Chapter two

The next day I head up to the Prince's chambers with a tray of breakfast, thinking about what Miss Brit said to me yesterday. I had already taken breakfast to the four guards that had arrived with him and they didn't even ignolage me. Yesterday however the Prince had seemed different, compassionate in a way. I couldn't stop thinking about him. Then I started to formulate a plan to escape. The Prince seemed kind-hearted, maybe if I befriend him and get him to somehow see Madame Obrect's cruel ways then he'll take me away from here and let me go free. It's at least worth a try, I think.

I approach Prince Nikolas's door and knock very nervously. I hope that he's alone.

"Enter" I hear him say. So I enter the room with my tray of food and look around. Good he's alone. I curtsy the best that I can with the tray.

"My apologizes for bothering you Your Highness," I say, "but I brought breakfast on orders from Madame Obrect."

"Oh. Thank you Elizabeth. You can just set the tray on the table over there." He pointed to the ornate table in the corner of the room. I was momentarily stunned, he thanked me and he remembered my name. Madame Obrect and Miss Brit never thank me unless they are trying to look good in front of company. But Prince Nikolas and I were alone; he couldn't have been trying to impress anyone. I go over and place the tray on the table.

"Do you mind if I ask you a question?" I was startled when he asked, but also I was also ecstatic that he wanted to talk to me.

"Of course." I reply, all the while scolding myself for getting excited. He probably only wants to ask you what time lunch will be served, I told myself, or where the stables are located.

"What's your story?" He asked. This must be shock Elizabeth day or something and I didn't get the notice.

"Excuse me?" I ask, and then I quickly look down, remembering my place. "Sir." I add.

"You know, tell me about yourself. I can tell that you're from England by your accent. So how did you end up here, in Germany? How long have you been here? That sort of stuff. It was nice hearing you talk yesterday, I was wondering how someone so sweet could end up in a situation so bitter."

"Oh." I say. "Well, my real name is Elizabeth Webber, and I'm 14 years old. When I was 12 I was visiting Paris with my parents and my older sister. While we were there I was kidnapped by some French traffickers." I choke up a bit at this part. I haven't told anyone about what happened while I was with the traffickers. I try to not even think about it. "They sold me to Madame Obrect about a week and a half later. I've been here ever since." I finish, looking down. "I should probably go. Miss Brit already warned me that if I was caught talking to you that there would be severe consequences and I'd rather not be punished again." With that I turn around to leave. My plan is actually working; I saw the look of pity on his face when I told him my story. I know that it would be risky to stay any longer right now though.

"Elizabeth, wait!" He catches my arm right before I reach the door. I turn around and look in his eyes before quickly averting my gaze. He just stares at me for a minute before looking down awkwardly and releasing his grip on my wrist. "Just, thank you. For telling me your story I mean, it must be hard for you. And for what it's worth I'm really sorry that you ended up here." He said looking up with genuine sorrow on his face.

"Oh, well thank you for listening to me." I say. "Nobody here ever listens to me and it felt good to talk about it. Just please don't tell my masteress or Miss Britta about this conversation. I don't think that it would bode well with them."

"Uh… sure thing." He said rather awkwardly. I hope that I didn't just blow this whole thing, whatever it may be. And with that I curtsied and left.