Ready to Run

Gabriella came in from yet another seemingly frivolous day of shopping. In truth she was shopping for her escape wardrobe. She had insisted she didn’t need a bodyguard for such excursions. Her father would have been adamant if her brother hadn’t lent his agreement. Dear dutiful Prince Etienne. His blind spot was his younger sister – and she was about to betray his faith. She had acquiesced to the use of a chauffer, but he didn’t accompany Gabriella or her new companion into the shops.

“How do you stand walking around all day in these?” Julie kicked off the high heels. Sitting on one of the beds, she rubbed her abused feet.

“We are actually trained from a very young age to look regal at all times.” Gabriella grabbed the Bible from the desk drawer and proceeded to walk around the room with it balanced on her head. She would occasionally wave or strike a blandly pleasant pose. The book never wobbled. “My feet are killing me.”

“Can’t tell.”

“Then I am how you say ‘pulling it off’?” Gabriella titled her head to let the book drop into her hands.

“You’ll love the sneakers and Doc Martens.”

“They felt exceedingly comfortable.”

Julie shook her head. “You gotta loosen up, Princess. You’re vocabulary needs work.”

“Not at this moment, I must pack for my escape and then I must dress for dinner.”

“Thank God, I don’t have to change for the time of day!”

Gabriella had morning clothes, luncheon clothes, teatime dresses and dinner formal wear. Her gorgeous raven-colored hair was always worn up – and at dinner, she wore her tiara.

“When are you running away?”

“I have not yet decided. It will be best if I do not tell you.”

“Then except for shopping trips, I know nothing.”

“Oui.”

Julie gave her friend a hug – and at first, Gabriella was taken aback. No one had ever touched her in such a familiar fashion before. This embracing of friends was very pleasant.

“Good luck, Gabby,” Julie wished her friend. “Whenever it is.”

“Merci, Julie. You have been a kind, dear friend in spite of our short acquaintance.”

“You really need to work on your speech,” Julie sighed. “Take care of yourself. You are such an innocent to the real world.”

“But it is the real world I must see before I am forced behind palace doors for good.”