Hey, Hey, Hey! Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I'm glad y'all liked it. This is the official start to the story.

Chapter 1: Taking Risks, Getting Caught

(Princess Raquel)

I woke up to the loud, echoing crash that was a dungeon door slamming shut. I swallowed hard as I sat up. Either a Rebel or an assassin was captured, and seeing as there haven't been any attempts to kill either me or Tyson, I assumed it was a Rebel. Must've been one from a previous raid attempt, but that was weeks ago. I sighed, getting out of bed and changing into a soft pink sparkly dress that went down to my feet and brushed my hair out before putting on my small silver tiara. I then put on a pair of sparkly silver high heels and exited my room, going down to the throne room where Tyson was.

"Good morning, Brother." I said softly. Tyson looked up and nodded in acknowledgement, but didn't give the slightest trace of a smile.

"Good morning, Raquel." he said. I looked at him curiously.

"So, who was thrown into the dungeon this morning?" I asked. Tyson avoided my gaze.

"Oh, some Rebel..." he said. I sighed, knowing that's all I was getting out of him. "So, any plans for today?" I shrugged.

"Might go out to the Courtyard for some fresh air since, ya know, you won't let me leave the palace gates." I said. Tyson sighed.

"Raquel, you know why I won't let you leave."

"But I'm 16—"

"And there are people out to get us, Raquel. People wants to hurt us, hurt you. I know Chicago is going through some...difficult times and I know that you want to help our people, but you can't trust everyone." Tyson stated bluntly. I sighed, looking away. "I know it hurts, Raquel, but that's how the truth is sometimes. It's not worth the risk leaving and getting killed."

"Yeah...I know..." I mumbled as I tried not to notice how...hollow...his last statement was and turned, going back upstairs to my room. I glanced at my clock. 10:03. If I snuck out now, then it would be too obvious that I left. Game plan: wait a couple hours when Tyson is too distracted. Then sneak out when no one is paying attention to the ninja mouse that is Raquel Blue...

(1:12 pm)

I looked at the time and quickly changed into a soft pink tank top, a white skirt with black leggings and silver sneakers. I rooted around my room for a long trench coat, finding a black one and throwing the hood over my head. It took a while, but I managed to sneak past Tyson and all of our guards.

When I was outside the palace gates, I stopped to take a minute and look around. It was then reality hit me and I realized I, 1) had it easy, and, 2) have been living in false reality.

False reality, but not exactly living in a fantasy.

If that made any sense.

I quickly made my way to Town Square, trying not to be noticed by palace guards that were roaming around. Everyone looked so...miserable. I hated seeing this.

"No money, no food." I heard a gruff voice growl behind me. I turned to see a man, who kinda looked like a guard, standing behind a fruit stand and a woman with a small little boy, probably 5 years old. It tore my heart apart as the woman pleaded with the stand owner and the owner refusing. Having had enough, I pulled some money out of my pocket and went over to the stand. Without a word, I bought 2 of everything the stand owner had and gave the bag if fruit to the woman. Her face lit up.

"Thank you so much! How can I repay you?" She asked. I shook my head.

"There's no need." I said softly, my shyness kicking in. The woman's eyes widened when she heard my voice.

"Princess Ra—"

"Shh!" I said quickly. "I was never here." I whispered. The woman nodded and I ran off.

That was close.

I stopped running after five minutes, looking around to see if the coast was clear. I smiled, turning to continue forward before I ran into something, falling to the ground and my hood slipping of. The thing I ran into gasped.

"Your Highness!" A gruff voice said. Uh, oh.

My eyes widened when I saw three guards in front of me and I stood.

"How did you get out? You're not supposed to be here." the guard I ran into said.

"C'mon. Let's get you home." a second one said. I took a couple steps back.

"I-I don't wanna go back." I said softy.

"Your Highness, stop being ridiculous. Let's go." The third one said. I shook my head, throwing off my trench coat and taking off...

Towards the forest.

I have no idea how long I ran, but when I was sure the guards weren't able to follow me, I leaned against a tree, panting as I tried to catch my breath. As soon as I was able to, I stepped cautiously away from the tree, checking my surroundings.

Out of nowhere, someone jumped me from behind and blindfolded me. I tried to scream, but my attacker tied something around my mouth and used some kind of chain to bind my hands behind my back. My attacker roughly dragged me further into the forest (I think) and ten minutes later, I was roughly shoved back (and hands) first into a tree. I whimpered softly, but it was muffled since my mouth was covered. At first, I thought my attacker/kidnapper left, but then my mouth was uncovered and I took in a deep breath, panting again.

"Who are you?" A female voice demanded, but it wasn't like the woman's voice from earlier. This was a girl, probably around my age. I didn't want to say anything, but since this girl was obviously half ninja, I was scared.

"R-Raquel..." I whispered. The girl gasped softly.

"Raquel. As in Princess Raquel?" the girl asked. I simply nodded. There was a moment's hesitance, but my blindfold was lifted. I looked at the girl. She had fire red hair with a hot pink and blue streak. Her outfit was a bit dusty and faded, but I could still see the colors clearly. She had a black and blue shirt with a hot pink jacket on, black tights that went just below her shins, and blue high-tops. The girl pulled me away from the tree, not aggressively like she was before, but not gently either. She took the chains off my wrist and clipped them on her pants. Ok, should I be scared that this girl has chains as a part of her outfit?

I guess it doesn't matter since I was scared of her anyway.

"Come on." Was all she said before walking further into the forest. I hesitantly followed.

"So, wh-what's your n-name?" I hated how shaky my voice sounded. The girl didn't answer. "Please tell me." I stopped walking and grabbed the girl's wrist. Her eyes widened and yanked her hand away from me. She apparently had some trust issues.

"Why would I tell you my name. You'll run back to the palace and tell your sadistic brother that I kidnapped you." She spat. I winced at her tone. I wasn't used to it.

"I ran away from the palace. And Tyson isn't sadistic." I said. The girl snorted.

"Have you not seen Chicago, or at least Town Square? Tyson steals our money, steals our food, and then leaves us with nothing. Some king." the girl snapped. That's when it clicked.

This girl was a Rebel.

"I'm sorry I upset you." I said softly. "I had no idea." Which was true. The girl sighed.

"I'm sorry for snapping. I can't help it sometimes." She admitted. I looked at her curiously.

"Do you have anger management issues?"

"Something like that." The girl mumbled, her eyes widening before glaring at me. "Let's go, Princess." She said harshly, walking forward. I quietly followed her. Glancing back at me, she sighed.

"CeCe." was all she said for the rest of the walk. I couldn't help but smile proudly.

I had gotten through this girl's defense without even trying.

Ok, so, whatcha think? I think it turned out pretty well, but that's up to y'all to decide. If any of y'all are reading "Our Love It Up," I need an idea or two for the next chapter. I have writer's block for that story, but I wanna continue it. Thanks, my peeps.

Anv!|ette