stubborn princess.

I followed him " you don't expect me to go sleep and probably stroll in the gardens now, do you? I've come here for business and not to rest!" I continued following him till he got to his library, taking a seat and going through some papers but not before putting on his eye glasses. I didn't know he had a sight problem. Hah!

" business you say. I don't remember conducting any kind of transaction with Wessex in any way. That's something my father would do, not me"

"Oh please! You bloody know what I'm talking about so don't feign ignorance or innocent"

"Ignorance or innocent. You haven't told me why you're here and that too without a chaperone. For a princess I thought you'd have more intelligence and oh, no one swears in here except me" he said in an annoyingly calm tone. I don't think this would work at all, I'm at the verge of slitting his throat with my sword, watching him choke on his own blood.

Yes.

That would give me satisfaction. "I'll swear when, where and how I want to. I'm not some loose girl that need a chaperone, like I said I'm here on business. If I needed pleasure I knew where to go"

"You're...."

" I think I shall take you up on that offer to resting. Perhaps tomorrow we'll be able to speak cordially like royals do. Have a nice day" I left without wanting to hear another word from him. The nerve of the man! My poor sister, if she only knew what sort of man she's to be married with. It wouldn't come as a shock if she decided to end his life as soon as they are married cause he's just so infuriating!

Princess Elena POV

Morning came faster than I could've imagined, waking up in the king sized bed was everything I wished for. It was so fluffy and ....big, maybe too big. Getting up I remembered the arrogant bastard who I'd have breakfast with in a short time.

"Good morning your highness" a girl who looked like she was in between her 20's and 30's said at the doorway of my given room

"Elena. If you're gonna be my hand maid while I'm here, you'll address me as Elena. Ok?"

" thank heavens! I was beginning to think I'll be dealing with another obnoxious princess" she said strolling into the room. I liked her already.

"I'm Augustine. A weird name I know but that's what I go by. So breakfast will be served in 20 minutes and from the look of things, your just waking up" she talks a lot! I gave her a small smile

"It's not like the prince would mind if I came down a little bit late"

"You think? He's so precise about time so let's get you ready" she said clapping her hand. In record time of 10 minutes, I was ready! How Augustine did that, I don't know. While I do not acquire ladies attributes, I can't get ready in even 30 minutes to save my own life.

"You look lovely! Now he'd be mad to not fall in love and marry you" Augustine said giving my appearance an approving look. For some reason I blushed. I blushed! That's never happened!

"Show me the way Augustine" I told her without correcting her that I didn't need the prince to fall in love with me cause he's meant for another. And that bugged me. Why hadn't I corrected Augustine?

Coming down the stairs leading to the dining area, the prince was seated already and on the butler announcing me in, he stood up like any gentleman. Guards were stationed around and I hated it. It was almost like having breakfast in Wessex. I gave him a bow and he reciprocated it in return. Instead of walking to a seat, I walked to the prince instead and leaned to his ear

"Please get rid of the guards. It's ridiculous they get to stand and watch just the two of us eat" I said, and again without waiting for a reply left for my seat. Taking a seat, I raised an eyebrow to him seeing he hadn't moved or talked. This must've shook him from whatever space his head must've been in cause he immediately cleared his throat

"Leave!" And just like that, like they were robots, the dinning area became empty leaving just me and the prince together.

"I suppose you do know how to serve?" He said in a mocking eyebrow. Hah. Shame on him cause I did know how to do all these things. Surprising both of us, I stood up and began dishing out the food. Why? I don't know. I swear it has something to do with this estate, probably I've been charmed of some sort. Just as we said the grace and were about to eat, he speaks

"You do know your coming here won't change anything"

"How so?" I said with a questioning eyes

"I do not wish to marry. Especially a girl I do not know"

"Then you get to know her!"

"Her? You mean You." He replied with a flat look

"Me? Wait.. hahahahaha... you think...whoa (laughs more)"

"Would you get on with it"

"You don't know do you? I'm princess Elena" at this he gave a confused look.

"Outrageous! You do not know the name of your bride to be? (Inhales deeply) I'm princess Elena, junior sister to Princess Eleanor, your bride to be and future queen" dumbstruck. That's how he looked, like a deer caught in headlights.

"Damnation! Does your father know you're here.."

"He sent me here"

"Have you all gone mad! What's this? Sending you over here.." at this point he was already on his feet pacing around

"Well you had refused to come down to Wessex. What would you have him do"

"Not send the younger one after me at least!" He spat out. "Do you not care of your reputation?! What would society have to say. The rogue prince is living with the younger sister of his future bride!"

"Ahhhh. So you do accept Eleanor as your bride" I said with a coy smile

" you're going back"

"Not"

"Are"

"Forget it. I'm not going anywhere, at least not without you" I said with a shrug.

"Damn you" he said walking out Taking a deep breath, I knew this wouldn't be easy but definitely shouldn't be this hard and upsetting. Ever since I walked in here, we've only done nothing but fought. Finishing my breakfast in silence I decided to head for the library to clear my head a little .

It was a late evening and the 4th day of me being in the Yorkshire estate. In these four days, me and the prince haven't exchanged words or even seen eye to eye. He's always 'busy' as he would put it. I was in the gardens and oh my the view was absolutely breathtaking with the moon glowing and making everywhere like something out of a novel. I wasn't putting on any fancy gown on, in my night robe I sat at the swing in the garden looking up to the moon as I heard footsteps approach me.

"Beautiful night, isn't it" no one had to tell me who it was as that voice was the same voice I hadn't heard in four days.

"Such a pity. It's always a beautiful night here but I guess work don't make you see that" I retorted. If he had heard the bite in my words, he didn't show concern, walking slowly and around me he came to seat by my side

"I'm sorry" the arrogant prince said, ok maybe he's not arrogant. He said those words looking at me in the eyes. No one had ever looked at me in that way and I could swear I melted into his eyes.

"Forgiven. I'm sorry too. I was a little bitchy and probably out of line"

"That's ok. Friends?" He said with a smile

"Friends" I said giving him a smile "

well on that note, I'll be retiring to my room. Do you mind if I steal you for tomorrow? It's been a while since you've come and I've been a terrible host to you. I'd like to make up for that" who knew he could be so charming?

"You have my permission to steal me away" and I swear I saw his eyes darken. For some reason the more I stared at his eyes, I got more lost. Breaking the trance he tore his eyes from mine and made a bow to leave but not before saying

"Even a goddess couldn't compare to you in that night wear" was he flirting with me? Or was it just a honest compliment?

Morning couldn't come any faster and to my surprise I had slept well, more than I would've hoped to sleep. Possibly it had something to do with the fact me and the prince Richard were finally on good terms.

"Rise and shine beauty!" Augustine said in an almost annoying cherry voice. Of course in just a few days, the little woman had grown on me. We would chat at any time we had, and while the obvious was busy ignoring my existence, Augustine made sure I wasn't left to wallow and die in boredom.

"Why are you so happy? It's almost disgusting"

"Hmmp, that's nonsense. They say you stay younger when you're happy and smile all day " she said with her hands on her hips.

"Bloody story tellers and lies. My mother doesn't smile, God forbid she ever does but she's as beautiful as the morning lilies, her Lips still as red as roses and her features just impeccable" I said while undressing getting ready for my bath

"No wonder you're pretty yourself. Do you think she bath human blood? I've heard those type of things keep one young" Scrunching my face, I decided to ignore Augustine, lest I just invite the lawyer in her.

One of the things I had come to learn was thar Augustine loved to argue and it wasn't because she wanted to spite one but because that was just who she was.

"You're going out with prince Alistair right"

"Mmm"

" I heard one the guards telling another to get the royal carriage ready. Where do you think he'd be wanting to take you to?"

" to be honest. I don't know"

"Well. It's nice to see both of you are getting along"

"Yeah"

Three dresses later and so many minutes after I was ready and that was all Augustine's fault. I dare not point out to her that I'm not to look pretty for prince Alistair because I wasn't the one marrying him but well, what could I do? Arriving at the end of the stairs, the prince was waiting for me, dressed in his normal prince attire

"Prince Alistair" I said giving a bow

"Please, call me Alistair and if it's okay by you, may I call you Elena?"

"Perfect" I said a little breathless. What was wrong with me? I knew. All these lady like dresses were crawling into me, making me act like a lady

"Shall we?" And with that, I hooked my arm with his as he led me to the royal carriage. Prince Alistair... no ... Alistair had gone maybe out of his way in today's excursion as I had called it. I saw so many beautiful things I never thought I would see. He had taken me into town to see the people around and they were lovely people. We arrived a little bit after dinner time but it was no worry as I had made Alistair buy street food for us to eat.

The carriage halted at the entrance of the door, Alistair stepped down, giving me his hand which I politely and gladly took

"I hope you had fun"

" absolutely. Thank you... for today"

" my pleasure Elena" again, there was just something bout the way he said my name. It was ecstatic, relieving and calming all at once. Without saying another word, we both left to our different rooms for the night and for the first time I couldn't sleep, not out of anything but of fear. Why had I been speechless and breathless when he had said my name. What was happening to me? Sooner than later, the tiredness from the day's activity took over and I was sleeping, slipping into a dream that I hoped never came to be.

The next day wasn't bad either as immediately after breakfast, Alistair had challenged me to a game of chess which I was so eager to accept. I loved the game of chess and welcomed a challenge.

"No!!! You're cheating!" (Laughs)

"no I'm not. You're just a sore looser Alistair. I wonder what people would think (laughs)"

"Stop laughing. It's not that funny" (grumbling)

"You look so cute" I teased him

"Oh yeah? You think I'm cute?"

"Yeah"

" I'll show you cute" and in an instance, Alistair was on me, tickling me which left me a laughing mess

" haha...hahaha.. sss..t..o.. hahahaha.. okay you win"

"Oh no my love" he said with twinkling eyes. I used that as an opportunity to turn us with his back to the ground, pinning him down

"Now who's the winner huh" and then..

"(Clears throat) princess Elena, there's a letter here for you" said Harrison. On hearing his voice, I turned over, scrambling to my feet feeling embarrassed on how the butler had caught me and Alistair. Not like anything was going on.

"Thank you Harrison." I said taking the envelope from him. Turning the letter over, I saw the royal seal of Wessex. Definitely from my father.

"Your father I presume" Alistair said from behind me

" maybe"

"You won't read it?"

" I will. But alone" I said briskly.

" well. I guess that's enough fun for today. It was a delightful time spent. See you at dinner" he said with a bow.

" sure" Immediately Alistair was out of sight, I raced to my given room, locking the door shut. You'd wonder why I was this paranoid, but I couldn't be certain the contents of the letter involved Alistair, after all I was still my father's secret assassin, painfully.

I rip the cover of the letter

'His royal highness, the King. Dear Elena, your sister and mother are running out of patience and I? Out of time. Do not forget why you're in Yorkshire. Remember Wessex relies on you.'

That was it. Just that. Didn't he care about my own well-being? Sometimes I resented my father, no affection or nothing. I understood as a king he had enough problems on his hands but I was still his daughter. I deserved a 'how are you' at least.

I took out my pen and decided to write to him

The Princess Elena Dear father,

what did you mean by running out of time? I'm doing very well and as for Wessex, I would never forget my duty.

Take care pa.

It was simple but still something, at least there was affection in it.

"Harrison! Harris..."

"Yes princess Elena"

"Please could you deliver this back to Wessex. To the king my father"

"Consider it done" and at that I watched him leave with my letter.