(Day 3)
Mike, Peter, and Davy went into town to get supplies. Since Micky was a late sleeper, he was chosen as most likely to watch over their houseguest. Leaving a note beside Helen, the three made their journey into town.
Helen began to stir. At first she was startled as she looked around at her surroundings. When she tried to move, the pain in her right ankle brought it all back to her. The fall, those four guys, their house. She saw the note addressed to on the table and began to read:
Good morning Your High—uh Helen,
Mike, Davy and I have gone into town for supplies.
Micky is there with you. He sleeps late.
Mike left a staff for you, but he says you should stay off your foot as much as possible.
See you later.
Peter
Helen smiled at the note and she saw and began to reach for the staff when Micky came in.
“Morning, princess,” Micky said, but there was a coldness in the way he said “princess.”
“Helen, please, and good morning.”
“Where are the guys?”
“This note will explain,” Helen answered handing Micky the note. Micky took the note and read it. Blast! That’s what he got for sleeping late. Now he was stuck with this crazy girl who fancied herself a princess!
Peter may believe her, Mike and Davy may appease her because they thought she bumped her head, but he would make it his business to openly challenge her royal claims. Although Micky couldn’t quite put her finger on it, he felt the girl was trouble. In short, he didn’t trust her.
“Can I get you anything, princess?” Again, the coldness on “princess.”
“Water, please. Micky, please call me Helen.”
“Coming right up, your highness,” Micky answered completely ignoring Helen’s request.
“Thank you, Micky” Helen said as she took the water. “I know you don’t believe me and that’s OK. I have nothing to prove to you.”
“Maybe you don’t to me, but what about Peter?” Micky huffed.
“What about Peter?” Helen asked feigning innocence.
“You said he reminded you of someone you knew.”
“He does, if that’s any of your business.”
“If you hurt him with your fantasies of being a Princess, I’ll make it my business,” Micky threatened.
Just then the door opened and in walked Peter, Mike and Davy with their supplies. Davy was juggling the most bags.
“Good. I see you two are talking,” Peter smiled as he laid his bag of supplies on the table.
“Yeah, but we’ve got some bad news. We won’t be playing at any wedding gig because the kingdom is in mourning. Princess Helen is dead,” Mike said as he started sorting the supplies.
“What a drag! She was supposed to be married,” Davy sighed.
“Yeah, and the Queen is in control,” Peter added.
“The Queen!! What of my father? Why isn’t his counsel in control?” Helen asked anxiously.
“Here we go again!” Micky said and threw his hands up in frustration.
“All we know is that he will see no one. He is in mourning,” Peter answered.
“I’ve got to go to him! He has got to know!” Helen cried.
“Oh sure. Like we’re gonna waltz right up in the castle and say ‘Oh King, here’s your daughter.’ We don’t even know what she looks like now! She’s been away at school most of her life!!” Micky fumed.
“I am the princess. My father needs me!” Helen cried harder.
“Helen, calm down. We’ll work something out,” Peter said as he hugged the sobbing girl. He shot a look at Micky and mouthed “Cool it!” To that Micky folded his arms and continued to glare at Helen.
Later that same day at the Castle...
Prince Halsten arrived and was greeted by the Queen.
“Ah, Prince Halsten. I am delighted to meet you although it is a most unpleasant circumstance,” the Queen said pretending to shed a tear. “Such a loss. I would have loved to have known the young girl as well as helped her with her wedding.”
“Yes, my Queen. It is rather unpleasant. May I please see the King?” Halsten asked.
“Yes, yes. But first, may I introduce you to Helen’s sister, my daughter, Princess Deceivia,” said the Queen. The princess bowed before Halsten.
“It is an honor to meet you, but as my mother has said it is an unpleasant circumstance,” Deceivia said. “You must tell me about my sister as I so wanted to meet her,”
“It would be an honor as she too spoke of meeting you. Now, dear Queen, may I please see the King?” Halsten again asked.
“Of course. Please follow me,” the Queen said as she led him to the King’s chamber.*This one is not easily swayed, she thought. However, in time, that will change!*
The Queen had set about on a plan to marry her daughter to the Prince in Helen’s place, but she knew gaining Halsten’s trust would not be an easy task.
Outside the King’s chamber. . .
“I must warn you, the King is not himself. Upon hearing the news of Helen’s death, he has taken to deep mourning. He will see no one other than you and I have taken charge of the kingdom’s business. That is until he is ready to rule again,” the Queen said. She opened the door to a dark room lit by four candles. The King sat in bed, but he appeared to be asleep.
“Let me announce your presence,” she said as she walked to the bed. “My lord, you have a visitor. Prince Halsten is here.”
The King stirred and looked toward the door. The Queen motioned to the Prince to come in.
“I will leave you your privacy,” the Queen said as she closed the door.
“Your majesty!!” Halsten said as he rushed to the King’s bedside. The King was a shadow of his former self in such a short time span. The King looked at Halsten and began to cry.
“My little girl is gone!” the King sobbed.
“Yes. Our love is gone. Your majesty, you must regain your strength. Helen would not want you to suffer so at her loss. It—it was unfortunate. I should not have taken her to that coach. I should have let her stay!” Halsten moaned.
“There, there my son. We have both suffered a great loss. I will be well in time, but now, my heart is broken,” the King sighed.
“Sire, if there is anything you need of me, please ask. I will not abandon you,” Halsten pledged.
“I will remember,” the King weakly smiled.
The door opened and the Queen appeared with a cup of tea.
“Sire, it is time for your herbal tea. It calms him and allows for much needed sleep to regain his strength,” the Queen said placing the cup to the King’s lips for him to drink.
“Halsten, I will remember,” the king whispered and fell asleep.
After making sure the king was settled in, the Queen took Halsten to the dinning hall.
“Please join my daughter and I for dinner, and then we will show you to your room for the night.”
Deceivia sat at the table. She smiled as the Queen and Halsten entered. Once they were all seated, the Queen received a message of urgent business.
“Please excuse me. I must attend to such matters. You two carry on. I’m sure you have much to talk about.” Then, she left.
There was an uneasy silence at the table. The only sounds were those of eating. Finally, Deceivia spoke.
“So, please tell me about my sister. I-I wanted so to meet her,” Deceivia said pretending to be sad.
“Helen was a beautiful person. She was so filled with life and spirit. She would have made a fine queen. She was kind and thoughtful. Helen was the true love of my life.”
“Oh, I see. That was a beautiful homage to her. I am truly sorry that I did not meet her. I know I would have loved her as well,” Deceivia said the words, but her thoughts were bitter. *Mother said that he would belong to me. I MUST get him to love me!!*
The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. Halsten finished and requested to be shown to his room. Deceivia summoned a servant to accompany him and bade him goodnight.
The Queen returned to the dining hall to find Deceivia sitting alone.
“Where is the Prince?”
“In his room. Mother, we need to talk!” Deceivia pouted.