Princess Rosanna 6

Then he suddenly stopped and ordered his men to release the princess. Rosanna ran for the door but stopped as she realized that the storm had become a blinding mess and that she would not survive out there. She continued to stand there, trying to think of a plan to get away. “I thought you would see it my way. No doubt you would have come back anyway, but this way saves me time.” Rosanna clamped her teeth together and clinched her fists. “Do you think you have defeated me? Well allow me to inform you that you have never been further from the truth.” Rosanna saw the woman open her mouth wide at how boldly the princess had just addressed the king. “The least you can do is to give the two of us ladies our own room.” Derrick did not like to be told what to do or think but after observing the hateful look Rosanna gave him, he decided that he would rather not fight. “I think we men can handle being alone but if you two try anything…” His finger pointed accusingly at both women. “Beware, I found you once and be sure that I can find you again.” Rosanna motioned for the women to follow her into a back bedroom and she shut the door behind them. Both women sighed then sat down on the bed. “I don't understand any of this.” The women said before looking accusingly at Rosanna. “You’re the cause of all this, what did you do?” Rosanna still did not feel comfortable with the idea of revealing her true identity so she attempted to change the subject. “You know, I still have not heard your name.” The woman shook her head slightly as she answered. “My name is Phyllis Parks but that is beside the point, you still have not answered my question. I would generally feel that I was prying in where I shouldn't be but since it is taking place in my house I feel that I have a right to know.” It would be impossible to change the subject once again so Rosanna closed her eyes, breathed deeply, and then opened them once more. Phyllis listened intently to every word that Rosanna said; from the time that Rosanna was informed that she would be married to Derrick to the present moment. When Rosanna had finished speaking, Phyllis grabbed hold of Rosanna's arm and looked compassionately into her eyes as she spoke. “You poor dear, I can't believe that the man could be so... so awful!” Rosanna allowed Phyllis to speak her mind even though she knew that it would do no good; but it was nice to know that someone understood her. Phyllis spent a couple more hours soothing Rosanna then they both retired to their sleep. “Wake up; we have no time to waist.” Rosanna opened her eyes and saw Derrick leaning over her. “It is not even light outside yet.” Rosanna was tired and was not accustomed to waking up at any time before the sun had been up several hours. “I will have enough sleep. I am not your captive.” Then she turned on her other side. Derrick became impatient and leaned closer. “I am not playing games Princess, get yourself ready and out into the other room in five minutes.” He was about to leave her side than bent back down to speak to her again. “Do not bother waking the lady of the house.” Then he was gone and Rosanna did not waste any time getting ready. She knew that it could mean putting herself into more danger than she wished to be in and she knew that Derrick would not hesitate to get rid of any one that stood in his way. After readying herself Rosanna took one last look at Phyllis and thought back to their conversation the night before. Just then she remembered her last piece of paper that she had brought, just enough to write a quick thank you not. Then after leaving it on her pillow, Rosanna joined Derrick in the other room. As they mounted on their horses, Rosanna noticed that one of the men was absent but before she could inquire as to why, Derrick ordered one of his men to tie a rope to Rosanna's wrists and attach it to his saddle. “I am not a criminal; you have no right to treat me as one.” Derrick lifted one eyebrow higher than the other and smiled slyly. “A royal heir to the throne that has decided not to fulfill her duty in becoming the next queen can hardly be called innocent. At that very moment Rosanna knew Derrick had been telling her parents lies. She felt a mixture of anger and sadness at the thought of how difficult it would be to convince her parents of the truth. By the end of the day Rosanna's wrists were rubbed raw from the rope and she was tired of riding. As the sun began to set she could see the castle in the distance. She was relieved to see her home again which amazed her for she had always longed to go away from it. “King Derrick, I think it would be proper to take the ropes off now.” He apparently did not appreciate being told what he should do. Angrily he spun about in the saddle and hissed like a snake. “I would not want my future wife to get lost out there in the big woods.” Rosanna blew air out of her nose and rolled her eyes. She wanted to say so many hateful things but she knew that it would only make things worse so she focused her full attention on the castle that was becoming so clear that she could see a guard pacing in front of the gate. The guard caught sight of them and paused to focus closer on the approaching riders. “Who goes there?” King Derrick cupped a hand over his mouth and answered back. “King Derrick and I have brought the Princess back.” By this time they had reached the gate and the guard bowed before opening the gate for the to enter. Rosanna eagerly looked to the guard for help but he only scowled and turned his back.