The Heirloom

Harrah's eyes glued into that jewelry box lying on the floor.

"Princess?" Ms. Cathy's voice made her sense back in the present.

"Just put it back in the dresser," she commanded.

Her maid picks up the jewelry box and places it carefully on top of the dresser.

Harrah walks outside to her veranda sits in one of the chairs, and begins eating her meals. It was now noon but the sun kissed softly into her skin. The weather is excellent, and she can't complain today.

"Where's mom and dad?" she asked.

"I heard the Grand Duke and the Grand Princess requesting for lunch sent to their bedroom," Ms. Cathy answered.

"I see, hmm..." Harrah smiled. Her parents deserve some slack time.

The sky is clear and so blue. The cool air touching her cheeks tickles a little. She's thinking about what to do today. Everyone was still exhausted, and she knew that, so she was considerate to let them take a break.

"After I finish eating, let's go to the pavilion and read some books," she said.

Her maids gasp and look at each other; they can't stop giggling in excitement.

Ms. Cathy glanced at them. They stop squealing, and then Ms. Cathy winks. Finally, they cover their mouth and titter in silence.

Their princess allows them to read a book along with her in the pavilion. They brought snacks of sweets, teas and lots of books.

Harrahina Windsor-Landenberg is a crowned princess of the British Monarchy as she was the first child of the 5th Heir to the British Throne of the Royal Family. Her parents wear the title of Grand Duke and Grand Princess of Zurich as her father is from the Swiss Noble.

The maids place the teacups and pastries on the round table, their princess lying comfortably on that round sofa in the middle of the pavilion.

Her chambermaids, including Ms. Cathy, were seated on the floor where pillows scattered and read silently.

The trees sway gracefully from the rhythm of the wind. The birds are singing along and the sweet smell of the roses lingers under their nostril.

After three hours of reading, Harrah fell asleep, and when she woke up, she was already lying on her bed.

"Princess, are you alright?" asked Ms. Cathy, who was seated in a chair close to her bed. "Do you need something?"

Harrah sat up and replied, "Yes, please, kindly get me a glass of water."

Her dama gets her a glass of water and gives it to her.

"How long I've been sleeping?" she asked.

"You've been sleeping for five hours, Princess Harrah," Ms. Cathy replied. "Do you want me to bring your supper? Or I'll order to prepare them--"

When the bedroom door opened, Ms. Cathy did not finish her words, and Albert entered the room in a rush.

"Princess! I heard something happened to you this afternoon?" Albert Spencer, an Ambassador as representative of the Swiss government to the United Nations. He rushed to join her on her bed.

"Hey, I thought you already flew back to New York with Catriona?" Harrah asks with a teasing tone.

Albert smiled. "There is something I need to take care of first before I go back to the US."

"I see. Ah, Ms. Cathy, please prepare a dinner for us in the dining hall."

Her dama bows, then leaves.

"So, what happens today?" Albert asks her once again.

"It's nothing. Probably I am just tired," she replied lazily. "Nothing to worry about."

"Okay, I just wanna make sure before I go back to the UN Headquarters," Albert stares at her intently.

"What's the matter? Is something wrong in my face Ambassador Albert Spencer?" she asked teasingly.

Albert shakes his head and laughs. "Nothing, I'm just worried for real."

She stares at him for a moment, it's true, and it only makes her wonder what Albert knows that she doesn't. But, unfortunately, her family seems to hide a lot of things.

Is something happening while I am sleeping? She thought.

After having dinner, she and Albert drink tea in the library. They talked for an hour before they both decided to go to their bedroom. Albert had had his bedroom since he was often visiting the family when he was a teenager.

Harrah went to her wardrobe and changed her clothes into pajamas. Then, she sits in front of the dresser and combs her hair.

She then remembered the jewelry box her dad made for her 15th birthday, but it would just open when she turned 18. She doesn't understand.

She picks up the box to check what's inside... It is genuinely open now she's 18. She's been trying to open it these past years, but she fails.

Nervously, Harrah opens the box she takes out what is contained inside. It was a twin dragon sword necklace, and there's more inside, a red birthday card. She takes the card and reads what's written inside. She runs outside, rushing to her father's secret room after reading it.

*****

Happy Birthday, Princess!

Upon reading this, it only means your 18th birthday finally has arrived.

I am writing this full of anticipation. I am not sure of this day if I was still with you, with your mom, and with your two little brothers.

I am frightened I no longer exist in your world.

Take this Twin Dragon Sword necklace and show it to Bart or Oliver. Then, whoever has a duty today will let you pass.

Do you remember the riddles I used to play with you?

Yes, the answer along with your birthday... that's the password in my secret room.

Go and open the room. All your silent questions, it is about time to answer them, not only that, there's more...

When you enter the secret room, you will find a book. Of course, you can read it, but the contents of that book will reveal themselves inside you. Also, you will find something on the last page.

Take the Dragon Sword pendant.

And oh, before I forgot... this twin dragon sword necklace was given to me by my grandmother, who passed on to her from our ancestors 3000 years ago.

You will know more soon.

Love,

Dad

***

Harrah breathed heavily, and she was sweating from running the stairs. Her dad's secret room was on top of this castle.

"Princess Harrah, it is almost midnight," Oliver stopped her, "Do you need something? I will call the butler--"

"No. I am here for this," She shows the necklace to the two guards.

Oliver and Klaus glance at each other, and then they step aside in the middle of the hallway and bow at her.

Harrah's heart was beating so fast. Her steps are shaking towards the secret room. Yes, she's shaking in excitement with fear.

She is now in front of the door... she types the password, and the room opens.

She steps inside and what she sees shocks her a lot.

The room was filled with paintings hanging all over the walls and every corner.

But the paintings have drawn places she has never been before or seen anything like from this world... nor the people's faces in the paintings.

Harrah just then remembered about her dreams passing year, especially the one from this morning, and they were exactly what she dreamed of.