The Escape of Princess Madeline by Pulioff Kirstin

Author:Pulioff, Kirstin [Pulioff, Kirstin]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2015-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

***

The king paced back and forth across the throne room, looking up each time someone entered. The sound of his steps echoed through the quiet chamber. It had been hours since the search party began, and all the preliminary reports were negative. No one had seen her, heard from her, or knew anything about where she might be. In a kingdom overflowing with visitors, how could anyone miss her? The pacing didn’t help much, but it did keep his mind occupied.

“Father, you’re going to wear your legs out,” Braden joked as he entered the room.

He shot his son a harsh look, and immediately regretted it.

“Braden, come sit down for a moment.” He motioned to the throne. “What do you see?”

Braden rubbed the back of his neck, knowing he had said the wrong thing. “I see the throne room, stained glass, and our portrait.” His words stilled as he looked at the picture of himself and Madeline.

“If I don’t pace, son, I see that portrait. And when I look at it, my mind wanders to dark places. There are too many possibilities, too many risks, for me to relax. No son, this isn’t one of her games. This is serious.”

“I understand,” Braden said, nodding.

With one glance at his son, he knew that it was true. “You’re going to make a great king someday,” he said, giving Braden a sad smile.

“I’ve been taught by the best.”

Their moment broke as someone cleared his throat. At the entrance to the throne room, Prince Paulsen stood, framed by the massive arch doorway. King Theodore heard Braden groan under his breath.

“Prince Paulsen, please come in,” he welcomed him.

Prince Paulsen strode toward them, his black boots hardly making a sound. His sword gleamed at his side, and his shirt looked as crisp and smooth as it had at the ball. A crooked smile played at the edge of his lips, growing bigger with each step. His eyes twinkled with delight.

The king felt Braden stiffen beside him.

“Your Majesty,” Prince Paulsen said with flourish. “Your Highness,” he added with a nod to Braden.

King Theodore smiled in greeting.

Prince Paulsen coughed to clear his throat again. “I was wondering if I might have a word with you, about your daughter.”

His heart skipped a beat, and he looked up sharply. “Madeline? Have you heard any news?” he asked.

“Er…no, Your Majesty, no news yet,” Prince Paulsen floundered. He hesitated, looking around at the guards lining the outer edge of the room. “If I might suggest, how would you feel about my men joining the search for your princess?”

“Absolutely! I’m honored to have your men join mine.”

“On one condition, of course,” Prince Paulsen continued. “Since I am offering my protection, I ask to remain here until their return…”

The king nodded in approval.

“And… when we return her, I thought we could arrange another ball for her return and betrothal,” he looked up expectantly as he finished, “to me.”

King Theodore rubbed his chin, understanding the implications of the deal. He met eyes with Prince Paulsen and saw his undisguised greed.

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