👑 *THE HIDDEN HEIR*👑
Three
*ALORA*
"I don't want to go," I repeated as I tried to keep my emotions at bay. My heart was racing with every breath and I felt like I was going to explode. I never thought I'd leave the village so soon, even though it had always been my dream. My dream was to leave this village with Grandma Candice, not without her.
I felt a warm rub on my back and I raised my head to see Grandma beside me, giving my back gentle rub. The warm gesture made me want to cry but I fought against it. "You're a stubborn girl," she chuckled.
"I'm not," I defended and she laughed. I pouted, "I don't want to leave you. What if you need me? Laila's getting married soon and I can't leave Grace." Laila and Grace were more than my friends. They were like my sisters. Us being apart would break me more than I wanted to admit.
"It's not like you're dying, are you?" she joked as she nudged my side. I shook my head and buried my face in my arms. "You're talking like you're glad I'm leaving," I mumbled.
"Aren't you the one that has always wanted to leave the place?" she asked. I groaned and she laughed. She always enjoyed frustrating me.
"You've grown into a fine young lady," I raised my head to watch her get up from beside me and walk over to her closet. She brought out something and made her way back to me.
"Even if you wanted me to follow you, I can't leave this place. I am bound to be in the unclaimed territories of Valoria," she said to me sadly as she patted my head. I knew it was the truth but it still hurt. It was unfair, she was already old.
"This is for you," she said as she placed something in my hands. It was a pretty necklace pendant with an amethyst stone shaped as a diamond. "It's so pretty!" I grinned as I brought it closer to examine it.
"Yes, it is. It was one you when I found you. But I kept it because I knew Eloise would sell it," she said to me. This made me look at her, "But why are you giving me now?"
"Because," she started and sat beside me. "This may be the key to finding your family," she said and I scoffed. "I'm not looking for what doesn't want to be found."
"Don't say that, love," she flicked my ear making me wince. "Grandma!" she looked at me with a pointed look, "You're telling me you don't want to find your family?"
"You told me I was found in the forest. Why would my parents drop me in the forest? I wasn't wanted, so I have no interest in finding them. You're my family and that's enough for me," I huffed. I saw the emotions in her eyes and I pursed my lips, hoping I didn't say anything wrong.
"Grandma, did I say something?"
She sniffled and smacked my shoulder lightly, "You're so stubborn." She then pulled me in a hug. "Never take off that necklace, no matter what. It belongs to you and you must keep it," she said as she pulled away from me. I was stunned.
Grandma was miles apart from being caring or emotional. She only gave me hugs when I was younger. Seeing her like this made me feel overwhelmed. "But I don't want to leave you," I admitted. She chuckled and got to her feet.
"You're twenty, stop acting like you're ten. Now, get some sleep," she said and walked out. I turned my attention back to the necklace. I could see an inscription on it but it was only when light reflected on it. It was a pretty symbol but I couldn't tell what it actually was.
With a heavy sigh, I clasped it around my neck and laid on the small mattress.
By tomorrow, I would be leaving for the castle. Only God knew where that was. I've always heard stories about the people that had magic, but I never planned to come across them. The maids don't have magic, so I would fit in well, right?
In the midst of my thoughts, I fell asleep.
°
The night passed in a blur and I spent the morning packing my belongings.
I couldn't decipher the emotions I felt as I stayed by the window, watching the kids play in the backyard. I had always liked this spot in our room, because it allowed a nice view of the backyard.
The younger kids were always yelling as they chased after one another happily. I smiled as I remembered I was once like them. But my age mates got adopted along the way.
The wood was old and would creak whenever I sat on it, but this time it gave me a sense of comfort.
"Alora"
I turned to see Grace and Laila standing in the room. "You guys aren't going for errands?" I frowned. They looked at me like I was stupid.
"You're acting weird," Grace approached me and sat beside me. "How?" I questioned. Laila scoffed as she sat on the nightstand.
"The atmosphere feels like we're grieving. You're not usually this quiet. It's like we're counting the minutes till it's time to leave," she mumbled. I felt something heavy settle in my chest. "I'm sorry, guys."
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I'm just going to miss you!" Grace pulled me in a hug. I hugged her back, trying to keep my emotions in place. I didn't want to cry.
"Especially your endless rants," Laila said as she came down and wrapped her arms around us. My lips quivered as my emotions swirled like a stroke within me. The reality dawned on me.
I was never going to see them again. Laila was no longer going to complain about whatever I did and Grace would no longer laugh at my silly jokes. Who would I rant to whenever I got myself in trouble?
"I don't want to leave," my voice broke and I buried my face in Laila's chest. She and Grace hugged me tighter. I was fighting so hard not to cry. "We don't what that either," Grace sniffled.
"You were a wonderful, sister. You're a beautiful young lady; kind and precious. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, okay?" Laila said to me. I sniffled and nodded.
We were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Sister Alora, Madame Eloise is asking for you downstairs!" it was Frederick. I nearly burst into tears at the chirpiness in his voice. I was going to miss that little boy so much.
"Okay, I need to go," I cleared my throat and quickly wiped my tears eyes. We broke the hug and stood up. Grace helped me grab my bag and I thanked her before taking it from her.
They followed me downstairs and I felt my heart pound loudly in my chest when I saw a carriage outside. The Coachman was talking to Madame Eloise. She looked so happy that I was leaving and it made me wonder how much she hated me when I never did anything to her.
"I love you," Laila pulled me in a hug. I blinked and a lone tear escaped. My heart felt like it was pierced. "I love you too," I hugged her back and my shoulders shook as I struggled to keep my composure. Madam Eloise mustn't see me cry.
Grace hugged me from behind, "I love you too, Alora." "I'll never forget you," I said to them as I started crying.
"ALORA!" I heard Madame Eloise yell from outside. I sniffled but my tears wouldn't stop flowing so I wiped my cheeks with my sleeves. "I'll write to you," Grace said and Laila nodded.
"Bye," I sniffled and kissed their cheeks before walking out.