Free Missing Royal by Konstanz Silverbow Page B

Valentino.
    “Forgive me, Y—” he begins.
    “It’s my fault, and I’m sorry.” I look up at him, not wanting him to continue treating me like we don’t know each other. I hate it.
    And for a moment, the charade stops. “You’re beautiful.” He looks me up and down, and I let him.
    “Thank you.” I curtsy. I don’t know why, but it just feels right.
    “Shall we?” He offers his arm, which I take in an instant.
    “I don’t know that I’m ready for this.” We walk down the long hall, our steps in sync. A maid walks toward us. She appears to be in a hurry but as she gets closer and realizes who we are, she stands against the wall in a curtsy until we’ve passed.
    “I suppose this isn’t really something you can prepare for but I know you will do great. Your mother and father have missed you beyond measure. They have been looking forward to this day with far more excitement than you’ve been dreading it.” Having him put things in to that perspective make things a little easier.
    “And what if they’re disappointed?” My voice wavers. Valentino stops, unwinding his arm from mine. He faces me, his hands on either of my shoulders.
    “There is nothing they could be disappointed about. You have learned everything you could before coming. Your parents, the ones who adopted you, prepared you in every way possible except for this moment. Smile, curtsy at all the right times, and welcome them into your life. That is all they wish for.”
    I lean in just a little closer. “I don’t know anything about being royal. I don’t know when to curtsy or when to smile or when to speak. I don’t even know how to address my parents.” He puts his forehead to mine.
    “Don’t try to be someone you’re not ready to be. They are aware you have no training in being a princess. Smile upon seeing them—show them you’re happy to be here. Curtsy upon entering the room, when standing before them, and when you are dismissed. As for addressing them, do what you’ve always done.” He steps back and loops my arm around his again.
    We arrive at two very large wooden doors. Each guard moves from their post and opens the door. Inside the room are throngs of people. The royal court, here to welcome home the lost princess. I feel more lost now than I ever did before.
    The room gasps as they see the doors opening. And in the moment I need him most, Valentino steps away from me. I don’t know where he goes or why he leaves but I dread this, knowing I am going in alone. He isn’t coming with me.
    “Her Highness, Princess Shanice Calaria of Umare.” A trumpet is blown and the room all stands as I enter. One by one as I pass, the people they bow. I follow the red carpet and turn past the people to face the dais. There in golden seats at the end of the room, sitting before large glass windows, are the king and queen.
    I continue walking and people continue bowing. I shake with every step, terrified that at any moment something is going to go wrong. But I keep walking until I stand three stairs away from my parents. I curtsy and keep my head low, unsure of what to do next.
    “The princess, my daughter, is home!” the king shouts before closing the last three steps before us and wrapping his arms around me. The crowd cheers. The queen more elegantly steps down, and she too wraps her arms around me. I look up at each of their faces, and in them I can see my own features. My mother’s peridot eyes, my father’s button nose—mine is a smaller version—and they both have the same red fiery hair.
    “Welcome home, Shanice,” she whispers into my hair, her head leaning on mine. I can feel her tears as she cries tears of joy.
    I want to say something. I know I should say something but words are lost to me right now. I’m overwhelmed by this welcome, with all the people and the clothes I’m wearing, and the fact that Valentino left me.
    The king steps back and allows the queen to wrap her arms completely around me. I let her.