How is that possible?
Arissa was in shock, her mind racing. Just a day ago, she had been at the palace, feeling the weight of her family's secrets swirling around her. "How could this happen?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was just there. There were no signs..."
Karson's expression was grave. "It's fine. No one knew... It wasn't expected. Your father sent his friends out to look for her, but there was no trace at all." His words hung in the air like a heavy fog, wrapping around them with an unsettling chill.
The reality of Evie's disappearance loomed larger with each passing moment. Arissa felt a knot form in her stomach, an anxious flutter that mirrored the unease settling over the room. "What are we going to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Karson placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady. "We'll figure it out. I promise. But right now, Karl and I need to go. It's getting late."
As they made their way to the door, Arissa hesitated, not wanting to see them leave. She quickly grabbed her parasol and handed it to Karson. "Here, take this so you don't get soaked on the way back."
He smiled at her gesture, the warmth of it lighting up his worried eyes. "Thanks, Arissa. You're incredibly thoughtful."
With that, they stepped into the rain, the droplets dancing around them as they hurried toward the carriage. Arissa watched as they climbed in, her heart heavy with concern. She waved goodbye, trying to shake off the dread that clung to her like a second skin. After closing the door, she turned back to her home, her mind racing with thoughts of Evie.
Once inside, she set about finishing her chores for the night, each task performed with a mechanical efficiency that belied her inner turmoil. When she finally retired to her room, she opened her closet to put away the items in her briefcase. As she sorted through her clothes, a piece of paper slipped out and fluttered to the floor.
Curious, she picked it up and gasped. It was a letter—one she had completely forgotten about. It was from her mother, the late Queen Miriam. With trembling hands, she opened it and began to read:
Whoever is reading this, please take care of my daughter, Princess Arissa.
Please take care of her as I will not be able to. I am trusting you to take care of her well. I have my reasons why I cannot be with her as her mother, and it shall be revealed in due time.
When she turns 18, please give her this letter and tell her to contact one of my ladies-in-waiting named Elisabeth of Croume. My lady-in-waiting, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
—Sincerely yours, Queen Miriam of the Celeste Kingdom
The words spun around in Arissa's mind, each line striking her like lightning. "I am the Queen's missing daughter?" she said aloud, her voice a mix of disbelief and awe. The implications of the letter crashed over her like a wave, leaving her gasping for breath. Suddenly, everything made sense: the stares of admiration, the whispers of concern.
She hurriedly tucked the letter back into her drawer, her heart racing. She had to process this revelation, but she also needed to prepare for work the next day. Sleep eluded her as she lay in bed, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
The Next Morning
Morning light filtered through her window, a gentle reminder of the world outside. Arissa got ready for her first day of work at the café, her stomach churning with a mix of excitement and nerves. When she arrived, she was greeted by a warm and friendly atmosphere. Her new coworkers welcomed her with open arms, their laughter infectious.
Among them was Mia, a vibrant 21-year-old with a knack for storytelling, and Lila, the cheerful barista who seemed to know everyone in the neighborhood. They quickly formed a bond, sharing stories and laughter during their shifts, the camaraderie providing a much-needed distraction from her worries.
But by the time the clock struck 4:35 PM and her shift ended, exhaustion had settled in. Arissa realized she hadn't eaten anything all day, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the letter and her mother's mysterious past. In an attempt to stave off hunger, she sipped on tea, hoping it would be enough.
When she returned home, she felt the pull of the letter again. She sat down, her heart racing as she opened it once more, her thoughts racing. With newfound determination, she decided to write a letter to Elisabeth, her mother's lady-in-waiting.
Dear Elisabeth of Croume,
I have been informed of a letter that was meant for me in your hands. I hope we can meet soon, as I believe your guidance may help me understand my past and my future.
Wishing you a lovely evening,
—Sincerely yours, Princess Arissa of the Celeste Kingdom
After sealing the letter in an envelope, she placed it in her mailbox, trusting that a city worker would send it off to its destination. The simple act felt monumental, a step toward uncovering the truth about her identity.
Sitting on her bed, Arissa contemplated what her life could have been like had she grown up in luxury, free from the burdens of her past. What would it be like to be part of the royal family, to live without worry? A flicker of hope ignited in her chest.
She couldn't shake the thought that she was older than Michael, her future stepbrother, despite his more mature appearance. "The eldest will bear the crown…" she murmured, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders.
As she lay back against her pillows, sleep began to take her, but her mind remained awake with questions. What awaited her when she finally met Elisabeth? And what would she learn about her mother's past—and her own future?