The Hidden Secret

Prologue

Everyone knew that the Princess of Donner, a small Kingdom in the 18th Century France, was a troublemaker. Some believed that her long dark hair was a result of her mischievous actions as a small child. The Queen, herself, often questioned herself from time to time whether she drank something that was spoiled during her pregnancy that resulted in such a poor mannered child.

Princess Cordelia Wothman on the other hand, didn't see anything wrong with the way she handled herself. She knew the stories that circled around her Kingdom about her and often laughed at the absurdity of them. "I am amazed at the mind that comes up with such stories. They keep me popular." She would say to her hand-maiden, Tessa, as she fixed her hair in the mirror.

"Certainly, Princess." Tessa would reply.

It was because of this childish attitude of hers that the Princess was forbidden from leaving the Palace grounds. "You'll find yourself in trouble and we wouldn't be able to help you when you are far away. This is for your own good." The King would say when he was questioned. However, this never stopped her from venturing outside anyway.

Not many had the pleasure of seeing the Princess. Those who worked in the Palace themselves were unaware of the beauty the Princess was known for among those who had the liberty to see her. This worked in the Princess's favor every time she sneaked out.

Whilst not many noticed the Princess's escapade, those who did knew better than to disturb the King and Queen with this. They would often go to the Prince who would sigh and shake his head at his sister's childish games. It was he who decided that there was no point in stopping the young rebellion. Instead of stopping the Princess and having her defy him, he advised Tessa, her hand maiden, to be with the Princess at all times.

And alas! The two sneaked out for an hour every now and then after lunch, when everyone was full and tired from a heavy meal and didn't bother to pay attention. Their visit to the Kingdom was more or less the same every time. Every time except once which changed their lives forever and that was when they had encountered with none other than Zen Carpbell.