ADVENTURES OF THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS : CHAPTER 141 – 150
By Mide L.
(~•THE MAIN REASON•~)
“Hello, my beauty” a low, husky voice whispered in her ear.
Katharina’s heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice. It was Marcus,how did he get here? How does he knows she’s here?
“Marcus! What are you doing here?” Katharina asked.
Marcus chuckled, his warm breath sending shivers down her neck.
“Is that how you welcome me, my love? No kiss, no hug? Just a plain ‘what are you doing here’?”
She tried to move, but Marcus held her firm, his hands still grabbing her waist.
“I…I’m sorry,I was just surprised to see you”
“Surprised? That’s an understatement, my beauty. I’ve been searching all over for you. I was worried sick”
“My father sent someone to bring me back to the palace. I didn’t know how I got here either,I only woke up to find myself on this bed” she pointed to her bed.
Marcus’s expression softened, and he pulled her closer. “You’ll never have to find out, my love. I’ll always be here for you.”
“I’ve been searching all over for you, Katharina, I’ve been to every possible place I thought you could be infact I was starting to lose hope”
“But then I had a thought, What if you’re back at Valdoria? I just felt like you will be here ”
“And you were right” she said, amazed.
“I was right. I came here as soon as I had the idea. I didn’t think it would be this easy to find you. I expected more…obstacles” they chuckled.
“How did you get past the guards? The palace is heavily guarded”
“I disguised myself, Kitty. I blended in with the servants and made my way to your room and besides you know I’m very used to the palace so it was quite easy for me”
“You’re incredible, Marcus. I don’t know what I’d do without you” she said and he pulled her closer.
“You’ll never have to find out, my love. I’ll always be here for you”
As Marcus held her closer, Katharina felt relieved, She had only been out of his sight for a day, but it felt like an eternity since she’d seen him.
“I was so worried about you” Marcus whispered, his lips inches from hers.
“I was worried about you too” she admitted.
Without another word, Marcus leaned in, his lips crashing against Katharina’s in a passionate kiss and as they broke apart for air, Katharina smiled up at Marcus.
“I’m so glad you found me” she whispered.
“I’ll always find you, Kitty,No matter what”
“What does your father wants this time?”
“He’s still insisting on me marrying Prince Henry,he’s well aware that I’m engaged now but he still won’t back down”
“Why’s your father behaving this way?”
“I don’t know too” she rubbed her temples in frustration.
“We need to get out of here, Kitty, We can escape the palace at midnight when everyone is asleep. I’ve got a plan”
“I don’t know, Marcus. I’m not sure I can leave”
“Why not? We have to get out of here before your father finds out I’m here”
Katharina took a deep breath before answering.
“It’s Elara, my personal maid. She’s in danger. The King locked her up in the dungeon. I can’t leave her behind”
“Why did the King lock her up?” he asked.
“Because she helped me escape. If we leave now, the King will punish her even more and he can even have her killed. I can’t let that happen”
Marcus pulled her close.
“Don’t worry, Kitty. We’ll find a way to get Elara out too. I promise”
“Thank you”
“That means I’m stuck here?”
“Stuck here with me” she said and he chuckled.
“Well i don’t mind but no one must know I’m here”
“Let’s focus on getting you out of this arranged marriage. We can’t let your father force you into something you don’t want”
“I don’t know what I’d do if I had to marry Prince Henry. I don’t love him, Marcus. I love you”
“I love you too, Kitty. And I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t have to go through with this marriage”
“What’s the plan?”
“Leave that to me. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. But for now, let’s just focus on getting through the next few days without your father or anyone finding out I’m here”
“Do you know Calantha likes this so called Prince Henry?” She asked and he chuckled.
“This is working in our favour. Don’t worry everything will be sorted out”
“I hope so” she hugged him.
ADVENTURES OF THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS : CHAPTER 141 – 150
NEW YORK, NEXT DAY AT BLACKWOOD WINE COMPANY*
Mrs Gray walked into the company, looking a little bit nervous. She approached the receptionist, a bright smile on her face.
“Good morning, I’d like to see the chairman of the company, Mr. Blackwood, please” she said.
The receptionist looked up from her computer, about to respond when Leonardo walked in with Rhea beside him. He will be managing the company in the absence of Marcus.
“Good morning, Mr Blackwood!”the secretary greeted.
The staff greeted him respectfully, nodding or saying “good morning, sir” as he passed by.
Mrs Gray, who had been waiting to see him, turned to look at him and her eyes met Leonardo’s, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Leonardo’s eyes widened in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up. He hadn’t expected to see her here, especially not after all these years.
“Mrs Gray is here to see you, sir” the receptionist said.
“Ah, yes…of course,” he said finally, his voice a little rougher than usual.
“Please, come in, Mrs Gray”
Mrs Gray nodded and followed Leonardo into his office, leaving the curious staff behind.
They entered the office and he gestured for her to take a seat, and she did, her eyes fixed on him.
“It’s been a long time” Leonardo said, trying to sound calm.
“Leonardo, it’s been 7 years. I never thought I’d see you again”
“I know. I didn’t expect to see you either”
“Mrs Gray, I-” Leonardo started, but she cut him off.
“Please, call me Natasha. We’re not in a business meeting, Leonardo”
“Natasha, then. What brings you here today?”
“Leonardo, I have something important to tell you”
“What is it, Natasha?” he asked.
Mrs Gray took a deep breath before speaking, her words spilling out in a rush.
“I got pregnant that night, Leonardo. The night we…I know we never talked about it. You were a married man and I was your just your business partner’s daughter”
Leonardo’s world came crashing down around him. He felt like he’d been punched in the gut, his breath knocked out of him.
“What are you saying, Natasha?” he asked, his voice shaking.
“I’m saying we have a daughter, Leonardo. A beautiful baby girl, born 7 years ago. She’s the light of my life, and I’ve kept her a secret all these years, but I can’t keep it inside anymore. She’s requesting to see her father which is you. I never wanted you to find out about her or try to come in between you and your wife but Emily wants to know you”
A daughter? He had a daughter?
“Why are you telling me this now, Natasha? After all these years? Why did you keep this a secret from me?”
“I planned to tell you, Leonardo. I really did. But then your wife came to my house, warning me to stay away from you. She said I was just a mistake, a fleeting infatuation”
“Yeah I told her what happened but I never knew she came to meet you. What else did she say?”
“She said that if I ever contacted you again, she would make sure to ruin my reputation and destroy my life. And then…my parents found out about the pregnancy. They were furious, and they disowned me. I was all alone, Leonardo. I raised our daughter alone”
“I had no idea. I’m so sorry, Natasha”
“They said that I was a disgrace to them and so they sent me away. Thanks to my savings in my bank,I got a little apartment and a store where I sell clothes.
“No wonder I never saw you anytime I visit your parents house,I would ask of you and they will tell me you went out. Natasha, I…I need to see her. I need to meet my daughter” he said.
“I expected you’d want to meet her. But, Leonardo, there’s something you need to know”
“What is it?” he asked.
“Emily…she has leukemia. But she’s doing okay now. She’s actually in the middle of her chemotherapy sessions”
“Oh, thank God. I’m so sorry she had to go through that”
“She’s a fighter, Leonardo. And she’s getting better every day.”
“I need to see her. I need to meet my daughter”
“Okay, Leonardo. Let’s go see her now. But please, be prepared. She’s…different now. The chemotherapy has taken a toll on her”
Just as Leonardo was about to leave with Natasha, Rhea knocked on the door and entered the office.
“Excuse me, sir, but the conference meeting is about to start. The team is waiting for you” she said and Leonardo nodded.
“Thank you, Rhea. I’ll be right there”
He turned to Natasha.
“I’m sorry, but I have to go. I’ll meet Emily tomorrow, okay?”
Natasha nodded, a small smile on her face.
“Okay, Leonardo. Tomorrow”
Mrs Gray walked out of the office building, lost in thought. She couldn’t believe she had finally told Leonardo about Emily. It had been seven years since that fateful night, seven years since her life had changed forever.
She has promised herself not to have anything to do with Leonardo but what can she do when Emily wishes to know him,she just wants to make her daughter happy.
Seven years ago, she was just a young woman, full of life and dreams. She had met Leonardo through her father,they were business partners.
One fateful night, her father had sent her to Leonardo’s hotel room- where he was for a business meeting, asking her to deliver some important documents. She had gone, thinking it was just a simple errand. One thing led to another, they kissed, and then…well, she had never meant for it to happen, but it had. One night of passion, and her life had changed forever. She had gotten pregnant with Emily, and her father had disowned her when he found out.
She remembered the pain and heartache she had felt, the struggle to raise her daughter alone. But she had never regretted that night, because it had given her Emily.
Now, seven years later, she was face to face with Leonardo again and now he knows about Emily. She wondered what would happen next, if he would want to be a part of their lives.
ADVENTURES OF THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS : CHAPTER 141 – 150
VALDORIA KINGDOM*
Katharina walked into the dining room, looking beautiful in her elegant gown. Everyone already seated turned to stare at her. Prince Henry stared at her with admiration, but Katharina focused on her father, King Ryker at the head of the table.
Prince Henry’s parents, King Edward and Queen Rachel, smiled politely. Katharina felt uncomfortable and took her seat beside Prince Henry.
“Katharina, dear, you look lovely tonight” Queen Rachel said and Katharina forced a smile, feeling trapped.
“Thank you, my Queen”
“You look amazing, Katharina. I’m a lucky man to have you as my future wife”Prince Henry said.
“The marriage between Katharina and Prince Henry will take place in one weeks’ time. It’s a union that will strengthen our kingdoms and secure our power”
“No, Father, I have said I won’t do it” she said.
“What did you say?”
“I said I won’t marry him. I won’t be a pawn in your game of power”
“How dare you?” he growled.
King Edward and Queen Rachel exchanged a worried glance.
“You will do as I say, Katharina” he thundered.
“Katharina, dear, think of the good this marriage will bring. It’s a chance for peace and prosperity” Queen Rachel said.
“I won’t do it” she repeated.
“You insolent child!” he roared, slamming his fist on the table.
“Katharina, we’ve been over this a thousand times. You will marry Prince Henry and secure the alliance. It’s not up for debate”
“I said won’t do it, Father. I’ve told you before, I won’t be forced into a marriage I don’t want”
“You’re being stubborn and foolish. This is the same nonsense that drove you to run away last time. But you can’t keep running, Katharina. You have to face your responsibilities”
“I’d rather run away again than marry someone I don’t love. You know I’ll do it, Father. I’ll leave and never come back”
“We shall take our leave now, please inform us when she has changed her mind” King Edward said and he left with Queen Rachel and Prince Henry.
“Father? Why are you so bent on me marrying Prince Henry? What’s so special about this alliance?” Katharina asked after they left.
“How many times will I mention this? The alliance with Prince Henry’s kingdom will secure our power and wealth for generations to come. It’s a strategic move, Katharina. One that will benefit our kingdom greatly”
“But at what cost? My happiness? My freedom?”
“You’re a princess, Katharina. You don’t have the luxury of choosing your own path. Your duty is to the kingdom, and if that means marrying Prince Henry, then so be it”
“There has to be more to it than that. You’re not just doing this for the kingdom’s benefit. What’s in it for you, Father?”
“You’re just a foolish child, Katharina. You don’t know what’s good for you”
“Father!”
“Fine, Katharina. If you want to know the truth, I’ll tell you. I’m not just doing this for the kingdom’s benefit. I’m doing it because I owe King Edward a debt. A debt that can only be repaid with your hand in marriage”
“What kind of debt?”
“A debt of honor, Katharina. One that I incurred many years ago, when I was young. Prince Henry’s father helped me gain the throne, and now it’s time for me to repay him”
“You’re selling me off to pay off your own debt? How could you, Father?”
“I’m doing what needs to be done, Katharina. And you’ll do as you’re told. Your marriage to him has been planned right from when you were ten”
“So all my life has been planned out? Father!”
“And I know Marcus is in here, in the palace. I know he’s hiding in your room, But let me tell you something, Katharina. If I could kill his father, my own friend and ally, to get what I wanted… then who is Marcus to think he can escape my wrath?”
Katharina’s heart skipped a beat and she felt a chill run down her spine, her eyes frozen on King Ryker’s face and she stood frozen.
“You see, Katharina, I always get what I want. And if Marcus thinks he can stand in my way… he’s sadly mistaken”
READ ALSO : DADDY’S GIRL- By Faith Lucky: Episode 1 – 10
ADVENTURES OF THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS : CHAPTER 141 – 150
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TO BE CONTINUED
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