The black book

Today was a gloomy day it was time to say our final goodbye to grandfather. I was dressed in his favourite dress of mine and a black bow. I wore my flats he always like them over the heels I wore all the time. Mother called me downstairs to load in the carriage with the rest of the family. I sit in my usual spot looking out the window in the door watching the scenery flow past hearing the clip clop of the horses hooves against the cobblestone.

We pull up to the church filling out of the carriage. I see many faces whom I recognise as the other noble family’s in town. They just want to see grandpa buried along with his secrets. Each family has secrets in this town the royals, the nobles and the peasants. One member from each class here to see my grandfather buried. I’ve always wondered what secrets he hid from me and my family. I’ll find out one day if I look close enough.

All these people with there fake tears. Crying over someone they hated. My grandfather wasn’t one for many words which is why he had secrets. People always went to him to keep there secret deadly or not. He knew many and I’m next in line to take his place as secret holder. For many generations my family has been the holder of secrets through this rotten town. Now with grandfather gone it’s my turn.

I sit and ponder as the lawyer talks to my parents only perking up when I hear my name. The lawyer turns to me and hands me a little black moleskin book. “Don’t open it around other people” He said. I look up at the lawyer and said thank you. The lawyer and my parents wrap there meeting up and we head home.

Once I get into my room I close the door behind me and sit in my window to open the little moleskin book. My eyes open wide as I see names and secrets. It’s the secret book. I read through the secrets and who they belong to amazed at what I’m seeing. One particular secret intrigues me. Nameless. Written in a handwriting I’m familiar to. It wasn’t my grandfathers writing. Written in front of me was “there is 20,000 dollars buried in the Royal Crypt for the next secret keeper” as I stare at this I become overwhelmed. The royal crypt. $20,000. Nameless secret.

I lie awake in bed thinking about the money. Who left it. Who written it. Is it a payoff to keep their secret. Whose secret. Whose handwriting. The endless possibilities. I decide in order to found out who wrote it I better find the money first.

I sneak quietly into my brothers room and borrow some clothes I can be out riding in a dress. Once dressed in my brothers close there a little big but I can be fussy. I tiptoe towards the back door trying not to disturb the maids or the butler. I look around me hoping to see no one outside once clear I run towards the stable.

I walk to the end of the stables and am greeted by my beautiful black filly father got me for my birthday this year. I get all the tack needed for her and get her ready. Once tacked and checked over I lead her out of the barn wincing every time another horse whinnies. Finally out of the barn I jump on and begin my ride the the cemetery.

I slow down as I near the Royal Crypt. I tie my horse to the lowest branch of the tree and slowly walk to the opening. There's already a light on in the crypt which frightens me I don't want to found sneaking around the crypt so I peek my head in to see a tall man with his back turned away from me. "About time you turn up." Says the unknown man. Not sure if he's talking to me I step back. "Sasha darling I'm talking to you my dear." I emerge from my hiding spot to confront this man. He turns around and I feast my eyes on his gorgeous face. I'm bewildered he has stunning blue eyes and gorgeous golden blonde hair. "Might want to close your mouth my dear." He said. I'm shocked and quickly shut my mouth.

"My name is Prince Edward." I step back shocked. I couldn't believe I was standing in front of the Prince. Once my brain clicks into place I bow my head. "Sorry your majesty I did not know it was you." I utter to him. He looks down at me and scoffs. "No need to bow down to me darling, your just as important to me as I am to the kingdom." He states. I look up at him a little confused. "How?" Prince Edward chuckles and pulls out a satchel and hands it to me. I peek inside and see the money. I gasp loudly as this is a lot of money. I look up the Prince, "So what is your secret your buying?" He stiffens. "I um just need someone to talk to I used to talk to your grandfather all the time." This was a surprise.

"So your paying me to talk to me?" I ask. He nods confirming it. Okay so he just wants a friend. "That is not all I am afraid." He looks away guilty. "I also bought you..."

The nerve of this guy! He bought me without my consent! I run into my room and throw myself on the bed. I could not believe this. He bought me from my grandfather. HE Allowed this. My own grandfather!

I look at all the coins and scoff I can’t believe this guy. Buying me without my consent “I’ve been waiting for you to come of age so I can court you.” His words still ringing in my head. Is this my new life?

5 months later...

“You look absolutely gorgeous darling!” My mother exclaimed. It’s my wedding day. 5 months ago I got my grandfather’s Moleskin book. 5 months ago I stumbled upon $20,000 and a Prince. 5 months since I found out I was bought. But I’m not mad those have been the best 5 months of my life. There’s more to this story more to come and I can’t wait to tell you how it ends.