Kingdom of Secrets

By Katherine F Long

Princess Alice returns home after eight years at a boarding school in hopes of a peaceful homecoming. Instead she comes home to an arranged marriage with a man she has never met and a revolution on the brink of tearing the country to shreds.

Will

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ingram Spark
• Release date: Apr 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869255396

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Copyright © 2024 by Katherine Long

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Anna Long

1 edition 2024

To those who wished

they were princesses when they were little

Alice

The steady thumps of the waves and the salty breeze wake me from my nap. Luckily, this is the last day I will be on this ship, and I won’t have to step onto another one for a long, long time.

Your Highness, we’re here. A sailor with a messy beard nods down at the docks below us.

Some of the sailors are unloading the cargo and the other passengers’ bags while others tie down ropes. The passengers clamor excitedly, antsy to get off. Little kids bounce next to their mothers, who gaze out to land like it is a prize.

Two guards meet me at the shaded bench I am lounging on and wait for me to collect my belongings. They escort me off the ship, out into the vicious heat. Beads of sweat form across my brow, and I wish I hadn’t packed my fan with the rest of my clothes.

We walk down the ramp and off the docks to the cobblestone road. Elena stands by a carriage, the stench of fish markets strong in the air and the yells of bargaining customers ringing in the distance.

Age has woven itself into Elena’s face, and her carefully pinned back gray hair displays years of her life. She stands straighter when she sees me and smiles as she drops into a curtsy.

Your Highness, it’s wonderful to see you again. You must be tired from your travels.

Elena, I’ve missed you. We have lots to catch up on, I’m sure.

Yes, your Highness. I must be honest, the castle has been rather dull without you. Your brother, though, has filled the halls with gossip since you've been gone.

What has he done this time? I chuckle.

Edward has always been the one to spread rumors among the servants and scare the guards on their night shifts. It has been such a long time since I have seen him, and every second closer to meeting him again makes my heart race faster.

Elena looks as if she will combust on the spot. Has he written that he’s been seeing someone? When my eyebrows knit together, she rushes on, but don’t mind my news, I want to hear all about your schooling.

Very well, I’ll tell you on the carriage ride back home, unless you want to explain who he has started seeing?

Elena glances at the sky. I suspect your family will want to reunite with you as soon as possible, your Highness. Shall we finally get you home?

Yes, I would love that.

The coachman helps Elena and I into the carriage, and within moments, it jolts forward, carrying us past Bonta’s capital. People rush by, attending to their busy lives, while kids race down the roads, barely noticing the car.

As the carriage tumbles down the streets, I describe to Elena my classes at school, the friends I’ve made, and the cat who accompanied me to hidden reading nooks.

Your Highness, Elena interrupts the lull of our conversation.

Yes?

Her Majesty has assigned me as your lady in waiting.

Elena, that is fantastic news. I would be honored to have you as my lady in waiting.

Elena beams with delight. Thank you, your Highness.

Out the window, two kids wrestle over a ball. I’ve missed this town. Do we still host the annual fair?

Actually, your Highness, there is something I must tell you.

And what is that?

She broke off at the sight of a crowd holding and waving signs and flags of Bonta with a red cross painted over it. The group stands outside one of Bonta’s court houses, yelling and pushing the guards to get in.

They hold their ground, standing patiently as the surrounding throng harasses them.

Elena! A gasp escapes me, and my hand covers my mouth. What is this?

That is what I wanted to warn you about, your Highness. Most of the farmers and middle class have become restless. They started revolting against the king a few years ago. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner.

Words escape me, and tears threaten to pour out. I turn from the window, not wanting to bear the pain any longer. How could this happen to Bonta? This country has always been full of peace, a place where any person would give their shirt for another.

But we were just in town. The people seemed so happy, and the kids were playing.

Your Highness, that was the northern part of town, where most nobles live. It is much different everywhere else. The people are unhappy and restless. Things have changed since you have been gone. Are… are you alright? I am deeply sorry for not mentioning something.

My words wrestle to form a sentence. I’m fine. It was an unexpected surprise, is all. How long has this been going on?

She stays silent. About four years now. I am sure there is a good reason why the king or queen didn’t write to you about it.

Yes, you are probably right; Father has a reason for everything. But I should have been informed a rebellion has started, especially in my country.

They would have told me, wouldn’t they? Being away didn’t mean I should be unaware of what was happening at home.

Your Highness, I am in no way questioning the king’s decisions, though perhaps he didn’t want to distract you from your studies.

Perhaps, I agree, though my stomach twists at the words and there’s a sudden need to pull the window down for fresh air.

The carriage slows to a stop, creating yet another lull in our conversation.

Awaiting guards push open a golden gate lined with freshly trimmed green bushes, and the horses pick up the pace once more. Carefully trimmed rose bushes match each side of the road, the vibrant colors creating a trail to the palace’s grand entrance.

Please, don’t worry about the revolution. It is nearing an end, I’m sure of it. His Majesty will have it sorted out soon.

Father is good at solving problems. But if this had been going on for a few years, how had he not come up with a solution yet?

The carriage gradually stops, and the coachman helps me climb out. A satisfying breeze blows against my face, and instantly calms my nerves. Elena is helped out of the carriage after me and stands behind me, waiting for my lead.

Stairs from the entrance of the magnificent castle loom before me. I take a deep breath, excitement vibrating within me, before taking the first step. The castle doors tower over me, and slowly open. A row of servants and guards line the walls, ready to tend to any of my needs. Familiar family portraits glimmer in the sunlight, welcoming me home.

Thoughts of the revolution circle in my head. I’m determined to find Father or Mother and spit out questions until I get answers.

However, in the middle of the hall, Mother waits for me, and my questions evaporate. She stands straight, her presence captivating the room’s attention. At this moment, she is Queen of Bonta. Though as soon as she turns towards me, she is my mother. Her expression softens and shoulders slacken.

She hurries over to me, and pulls me into a hug. She holds me in her arms, and I allow myself to relax into the familiar warmth.

I have missed you so much. You must tell me how your schooling was. Her excitement echoes through the hall.

I’ve missed you too. School was everything I could have wished for, but I’m glad I’m back home with family.

She pulls away. I am glad you enjoyed it, and I have definitely missed you since you’ve been gone. Even when you walked through the door, I wasn’t sure if you were the same Alice I sent to the boarding school. I can’t wait to talk all about it. Why don’t you get settled in your room and we can chat later?

Yes. That sounds nice. But I must ask, where are Father and Edward?

Your father and brother wished they could have been here in time for your return. They had a court meeting earlier today, and haven’t finished yet. However, Edward promised that as soon as the meeting was over, he would spend time with you.

My muscles tense and eyebrows knit together.

Father and Edward are in the same courtroom the protesters had been trying to break into. Worry tugs at my gut. They might get hurt, or worse.

No.

I shake those thoughts away. They had guards who had been handpicked by the general and who had sworn themselves to the safety of the crown.

If that is all, Elena will help you find your room. I doubt that you still remember where it is. She summons a servant with a swift glimpse. Unpack the carriage and take the luggage to her room.

The servant bows. Yes, your Majesty.

If you are feeling up to it, I am hosting an afternoon tea today. My hand picked ladies of the court will be there and delighted to see you, especially after all this time you’ve been away. She squeezes my arm once. That is, only if you are interested.

The idea of tea with the ladies of the court seems daunting. I am tired from the trip and now that I am home, I want to rest. Then again, making friends with the ladies would pay off when I went into court later. I need all the allies I can get.

I reluctantly push away the thought of reading a book this afternoon, and beam. That sounds delightful.

Wonderful, Elena will direct you when it is about to start. Get rest before then. Mother looks me up and down before smiling and leaving me with Elena in the Great Hall.

I shift to Elena, waiting for directions to my room.

This way, your Highness.

As we wander through the halls, I ask, why didn't Mother tell me about the rebel attacks? I have every right to know.

Your Highness, in all due respect, you have just arrived back home from a lengthy trip. If I was her Majesty and tasked to explain a war to my daughter who I haven’t seen in years, I would wait as long as possible to break the homecoming celebration.

I lower my face. You're right, as always. She will tell me when the time is right.

Your Highness. She stops in front of a tall walnut door, and grips the doorknob. Your room.

Alice

Elena drew an herbal bath for me to soak in while she packed my suitcase. The warm water relaxes me as it laps over my chest. I lie on my back and let my hair float around my head, free from the braids it was woven in.

As I begin to feel at peace, the revolution clouds my thoughts. Father has always been a compassionate king. I can’t imagine what he could have done to anger the country enough for a revolution.

I bring my knees to my chest. The water has turned lukewarm, which makes it uncomfortable to sit in for much longer. Standing, I wrap myself with my towel.

I enter my room, heart sinking. I barely recognize it. None of my old toys or possessions are here, except for a small journal on my nightstand. A smile forms as I think of all the memories and secrets I had scribbled in it.

Two arched windows with their curtains drawn look out into the mountainous forest.

Oh, how I want to run through the forest, forgetting about my duties. Feeling the soft grass below my feet and my hair wildly waving in the wind.

Your Highness, Elena calls, snapping me out of my trance.

Yes? I turn away from the forest, away from my dreams.

It is about time for tea with her Majesty and the ladies of the court. She clasps her hands in front of her. If you are still interested in going.

Yes, I still want to go. Though, I bite my lip, do you think that the ladies of the court would mind me a little late? I want to look my best to meet them. I don’t want my first impression after ten years to be in my worn out traveling clothes.

They won’t mind. They will be glad you show up at all. I already have a dress picked out for you.

Perfect.

Elena helps me slip into a blue dress and black flats. She brushes through my hair, letting it hang uniformly by my shoulders.

It won’t be as bad as you think. They will beg to be friends with you.

Only because I have a higher rank than them.

Elena half shrugs.

I straighten my shoulders, take a deep breath, and follow Elena out the door. I try to remember the turns we take before finally giving up. I dread every step I take toward the parlor, knowing the ladies of the court's approval means everything after I’ve been absent for so long.

As my heart pounds, Elena stops at a door. She arranges herself behind me, preparing for my entrance.

Whenever you are ready, your Highness.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach when I reach for the handle. The door seems to open on its own, revealing a parlor with golden trimming, encasing a small dark coffee table circled by three couches and two chairs. Behind the couches is a fireplace with windows gazing out to the castle grounds. Four ladies sit around Mother. While she sips on her tea, the other women laugh.

Oh no, they are already laughing at me. I turn to Elena, who gives me a swift nod.

I will be fine from here on out. Thank you.

Be strong, your Highness, Elena whispers. She curtsies before leaving.

Mother sits between an empty seat and an ancient woman wearing a yellow gown and a large headdress, making her neck bend awkwardly to balance the weight.

Princess Alice, it’s a pleasure to see you, a woman styled in a light purple dress with ruffles down the sleeves says.

Thank you. I find my way to the empty seat next to Mother. I hope I’m not late.

No. We haven’t started yet, your Highness, the last woman says. Her pink sleeves flow around her arms as she motions to Mother.

I grab a cup and fill it halfway with tea before adding milk. I lean back in my chair while taking a sip, burning my tongue.

Alice, this is Duchess Priscilla Kendall. Mother points at the older woman with the heavy headdress.

Duchess Pricilla takes a bite out of a scone. She manages a smile, crumbs stuck at the corners of her lips. Lovely to make your acquaintance, your Highness.

I am Lady Arabella Jakins. You must excuse my mother. She doesn’t talk much, but she tells great jokes at the dinner parties, the woman wearing the light purple outfit pipes up.

It’s true. You should ask to hear the one about the entitled duke. A lady with a caramel colored dress insists. I am Countess Genevieve Dewitt. It is a pleasure to meet you.

I exhale a little. They accepted me into their clique. I am one of them.

Is everyone from the court here?

Genevieve giggles. No, there are many more, but Her Majesty has asked to speak with only us today. I’m guessing it is about the upcoming wedding.

Wedding? I look at Mother. Who is getting married?

Mother's mouth opens to answer, but before she has a chance, Priscilla lifts her head, fighting the headdress to stare at me. She points a wobbly finger at me with a wavering smile.

You are, she grunts.

Priscilla, Mother warns. She sets her teacup on the coaster, then turns towards me. I was going to tell you, in private. The words pierce the silence.

It’s alright, I say numbly, my brain scrambling to process. I do not think anyone will mind if you tell me now. It is better for me to know than to be kept in the dark and make myself look foolish later on.

A neighboring country has agreed to a marriage betrothal between you and Prince Alexander, the Grand Prince of Taprar. It will be a glorious celebration, especially since it is to be held a few months after Edward marries Princess Hermia of Celiany.

My mouth runs dry. All of this is happening too quickly. I’m not supposed to be getting married yet. I still have a whole life to live, adventures to take.

You made a marriage agreement without consulting me about it? I whisper as it finally sinks in.

Yes, I was going to tell you as soon as I saw fit. Right now is not the best time to discuss this, but you insisted. She shrugs.

My reflection in the tea becomes distorted from small ripples as I place a sugar cube into the cup. I stir and watch as the sugar dissolves, wishing I could dissolve just as easily and vanish from the room.

But this is what it is to be a princess. Not being able to decide for yourself, but letting others decide your fate for you. I shouldn’t be surprised. I am nothing more than a pawn in this chess match.

I understand. I blink away a tear. Thank you for telling me now.

Seconds that feel like eternity pass before Lady Arabella tells a joke, as if Mother had not just announced my betrothal to a stranger. Arabella glances back at me, giving me a warm smile.

It won’t be bad, Arabella says, taking a sip of her tea. "I remember being scared to marry Count Jose, but it is not