Chapter 14

Just as James had promised himself, the next day he started looking into Elle's real story.

He didn't want to seem nosy, but he just had a feeling that something was missing. And he was going to find out.

He had been in the mayor's study, where all of the documents about the people were kept filed away. Elle's name was hardly mentioned, and details of her were kept at a minimum. Nothing was of any use, and James had found nothing out.

James was frustrated and tired of looking at the useless paper work. No, he would no longer waste his hours. It was time to pay Elle a visit at the bookstore. Perhaps then he would gain some more answers.

As James walked across the village, it seemed incredibly dull. It was a cloudy day and the usual bustle in the market was now a quiet hum.

Everyone was recovering from the party. It had gone on past midnight, so no doubt people were tired.

Also, there was nothing left to be excited for, which had meant that there was a slight gloom floating over the village.

The bookstore was right on the edge of the town. It seemed extremely excluded from the rest of the village. There were several uninhabited buildings around, that were all neglected and falling apart. Mr Winter's bookstore was exactly the same.

James knocked on the door, and waited. When no one answered, he knocked again.

He didn't believe that they were out. Although the bookstore was closed, James could see a trail of smoke rising out of the chimney.

James walked around the back of the building. It was all overgrown with weeds, so although movement was difficult, he was well hidden.

The building wasn't particularly big, so it didn't take James long to reach the window at the back. As he approached, he could hear voices.

They were male voices, talking in hushed whispers. Even though it seemed that Elle was out, they clearly didn't want to be overheard.

James slowly lifted his head upwards, so he could see through the window and into the building. He was in the corner of the window, and would only just be visible if either of the men were to look his way.

At the table in the centre of the room sat two men.

One was Mr Winters. James hadn't seen him around much, and he had never been this close. From close up he looked dirty and frightening.

The other man was a man that James didn't recognise. He had black hair and wore a black cloak covering his clothes.

James began to listen to what they were saying.

"Well it's about time!" the man in black whisper yelled. "Do you know how long the boss has been waiting?"

"I know," Mr Winters replied, looking almost frightened. "I've done everything I can."

"Well it should have been sooner. You've had her for nine years. You said we could take her when she was sixteen. She has been that age for a long time now." He replied, looking angry.

"How was I supposed to know that they would come and look for her again? I assumed they would have given up."

"Well clearly not!" The man shouted, before realising his volume.

"I couldn't very well send her when they were in the middle of the search. It would have been way too suspicious if we got up and left." Mr Winters replied, a frustrated look across his eyes.

"You better mean it when you say that. If it takes much longer we won't get the money we deserve for her. The boss wanted her when she was 16, for that would be the age that they would pay the most to get her back. If they begin to except her death they won't pay us as much!"

"I promise. They have stopped searching now, so I'll send her straight away." Mr Winters said, nervously fiddling with his hands.

"How soon can she be with us?"

"Give me two days and I will send her. I have some things that I must take care of first."

"What's the plan?" The man asked, intrigued.

"I'll fake her death. Say that she went for a walk and never came back. They will hardy even care."

"Won't they look for her? They'll surely investigate."

"Oh, I highly doubt it. She has no friends. No one cares." Mr Winters smirked as he spoke.

"Oh, wait 'till the boss finds out that it is finally time for Princess Elizabeth to be his!" The man almost squealed.

James couldn't believe what he was hearing, or even seeing. They were sat there laughing about Elle's fate. It was worse than James had thought it would be.

He had expected to find something wrong, but this was crazy.

Elle was the Princess, and James himself had helped her hide from Oscar and her family.

But Elle couldn't know that it was her, could she? Why would she hide if she knew?

James got up, about to sneak away, when he knocked over an old beer bottle. It hit another, and made a loud clinking noise.

Both men looked toward the window at the same time, and James only just managed to duck away.

James could hear a chair scraping against the floor, and then footsteps getting louder and louder.

He couldn't be discovered. If he was they would surely take Elle away now. So he ran.

He ran all the way home, hoping and praying that they didn't see him.

When he got home he went straight to his mother.

"Ma, I have to go and visit the palace. Please don't tell people where I've gone!" He panted.

His mother was shocked to say the least.

"Why on earth are you going to the palace?" She asked, shaking her head in confusion.

"I-I can't tell you." He replied. "But it's really important!"

"Okay, dear." She said. She knew that James didn't over exaggerate anything.

With that, James grabbed his coat and filled a bag with food and water. He gave his mother a kiss, and raced out of the house.

Several people in the village owned horses, but James was not one of them. He would need to get a horse from somewhere.

James went to Delilah's house and knocked on the door loudly. It was the middle of the morning, so James was unsure if anyone would be home.

After waiting for a minute the door was finally opened by a maid. Behind the maid was Mrs Trivilla.

"Ah, hello James dear." She said. "Are you here to see Delilah?"

"Actually, no. I was wondering if I could borrow one of your horses." James said, a hopeful look in his eye.

"Why ever would you need a horse?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I need to make an important trip to the palace, to see Mr Pavey. There's something that I must discuss with him."

"Oh, is it about my Delilah?" She looked excited at the idea of the palace visit.

"I really can't say, but it is very important."

"Well of course you may borrow a horse. Will you take Delilah with you, I'm sure she would love a ride?" She asked.

James knew that taking Delilah would slow him down.

"I'm afraid that I can't today. Perhaps another time." He suggested, hoping that she would just let him leave.

"I'll hold you to that," she said. "Have a good journey."

The maid took him to the stables and James quickly saddled up a fast looking horse.

He was soon on his way. By now it was early afternoon, and James wouldn't make it until supper time.

A/N- here is the chapter! I hope you all like it. The new cover was made by cupcake_sparkle_xoxo which is so pretty so thanks so much! Xx Have a wonderful weekend! Xx