From Prisoner to Princess

Chapter 40

We watched as the afternoon turned to night, the air gaining a slight chill with the sun disappearing. No one had followed us after that incident with the three men in the back alleyways thankfully and we all took turns resting. After we were sure it was completely dark outside, Lia left the safety of the tree house to scout the area. We all waited in tense silence until the agreed-upon signal – the call of an owl – was heard.

I was the first to hop down from the tree house, not bothering with the ladder as I have jumped out of here many times as a child. I land silently beside Lia who jumps, eyeing me with surprise and I shrug. Sky it next, my boyfriend climbing down the ladder and giving me a disapproving look before he takes the lead and we make our way to the front porch of Ron and Liz’s house. One by one my friends join us on the porch and when everyone is safely hidden in the shadows caused by the porch, I ring the doorbell.

“Coming!” Liz’s voice is muffled by the door but I can still hear the annoyance in her tone. I think the news must have broadcasted the shooting at the parade as not much can annoy Liz except for mine and Ron’s safety. The door opens and I can tell that Liz is about to yell when she stops, her eyes widening as she takes me in for a moment before she reaches for me.

"Alli! The news said there was a shootout, are you all right? Did you get hurt? Are you hungry?" The elderly woman fusses, pulling me into a hug. Her body sags, probably with relief at seeing me before her, and I take a deep breath, smelling her apple-scented perfumes and the scent of freshly baked cookies.

"I am fine, I did not get hurt, and we are all hungry." I take a shaky breath, holding back my tears as I answer Liz’s questions. I know she must have been so worried for me and I hate that what should have been a fun day turned into a disaster.

"Liz, we really need to get Alli inside." Sky urges gently, his eyes scanning the dark for any signs of danger. Liz pulls away to take in Sky and the others behind me. She nods, pulling me into the house as Sky motions for the others to enter after me before he enters the house last where he promptly shuts and locks the front door.

"Ron, put the kettle on and come to the living room" Liz yells as we pass the kitchen, Alec and Lia snickering behind us making me roll my eyes. As soon as we reach the living room, I go to sit in my usual chair but Sky beats me to it, pulling me into his lap and wrapping his arms around me. I know this whole ordeal has shaken him up and I don’t fight it. Instead, I lean into his touch, needing to be close to him just as much as he needs to be close to me.

"Do we have company hun?" Ron calls out before turning the corner, his footsteps pausing as he takes in me and my friends.

"Thank the Lord you're all right." He rushes with relief, shuffling over to look at me, the click of his cane loud and clear. I let Ron do a once over on Sky and me, the old man sighing as he takes a seat beside Liz on the loveseat.

“We were watching the parade during their live broadcasting. We saw everything and when we didn’t hear from you we thought-” Ron’s voice ends as he chokes up with emotions, tears running down his face. Liz comforts him and I reach my hand out, squeezing his when he takes it.

"We are all fine." I reassure, smiling at my adopted Grandfather. I explain what happened from the start of the shooting to us ending up here. How we hid out in the tree house and Sky asks to use the phone to call my Grandparents. Ron tells us it's in the kitchen and I climb off Sky as he goes to call them for me while I introduce Lia, Mia, Alec, Alice, and Kian to them. Liz smiles, thanking them for keeping me safe, and mentions how they all better come by and visit the two as they are now honorary grandkids, which Kian promises right away. I roll my eyes just as Sky returns, scooping me into his arms and returning to our seat.

“Everette and Lillian are happy to know we are safe. Arian was with them trying to locate us and I informed him about the three Ex-Guards. He sent a group of men to retrieve their bodies and told us to sit tight for the night.” Sky informs us, groaning as he rests his head against my shoulders.

“After tonight there is going to be a lot to do. Lillian already set in motion a press conference.” This has me groaning as well, not excited at all for the upcoming

press conference. I have yet to make another one since the D.N.A. testing as taking back my Throne and fixing my Kingdom has taken priority. I have a feeling the one my Grandmama is planning will entail another frilly dress and makeup.

"Who wants tea and something to eat?" As if sensing my discomfort, Liz distracts us with this suggestion and we all silently raise our hands, too drained to answer. Within minutes everyone has a steaming mug of tea with a plate of shepherd's pie in our hands. The coffee table is filled with plates of sliced fruit and cookies. With our bellies full and bodies relaxed, exhaustion creeps in and I can see it on all of my friend’s faces.

“I think we should get you all to bed.” Liz sighs out giving us all a motherly smile.

“Alli, your room is still there for you. I know Sky isn’t going to leave your side so take him with you.” Liz starts, looking at Sky and me as I sleepily nod, too tired to speak.

“We have a guest room you three girls can share if you’d like.” Ron adds, Lia, Mia, and Alice thanking them as Ron gets up to lead the girls to the guest room.

“Kian and I will stay down here in the living room. Someone has to keep watch in case more Traitors come looking.” Alec stated before Liz could offer anything else. She accepts this answer, telling them to use the shower down the hall to freshen up and that Ron will bring them some shorts and a T-shirt to wear to bed. Climbing off of Sky’s lap, I waddle my way to my bedroom here in their house, Sky trailing after me with a chuckle. The room used to be used for storage but after meeting me, Liz insisted to Ron that I needed a room on cold nights or when I was sick and needed to be cared for.

I bypass the bed and go right to the closet, grabbing a tank top and pajama pants from the wrack before heading to the small bathroom. I shower quickly, the excitement of the day wearing off with the warm spray. Feeling clean, I turn off the water and dry off, dressing quickly and entering the bedroom to find Sky towel-drying his hair, already dressed in a pair of pajamas from Ron. He pulls me into his lap when I get close, taking the towel from my hand and helping me to dry my hair. The gentle movements lull me to sleep and with my chin resting on his shoulder, I close my eyes.