2MSS #6: Other Side pt. 2
Part 6 of my 2-month short story challenge with @kiraawrites !!
The Crown Princess of Kosteyle has been missing for four years.
Today is her younger sister’s sixteenth birthday and the acceptance of her as the new Crown Princess. The entire palace army, including me, have been staffed with guarding the proceedings--nobody is coming near Princess Zemira.
“Eric!” barks my station leader, snapping me out of my thoughts. “The Princess wishes to speak with you—though I don’t know why you, of all people, should have the honor.”
“Thank you, sir; the same to you,” I respond, grinning and making a mock salute. He rolls his eyes as I leave, laughing at my own bad joke.
The hallways of the palace are silent but heavily staffed with guards in full uniform. I grin at a few of my friends and stick my tongue out at a few of my foes. When I reach the Princess’ bedroom door, I must be given clearance by the two stationed guards before I enter.
The Princess opens the door. “Oh, Sir Eric!” she says. “Please, do come in.”
The door closes behind me, and my younger sister wraps her arms around my waist.
“I’ve missed you, dear Erika,” she whispers, hugging me tightly.
“Me too, Zem.” I smile. “Why today? You know you can’t do this often—did you wish me to give you my congratulations?”
Zemira stays silent, as if thinking about whether she should answer.
“Promise you won’t resent me?” she asks softly, and I squeeze her hand.
I don’t have time to answer before she barrels on.
“You know how cruel Mother and Father are, and I know you told me not to be like you and pretend to be someone I’m not but you also told me to follow my heart and I—“
Zemira looks up at me with wide eyes. I put a hand on her shoulder.
“I’m going with Eli,” she says softly.
“Elianna? The serving-girl?”
Zemira nods, blushing a little. I smile.
“I understand. Mother and Father aren’t… well, you need not go through the struggles of being Crown Princess with them monitoring your every move. It was hell.”
Zemira chews on her lower lip. “I’m leaving tonight. With Eli.”
I reach into my bag. “Then I have something for you. I was saving it for after the ceremonies, but I guess I can’t wait.” I pull out a silver crown and place it in Zemira’s hands. Flipping open one side of the crown, I slowly remove a long, flexible rapier.
“To keep you safe,” I say, kissing her forehead.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I hug her again. “Have a wonderful journey.”