The Missing Princess

60

"Positively wonderful, who is overseeing everything back in Estra?" I ask as I lock arms with her.

"Oh Lady Petra that fine young lady has been quite the help, she certainly has my vote." my mother says beginning to turn and walk towards the stairs.

We walked down the stairs into the foyer catching up rather quickly before meeting with Kenny. My mother stopped and bowed in front of Kenny giving him a sweet smile before extending her hand out for him to grab.

"Ah, hello Elizabeth how are you?" Kenny asks before kissing my mother's knuckles.

"Oh wonderful Kenny, our soldiers are all set for the grand march to Kustea." she says. My mother's arms slipped from mine and hooked with Kenny's as they walked down the west wing. I stood there in the foyer by myself, but not really by myself, for there were servants buzzing in and out of the ballroom just up ahead past the large French doors.

In and out they went with decorations and many fabrics, preparing for the short noticed ball. Part of me wanted to help them but knowing they'd stop me due to my position as Princess. With my hands folded in front of me I stood there waiting, waiting for Levi or someone to distract me.

As I turn to the left to go to the library my arm had been locked with Levi's. A little surprised I walk with him down the east wing. As we entered the library we soon split up in search for a good book to read to pass the time. Walking through the aisle of books I spot one that caught my interest.

Pulling it from the shelf I open it to the first page and scan the page. Closing it I keep it in hand and walk to the end of the aisle. Over to the sitting area I sat myself down in a chair. Crossing one leg over the other I set the book down on my lap and open it to the first page and begin reading.

Getting into the book I found myself stuck reading it not being able to stop myself. Leaning back in the chair I was startled when feeling a pair of lips press into my cheek. Darting my head to the right I look to find Levi standing there bent over looking at me with a slight smirk.

Over my shoulder was a box, a long black box. Taking it from him I look down, from the corner of my eye I could see him kneeling down beside me, probably wanting to see my reaction. Pulling the top off the box I find a braclet. It had three charms hanging off of it, one with an 'A' then two national flags, the one for Estra and one for Aubern.

I had seen this set before without the 'A' and Estrian flag of course. He must had known I wanted it and added the two. "It's beautiful." I say as I gently pull the piece of jewelry from the box.

"This way you have two special places to call home." he says as he stands up.

Looking to him I smile sweetly. "And the A? What is it for other than reminding me of your last name?" I ask.

"It won't just be my last name here in the near future." he hints. My smile seemed to grow bigger as he hinted to the engagement coming rather quickly.

"Thank you." I say softly.

Pursing his lips together in an awkward smile he leaned down and pecked my lips softly. "Happy birthday Darling." he mutters. Pecking my lips one last time, I then turn and set the bracelet back in the box before closing it. I'll wear it tonight.

~Time Skip~

I stood there in front of double doors, ready to make my entrance. A rather grand and unnecessary thing to do but I had done it from the time I had arrived in the custody of the queen and king. I could hear my mother and Kenny both making a quick speech.

The bright lights hit my eyes as the door opened into the ballroom. The ballroom was decorated in ribbons of red and blue as I walked in towards the middle of the room where Levi would be waiting. From there we would do the traditional waltz before greeting our guests.