It's Been Awhile

Diana wondered along the corridors knowing exactly where Alex would be and she was right; she found him pondering over his thoughts on the balcony. "Do you know what they could want?" Alex asked with an exhausted tone.

"You asked me that before and my answer remains the same," she replied leaning her her back against the balconies railing.

"I thought that's what you'd say," he sighed his ruby eyes clouding with thought "are you going to be okay?"

Diana was thrown of by the question no one had thought to ask her until now "I'll be fine, I'll remain in the shadows until I'm needed but I do have something to ask you."

"Go ahead," Alex smiled.

"If I have to do something that seems crazy and I have no evidence to support it, will you trust me?"

She had expected him to hesitate but his response was almost immediate and full of conviction "Of course I'll trust you, I can't think of anyone I trust more." A slight brush crawled up her neck as he said this.

"Thank you," she replied her voice almost lost on the back of the wind.

"You know I don't think I'll ever get used to that," he laughed

"Used to what?"

"You saying thank you," Alex chuckled as a cheshire grin broke out across his face as Diana playfully swatted at his arm. They stayed there chatting even past when the sun had risen and the servants bustled to fix the place for their supposedly royal visitor, only when they had to get ready for the day ahead did they part ways. As they arrived in their rooms the rein came.

Diana had no intentions of letting this mascaraed carry on for too long, she pulled on her blank knee high boots, navy blue trousers and ebony top. Luckily she had a shawl like cloak in her wardrobed and slipped it on hiding her hair in its hood. Her swords hung dangerously at her hips, she made a vow which she intends to keep.

Meanwhile Alex had slipped into a well tailored ebony suit which complimented his ruby eyes perfectly but he allowed his sword to hand at his waste, there was no way he was leaving it in his room. When he arrived in the throne room everyone was there and although he couldn't se her he had no doubt Diana was close by. There was hardly any time for greetings before the princess of Malum was announced and they all stood there waiting as she walked along the crimson carpet. Liam froze he hadn't seen her in months.

Her serpent green gown flowing around her as her thorn green high heels brushed the carpet, her golden hair which seemed to reach past her waste was in a high ponytail and her violet eyes stared on fiercely as she came to a stop in front of them. Rosey lips set in a straight line as she gave a gracious curtsey, her leafy nails resting on the cloud soft fabric of her gown.

"Greetings I am the princess of Malum it is an honour to meet you," her melodious voice sung.

"It is a pleasure princess please rise," King Brian replied and the young girl who looked around fifteen rose to her feet "what brings you here princess?"

For a moment she froze when she saw Liam knowing he could very well be the undoing of this scheme but she couldn't let him tell them the truth. Too much was at risk so she took a deep breath before speaking "My parents sent me here they feel terrible about the recent incident and wished for me to convey their deepest apologies," she explained a sorrowful expression painting her face.

"That was very kind of them, but they didn't have to send you here yourself it's awfully dangerous here at the moment," Queen Valeria spoke her voice dripping with honey.

"They believed it was only right to send a representative from our kingdom to convey their apologies, after all the incident was our fault."

"Then why send you and not the crown prince?" Alex questioned with an impervious gaze holding the young princess in place.

"My older brother is unfortunately rather busy and couldn't leave his post, as the princess my parents thought it only right I come in his place."

Before anyone could reply a slow clap filled the room resinating from the shadows; as everybody turned around they saw a hooded figure step out from the shadows that the thrones had cast on the curtains. "A very convincing performance," the voice spoke and everyone knew it was Diana her ocean blue eyes shinning from under her hood. No one could take their eyes off her as she walked towards the princess. "but unfortunately your plan won't work, or should I say their plan won't work?"

Everyone was stunned silent but the princess managed to speak with a shaky voice "W-what do you mean?"

"Well it would have worked at least for a little while but there are two people in this room who know you're not the princess. The first person being the crown prince of Dolus but you already knew that when you saw him that's why you were nervous, and the second being me." Diana explained coldly.

"And who are you?" She challenged her violet eyes shimmering with uncertainty.

"You already know who I am," Diana replied coming to a stop only a few strides away. Everyones curiosity grew as Diana slipped off her hood, her silver hair flowing down her back and falling over her shoulders as her lips set in a thin line. "It's been awhile Hollie."

The young girl was sunned speechless as she saw who had been hidden behind the hood and she instantly fell into a deep curtsey "My-"

"No need for that," Diana said cutting her off and the girl instantly fell silent understanding immediately "now rise you know I hate it when you curtsey to me."

"I never expected to see you here," she cried running too Diana and embracing her in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry Diana."

"Don't apologies to me," Diana spoke her voice soothing as she wiped the girls tears and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ears brushing her emerald earrings. "I'm not the one you've wronged."

The young girl nodded leaving Dianas embrace to stand in front of everyone else and after taking a deep bow she spoke "My name is Hollie Pulchra Lux and I am the adopted daughter of Lord and Lady Lux. I was sent here by the king and queen of Malum to impersonate the princess."

"Why did they send you here, why not the princess herself?" Maddy asked curiously.

"I was told to make diplomatic connections with Fortis in place of the princess as they couldn't send the princess even if they wanted to."

"Why not?" King Brian questioned.

Hollie hesitated for a second unsure if she could answer but she knew she had to "Because the princess ran away and they're trying to keep it under wraps because they don't want anyone to think they're weak."

"That doesn't sound like them," Queen Valeria spoke causing Liam and Hollie to stare at her baffled.

"Then they've changed a lot since you knew them then your highness." Hollie said knowing all to well the game that the the royal family of Malum could play.

"But why did you agree to play the part of the princess?" Alex asked staring down from atop the steps.

Hollie tensed as a look of grief crossed her face "I had no choice, they threatened my family." As Hollie spoke Diana's anger grew but she didn't let it show "they arrested my mother under false charges and are now threatening that they'll take my father and little brother if I don't do as they say." Tears threatened to spill as her voice shook "I'm so sorry."

"Is it possible what she's saying is true?" Kylo asked sceptically as they all looked towards Diana.

"It's not just possible, it's a guarantee." Diana replied

"Then what can we do?" King Brian asked "we can't punish her for trying to protect her family but if we send her back who knows what will happen."

"It is quite the dilemma." Queen Valeria sighed as she held her husbands hand.

"Hollie, is the annual mascaraed still going ahead?" Diana asked from beside the window.

"Yes it's happening in a fort night but its invitation only. Why?"

"Crystal, Maddy would you like to go to a ball with me?" Diana asked eyes twinkling.

"Of course," they beamed "why?"

A devilish grin spread across Dianas face as she replied "I think it's time we payed them a visit."