Chapter 26:Misunderstandings and Secret Notes
Within days, Adina began to recover from the shock and horror of the 'trial' and Gurnemanz's remarks. She slept, read many of the books in the castle's library, went on walks, and sat in the castle garden. Soon, Adina resumed sitting in whenever Jareth held court. She even began wearing different colored dresses, and found they were not so bad. Life was peaceful, but one day…………
"Da da dum," Hoggle hummed as he walked through the corridors, carrying supplies for the private gardens. Intent on his task, he didn't see Adina coming from the opposite direction, clearly in a hurry. "Da dad u-oops!" They collided abruptly, seeds going everywhere, and both falling down.
"Yipe! Not again!" Hoggle yelped, scrambling around. He looked up, to see a shocked Faerie princess staring at him. "Somethin' wrong, Your Highness?"
"That phrase," she stated slowly, "I've heard someone else say it that way before…."
Oh dear. Not good. "Ah, who?" Hoggle stood, nervously.
"A little short fellow, named Master Beggar," Adina replied, slightly embarrassed. "Actually, I don't know his name, that's just what I called him."
"I know him! Talked to him many times, I have." The words flew out of Hoggle's mouth before he could stop them. "Tending to the labyrinth, seen him. I've picked up his sayins, and he mine." What? That ain't right! Hoggle admonished himself, completely shocked.
Adina, you idiot! Embarrassing the poor fellow! Adina scolded herself. Outwardly, she exclaimed, "Well, I'm so sorry. Things aren't what they seem. Here." With a wave of her hand, all the seeds were back in Hoggle's sack, and Adina was gone.
In her mistress's chambers, Galinda clutched a pillow and cried, as she had done every day since Princess Adina left. The Advisors had been merciless to her since, questioning Galinda constantly, never letting the maid leave the rooms. "Should she come back on her own," one Advisor had stated, "it would seem odd to not have you here. Therefore, you will stay, and wait. And if she does come back, steer her into the hall!"
Upon waking each morning, Galinda would think, Adina, please, if you can hear me, stay away, far away! So far it seemed to have worked. But things couldn't stay like that for long. Rumors were the Advisors planned to petition the Grand Council for Adina's return, on the grounds of 'a dangerous Faerie who has murdered, and will probably do so again if provoked.' No response from them, so far. Thank goodness, Galinda sighed.
A flash of light blinded Galinda's vision for a moment, and disappeared. "What…that wasn't there before!" On Adina's bed lay a rose colored paper. I bet I know who it's from, Galinda thought excitedly, snatching the note up. She began to read:
Dear Galinda,
I hope things are well for you. If not, they will be when you read this. I am staying with Jareth, the Goblin King. We are getting along nicely-even though the goblins are a pain!
How is Mother faring? I miss her, and pray for her every day. Please continue to care for her-it means a great deal to me.
I have to go now. Read this letter thoroughly- as soon as you put it down, it will disappear, so the Advisors in all their wisdom won't put you in prison!
Sincerely,
Adina
Galinda began crying again, this time with relief. "Your Highness, thank you," she whispered to the air, a sense of peace filling her. Hearing a noise outside, Galinda quickly put the letter down. It hadn't flattened on the bed yet before disappearing completely in a shower of sparks. Isn't that just like Her Highness, always concerned, and then makes me smile, Galinda thought, knowing all would be well.
Author's Note: Sorry this is short! I'm going to really try hard and post more of this story. Just please be patient, my life is kind of busy now, since I graduated from high school a few weeks ago, and am in the process of getting things together for college! Oh, and please review.