Vanished- Chapter 9

Instructions

Later that morning, Rosaline and Hugo emerged from their room. “Oh, you’re up.” Milinda said from the kitchen. “Morning.” Hugo and Rosaline said together just as two men entered the room. “This is my husband, Frank,” the older man nodded, “and my son, Joseph.” “You two look much better.” Joseph smiled. “Mutter can nurse anyone back to health.” “Oh, I don’t think I can nurse ANYONE back to health.” Milinda said, grabbing the basket. “Where are you two going now?” She asked, turning. Rosaline glanced at Hugo, who just shrugged and nodded at her. “We’re going back to the castle.” Rosaline said, trying to sound casual. Milinda and Frank froze and Joseph stood staring at them as if they were crazy. Maybe they were. “So, you’re the missing princess then?” Joseph asked, breaking the tense silence. “Yeah. More or less.” Rosaline responded. “You’ll get yourself killed lickety-split, child.” Frank said. “Don’t you know what happened?” “Of course I do. And I know about Zart. But that’s y home and I’m not letting him take that away from me.” “And wherever she goes, I go.” Hugo said, placing a hand on Rosaline’s shoulder. “I wan to go with them.” Joseph said. “But, Joe, it’s incredibly dangerous. You’re joking right?” Milinda gasped, taken aback. “Your mom’s right, son.” Frank said unhelpfully. “I’m a grown man. I can make this decision for myself. I’m going. That is,” Joseph turned to Hugo and Rosaline, “if you’ll let me?” “Sure.” Hugo said. “The more the merrier.” Rosaline said. “Very well.” Milinda said, handing Joseph the small basket. “At least take this with you.” “Ah, Mutter.” Joseph grabbed the basket and planted a kiss on his mother’s weathered cheek. “Don’t you ‘Ah, Mutter’ me.” She said. Hugo led the way outside. The few dark clouds had grown bigger, one blocking out a small section of the sun. “So, why you want come ?” Hugo asked. Joseph laughed. “You need to work on your German, my friend.” He winked, a sign that he was only joking. “Anyway, I wanted to come because I don’t want Zara around and I want to do something meaningful with my life.” “Good reasoning.” Rosaline said. They continued on through the woods, Hugo leading. The clouds grew darker, rain threatening to pour down at a moments notice. “So, princess,” Joseph started. “Call me Rosaline.” Rosaline interrupted. “Rosaline, then,” Joseph bent down towards her ear and whispered. “Is Hugo your boyfriend?” “B-Boyfriend?!” Rosaline exclaimed, taken aback. Her cheeks heated up. She stared at him before breaking into a nervous laugh. “Hugo and I are just friends.” “I don’t know…” Joseph trailed off, winking and moving up to Hugo. Rosaline followed behind, looking at the back of Hugo head, his messy brown hair swaying in the slight breeze, ponder Joseph’s question. “Do I have feelings for him?” Rosaline thought. “No, you’re just friends.” Another part of Rosaline said. “What if Hugo has feelings for me?” “Has he shown any signs that he cares for you in that way?” “I don’t t know.” Rosaline thought about when she had blushed at Joseph’s question and stopped having the argument with herself. Hugo looked over his shoulder, catching Rosaline’s eyes before quickly turning back. After a while, Joseph spoke up. “Not to sound impatient and all, but don’t you think we should hurry up?” “Err, yeah. Probably a good idea.” Hugo said, breaking into a sprint, Joseph and Rosaline on his heels. As night fell, the castle loomed into view, the sounds of battle echoing in the distance. Rosaline took a step to rush to the castle, despite her body screaming for sleep, but Hugo stepped in front of her. “It’s late.” He said. “We can’t do anything of we’re not rested.” “But-“ Rosaline panted. “No, Rose. Just think for a second. I know this is hard for you, and I understand. But we have to wait. It’s not worth the risk.” “We could camp here for the night.” Joseph suggested; Hugo nodded. They built a small fire and sat around it. Rosaline lied down and stared at the overcast night sky, worrying about her family.