Missing Royal

by Konstanz Silverbow

  “If I could tell you, I would. But the moment I tell you, I’ll lose you forever.” He speaks as if he’s known me more than the short time I’ve been here.

  “You’re not going to lose me, Javiar. We’re friends.”

  “Are we? Or am I just your help? Because every time I try to get close to you, I’m brushed off. I understand that you’re in love with Valentino. I know I can never hold your heart the way he does. But you won’t even give me a chance to be your friend because you’re so worried about him.” His words hurt more than they should.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s going on with him right now. I may be in love with him but I don’t think he feels the same way. All of that aside, I’m sorry if it seems like I’m pushing you away. I don’t mean to. You are my friend. Right now, it seems like you’re my only friend.” I look him in the eye.

  He’s so close to losing his cool. I can feel the tension building up in him. He needs a release, just like I did. “I’ve been everywhere, and I don’t belong anywhere. Those who know who I really am abandoned me. They never gave me a chance to explain. So I bottled it all up. I pretend I’m not really this person. And I never ever tell anyone the truth.”

  “If they left you so easily, perhaps they weren’t truly your friends.” I touch his arm, offering him the only comfort I can.

  “I know. But it doesn’t make it any easier. I would rather have friends who never find out.” He turns away, wiping at his eyes, never once letting me see the tears.

  “Don’t tell me everything. Just tell me what you need to say most. I can see the pain you’re in, and Javiar, I understand that pain. I know what it feels like. I’ve been alone for a long time.” I set the tray on the table and sit a little closer.

  “And what happens if I tell you and you realize I was right all along? I can’t lose you as well. You’re the only friend I have.”

  “If you can’t trust me to handle it, then you’ve already lost me.” I frown, sad that he is so lost in his fears and secrets. I stand beside the window and watch the night go by. Very few people walk through the streets—probably going home after drinking.

  I feel Javiar step up beside me. I watch his reflection in the glass. He catches my eye and holds my stare. “My mother is the princess who destroyed this kingdom, along with all the other kingdoms. My mother is the one searching for you. The one who wants your head.” A single tear falls from his eyes.

  My lungs seem to quit functioning, I can’t breath as I take in what he just said. His mother is Mendina. It’s no wonder he didn’t want to tell me. My heart breaks. I turn around so we’re standing face to face. “Does Valentino know? Do my mother and father?”

  I place my hands on his neck and lean closer, my mouth to his ear. “Javiar, listen to me. Your mother’s mistakes are not your own.”

  “No. But my mistakes must be answered for.”

  “What do you mean?” I step back and lean against the wall again.

  “I worked for Mendina for a long time before I realized she couldn’t control me anymore. I left but the damage has been done. If this gets out, if anyone knew, I would be a dead man. And that’s the problem—I’m telling you, and you should be the angriest of them all.” He paces the room.

  “I don’t understand. She controlled you; she used you. Yes, you did some awful things but you’ve changed. You’re trying to keep that in the past and make a future for yourself.” I look back out the window, and see Valentino. Sitting on Knight. He’s gazing up at me.

  He must’ve realized I should be here by now and coming searching. I smile as he goes out of sight, entering the inn.

  “So what you’re saying is I should be forgiven?”

  “I’m saying you need to forgive yourself. Move on. Help me now—help me rebuild everything. Make up for your mistakes rather than dwelling on them.”

  “I’m saying you need to forgive yourself. Move on. Help me now—help me rebuild everything. Make up for your mistakes rather than dwelling on them.”

  Javiar stops pacing, and without a word, he marches right up to me and kisses me. His hands are on my face, in my hair. I’m stunned. But he surrounds me and I care about him – my brain stops working as I slid my arms around his neck, I almost kiss him back. But before I have a chance to react at all, the door bursts open.

  Javiar jumps back so fast, you’d think he was on fire. Valentino’s cheeks are crimson. He looks between us, but I don’t know what to say. I doubt he’d listen anyway. The damage has been done.

  “Come with me,” he says to me. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t mean for Javiar to come at all, but I follow Valentino and Javiar follows me.

  Star and Knight are saddled, waiting just outside. Javiar’s horse isn’t there which means my assumption was correct. And he doesn’t intend to wait for him, either. I barely have time to mount before he takes off.

  I look back at Javiar, torn. “Just go.” He waves me away. I follow Valentino, afraid I won’t catch up. Because he’s already angry, I use the opportunity to get out some of my own anger. “Why did no one tell me I have magic?” I yell.

  “What?” He pulls the reins, stopping in the middle of the street. I ride up right beside him.

  “Why didn’t someone warn me I have magic? We almost died back there because I didn’t realize I was being overwhelmed by powers I didn’t know existed,” I spout off. I tried not to be angry about it.

  “Shanice, look around you! This world is living off magic. It’s everywhere. And the place you grew up on is one of technology. Your parents tried to keep you away from technology. They didn’t want you connected to it, they didn’t want you so used to having all those gadgets that you were unwilling to leave them behind. More so, they didn’t want the technology and magic to collide and hurt someone.”

  “That’s all wonderful,” I snap, sarcasm heavy in my voice. “But why did not one warn me?”

  Valentino takes a deep breath and pushes Knight to keep going. I follow him closely, waiting for an explanation.

  “It was your parents’ job to tell you. For whatever reason they didn’t bring it up.” His voice is clipped—he’s angry and hurt and annoyed with me. I slow my pace until I’m riding behind him rather than beside him. I want to apologize, I want to tell him how I feel, I want to know why I let Javiar kiss me in the first place.

  He leads me down several streets until we arrive at a small cottage on the edge of the forest. An older woman, her brunette hair curled in a bun, is standing just outside the door holding a lantern. Her gray eyes are sad and she shivers despite being wrapped in a lace shawl over her long black dress.

  “Your Highness.” She curtsies to me. “It is an honor to be in your presence.” She smiles. Deep wrinkles around her eyes and mouth show signs of worrying for far too long. “Please come in. Lancilotto will take care of your horses.” A young man close to our age approached from the dark. He takes the reins to both horses.

  I step down and follow the woman inside. “Thank you,” I say, realizing I’ve kept silent. Valentino closes the door behind us. Brooding, angry—livid.

  “I have waited for this day most of my life. I almost gave up hope.” She sits beside the hearth and invites us to take a seat. I do. Valentino stands in front of the door.

  “Is he, Lancilotto, the prince?” I ask.

  “Indeed, Princess. His kingdom no longer stands, which means I do not know how much help he can offer.”

  “We are combining forces. He alone can offer plenty. We need his help in stopping Mendina. Does he know?”

  “No.” She shakes her head, sadness glossing over her eyes. “He was just a baby. I was his nurse. I tried to save his parents as well but my first concern was the prince. I got him to safety but when I returned, it was too late. The damage had been done.” She looks so broken, so old.

  The door opens, startling Valentino. He whips around but when he sees it’s just Lancilotto, he relaxes.

  Lancilotto looks at the woman, then back to me. Back t
o her. “Nastasia, is everything all right?” he asks, concern filling his voice.

  “Yes, dear. This is the princess.” She says. Lancilotto turns to me. Just as he is about to speak, knocking at the door startles us all.

  This time it is Javiar. Valentino glares at him, pure hatred in his eyes but he allows him in. How would he explain things if he didn’t? I turn my attention back to Lancilotto.

  What do you tell someone their life is a lie and they are royalty? Well, if I want to take after my parents, I should surprise him hours before his life is turned upside down.

  He is handsome—tall, large build, full of muscle, and blond. He seems kind, friendly. And happy.

  “Your Highness, it is an honor.” He bows low. I curtsy in reply.

  “Truly, the pleasure is mine.” I hate what I’m about to do. Now I just have to figure out how to tell him the truth. I wish Valentino had discussed this with me before introducing us. A little warning, time to prepare would’ve been nice.

  I lean a little closer. “Would you mind taking a walk with me?” I can’t believe what I am about to do, but we need him. I need his help. I’m not sure why or for what, but I know I’m supposed to find the missing royals and bring them together so we can build the kingdoms again.

  “It would be my honor.” He offers his arm. I smile and take it. Valentino and Javiar both stare me, eyes wide, as we walk through the front door.

  “For what do I owe the pleasure?” he asks, smiling all the way.

  “Lancilotto, how much do you know about your family? Your parents?” My heart breaks, having to be the one to tell him the truth. I question why Nastasia never told him.

  Lancilotto just chuckles. “Not much. They died when I was very young. My wonderful grandmother has taken care of me ever since. I remember a wonderful childhood full of hard work and food well earned. Nastasia is a wonderful person, kind and compassionate. I don’t regret the happenings in my life.” He smiles earnestly. And I can’t help but smile with him. This man is content with what he has, just as I was, and yet, he was born for so much more. Just as I am.

  “Lancilotto, I’m happy that you are content with the life you have lived. But … ” Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe the words about to come out of my mouth. “I am about to change everything for you. You have to understand something—I didn’t know who I was until the day I came here. My parents never told me. They didn’t tell me that I am a princess.” I cringe, using the word.

  “They didn’t tell me that I had to save the world. So understand that I know exactly what you’re about to go through.” I take a deep breath. “You’re a prince.” I wait for some reaction. Any reaction. But all he does is stand there, looking at me. Which, technically, is a reaction.

  He moves as if he is going to say something, like he wants to say something but he stops every time right before the words actually come out. I honestly feel for him. If there is anyone out there who knows what this moment feels like, it is me.

  I gently pat his arm. “I know,” I say simply, letting him think it through. Waiting for him to begin the question process. The silence is understandable. We continue walking as he processes all that I’ve told him.

  “I think I’m ready to hear more.” Lancilotto finally looks at me.

  “I have to find the scattered royals, to piece things back together in order to have the power needed to defeat the one who destroyed in the first place. Lancilotto, you’re one of those missing royals. Without you, I can’t do this. I know you weren’t planning on this—I know you weren’t expecting it. But neither was I. All of this was forced on me, and I decided to accept it. I need you to do the same.”

  “I would like to know more but I am willing to help.” He squares his shoulders, ready for whatever comes his way.

  “Thank you.”

  A soft knock on the door pulls me from my light slumber. I had tossed and turned for hours, unable to fall asleep as I wondered about all that I knew at this point. I am quick to my feet, pulling a robe around my shoulders as I answer the door.

  “Your Highness, I am sorry to bother you before the sun has risen, but there is someone important that you must meet with her. She may have crucial information for defeating Mendina.” Nastasia fidgets with her hands as she awaits my response.

  “Sure. Just let me change.” I look down at my attire, running a hand through my tangled hair. I can’t remember the last time I actually brushed it.

  “Of course. But we must hurry. I will meet you outside.” She nods before backing away. I close the door and change my nightgown out for a pair of breeches and a tunic. I pull my boots on, noting how they no longer cling to my leg—rather, only barely fitting anymore.

  I hadn’t even noticed all the weight I’d lost in just a week of being here. I finish lacing my boots before tiptoeing from the room to meet Nastasia outside. As I walk, I yank through the knots in my hair with my fingers until it’s smooth enough to braid down my back.

  As I step outside, I am greeted by the first hint of sunlight as it rises over the mountain peak. The sign of another day, another chance to make right all the wrongs Mendina has done to this world. I try to enjoy the beauty for what it is rather than comparing it to the evil witch.

  “Follow me.” Nastasia motions with her hand toward the little path between rows of homes. I follow after her. We pass a few people on the street but they only glance our way before returning to their business.

  I’m nervous, being out and about alone with someone I only met yesterday evening. Then again, I’ve only known Javiar for about a week, and with that in mind, I let it go. Valentino trusts her. I have no reason not to.

  Nastasia stops just outside one of the cottages and turns to me. “Shanice, you must understand that everything you learn today is very important. Do not disregard what Danica tells you, for what she knows could save us all.” Her last sentence sends chills down my spine. I don’t know how to reply, so instead, I nod. She smiles before stepping through the doorway of the cottage in front of us.

  I follow her, shutting the door behind me. The inside of the cottage looks much like Nastasia’s. No décor. Plain walls, a single table with four mismatched chairs beside it. And despite the warm air, there’s a fire going. Sitting beside it in a worn and frayed chair is the woman we’ve come to meet.

  “Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you.” She stands, folding my hands into hers. Her eyes are kind, a warm brown. Her cheeks are sunken in and she looks frail. “I do so wish we could have met under better circumstances.” She returns to her seat by the fire and waves her hand to the other chairs, silently offering me and Nastasia seats.

  I pull a chair from the table and sit across from Danica. “Thank you. I also wish for that but alas, this is where we are. I will do whatever it takes to stop Mendina and bring peace back into this world,” I reply, unsure of what I’m doing. I feel so out of my comfort zone.

  “Then it is a good thing you’ve come here. Without the information I can give you, you may not have a way to defeat her. I am Danica Elizalde, former queen of Gowell. And the princess witch you’ve sworn to save us from is my sister.”

  I had a response ready, but now I am stunned silent. I hadn’t even thought to consider that Mendina might have siblings—I just knew I had to destroy her. How could I have lost myself so much that I was willing to destroy someone else just because I was told I had to?

  “Please tell me everything you know. Tell me how to stop her,” I ask, I plead.

  “I am not going to leave you with more questions this day. You deserve the truth. You deserve answers. And here they are.” She takes a deep breath.

  I can’t help but feel sorrow, looking into her eyes. She wipes away the tears and begins.

  “You must believe me—this world was once a happy place. The happiest of all worlds. And I never imagined such a land could grow so dark in the wake of destruction and mourning. But my sister has shown me how cruel jealousy can truly be.

  “It was on
my eighteenth birthday that she showed how dark her heart had grown. We were dressing for the ball. We each got a beautiful new gown—hers was rich green, and mine was dark violet. We were both stunning, and neither one of us was left alone the entire evening. All night, we danced with many men, laughing and enjoying the moment. As much fun as I was having, I was biding my time, waiting for one man in particular. He knew it, I knew it—we just had to wait for the perfect moment. My heart leaped inside me just seeing him.

  “Finally the hour came when he asked me to walk with him. We strolled through the gardens, and there, under a full moon, he got down on one knee and begged me to marry him. How could I say no? I was in love with him, and my parents knew it. They loved him too, finding he was the perfect suitor. We didn’t leave each other’s arms the rest of the evening.” Danica takes a breath before continuing.

  “Now, something you must understand about my precious Kajetan—he wasn’t born of royalty. Once my parents passed, their kingdom would become ours. The following morning, my dear sister found out. She found us strolling in the corridors, holding on to one another. She was shocked, and disappointed. She didn’t say a word—she just ran. I realized too late what was wrong. She was in love with Kajetan as well, and she lost everything she ever hoped for in a single moment—the love of her life and the kingdom she planned on having.

  “I followed her, leaving Kajetan alone. She went straight to the garden. When I found her, she turned to me, tears streaming down her face. All she could say to me was, ‘How could you?’ I didn’t understand how she could hate me so much when I had never known she was in love with him.

  “The days following, my parents prepared for a wedding, though it wouldn’t happen right away. It took us all a week to realize Mendina wasn’t there. We realized too late that she had disappeared, and no one knew where to begin looking for her. That was our biggest mistake. It was another year until the wedding, and at that point, most considered my sister to be dead. The wedding came and went, and it was the happiest day of my life. A year and a half later, I had a beautiful baby boy, and one year after his birth, I had a daughter.