Chapter 11

I take my time processing what Chris has just told me.

"You mean, we were friends once?" I finally ask though it sounds more like a whisper.

"What, you don't believe that a girl like you can be friends with a guy like me?" Chris asks me, clearly insulted.

"No, that's not what I mean," I say, sounding calmer than I feel. "I just hadn't thought about the fact that I had friends before I lost my memories. Especially when I found out I was a princess, something I still don't fully believe by the way."

"Wait, so you are like the only one who doesn't believe you're the princess?"

"I'm not the only one," I say quickly. "Madame didn't believe it either."

Chris looks at me with a puzzled look on his face. "Who is Madame?"

I smile. "She's the woman who got me out of the workhouse. She took care of me and I worked for her."

Chris holds up a hand, trying not to laugh. "So you're actually saying that you worked as a servant?"

Now, it's my turn to look insulted. "Yeah. Why is that so hard to believe?"

"Because the girl I know hates to clean anything."

"Then you don't know me at all," I say, standing up. "I think we're finished."

I start walking away but Chris stops me. "Hey, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"You really shouldn't have."

"But," he continues. "Gemma and I were friends for as long as I can remember. We always did everything together and we rarely left each other's side, until-"

Suddenly something pops into my head. 'I should have thought about that sooner.' "You're that little boy that was with Gemma the day she disappeared, aren't you?" I ask before I can stop myself.

I know the moment I said it that it was a mistake, Chris's smile fades and he suddenly looks very young and weak. "Yeah, that was me. We were playing in the garden as always. I just turned my back for a second and-" a hiccup escapes his throat. "The next thing I remember is people shaking me, asking where Gemma was. I lost my best friend that day, it was the worst day of my life."

"I'm sorry," I say, putting my hand on his shoulder. "I shouldn't have asked. It clearly hurts you." I lift his head so he has to look me in the eye. "I can't change what happened in the past, but I can change what will happen in the future."

Suddenly I find myself in his arms, as he seems to let out all the sadness and frustration he's kept hidden for the last ten years. We stand there, hugging each other for what feels like hours until he pulls back, wiping his eyes. "You should find your sister. She's probably wondering where you are."

"You're probably right." I start to turn around, but think of something and turn back. "Hey, do you, maybe, want to meet up here tomorrow again. You're the only one so far that just acts normal around me." I smile at him, but he just sends a sad smile back.

"It's probably best if we just stay away from each other. I don't want to get you into trouble."

"I don't care about that. And I can take care of myself, thank you very much."

He smiles that sad smile again. "You're still as tough as ever I see. You're going to need that if you are to survive this place, it can be pretty rough in here, especially if you're not used to it anymore.”

After having said this, he walks away, back to the spot where I saw him first.

"I won't give up this easily!" I yell after him.

He turns back while walking. "I didn't expect you to!" he yells back.

I smile as I walk back into the castle. Inside, I ask the first person I run into where Persephone is.

"This part of the day she's probably in the dining room," the man says, looking me over. "But why would you want to know where the princess is. Now, stop harassing her and start cleaning the late princess's chamber." He bows closer to me. "Word is that some girl acts like she's the missing princess and everyone falls for it. The real princess is long gone if you ask me. But who would ever listen to old Harrison." The man seems deep in thought so I decide to make a run for it. "Hey, come back here!" I hear him calling after me, but I just keep on running until I arrive at the doors leading to my room. I quickly get inside and sink down on the floor.

'Are there really people who think I lied my way into the queen's family? Do they really think I want to be here?'

A knock on the door disturbs my thoughts. "Who is there?" I ask in a small voice.

"It's me," I hear a familiar voice say. I wipe my eyes only now discovering I've been crying, and get up.

"Come in," I say, trying to sound stronger than I feel.

Tentatively, Shamus opens the door. "How are ye holdin' up lassie?"

"Hardly," I say, feeling too run down to make up a story.

We walk through the hall and sit down on the bed. "What's th' matter?"

"Apart from people thinking I'm a fraud?"

"Just let th' fowk talk. They don't know anythin'."

"I know but it still hurts."

Let me give ye a hint. If ye want tae survive this world, ye hae tae hae a shield around ye at all times."

"And that works?"

"Most ay th' time."

I smile. "Thanks, Shamus."

He stands up, holding up his hand. "Ah was told tae escort ye tae th' dinin' room. So are ye ready, lassie?"

I take his hand as I get up. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, I guess."