Chapter eight
After that creature left, I hung to the wall, completely helpless, for three days. No one noticed I went missing, and if they did, they wouldn't have found me. I had no idea our castle was this big, and I had no idea where I was.
For three days, I hadn't eaten or drunk anything. How could I? There was nothing! It was just an empty chamber. There was nothing here, and I was pushed against the wall by some force much stronger than me. Maybe the creature came back and had mercy on me, but I wouldn't dare to hope. And if they returned, it wouldn't be out of pity.
It would be to end things, one way or another. Because I knew for sure there had to be some kind of complot.
So for three days, I also tried to make sense of the creature's last words, while it got harder and harder each day that passed.
'My sister'
She meant my mother, there I was sure of, but I had no idea what that meant. They could be twins? They looked identical! But why was that woman some kind of dragon, while my mother was just… Queen Renee? My mother has no magic, I was sure of it.
Even though I wasn't sure of anything.
All in all, you could say that nothing had changed.
My mind was running free, delusional from the lack of food and water. I imagined I felt a drop of water on me, but that could not be real. I shook my head, and the sudden movement made me instantly dizzy.
If that dragon and my mother were really sisters, what would that mean? Why wasn't I informed? Why did no one know about this?
And more importantly, where was my mother? The dragon said Queen Renee was still alive, but for how long? Would she endure the same faith as I did? That would mean the dragon kept her alive. Did that also mean she would keep me alive? She sure as hell didn't try hard enough!
I felt another drop of water on my forehead. Damnit. My mouth was already as dry as the Sahara desert and this fake water wasn't helping in the slightest.
Above me, I heard some noise and I prepared myself to come face to face with the dragon again. With all the energy I still had in me, I balled my fists and lifted my chin up high. If this was the way I ultimately died, I sure as hell tried to make the most out of it and go down proudly.
The noise got louder, and a splash of water made its way downstairs. I couldn't believe my eyes! Water! My body came to life at the sight of all that marvellous water.
I blinked and blinked and saw a pair of familiar red eyes stare at me.
"Victoria!"
She was hidden in the pile of water, but that eye colour unmistakenly belonged to her.
"What are you doing here?" I whispered.
"I liked the atmosphere. Thought; maybe I'll visit. You know, to get familiar with how cosy this place is. Damn it, Princess, why do you think I'm here?"
Her red hair appeared and she whispered words I couldn't understand. However, what I could understand was that the force pulled away, and I landed harshly on my knees in front of Victoria.
I couldn't contain myself any longer, so I gulped down the water like an animal and I made sure I would drink every last drop of it.
"Oh God, I needed that."
"Try to keep quiet, Princess. We do not have much time."
"What do you mean?" I shivered, thinking about the last three days and how I couldn't endure that anymore.
"That rabbit of yours is biting my leg in. Such an annoying little twat."
"You mean Sophia?" I looked around me and realised I indeed hadn't seen or felt her in a long time. Oh no, how could I forget her like that?
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Yes, that one. And don't let me get started on that boy."
"Jake?"
"No, that Prince."
"Prince Edward?" I gasped.
"Don't get your panties in a twist. He's still safe, but he kept nagging me like hell. You think you can follow me and get out of here?"
I was lost for words. "How?"
Victoria rolled her eyes. "Have I taught you nothing? Take a deep breath, concentrate and just follow me."
Staying here didn't help me, so I just as easily follow her instructions. After all, I had nothing left to lose.
Taking a deep breath and slowly dipping my toe into the water, Victoria grew impatient.
"Quick!"
I swallowed back the urge to roll my eyes and let the water swallow me whole. Victoria swam away from me, and I followed her. My body reacted on instinct, and I realised my lungs weren't screaming for air. Actually, I was fine. More than fine, I kicked the water and swam as fast as I could.
Eventually, the water became clearer and a bright surface blossomed in front of me. Victoria tilted her head one last time and got out of the water, and I followed her.
We were in a forest, with a calm little river underneath us. Before I had time to take it all in, I heard someone whisper my name.
I turned around and saw Prince Edward in front of me. His hands were balled into fists and his eyes were fixated on me.
Before I knew it, I was walking toward him.
"Prince Edward, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Princess." He said roughly. "Are you okay, though? You look pale."
"I'm fine, I'm fine," I assured both Edward and Victoria. "But that creature… it's not Queen Renee! And she said she has my mother! We have to find her!"
Prince Edward and Victoria looked at each other.
"Why are you both looking at each other like that?" I demanded.
¨You don´t have to search for long, Princess,¨ Victoria answered. ¨You´ve already found her.¨
¨What do you mean?¨
¨Princess Bella,¨ Victoria continued. ¨I am Queen Renee.¨