At the gate again, "open the gate." "What's your business here?" "Well-" "I'm sending someone down." A guard came down and toward the gate from stairs, "So then what-" "Yeah, I'm home and brought some friends." "P-Princess Raina." "Yeah. So are you going up and open the gate?" "Yes of course!." Wasn't sure if a guard would recognize me.
Still James walking by our side we finally reached the castle stairs. A guard came forward and took the reins; Princess Raina, Galvin, and James walked up the stairs to the throne room. "Raina!" "Father!" Both hugged tightly when Raina's mother, grandparents came in and rushed over to join in the hugging. "Where have you been?" Exclaimed Snow. "I've been to Richard's and Alvin's Kingdom, I never left on the boat, I asked Henry to give that letter to the soldiers so they could leave." "Henry! He knew?" "Yes, he thought it was a good idea for me to gain a new perspective and I made friends that liked me for me, not because I'm a princess. I'm sorry for my unexpected disappearance." "I suppose it was good for you but I would have liked if a guard or a few was with you." "As you can see I have a bow and arrows, and a sword... I had lessons so I could protect myself if I needed to." "How did you pay for the lessons?" "Since no one knew I was a princess I made deals by doing errands... These two guys are brothers and needs jobs, they're going to work here as guards." "How do I know they're fit to be guards? They may have swords but it doesn't say a thing about them." "It's quite a long story but these two used to work at Richard's castle as guards. Galvin here got fired and James quit to go with his brother. I told them to follow me, that I knew where to find jobs and a home. They didn't know I was the princess till earlier today, before I reached home." "Why was he fired?" "That's a long-complicated story which I'll tell you later but trust me they're good and I trust them." "Fine. Welcome to the kingdom and our castle, your new home." "Thank you, your highness and princess" said Galvin. "You can just call me Raina if you like, whatever feels comfortable with you." "Alright." James then asked "So where would you like us posted?" "Well-" "They were posted in the dungeon; I'd like to have them in the hall or castle grounds. Course It'll be up to you and them." "Where do you want to be posted?" Asked the king. Galvin spoke up, "well- uh. We did like our previous position but I think we'd like to stay in the castle halls." James picked up then saying "I agree with my brother. Maybe someday we'll return to the dungeon but not right away." "Very well," said the king. Galvin smiled as James said "thank you." Snow and Raina only nodded, "why don't I ask David to give you a tour?" "Yes please do." "David please show Galvin and James, our new guards around the castle." "Of course your majesty."
While David showed James and Galvin around Raina talked to her parents about her experience and if they could have a small, very small party. Raina's parents were happy for their daughter and her new perspective and experiences a little unsure what to say to Raina's request to being prisoner, in a dungeon, and doing a few tortures like the stockade. As for the party Snow said "let me see if I have this correct. You want to have a party but only to invite selected people." "My friends." "I see no harm in that." Raina's father only smiled and nodded in agreement, as Raina said "thank you, thank you!" Raina left heading to the library while on the way Raina saw David showing James and Galvin around.
Next week I'll send soldiers to deliver letters and to escort them here, I'll have to make sure they blend in, not looking like the royal guards when I send them out. Raina got to the library and started writing the letters. All the letters said the same thing accept for Orson who would also bring his employer, boss with him to show that Orson wasn't pulling his leg. As for the others it said their names inviting them to the house, saying she is wealthy excluding her role of princess, and lastly her name they known her by- Ella.
The soldiers left and went into two groups, the first would stay at Richards's Kingdom to give the few several letters and wait for the group from Alvin's Kingdom.
"Hey Galvin. How are things going, have you and James gotten used to the castle?" "Princess. We're still trying get used to it. Have you been?" "I told you before you may call me Raina; as if I'm a close friend or sister." "I-I can't, my apologies." "Wait before you go tell me have you been... Also I want you and James to come by my room tonight, we need to talk." "I'm fine princess. And will do, I'll tell James." "Thank you." "See you later princess. Raina spent most of the day either in the garden or library reading.
Raina retired to her bed chamber waiting, "Galvin and I are here princess. May we come in?" "Yes come in. Please sit." Galvin and James took a seat, James was speaking before Raina could say a thing. "Is something wrong? Did we do something for you to summon and talk to us?" "James! Calm down, you guys aren't in trouble... I just wanted to talk to you both." "Oh. What is it princess?" "I've told you both that you can call me Raina, yet you still insist on princess." "It's proper to address you like that." "It's not just that. You do look up but it seems you're not even meeting my gaze-" "We're so sorry to offend you princess." "Wait I'm not done. Why are you and Galvin acting this way, on the trail you met my gaze even after I told you guys I was wealthy. So what's going on? Please tell me." Galvin finally spoke up, "sorry." "Sorry?" "Galvin means he doesn't want talk about it, even I don't want to." "One of you will tell me.. And that's an order." "It's hard to explain." "Galvin I'll talk first, you listen and maybe it'll come to ya or maybe it'll be both of our explanations." Galvin nodded, "we didn't know you as princess. As Ella whom asked for something that lasted for a month, I went and punished you for slapping my brother's face. I'm sure Galvin feels the same as me." "Yeah I do feel the same, not to mention I guess you can say we're scared that you princess will have us punished. I know you said it was fine, it's just-" "What are you doing?" "Uh princess?" Galvin and James were surprised to have the princess hugging them and tears glistening in her eyes. "oh... So, this is what you've been thinking and scared of. James, Galvin listen carefully. I may be a princess but I'm still me with a new perspective. Yes, you guys did do that and probably deserve some sort of punishment but that's not going to happen. I will not or ever punish you either of you because of that, you're guards here. Can't you see I forgave? I forgave you guys a while ago, that's what friends do. Friends forgive even if it seems unforgiveable. Please let it be by gones and stop worrying." Tears stung James as both Galvin and James continue and tightly hugged Raina. "We're sorry." "I know you are Galvin, it's okay. If everything is alright now will you call me Raina?" James stepped back, "why do you insist on us calling you Raina instead of princess?" "You, Galvin, and I are friends aren't we so why not just call me by my name. I wouldn't want it any other way but if you're still worried that I will punish you then call me whatever you want... Hmph." "What is it?" "Just that I wonder... wonder what my friends will say when they come here expecting Ella, course Orson and Henry and you guys won't be effected. Right James?" "You're inviting us to the get together?" "Of course, you're my friends... Well we all better get some sleep, why don't you guys go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." "Night." "Night guys."
The next week everyone knew that there would be people, friends of Raina at the castle... Several rooms are set up for their arrival. It was the end of the week that a servant came into Raina's room, "sorry for interrupting princess but they're here." "Right, I'll be out. Tell them that the princess will greet them." "Yes princess." The servant went back to the throne room to deliver the message; "seems they found their daughter. I suppose I won't need my soldiers in town." "True father." "Indeed King Richard." "Who are you?" "One of your subjects, Ruth." "Oh." The servant said "Attention. Princess Raina has arrived." Everyone looked forward to see someone they thought they knew, gawking was the only thing so far any of them to do... well accept for Orson, Galvin, James, and Henry whom went on up while the others just stood there trying to figure out what was going on. "Sorry I lied to all of you, I just hope we can continue being friends as if nothing changed." Raina walked up to the kids: Lizzy, Rob, and Rachel. "How are you guys?" Patting their heads, when Lizzy spoke up saying "we're great. We miss you though." Rachel agreed with Lizzy saying "I miss you too." "Seems I was right to wonder about the stories you told my kids." "Cecil, I suppose you wondered correctly?" "Indeed." "Father did you know all this time who she was?" "Yes I did son." "Why didn't you say anything?" "King Alvin if you please. I told him my reasons and thought it was good for me, he was right too, I got a new perspective and learned a little about myself." "I see." A messenger came in, "sorry princess but two fellas say they know you from the trail." "Orson and I met a few people off the trail, I wonder who it is? Let them in." "Will do." The two fellas came in; Raina, Orson, James, and Galvin recognized them instantly. "James, Galvin I know you're also my guests but please show everyone to the library. Galvin lend me your sword for a moment." Galvin indeed gave Raina his sword, everyone left accept Orson, "I'll be fine Orson. Catch up with the others." "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'll be there when I finish here." Orson reluctantly left, "so you came. Though I was sure Luke wasn't going to come, you seemed doubtful." "I was doubtful but I see now.." "So gentlemen what do you want?" "Luke and I... well we were hoping you could hire us. We tried to get jobs but something about us to others plus Luke here wanted to confirm what you said." "I see." "I know that we don't deserve jobs here after what happened on the trail but please hire us." "One moment. David if you don't mind get one of my parents." "Of course princess." David left, "why are you asking for-" "Yes sweetie?" "Father these fellas are looking for work, so I was thinking." "You want to hire them?" "Yes." "It's your decision." "Thank you father." "You're welcome, well sweetie if that's all I'm going." "Alright." As soon as the king was out of earshot John spoke up, "you're willing to hire us. Why? I mean what happened on the trail..." "I know what you thought and because of that I don't trust you guys. You'll work to earn my trust and maybe someday a guard but for now you'll work in the dungeon." "Both of us?" "Yes." "Thank you so much princess. Luke don't you have something to say?" "I guess, thanks." "David show these guys to the dungeon, they're working there till I say either wise." "Will do." John and Luke followed David to the dungeon listening to him about where they'll sleep, food, and such.
"Raina are you alright?!" Everyone looking at her, "yes, I'm fine; Galvin your sword. I suppose everyone knows what happened." "Thanks, and yeah James, Orson, and I told them." "I see." "So what did they want?" "Jobs." "You turned them away right?" "No I hired them, they're working in the dungeon." "Princess I think you lost your mind being out for months." "Queen Sophie I doubt it, I'm sure I would have done that even if they didn't attack." "Oh. I thought I told you to call me Sophie." "You did but I thought you'd want me to-" "No, whether your Ella or Princess Raina you call me Sophie." "Okay and that goes for you, all of you; call me Raina." Everyone agreed on just names, no titles." Although when darkness was approaching everyone was a bit worried on the two new dungeon workers. "Don't worry about them, I have it planned. Three guards are down in the dungeon watching them secretly and each of you will be guarded each night. Even my parents and I will be guarded." Still in the chair looking out the window though it was dark, while everyone left, Raina walked over. "What's the matter Gus?" "Nothing just surprised still and I got to teach the princess swords." "Ah, well it's not unnoticed. Look what happened on the trail it came in handy but that's not it is it?" "No, it's just I never thought I taught the princess is all." "You, Arlene, Cecil, and Ruth, and Orson will be paid later to what I think fits each of you." "What are you talking about?" "You and Cecil gave me lessons. Ruth and Arlene would have made more if I didn't sleep in the room with a friend or working for a room. And Orson he traveled with me, quitting his job each time I left for a kingdom, and helping or providing for me in some way." "Oh." "Well Gus it's been a long day I'm going to bed. Adam here will show you to your room and is also guarding you; night." "good night Pr- Raina."
Early the next day Raina and James took a walk in the garden but to only cross paths with Richard, his son, and Rudolph who is their body guard. "Good morning Richard and Ralph. Nice to walk early in the morning is it not?" "Indeed and a beautiful garden as well... Uh Princess." "Please just call me Raina." "Right, Raina. I want to apologize for everything that happened in my kingdom especially that month." "There is no need to apologize, it was only a request, one that also helped me gain more perspective." "Yes but if I knew you were the princess I wouldn't have accepted your request." "That is true but I wouldn't have gotten a new perspective if everyone knew I was the princess... James here and Galvin felt bad for what they did even after I forgave them and they even asked for forgiveness the second time. Isn't that right James?" "It is, we asked twice because it felt like it was unforgiveable. We see now she truly forgives us, treats us as if it didn't happen, and friends." "I see." "Uh." "What is it Ralph?" "I also want to apologize to you for everything I said." "It's fine, I forgive both of you. I'm sorry but I must meet the little kids I promised them that I would play with them." "Alright, see you later princess." "Mhm what did I say about names and titles, Richard?" "Right, see you later Raina." "Enjoy your walk Richard, you too Ralph." Richard and Ralph continued walking and talking as Raina played with the kids. James and another body guard stayed to watch, on occasion Raina asked James to play with them but he turned her and them down.