Katherine

Katherine held caution whilst she made her way back into the town as she used her covering. As far as she was concerned, she preferred to let those close to her believe she had run off. Making her presence known would entail a lecture from her father for she had missed mass. In an odd way, she now felt like a stranger in her own country. It was as if she had committed a great crime or perhaps a great sin. Amongst her thinking, her self-consciousness led her to the church and back into the confessional.

"Bless me, Father," she began confessing. "I think it is possible I may have sinned. I do not know."

"Katherine?" He asked in a joyous surprise. "I see you did not run away, but I did not see you in mass this morning. Is everything alright? Your father was rather angry and concerned."

"I suppose. You see, I actually did run away last night. I snuck out of court and rode off to the beach. I was going to leave this kingdom and never return. But I did not."

Katherine froze realizing why she had not followed her plan in turning her back to the kingdom. The thought baffled her. Considering she had not planned this confession, it was unclear if she could continue telling the holy father what had happened last night, but the words escaped her mouth regardless.

"I met this boy last night." Her heart came close to exploding with the sharing of these words.

"A boy?" the priest lightly chuckled. "I assume he is not the prince of Oakwood?"

"No, but he does hold a special title. He is the royal ambassador to the Ishmorites."

"Hm," the father scratched his nose and had a good breath. "I was not aware that a group of slaves had an ambassador to represent them. I suppose we learn something new every day."

"Yes, I suppose so." Katherine shocked herself with the following words that escaped her mouth. "What if this boy is the one, I should be courting? How do I stop myself from marrying the dreadful prince of Oakwood? My father shall surely never accept this boy and our desire for one another.

Father Frederick sat there a moment thinking of how to respond only to leave Katherine to wonder if her question had been heard. The man was old, perhaps he lost his hearing.

"Perhaps you should pray for wisdom to discuss this matter with your father the king. Perhaps the two of you can reach some sort of agreement."

Katherine knew deep down that her father would not be understanding. It would be of no use to talk to him. Yet, there was something else that captivated her heart that needed to come out. She stayed in her spot and kneeled without uttering another word.

"My dear Katherine, it seems to me that you have something to share with me. Is there something else that sits on your mind? There is no need to fear. You can certainly tell me."

"I have been lying about my identity," Her entire body felt numb with these spoken words. "I told this boy that I was known as Kassandra, courtier to the late prince. I fear I have dug a hole for myself."

The priest sighed and stood up only to sit down again.

"I suppose you have dug yourself a hole. I suppose you have. You do realize that lying is a great sin? May I ask why you lied to this fellow about who you are?

"I told you I wanted to escape from everything. If you were of royalty, you would understand. As the princess, there are certain expectations of me. From my father especially. I could not bear it if this boy discovered I was the royal princess of this island. He would have thought of me differently.

"I may not be of royalty, but I understand being of a royal position holds to its many hardships. I will leave you with these thoughts. As of right now, the boy believes your false identity. You are still lying to him. You cannot be forgiven until you set yourself free of this lie and find light in the truth. Perhaps this ambassador may not think of you differently as a princess. And if you can find the truth, you can certainly hold a talk with your father. 

Daniel

"You can come out of the bush Roseline," instructed Daniel whilst he stood in his spot where the fire once was. "I know you have been spying on me."

Just as Daniel had asked, Roseline stood out of the bush as Daniel eyed the ground. Something inside of him would not allow him to look into the eyes of his friend.

"Did you have a good night on the boat?"

"Yes, I suppose it was fine. Learned how to play a couple of card games." She could not stop herself from laughing and lightly punching the boy's shoulder. "But I see you had quite a night. You met a girl amongst all things. It seems that you received more than you asked for."

"Yes, it does seem like it," the boy lightly chuckled whilst finally using eye contact towards Roseline. "I think it might be possible that I could be in love. Damn, I am in love." Daniel's sight gave attention to the water with a sigh to follow. "I am in love."

"Oh," was the only thing Roseline could say for she never imagined the possibility of Daniel meeting a girl as a slave. Knowing she would regret whatever she would say next, she had to bite her lower lip and place her fingers over her forehead.

"It is more complicated than it sounds. This girl is of royalty. She was the courtier to the late prince." By this point, Daniel could certainly not stop glaring at the water."

"Damn you, Daniel!" immediately shouted Roseline who met him where he stood in the water. She was not shy about taking hold of his chin. "Have you forgotten you are a slave? Do you know what could happen if she or anyone else of royalty knew of this?"

"Remember how I wanted to pretend that I was an ambassador?" She nodded with a yes. "Well, she believes that I am an ambassador."

At that moment, she stepped out of the water and could not look at her idiot friend.

"You are digging your own grave. They will have your head sooner or later. Do you realize that?"

She held a valid point. This was all a risk. Meeting Kassandra that night at the royal court was certainly a gamble. Somehow it felt worth it. In reality, what could he possibly have to lose? He had nothing to begin with. Essentially, he was nothing.

"Roseline!" he responded and met up with her. Looking at her, he breathed a quick breath and spoke. "I understand what you're saying, but this is something I have to do. How often does something like this happen to a slave? I know you would do the same if you were in my position."

"Yes, I suppose I would," she chuckled. "I suppose I cannot stay mad at you. I have always supported you and will support you no matter how stupid you may be. Will you support me in getting back our horse?

This concludes the twelfth chapter! Katherine and Daniel have certainly caught themselves in a web of lies. How will this come to be? A new chapter will return next Saturday! Please remember to comment and vote.

Can Katherine find a way to talk to her father?

Do you think it is worth the risk for Daniel to lie about his identity?