A Royal Surprise

by Nichole Blithe

  “What is this?” I look from her to the driver I don’t recognize.

  “Shut her up,” the driver tells Ludo as he slips in next to me.

  His dark eyes meet mine. “Shut up or I’ll shut you up.” I nod and sink back into the seat. “Hey baby,” he coos and leans over the seat to give Eleanor a showy and disgusting kiss.

  “That’s enough you two. We need to get out of here fast. You realize what will happen if we’re caught.”

  “He won’t risk his precious daughter getting hurt.” Eleanor sneers shifting her eyes back to glare at me.

  “Well I won’t risk us being caught and spending life in prison.” He stomps on the gas, driving in the dark with the lights off. My heart thunders as we swerve over the gravel path, more than once getting dangerously close to the edge. It’s a twenty-foot drop down the steep hill side. I feel around for a seat belt clicking it into place saying silent prayers we don’t hurtle over the edge.

  At the bottom of the hill, the driver finally turns on the headlights and turns down the street that will take us through the heart of the town. The dash lights come on and the clock display reads just after midnight. It will be hours before Clara even realizes I’m missing and unfortunately the town is deserted. Everyone is at home in their beds and there’s no one to see me in this car.

  We travel through town until we reach the far end, slowing in front of a little family house that looks just like all the others on the street. Simple, two-stories, a garden still filled with flowers from summer. It would even be cozy if I hadn’t been brought here after being kidnapped from my bed in the middle of the night. He parks the car in the darkened alleyway between the houses. Ludo gets out before reaching in grabbing me by the shoulders to pull me out through the car behind him and I’m ushered inside the house through a side door.

  It’s just a regular house. There aren’t any torture devices set up in the kitchen or living room, so for now at least I can worry less about what their plan is. The thought barely forms when the thump of footsteps descends on the stairs. Ludo pushes me forward again to be more in the living room to wait for whoever else is about to join us.

  “Hello princess.” The polished man says stepping down from the last stair.

  “Mr. Regalo? Why are you helping Eleanor?” What could he gain from helping her? If it’s about money maybe I can reason with him, offer him more, anything so I can get away.

  His face twists into an evil grin and he chuckles. “Stupid girl, still haven’t figured it out. I’m not helping her. She’s helping me.”

  “Helping you do what? What do you want?” What could he and Eleanor offer these people that they would help with such a foolish task.

  “What I want is for you to be out of my way. I was so close to having everything and then you came out of nowhere to take it all from me. I’ve watched and waited for an opportunity to deal with you. What good fortune I had when Eleanor sought me out. You really should be more careful of where you make enemies.”

  “I didn’t take anything from you. I don’t even know you.” I step forward but Ludo tugs me back.

  “I’m Danilo Dunsany.” He stands tall and proud smoothing his hair.

  “The cousin who wants the throne.”

  I met him weeks ago at the children’s hospital. He’s been watching me and planning alarming things all this time. I have no hope he’ll let me go. This is just as personal for him as it is for Eleanor.

  “That throne is mine, it should be mine.”

  “The throne is my fathers and he’s a good leader. He will never give it up to you.” Dad won’t give him what he wants just because they are holding me hostage. I wouldn’t want him to.

  “I want the throne and I will have it. Once midnight passes you will no longer be eligible to be his successor then the crown will pass to me.” He sits on the sofa crossing an ankle across his knee and relaxing his arms on the back. “Just to speed things up a bit, your father needs to abdicate the throne. If he doesn’t, I’ll kill you. It’s that simple, little princess. I will be king, and no one can do anything to stop it.”

  If I keep him talking maybe I can buy enough time to come up with a plan. “You think the people will stand for that? For a king who threatens and kills to get his way?”

  “No one will ever know once the two of you are out of the way.”

  “You’re insane.” Probably not smart to call him that. He must be, normal people don’t kill to get their way.

  His grins fades into a dead emotionless stare. “Lock her in the bedroom and get ready to make the call.”

  Ludo drags me up the stairs and roughly shoves me in the bedroom before shutting the door. The lock clinks into place and his footsteps soften as he walks back downstairs. The voices are quiet but carry up enough for me to hear if I lay on the floor with my ear near the gap on the bottom.

  “We obviously can’t let her live after this, she knows too much,” Danilo says.

  “You never said anything about killing her,” Eleanor replies, her voice has a shrill pitch I’ve never heard before. “What do you think the king will do when he finds out? This will all come back on you, the deal is for you to be king. I just wanted her to suffer for what she did to me. I won’t be taken down with you for murder.”

  “There can’t be any loose ends. We’ll arrange for the king to come alone to collect his daughter. Along the way he will meet a tragic end.” Kill my dad? I have to warn him. I can’t just sit here while Danilo plans his death. There has to be a way to get out of here.

  “This is too much. This is treason.” Eleanor’s screech takes on a new pitch, and Danilo cackles.

  “Do you want to get locked up in there, too? It can be arranged.”

  “No.” I can barely hear her reply.

  “We’ve come too far now, don’t make me end you too and that little baby in your belly. You can just as easily end up in that accident with the king and no one will think twice about it. Do what I say, or I end you all right here right now. You already brought me the princess, what do I need you for?”

  They found this many people around me to be in on this plan, who can I trust? I know Danilo has supporters on the island, any of these houses could belong to one of them. I look out the window and see the glowing towers of the castle. It’s a long walk, but possible.

  We aren’t too far from the square. If I could just make it to the little house I could get back to the castle. I just need to get out of here unseen. The window on the front side of the house opens to the pavement, but the window on the side opens to a small patch of grass. If I hang from the window and try to lower myself as much as possible it won’t be that far of a drop.

  The window slides open quietly and I’m so thankful. I swing one leg out and then the other until I’m hanging from my stomach. I lower myself, but my arm strength is pathetic I slip and my foot hits the wall.

  “Go check on her,” Danilo’s voice carries up the stairs. Just drop do it now. If they catch me now, I won’t have another chance. I hit the grass and the jolt carries up from ankles through my calves. I stumble to stand and begin an awkward limp run away from the house ducking into a shadowy area in the next ally over.

  “She’s gone,” Ludo calls, leaning out the window peering down the street. I slink back against the wall in the dark alley trying to be invisible. When his head disappears from view, I run down the street in the direction of the square.

  One of them shouts behind me and I run harder.

  If they get in the car, they will catch up with me no problem. I don’t have much of a head start but without them knowing where I’m going, I have a little advantage. They will think I am heading for the castle. I turn on a side alley and circle back before cutting across and heading over to the street with the little house. My legs ache and my chest burns from running, but I’m here. I’ve made it and they haven’t found me. Heavy boots pounding against the pavement have me running for the door. They can’t see me, if I just make it inside this will all
be over.

  I land against the door panting for breath, my feet ache from running barefoot across concrete and stone paths. They can’t be far behind. My fingers slip pressing the wrong buttons. Finally, the latch clicks, and I turn the knob swinging the door open.

  “She’s here.” Ludo calls out from the end of the street. The fast and heavy footsteps close in as I dive in and slam the door, running for the pantry. The front door splinters open as I’m closing the pantry door. I cover my mouth with my hands and slowly back up toward the tunnel entrance.

  “We know you’re in here, princess. Come out.” It won’t take them long to find the secret passage at the rate they are tearing apart the little home. Their footsteps make it up the stairs and wood splinters as they rummage around the upstairs rooms looking for me.

  I swing open the passage door as quickly and quietly as I can, hoping their noise masks any I’m making. Once the tunnel door is shut behind me, I’m left in pitch black darkness. I slowly climb down the cold damp steps feeling for each with my foot, clinging to the wall as I go. I hope I can find my way back to the castle blind. At the bottom of the steps I pick up my pace feeling along the stone wall for the opening I need up ahead.

  The door scrapes along the ground as the passage is opened, light shines down the steps.

  “This way there’s a basement.”

  Luckily Ludo isnt one of the guards that checks the tunnels, so he won’t know the way. I run. I can’t let them see me. My foot catches hard on a stone on the floor, I fall landing hard on my hands and knees, sprawled in the dirty damp passage floor. I look back over my shoulder to the steps. Flash light beams reach the bottom and their footsteps echo down the passage as they descend, if their lights can reach me, they will find me. I push up limping along again until a few feet ahead I feel the opening that will take me back toward the castle. I duck around it and go as fast and quietly as I can.

  I have no choice but to hide in one of the side passages, there is no way I can out run them with my knee throbbing and limping. I duck into the first passage I see, crouching into a recess along the wall. My heart pounds in my chest, my knee throbs in time with the beats, and my hands shake while I make myself as small as possible.

  The footsteps and whispers grow louder as my captors move closer in their search. Soon they stand only feet from me as they shine the light down the tunnel.

  “This one’s a dead end, let’s get back to the main one. She can’t be far.”

  “What the hell is this place? Maybe we should talk to Danilo before we get lost in here.”

  “And what? Tell him she got away? In some tunnels under the city that we have no idea where it leads. He’s threatening that damn duchess now, you think we aren’t disposable, too?”

  I stay crouched long after their retreating footsteps no longer echo and then stand in the recess. I lean against the cool wall until it’s been quiet for so long the silence roars in my ears. Many of the tunnels circle back to the main one to confuse any intruders. As long as they don’t manage to take the path I plan to, I should make it to my dad’s office unseen. There is only one way to that door and there’s a chance I could get disoriented in the dark and end up lost down here. It’s unlikely anyone would come down here to look for me.

  Stepping back out into the larger tunnel I head in the direction of the castle passageway. After what feels like hours of slow and silent walking, I should be getting close. I take the next passage to my right and follow it searching for the tunnel to the left that will take me up to the secret passage. I walk and walk never finding the passage to my left. Finally, the passage spits me out back near the beginning.

  My heart races and I can’t breathe no matter how many large gasps I take. They’re going to find me. I’m never going to get out of here and they will hurt my father. What would make them stop there? No one is safe from these people.

  I lean back against the wall, sliding down when my legs can’t support me anymore. I can’t keep the tears from spilling and sit on the floor sobbing.

  I don’t know how much time passes as I sit on the floor shivering and my face still damp from tears., but it’s enough. I can’t sit here helpless waiting to be found by my captors.

  I listen quietly for any sounds of movement that they are still in the tunnels with me but hear nothing. I slowly pull myself up to stand and begin making my way back down the tunnels. This time I breathe trying to calm the panicky feeling and count out the tunnels correctly. Finally, I arrive at the stairway that leads back into the castle.

  I climb up the last steps to the passage that comes out near my dad’s office fumbling in the dark for the lever. Finding it, I pull, and pull, but the latch won’t open. When the wall finally swings inward the light floods the tunnel blinding me. The dull throb in my head quickly spreads to a pounding. Voices come from every direction. I limp around the corner toward my dad’s office. Several guards stand in the hall, they freeze when they see me and clear a path as I walk to my dad’s office. His back is to the door and he’s on the phone. His rage as he yells at half a dozen guards is nothing like the composed and caring man I’m used to.

  “They can’t have gotten far, stop any boat around the island, stop every car, go door to door. I don’t care what you think. He’s threatened her life and he’s refusing to let me talk to her.”

  “Dad.” My voice croaks out, my throat is dry and burning.

  He drops the phone and snaps back to me, before he runs across the room scooping me up. I cry out when his leg brushes against my knees. Just the light touch sets the throbbing off again.

  “What happened?” He looks me over as he releases me shrugging out of his jacket and putting it around my shoulders. He guides me to the sofa and pouring me a glass of water from the pitcher on the coffee table.

  I sink into it without thinking and then jolt forward. “I fell in the tunnels. I’m going to ruin your fabric.” I’m scraped and bloody, my night gown is dirty and damp. I stand, but he gently guides me to lean back.

  “Don’t worry about such things. How did they get you?” Wendell stands behind Dad watching and several guards stand off to the side.

  “Ludo.” Three guards exchange a look and walk out the door.

  “Why would he? I’ll have him imprisoned for this.”

  “Eleanor got him involved somehow. She had some sort of arrangement with Danilo. Well, I thought she did. He threatened her and the baby. Everyone really. He’s completely unstable. He was going to kill you to take the throne. I had to warn you.

  One of the guards returns and whispers something to Wendell before turning to leave in quick strides. Wendell steps forward, “Excuse me Your Majesty. The head guard has been notified. All available guards will be ready for patrol in ten minutes.”

  Mrs. B runs into the room. “Grazie Dio.” She collapses on the sofa next to me, taking my hands in hers and looking at the scrapes. Tears pool in her eyes threatening to spill. “I’ll call for the doctor.”

  “I’m sure it’s not that bad. Could you help me to my room, so I can shower?”

  “Of course, dear.” She stands to help me up. “Careful now.”

  “I’ll be up to check on you shortly, Adella. I need to speak with the guards.”

  I nod and leave with Mrs. B. In the shower everything from the night races through my mind and my worry for Quinn claws at my insides. I can’t stop the tears that burn my eyes and I stay under the stream of hot water letting them all wash away.

  When I get out of the shower Dad, Seneca, Mrs. B, and Wendell are in my room along with a short gray-haired man I haven’t met.

  He smiles gently. “I’m Dr. Gallo. If you’ll allow me Your Highness, I would like to look you over, make sure there is nothing serious.” He shuffles over to the bed and I sit while he begins his examination.

  “I really think I’m okay just a little sore and my head hurts.” I had another wave of dizziness in the shower, but it passed quickly.

  He moves my hair off my fo
rehead looking at the area. “Did you hit your head?

  “I guess. Might have happened when I fell. I only felt the force of it in my hands and knees.” I hold my palms out to show him the scrapes.

  His fingers run quickly and gently over my hands, knees, and head. He shines the light in my eyes and the room spins.

  “Well I don’t see anything pressing, and you don’t appear to have a concussion. You’ll likely be sore for a few days. If there are any changes or you have persistent headaches, I want you to come by the hospital for another evaluation.”

  “Thank you, Doctor.” Dad claps him on the back and walks him to the door.

  “Of course, Your Majesty. Anyone that would do something to such a lovely young girl,” he shakes his head, “it’s unimaginable. Please let me know if you need anything further.”

  Dad crosses back to the bed and sits on the edge. “We were so worried. I’m so glad your safe.”

  “Have you found Danilo?” He can’t stay free after this, what will stop him from trying to kill my dad again.

  “Yes. He and Eleanor were found in a car near the harbor trying to get a boat off the island. Quinn is with the guards now looking for Ludo and the other man. With any luck they are lost down in the tunnels.”

  My heart thuds and a queasiness settles over me. “Quinn’s out with the guards? He isn’t a soldier! He shouldn’t be down there!”

  Something could happen to him. One of those crazy men could hurt him.

  “Adella, the boy was frantic, we all were. The call came in on my private line. We thought it was a hoax until we hurried to your room and saw you missing. Then when the second call came threatening your life. I was ready to give up everything for you.” He turns to me grasping my hands in his. “I’ve never felt so relieved when you stumbled in hurt but alive, once you were safe that fear turned to anger. Quinn cares for you deeply, I saw that tonight. No one could have stopped him from going after the men. I’ve never seen the boy so determined about anything. He needed you safe as much as I did.”

  Suddenly a shiver settles over my body and wrap my arms around myself. I care about him too, so much. I could have lost so much tonight. My dad, my life. But I didn’t. And I don’t want to lose Quinn. How long until we are fed up with keeping each other at arm’s length and are no longer friends. I could never give up having him in my life.