The Forgotten Princess

We girls have been talking for quite some time now. I think this is the best time to excuse myself from our girl chat.

"Ms. Karolina, Sati, I will excuse myself for a bit." I said. "I need to use the rest room."

"Oh, of course your highness." Karolina replied. "You can ask the maids outside to lead you to the rest room."

"Thank you very much." I said with a smile.

"Are you okay going alone big sis?" Satiana said. "If you want, I can accompany you."

"No need Sati, I can manage." I declined Sati’s offer.

I stood up and exited the receiving room. Outside, William and Jack were standing guard with other two from the duke’s guard.

"Been waiting ages." Jack whispered and was looking bored.I giggled in response.

"Is the duke waiting?" I asked in a low tone.

"Yes, I will lead the way." Jack said.

I looked at William before departing. "Stay here for now. If Sati comes out and searches for me, tell her Jack was the one to escort me to the rest room."

I would also like to take William with me as a precaution, but I need someone to stay and guard Satiana. As for Jack, he was my middle man between Duke Matias so I can’t leave him behind.

"I understand." William replied but it was evident that he really wanted to escort me. "Be careful, okay?"

"Don’t worry Will, I will be fine." I replied with a smile.

Fortunately the duke’s estate doesn’t have janetite. I can use my magic abilities if ever something bad happens. And with Jack by my side, I feel a lot safer. I am more at ease with leaving William to guard Satiana’s safety.

Jack led the way and I followed from behind. One of the duke’s guards that were guarding the receiving room followed us as well. The hallway was pretty quiet and there was a tense atmosphere knowing that we are being watched from behind. The duke must be still warry of my reason to meet him.

Not long we stopped in front of wooden double doors. The guard from behind took the lead and knocked on the door.

"My lord, her highness Princess Alicia and Sir Jack is here." The guard announced.

"Yes, let them in." Duke Matias’ voice was heard inside the room.

The guard opened the double doors and I see a big sized room inside. Judging from the looks of the interior, it was the duke’s office.

"Greetings Duke Matias." I curtsied.

"Your highness." Duke Matias stood up from his seat and bowed. "Please have a seat." He gestured at the receiving area of his office where couches are placed.

Both I and Jack takes our seat side by side in the long couch while the duke takes his seat in front of us.

"Please tell the butler to get some snacks and refreshments for our guests." Duke Matias ordered his guard.

"Yes my lord, right away." The guard bowed and left the room.

"So your highness, I heard that you wish to speak with me." Duke Matias started. "How may I help you?"

I see the duke sitting still and firm. Judging from his appearance and his demeanor, he is a serious man with power. This made me nervous just being in front of him.

’Calm down Alicia, you can do this.’ I told myself.

"Duke Matias, I am here not as princess or as Aunt Patricia’s niece. I am here today solely for myself and for the future of the three countries." I said with a firm voice.

The duke looked at me with all seriousness. "Go on, I am listening."

"I know that you are the leader of the noble resistance that is against the queen continuing this war. I know some inside information about the queen’s real reason for this war, and also what she is planning to do. I ask for your assistance to bring down the queen once and for all."

The duke was looking at me with piercing gaze. I can feel he was judging me.

"I will tell you my decision after I hear what you have to say." The duke said solemnly.

I was at least happy to hear that the duke is willing to hear me out that I realized I was holding my breath and I sighed in relief.

"But first there is someone here who wishes to meet you." The duke said.

"Wishes to meet me?" I asked in confusion.

"Yes, he traveled from far away and asked me to help him meet you." The duke said. "Coincidentally, you asked to meet with me. So I thought it would be good to include him in our discussion, as he also brings valuable information."

I nodded in understanding. I was curious who it was that wants to meet me here in Jennovia.

"Let him in." The duke ordered.

The door opened and a middle aged man came inside the office.

"Dad?!" Jack stood up and pointed at the middle aged man in surprise.

"Haha, it’s been a while my son." The middle aged man was no other than George Wilson, Jack’s father. "How have you been my boy?"

The father and son hugged each other as a greeting.

"Well you know me, hehe." Jack replied. "What brings you here dad?"

"Well I was asked by the king of Grandcrest to visit his fiancée." George’s gaze fell upon me.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Sir George." I was about to curtsy but George stopped me. He on the other hand kneeled down on one knee in front of me that caught me by surprise.

"All hail to thee that carries the blood of the Almighty One. Hail to the blood of gods on earth, descendants of the Powerful One." George said with a loud voice. "This lowly one greets thee, princess of Atlantia."

I was caught by surprise. This was the first time I have ever heard of a greeting such as this, that I was speechless. The room was also silent for a while. George stood up and gave a gentle smile.

"I am sorry to startle you, your highness. I just never thought I would see someone of the royal blood of Atlantia ever again." George said. "I can’t help but give you my official greeting. It was a greeting given to the descendants of the Almighty One, the bearers of the royal blood of Atlantia."

"The princess... you mean she has Atlantian royal blood?" Jack looked surprised.

"Haah... these just shows you never listened to my lectures boy!" George scolded Jack. "Didn’t I tell you about the distinct features of the Atlantian royal family?"

"Of course I listened to your boring lectures." Jack defended. "But I guess I wasn’t able to get that part about the royal family. Maybe I was asleep at that point, sorry hehe." George shook his head with his son’s response.

"So, you are of Atlantian royal linage." Duke Matias said. "This is quite interesting. I am now more interested on what you have to say."

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Thanks,

Les01