The Translator

Chapter 4: The Parade

"I feel so rude--" Princess Eadlyn says with a slight gasp. "I don't even know your name."

"I'm Erik," I say, bowing low.

"Erik?"

"Yes." I say simply.

"Huh. I expected something a bit different," she says honestly.

"Well, that's the closest translation," I say with a shrug, turning to look at General Leger who just called for the Princess.

"I'll watch out for him!" Princess Eadlyn promises before rushing off towards the float.

As she rushes off, I am in complete awe that I just had a real conversation with the Princess...THE PRINCESS! I watch her attempt to conquer the float ladder in heels and a dress, wanting desperately to help her up, but knowing that wouldn't be appropriate. As she makes it to the top, she lets out a huff before giving a small nod, obviously proud of herself for making it up the ladder. She brushes back her hair and makes sure her dress is okay before walking over to Henri. I watch them converse for a few moments, feeling my nerves set in once again, only to have them banished a few moments later as the Princess finds my gaze in the crowd and gives me a thumbs up. It's a small gesture, I know, but it is the small things that count the most.

I put a hand over my heart and give her a smile, hoping she understands just how grateful I am for her gesture. As the float begins to move and the gate begins to open, cheers erupt from just outside the gate. Once the float has made its way outside, the gates slam closed behind it to keep any unwanted visitors out. The crowd of palace workers quickly begins to dwindle, leaving me in the front lawn along with some guards and the rest of royal family. Not even fifteen minutes later, we are all shocked as the float peels into the gravel driveway going much faster than a float should be able to move. As soon as the float is stopped, Princess Eadlyn jumps up and makes her way down the ladder, trying to keep her composure.

But I know better. I've seen that look before...a look of pure humiliation and sadness that is crushing. As soon as she is off the float, her parents are right there.

"Eadlyn!" her mom yells.

"I'm fine." the princess says curtly.

"Love, what happened?!" her father asks in shock.

"Hell if I know!" Eadlyn shrieks before stomping off.

I watch her until she has vanished into the palace, leaving us questioning what happened. Turning back around, I nervously look around for Henri, hoping he is okay. He is the last one off the float and he is covered in food, his hands looking the worst.

"Henri!" I exclaim, quickly rushing over to him. "Mitä tapahtui? (What happened?)"

"Ihmiset he heittivät asioita meille!" (The people, they threw things at us!) Henri quickly replies, sounding horrified. "Yritin suojella prinsessa, siksi puku on tuhoutunut! (I tried to protect the Princess, that's why my suit is ruined)!"

"What is he saying?" General Leger asks, making me jump. "Sorry, didn't mean to sneak up on you."

"No, it's okay, I'm just a bit jumpy," I say, letting out a sigh. "Henri was saying that the people were throwing things at them. And he is upset because he tried to protect the princess and ruined his only suit in the process."

"Tell him not to worry about his suit," the King says, walking into our conversation. "We will have his butler make him as many suits as he would like. And please thank him for protecting my daughter!"