{Arrival}

                                    

                                          
Days passed and they finally made it to the Kingdom of Vaughan. Aurora slept for most of the trip after the horrible attack. Aurora hadn't slept comfortably but she was thankful she could rest.
Aurora admired the castle as they walked down the halls. It was just as extravagant as the one in Alderidge but The Vaughan's had a darker look to theirs. "This way, Prince Xavier." A servant lead them towards his parents. "How is my father doing?" Xavier questioned. The servant glanced over his shoulder, "The king is much better. I would go as far to say this is the fastest he's recovered." Xavier gave a nod of approval.
They stood outside a room and the servant knocked. "Come in." Queen Isabel said. The servant opened the door and before Xavier entered, Aurora stopped him. "Should I go in? They don't even know I'm here." Aurora stressed. Xavier looked down at her, "Wait here." Xavier entered the room, closing the door behind him, and Aurora took a deep breath. She hoped that his parents didn't disapprove of her presence. The timing wasn't the greatest.
Aurora waits patiently and jumps when the door is opened. "You may enter," the servant bows. Aurora walked in and she bowed deeply. "King Alan," She greeted the man that laid in bed, "Queen Isabel," she smiles at the elegant woman. "This is a surprise." King Gabriel coughed lightly. Aurora stood up straight, "I'm sure Prince Xavier already told you, but my parents decided to send me here since he couldn't finish his stay." The king nodded as he glanced at Xavier, "I see. I guess that is fair."
Aurora smiled softly realizing she probably wasn't wanted. "I'm sorry for intruding. I will do my best to stay out of your way." Aurora bowed deeply and the queen shook her head. "Nonsense. This will be your future home. You have total freedom." The queen informed. Aurora's smile grew, "Thank you, your majesty." 
The king glared at Aurora's cheek and Aurora felt small under his gaze. "What happened to your cheek?" He questioned and the queen slightly frowned as she noticed the long scab. Aurora looked briefly at the prince. She thought Xavier had told them during their time alone. "You see, we had a bit of trouble during our trip." Aurora said slowly. "What kind of trouble?" King Gabriel sat up, irritated. Queen Isabel put hand on his back. Making sure to support his weak body. Aurora opened her mouth to speak but Xavier began, "We were attacked by bandits." 
The king scoffed, "By bandits?" Xavier nodded, "Yes, but we took care of them." The king looked between the young royalty and laughed dryly. "I feel like there is more to the story." Gabriel said as he looked at his wife. "That's all- ," Xavier began but his father interrupted. "No, I can't trust you. Why don't you tell me what happened Aurora?" Aurora froze. Should she tell him the whole story, she thought. The way the king looked at her told her she had to tell the truth. 
"We were attacked by bandits and they took me captive, but thankfully Xavier found me quickly. Without him I probably wouldn't be here." Aurora made sure to praise Xavier. Maybe it would help convince his father to go easier on him. "Princess Aurora, may I talk to my son privately?" The king asked but in a demanding tone. Aurora apologized to Xavier with her eyes. "Of course." Aurora exited the room and the door was shut behind her. Aurora frowned. She felt bad that his parents were angry at him but what could she do?
"How could that happen?" Aurora heard the angry voice of King Gabriel. Though it was muffled, she could still hear perfectly. Aurora listened to the king lecture Xavier. "Why couldn't you mention this to me? Do you know this could've turned into a war if the princess was never found?" His father ranted. "I don't see how this is my fault." Xavier defended himself. "Lady Aurora let me show you to your room." A servant said. Aurora wanted to listen in but she had no choice but to follow.
The servant gave her a small tour as she guided Aurora to her room. Aurora made sure to remember her tracks. If she was going to stay, for who knows how long, she didn't want to look like a lost puppy roaming the halls. 
"This will be your room." The maid stopped at a large door. She bowed as she opened it and Aurora entered slowly. Aurora's eyes scanned the room and she couldn't hold back her excitement. "Oh, it's beautiful! I love it!" Aurora put her hands on her face and wanted to jump in happiness. "I'm glad you like it, my lady." The maid laughed. Aurora admired the room for a few more minutes. 
"Do you know where the library is?" Aurora asked. Aurora spent a lot of her time back home in the library so she wanted to do the same at the Vaughan's. "That will be on the other side of the castle," the maid gestured with her hands, "would you like me to show you?" Aurora nodded her head repeatedly. She was filled with joy. They left the room and Aurora could hear heavy footsteps behind her. Aurora turned around and was met by Xavier. She was going to grab his attention but he walked passed her. His jaw was clenched and his brows furrowed, more than usual. Xavier entered a room that was not too far from Aurora's and he closed the door quickly.
"That would be his highnesses room." The maid stated. Aurora looked at the closed door and slightly pouted. Aurora assumed his parents lectured him for who knows what. How could they get mad when they weren't at fault? Aurora sighed and continued her tour with the maid. Xavier wanted to be alone.