7 Natalie.

Natalie couldn't believe her ears as the she heard the prince offering to be on her side.

Is this some kind of a master plan by him and his father to watch her moves.

It was suspicious, who could she tell this.

She was lost her thoughts when Sebastian came to meet see her.

I didn't mean to get you angry, she told him. After they exchanged pleasantries.

I am not angry, he said. I must say, I was very frustrated.

Have you ever thought of the life you are missing outside this palace he said sitting beside her.

I have, since this past few days without my family and me in bandage she said.

Well I have been thinking about it since I was brought here till now. He said. After I tried escaping and was caught I never tried again, not just because I was scared but I was in deep pain. I cannot afford failing Natalie he said like he was talking to himself.

I can relate, in order to get out of here, we need a sane plan, A perfect plan she continued.

I agree he said.

First time you are agreeing with me. She said smiling.

I didn't mean to, I thought I was over it guess I am not , he said.

How do we do this ? he asked.

What do you think of the prince Natalie asked him not knowing his reaction.

The prince? He asked,the question threw him off balance.

We grew up together, but he never talked to me, I don't know. Sebastian blabbed.

Why are you asking ? he continued.

Hmm, I just asked, he looked like a nice person , she said.

You do not know a nice person by their face Natalie, he said.

I am not stupid she replied.

I got work, he said finally taking his leave.

... ..... ... ..... ... ..... ..... ..... ... ....

Sebastian!, he heard a voice calling him all of a sudden. He looked back at the direction of the voice that called. A royal servant came to him.

The king commands your presence, she said. Are you sure? Sebastian asked her.

Yes.

This was strange, the king never calls him. Several thoughts starts to cross his mind. What was this about, has the already found that he was talking to Natalie or worse still he had found out about their escape plan.

What if a royal servant had overheard them and told the king about it he shivered at the possibility of this. Those snitches they never mind their business he cursed.

Whatever happens he consoled himself but at the same time hoped it was something else.

Your majesty he bowed down facing the king.

Sebastian, the king called him.

Yes my king, he answered waiting for the worst.

I have seen you are in good relations with Natalie, he paused then stood up from his throne.

OK, here it comes, Sebastian whispered to himself closing his eyes.

I want you to do something special for me he said as he drew closer to him.

Sebastian opened his eyes, OK that was close. But what was the king asking of him he thought.

The king faced him. Then said, you are going to watch Natalie for me he said.

Sebastian whimpered, my king. I don't understand you, he said.

I want you to keep an eye on that young woman for me, I don't trust her, you know she tried escaping twice before. The king said.

Sebastian stood there not knowing what to make do of this. Why was the king asking him to do this. The king had never asked him to do any peculiar thing of this sort.

Are you going to do it, the king said asking him.

Who am I to refuse the request of the king he said bowing down his head.

Good, you will keep me updated on any thing you notice about her. He said sitting on the throne.

As your majesty wishes, Sebastian said.

You may leave now.

.... ... ... .... ..... ..... ..... ... ... ... ... ... .....

Its been nearly two weeks since Natalie had been taken from home. The days seems longer and endless as time went by.

Her sister's memory still fresh in her mind.

She still haven't thought of her way of this escaping there. As more and more days passes she started to lose hope of ever getting out of the palace.

Maybe Sebastian was right all along, it was a dangerous and futile attempt.

She lay her head in the bed as she tried to sleep. Soon she was sleeping soundly.

Natalie! Natalie!

She saw her sister's running towards her and hugging her.

You are still alive she embraced her.

You thought I would ever leave you her sister told her with a smile plastered on her face.

You must never give up on leaving the palace she said now serious with the smile disappearing from her face in an instant.

Now you are here we can escape together Natalie said.

But I can't help you right now, I have things to do, she said.

Things? Natalie asked frowning. What must be more important than escaping from the palace.

Oh, I have to take care of mother and father. She said.

So there are alive too, can I see them, where her there, Natalie asked excited.

Well they are okay, but you can't see them, not now. But they are hoping you will get out that palace soon.

I will, I promise, I will. Natalie said sobbing gently.

Her sister did not say anything but watched her smiling again and touching her face.

Natalie! , Natalie!.

She felt a hand tapping her and in an instant her sister faded away into thin air. She opened her eyes.

Dear, are you talking in your sleep the old woman touched her head.

Oh you must be sick, don't worry I will send for the palace physician, the woman said as she left the room.

Oh crap, she was dreaming.

Her sister voice kept ringing in her ears.

"Natalie, don't die a prisoner'