***

“Sasha hold on. Wait for your dad and brother to get here.” My mom called stepping out of the limo after me.

“But I want to see the funny clowns.” I whined impatiently.

“I know sweetie, but you need to wait. Your dad and brother will be here shortly in the other limo and then we can leave.” Sticking out my lower lip I crossed my arms pouting.

“Why couldn’t we ride in the same limo.”

“Because Sweetie the rules of the land dictate that once the royal children reach the age of 6 they must ride in separate limos in case something happens. They want to make sure that if something happens to one royal child the kingdom will still have an heir to the throne.” She gently reminded me as she turned back to the limo to talk to the driver. The guards were standing around the limo watching our surroundings as they waited for us to leave. Fuming over being told no I decided I didn’t need to wait for the others. So, glancing back to make sure no one was watching me I quietly made my way toward the platform where other people were heading. I figured I would find a clown, talk to them, and get back before anyone noticed I was gone. Gazing up at the faces of the people I passed I began to feel uneasy as more and more people began crowding around me. 

“Maybe I should just head back.” I mumbled turning around and beginning to retrace my steps. After a few minutes of walking I stopped as I realized I was lost. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as fear began to take hold. I wanted my mom. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I see a clown towering over me. White red and yellow paint covering his face.

“Well hello little princess. Where’s your mom at.” He asked in a sing song voice.

“I don’t know I am lost.” I sniffed rubbing my eyes with my hands.

“Well why don’t you come with me than. I will gladly help you find her.” Nodding I took the hand he offered me and allowed him to lead me toward a dark alley leading away from the beach. As we moved farther and farther from the crowds the sound of his big floppy shoes slapping against the pavement became more noticeable. I was suddenly uneasy as I heard a quiet voice in my head telling me something wasn’t right.

“Um are you sure this is the way back?” I nervously asked gazing around me at the unfamiliar territory. I looked up at him confused when he didn’t respond. He wouldn’t even meet my gaze as he kept tugging on my arm, leading me forward. I was just about to say I could find my own way back when I heard someone calling my name behind me. Turning my head, I see my mom rushing toward me. I was just about to answer when the clown suddenly pulled me roughly toward him as he whipped out a knife from his oversized pockets. I whimpered as I felt the cold sharp blade against my throat.

“Let her go.” My mom ordered glaring at the clown as she stopped a few feet from us.

“Can’t do that your highness. This little girl is going to make me the richest man alive as well as win me the throne to the kingdom.” He sneered no hint of his earlier sing song voice.

“You may take the throne, but the people will never accept someone who kidnaps children as their king. She whispered menacingly taking a step toward him. I winced as I felt him jerk me backwards as he took a step back.

“They won’t have a choice.” He snapped.

“Maybe but how do you plan on getting her out of here when I have a million guards combing the area for us right now.”

“Who said I was taking her anywhere, she is merely a distraction.” 

“Mom look out!” I screamed a little too late as I noticed the clown slowly approaching her from behind. My mom whipping around attempted to defend herself, but to no avail. I screamed in horror as I saw her struck down before my eyes. I squirmed and kicked trying to get to her as the clown held me tighter. The clown who stabbed her knelt beside her, hands on his knees.

“She was never meant to be the target only the bait to draw you and your husband in, so we could kill you both. Though I must thank your daughter. If she hadn’t run off when she did I don’t know if our plan would have worked.” He whispered. Getting to his feet he looked up at us. I saw a look of shock cross his face a warning on his tongue. I felt the blade slip from the clown’s hands as someone from behind hit him over the head. I raced away from him the moment the knife dropped as he began to fall forward. I glanced up to see my dad standing there holding one of the guard’s batons. I was about to say something when the other clown grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. I sighed in frustration as once again a knife was held to my throat. 

“Let her go. I already have my guards surrounding the area. If you want any hope of leaving here a live you will put down the knife right now, let her go, and surrender.” He hesitated for just a moment obviously weighing his options before finally dropping the knife to the ground and pushing me away. I ran into my dad’s arms as the guards came swarming into the alley and handcuffed both clowns before leading them away. Glancing back, I felt tears prick the corners of my eyes as I saw my moms Lifeless body lying on the hard-cold cement.

                                                                                      ***

“And the ringmaster was still able to work here?” Conner asked flabbergasted. 

“Yes and no. When confronted about it he claimed he had fired those two that morning, and the other performers back up his claim. Since there was no proof that he was involved my dad had no choice but to let him stay. Although once word got out what happened everyone who loved the Queen, which was most of the kingdom, avoided this place like the plague. With lack of paying customers the ringmaster had no choice but to pack up and move on to the next town. I guess he decided since it was so long-ago people would have forgotten. I personally didn’t realize this was the same circus until he mentioned it.” 

“But if he didn’t want to remind people why did he harass you back there Sasha?”

“Because Conner he is still bitter about what happened and blames me. It’s his way of punishing me by humiliating me in front of everyone.” I sighed tears streaming down my face. Instead of responding he reached over and pulled me into his arms holding me as I sobbed.

                                             ☆☆☆

Entering the castle, I was just about to thank Conner for everything when Aaron followed by 5 guards appeared. Walking over to us Aaron stopped in front of me as the guards approached and handcuffed Conner.

“Hey what’s going on? Why are you arresting Conner?” I demanded confused.

“Conner you are under arrest for attacking and attempting to kidnap the princess.” Aaron stated ignoring me.

“Aaron what are you talking about? We have been over this Conner is not the Attacker.”

“We looked back over the video surveillance of the night someone broke into the princess’s room. The person I saw removing his mask running away from the scene was you Conner.” Aaron calmly stated more to Conner than to me. 

“Is this true Conner.” I whispered my voice trembling from the pain I felt.

“No! Sasha it’s not true. I am your best friend. I would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Give it up Conner. You not only were present at the scene of every crime, but you also were one of the only people besides the royal family who could send the guards away every time she was attacked. Not to mention you were conveniently absent every time the attacker appeared.” Aaron spat hatred in his eyes.

“Sasha please you have to believe me.” Conner pleaded tears in his eyes. I turned away from him unable to meet his eyes. I couldn’t believe he would do this to me. I thought he was my friend. I flinched as I heard him screaming my name repeatedly as the guards dragged him away. Aaron glanced over at me a look of disgust in his eyes, before turning on his heels and heading back to his chambers. I stared after him pain written clearly across my face as he left me there without one single word of comfort. He never even addressed me the entire time Conner was here, not even saying my name only the princess. Falling to my knees I burst into tears, sobbing into my hands.