Chapter 1
Renetta was playing her flute when she heard a small knock on her door. She put down her instrument as the door opened.
"Your Majesty, King Frederick is in the drawing room. He is asking for you and your sister immediately," her chambermaid, Genine, said.
"Alright, thank you," replied Renetta. She exited her room and headed for the drawing room, carrying her flute.
There, she saw Maressa, her older sister, sitting in front of their father; her hands twisting like it always did when she was nervous. Renetta sat beside Maressa and held her hand.
"Renetta, Maressa, my daughters," Frederick cried, tears falling. The girls were taken aback and they hurried to console their father. "Papa, what is it? Tell us what haunts your mind," said Maressa.
"I hate to bring up this matter and to do what is necessary for it, but as I said, it is needed," began Frederick, "As you might have noticed, these are dark times for our country. I need you to live in Narnia for a while, until I see it fit for you to return to Celadon. War is looming over us in way that I cannot yet perceive. I do not want you to be in the line of fire."
A short silence followed this announcement.
"But Papa! Narnia is so far away!" burst Maressa. "Do not overreact, daughter. It is three days away on horseback," replied Frederick, his voice shaking.
"Papa, you're going to send us away?" asked Renetta, distressed. "I'm afraid I must, my darling," replied Frederick, "The High King of Narnia is downstairs to escort you as soon as you are ready. You'd best change into traveling gowns rather than those you have on now." He left them with a sad look upon his face heading downstairs.
For a few moments the sisters held each other in an embrace, crying bitterly. Maressa was the first to let go and wipe their tears. "We had better do as Papa says. I would hate to see him unhappy," said Maressa. Renetta nodded and they stood. They went into their respective rooms to change.
Renetta saw that Genine was still in her room as she entered.
"Genine! Whatever are you still doing here?" she asked.
"I beg your pardon, Majesty, but your father told me to pack your things," replied Genine, sweeping into a low curtsy.
"Oh. Well, carry on then," said Renetta, her eyes welling up with fresh tears. But she stayed strong and swept up the dark green traveling gown laid on her bed. Genine helped her put it on. She also helped Renetta arranged her hair into a long braid running down her back.
"Thank you, Genine," said Renetta as she finished.
Renetta went down, closely followed by Genine, who was carrying her bags. They met Maressa I front of the dining hall with her own chambermaid, Wynona.
They entered the dining hall together, and saw that King Frederick was talking to a man about the age of twenty.
"Do you think you can have—," he was saying but he felt his daughters' presence and turned.
"Ah, girls," Frederick said, "King Peter, I would like you to meet my daughters, Maressa—" -Maressa curtsied- "—and Renetta." Renetta curtsied as well.
Peter bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet the two infamous princesses," he said.
"You flatter us. It's a pleasure to meet you too," replied Maressa quietly.
"Yes, well, you girls will be accompanied by King Peter to Narnia, where you shall stay for a few months, as I wager," said Frederick.
"Yes, Father. We will try to be in our best behavior," both princesses said.
"Your luggage will follow you after a few days. For now, you need only satchels that contain a couple of gowns, a skin of water, and some food. It is important you travel through the country undetected," added Frederick.
"Of course," said Maressa.
"We'd best not tarry, Highnesses. We must get to our first lodging by nightfall," said Peter suddenly.
"Yes. Yes, of course." Frederick nodded and took his daughters' hands. He led them to the stable.
Maressa mounted Braen, her horse, by herself. Renetta was helped by their father in mounting Ciell, her own. Peter mounted his steed.
"Goodbye, daughters. I will surely miss you, as the rest of our family will." Frederick hugged his daughters.
As they rode away, both girls looked back to wave back to their father. This was dangerous, of course, but they could not resist.
OMG. Hard. All I can say. Review and comment.
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