'I need to see grandpa but where is he?'
I haven't seen my grandfather, Isabelle or George in a while. My grandfather might be busy with other things, but I need to see him.
"Princess Annabelle." a man called out my name when he saw me. I immediately recognized him to be The Duke my grandfather introduced to me during my coronation party.
"Duke Harry." I smiled before giving him a slight curtsy. "I didn't expect to see you here today."
"I came to see your grandfather. The annual sports event has been keeping him up and doing."
"Oh really? I hope he is not stressing himself too much." I muttered.
"He's not, but your grandfather loves everything to be done with complete splendour and pride." Duke Harry laughed.
"That's Firce pride Duke Harry." I smiled at him.
"I'm aware." he smiled back at me. "I'm thrilled to see that you are doing better."
"Thank you," I said.
"Your grandfather was extremely worried after the poison indecent, it really affected his mindset badly," Harry said. "But I'm sure his mind will be in a better place now."
"I'm glad." I smiled. "Duke Harry, you just meet my grandfather, right?"
"Yes, is there any problem?" he inquired.
"Well, I haven't seen him in a while and I was hoping to talk to him again," I said. "Do you know where he might be?"
"Well, he is in the study, Annabelle," he instructed, before checking the time on his wristwatch. "Oh my, I've got to get going Princess Annabelle see you later."
"See you soon Duke Harry." I curtsied to show him respect before parting ways.
'I need to see you now, grandpa.'
I walked to my grandfather's study room with a quick and steady speed. The last thing that should happen is him leaving for an important meeting when I really need to talk to him.
'Please be there grandfather, this problem needs to be resolved quickly.'
A guard was standing beside my dad's study room. He bowed his head to me before stepping away from the door. "Princess Annabelle welcome."
"Thank you," I said. "Is The King in?"
"Yes, he is." the guard responded in a monotone voice.
"Is he busy with work?" I asked.
"I don't think so, My Princess," he replied. "I'm sure The King won't mind you coming in."
"That I am aware, but the last thing I want to do is interfere with the work of The King," I muttered.
The guard simply nodded before opening the door for me. My grandfather stood in the centre with a picture in his hands but with his face turned back so he did not know someone was in the room with him.
"Grandfather," I called out in a soft voice, causing him to turn to face me. His eyes were glassy, and he held the picture he had close to his chest.
"Annabelle," he muttered before wiping the tears that had escaped from his eyes. "My dear, what brings you here?"
I sighed before placing my hands on his shoulder. "Hide your tears and pain when with other people but as far as you are with me there is no need to hide them."
"I miss them so much," he said. "My wife, your grandmother, my son and daughter-in-law who are your parents."
"I miss them too," I muttered before hugging him. "Although I never know my grandmother, I'm sure she was an amazing woman."
"She was truly amazing so was your mother. The two of them made this place feel special." he smiled. "But I'm sure you will do better."
I extended my hand out to view the photo. It was a beautiful scene. My grandfather stood beside a woman who I didn't know, but she looked like my dad, so which means she is my grandfather. My parents were right next to grandma, and they all had smiles on their faces.
"Annabelle, please stop crying," he said. "I'm sorry for bringing up old wounds."
"It's okay grandpa." I smiled before wiping my tears away.
My grandfather sighed before sitting on a chair. He directed his hands to another chair for me to sit. "Forget about all those memories and tell me what's bothering you?"
"Nothing." I lied, but his expression showed he wasn't buying it.
"Tell why are your eyes looking heavy?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" I inquired.
"You are looking sad, confused and angry," he said. "Your eyes are not filled with happiness like usually."
I shifted my gaze to the floor. My grandfather has already sensed my problem, so it's better to open up to him.
"I'm hurt," I muttered.
"Oh my God!" he exclaimed. "Tell me, is the poison affecting you again?"
"No, it's not about that, grandpa." I sighed.
"Then what's wrong, darling?" he asked. "I'm worried."
"How long have we been at armed ends with The Aries?" I inquired.
"I can't count it dear, it's been a while," he replied. "We have had a problem with them for a while."
"What really happened?" I asked. "I mean, was it a misunderstanding or something else?"
If I can trace this stupid feud, I will put an end to it. My people have lost their family and properties for too long.
"From what I heard, back in those days, Firce was a kingdom that was well admired for its land, beauty and ability. The Aries were not so strong, and they needed our help to develop. Our ancestors helped them. We formed an alliance of friendship with them and both kingdoms felt satisfied." he explained.
"Then what happened?" I asked. "What caused the war and killing of innocent people?"
My grandfather's face turned red. "The Aries caused everything. They started taking our women and men, they turned the women into their sex slaves and they turned men into their labours. We didn't want to hurt them so we tried to talk to them calmly but they didn't stop so we needed to take a serious attack on them."
"How dare them?! What gave them the right to do such a thing?" I growled. "They are monsters!"
"I know darling, but don't worry one day we will get rid of them for good." my grandfather reassured.
"And I want to help make sure that happens," I said.
"Meaning?"
"Grandpa, I want to leave how to fight that way I could battle The Aries when they attack," I said.
"Annabelle, I hope you don't mean what I'm thinking!" my grandfather growled with a raised brow.
"I want to be a warrior princess, not just a princess, and the only that can happen is if I learn how to battle like a soldier," I said.
"Not possible!" my grandfather yelled.
"Please grandpa just let me train," I begged.
"There is no way I'm going to let The Princess of Firce, who is my granddaughter, go to battle," he yelled.
'Annabelle, you need to convince him but how?'