~ Princess Rosanna ~
~ Chapter one
Freedom~
In all of her eighteen years of growing up Rosanna had known nothing more than attending stuffy balls and socializing with stuffy people and she had quite tired of it.
She was envied by many village girls and for good reason; she had money, she was a princess, and she was beautiful. Her hair was long and curly and her eyes were the color of the blue sea. She was a small framed girl which only added to her attractiveness. But Rosanna felt that she could trade this all in for the dream that she longed to come true, the dream of freedom. Rosanna clenched her fist together as she recalled the conversation between her and her parents, just two days before.
“As you well know, you are our only child and therefore you are the only rightful heir to the throne.”
Rosanna nodded in agreement with her father, King Charles.
“I am reminding you of this because what I am about to tell you will be something very difficult for you to undertake ,and it will test your courage.”
Rosanna held her breath in anticipation.
“We have arranged for you to be married.”
Rosanna gasped in horror.
“I know this must be a terrible shock to you on your birthday but it must be done.”
her mother, Queen Aria, placed her dainty hand on her daughters arm but Rosanna pulled back.
“I can't believe that you would do this to me.”
her father looked at her sharply.
“Daughter, you may be upset but there is no call for disrespect to us!”
Rosanna dropped her head and began to cry.
“The man we have chosen is already king in the next realm but he is young and very attractive.”
her mother stated gently; but her daughter only continued to cry.
Rosanna was now walking through the castle halls trying to understand what was to happen and find some happiness with the idea. She had met the man she was to marry that very evening; his name was King Derick. Rosanna found his company very pleasing and she had to agree with her mother that he was very good looking. The only thing that she was truly upset about was that she would never gain the freedom that she so longed for.
The halls were lit by torches attached to the stone walls and as she walked, Rosanna saw her shadow dance around her. It was very silent and that must have been why she was so surprised when she heard a conversation transpiring in hushed tones.
Rosanna stopped and listened carefully.
“What about the girl?”
The voice belonged to a woman.
“I plan on ruling the kingdom and she is my key to unlock the door.”
It was King Derick.
“I thought you were marrying her out of love that is what you told me at least.”
The women spoke with a great increase of volume.
A loud sniff was heard.
“The girl doesn't want to marry me and frankly I would rather not marry her either but she is the only way.”
Rosanna knew then that the conversation was about her. She felt in danger so she quickly started back the other way.
“Look who we have here, why are you leaving so soon, Princess.”
At this she could hear the other person run in the opposite direction so Rosanna could not see who it was.
King Derick quickly caught up to Rosanna and grabbed a tight hold on her arm.
There was nowhere to go and no one would hear if she were to scream. Her only hope was to command.
“Unhand me or I shall have you arrested.”
He complied with her demand but stuck his face up close to hers and spoke through gritted teeth.
“Do not think of speaking about this to anyone or I will personally see that your parents end there years in misery.”
Rosanna did not give him the satisfaction of an answer.
“You had better not get in your head that you will always have command over me because when we marry I expect you to obey 'me'.”
Rosanna walked away and struggled to keep her legs steady.
“Remember, Princess, watch your step, because I will always be there.”
His parting words warned Rosanna that she needed to leave the castle and quickly.
Rosanna had been planning her escape for the past week.
Her first thought had been of her parent’s safety; but if they knew the truth they would understand that she was doing this, not only for the benefit of her own family, but also, the whole realm.
The only way that she could get out was through the side gate, but first she must get past the guards.
Before leaving, Rosanna grabbed a small hand bag that contained food, plus other needed items and hid it underneath her black cloak.
None of the regular night guards bothered her though she did get a few curious glances. It was not at all proper to ask the princess's business when she was in her own castle.
It was when she got out of the castle and into the court yard that she had to be careful.
So Rosanna slipped the black cape over her head, quietly eased up to the side gate, and peeked around the wall. The guard was there but so was King Derrick.
“I want this gate guarded very closely. All you need to know is that there have been some threats concerning the royal family.”
“Yes, your majesty, as you wish.”
Rosanna sighed as the king left. She knew that this was going to be much harder than she first anticipated.
As the night dragged on the guard did not leave his post nor did he relax it seemed as though Rosanna would never get her chance to go. Then from the opposite side of where Rosanna sat two riders approached the gate and she saw that the guard was immediately engaged in conversation.
Rosanna took this chance to run. Her Skirts made a light ruffle noise, just enough to alert the guard.
“Halt, who goes there?”
Rosanna did not stop but continued to move along the wall; the guard was quickly gaining on her.
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