by sarah faith
"Did you say four bodyguards, your highness?" Paul suddenly said, with an edge to his voice.
"Yes, why?" I asked with suspicion, looking up at him blankly.
"I never assigned four bodyguards, Prince Frederick," Paul said, confused. "Only three"
I looked at him bewildered and then suddenly my heart exploded. "Jameson," I whispered. Paul's eyes grew large and I suddenly sprang up from my chair and sprinted out of the office, my nerves slowly disintegrating with worry. I could hear Paul right behind me, and he was breathlessly ordering men about through his watch, which was also a system of communication.
"Lock down the palace, I repeat, lock down the palace. Do not let anyone out, I repeat, Lock down the entire palace."
I only sub-consciously heard his orders for my mind was filled with only one word, Arianne. I don't know if I've ever run faster in my entire life, as I did that afternoon. We rounded the corner to the hall where Arianne's room was, and I suddenly stopped breathing as I saw what lay in front of her door. Three bodyguards were lying helplessly unconscious on the floor, the back of their heads oozing bright red blood onto the white carpet.
"ARIANNE!" I screamed as I ran through the already opened doors. "Arianne, where are you? Arie?" My lungs were starting to hurt and my eyes burned when they connected with my brain that her room was empty. No, no, no! I frantically rushed around the room, looking under the bed, behind the curtains, in the closet and in the bathroom, and there was no sight of my sweet Arianne. I felt my lungs giving way, and I struggled to breathe, the hyperventilation taking over my airway. I refused to give up, not until I found something that would lead me to her; a clue.
Anger descended onto my face, making my teeth squeeze together and my breathing become a growl. Then suddenly my eyes caught something white as I looked to the large desk that was in a corner of her room. I jumped for it, and as soon as my hands touched the paper, I felt as if it would burn to ashes from the heat of my touch. "NO!" I suddenly screamed after I read the note. "Arianne!" My voice was lined with despair, and I started to feel physically weak. But then, suddenly, I felt hatred seeping out of my every pore. My eyes flared honest fury and they bore a hole through the carpet that I was simply staring at. I suddenly went into a daze, and everything around me, all sounds, all senses were completely blocked out from my mind. The only thing I could think of was my precious doll; what would they do to her? I slumped into the chair at the desk and pressed my elbows on the lifeless wood. I buried my head into my hands, and all I could do was sit there; my body was suddenly unresponsive to any movements. Paul rushed over to me when he saw my disturbing state and then his eyes widened as he read the note out loud, voicing the two words that I never had planned on hearing, "You lose."
Someday My Prince Will Come : Chapter 23
Arianne
"You inspire all the good, all the great, puts me in the mood for love," I sang happily. Claire Denamur's songs were always so beautiful, so happy, joyful; inspiring. I twirled around in my humongous bathroom and burst out in a fit of bubbly laughter.
Freddie always made me feel like dancing around like a maniac, and so I did. For once I was actually free to jump around as if I was crazy, singing at the top of my lungs, without anyone knocking on my door and telling me to shut it. "Puts me in the mood for, love!" I sang. I opened the door to my bathroom and exited, attempting at a few pirouettes while my hands flew loosely above my head. The room was dark, darker than I remembered and I suddenly stopped dancing as I noticed that the shades had been closed. How strange I could have sworn that I opened them as soon as I came in here I shrugged the matter off as I convinced myself that I had just imagined it, until:
"Miss Arianne."
"AH!" I shrieked, putting my balled up fists in front of me, ready to attack. I spun in a semi circle, and then saw a shadowy figure lurking in the shadow of my huge bureau. "Who's there?" I wailed, not really wanting to know the answer.
Suddenly, Jameson emerged from the shadows, and the only reason I could tell it was him was because a small glint of light escaped from a crack of the closed drapes.
"Oh, it's only you Jameson," I muttered, feeling awfully embarrassed about spinning around in such an undignified manner.
"Yes, it is only me," Jameson said. I frowned as I heard the sarcasm in his voice. Was he making fun of me? Really? I was about to stubbornly protest when Jameson's quick, harsh words stopped me.
"The prince would like to see you, your highness. He has sent me to retrieve you."
I grimaced even more at his strange words. I had just seen Freddie less than five minutes ago. It seems that if he wanted me, then he would come back himself, not send someone. That wasn't like Freddie at all. Something wasn't right here, and I oddly felt strange with no one else near me. The silence was filled with tension, and I could tell that Jameson was strangely impatient. Something was definitely wrong, so I decided to just nod my head and go along with Freddie's wishes. "After you," Jameson said, offering an arm out into the air when he saw me stir. I tried to smile but my heart beat was too distracting. I felt nervous; I had that kind of feeling that you get when something bad is about to happen. And boy, was I right, for the moment I stepped in front of Jameson, he suddenly grabbed me from behind and shoved his strong hand over my mouth. His other arm went around my neck, and I found it very difficult to inhale. My eyes grew wide with terror, why was he holding me like this? He had already gotten my attention! And then he spoke. It wasn't the usual dull but lighthearted Jameson that spoke to me, it was a completely different man entirely.
"Don't make any sudden moves and everything will go easier for you, doll." His voice was deep and menacing, and it sent shivers down my spine. My adrenaline was kicking in, and I suddenly felt the urge to fight him; especially for calling me Freddie's nickname. Oh, the nerve of this guy! I paid no regard to his warning, so instead I thrashed around and tried to scream through his wide, muscular hand. I was getting really scared at this point. It seemed that every time I struggled, it was another deafening blow to my courage, for it was hopeless to get free from this humongous being's grasp.
I let out another terrified scream and I felt petrified tears streaming out of my eyes. My pupils were dilated from the darkness and the terror, and I suddenly felt Jameson move his position and, for a millisecond, he removed his hand from my mouth. However, before I even had time to think, much less scream, Jameson was growling at me to shut up, and a soft cloth replaced his rough hand. The cloth smelled delicious, but I knew what he was trying to do.
I held my breath, not allowing myself to give in that easily. Jameson saw my attempt and suddenly rammed his fist into my stomach. A searing ball of pain welled in my tummy, and I winced as my lungs forced out a breath. The cloth was still over my mouth and I realized just why he had done such an awful thing. He was
forcing me to breath in his despicable concoction. My brain resisted, but the law of nature was winning this battle. I had to breathe, like it or not. As hard as I tried to oppose, my nose sucked in a whiff of the sweet smelling fragrance that had been doused onto the cloth.
It smelled like something acidy would taste, but at the same time there was a very poignant and sweet smell. I felt Jameson's fist ram into my gut again, and this time I croaked at the pain. Again, I breathed in a whiff of that awful aroma, and I started to feel my eyes going crazy. Dizziness overtook my body and I felt myself falling limp. Another blow forced me to suck in a breath and suddenly everything became black. The last thing I remember was Jameson's evil chuckle as I fell to the soft white carpet with a crash, helplessly holding my stomach.
I woke up with a jolt. I felt excruciating pain in almost every part of my body, but the place that hurt the most was my sore tummy. I blinked in the dark, trying to adjust my eyes to the lack of light. I was sitting on a hard wooden chair and my hands were behind my back, tied together with a thick itchy rope. I suddenly struggled in vain, as though the thought of fighting the bondage would burn it away. However,
the ropes stayed firmly wrapped around my crossed hands, and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. What an inconvenience this was; sitting here in a dark room and being completely helpless. I started to feel angry at myself for not doing something sooner. I should have made a run for it instead of trying to fight a six foot six body guard. Jameson was humongous; there was no way that I could have beaten him.
A length of time went by, and I wasn't even sure how long it was. An hour? Two hours? It was impossible to judge anything when you were groggily sitting in one position like this. Eventually, my eyes became accustomed to the dark, and I could make out that I was in a lifeless room.
The walls were a dark color, and from what I gathered, the chair that I rested in was in the middle of the small space. I sighed as I wondered how long they would keep me sitting here like this. My stomach rumbled and I suddenly wondered if I would ever eat again. Despite my conditions, I really wasn't that scared; most of my frustration was from the emotions which aroused at the prospect of Freddie's worry. I knew he must be screaming at the top of his lungs; ordering men to do random things so as to find me as soon as possible. I let my chin droop, my neck tired from holding up the one hundred pound brain. It must have gained weight, because I never remembered it being this heavy.
Suddenly, the door flew open and made a loud 'crack' as it fully swayed and hit the wall behind it. My head shot up to its normal position, and I squinted my eyes as light came pouring through the doorway. Two men in black walked in from the lighted hallway, and the outside of this room looked to be what an abandoned hotel would look like. It was damp, all the walls were gray, and the wooden floor was scarred up and covered with shavings or splinters. My heart beat quickened as the men came closer to me, and now I felt frightened as I wondered what they would do.I started breathing in short little gasps, and I ended up sounding like I had just run a quarter mile sprint!
However, I was completely wrong from my worries. The two men in black stood on either side of me, and I noticed for the first time that they had AK snipers grasped firmly in their gloved hands. They looked like SWAT members from the way they were dressed and I wondered who could be coming in here that had such a distinguishing set of ken dolls, like this. Somebody important, I guess.
Suddenly, as if on cue to my question, another being entered the room, followed by that traitor, Jameson. I sneered at him when I saw him smirking at me, and I fathomed as to what must happen in people's lives to make them choose these kinds of lifestyles. My attention shifted from Jameson to the man standing in front of him. He looked like he had a high rank in society, for his clothing was dignified and well kept. A captain's hat adorned the peak of his skull, and I saw him looking down at me from where he stood in all of his condescension.
"C'est Arianne?" This is Arianne? The man sneered at me. "C'est que Frederick aime tant?" This is what Frederick loves so dearly?
"Oui," Jameson nodded stiffly, looking down at me slightly.
"Je vois pour quoi," I see why, he said suddenly breaking into a smile. «Je suis Monsieur Reynard, le petit cousin de Frederick et le vrai hauritier a Bieland.Tu es tre's belle ma Cherie." I am Mr. Reynard, Freddie's second cousin and the true heir of Bieland. You are very beautiful my dear. He leaned down until his eyes were level with mine, and his face erupted into an impious smile. I just imagined his face exploding.
My thoughts made me smirk, and I instantly saw confusion on his face. I clarified as quickly as possible «Je ne peux pas dire le meme pour vous, monsieur » I cannot say the same for you, sir. I accidentally let out a small laugh when I saw his eyes change from flirtation to anger in a matter of milliseconds. He suddenly raised a hand as if to strike me, and I raised my head higher, challenging the blow with a determined set of my jaw.
Wow, what courage, you might be thinking. No. Actually, I was scared to death of what these men might do, but I figured that I might as well pretend to be brave so maybe they wouldn't think they could push me around as easily. I was overjoyed when Reynard's hand stopped in mid-air. His grimace turned into a soft scowl, and I found myself thanking God for bestowing this wondrous endowment upon me. It was silent as our eyes locked; I was nervous that they could hear my heart thumping around in my chest.
"Leave us," Freddie's second cousin suddenly barked in French. I averted my eyes away from his and watched the two men beside me quietly leave the room as ordered.
After they shut the door, it was dark until a light popped up from above my head. I saw Jameson at the wall with his hand on the light switch. He moved casually back to where we were occupied and placed his hands in front of him, clasping one around the other.
"I think you should know, my dear, that I am not to be trifled with. Do not be afraid, you are simply here as a matter of urgency on my part, for I could find nothing else in this world that Frederick might trade for his kingdom."
My stomach churned at the thought, and this time, it wasn't from hunger. My nerves were melting inside me, and I desperately hoped that Freddie wouldn't do such a thing; give up his country to save me. I wasn't even worth that much.
"But," the man continued, "I would also have you know that if you make me angry or do something even remotely close to being irrational, you can be eliminated from this planet with nothing more than a snap of my fingers." He quickly lifted his hand and demonstrated what he meant by pressing his middle finger and thumb together, then snapping them irately. I jumped at the sound of it, almost expecting a cold bladed knife to scrape across my neck at any moment. I started to breathe faster, and my face revealed inclusive worry. Reynard evilly laughed, which made me scowl in annoyance. I heard my stomach rumble and his eyes shifted to my stomach, then slowly down my legs. I stirred, trying to get the feeling of his eyes away off of my body. Suddenly he stepped closer to me and bent over, leveling his face with mine, yet again. "Are you sure that you don't want to leave your silly little prince for me? I'm going to be the one with the big bucks after this is all over, you know."
I pursed my eyebrows in horror. "Ew!" I said with disgust, "You're like fifty! Get away from me, you perv!" I jutted my leg out in front of me and soundly kicked him in the shin. He yelped in surprise and momentarily stepped back, wincing slightly. Jameson rushed to me and lifted my chin with a raised hand, aiming at my face with a vengeance. He was about to strike when the Reynard suddenly told him to stop. Jameson obeyed, but was obviously confused because he lifted his shoulders in question. "Leave her. She's just testing us," he spat in French.
He grabbed my cheeks with one hand as Jamesonlet go of my face. He jerked my eyes to his and held my face tightly between his fingers. I winced at the pain. I think he was trying to squeeze my teeth out of my mouth, for that was how hard he held on. "That was strike two, princess. One more and you can forget your dreams of Prince Frederick saving you. He won't have anything to save."
My eyes widened and I shook my head out of his grasp. He snickered malevolently and I felt tears burning my eyes. I fiercely glared in hatred at the men standing before me as they quietly exited the room. Jameson turned off the light before he left and I could feel him glaring at me through his dark glasses. I bared my teeth at him before he laughed, and I could have sworn that he rolled his eyes, even though I couldn't see them.
Suddenly, I was alone. The tears were falling down my face like a waterfall. I couldn't believe that this was happening to me. A hot drop of liquid fell onto my lower cheek and I felt the sensitivity of my skin where that vicious man had hurt me. I gently wiped my cheek off onto my shoulder and sniffed back a wave of mucus. Oh, how disgusting. I needed a tissue. Just the thought of having to use my shirt made me cry all the harder. My stomach was sore and hungry and my cheeks were burning from the hot tears. The pain developed my cries, and soon they became sobs. How long had it been already? Would they ever find me? Another tear fell
onto the tender skin of my face, and again I wiped it off with my shoulder.
Suddenly, my chin grazed something cold and thin. I frowned as I trie
d to realize what it was, and then rapidly, I whooped with joy as I remembered what adorned my neck! Freddie's necklace was lying with me in all of this, and my sobs became giggles. I couldn't believe my luck! Here I was crying about my rescue, when my prince was probably tracking me at this very instant. I instantly praised God for having such an overprotective boyfriend. "I'll be okay," I smiled, whispering to myself in reassurance. "Freddie will save me. I'll be okay." Eventually my tears dried as I thought about just how long it might take for him to get here. Then, in the middle of my happy thoughts, my face suddenly scrunched in aggravation. I had to go to the bathroom.
Someday My Prince Will Come : Chapter 24
Freddie
"Prince Frederick? Prince Frederick?" I heard my name being called and lifted my head from my arms where it was softly buried. Paul's words echoed in my ears and the ringing effect made my never ending headache increase. I shook myself awake and tried to focus on Paul's blurry figure. I blinked a few times, and then saw him looking down at me with worried eyes. I saw his face overcome with fatigue and realized that I had fallen asleep at a table in the security office. It had been about 10 hours since Arianne had disappeared. I felt myself growing weaker when I thought about every minute that she had to endure; wherever she was. At the thought of Arianne, my mind suddenly jolted awake.