Chapter 5 (Hate)

I can't believe this! Is Prince Reece involved? Can I make these assumptions based on a knife? It could be a coincidence... right? I can't think straight I need to get out of here!

I run as fast as I can and find myself in the castle gates.

"Miss, What seems to be the problem?" One of the guards spoke after seeing the flustered look on my face.

"I just need to get some fresh air outside. Do you mind?" Please let me go.

"Sure Miss but make sure to be back after an hour."

"Thank you so much, sir." Before he could change his mind I went outside the gates and walk straight ahead.

It's been so long since I've been in the streets. I forgot how it even looked like, my parents never let me outside the castle, only for special occasions and whatnot. So I never got to explore my kingdom outside its palace gates. This might be refreshing. Hopefully.

I see all kinds of small shops in the street. Some for food, games, clothes and much more, if only I had some money on me. Wait! I remember getting an advance from Noe! I check my pockets and sure enough, money was there. I rush towards a stall that was selling hotcakes as I hadn't had anything to eat since last night. Wow, it's just been a day since my life fell apart.

I take a bite of the hotcakes and it tastes magnificent! And for the first time in forever, I was happy, Actually happy. I loved being by myself without any guards or anyone threatening to take my life, it's just me and... this hotcake.

"Miss, are you okay? Does my food taste so bad that it makes you wanna cry?" I was confused at what he was meaning at first and I notice hot tears in my cheeks. I was so happy that I actually cried.

"No! The food is so good, I am so incredibly happy!" I smile so wide that all my teeth were shown.

"Good to know Miss." He also smiles back at me.

For an hour I roamed the streets and explored all the shops, Getting to the castle gates was easy because you could see the castle 10 miles away. It was huge.

I headed to the castle gates and got inside without any hassle of being a little late. And just like all my happiness went away. All sorts of questions were running in my mind. But right now I have to know If Prince Reece has good intentions or not.

I head back to the royal chambers and this time it was empty. I start looking around the room. Inside the cupboards, draws but nothing. Just then I hear footsteps and look for a place to hide. I hide inside the huge cupboard.

"Prince Reece, You haven't had a meal since yesterday! Please eat!"

"Have you found her body yet?" His tone sounded sad, is he really sad?

"No Sir. I heard she was a horrible person. You should be glad that you don't have to marry her" Horrible? Was I so Cruel?

"She wasn't horrible George! She was just lonely. I could see it in her eyes. She was lonely and so am I. I wouldn't call it love at first sight but she would have understood me. She was a person George, and I was her fiance. It's only right for me to mourn her death. Let's not disrespect the dead George." I don't think I can even doubt him after that. He really cares, he is sincere.

It could be acting but if it is, he must be the greatest actor in the world. That's how sincere he sounds.

"Sorry, Sir. I will be leaving now." With that, his footsteps fade away. I still had to hide because Reece was still in the room.

"Why do I have the feeling you're still out there? I hope you're safe.."

with that, he left the room. This is all I needed to trust him. I can't tell my secret as it may endanger me as well as him but I trust him completely.

There is no way that he would intentionally try to hurt me. No way in hell. He didn't know I was in here and yet he remained sincere. I need to find out the connection between the knife and the ones to get me killed.

I slowly exit the room without being seen. After the sunset, I went home after a long day and slept like a log.

I woke after hearing screams outside my hut.

"Come out! Thief! Traitor!"What? Did they find out who I am? I slowly and cautiously exit the hut and get thrown tomatoes on me.

"We thought Sara Lilly ran off with all our money! But here you are!" Another one was thrown at me. So that's why the hut was empty with nothing left. And since I assumed her identity. I am in deep trouble. They all think I am a thief!

"GIVE US BACK OUR MONEY!!! TRAITOR! THIEF!"

"There must be some kind of misunderstanding! I did not steal anything!!"

"Liar!!! We saw you!! just because you change a little bit of your appearance doesn't mean your not a thief!!

What do I do? If I'm sent to the royal court, treason like this can get me banished from the kingdom! Where will I go? What will I do???

"You're coming with us!" I was being dragged. I shouted and pleaded, but no one would listen to me.

"Please!! Let me go!!! I did not do anything wrong!" I cried

"Please... someone believe me..." I whispered hoping the gods would hear. Maybe I deserve this. I was. No. I am cruel, so cruel. I am the Princess with the black crown in her head who is destined to meet her end. Who destined to disappear with no one to mourn her death. I am a failure just like my parents!

"STOP! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!"

Prince Reece screamed and caught all of our attention. I guess the gods don't hate me after all.