My Princess Story

Before I Was Queen

Aless lives an ordinary life, until she finds out she’s a princess. Will she be able to save her parents, and get her kingdom back?

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Written by Megan B.

Photography by Alanna B.

Chapter One

Today I’m known all around my country as Queen Alessoria. It is peaceful and rich and everyone’s happy. I write stories about my life and teach my daughter Anna-Sophia to write. But it wasn’t always this easy; let me start at the beginning of my life.

I was a little baby, it was my birthday and I was turning one. There was an annual parade for my birthday. I was on a silk seat in a tiny gown, with tiny slippers, and a tiny crown (though the crown wasn’t on my head because I didn’t like it).

“Ahem! We our having this parade throughout the kingdom in honor of…. Princess Alessoria Emmeline Cassandra Lucille Isabella Bearings!”

“Daughter of King Charles Daniel William Henry Bearings! And Queen Emmeline Alessoria Leanne Charlotte Amelia Bearings!”  Announced the announcer.

But just after the parade had begun a loud sound screeched the air! There was yelling! Horses and armored men tramped through to the kingdom and the parade. Then the leader of the group said,

“Give me the princess and we won’t harm you!”                                          

I could hear screaming, crying, bullets and piercing shouts. The next thing I knew I was in a cell like a bomb shelter, my mother crying and rocking me.

“Charles! Don’t go it’s too dangerous!” cried Queen Emmeline.

 “Emma! I’m sorry! But I have to fight! I love you! Take care of Aless!” He said and with that he was gone.

My mother wished she could comfort me. She wished she could say, it would be okay, But she knew it wouldn’t.

Then she heard the doors slam. Someone was coming! She ran to the forest and scribbled a note,

Aless though we may not be together, you’re always in my 

hearts,

Love,

Mamma

She folded it, put it in her locket, and rapped the locket around my neck. She kissed me good bye. Then she ran, and ran. Then my mother was taken away by nasty men.

Chapter two

About a day later everything was over. I woke up crying, waiting for my mamma to come rock me. Then I waited for my nanny Mara to come and say mamma would be there soon. But there was nobody. Not a person in sight. I screamed and screamed until I heard something.

“That must be another orphaned baby…. I wonder where she came from.” wondered Ms. Diana, the owner of the Bailington orphanage.

She picked me up and carried me into Bailington town. It had schools, shops, houses and on the far edge, an orphanage, the Bailington orphanage. I stayed for only a couple days until Mr. And Mrs. Anderson, A nice couple, fell in love with me and adopted me a week later.

They lived a mile away from Bailington on a hill and often went there. I had a small room upstairs next to the Anderson’s.

I could tell you all about my memories; the first day of school, making friends, and for my eighth birthday getting my favorite doll Sarah! But I can’t make this story to long so I need to get to the fire.

I was twelve, in Bailington middle school. I was happy, had lots of friends, good grades and even liked most of my teachers. But I had no clue I was a princess.

Then one night I was in my bedroom studying for the history test.  When I heard something, I walked to my window and saw two men in black,

“Is she here?”

“Yes!!!Duh!!!”

“But that’s impossible! She died eleven years a-“

“SHH!!!”

I started freaking out, who died eleven years ago? Mom would have told me if she almost died. And why did the men need her?

I walked to mom and dad’s room.

“Mom someone’s here to take you away! I heard them!” I said shakily.

“Oh sweetie, you’re your probably just imagining things. You need to get your rest. You have a big test tomorrow.” Mrs. Anderson said.

I went to my room and grabbed the emergency bag, with a sleeping bag, canned food, canteen water, and an extra change for me.

I added my Madame Alexander doll, Sarah. She always comforts me when I’m sad.

Even if I was doing this for nothing, it helped me feel safe and it was a good drill.

Then I got dressed in a tank top, my sweat shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes.

But just as I slipped my hair in a ponytail, I heard,

“NO YOU IDIOT!!! DON’T SET IT FIRE!!!! WE NEED HER ALIVE!!!”

I screamed and ran to mom and dad’s room,

“THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!!!” I was so shaky I could hardly stand.

Dad leaped out of bed, put on a coat and grabbed his emergency backpack, same with mom. 

Dad ran down.

“No DADDY!! That’s where the fire is!!!!!” I cried.

Silence.

Smoke filled the air choking me.

Mom set the ladder.

“Aless I love you with all my heart! You must make it out alive! I have to get John! Run as far into the forest ‘till you find the prairie! Then go to- *Cough choke gag*”

“MOM!”

“G-*choke gag*”

“O-*cough, cough, gag*”

I went down the ladder.

But I couldn’t bear watching mom ease her to the smoke. I was on the last step. Something about it seemed familiar. I fell off the ladder, and had a flashback.

“Charles! Don’t go it’s too dangerous!” Cried a woman, who was holding me.

 “Emma! I’m sorry! But I have to fight! I love you! Take care of Aless!” Said a man.

Then I woke up.

Was that a dream? Or was it… It couldn’t be a flashback because that was neither my mother nor my father.  

I ran and ran and ran.

I had to get to the prairie, though I had no idea how long it would take.

I finally stopped in a grassy area; I pulled out my sleeping bag and had a restless sleep.

Then another flashback:

The same woman as before came to a forest. She was holding me. She set me down in a cradle. Then she reached in her pocket, and pulled out the necklace. She opened it and wrote,

Aless though you may not be with me, you’re always in my heart.

Love,

Mamma

“I love you Aless! Good bye!” She sobbed.

She ran to the fire and disappeared.

Chapter 3

I woke up to a pat on my head.

“Oh mom! I had the worst-“I was cut off.

It wasn’t a nightmare. It was real.

Then I saw a stray dog, or a wolf? Or both?

I jumped out of my sleeping bag. I was sweating! It was a sunny day and I really needed a shower (though I obviously couldn’t take one). It felt weird changing in the middle of the woods. But I finally decided there wasn’t anyone watching. Everything I packed was too warm. So I finally decided to wear my dress (size 7) from when I was little. By this point I really hoped no one would see me.

However, fashion wasn’t my biggest problem. Once I packed up and headed toward the prairie, the dolf (dog + wolf=dolf) kept following me. So Finally I decided to keep him. I named him Dolfy.

I soon discovered it would take days to find the prairie. I was running out of food and water. Dolfy was happy, but only because he could hunt for and eat rodents. I didn’t even want to think about that.

Chapter 4

On one of the more crisp days, I was wearing my leggings, tennis shoes, and a sweat shirt.  I came across a young girl. She was picking berries and singing.

“Excuse me…. Um do you happen to know where the prairie is?” I asked.

“You want to know where Prairie is?” She said surprised.

“Yes” I said.

“Who are you?” She asked.

“Aless Anderson” I said.

“Anderson?” She said.

“Yes…” I answered.

“Come on! I’ll show you! Where’s your Daddy? Are you lost? Come and see us at the prairie!” she said very excitedly.

Luckily I didn’t have to answer about my Dad. She grabbed my hand and pulled me to an open prairie.

She started yelling, “Mammy, Pappy! Anderson girl came!”

Next thing I know Dolfy and I are seated in a big farm house on the open prairie. With Mammy and Pappy and thirteen children. All smothering with questions.

Finally Pappy told me what was going on.

“A long time ago me and your Dadda met. We were a’ good friends. He always a’ said he mighta come around some time an, visit the farm on the prairie. He was such a good fella! We went to his weddin’ And we always wanned to meet yuh! They were a so happy when they adopted you! It really a brought your little family ‘ogether. He told me about how you were found in a forest and a soon as he saw you in the orphanage he fell in love. He a’ reckons you escaped a fire!” He finished.

“I was adopted! Found in a forest! Escaped a fire! And no one bothers to mention it to me!” I said shocked.

Silence.

“Look sweetie they’ll probably tell ya soon and we didn’t know! We’re Sorry” Said Mammy.

A tear streamed my face.

“Why did you come here anyway without your folks young lass” Asked Pappy.

“Someone set my house on fire. My Mom and Dad didn’t make it. Mom said to find the prairie” I said solemnly.

“After all they did for us, we couldn’t save em’ ” Said a little boy who looked tearful.

There was utter sadness and silence for a while.

Then Dolfy and I got bathed and I got new clothes, they said they would take me in and make sure I had good health and a good life. I got to share a bedroom with Annie (the girl that found me), Lulu (an adorable 3 year old) and Dan (a little trouble maker).

Chapter five

I liked living with the Barons. Being an only child, it was nice having eight little brothers and sisters. My life could’ve been normal here, with all the little kids Mammy, Pappy and Dolfy. But that was not to be.

I still wondered about my flashbacks. Plus if I was adopted, that could’ve been real, and then the locket. It was pure proof! But they looked almost royal, like king and queen…. But then I’d be a- no, no, no! That would be impossible.

So one day once I was down grooming and feeding the horse, I told Mammy everything.

“Well Aless Palace that’s very peculiar,” Was all she said.

“But Mammy, It’s very kind of you taking me in, but…..” I stammered.

“Look sweetie pie, I know yuh want to go out and explore, and find your real parents. I would to, but you need to stay. It’s a dangerous and cruel world Aless. Remember the men you told me about. No way em’  I lettin’ you get in danger again. I’ll tell you what when you’re sixteen you’ll be old enough, Aless palace.” She said sincerely.

“Yes Mammy.” I said.

So that was that. I would wait four years. I’d have to be sixteen when I found my true parents, if they were still alive…

Chapter six

Four years later

Today I would turn sixteen. The truth was, I had spent four years with this family. I loved them. I could stay here, have a semi-normal life. I could be a normal teenager, go to college and not be in so much danger alone, but I couldn’t help think about my real parents. Okay the flashbacks from when I was twelve told me they were dead. Dad ran to the fight, Mom ran and got taken away, both dead, I’m an orphan. But I really, really want to find them!

“Awess! Come down we have a somefing fow ya!” said Tommy, my adorable five-year-old brother.

I ran down stairs, though my hair was frizzy and I was still in my robe. Then I saw balloons, streamers, presents, and a big sign saying Happy sweet sixteen Aless!

“SURPRISE!!!” Everyone yelled.

Pappy ran up to me and said,

“That was the special reason I went to the city! I wanted to make sure you had a perfect sweet sixteen!” He hugged me.

“I’m speechless! Thanks guys! This is awesome!” I cried.

I got dressed in my new outfit. Mammy said she invited some if my friends over for dinner (fried chicken and mashed potatoes, my favorite) and then dessert (chocolate ice cream cake).

After my party and celebration, Mammy came to talk to me.

“Sweetie pie, I know how ya feel. You’re so confused an’ you wanna stay ‘cause ya love us. Yet ya wanna find your real parents. I understand.” She said.

“It’s just so difficult Mammy! I’m confused you’re right. I have loved so many people like real parents, first the Andersons, then you guys, but I have to find my real parents. Yet I feel so bad you have fourteen, soon to be fifteen kids! I need to help. Plus after today I’d feel horrible” I said tears streaming my face.

“But ya know Aless. Yar Pappy and I’ve made arrangements. You can go and find your true parents, but we got plenty of things ready for yuh and Dolfy. A nice new back pack and everything ya need, we understand.” said Mammy.

”Oh Mammy! You didn’t have to! You and Pappy are the best, most loving people I’ve ever met!” I cried, hugging Mammy.

“With a daughter like you I’m sure ya real parents are much better!” Said Pappy, running and giving me a hug so tight I almost suffocated.

It’s hard but I made the announcement to everyone. They understood and I said I’ll visit with my parents when I found them.

Chapter seven

I headed out with a map, in search of the forest in my flashback. It was hard that flashback was four years ago and now so vivid. I was ready though. I had taken a nice long bath. I was wearing my hiking pants, a sweat shirt, my hair was in braids, and my duffel bag was stuffed with everything I needed. Even Dolfy was ready he had some gear and his favorite chew toy.

I walked and walked and walked. I seemed to be getting nowhere.

But just then I took out my flash light and looked at my map.

“Hold on….Bearings kingdom forest. That’s it! I was In Bearings kingdom! Don’t you get it Dolfy! This was the forest my mother ran too! She dropped me down there! The people of the kingdom must know about my mother! If only I knew her name….” I said to Dolfy.

I started walking south to the forest. It was pretty big and would take a long time but I knew it would work. So I set up camp so Dolfy and I would get a good night’s rest.

Chapter Eight

After a couple days we reached the Bearings kingdom forest. Even though it was fifteen years ago, I recognized the forest from my first year of life. I squeezed the locket tight. I led Dolfy through the forest. I was so sure I would find my home and family.

However when I reached the end, I saw something like a bad nightmare I had when I was five. There was black everywhere, everything was serious, I couldn’t see any children. The oldest where probably about young adults, forced to work and do what the king said.

I closed my eyes. The kingdom I was in! That’s it! This is what happened after the destruction! Then I saw strong sweaty men holding up a throne. On was a king a very evil looking king.

Are you kidding me! What a nightmare! This couldn’t be real!

But it was real.

“WHO IS THAT?” shrieked the king.

At first I felt bad for the person he was yelling at. Then I realized it was me.

“You guards stink! No child is supposed to be in here! AND WHY IS SHE WEARING PINK? Take her to the dungeon!” He roared.

“Who are y-you?” I asked.

“King Vanenhophe the all mighty amazing king! You know me and fear me everyone does!” He spat. He must be very upset I didn’t know him.

“That’s it take her to the hang!” Vanenhophe cried.

I screamed.

“No! No! Please pity me! I just wanted to find my real parents! I had a flashback of you taking over my kingdom! If you would have mercy on me I’ll do whatever you want! Please!” I screamed.

“Cry baby. TAKE HER TO THE HANG ERIK!” He screamed. The boom of his cry made me jump.

A teenage boy, who looked seventeen, grabbed my hand and took me to a dungeon.

“I can’t let uncle kill another helpless person. Don’t thank me. Tell people Keith let you in. He is very disloyal.” He said, and with that left.

“Wear this, it’s the prison uniform. With any luck you’ll be able to contact family before being hanged.” Said a man with a voice gruff as concrete.

I changed and was escorted to another prison cell with many starved, sick, angry, hungry, depressed, crying, silent, moaning, prison mates.

I walked to a woman who looked like the type of woman who would listen. She looked familiar but I couldn’t place where I had seen her.

“Um excuse me-“I was cut off.

“Sorry sweetie I know I was the queen but we can’t do anything about it” She said.

“No I just need to talk to someone who will listen. It’s about my childhood.” I said hoping she cared (or at least pretended).

“Tell me everything.” She said.

I told her my whole story. I told her about the fire, about Dolfy, about the Barons, about the journey, about coming here, about the locket, about the flashbacks, about trying to find my true parents, and every little detail. It really helped to talk it out.

“The locket! Let me see.” She said opening it and spilling with tears.

“Oh Alessoria” She cried rapping me in her arms tight.

“I’m sorry but my name is Aless. And I don’t know you.” I said trying to push away the odd woman who was weeping on me.

“Aless do you know what! You’re the lost princess! I’m the queen I wrote that note! I put you in the woods! So he couldn’t get you! You must not let him know you’re name.” She said.

“Oh Mamma I found you!” I said.

Chapter Nine

“All right listen up! I have a plan to not only bust out of here but take back my kingdom!” I announced.

“Now this might be alarming but this is my daughter Alessoria Emmeline Cassandra Lucille Isabella” Announced my mother, my real honest and true mother.

“Gasp. She can’t be! How? It’s her! All hail Princess Alessoria!” They all cried.

“Shush! They can’t know! From now on I’m Kaitlyn Anderson. Okay?” I said. Kaitlyn Anderson was my step mom, the one that died in a fire when I was only twelve.

“Okay. Now I Alle- Katelyn Anderson present you a plan. It should work…. I think I know how to get out. Some of us go get the weapons and bombs. Then others get horses and carriages ready. We’ll pack all supplies we need. We’ll break through. I contacted the Barons, friends of mine nearby. They said we could stay there. We’ll get more stuff we need then we’ll wait about a year or so, and then raid the kingdom and bring it back! And if you want you could live in the city instead and not raid with us. Or if you have children they can stay with the barons. Who’s with me?” I announced the plan me and my mother had worked out.

“Go Kaitlyn!” They shouted.

“Great plan but you might want to keep it down. Anyone could here you, like me.”  said Erik.

Everyone started panicking.

“Guys its fine, Erik do you want to do it too?” I asked. There’s nothing better than someone who knows his way around and probably has access to important stuff.

 “Sure. Princess Alessoria.” He said smiling.

“I’m Kaitlyn! Remember! You could’ve been caught!”” I scolded.

“Alright ‘Kaitlyn’” He said.

Chapter Ten

We actually made it safely back to the Barons. Most went back to town to get people for the attack or find somewhere to live temporarily. In the chaos, my first step parents were found (the Andersons). And I had a big family reunion with all my parents the Andersons, the Barons, and my real parents, the Bearings.

I lived in town with my parents for the two years. I finished up school in Bailington high school. It was pretty much peaceful. But as the army increased we had to raid. We had to earn back the kingdom that was ours, we would not let Vanenhophe win! He wouldn’t be expecting us.

Mother said I was too young. But father said I would be nineteen in about a week so I was old enough. So they finally said I could go.

By the time everyone was dead besides the Vanenhophe we announced that I was Princess Alessoria Bearings. It was amazing how he reacted. He pleaded but they weren't going to mercy him.

“First I want a talk to him, and show him who’s boss” I said.

It was great fun chatting with him. But we let him go. I didn't want to kill him. He was horrible but we just kept him prisoner. He died after a few days anyway though. I was glad about that because he definitely deserved!

Then we had our kingdom back! I got a huge bedroom with my own master bathroom and walk in closet with designer clothes! It was a dream come true.

Epilogue

Two years after we’d settled in I was twenty-one the traditional age of royal marriage. We had a grand ball for me to choose a spouse. But I already knew who.

“Without Erik I wouldn't be here today!” I announced at our royal wedding.

Many came from far and wide! The Barons, the Andersons, My childhood friends, and all royal subjects.

Annie Baron was the bridesmaid. The youngest Baron twins, Meggy and Matthew were the ring boy and flower girl.  

I was crowned queen. And two years later there was a new baby princess. Her name was Anna-Sophia Katelyn Emmeline Lindsay Delaney Harrison.

She was named Anna-Sophia because Erik wanted to go with a classic name, he wanted Anna. I wanted a fancy cute name, Sophia. So we compromised and chose Anna-Sophia.

And then she was named Kaitlyn because it was Mrs. Anderson’s first name and she raised me. I wouldn't be here today if she hadn't adopted me and loved me.

Emmeline was named after my mother. Who was brave enough to let me go, which saved me and gave me a good childhood. If she would've said I wasn't royal because she couldn't part, I would've grown up and died in a dungeon cell.

Lindsay was named after Mammy Baron for taking me in and setting me out on the amazing journey to save my kingdom. She was surely an amazing woman. Now she has eighteen kids and the youngest is twelve, the age I was when my adventure started.

Delaney was after Erik’s mother Delaney Harrison who tried to stop Vanenhophe and was hung when Erik was five. Erik says the memory haunted him as he also remembers being raised by Vanenhophe. Delaney was very brave and was always even through childhood being bossed around by Vanenhophe. But she stood strong and though I've never meet her I love her and look up to her.

I think Anna-Sophia has the best name ever!

So we’re all living happily ever after in our Palace ruling our kingdom and raising Anna-Sophia.

The End