DISCLAIMER: I do not own these characters from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper. I'm not making money from this story.
The tears continued to stream down the princess's face as she abruptly stood up. Ignoring her husband and mother's attempts to comfort her, she swiftly walked out the room for some fresh air. Queen Genevieve and Julian called for her to come back. The queen began to leave the room after her daughter, but Julian stopped her. Anneliese needed space. He told the nearest guard to follow her without interference.
Brisk walking turned into jogging which turned into running. The sound of her name eventually faded, until the only sound Anneliese heard was the clicking of her shoes on the hard marble floor. The princess never ran from her royal duties, but all of this wasn't her royal duty. It wasn't her royal duty to be threatened. It wasn't her royal duty to be frightened for not only her life but her child's as well. It wasn't her duty.
So she ran.
She ran until she came to a dead end in her room. She was breathing hard and her muscles ached. The mountains greeted her as she walked onto the balcony. The princess took deep breaths. Her balcony had always been a place of comfort. When she felt confined and claustrophobic in the palace, she found refuge here. It had the best view of the village from anywhere in the castle, and she loved to watch people going to and fro, imagining what they were doing and yearning to be with them. Completely free of royal duties for just one day would be blissful. No monotonous royal banquets, frivolous etiquette classes, or boring council meetings. Her eyes fell on the busy people at the market. With the prosperous geode industry, the village economy continued to flourish. And she even began visiting the market on a weekly basis to monitor the progress. Anneliese was always excited for her weekly excursion from palace life. She looked at the minuscule villagers again. Anneliese wondered what they were buying. Who were they buying it for? If she was down there, what would she buy?
However, now it was different. Today, the thought didn't bring her peace or comfort. She would never get to visit the market now, even with her cape, because it was too risky. Today, they didn't bring her solace, she was jealous of them. Jealous of their ignorance and sense of security. She continued watching them in envy as her tears stopped flowing and eventually dried.
"I figured I would find you here." Anneliese turned around to face her husband with his arms open. She quickly (and in a very unladylike fashion) threw herself in his arms. A few minutes passed and neither said a word. Anneliese didn't mind. She felt a sense of security in Julian's embrace.
"Why does it have to be like this, Julian?" she asked. "Why us? We have been trying to have children for a year, and now, we might... we might... lose the baby." Her body racked with sobs again, and Julian pulled her closer.
"Oh Anneliese, I wish I had the answers, but I... I don't know. I don't know how he escaped and I can only guess why he is coming back," Julian began, "The only thing I do know is that he will not harm our baby. I am sure of it."
"I love you so much," Anneliese's muffled voice came out from his shoulder. He smiled.
"I love you too, both of you," Julian replied as he kissed Anneliese and then her slight bump.
Later that afternoon, Anneliese picked up the quill at her desk and began writing, more like venting, to her dear friend, who seemed even farther that the one hundred and fifty miles that separated their kingdoms. She felt isolated, with Julian and her mother only focusing on the investigation leaving her with Charlotte most of the day. Not to mention the four (not so inconspicuous) guards stationed by her balcony and door, leaving her trapped, with not privacy. Anneliese understood that the guards were a necessity and never complained, but they were a constant reminder of what could happen at any second.
Before writing her first words, Charlotte weakly attempted a conversation. While Anneliese loved Charlotte, the maid had definitely been acting different these days. Very superficial and careful. Careful to not to break the emotionally fragile princess. While she had a good listening ear, the princess could never trust if Charlotte's answers came from the heart. Anneliese dipped the sharp tip of the quill into the ink and let the words flow.
"Dear Erika,
Sorry, I couldn't bid you goodbye for your journey home. It was an unexpected and very unwanted surprise. At the time, Preminger's escape was the worst thing imaginable. So many emotions running that night that my body couldn't handle. From the excitement of our announcement to the tragic end of the ball. I still feel conflicted. My reaction that night still haunts me. Being raised as a royal, I have suppressed my emotions on a daily basis from the time I began understanding what I feel. That has always been the key to control: understanding what emotion I am experiencing. That night I had no control of the mountains of excitement and valleys of despair. I still feel that way... especially now. However, I don't confide this in anyone because I already feel like a burden to them. That's why I'm writing to you. I hope you can visit quite soon to bring some life back into the castle after this morning's tragic news.
After waking up this morning, I decided to stroll around the castle, hoping to find emotional solace somewhere. However, I only found more turmoil. I ended up by my mother's study where I overheard Julian and Mother discussing something I shouldn't know about. Even worse, it involved Preminger. My heart sank when they caught me outside. Then they explained the entire situation. I wish they hadn't, but they obliged to my urging. I hope you're sitting down right now because this is, well, you'll see.
Apparently the guards found a note left by Preminger in his cell. It revealed his plot for revenge. He is coming back! And he is coming for my baby!
Oh, Erika! I don't know how to describe the anguish I felt, and continue to feel hours later! I don't understand how someone could be such a monster! I'm trying and am still trying to keep my composure, but it's hard. This is a direct threat to the baby and my own health.
I wish you were here. I am alone with only my feelings. Hope you can visit soon.
From a girl like you,
Anneliese
Two weeks passed with no leads on Preminger and tensions were were strung high. It was eating Julian up how the guards continued coming up short of clues and answers. "We can't draw conclusions without clues," he muttered to himself. He didn't blame the guards, at least not entirely. Preminger was a cunning fox that tricked all of them the last time, including the royals. Anneliese was just as worried as ever. She tried to remain calm but found that was hard with full time security for her and the baby. The lack of privacy continued to drive her to insanity.
However, she understood it was for the best. The best for the baby. The best for the royal family. And above all, the best for the kingdom. It was her duty to keep this baby safe. And duty came before anything else.
Anneliese couldn't wait for Erika to visit. According to her letter, she should be arriving later that week, given no delays. To Anneliese, those few days felt like an eternity as she continued suppressing the emotions when they threatened to explode.
Julian and Genevieve met the guests in the throne room early in the morning. The sun hadn't fully risen in the sky, yet. Anneliese was still asleep, and the doctor ordered that she was to wake up naturally. She needed all the rest she could get.
"Good morning, Erika," Julian said, "I'm so glad you made it here safely. Anneliese really needs your help."
"I wish I could have been here sooner. Dom and I feel so terrible for leaving after the ball in such a hurry. And her letter broke my heart," Erika replied, looking to her husband for reassurance.
"When we returned to Dulcinea, I immediately sent out additional search parties and upgraded our security, as well. He isn't going to get far."
"We completely understand. It all happened so quickly, but we are trying to come back to our senses now," Julian replied.
"Erika, I would love to treat you to tea after getting settled in your quarters. Charlotte, will you take our guests to their room, please?" the queen asked.
"Yes, your majesty," the maid replied before leading the royal guests down the maze of hallways.
After settling into their guest suite, Erika met Genevieve for tea in the courtyard, while Dominick and Julian were in the library discussing 'manly' matters.
The sun had almost fully emerged from behind the mountains, and Erika and Genevieve were sipping their tea out the beautiful porcelain tea cups listening to the birds chirp. It was the epitome of a perfect spring day.
"What a lovely day," Erika said after the first sip of her hot chamomile tea. While she was expecting another somewhat-superficial comment about the weather, the queen decided to take the discussion a different route.
"Erika, I don't think I ever properly thanked you for helping save Anneliese. Between your singing tour and the double wedding, I was never able to personally thank you," Queen Genevieve said. Erika could see the genuine gratitude in her eyes.
Erika smiled as she replied, "I'm sorry I had to impersonate Anneliese and that you found out about it. I saw the pain it caused you at the time."
Queen Genevieve took Erika's hand in hers and looked her directly in the eye. "You saved my daughter's life. While your plan did not happen as expected, Anneliese is alive, and I gained another daughter," the queen said with tears brimming in her eyes. Erika had never seen the queen cry which made her feel slightly uncomfortable, but Genevieve's words put the young monarch at ease.
Ever since Preminger's scheme, Erika carried guilt for her failed impersonation of Anneliese. The queen's despaired and drained countenance etched into her brain. Even though she didn't know the woman very well at the time, Erika felt responsible for her grief. Upon overhearing of the supposed fatal mine collapse from the dungeon guards, Erika almost went insane. Queen Genevieve had suffered losing her daughter, not once, but twice.
Despite the queen accepting her into the family like a second daughter, Erika had always left some distance due to her sense of guilt. Now, that wall came crashing down.
Erika was speechless as she stood up to embrace the queen. Erika felt like she had seen an entirely different side of the queen. Her personal side. The young monarch felt closer to Queen Genevieve than ever.
"And I gained a mother," she whispered back.
However, in the royal library, Julian and Dominick were discussing problems at the borders.
"How was the border security?" asked Julian, deep in thought. Time was running out. "The more time that passes means the more time he has to run."
"Very tight, so there is no way he could leave your country now. However, I saw an increased number of bandits along the trail. Of course, this time I made sure we brought extra security with the threat on our hands," Dominick replied. "But, we were very, uh, anxious crossing the mountains, especially Erika since we sometimes have to make frequent stops for her carriage-sickness. They are known to hide there, so we couldn't afford to stop as often for her. It was quite the carriage ride here..."
Julian sat deep in thought. Dominick could see the clockwork in his head ticking precisely.
He finally spoke, "If you were a bandit, what could the government give you for your allegiance?"
Dominick thought it was a strange question, but answered it anyway. "I would, uh, want immunity from the law... and probably a monetary incentive, too." He looked expectantly at the former tutor for a reason behind such an interesting question.
"My biggest concern in our search at this point is that Preminger has already made it outside the border and currently hiding in the mountains while his henchmen are doing all the work. My men can only do so much, and, well, he isn't exactly a dumb criminal. He is methodical, cunning, and patient. He might run at the mere sight or sound of our guards. Royal bandits, on the other hand, cover more ground and in an inconspicuous way. With their help, we might find him."
"It would definitely catch him off guard, but bandits are unpredictable," Dominick said thinking out loud. "A safer option would be disguising your men as bandits." Julian chuckled at his friend's suggestion.
"What?" Dominick asked indignantly.
Julian couldn't hold his smile in. "You and your disguises." At this, both men began laughing, laughing the stress away.
Anneliese woke up and saw the sun had already taken its place high in the cloudless sky. She sat up and stretched in her empty bed. Mid-stretch, her blue eyes shot open as she remembered that her dear friend was coming into town today. She excitedly called out for Charlotte to help get her ready.
"Good morning, milady," Charlotte greeted. "How did you sleep?"
"I had trouble going to sleep, but I eventually fell into a nice rest. Is Erika here yet?" the princess replied, feeling like a child on Christmas Day.
"Yes, milady. Her and King Dominick arrived about an hour ago. Erika and your mother are having tea in the courtyard as we speak. What oils would you like in your bath today?" the maid asked.
"Hm, magnolia oils, please," Anneliese responded, as she began to eat her breakfast in bed.
A few minutes later, Charlotte exited the bathroom and said, "The bath is ready when you are, your highness."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Anneliese said as the maid bowed before leaving.
While Anneliese loved sitting in a hot bath for as long as possible, she could hardly contain her excitement for seeing her friend again. There was so much to catch up on, since the last visit ended so abruptly.
After her short bath, Anneliese found Erika and her mother, as well as Julian and Dominick, chatting. She smiled. Despite all of the turmoil in her life, Anneliese was surrounded by some amazing people. Erika saw her first, a bright smile on her face.
"It's about time," Erika joked, "You almost missed the muffins."
Erika stood up from her chair and hugged her good friend. Dominick stood up and kissed her hand. "Good morning," Anneliese greeted them. Julian helped her into her chair to his right, next to Erika.
Despite the eggs she had eaten in bed before her bath, Anneliese was hungry at the sight of the muffins.
"Wow, these muffins look delicious," Anneliese remarked as she grabbed one.
"Of course they do, Gertrude made them," Julian said. Anneliese was in heaven.
"I just wish I could get a hold of that recipe!" Anneliese exclaimed, practically inhaling the pastry. To the others' surprise, she ate two more.
"Woah, you should slow down!" Julian exclaimed, chuckling. Anneliese shot him a playful, yet murderous look.
"Remember, I'm eating for two now," she remarked.
Erika laughed. "I really hope the baby likes blueberry muffins," she said, joining in on the fun. "Speaking of which, how is the pregnancy going?"
Julian and Dominick looked at each other from across the table, reading each others' thoughts. 'What is it with women and having to know every pregnancy detail?' Even Queen Genevieve began answering and asking questions. Julian understands that it is a happy occasion, but do women really need to know every moment, feeling, thought, and symptom over nine months?
Anneliese continued talking about finally entering the second trimester and having a noticeable bump. Of course, she could always see it, but now she could barely hide it by sucking in. She rejoiced at the gradually diminishing morning sickness that began around two weeks prior. That is the only thing about the pregnancy she was not enjoying. Or maybe the second to worst thing behind thinking of her baby's potential fate, but she kept this thought to herself, not wanting to kill the happy mood of the little reunion.
A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Sorry for the long wait, but here is my Christmas gift to all of you lovely fanfic readers :)