Chapter Two – Left Behind

Clare awoke the next morning somewhat, stunned of what happened the night before. Was it real or just a dream? No, it was definitely real. It deeply troubled her that a plot was afoot. She tried to make sense of last night's intruder. He was somewhat unique and quite handsome. Me, in love with a stranger? How could I possibly go so low, she thought and pushed her feelings aside.

No, she had to think logically about this. If the King really was planning on killing both she and her mother, why make them royalty and ruin his own reputation? Maybe he would send another to kill? Then, why not divorce her mother instead? Why must they be killed? This did not make sense.

She lay in bed for quite some time pondering, until she was interrupted by her lady in waiting. "Get up, you bag of bones. You don't want to miss out on breakfast do you? I hope you weren't staying up late reading again?"

"No Labellum, I haven't been. I've been awake for quite some time."

"Well, get up! The way you're going you may as well be crippled" commanded Labellum.

Clare smiled; Labellum always had something to complain about. She swung her legs to one side of the bed, before drawing the covers and sitting up. Labellum had already fetched her garments for the day.

"If you do not wish to get changed I suggest you sit there all day" smirked Labellum. Clare got up and stood before her. She began to dress Clare, in a cream, laced dress. Her figure was now exposed presenting her upper and lower body. Layers of fabric flowing from her hips, her upper body was tied with more protruding fabric and her dress was decorated with beads, lace ribbon and other ornaments. She was given cream delicate flat heeled shoes to match the dress.

"Please sit" said Lebullum politely, pointing to the dressing table.

She gracefully sat upon the chair, straightening her dress so it would not crushed by the time, her lady in waiting was done. Whilst Labellum was putting her long, golden hair in an extravagant bun, she looked at herself in the mirror, nothing had changed. She had a small, polite, delicate nose, curved lips and dark brown eyes. Sometimes she just wished she could somebody else. She gave a loud sigh; if only my life wasn't so boring, well, it was until last night, she thought.

Labellum was now finished, "Hurry down to the dining hall, I'm sure they'll be waiting for you."

"Thank you Labellum," replied Clare giving a smile and stood up. She began to walk away, leaving part of herself still at the dressing table. Her steps became quicker, she was starving.

A bowl of Pea soup was placed in front of her and a loaf of bread set in the centre of the table. The King, sat on her left at the top of the table and her Mother just opposite. After the servants had scurried away they began to eat and the conversation began.

"Late again Claravelle?" questioned his royal highness.

"Yes, sire. I struggled to sleep last night. I was quite restless" she answered in reply, taking another slurp of the thin pea soup.

"Indeed. Your Mother and I, disapprove of lateness you know this to be true. It is not becoming of a Princess, to be late for her appointments. That includes breakfast," spoke the King harshly, he was usually this critical. A disapproving frown was the closest he got to a smile.

There was an awkward silence only filled by the drinking of more soup. Her mother remained silent. Her blonde curls surrounded her face, and her hair also tied in a prestige bun. She looked very much like Clare, except for her sky blue eyes. The King, had fading grey hair, deep wrinkles, dark eyes and a pursed mouth. He was a little round, but his height made up for that. From then on, it was just quiet. No one spoke or uttered a word, until the end of the meal.

"May I be excused?" Clare asked. The King nodded, she rose from her seat and curtsied before making her way out the door.

I think I'll go visit Cenella, thought Clare and made her way towards the kitchen. As she pushed open the door Cenella, was putting another of her loaves into the boiling, hot oven. A bead of sweat was upon her brow, her hair was frizzy and was shoulder length.

She turned to Clare, with a warm expression on her face, "Ah, my dear Princess, what brings you here to my humble kitchen? Did the King not enjoy his breakfast?"

Clare laughed, "The only thing that gets in the way of your cooking is his stomach, when he cannot eat another mouth full. Surely you of all people know that?"

"Well there is no harm in checking, my dear. How have you been?" asked Cenella, preparing to make another loaf on the bench. She began kneading the dough with her fists.

"Well, to be honest, something happened last night?" replied Clare solemnly.

Cenella peered up from her work, whilst raising an eyebrow "Oh?"

"Listen, you must keep this a secret. I trust you Cenella, but I must have your word?"

Cenella stopped what she was doing and stood up straight, "You can trust me, my princess, you have my word that I will not tell a living soul. No one shall hear of it and they won't since nobody comes near my kitchen, except you. You've told me many secrets and not a single one has left my lips."

Thank goodness I can trust someone in this place, thought Clare who was most grateful. "A young man snuck into my room last night, he had a message from his clan that the King was planning on killing both my mother and I. I don't know whether to believe him."

A large frown gathered on Cenella's face, "This is quite a problem you have here. Did he say why the King would do such a thing?"

Clare tried her best to retain her composure, "He said that my Step Father has been 'frolicking with ladies of the high court' and one in particular, so he desires to rid of us both."

"You must tell no one of this, Clare. People do not joke about these things. Chances are that he might be telling the truth. Heed my words, Clare, they will probably come for you first, so I suggest you prepare yourself to make a clear escape. The clan is probably your best bet. Do you know where to find it?"

Clare was afraid of this, "I do, he told me so." Her eyes became moist, why on earth would his highness do such a thing?

"Clare, listen to me. As far as we know, this may not happen, but there is nothing wrong in being prepared. You still have time to begin your packing. The sooner the better."

Clare nodded, as streams of water trickled down her face. She began to walk away, when she felt Cenella's firm grip on her shoulder.

"Just be careful, my dear. The world is a dangerous place, and there some very bad people in it. At least you have someone to trust." Clare looked up at Cenella, "I wish it didn't have to be this way."

"I know my dear, I know."