Changing (Prince!Prussia X Reader) Chapter 5

"Because of the tragic event, you will be allowed one week off. After that we'll arrange a new working station for you, as my late queen would have wanted. I'm sorry for your loss."

The words still rang in my head, passed the headache and the muffled sobs. I was drowning in apologies and condolences from my coworkers. Had I just stayed, maybe she wouldn't have died! If I had just did as she asked, been the good girl she thought I was. Instead I ran like a self-centered child to the castle, not even thinking about what could happen to her after I left. 

"Self pity doez nothing you know." A rough voice said from the doorway. I lifted my head before ducking it quickly, more to hide my red swollen eyes and less out of respect for the angry looking prince watching me. "Sorry, but I b-believe I have a week off." I said, stuttering over my words as I suppressed a guilt filled sob. Prince Ludwig, or just Ludwig for short, continued to stare with his cold, ice blue eyes. "Did you know they were friends?" He asked. I lifted my head again in confusion. "Who were friends?" He sighed exasperatedly, like I was a little girl not deserving of his knowledge. "The queen and your aunt." 

When was that said? And did I know? "Of course not." I said, putting voice to my thoughts. In what world would a queen befriend such a character as my aunt? I didn't think it was possible. Even in the time before my poor old aunt came to live with us, she never seemed quite like the kind of person the queen would socialize with. 

Ludwig nodded, the tense, angry look never leaving his face for moment. "I see. Vell don't sit around doing nothing. Go to town. See zeh kingdom." He said, a German accent slipping into his nearly perfect English. I hesitated before nodding, wiping the remaining tears from my eyes. "That's a great idea." I spoke before I could stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth. Ludwig saw that I was well on my way to recovery and left with a quick turn of his heel, not wanting to engage in further conversation. 

Life is filled with tragedy I suppose. It was my fault, but Prince Ludwig was right; I couldn't sit around wallowing in my self-pity. Going to town could be good for my health. I changed out of my uniform and into a slightly faded (f/c) dress, tying a (white or black) ribbon around my waist. I stared into the mirror across the room, my eyes still red and slightly puffy. "I'm fine. S-she's in a better place now." I said, repeating the words I'd mumbled in reply to every single apology I'd received. I said it now, hoping to convince myself before I left so as not to have a breakdown in the middle of the town square.

I left the room quickly, grabbing what little money I still had and headed towards the back exit. As soon as I stepped outside into the horribly bright sunlight, I heard my name shouted behind me. "(Y/n)!" I glanced over my shoulder to see the princess from earlier running after me. "Elizabeta?" I asked, walking towards her in confusion. "What are you doing?" Elizabeta grinned and stopped barely a foot in front of me. "Hallo (Y/n). Would you like some company?" She asked, not even close to being out of breath from her run. "Uh... Not really. I mean, I'm sure you have other things to be doing." I said, hoping not to come off as sounding rude. It was a complicated situation: refuse a request from someone ranking above me (by a lot) or be forced to walk around town in her company. 

Elizabeta simply grinned, showing her perfectly white teeth. "Nothing that can't wait to spend time with a friend in need." She said, hooking her arm through mine. I barely had enough time to move my legs and follow her through my shock. "I even look like a commoner. Isn't it lovely?" Elizabeta laughed lightly, smoothing out a simple green dress with her free hand. I rolled my eyes, but couldn't prevent the little smile from spreading across my face. "It fits right in." I said. 

    Despite Elizabeta being of royal ranking, she could make a potentially good friend. And everyone needs a friend in these situations. "I heard about what happened, by the way." Elizabeta's voice penetrated my thoughts as we walked down the long road from the castle. I clenched my free hand into a fist, using the pain to prevent my tears from falling yet again. "You did? Is that why you came?" I asked. Elizabeta shook her head, long brown hair swaying in response. "Not entirely. I travel with Roderich, but I'm not allowed to participate in all of the political discussions. Because of that I end up with a lot of free time on my hands."

I was about to reply when the pounding of feet sounded behind us. We both turned our heads to see who could be following us. I cursed under my breath and attempted to keep walking. 

"Don't you walk away, Frauen!" 

I just can't escape these royals, can I?