Page 5 of The Thief
Chapter One
Scarlett opened her eyes and looked around, the sunlight streaming in through the open curtains into the room. When she realized she was in a bed, she looked around, disoriented. The last thing she remembered was her uncle yelling at her that she was going to be queen and that she got so upset that she had yelled back at him.
The stress of yesterday must have gotten to me.
She sat up and looked around the room.
The bedroom was large and tastefully decorated with long beige curtains that matched the beige walls. The large four-poster bed she lay in was a dark wood and very sturdy. The wall across from the bed had a vanity and large armoire in the same dark wood as the bed.
As she looked around the room, she noticed also a writing desk between the two windows and that the theme of the dark wood was prominent among the furniture.
Scarlett stood up and realized with a start that she was only in her shift. Looking around for her dress, she located it on the stool that accompanied the vanity. It was folded neatly, waiting for her to put it on. She walked over and picked up the dress, smiling as she rubbed the soft silk between her fingers.
This was one of her favorite dresses.
She slipped it on and checked herself in the mirror to make sure it was on correctly, smiling at how cheerful she felt now. The bright color had always made her feel better.
She remembered Catriona’s words and had to laugh, knowing that if she didn’t, she would cry. Looking in the mirror once more, she went to leave, stopped by a knock on the door.
“Come in!” she called, sitting down on the stool she had just removed her dress from.
She waited patiently for her guest to come in and when the door finally opened, her uncle walked in. Scarlett immediately stood and looked at her uncle, feeling fear rising in her stomach.
She curtsied and said as she stood straight again, “Uncle, what can I do for you?”
Art’s expression didn’t change, but he replied, “I have spoken to the Counsel of Electors and they are in agreement with me.”
Scarlett waited for him to continue, but when he said nothing else, she asked, “In agreement about what?”
Without blinking, he said, “You are going to stay here on Elfyre Hollow until Catriona can be found or it is deemed safe for you to return to Ciomodors Garden. I have already had Melody pack your things and she is on her way with them now. If you need anything else, send word and Melody can come and get it for you.”
Scarlett stared at him, what he said sinking in.
“If I am not to rule, then who have they named?” she asked.
“Myself. I am the only one fit to do so and as I have already run this kingdom, I am the only one suitable.”
Scarlett shook her head. “You are not able to—”
He scowled at her and interrupted.
“The Counsel and I have agreed. You wanted time to find proof; well, girl, here is your time. The kingdom, however, needs a ruler.”
Scarlett flushed red at his patronizing tone as her temper rose.
“I will find proof, Uncle, and I will find her and bring her home. She is the queen and she will rule over the kingdom that you abandoned.”
Art flushed a dark red and took a step towards her, making Scarlett grab the edge of the vanity but standing her ground.
She felt her entire body shake as she waited for Art to do something.
“Mark my words, Scarlett. You better find her before I can convince the Counsel to force you to take over the throne or hold an election. If you don’t find her, you might give the person you are trying to stop all the power he wants.”
Scarlett felt her stomach drop.
Art laughed as he headed towards the door. “Enjoy your stay,” he said, shutting it behind him, the echo of his laughter in her ears.
She collapsed on the stool and took a few deep breaths, trying to steady her frantically beating heart. When the door opened again, she jumped up, her heart speeding up uncontrollably.
