THE HIDDEN PRINCESS
CHAPTER 2
As the years passed, Lilly became stir crazy within her room since she was never allowed out to explore or just be a normal child. So as a result, every chance she got she would try and escape, only to be caught by one of the guards, or caught by one of the maids soon after. On more than one occasion, her parents or brother would be the ones to catch her and bring her back to her room. After a year of this going on, and using every trick she could possibly imagine, Lilly finally gave up and instead turned to books. She figured if she couldn't go out and see the world, then she would bring the world to her. So she read everything she could get her hands on, from funny books, to books on adventure, and even romance, but her absolute favorite was books on magic.
She didn't really know why, but something inside her stirred when she would read them, but it also fascinated her with how many powers there were, the possibilities were endless. But the abilities of a magic user that really seemed to call to her, were the elemental ones, as well as illusion magics.
Over the next two years, every time someone visited, she would be so engrossed in a book that she wouldn't even register the person's presence unless they physically made it known. That usually included the book she was engrossed in being plucked from her hands or placing a hand on her shoulder, which would cause her to jump in surprise. Currently, she is absorbing the contents of one of these spell books in her hands, her blue/violet eyes scanning it's contents slowly. She's so focused however, that when she goes to lean against a nearby wall, she presses a switch within the wall panel and yelps in surprise when she suddenly falls back into a room behind the wall. Once she comes out of her thoughts, she notices the wall/hidden door has slowly shut closed behind her, enveloping everything in shadows. Taking in her surroundings as her eyes begin to adjust to the darkness, she notices a small set of stairs that go downwards to what looks like an old wooden door at the far end of the corridor. Intrigued and a little excited at this new discovery, she gets to her feet, brushes off her lavender silk dress that hangs down just above her ankles, and cautiously walks down the stairs before coming to stand in front of the door. With a slightly trembling hand, she grabs the metal ring on the door and gives it a yank…
Nothing happens. Furrowing her delicate dark brows, she tries again with a little more force…
Still, nothing happens.
Giving a huff of annoyance, she rolls up the sleeves of her dress, grips the metal ring with both of her hands, and grunts as she pulls on the door with all the strength she can muster. Finally, the door begins to open with a loud groan, as if someone was waking it from a long slumber and it wasn't too pleased about it.
With a little more effort, the door finally opens with a bang, followed by some long vines that seemed to be the reason the door stubbornly held shut. Not thinking much about the noise she just caused, Lilly slowly stepped forward beyond the door and gasped at the scene she found. The most beautiful garden stood in front of her, with a white marble fountain standing at least 6 feet tall in the center with two wolves standing proud on top, the crystal blue water that sprouts out between them sparkles in the sunlight. Around the fountain were tall hedges that circled half way around each side, and around them were flowers in every shape, size and color. But what really made this seen captivating was the ethereal glow that seemed to radiate from the flowers even in the day.
Lilly was so absorbed in the garden's beauty that she didn't notice the tall, muscular figure that came to stand beside her until a huge hand landed on her shoulder, causing her to jump away and finally look up in surprise. There, she saw her father, the king, taking in the scene before him with a hint of nostalgia in his blue eyes. Her father's presence alone demanded respect, but one would give it gladly at a glance. Her father stood 6'5 tall, with piercing blue eyes, a long defined nose on his chiseled yet calm face, full lips, and blonde hair that was almost white on the sides. Even, Lilly at the age of 8 thought her father was very attractive.
Feeling his young daughter's eyes on him, the king's face becomes tender and he looks down at her with loving eyes.
"I see you've found our secret garden." He says with a soft smile.
"Why is it hidden daddy? It's so beautiful!" She exclaims, once again looking at the garden.
The king nods and strokes his daughter's hair, her gorgeous silver hair that hangs down to the middle of her back gently being swayed in the breeze.
"This used to be your great grandmother's garden. When the duties at court would be too much for her, she would come here where no one would disturb her. It was the only place that brought her calm." He explains to his baby girl.
Lilly just continues to look at the garden in awe which makes the king chuckle slightly before crouching down beside her, causing her to look at him.
"Do you like it?"
He asks and, Lilly nods her head with enthusiasm.
"Yes, I like it very much." She replies with a bright smile.
He returns her smile and takes his daughter's hand in his before slowly standing.
"Then it's now yours. You can come here whenever you like."
She gasps and looks up at him in surprise, and he looks back down at her with a gentle squeeze of her hand.
"Thank you so much daddy!"
She beams and her father chuckles before once again bringing his hand up to stroke the top of her head.
"Of course little one. But right now, it's time for lunch. Plus, there's something else I wish to give you."
Lilly nods and holds her father's huge hand within her small one and makes her way back into her room, although from a different path. Her father brings her through a door that's located behind a portrait of the royal family's ancestors within their family study. Not having ever seen it before, Lilly takes a moment to admire her surroundings. Books upon books lined neatly on top of shelves can bee seen in every direction, and Lilly can't help but be entranced by it. The king chuckles once more before pulling his young daughter from the study and make their way back towards her room.
When the guards see the king and his daughter coming back hand in hand, they quickly go down on one knee and cross their right fist across their chest.
"Forgive us your majesty, we did not know the princess had gotten out. We will take responsibility!" They exclaim with their heads hung low.
The king just chuckles and waves a hand dismissively.
"Do not fret, she merely went into the hidden garden. Please rise, but do be more attentive in the future." The king smiled and placed a hand on the guards shoulder.
"Sir!" The guards salute, standing up as straight as a board.
The king was known throughout the land as a kind and just ruler, who only used a firm hand when the situation demanded it. And her mother the queen was known for her kind heart, grace and beauty. They were truly loved by their people.
The king led, Lilly back into her room and sat her on the edge of her bed. He then ordered the maids to come into the room with the gifts he had procured for his daughter. One by one, each of the 3 maids that attended, Lilly every day came in with at least two boxes in each of their arms.
The first two boxes were large, probably containing a new set of clothes in each. The second set are slightly smaller, probably containing new shoes to go with new said outfits. And the last set is slightly odd. One of the objects wasn't a box or package, but instead looked like a long object hidden under a cloth with a handle protruding out the top. Lilly looked curious at that one.
Seeing what she was so curious about, the king had that maid step forward. A pretty young girl with red hair and blue eyes that contrasted against fair freckled skin, walked towards them with a bright smile before lifting the cloth off the object hidden beneath.
Once the cloth was removed, Lilly gasped and brought her small hands up to her mouth. The cage was a shimmering bronze with a delicate floral design, but what occupied the cage was what really caught her attention. Inside was an owl, but it was as white as pure snow with blue eyes. It was beautiful to behold.
Lilly reached out gently and grabbed the cage before bringing her face close to it. Her violet eyes and the owl's blue ones met and she instantly felt a connection, like something inside her knew that this owl was meant to be hers and only hers. She thanked her father and the maid before the maid did a small curtsy with a smile and took a step back. The other maid came forward and handed the two biggest boxes to Lilly.
She carefully opened the boxes to reveal two new dresses. One was a deeper purple and had a bit thicker fabric than her other ones, more than likely for the winter months that are right around the corner. And the other dress was a light blue silk dress with sleeves that flared out at the wrists, floral silver embroidery ran along the sides of the bodice down to the skirts. It was beautiful to say the least.
She once again thanked her father and the maid before the last maid came over to her with the final boxes.
Lilly opened them and, just as she thought, they were shoes. But instead of her flats, these were boot type shoes, each one matching her new dresses, but the material was so soft to the touch. She loved them and smiled brightly to show them she was sincere. With another thank you to the maids and her father, the king dismissed the maids. Before leaving, they gave a small curtsy and smile before filing out of the room. Once the king and his young daughter were alone, he reached inside of his robes and pulled out a small box before holding it out towards Lilly.
"A gift from your mother. Along with an apology that she couldn't make it today. Your siblings needed her for one reason or another."
Lilly nodded in understanding and took the box from her father's hand. She looked down at it and slowly lifted the lid off it before gasping. Inside was a gorgeous crescent moon necklace made of silver and had diamonds along its length. When she pulled it out of the box, the jewels hit the light just right, causing the pendant to sparkle brilliantly.
Her father put it on for her before, Lilly placed a hand on her chest where the pendant now rested against her skin. She smiled brightly at her father and threw her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. Her father returned it and gently rubbed her back.
"Happy birthday my beautiful, Lilly." He whispered.
She smiled and thanked him, hoping this love and happiness she felt would never end.