Anna stood nervously at the door. She knew her father was inside and expecting her. She took deep breath but it didn't give her any confidence. The doors swung open and she entered. Her father sat there at his desk glaring at his computer screen. As King he had always carried the world on his shoulders and even as a little girl she had always been afraid of him. "dad" she whispered, "yes" he replied not taking his eyes of a computer. "I love someone" she stammered. "Who" "Mr Bates". "Wonderful I was secretly hoping the two of you would get together, his parents will be delighted" her heart dropped from her chest to her stomach. "Dad I love Christopher's father". The King looked at her shocked "Anna, your a princess even if you were a normal girl it would be impossible. He's a married man and he is old enough to be your father." Anna turned and ran to her room.
Anna put her head round the door Vera was out. She breathed a sigh of relief, it didn't seem fair that she still needed a governess none of her sisters still had one and she was sixteen. Every time she tried to broach the subject her father always put it off and lashed out at her. Anna didn't understand why although it probably had something to do with the fact Vera stayed out most night and came home drunk. Mr Bates probably wanted to divorce her. On cue Mr Bates entered "hello Anna, is Vera here." Anna shook her head. "What did your father say?" "No" "he is right Anna you can do better, marry a courtier with a title a estate the size of Wales". "But I want to marry you. Anna, think about it" then he left.
Vera entered the room. She looked around and saw Anna. Anger flared in her eyes and picked up a empty bottle. Anna sat there petrified. She could smell alcohol on Vera's breath. Everything started spinning and then she hit the floor with a thud.
Anna woke up everything seemed very blurry. She could hear doctor Clarkson talking to Vera. "She's concussed just keep her in bed for a few days and she'll be fine, well done for finding her". Anna sat up slowly to see the doctor leaving. "You're awake" Vera said "how did you find out " Anna asked. "I was waiting for your father in his private apartments and heard your entire conversation. Consider that as warning sign"she growled " stay out of my life and I won't hurt you". Then she got up and left.
Anna lay there she knew she had to escape.